Let’s talk about allyship
Are Allies Welcome?
We receive many questions about who can attend our events and who can participate in our community.
As an organization started and run by people of color, it is understandable that many people assume that our organization is exclusively for people of color and no one else.
Given our mission is to create access for, increase safe spaces for and lift up climbers of color, we deeply value our allies and supporters across the climbing community.
Allies are always welcome at our events. By attending, you are taking on the responsibility of being an ally and we expect you to act as such. We welcome your participation and appreciate that you are committed to helping us maintain a safe and welcoming space for people of color.
What is a safe space for people of color? What does that look like?
We operate with a collective understanding of the ways racial oppression has impacted our experiences and created barriers for us in being able to access climbing, afford climbing, practice climbing, and travel to and stay and recreate in outdoor climbing spaces.
As an ally, you recognize that while you don’t identify as a person of color and don’t have that shared experience of racial oppression, you can acknowledge, become more aware, and gain a deeper understanding of those struggles and experiences.
We aim to create a space that allows people of color to be their full selves, psychologically, emotionally, mentally, and physically. This is important for our community to be able to climb their best, learn new skills and participate fully. Experiences like microaggressions, physical expressions of aversion, dismissiveness, harassment, shaming, and being laughed at are traumatic experiences that are not welcome at our spaces and events.
We reserve the right to request someone stop participating if they cannot support these goals
How can I be an ally:
-Get to know us!
-Come to our events
-Give us enough time to speak and LISTEN
What does being an ally look like during meetups?
Step up/ step back: Bring self awareness with you. Try to notice if you are doing all the talking and make an effort to pause and listen more.
Ask questions instead of making observations or statements.
Use I statements and speak about your own direct experience. Avoid generalizations about groups of people.
Be prepared to be friendly and open. Say hello and initiate conversation.
Safety is important. Always make sure to do a full safety check with your belay partner.
Remember to state and ask for pronouns.
Sexism and racism intersect and specifically impact women of color in unique ways. Be mindful of standing too close, taking up lots of physical space or being dismissive. Acknowledge all genders equally.
Oops/Ouch: Sometimes we say things without thinking. It happens, it’s human and we all do it. Use oops to call yourself out when you have just said something that sounds terrible and not what you meant. Use ouch when someone else accidentally says something that is harmful/hurtful. These are kind ways to make space and allow for conversation.
If someone addresses you or ‘checks’ you or corrects you: First stop. Second, say thank you, and repeat back what they said to make sure you heard it right (active listening) Third, move on. It isn’t personal. Just like we all check each other’s knots, figure eights, that harnesses are double backed and carabiners locked and oriented right, this is for safety. As climbers we set each other up for success. Know you have more information for next time and appreciate that by being open to learning you are a critical part of our community and are actively being an ally.
It might feel a little uncomfortable sometimes. Stepping out of your comfort zone is a huge part of being an ally and of living life to the fullest. As climbers, we are constantly pushing ourselves out of our comfort zones. It happens for all of us and its a shared experience we can build on.
How can I learn more?
According to the YWCA, the term Ally is defined as someone who advocates for groups or individuals who do not come from the same place of privilege as the ally. Being an ally is considered one of the first steps in race and social justice work.
You can choose to go even further. The term accomplice encompasses allyship but goes beyond to advocacy. An accomplice uses their privilege to challenge existing conditions at the risk of their own comfort and well-being.
You can check out these articles on How to Be An Ally
3 Things to Keep Me From Rolling My Eyes at Your White Privilege
Go further:
Anti-Racism Resources for Climbers