What is an ally?

Acting as an ally means that you use your privilege (in whatever way that you have it) to help a person or group of people facing bias, discrimination, or harassment. Allies can be friends, co-workers, clients, supervisors, or executives of all gender identities. And you can strive to be an ally committed to taking action every day of the week.

Here is an overview of what you can do as an ally:

  • Use your position or influence to call out inappropriate behavior

  • Educate yourself and others on obvious and nuanced sexual harassment

  • Encourage targets of harassment to seek help and/or report inappropriate behavior

  • Act as a great witness by documenting and supporting your co-workers

  • Listen to friends in need and reassure them that they are not alone

  • Share the Guide for Targets of Harassment so that every employee knows about their rights and options

We all play an important role in creating a culture where we feel safe and empowered to speak up about issues (like harassment) we see in the workplace.

Understanding sexual harassment

If you haven’t already, please read our Guide for Targets of Sexual Harassment. This will give you the information you need to begin to be an ally and take action.

Here are the big takeaways:

  • Sexual harassment is illegal.

  • So is retaliation against people who complain about sexual harassment.

  • Keep evidence of all inappropriate interactions.

  • There are resources available to help you navigate these incidents.

  • These takeaways apply to you as an ally as well.

It’s really important that you educate yourself about the problem. By understanding what sexual harassment is, and our legal rights, you’re one step closer to addressing the issue early on.