Becoming an Ally: A closer look in 2024

By Pearl Sakoane-Nogi

In 2020 I wrote my first piece directly and pointedly examining the racial disparities and power/privilege dynamics within the Volunteer space. I struggled to find any other articles, information or pieces that took a critical look at these dynamics directly as it relates to volunteering in African nations such as Tanzania, so I decided to pour many years of experience and observations into a think piece. I was surprised at how well it was received considering we had just entered a critical time where openly advocating for black voices, particularly on social media, was seen as a matter left to the brave and ‘radical’ despite most of us wanting and needing this conversations. This critical moment in our history gave us vocabulary and language that helped us navigate these raw and often pointed conversations without appearing “angry” or “anti” certain demographics. Ultimately while there is still work to do almost 5 years on; it freed us in allowing us to take a collective breath and exhale many years of repressed expressions.

Becoming an Ally

As this is a critical analysis aimed at fostering a healthier collaboration between foreign volunteers and African communities, this will speak specifically about Black Africans as the majority group that makes contact with volunteers within this space.

Being an ally to minority communities, particularly to Black Africans as a volunteer or intern, requires more than mere intention; it demands a conscious, ongoing effort to understand, respect, and align oneself with local perspectives and needs. Here’s an expanded discussion on key principles for being an effective ally, highlighting that allyship is an active practice rather than an automatic status.

Shifting the narrative from a saviour complex to genuine allyship in the volunteer space is vital for fostering community development and mutual respect. At Medi Trip & Siret we are adopting a framework of allyship which emphasises collaboration, respect, and empowerment.

This narrative recognises that local communities possess inherent strengths, positioning them front and centre in the development process and us as supernumerary to their development. By redefining the role of volunteers as allies, we are continuously doing the work to foster a model of learning and cooperation that prioritises the voices and needs of those we seek to assist.

We no longer wish to promote or give space to saviour complexes or heroism, but authentic bridging work between our communities and our volunteers.

One can propose we continue to shift the a narrative of of altruistic heroism to one of solidarity and partnership, where volunteers seek to use their positions to amplify local perspectives and foster self-agency. We see this time and time again, that this perspective is not only what locals want but it also enhances the effectiveness of volunteer efforts and moves us closer to a more equitable power dynamic.

It also encourages critical self-reflection among volunteers, prompting them to acknowledge their own privileges and biases, and to engage in healthy practices that uplift local communities rather than dominating them.

Medi Trip & Siret as Ally’s

By embracing allyship, we redefine successful outcomes in the volunteer sector, moving away from metrics of aid distribution towards metrics of empowerment, community-driven initiatives, and the cultivation of lasting relationships based on trust and respect. We also no longer using self determined outcome measures but relying on our community projects and the people we wish to uplift to tell us whether or not we are meeting their needs.

How to become an ally

Firstly, let us define what it is we mean…

An ally actively supports and advocates for marginalised or underprivileged groups. Allies recognise their own privilege and work to learn to listen, learn and understand the challenges faced by these groups - striving to amplify their voices instead of speaking over them.

1. Active Listening

Listening is often perceived as a passive endeavour; however, in the context of allyship, it is a powerful tool for connection and understanding.

Understanding Experiences: Black Africans, locally and within the Diaspora, may face unique challenges and historical burdens that shape their perspectives. By actually listening to their stories and experiences, you gain insights into their realities rather than assuming a generalised perspective.
Creating Safe Spaces: As an ally, your role is to create an atmosphere where people feel safe to express their thoughts without fear of judgement or reprisal. This involves not interrupting or dominating conversations.
Avoiding Assumptions: Enter conversations without preconceived notions. Each person's experience is unique; make space for their perspectives to shine.

2. Empowerment Over Assistance

Empowerment should be the cornerstone of any volunteer engagement, especially when working with marginalised groups.

Supporting Self-Determination: Rather than swooping in with your solutions, focus on what individuals and communities have identified as their needs. Effective allies amplify local voices and support grassroots efforts.
Fostering Capability - Capacity Building: Engage in activities that enhance the skills and capacities of local community members. This might involve sharing knowledge or resources that allow individuals to solve their own challenges.
Recognizing Local Expertise: Understand that community members are experts in their own lives and contexts. Approach your volunteer work with a mindset that prioritises and respects their knowledge.
Economic Empowerment: Understand that the community has a right to determine how they wish to use their financial resources and contributing to these resources does not give anyone the right to dictate, impose their will or coerce these communities.

3. Challenge Stereotypes

Challenging stereotypes requires introspection and action. What do we mean?

Self-Examination: Regularly reflect on your own beliefs and biases. Acknowledge your stereotypes or assumptions and sit with these thoughts. This will allow you to address them rather than unconsciously perpetuating them in interactions with Black Africans.
Confronting Discrimination: As an ally, when you witness discrimination or any kind of stereotyping, speak up!
Fostering Critical Conversations: Encourage discussions about stereotypes and preconceptions that exist both externally and within the community. This openness will foster an atmosphere of healing and understanding.

What is do we mean by privilege within this context?

Within this space we specifically mean you have significantly less barriers and wider access to opportunities than people from other groups. Privilege by no means equates to you having no challenges, simply put it means your challenges are not the result of the colour of your skin. There are many intersections to this of course, however this is the overriding meaning within this context.

4. Reflecting on Privilege

Awareness of privilege is key!

Understanding Intersections: Your privilege as a visitor may shape the way you are perceived in contrast to local community members. Recognise how various aspects of identity—gender, nationality, economic status—intersect with racial dynamics. Also be aware that volunteers from different racial backgrounds can have completely different experiences and perhaps even feel “othered”.
Using Privilege for Advocacy: Leverage your position to address injustices and advocate for the rights and perspectives of minority groups.
Accepting Feedback: Be open to receiving feedback regarding your role and behaviour as an ally. Take criticism as an opportunity to for growth.

5. Refusing to Be the ‘Hero’

An effective allyship strategy involves moving away from a saviour mentality.

Collaborative Approach: Frame your role as a collaborator rather than a hero.
Acknowledging Limitations: Be candid about your competencies and limitations; particularly the fact that solutions require local knowledge and input.
Celebrating Local Successes: Focus on celebrating the achievements by asking locals how the outcomes affect them

6. Encouraging Mutual Learning

Using privilege as a platform means committing to a two-way learning process.

Facilitating Cross-Cultural Exchange: Encourage mutual exchange - information and skills exchange, where both you and local community members can learn from each other. Discourage volunteer dominance within this exchange.
Continual Education: Engage in ongoing learning about issues of privilege, race, and social justice. Knowledge fuels advocacy.

7. Building Genuine Relationships

Genuine relationships are foundational to effective allyship.

Initiating Personal Connections: Spend time in communities outside of structured volunteer activities. Immerse yourself within the culture.The people, collectively, are the culture. Engaging in everyday activities within the local community will build authentic relationships.
Investing Time and Resources: View your time in Tanzania as an opportunity for deeper connection rather than a brief visit. The investment of your genuine pouring in of yourself will resonate and create trust.
Being Honest and Vulnerable: Share your feelings, experiences and vulnerabilities, allowing for reciprocal growth and understanding.

Being an ally, especially in the context of engaging with Black Africans needs to be approached with intention. It’s a continuous process of learning, unlearning, and engaging. Leveraging privilege as a platform for allyship as a volunteer involves a conscientious approach centred on the principles of respect, collaboration, and empowerment. By recognising your privilege, amplifying local voices, advocating for systemic change, and fostering mutual learning, you can effectively contribute to the empowerment of minority communities.