Be a bridge builder, not just an ally

“When stumbling blocks can become stepping stones, then these stones that the builders reject can equally become chief corner stones!” ― Israelmore Ayivor

Rubber stick figures crossing a bridge of puzzle pieces from a large set of joined pieces to a smaller set.

Champion. Advocate. Ally. These are words commonly used to refer to those who work alongside people in a marginalized group such as people with disabilities, people of color, or LGBTQ communities in an effort to remove barriers. There is considerable value in having individuals outside a marginalized community who support the cause. But the words used to describe them can also invoke an imbalanced sense of power. Champions are defined as “those who act to defend or support others.” Advocates are “individuals who speak or write in support of a person or cause”. An ally is “a person, group, or nation associated with others for some common cause or purpose.” On the surface, each of these definitions present a very positive picture of the relationships they define. But, how often in today’s society are champions, advocates, and allies presented as the heroes come to rescue the less fortunate and break down all the walls?

Twelve years ago, I was asked to solve a problem for the company I worked at. A flagship customer of ours was threatening to leave us if we didn’t resolve the myriad of accessibility barriers that existed in our product. No-one on our team really had the depth of knowledge about the…