Allyship training for leaders is essential to cultivate a safe and accountable workplace that removes barriers to access and enhances participation of team members. With an increasing recognition of the need to advance equity, access and participation, healthcare organizations have initiated policies and programs to promote the representation and participation of diverse groups of individuals, of different identities including and not limited to age, race, ethnicity, ability, disability, gender, religion, culture and sexual orientation. Research shows that the right policies alone cannot shift learning and workplace cultures. It is imperative that leaders behave and step up as allies and co-disruptors to leverage their power and privilege, take action and demonstrate commitment to the work. Allies inspire others to act as change agents in creating a healthy culture of belonging and support. Such healthcare cultures will then have positive downstream impacts on the health of patients, caregivers, communities, and the planet.

Through storytelling, group case discussions, liberating structures, role-playing, and skill-building exercises, this workshop will introduce innovative ways to foster critical conversations about diversity and equity. Participants will gain actionable tools to empower learners, employees, and leaders to advocate for themselves and others. Key topics include recognizing and addressing workplace marginalization, confidently speaking up against inequities, and effectively responding to microaggressions. This workshop equips leaders to model positive allyship, co-create inclusive environments, and foster a culture of solidarity and collaboration in the workplace.

Learning objectives

• Define allyship and associated core concepts.
• Identify accountabilities as leaders and potential allies and co-disruptors.
• Describe how to tangibly practice allyship in the healthcare learning and workplaces.