Allyship through the lens of social media can take on many forms. Not everyone will impact change by marching at a protest or storming the steps of their local city hall. Some will show up by using social media to highlight donation resources, amplify the voices of those who’ve been marginalized, or to help organize rallies and meetings that aid in building stronger, more equitable communities.
Using your resources, privilege, or platform for the advancement of inclusion and cultural representation is the touchstone of true allyship. There’s no wrong way to do this. Sure, performative allyship can be and is harmful. But if your intentions are pure and you’re willing to put action behind those intentions, your contributions are essential to help solve the problems we all face.
Because of this, allyship and mental and emotional wellness work in lock-step. Lending your time, extending your hand, giving a voice to those who’ve been muted, are all means of balancing wellness in a time where emotional instability is all but promised. Giving without a need for something in return allows you to pour into yourself by filling another’s cup. The good you give is what helps restore you.
Today we’re exploring the emerging shift in social media allyship and its impact on not only social justice but digital wellness.