Ally: A person who supports or advocates for individuals who are being marginalized or treated as though they are insignificant. Someone who makes the commitment and effort to recognize their privilege and work in solidarity with oppressed groups in the struggle for justice. Allies understand that it is in their own interest to end all forms of oppression., even those from which they may benefit in concrete ways. Allyship is a process and everyone has a lot to learn. Allyship involves a lot of listening. Anti-racist: A conscious decision to make frequent, consistent, equitable choices daily. These choices require ongoing self-awareness and self-reflection as we move through life. In the absence of making antiracist choices we, consciously uphold aspects of white supremacy, white-dominate culture, and unequal institutions and society. Being racist or antiracist is not about who you are; it is about what you do.
BIPOC: Black, Indigenous, People of Color. The term is used to highlight the unique relationship to whiteness that people of color have, which shapes the experiences of and relationship to white supremacy for all people of color within a U.S. context.
Colorism: A practice whereby privileges and disadvantages are systematically doled out on the basis of skin color, with a disproportionate amount of advantage provided to lighter-skinned people.
Community: A place where a group of individuals reside and are subject to the same laws. Community can also refer to a group of individuals with common characteristics, beliefs, values, or interest. As well, communities can be composed of individuals sharing a range of common needs or experiences. What is key to any "community", however is the sense of belonging or attachment that individuals have with one another and/or their environment.
Equality/Equity Equality: the measure of sameness - being treated the same way. Everyone gets the same/equal. Equity: measure of fair treatment, opportunities and outcomes across race, gender, glass and other dynamics. Equity refers tot he right of the individual to a fair share of the goods and services in society. Everyone gets what they need. This distinction is important. We are told that to be fair we must treat everyone the same (equal), however when we recognize the legacy of institutionalized and structural racism we understand that differing people and communities need different resources (equity). In order to be equitable we provide specific, unique resources that will support people and communities getting their basic needs met and reaching their full potential. Sameness is not always fairness if the oppressed group remains disadvantaged. Creating equity sometimes requires treating people differently from each other.