Practice Area

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

Stand by Me: Building Ally Skills at Work


  • Traditional Classroom: ½-day
  • Virtual Instructor-led: One 4-hour session; Two 2-hour sessions; One 3-hour session

In simple terms, an ally is someone who stands up for the equitable and fair treatment of someone who is different from them. Anyone can be an ally for a marginalized or vulnerable group; it involves actively listening and learning about others’ experiences as well as taking action to end discrimination. Allyship hinges on embracing a learning mindset and a willingness to question your assumptions, evolve your thinking, and own your mistakes.

In this session we’ll explore the relationship between inclusion and belonging, reflecting on dimensions of diversity that have shaped our personal access to opportunity. We’ll investigate the concepts of power and privilege through a relational lens, identifying concrete steps we can take to interrupt bias and address injustice. Lastly, we’ll delve into real-life scenarios involving micro-aggressions and discrimination, brainstorming ways that allies can take action.


Target Audience

Anyone at any level of the organization can benefit from this session.

Program Objectives

  • Define key terminology related to Allyship.
  • Make a connection between belonging, engagement, and productivity.
  • Identify dimensions of diversity that have shaped your professional opportunities and choices.
  • Articulate what it means to act an ally to a marginalized group.
  • Explain how bystander behavior contributes to bias and exclusion.
  • Identify concrete actions that allies can take in addressing bias and discrimination.
  • Brainstorm inclusive actions an ally could take in real-life scenarios.

Course Outline

Module 1: Opening Activity
  • What Does “Being an Ally” Mean to You?
Module 2: Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging
  • The Connection Between Inclusion and Belonging
  • Inclusion Framework
Module 3: Dimensions of Diversity
  • Diversity Factors and Opportunity
  • Exploring Privilege
Module 4: Building Ally Skills
  • Key Definitions
  • Moving from Bystander to Ally
  • Inclusive Behaviors
  • Leveraging Ally Skills: Scenarios

MDV1921 Course Code


For more information on this topic, as well as how Corporate Education Group can help power your organization’s performance, contact us via email or call 1.800.288.7246 (US only) or +1.978.649.8200. You can also use our Information Request Form!



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