Guidelines for Being
Strong White Allies
Adapted from Uprooting Racism: How White
People Can Work for Social Justice
by P a u l K i v e l
WHAT KIND OF ACTIVE SUPPORT does a strong white ally provide
to a person of color? Over the years, people of color that I have
talked with have been remarkably consistent in describing the
kinds of support they need from white allies.
What People of Color Want from White Allies
“Respect us” “Listen to us”
“Find out about us” “Don’t make assumptions”
“Don’t take over” “Stand by my side”
“Provide information” “Don’t assume you know
what’s best for me”
“Resources” “Money”
“Take risks” “Make mistakes”
“Don’t take it personally” “Honesty”
“Understanding” “Talk to other white people”
Copyright 2006 by Paul Kivel
www.paulkivel.com“Guidelines for Being Strong White Allies” page: 2
your daily life. We assume this because it’s true, and because a
privilege of being white is the freedom to not deal with racism
all the time. We have to learn to see the effect that racism has.
Notice who speaks, what is said, how things are done and
described. Notice who isn’t present when racist talk occurs.
Notice code words for race, and the implications of the
policies, patterns, and comments that are being expressed. You
already notice the skin color of everyone you meet—now
notice what difference it makes.
2. Notice who is the center of attention and who is the center
of power. Racism works by directing violence and blame
toward people of color and consolidating power and privilege
for white people.
3. Notice how racism is denied, minimized, and justified.
4. Understand and learn from the history of whiteness and
racism. Notice how racism has changed over time and how it
has subverted or resisted challenges. Study the tactics that have
worked effectively against it.
5. Understand the connections between racism, economic
issues, sexism, and other forms of injustice.
6. Take a stand against injustice. Take risks. It is scary,
difficult, and may bring up feelings of inadequacy, lack of selfconfidence, indecision, or fear of making mistakes, but
ultimately it is the only healthy and moral human thing to do.
Intervene in situations where racism is being passed on.
7. Be strategic. Decide what is important to challenge and what’s
not. Think about strategy in particular situations. Attack the
source of power.
8. Don’t confuse a battle with the war. Behind particular
incidents and interactions are larger patterns. Racism is flexible
and adaptable. There will be gains and losses in the struggle for
justice and equality.
9. Don’t call names or be personally abusive. Since power is
often defined as power over others—the ability to abuse or
control people—it is easy to become abusive ourselves.
However, we usually end up abusing people who have less
power than we do because it is less dangerous. Attacking
people doesn’t address the systemic nature of racism and
inequality.
10. Support the leadership of people of color. Do this
consistently, but not uncritically.
11. Learn something about the history of white people who
have worked for racial justice. There is a long history of
Copyright 2006 by Paul Kivel
www.paulkivel.com“Guidelines for Being Strong White Allies” page: 3
white people who have fought for racial justice. Their stories
can inspire and sustain you.
12. Don’t do it alone. You will not end racism by yourself. We
can do it if we work together. Build support, establish
networks, and work with already established groups.
13. Talk with your children and other young people about
racism.
Please send comments, feedback, resources, and suggestions for
distribution to paul@paulkivel.com. Further resources are
available at
www.paulkivel.com.
