In 2019, author, speaker, and inclusive workspace advocate Karen Catlin introduced the concept of the 'Seven types of allies' to help workplaces become a more inclusive environment for marginalised groups. Karen identified characteristics with each ally type that provide support in different ways.
Anyone can take inspiration from this to help make a positive impact in communities. Super Movers for Every Body has reimagined these characters within the context of physical education and sport, to encourage allyship within sport activities at school and help everyone feel included; to ensure disabled team members feel respected and supported.
Teachers and educationalists can also introduce this technique into the classroom to help pupils discuss and understand what kind of ally they can be to each other and the wider community. Take a look below to see if you can recognise an ally type that matches your own personality traits, to help give meaningful support in your own way.
Let鈥檚 meet the allies!
1. The Sponsor
A sponsor openly supports peers and recognises everyone鈥檚 unique skills. For example, if working as part of a team in a sport activity, a sponsor will recommend others to join the team and praise their teammates when they have done well. They are enthusiastic about their peers and want to see them succeed.
2. The Champion
A champion uses their powerful voice to include others and lead together. For example, even though a champion may display good throwing skills in a sports setting, they may suggest that another peer show off their throwing skills instead or as well, as a champion recognises their peer as an equal match. They will encourage their peers to use their own voices and ability so they can be recognised for their own talent.
3. The Advocate
An advocate uses their influence to include others in the entire group and make sure no one is being excluded. For example, if a group are practising shot put, but there is one person left out because they鈥檝e never done it before, an advocate will welcome them into the group. They are responsible and hold others to account if someone is being unfair, as they believe everyone should feel included.
4. The Amplifier
An amplifier understands the importance of listening to the opinions of their peers and will respect their views. For instance, when working as a team playing boccia, it鈥檚 useful to have a discussion on where best to aim the balls, so an amplifier will make sure everyone gets a chance to speak in order to make a decision together. Amplifiers have excellent communication skills and excel when working as part of the team.
5. The Scholar
A scholar seeks to understand the challenges their peers face. During a sports activity, a wheelchair user may choose to use a smaller ball, so a scholar may ask inquisitive questions to learn more about other people鈥檚 needs, separate from their own. Whilst they are great listeners, a scholar will also share their own knowledge to raise awareness of issues facing their peers.
6. The Upstander
An upstander protects their peers and will not sit back if a peer is being disrespected. They will call out bullying and mean behaviour, such as someone openly mocking a peer or telling an offensive joke鈥 upstanders are not afraid to speak their mind. As well as standing up for their peers, they will understand how to communicate to others why a verbal or physical action can be hurtful.
7. The Confidant
A confidant creates a safe environment for their peers to express their fears, frustrations and needs. For instance, if a disabled member of the group is finding a particular sport activity difficult, a confidant may speak to their peer to find out how they are feeling, providing a listening ear without judgement, whilst also offering tips to improve at the sport. Confidants are understanding and will have trust with others.
Disability Pride Month
This article was first published in July 2024 to celebrate Disability Pride Month (DPM), which occurs every year in July to celebrate people with disabilities - their identities, culture, and contributions to society.
Disability Pride Month originally started in America to commemorate the passing of the landmark Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) in July 1990. Since it's 25th anniversary in 2015, the UK has annually celebrated DPM, holding pride events across the nations. In 2023, Newsround presenter Martin Dougan attended the Chester Disability Pride Parade to learn more about the history and importance of the event.
Disability Pride Month is a chance for everyone - disabled and non-disabled - to come together no matter their differences, which is why it's a great opportunity to learn how we can all be better allies to the disabled community. But allyship can and should be practised all year round, so we hope you enjoy learning about the seven allies above to serve as inspiration for meaningful discussions with your class and school.
