I think allyship is important. However, I’ve often been skeptical due to observations of performative gestures (e.g., safety pins, black squares on social media, using activism symbols in marketing campaigns to sell products) and paternalistic approaches that center the ally as a “savior” rather than a partner in the communities they aim to support. Let me be clear. Allyship isn’t the problem—it’s how it’s often been manipulated for personal gain. That’s why I’m sharing my simplified “5 Pillars of Effective Allyship” 5Ts (Time, Talent, Treasure, Temperament, and Ties) model. I hope it helps current and future allies consider their approach to engaging and building trusted relationships throughout communities. Click here to download.