Ally Week 2012 

Ally Week is an initiative that seeks to reach out to the entire Ohio State campus community in an effort to encourage students, staff and faculty to "Stand, Speak and Act" with and on behalf of people who are of a different race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, religious or spiritual identity, gender identity/expression, socioeconomic class, or other identity different than their own.

Ally Week will be held the week of September 17.

Each of the week's events and programs are heavily focused on the themes of awareness, education and action. Ally Week sponsors, The Office of Student Life's Multicultural Center and University Housing, are invested in working with the Ohio State community to share the information and tools necessary for everyone to actively participate as an "ally" to members of our campus and Central Ohio community.

At the conclusion of Ally Week, we hope that all participants will have a better understanding of their fellow Buckeyes and have learned new tools in advocating for one another.

You can get involved right now by clicking the button at the bottom of the page to sign the Ally Pledge!

Here are other ways you can be a part of this movement on campus:

Stand:

• Pose for an Ally Week Photo explaining why you stand as an ally to a person, or a group, who is different from you. You can upload your own photo to the Ally Week facebook page by clicking here.
• A kick-off event and photo shoot will take place in the Multicultural Center on Monday, September 17 at 7 pm.
• Attend an event in your residence hall! See your RA for details. Different programs and events are happening in each of the residence halls during the week. Depending on your building and your floor, you have lots to choose from! Pick up a token documenting your attendance that can be redeemed for an Ally Week t-shirt from the Multicultural Center. (While supplies last!)
• Sign the Ally Pledge

Speak:

• Attend the "Being an Ally" training on Tuesday, September 18 at 7 pm in the Interfaith & Prayer Room of the Ohio Union. This 2-hour workshop offers a highly interactive learning experience focused on being a vocal ally across identity groups. Participants will take away valuable information and tools that are needed to build a strong, united campus community. Refreshments will be served. Pick up a token documenting your attendance that can be redeemed for an Ally Week t-shirt from the Multicultural Center. (While supplies last!)
• Pose for an Ally Week Photo explaining why you stand as an ally to a person, or a group, who is different from you. Stop by the Multicultural Center anytime between 10 am and 6 pm on September 19 to do this.
• Take part in an Allies for Diversity meeting. As a student at Ohio State, your success will be enhanced by interactions with different groups of people. The Allies for Diversity student group is your gateway to the many opportunities that will help you be a better global citizen and ally to your friends, family and greater community. This meeting, that will help you to learn more about different racial, ethnic and cultural groups will take place September 19 at 7 pm in the Cartoon Room of the Ohio Union. Pick up a token documenting your attendance that can be redeemed for an Ally Week t-shirt from the Multicultural Center.
• Explore the "View at OSU" on Thursday, September 20 at 6:30 pm in the US Bank Conference Theater of the Ohio Union. Attendees will hear a panel of students share their views and perspectives about being a part of an under-represented group(s) at Ohio State, as well as learn strategies for creating safe and affirming environments for everyone. Pick up a token documenting your attendance that can be redeemed for an Ally Week t-shirt from the Multicultural Center. (While supplies last!)
• Sign the Ally Pledge

Act:

• Mobilize another group you belong to (student organization, Greek chapter, residence hall floor) to join you in taking part in a service project or other community awareness raising event. For example, join the Multicultural Center on October 7 at the Out of the Darkness Suicide Prevention walk.
• Continue to stand, speak and act with and on behalf of people who are of a different race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, religious or spiritual identity, gender identity/expression, socioeconomic class, or other identity different than your own!