Building Allyship

A community for committed humans
on the quest to becoming effective allies
in the health and fitness communities

“ Revolution is not a one time event.”- Audre Lourde

There have been several moments in my life when it was a relief to have allies in my corner. These allies came in the form of friends, teammates, classmates, and coworkers. But there have also been moments that showed me the importance of having allies that are convicted to stand for both friends and strangers, and now the whole world is waking up to this truth.

After witnessing the murder of George Floyd by police in Minneapolis, there was an influx of White people wanting to become allies to those in the Black community. There were black squares and #Blacklives matter posts all over social media.

After a few months, many proclaimed allies found that the allyship is more than a title you put in your bio. It takes time to truly analyze what you’ve been taught your whole life and then unlearn the thought viruses that you find hiding.

To be an ally in these movements is not for the faint at heart, which is why it is also important to recognize what those in marginalized communities have always known:

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There is strength in learning together, discussing the issues at hand, supporting and holding each other accountable.

A membership space designed for committed humans on the quest to become effective allies for BIPOC in the health and fitness communities. This community will provide you a framework to continue on your journey to allyship and accountability to see real changes in yourself, your family, and the communities you serve.

What you will gain from this community:

Resources will be provided at the start of every week in the form of evidence-based research, articles, TED Talks, Video Clips, and Documentaries.
Monthly guest lectures from professionals who specialize in healthcare, fitness, history, DEI in business, mental health/psychiatry, trauma, social work, etc.
Monthly focus groups are held for connection to other allies, discussion of books on reading lists, and resources provided in the group.
Quarterly reading list dealing with topics of history, health disparities, biases, as well as exposure to BIPOC author’s literary work
Quarterly donation of a percentage of membership fees to organizations voted on by Building Allyship members, intending to recognize the power where you give your money and kickstart a new approach to your wallet
Safe, but challenging space to ask questions, connect and collaborate with others on the allyship journey

Join Fall 2023 waitlist

Want to know what members are saying?

Building Allyship is for you if...

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Here’s why some current members joined…

Allyship Testimonials

I'm excited to learn from this community. I do a lot of research and reading on my own, but I've been feeling so sad, angry, and drained seeing all the things still happening in the country. I decided to join in order to have a community to connect to others on the same journey, trying to keep learning while each doing our part making small changes to help affect the system of racism in the country. It's a journey!

I also am constantly learning of my own implicit biases and ways I have inadvertently been upholding a patriarchal and white supremacist system, and trying to unpack those more, but it adds to the fear of speaking up since I know I'm guilty of things as well and will make a lot of mistakes. I am trying to figure out ways to use my voice most effectively to amplify and not speak over BIPOC voices, without having it come across as performative, and try to incorporate it into my daily life so it's a long term process to really get at the systemic nature of the issues. I'm finding it takes a lot of practice and baby steps, but I'm still struggling and tending to be silent in certain spaces.

“I'm not in the healthcare field in any form, but I met Jen at an event in Seattle a while back and trust that she will be an amazing teacher for this topic in any setting. I am interested in learning how to be a better and more active ally beyond the academic part of listening and learning. I want to make sure that I can put that learning into practice. I am particularly interested in how to be a better ally while living in a community that is 86.1% white, and only 2.4% black.”

“I hope to gain accountability and community in fighting for anti-racism in healthcare. Silence and complacency are my biggest pitfalls, as well as using my privilege to run away from what's uncomfortable. I got into this profession because I wanted to help people and, whew, if it's not anti-racist, it's not helping people in the way it should be.”

“I am here for the structure and supportive community to bolster my anti-racism work. Like most other things on social media, a lot of the discussion around this topic has gotten polarizing and unproductive. Looking for space where vulnerability and sincere sharing can occur so we can really grow.”

JOIN 2023 waitlist!

MEET THE CREATOR

I’m Dr. Jpop and I’m a pediatric physical therapist. I work with children with developmental delays, as well as children with neurological and orthopedic diagnoses. As a Black woman, I know what it is like to identify as different, and it has helped in my quest to be an ally for children with disabilities inside and outside of the clinic.

When the world woke up in May of 2020 I held an Anti-Racism and Allyship webinar to continue my previous efforts to educate on how to be effective allies to BIPOC in healthcare and fitness. In doing that I saw a need for community and guidance, so I created Building Allyship.

My mission for Building Allyship is to facilitate a space of connection, accountability, community learning, and to help you strengthen your voice and stance as an ally in your own communities.

Have Questions?

I’m not in healthcare or fitness, can I sign up?

I welcome anyone who is seeking community support! A large percentage of our guest educators will trend toward mental health, healthcare, fitness, and wellness. However, the resources and concepts shared will apply to every human seeking to be a better ally. So if you think someone would benefit from joining us, SPREAD THE WORD!

What platform will it exist on?

Mighty Networks! Once you choose your payment option you will be sent a link to the private community. This platform is accessible on desktop and through the Mighty Networks app (if you so choose). No extra payment to download the app.

Will this be overwhelming?

I’m the one who told you, this work is a marathon, not a sprint and to pace yourself. I have no intentions of overwhelming you with resources. The resources are always there for you to take in when you are able.

What if I’m not able to be present for all the guest speakers?

The majority of the guest speaker’s presentations will be recorded for you to access. If they are not able to be recorded I will make sure you know well in advance.

What if I cannot attend all of the virtual community/focus group meetings?

Those will also be recorded for you to access at a later date! Due to copyright restrictions, I will not be able to record all of the communal viewings of some documentaries. But those that are free I will make sure to share links.

Do I have to commit for a year?

You don’t have to do anything you don’t want to do. I’m not here to convince you to be an ally. But consider how many habits you've started and actually stayed committed to, then weigh that against how important being an ally is to you. My friend The Maestro says all the time, “when you pay, you pay attention.” If you commit to one year, you will be more likely to show up.