Giving Compass' Take:

• Nicole Corea, writing for The Aspen Institute, discusses pitfalls to avoid to be a better ally to individuals of another faith. 

• What are you doing to increase the inclusion of all faiths in your local community? What more can be done? 

• Learn how to create a culture of inclusion in your organization.

Religious allyship is necessary to combat the surge of hate crimes facing minority groups and pave the way for an increasingly diverse America, but trying to make inroads towards inclusion is easier said than done. These are five common pitfalls to avoid as an ally.

  1. Don’t assume you understand everyone’s religion: According to the American Academy of Religion, religious illiteracy in the US is a widespread phenomenon that “fuels prejudice and antagonism.”
  2. Don’t wait until tragedy strikes to reach out and build relationships: Civic and faith leaders must work together to build partnerships long before violence or harassment occurs.
  3. Don’t let outreach become another item on your to-do list: Interfaith partnerships must be grounded in relationships that are fostered over time. Members of both groups should come together to establish mutual goals and coordinate community-building activities.
  4. Don’t plan all of the parties: Outreach and allyship to other communities often take the form of event-hosting.
  5. Don’t forget to look outside faith communities: Faith groups aren’t the only ones with a role to play. Civic organizations, government agencies, foundations, academia, and businesses should take the initiative to solve problems facing our communities.

Read the full article on religious allyship by Nicole Corea at The Aspen Institute.