The SAGE Center works to create inclusion for the LGBTQ+ community through our “Ally in Progress” initiative. This initiative recognizes that being an ally and fostering inclusion are ongoing processes that require the participant to commit to life-long learning. We work with university departments, student groups, and faculty to create experiential learning opportunities through interactive programs and facilitations. While it is impossible to be a perfect ally to every person in every situation, trying is still worthwhile. Part of this effort involves knowing about the communities to which you consider yourself an ally or want to be an ally.  

At Southern Connecticut State University, we believe this learning and growth matters when it comes to allyship, and so we are here to support all allies in their continued paths. The Ally in Progress program is here to provide standards for expectations of growth in their allyship. The environment in which we live is constantly growing and changing, and so we need to grow and change with it. Learning about a community you are not part of does not stop after learning about it once, because the community will continue to shift, flex, and develop, so information about the community may become outdated. As a prime example, when talking about the LGBTQIA+ community, the word “queer” was used as a slur for a long time. Later, it was reclaimed and is now used as an umbrella term by many in the community. Similarly, new identities are being named and brought to the front of modern consciousness. Asexuality, for example, has been around just as long as all other identities but was only named within the last 80 years, and the term has only been popular in its current use for the last 20-30 years.  

To be a good ally, you need to adapt and grow continuously. Allyship is not a “one-and-done” situation. If you help one queer person, pat yourself on the back, and then ignore the needs of other queer people, you are not an ally to the queer community. If you vote for policies and politicians that are against queer people, you are not an ally to the queer community. If you want to be an ally, you have to commit to more than just nodding along. It is essential to know the basics, at the very least. The Ally in Progress program seeks to help people become effective allies.  

The Ally in Progress program currently offers five different trainings:  

1. SAGE Center Training – details the resources of the SAGE Center for all SCSU students, faculty, and staff  
2. Allyship 101 – covers the basics of the lingo, pronouns, and experiences
3. Allyship 102 – dives deeper into identity and attraction as concepts
4. Creating Safe Spaces – emphasizes etiquette, expectations, and why safe spaces are important.
5. Queer History – discusses ancient evidence of queer people in society since the beginning of recorded history all the way to today 

Ally in Progress Digital Badge

After competently completing at least three of the above courses (based on post-training evaluations), you can apply for and receive your Ally in Progress digital badge.  

This certification is good for three years. To re-certify, you will need to take three courses through the SAGE Center again. They can be the same as or different from your previous courses. We also recognize that part of our work means we, too, have to adapt, grow, and improve our trainings to fit the constantly changing environment and our community needs, which means we may add or alter trainings based on new research, political changes, and what is going on in the queer community.  

Each course requires you to reaffirm your commitment of allyship growth with the following pledge: 

"I recognize that I am an ally in progress. I’m not perfect and I’m still learning, but I want to support the LGBTQ+ community. As an ally in progress, I will work to end oppression by supporting and advocating for those who are stigmatized and treated unfairly. This is my pledge to learn, support, and advocate for the LGBTQ+ community!"

Each time you make this pledge, you will receive an Ally in Progress sticker to display on your door, computer, water bottle, or wherever you wish. These stickers indicate completion of one course satisfactorily; they do not individually earn you the Ally in Progress badge. 

Ally in Progress Leadership Certificate

If you choose to take all of our offerings, you can then apply for an Ally in Progress Leadership certificate. To earn this title after taking all of the SAGE Center’s courses, you will have to sign the Allyship Pledge: 

"I pledge to be a leader in allyship. I pledge to intervene when I see someone being mistreated for their gender, sexuality, race, ability, language, or any other reason, and to come forward with them when their rights are in question. I pledge to educate and be a guide to resources and growth. I pledge to continue my own growth as an ally, and by doing so set the example for my peers and others around me."

There is an official document that you must also fill out, sign, and submit to the SAGE Center University Assistant or Graduate Intern. In doing so, you will be given a digital badge that indicates that you are an Ally in Progress Leader, and will be listed on the SAGE Center’s website as an Ally in Progress Leader. 

The benefits of being an APL are simple but important: 

• You will be a known ally, and students, faculty, and staff might feel more comfortable around you knowing that they can be themselves.  
• Your outward allyship will be a beacon encouraging others that they should also take our trainings and become better allies. 
• Your open support will make the campus a safer place for all students. 

There are many opportunities to be an ally, and many opportunities to learn how to be a better ally. At SCSU, we believe in existing side by side, supporting each other, and coming together as a community. The Ally in Progress program must be taken seriously for it to succeed. The trainings themselves may have some levity, but the moments where Allies step forward will likely have little.  

Thank you for your interest in the Ally in Progress program! Check back soon for the dates of our first set of trainings! Training is open to faculty, staff, and students. If you would like to request a specific training for your department, club, or other group, please contact Dusty Rader at raderd1@southernct.edu.