On this page, you will find the answers to the activities in the 'How to Raise an Anti-Racism Ally' guide. You can also read advice from some of the people who helped to create the guide. Further resources for both kids and adults are included below, as you continue along your journey as anti-racism allies.
What are some of the words that come to mind when you think about racism?
There are lots of different ways to describe how racism makes you feel. Here are some options – do any match the words on your own mind map?
Did you find all the words?
Were you able to spot the examples of racism?
Racism can make people feel lonely, sad, unfairly treated, unsafe and afraid. No one should be made to feel this way. We all deserve to be accepted for who we are.
How did you answer the discussion questions above? Below are some points to guide you.
Link the correct boxes to each other to reveal a fact about racism in the world.
Think about a time when you stood up for fairness, and draw yourself in that moment.
How do you think each option would make people feel?
Remember, it’s important to keep yourself and the people around you safe when responding to racism. That’s why the best choices would be C and/or D. You could also let your teacher know what happened.
Could you find the answers?
How many languages are spoken in Australia? – According to the latest Census data available, in 2016, there were more than 300 languages spoken in Australia.
How many people living in Australia have parents who were born in a different country? – In 2016, nearly half (49%) of all Australians were either born overseas or had at least one parent who was born overseas.
Look up the meaning of:
What are some of your favourite things that come from diversity?
Below are some examples. Do any of these match what you wrote down?
What are some things about you and your culture or family that make you proud?
It can be hard to know how to support kids, especially if they have firsthand experience of racism. Check out the resources below to help you talk about racism with kids.
The world is both very big, but also very small for kids. Your whole world is your family, your school and the community around you, and for those people, those places to be truly anti-racist, to be supportive of you, curious about you as a whole person is an incredibly empowering thing for a child.
- Jez Hunghanfoo
As a person of colour I was brought up to be proud of my heritage, culture and the knowledge that the world is made up of all sorts of people. I was also exposed to different cultures through books and television. This made me super comfortable in my skin and taught me self-worth. It gave me the guidance that the world is built up of all different types of people, cultures, and colours but ultimately we are all bound by being human. That is what I will be passing on to my own child to raise her as an anti-racist ally.
- Sakshi Chait
It's okay to be different. It's okay to look different and talk different. Being different is what makes all of us unique and what makes the world beautiful and interesting. Don't let anyone convince you that being different is not okay!
- Phoebe Mwanza
My mum has always been my best ally. With all of her heart, she celebrated my Vietnamese heritage - she told me stories from her time living and working in Vietnam, she cooked traditional Vietnamese dishes and taught me how to make them, and she made me feel special for the things I got bullied for. My mum taught me to be proud of who I am and she showed me how to be a genuine ally to people with lived experience of racism. I take this lesson forward with me now as I reflect on my own privilege and take action to be an anti-racism ally to others.
- Ha Pham
Do you know of more great resources that we are missing? Let us know! You can call our Supporter Care team on 1300 300 920 or send us an email at supporter@amnesty.org.au.
There are also many amazing events and groups that you can join to show your support as an anti-racism ally!
Go to cultural festivals and events like NAIDOC week and learn about the diverse ways communities celebrate!
You might be interested in attending a protest or a rally as a family.
Do you want to start an Amnesty Action Group at your local school? Join the Schools Program!
Being a good ally is about showing up when you’re needed, and stepping back when you’re not. It’s about taking action to support a group you aren’t part of in whatever ways they need.
Help challenge racism by adding your name to the petition for an anti-racism strategy in Australia.
You can help promote equality in policing, health care, housing, education and employment, and help create a world where human rights are enjoyed by all.
