Allyship in ABNAO
Overview
The role of non-Black nurse allies in ABNAO is to uplift and center the voices of our Black community, advocate for the removal of barriers to professional advancement for Black nurses, and disrupt systemic racism, implicit bias, and microaggressions in the workplace. This not only supports our workforce but also ensures we can continue to promote wellness and work towards closing the health equity gap for Black Oregonians.
Those of us who benefit from racial privilege will amplify and foster inclusivity in all healthcare spaces where Black voices are underrepresented.
Alliance
As a member of your local chapter and national organization, you have access to a network of Black nurses and allies, programming, and committee activities:
Cultivate interpersonal relationships with Black and non-Black nurses dedicated to anti-racist advocacy
Mentorship for nursing students
Scholarship funding
Professional development and networking
Platform to create and advocate for policy reform
Testimonies
from current non-Black ABNAO members:
“[Allyship] looks like reallocating resources, money, time and energy toward Black, Brown and Indigenous run organizations. It looks like continually disrupting the systems creating harm and working toward an abolitionist re-imagining of all that is possible if love and justice truly lead.”
-Heidi Pollard-Herman
“I was inspired to join ABNAO as a non-Black person and as an RN because I was looking for ways and places to support Black patients and Black nurses/healthcare providers. I feel that the healthcare system is unsafe for Black folks and other folks of color both as patients and as healthcare workers. Allyship looks like supporting, advocating, and taking action. I plan to do this by centering and listening to Black voices, experiences, and leadership, and working to amplify their message.”
- Kendra Howard
“[Nurses] function within an institution that has an entrenched culture and system predicated on white supremacy. Ideally [allyship] is building relationships, showing up, and following through on commitments.”
- Janice Snyder
Join today through the National Black Nurses Association (NBNA)
Please note you will have to create an account before you can fill out the application. You will be directed to select our local ABNAO chapter when completing the application.
