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Supporting marginalized communities

Cover image for Supporting marginalized communities.

What is a Marginalized Community?

Marginalized communities are populations that are often by society or victims of targeted violence. These communities have the most difficulty accessing resources. Minority groups or underrepresented populations often fall under this category.

Marginalized persons have difficulties in accessing resources because they are seen as second class citizens. They have to fight to maintain their status in society, and this is why there is so much violence within these communities. Marginalization has a huge effect on the mental and physical health of these people and can even lead to death for some people.

There is an increased prevalence of violence among marginalized persons because they live in areas where there is a lot of poverty, unemployment, hunger and homelessness which leads to increased drug trafficking rates and crime rates as well as higher rates of HIV/AIDS infection due to intravenous drug use.

How can I support marginalized communities in my everyday life?

The concept of allyship is not new to the world, but for some people it can be quite elusive or confusing. One of the most challenging aspects of being an ally is knowing what you can do to help marginalized communities in your everyday life.

It’s important to remember that no one person will ever be able to fully support marginalized communities, even if they work hard at doing so. The best thing that an ally can do is to take small actions every day that help them get closer and closer to supporting marginalized communities.

Some allies are not sure where they should start when trying to support marginalized communities in their everyday life, so here are a few basic actions you can take each day:

  • Be mindful about the language you use
  • Avoid making assumptions about other people

Taking a stand is hard
But BOLD
AND Necessary

  • Take on the struggle as your own
  • Be scared if you need to be, but stand up anyway
  • Use your privilege to support those without the same privileges
  • Be kind to those who need it the most
  • Be kind to those who need it the least
  • Know that your pain is different from the pain of others
  • Know that you are not alone
  • Know when this isn’t about you
  • Listen to those who are hurting
  • Be aware of your biases
  • Be aware of your limitations
  • Research more
  • Learn about the history of the struggles of marginalized communities
  • Learn about how you may participate in the struggles of oppressive systems
  • Amplify the voices that need to be heard
  • Listen to and accept criticism, even if it makes you uncomfortable

Educate yourself
And Stay Safe

  • Don’t expect special treatment
  • Don’t compare your personal struggles with the systemic struggles of others
  • Don’t behave as if you know better than others
  • Don’t be afraid to be different
  • Don’t take credit for the work that came before you
  • Don’t assume

What is Intersectionality and why it matters for the future of supportive communities?

Intersectionality is an important concept to understand when it comes to how different forms of discrimination interact with each other.

It helps us understand how people experience multiple types of discrimination and oppression regularly. And how they are not mutually exclusive, but are instead cumulative and intersecting.

What are some ways that I can provide assistance to marginalized communities?

Marginalized communities are the most vulnerable people in any society. They are excluded, targeted, and exploited by the mainstream society.

The best way to provide assistance to marginalized communities is through action-oriented behavior that does not place the burden of change on them. We can do this through volunteering or donating to organizations that support them.

We should not be afraid of speaking up about our privileges and acknowledging the privilege that we have access to. Not only that, but we should take every opportunity to educate and engage in our communities. You can be an ally by taking everyday actions such as educating yourself, listening to the needs of the marginalized group you are trying to support, and speaking out against prejudice.

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