1. Awareness is the first level.  It is important to become more aware of who you are and how you are different from and similar to all people.  We must remember tthat we all have different and similar human characterisitics, conditions, and circumstances.  Such awareness can be gained through conversations with people with oppressed human  characterisitics, conditions, and circumstances, attend awareness-building workshops, reading about all lifestyles, and by self examination.

2. Knowledge/Educationis the second level.  You must begin to acquire knowledge about all human characterisitics, conditions, and circumstances and what the experience is for all oppressed people in the world.  This step includes learning about laws, policies, and practices and how they affect these oppressed people in addition to educating yourself about different cultures and norms of all communities.  Contacting local, national, and international organizations for information can also be helpful.

3. Skills make up the third level.  This areas is the one in which people often fall short because of fear or lack of resources or supports.  You must develop skills in communication the knowledge that you have learned.  These skills can be acquired through attending workshops, role playing situations with friends, developing support connections, and practicing interventions or awareness raising in safe settings, for example, a restaurant or hotel out of your home town.

4. Action is the last but most important level.  This is the most freightening step.  There are many challenges and liabilities for privledged groups in taking actions to end oppression of less privledged people.  Action is without a doubt, the only way that we can effect change in the society as a whole; for , if we keep our awareness, knowledge, and skills to ourselves, we deprive the rest of the world of what we have learned, thus keeping them from having the fillest possible life.

Five Other Things to Keep in Mind:

1. Have a good understanding of all peoples identities and be comfortable with your own.  If you are a person who chooses not to identify with a particular human characteristic, condition, or circumstance, be confortable with that decision, but recognize that all others, may see your stance as a cop out.

2. Talk with all oppressed people and read about the coming out process.  Be aware of the coming-out process and realize that it is not a one-time event.  The coming-out process is unique and brings challenges that are not often understood.

3. Understand that all people receive the same message about their religion, sexual orientation, race, ethnicity, political affiliation, etc. as everyone else.  Thus some people suffer from internalized Phobia’s and Ism’s.  It is important to recognize the risks of coming out and to challenge the internal oppression.

4. Remember that  there are many different diverse communities of people (all human characteristics, conditions, and circumstances).  Each community within the larger community has unique needs and goals.

5. Know at least basic information about Phobia’s, isms, diverse religions, sexual orientation, political affiliations, races, ethnicities, culinary preferences and habits, etc.,  in order to address myths and misinformation and to be supportive of all people!
 

These theories are very important the ally development and research.  It is one thing to be an ally to one specific human characterisitc, condition or circumstance, but many minorities are not just gay, or not just a vegetarian, or just not have a disability.  Someone may be a lesbian and be of color, or have a disability and be hindu.  These are called multiple minority identities.  All Inclusive Allys and Safe Zones are ideal in these situtations.