NCAA Diversity And Inclusion Social Media Campaign: Allyship Is ...

The NCAA’s annual Diversity and Inclusion Social Media Campaign was first launched in 2018, in partnership with the Minority Opportunities and Interests Committee and the National Student-Athlete Advisory Committees, to use social media to create a dialogue around diversity and inclusion and to communicate the benefits of inclusive environments in college sports. This year, it will run from Oct.18-20 with different points of emphasis each day.

Day 1: Exploring My Identities | Day 2: Allyship is… | Day 3: Strength in Unity

The theme for Wednesday, Oct. 19 is “Allyship is…” We asked members of our One Maryland family  - JJ Ferriera (assistant coach, gymnastics), Drake Murphy (student-athlete, track & field) and Nate McGill (Program Director, Student-Athlete Career Development) - what allyship is to them.

What does being an ally mean to you?   

Ferreira: Being an ally is standing up and supporting individuals of historically underrepresented communities. This could be through active participation in events that support these groups, standing up for someone if they are being spoken to or acted on negatively for their differences, or even just by "being there" for a friend or family member from one of these communities when they are in need.  Being an ally is one of the most important things that people within historically underrepresented communities need the most.  We need people to stand by us to help show that we are human just like everyone else in the room, that we matter, and that we are loved.

McGill: To me, being an ally is providing equitable support to all demographics regardless of the demographic that you co-exist in. This is a creative, inclusive space for ALL people and ensures all people feel mentally and physically safe in every interaction.

Murphy: Being an ally to me means being considerate and understanding enough to see and understand another person’s point of view, regardless of what prior lessons you were taught.

How have you fostered a community of belonging within your team?   

Ferreira: The Maryland Gymnastics Program promotes a culture of respect and understanding for all Maryland student-athletes, coaches, and staff members.  We recognize the diversity of our team and celebrate that as one of our greatest strengths.  All individuals, regardless of age, race, gender identity, religion, sexual orientation, physical or mental disability, socio-economic status, or learning style, will be treated with equality by embracing individuality and inclusivity."  This is the first item in our team contract because it's what matters most to us as a program.  We foster a community of belonging within our team through living by this motto.  We create relationships with our student-athletes to get to know them in their lives, and each of them to know us in our lives.  We educate our athletes about diverse communities and include many support staff members with different backgrounds to truly show that in our space, everyone is loved.

McGill: Stepping into my new role within Maryland Made, I have had a focus on creating safe spaces for international student-athletes through Worldwide Terps. Within this advising role, I have the privilege of assisting students from around the world with finding a sense of community away from their home countries, through monthly meetings and hosting inclusive events. I also use this as an opportunity to provide needed support through sharing beneficial resources that will help them navigate their time as student-athletes at UMD.

Murphy: Some ways I have bring upon forms of community in my team is by being apart of SAAC, where I can invite my teammates to monthly meetings to discuss issues that may be bothering them, but also just reaching out to those that seem to be struggling with whatever issues that may be bothering them at the moment. Even if they choose not to share it with me I want them to know that I care and they don’t have to deal with any situation alone.

How have you supported your teammates/athletes through intentional action and active allyship? 

Ferreira: My goal as an ally is to treat people the same way that I want to be treated. As a member of the LGBTQ+ community, my athletes have been incredible allies by showing their support for me as an individual. They asked to create our first LGBTQ+ Pride competition, they show excitement whenever we bring anything rainbow to the gym, and they ask me personally how my husband is doing which shows me they are true allies. I strive to be the same way with them by showing my support for their communities and lives as individuals. Being able to reciprocate the same type of allyship my student-athletes show me is how I support each and every one of them.

McGill: In my opinion, intentionally supporting others as an ally starts with mutual respect. As a male working in a male-dominated industry, it is important to me that I show respect to others by actively listening to them and valuing their thoughts and opinions.

Murphy: I’m big on thinking things through, so when some of my teammates choose to go about a plan of action I always ask them if this is really what they want to do. I want them to be able to have access to their free will and make decisions for themselves and look deeper into the decisions they make and be sure they’re doing it for the right reasons.

Why is it important that we do even more to be allies as a One Maryland family?  

Ferreira: The word "ONE" in One Maryland says it all.  In order to be able to function as one unit, we need to do more as allies for communities different from our own.  Once we are able to understand the struggles, trials and tribulations, and accomplishments of one another, we can become better allies and be the true One Maryland Family. 

McGill: We as a One Maryland family must do more to be allies to create an environment of growth and greatness. Creating an environment that is full of allyship allows student-athletes and staff to be their authentic self, which in return produces improved results. This applies to productivity in the office and performance in sports!

Murphy: I think it’s important to find a balance between doing more to be an ally but also knowing your boundaries, and finding that balance between the two will prove to be beneficial to you and those around you because it shows signs of care- caring to help and caring enough to allow those you want to help the space to maybe figure things out for themselves. Being a part of a community at Maryland is important, especially for those that aren’t from the area, because PG county and DC are very complex and hard to navigate- whether that’s in terms of the city, the culture, the people, etc. Being open to assist our peers is something that’ll help propel us in a direction that future generations can follow suit and continue the tradition.