Sub sections:
UNE Ally Network
6 December 2005
Next Ally Training information: TBA
One set of training sessions is scheduled for each Semester where possible.
Date: Wednesday, 27 August 2008
Time: 9:30 am to 12:30 pm
Venue: ODU Training Room, Lamble Building
Morning tea and biscuits provided.
The follow-up meeting for those who decide, after training, that they wish to become part of the Ally support network, is scheduled for Wednesday, 10 September 2008 from 12:30 pm to 2 pm.
Please let us know as soon as possible if you wish to attend this training, or if you need further information, by replying to Bernice O'Mahoney.
Training
One set of training sessions is scheduled for each Semester where possible.
The initial training is for three hours and consists of presentations outlining why it is important to have an Ally support network, some insight into issues faced by GLBTI people, an overview of the role of Allies and opportunities for discussions and questions.
After the initial training participants are asked to read through the manual received at the training and decide whether they wish to continue further and become an Ally. Those who choose to continue are invited to attend an induction meeting (one and a half hours) where the role is dealt with more specifically and there is the opportunity to ask further questions.
At the end this meeting participants receive an official Ally door sign and badge which confirm their membership of the UNE Ally Network
What is the Ally Network?
The UNE Ally Network is a program which works to raise awareness about the issues faced by gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender and intersex (GLBTI) staff and students.
It is an informal network of staff and students who, after the pre-requisite training, identify as ALLIES and provide support to GLBTI people. An Ally is someone (staff or student) who is informed about, is sensitive toward and understanding of GLBTI people and their issues, and affirms the experience and rights of GLBTI people. This is demonstrated by their general attitudes and behaviours in their daily work/study environments, such as speaking up in the tearoom when homophobic comments are made or being more inclusive in their own day-today conversations and routines.
The UNE Ally Network members do not address grievance issues or provide counselling. Grievances are dealt with through Employment Equity & Diversity or Student Equity, and counselling, for both staff and students, is provided by professional counsellors in Student Assist. Allies are a point of contact and referral for these concerns.
What is behind the Ally Door Sign?
The Ally Door Sign signifies the presence of a member of the UNE community who has undertaken Ally training and whose office/room is a safe place in which to seek information and/or to discuss issues of concern to GLBTI staff and students. The presence of the door sign itself indicates to all that the University community is an inclusive community, aware of and acknowledging the diversity of its members.
Why do we need an Ally Network?
In 2005 the Vice-Chancellor's EEO Advisory Committee made a number of recommendations to promote an inclusive work and study environment at UNE. The introduction of the Ally Network is one means of raising awareness and promoting understanding of GLBTI issues. The establishment of an Ally Network is seen as particularly important for a regional university where students often feel apprehensive about disclosing their sexual identity. Information from Outlink, the national network of rural lesbian, gay and bisexual young people indicates a high level of risk among young people from these groups and notes the general lack of support services in rural areas (see footnote 1).
Research indicates that GLBTI people are more likely to experience discrimination such as:
• Denial of access to housing
• Refusal of health treatment
• Inconsistent laws regarding age of consent
• Lack of official recognition of same sex relationships
People from these groups are also more likely to experience various forms of harassment, vilification and violence (see footnote 2).
One UNE student explained,
When people have a good experience the news is passed on by word of mouth and other gay and lesbian students come here. The lack of an inclusive environment can ultimately result in people dropping out -- and can even result in suicide. It's a matter of getting support systems and networks going.
Would you like to become an Ally?
If you think you would like to be an Ally, please contact us with your details. We will need your name, phone number or extension, and email address. If you are a staff member please provide your work area; if you are a student please let us know whether you are a town student or which Residence you live at.
For more detailed information about the program, please contact:
Employment Equity & Diversity, ext 3591 or email ally@une.edu.au
footnotes:
1. Outlink was established by the Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission with co-sponsorship from the Australian Youth Foundation.
2. 'Mapping Homophobia in Australia,' by Michael Flood and Clove Hamilton, The Australia Institute.
HREOC
Same-Sex: Same Entitlements 21 June 2007
Stories of discrimination October 2007
Sex files: The legal recognition of sex in documents and government records
and associated Blog.
Links
UNE Ally Contacts List
Armidale Queer Association (AQuA)
University of New England Sexualities Research Group (UNESEX)
UNE Counselling & Careers Resources Information
qnet Support Services
UNE Equal Opportunity Advisers
SHAPES
Dignity and Respect in the Workplace Charter
UNE Sex-Based Harassment Policy & Procedures
UNE Grievance Mediation Policy & Procedures
Sydney Star Observer Newspaper
ALLY at other universities
University of Western Australia
University of Queensland
Queensland University of Technology
Australian National University
University of Western Sydney
Edith Cowan University
Murdoch University
Curtin University of Technology
University of Newcastle
HREOC Media Release 16 May 2008
International Day Against Homophobia has special significance in Australia in 2008
UNE News and Events 12 December 2005
UNE takes strong stance against homophobia and bullying