Allies Model

Allies Model Background

In the late 1990's, Shaun Travers and Nancy Jean Tubbs served together on the Texas A&M University Allies Committee. In 2000, Shaun and Nancy presented "ALLIES: An LGBT Support Model for (Conservative) Campuses" at the ACPA national convention. When Nancy began directing the LGBT Resource Center at UC Riverside in 2000, she successfully adapted the TAMU Allies model for UCR.

Model Overview

ALLIES is a network of staff, faculty, and students who are committed to providing a "safe zone" for anyone dealing with sexual or gender orientation issues. Members attend an ALLIES seminar and agree to sign a contract. They then may post an ALLY placard outside their office or residence hall room.

Challenges facing LGBT students:
The "coming out" process and identity formation
Harassment and discrimination in a heterosexist, homophobicm biphobic, and transphobic world
The need for "safe spaces" on campus

ALLIES Committee - Decisions regarding the activities of ALLIES are made by a small committee that is chaired by a staff or faculty member. The committee meets once a month, keeping in contact via email.

ALLIES Seminar - Anyone interested in becoming an Ally must attend a seminar. This includes busy faculty and queer folks! The seminar includes:
Overview of the purpose of ALLIES
Queer 101 information packet
Campus resources and referrals
Interaction with a panel of queer students
Q&A
Opportunity to sign a contract

ALLIES Contract - An agreement to provide a "safe zone" for anyone dealing with sexual or gender orientation issues. Emphasizes what an Ally is (support & referral) and is not (professional counselor). Required before anyone can hang an ALLY placard.