BECOME AN ALLY
To become a member of Allies, we require each potential member to first attend an ALLIES Advance Workshop.
Upcoming Advance Workshop Schedule:
Sunday, June 8, 2pm-5pm
Friday, July 18, 2pm-5pm
Sunday, August 3, 2pm-5pm
To RSVP for an Advance, please register via the Online Registration Form.
To schedule a special Advance (by request) for a group of 10-15 people, please contact the Advance Coordinator to discuss potential dates and details.
If you have any additional questions, please send an e-mail to: allies@tamu.edu.
ALLIES Advance FAQ
Q: What is an Advance?
An ALLIES Advance is a 3-hour workshop for Texas A&M staff, faculty, and students who have an interest in becoming a member of ALLIES. The purpose of the Advance is to raise awareness of another cultural group, since the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender community is generally very misunderstood; to raise awareness of the way homophobia affects everyone; explore ways allies on campus can support the LGBT community and each other; and provide an opportunity for participants to become an Ally.
Q: Why do you call it an "Advance"?
A "retreat" sounds like participants take a step backwards. We hope people will advance their understanding of LGBT issues and the needs of the local community. There is no "basic" workshop or prerequisite session to attend before attending an "Advance".
Q: What happens at an Advance?
Advances may have anywhere from 5 to 15 participants who hold group discussions to explore their personal knowledge of heterosexual privilege and homophobia; participate in activities designed to facilitate understanding of common LGBT and ally experiences; and have an interactive Q&A with a panel of local LGBT people. Participants also receive a packet of resources to take home and the opportunity to sign the ALLIES contract and hang a placard outside their door.
Q: If I attend an Advance, do I automatically become an ALLY?
No, you must first choose to sign the ALLIES contract. Participants may consider their decision further and mail in a signed contract at a later date, or receive their placard at the Advance by turning in the contract immediately. Some participants choose not to become a member of ALLIES, but they still have enjoyed a learning opportunity.
Q: When are Advances offered?
Three to five Advances are usually scheduled each Fall and Spring, varying the day of the week and time of day to meet the needs of as many people as possible. Two or three Summer Advances are also usually offered. Upcoming Advance dates are listed at the top of this page .
Allies also offers Advances for groups of 10 to 15 participants by request. Contact the Advance Coordinator for more details on scheduling a special Advance for your group.
Q: How do I RSVP for an Advance?
You can register by either completing the Online Registration Form (preferred), by e-mailing the Allies Advance Coordinator at allies@tamu.edu or by calling the Advance Coordinator.