Time for change: Allyship is an opportunity for every vet to share the burden of improving the profession

Animal Aspirations is a student-led organisation that aims to increase and encourage ethnic diversity within veterinary medicine and other animal-related careers. Through interactive animal and science-focused workshops, we promote diverse role models and break the stereotypes associated with animal-related careers. As a founding member, I’m proud to have contributed to the creation of such an inspiring initiative, an initiative that was desperately needed in the veterinary and animal-related fields.

Since our founding, our achievements so far have allowed us to reach out to children from various backgrounds, exposing them to the versatility, ingenuity, and ­­­­value of veterinary and animal-related professions. Breaking barriers and making myself visible to the younger generation who are aspiring towards similar careers, is the least that I can do as a role model. Allowing these young children to see achievements and success in someone who they can look up to will genuinely make dreams become reality, as they build up the confidence and courage to achieve their animal aspirations.

During my time as President of Animal Aspirations, collectively, we have achieved outstanding feats. Some particular highlights include becoming better established at other veterinary institutions across the UK, completing our expansion into primary school age groups, and also the successful creation of our annual event, Animal Aspirations Day - all of which, have allowed us to further expand our reach to the younger generation.

At Animal Aspirations, our main aims are to educate, inspire and as a result, diversify. As ironic as this may sound, we are working towards making ourselves redundant. We aspire to create a society where there is adequate representation of individuals from various backgrounds and ethnicities within the veterinary and animal-related fields. With diversity comes new ideas, new interactions, and new relationships, all of which can be utilised to create a welcoming, constructive, and progressive profession.

Vets from all backgrounds have a vital role to play in cultivating this change in the profession. Sadly, this has been a burden which under-represented groups have been forced to carry. However, there is no reason why this cannot change. The time for change is now, and one of the most important things which you can do is being a good ally. The focus of allyship is to actively advance and advocate for the interests of marginalised groups. One point that I would like to make clear is that allyship benefits everyone, not just those who are marginalised. Allyship fosters an authentic space, a space which recognises what makes each of us unique – our backgrounds, life experiences and beliefs, which shape who we are. Recognition of this allows everyone involved to feel safe, included and valued.

So I ask the question: would you like to be a better ally and an active bystander? An individual who advocates for diversity and inclusion? Would you really like to make a difference? If the answer is yes, I encourage you to take the time and effort to educate yourself. Read, listen, watch, and deepen your understanding of race relations as this will allow for productive conversations to thrive without invalidating experiences. Furthermore, speak up. If you know something is wrong, say something, as taking action not only interrupts bias, but also inspires those around you – so allyship literally cultivates allyship.

For the larger organisations, endeavour to start meaningful conversations with people from ethnic minorities. Not only conversations, but focus on being present within the communities which you would like representation from. Many make the mistake of simply throwing out resources without follow up, but follow up in the form of presence will have an immeasurable impact – as we at Animal Aspirations have ascertained.

Finally, becoming an active ally and an advocate for diversity and inclusion requires action. Now is the time for change, and your actions, rather than your words, will speak volumes about your character and your values.

If you would like to find out more about Animal Aspirations, please visit our website and follow us on social media @AnimalAsp.