If I had to be completely honest with myself I would say I am feeling very guilty about where I am on the Ally Continuum. I would say I am Aware (knowing basic concepts but I am not active on behalf of myself or others). I treat people equally but I am silent and have turned a blind eye on most inequalities mainly because I don't want to believe that the world is that in-just. I am sad that I cannot consider myself an advocate. I have always felt strongly about equality from all levels and characteristics, however feeling strongly but not being active in a change are very different. I also need to learn to not speak for others but to allow them to speak and make sure THEY are heard.
I, too, need to work on holding the space for others to speak. I am, at times, in the active to advocate area. I facilitate three groups for English language learners at the public library where I work. I make mistakes, and apologize, and laugh at my own folly, with them. I recall having a discussion with a colleague about publicity for these groups, advocating for the use of the term "internationals" rather than "foreigners." "International" is more respectful; "foreign" is exclusive.
As a young adult, I adopted the idea that if I find myself in a situation when I am aware that I feel more comfortable than someone else in a situation, then I have a responsibility to reach out to those others to help them to feel included and comfortable. Sometimes this takes me out of my comfort zone, but it usually has a positive effect for all of us.
There is always more to learn, and I am grateful for the opportunity to make respectful advocacy and inclusiveness a habit.
This training was an eye-opener for a lot of us. I agree with you that now is not the time to be silent. We need to speak out and educate the next generation.