Allies in Colour (AIC) is the independant, national, peak advocacy and research body for advancing culturally and racially marginalised (CARM) Australian representation in positions of power and influence.
Our key target areas are governance (boards), politics, and entrepreneurship as this is where reaching parity in CARM representation will be most impactful for progress and where direct effort is lacking.
We also recognise and appreciate that our CARM communities are being supported by under-resourced and under-funded, community-led, grassroots organisations as well as crucial research from academia. Therefore, we will always advocate for the needs and priorities of such community groups, and where possible, with the backing of evidence-based research.
AIC is apolitical and independent of any political party. We collect data, conduct workshops, and hold events to encourage, educate, and assist CARM Australians to be successful in our key focus areas.
Our Brands under Allies in Colour
The Centre of Multicultural Political Engagement, Literacy and Leadership (COMPELL) is dedicated to advancing multicultural Australian representation in Australian politics . We are a nonpartisan organization that collects data, conducts workshops, and holds events to encourage, educate, and assist multicultural Australians to learn about AUSPOL and how they can contribute to and participate in the political process.
CARM Board List is an initiative of AIC to increase representation of CARM (Culturally and Racially Marginalised) Australians on Boards. We help organisations find culturally diverse candidates and provide board training and workshops to our CARM members. Organisations serious about culturally diverse representation on their boards should create a listing with us.
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CARM (Culturally and Racially Marginalised) Terminology
AIC would like to acknowledge the work of Diversity Council of Australia in coining this powerful terminology, to help us advance our cause. The following is information as found on their website.
What do we mean by ‘CARM’?
We use the term culturally and racially marginalised (CARM) to refer to people who are not white – research shows this group experiences racial marginalisation. This includes people who are Black, Brown, Asian, or any other non-white group, who face marginalisation due to their race. The term “culturally” is added because these people may also face discrimination due to their culture or background – e.g., a woman who is a Muslim migrant from South Sudan may face discrimination because of her race and her religion and cultural background.
Diversity Council Australia (V. Mapedzahama, F. Laffernis, A. Barhoum, and J. O’Leary). Culturally and racially marginalised women in leadership: A framework for (intersectional) organisational action, Diversity Council Australia, 2023.
Acknowledgement of Country
We acknowledge the many Traditional Custodians of Country throughout Australia and honour their Elders past and present.
We respect their deep enduring connection to their lands, waterways and surrounding clan groups since time immemorial. We cherish the richness of First Nations Peoples’ artistic and cultural expressions.
We are privileged to gather on this Country and through this website to share knowledge, culture and art now, and with future generations.