How to write welcoming messaging
Written by KATIE TEST DAVIS
“Students are encouraged to ask mom and dad to join them at the picnic!”
“We look forward to seeing all parents at the conference.”
“Household members should enroll today.”
As leaders in the child and family advocacy space, the words we use matter.
How we talk about families and children matters.
When we use language based on assumptions – so, for example, in the case of mom and dad – we are unintentionally prescribing relationships that may not exist for all families in our community.
For example, when we say “mom and dad,” we may be excluding adoptive, foster, queer, multi-generational families (and more!). Caregiver is a broader, more inclusive term that welcomes everyone in a child’s life. We never want to assume that everyone in a child’s life is their biological family, or that all adults that are in children's lives necessarily share the same home.
That’s why when I came across this beautiful inclusive language chart from Margaret Middleton, it stopped me in my tracks:
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What a beautifully simple way to lay out language choices and reasoning. Margaret has even created a professionally printed poster, which would make a fabulous addition to any communications office wall. (Thank you, Margaret, for this creation and allowing us to share it with you!)
So, as you move forward in your messaging, writing and campaigns, keep this chart front and center.
