In 2023, our team read through The Inclusive Language Handbook by Jacki Ferguson and Roxanne Bellemy together, and then everyone took the time to reflect on what they learned and what we could do with that new information.
Before we share that, how about a little peek into our process?
Inclusivity has been on the team's minds for a while. It comes up when we plan for the year; it's part of what we consider helping our clients, and it's something that we know will need to evolve continuously. But with a whole Marketing business to run and a small team, finding the time to get everyone on the same page has been challenging.
The Inclusive Language Handbook, at just less than 80 pages, was a great length to tackle as a team. The content was broken down logically and separated by discussion-ready exercises, making it perfect for a busy team to read and review a little each month for about 6 months.
We met roughly (but not perfectly) once a month. Because this book was uniquely bite-size-able, we were able to end every discussion by looking ahead to what was happening in the next month (vacations, big events, important projects, etc.) and decide as a group how much to cover based on our calendars and how much time we might think we needed to really digest that month's content.
That way, we could stay flexible and spend the time we felt we needed on each topic.
We could all call on different lived experiences, so different concepts resonated with each of us, but some stuck out as the most impactful.
The lesson here extends far beyond which words to use and which to retire; it's really a deeper examination of how something as simple as a thoughtlessly placed phrase can hurt someone, no matter how honorable our intentions are.
This book explores how we can use Person First language (things like saying "a person with Diabetes" instead of "a Diabetic") to recognize our shared humanity and encourage us to see people as multi-faceted rather than simply through the lens of one trait.
It also encourages using gender-neutral language when you're speaking to a group or when you're talking to or about someone, and you don't personally know how they identify.
Another theme that emerged was the potential impact of using acronyms and idioms, assuming those around us should understand. By simply checking for understanding and explaining anything unclear, we'll get our message across and build a more collaborative environment.
Our team agreed that it will be tough to break some of our habits (and we know our Wisconsin will show when we slip up and say "You Guys"), but it will be worth it if we can make even one person feel more included.
"Using inclusive language builds good vibes and strong connections." Ben, Executive Director
Exclamation has a multi-generational team from Gen X and Elder Millennials, Zennials, and Gen Z; everyone brings a unique perspective. One thing we all agree on, though, is that the language we use and the best way to show up inclusively is ever-evolving.
As we worked through this book together, we marveled at how quickly language and our expectations for ourselves continue to change. No matter our age and life experience, we all came out of the process knowing that language will continue to evolve, and we will need to be committed to continuous learning.
"Listen to others when they share words or phrases they find harmful." Alex, Visual & Engagement Creator
Almost everyone on the team agreed that learning and using inclusive language ourselves isn't where it stops. To be a true ally, we need to invite those around us to learn and grow with us.
We can do that in small ways, like being mindful to model inclusive language and behavior to the people we see every day, and in ways that will take a little extra courage, like addressing problematic language when we see it and helping educate with care and patience.
"Just overall being an open circle of communication, kindness, and understanding because we're all learning and growing." Kylie, Visual Creator
The study of inclusive language is fascinating and ever-changing, and everyone on the Exclamation Team took away so much from this experience. We're looking forward to our next book club, whatever that will be, so we can keep learning and growing together.
About the Author: The Exclamation Team is a group of multi-talented, multi-discipline, multi-tasking experts in Marketing. When they’re not focused on helping one of their credit union or business clients take things to the next level, they’re creating something new and cool to share with the world. You can follow the Exclamation Team on Facebook, LinkedIn, and Instagram.
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