In September 2022, Coaches from MHLIC were working with one of the MHI grantees, providing technical assistance (TA) to them after the completion of an online Sustainability Tool. The online Sustainability Tool was completed individually by each workgroup member and a group score and report were generated. Together, with support from the MHLIC Coaches, the workgroup met to discuss the report and findings and begin action planning next steps.
As the results of the report were being discussed, words like “champion”, “community leaders”, “communication strategies,” and more were discussed at length. Because the team members had not agreed on a common language, these words – simple, straightforward, and common – meant different things to each of them, depending on their role, context, and experience. The conversation was fascinating, empowering, engaging, and has led this team to develop a code book on definitions of these and many more words. The meaning of the words we use daily in our interactions can also determine the extent to which those we are speaking with feel included. Words can determine if people feel valued and respected.
Why is common and inclusive language so important? Common language allows those involved in the program, project, team, worksite, etc. to be on the same page – using the same definitions for the same words in order to ensure clarity, specificity, and understanding. Without a common language, as in the case of the Maternal Health Innovation (MHI) grantee above, we would be moving through our work using the same words and meaning different things. Consider this:
You are from Florida and you want a soda. What do you in Florida call a soda? Well, in Florida it is a soda, coke, sprite, etc. However, if you are from the Midwest, soda is referred to as “pop.” So if someone travels from Florida to Nebraska, it is possible a server at the restaurant may not understand what you are ordering!
Soda and Pop are not likely to cause inaccurate reporting, misunderstanding of perinatal health concerns or misinterpretations on a sustainability tool, however these simple words can cause confusion and frustration.
Inclusive language is about ensuring we are using language that is respectful and encourages positive interactions. On example of the importance of inclusive language is using people’s proper pronouns. Knowing someone’s pronouns can promote respect and value to the other person. It demonstrates “I see you” to the person. Including your pronouns on your signature line, using them in your introductions during meetings, workshops, or webinars can help to ensure we refer to other people (and they to us) appropriately.
At the 2022 National Maternal Health Innovation Symposium (NMHIS), participants were asked to define “what a common and inclusive language meant to them.” Below are their responses.
Which ones resonate with you?
- Being able to respect how others want to be addressed
- Using language that encourages positive interaction(s)
- Language grounded in respect
- Puts everyone on the same playing field and shows that you care about the feelings of others
- Having tools and the opportunity to fully respect others and be able to communicate with them in a way that makes them feel seen and safe
- Allows us to have more conversations and less confrontations. Good intentions and messages get lost because someone uses a word or phrase that is ‘wrong’
- Eliminating judgment and create an understanding atmosphere
- Having a way to communicate that reflects a shared understanding
- Language that does not [offend] others
- The words that I use, the posture that I take make everyone particularly, people who are not part of various dominant groups, feel welcomed, understood, and appreciated.
- I am intentionally creating space for continued growth and learning that language changes [over time]
- Language that does not challenge, dismiss, devalue the ‘you-ness’ of others but respects, honors, validates the others’ ‘you-ness’
- Creating a welcoming environment where all people, with their diverse experiences and backgrounds, feel included
So much of the time, we minimize ourselves and our individualities. We hide who we are and may be scared to show our true and authentic selves. By using inclusive language, grounded in respect and good intentions, we are more likely to have opportunities for constructive, collaborative engagement and outcomes.
So, how can you implement a common and inclusive framework in your setting? What steps will you take to set clear, understandable and authentic language?
At MHLIC, we have been engaging in this same work for almost three years. As a national team, representing at least six different organizations from across the United States, having common and inclusive language is critical to our success.
Has it been easy? No.
Has it is created opportunity for difficult conversations? Yes.
Currently, we have an almost final version of our own Common and Inclusive Language document. This living document will be updated annually, as we continue to grow as an organization, bring on new partners and stakeholders and address the changing landscape of language. If you would like to know more or receive technical assistance to begin your own journey, please complete this form.
Related
The second blog on this topic. For more information, review the first blog entitled: Make It Make Sense: Creating a Common Language Framework for Engaging “Community.”