The most important factor for the success of your clear language initiative is ‘buy-in’. You want firm support from your decision-makers and a small army of enthusiastic people pushing the initiative from all parts of the organization. The promotional tools in this kit are designed to help you tell people about the initiative and get that buy-in.
Draw from these tools for presentations, posters, newsletter articles, Web site and intranet postings. Adapt them to reflect your workplace and the goals of your initiative. Here’s what we’ve included:
This set of talking points explains what clear language is and describes the problems it helps to solve in a municipal context. Then the points focus in on the real benefits of clear language reform for municipalities – transparency and more accountability; an inclusive, service-driven workplace; an informed, democratic union.
Use these talking points when you are organizing support from the decision-makers in your organization. Gather real examples of the problems and benefits from your own municipality to drive the points home.
Because a clear language initiative involves a major cultural shift, you can expect resistance. This section addresses common misconceptions and fears about the clear language approach. It will prepare you to address those concerns head-on.
It’s important to treat these concerns with respect. Often, they are voiced by people who have a real love of language and a desire for quality in communication. If you can answer their questions clearly, with up-to-date research, you may be able to win over talented allies to help with your initiative.
Nothing helps people grasp new ideas better than telling a story. We’ve included two excellent case studies in this kit – one from Los Angeles County and one from the government of Saskatchewan. In the U.S. example, you can find out how one clear language project measured success and what lessons were learned through the project. In the Saskatchewan story, you’ll discover the astonishing impact that revising just one brochure had for a social assistance program.
Use these case studies to develop your own ideas about how you might pilot a clear language initiative and measure your success. Tell the stories to your decision-makers to get them thinking about tangible results. With a clear picture of what’s possible, they are more likely to get behind your initiative.
Most people grasp the importance of clear language for the first time when they see how a piece of ‘gobbledygook’ has been rewritten. The effect is dramatic and immediate – fewer words, more white space, the message up front – what a relief!
We’ve selected several powerful before and after samples that deal specifically with communication in the municipal context, including collective agreements and municipal bylaws.