When public information is written clearly and presented in a way that is attractive and easy to read, it reduces one barrier that prevents people from taking part in their community When everyone can find out what they have to do, and learn about things they might like to do, there is a greater chance they will take part.

By producing public information that is clear and easy to understand, we acknowledge that many people do not read easily. We recognize that they are a part of our society, and that they have an equal right to be informed.

Clear writing promotes public awareness about literacy

Material that is easy to read complements the efforts of community literacy programs to help people develop their reading and writing skills. First, it provides relevant and topical information that can be used as teaching material in our literacy programs. Second, it’s a very practical way for people in the community to “do something” about literacy within their own offices and organizations.

Clear writing is a good starting place for literacy organizations to begin talking to other groups in the community about literacy. Many groups have never considered that they may be excluding people from their activities because of the way they present themselves in print. Their pamphlets, newsletters and other printed material may only be useful for an exclusive, well-educated audience, even though they hope to reach the general public.

When an organization accepts clear writing as a principle, and begins to use it, they have taken an important step. They have recognized that they have the power to inform or exclude people by the way they write. The decision to use clear writing and good design is a decision to try and reach as many people as possible. The reasons for doing this may vary — but the effect is the same. People who don’t read well have a better chance of finding out what they need or want to know.