Inclusive Writing in Permaculture

A Handbook to Simple and Respectful Communication

Have you ever thought about how to reflect the sustainable and harmonious systems we strive to create in the way we communicate? Inclusive writing ensures that our ideas are understandable, respectful, and accessible to all readers, regardless of their background, abilities, or language skills.

The Importance of Inclusive Writing

People Care highlights the importance of fostering supportive environments and taking care of one another. Inclusive writing nurtures a sense of respect and belonging, ensuring that everyone feels valued and included. This approach encourages collaboration and strengthens a sense of community.

Choosing to write inclusively means avoiding stereotypes and assumptions while using language that honors diversity. By doing so, we ensure that every reader feels recognized and respected, which strengthens trust and engagement within our communities.

Key Principles of Inclusive Writing

1. Use Simple Language

• Avoid Jargon: While permaculture has its own terminology, use plain language when addressing a broad audience. If technical terms are necessary, provide concise explanations.
• Short Sentences: Keep sentences brief to improve readability, especially for non-native speakers.
• Active Voice: Writing in the active voice makes sentences clearer. For example, “We design gardens” is easier to understand than “Gardens are designed by us.”

2. Be Gender-Inclusive

• Gender-Neutral Terms: Use terms like “firefighter” instead of “fireman” or “humankind” instead of “mankind.”
• Pronouns: When gender is unknown or irrelevant, use “they” as a singular pronoun. For example, “Every student should bring their own materials.”

3. Honor Cultural and Linguistic Diversity

• Steer Clear of Idioms and Slang: These can be confusing for non-native speakers. Stick to straightforward language.
• Multilingual Considerations: Offer summaries or translations in other relevant languages and encourage the use of local languages alongside the primary text.

4. Make Content Accessible

• Visual Aids: Use images, charts, and tables to support and clarify your text, making it easier to understand.
• Clear Structure: Organize your content with headings, bullet points, and concise paragraphs to enhance readability.

5. Make Choices That Reflect Diversity and Avoid Stereotypes

• Diverse Examples: Incorporate a variety of cultures, ethnicities, and experiences in your examples to foster inclusivity.
• Avoid Stereotypes: Avoid language or imagery that reinforces stereotypes. Instead, use accurate and respectful representations.

6. Clarity and Consistency

• Consistent Language: Use consistent language and vocabulary throughout your text to avoid confusion.
• Apply Self-Regulation and Accept Feedback: Invite diverse perspectives to review your writing and suggest improvements for inclusivity.

Applying Permaculture Principles to Writing

Permaculture principles provide a useful framework not only for sustainable design but also for effective and inclusive communication.

Observe and Interact

Audit your existing content to identify areas for improvement. Engage with your audience to understand their needs and preferences.

Integrate Rather Than Segregate

Combine different formats—text, visuals, and audio—to create content that serves diverse audiences without fragmenting your efforts.

Each Important Function Supported by Multiple Elements

Use redundancy, such as providing captions, transcripts, and audio descriptions, to make information accessible to all.

Produce No Waste

Streamline your content to avoid unnecessary repetition while minimizing your digital footprint, honoring the ethic of Earth Care.

Design from Patterns to Details

Start with broad inclusivity goals, such as using respectful and clear language, and then add specific elements like accessible design features or gender-neutral terminology.

Acknowledging Language Privilege

It’s important to acknowledge that fluency in dominant languages, such as English, can be a privilege. Inclusivity in this context involves:

• Showing consideration and assistance to non-native speakers or learners
• Promoting behaviors that respect and include other languages and cultures.
• Adapting communication to honor diverse linguistic preferences and traditions.

Conclusion

Inclusive writing goes beyond words—it builds bridges within our permaculture community. By embracing clarity, accessibility, and respect, we create communication that reflects our commitment to People Care, Earth Care, and Fair Share.
Let’s use inclusive writing not only as a tool for connection but as a practice that embodies the values we hold dear. Together, we can foster resilient, inclusive communities where everyone feels seen, heard, and valued.

Glossary

• Active Voice: A sentence structure where the subject performs the action stated by the verb (e.g., “The designer created the plan” rather than “The plan was created by the designer”).
• Belonging: Being part of a culture where you’re not only respected and valued but are comfortable speaking up and being the fullest version of yourself.
• Bias-Free Language: Language that avoids assumptions and stereotypes about individuals or groups based on their identity factors such as gender, race, ethnicity, disability, or socioeconomic status.
• Cultural Sensitivity: Being aware of and respectful toward the cultural differences and perspectives of others, ensuring that communication does not offend or alienate people from different backgrounds.
• Diversity: The inclusion and representation of different types of people (such as people of different races, cultures, genders, abilities, etc.) in a group or organization.
• Gender-Inclusive Language: Language that avoids bias towards a particular sex or gender and includes all genders. Examples include using “they” instead of “he/she” and “humankind” instead of “mankind.”
• Inclusion: Creating a culture where people from various identities are welcomed and valued for who they are.
• Inclusive Writing: Writing that avoids excluding or marginalizing individuals or groups and ensures that everyone feels respected and valued. This involves using clear, simple language, avoiding stereotypes, and being mindful of diverse perspectives.
• Jargon: Specialized terminology associated with a specific field or area of expertise that may not be understood by outsiders. In inclusive writing, it’s recommended to avoid jargon or to explain terms clearly when their use is necessary.
• Multilingual Considerations: The practice of recognizing and accommodating the different languages spoken by an audience. This can include providing translations or ensuring that language used is accessible to non-native speakers.
• Passive Voice: A sentence structure where the subject is acted upon by the verb (e.g., “The plan was created by the designer” rather than “The designer created the plan”). While sometimes useful, it can make sentences less direct and harder to read.
• People Care: One of the three ethics of permaculture, emphasizing the importance of caring for people, ensuring their well-being, and fostering a supportive community.
• Plain Language: Writing that is clear and straightforward, free of unnecessary complexity, and easily understood by a wide audience.
• Stereotypes: Oversimplified and generalized beliefs or ideas about a particular group of people that can lead to prejudice and discrimination.
• Visual Aids: Tools such as images, diagrams, and tables used to supplement written text and help clarify information, making it more accessible to diverse audiences.
• Visual Structure: The organization of content using headings, bullet points, and short paragraphs to make text easier to navigate and understand.

References

• Inclusive Language Guidelines by Conscious Style Guide

• Sum of us: A progressive’s Style Guide 

• UN Gender checklist for content creators 

• UN Guidelines for Gender-Inclusive Language  (available in multiple languages)

• OXFAM Inclusive Language Guide 

• Inclusive Language Guide 

• Showing Digital Empathy 

• Guide Pratique pour une Communication Publique Sans Stéréotype de Sexe 

• Guide de rédaction inclusive 

• Uso inclusivo del Castellano 

• Guía para usos inclusivos del lenguaje y no sexista