Words Matter
People are influenced by WORDS. It creates the framework for the services we provide and serves to help people find hope and become motivated for success. Every day at Maternal Family Health Services, we have an opportunity to foster hope, resilience and recovery through the language we choose.
Communicating builds bridges and breaks barriers while serving as the key to laying the groundwork for collective solutions. Simply put, words matter. Language is powerful. It can enhance empathy, clarity, and understanding of each other as complex individuals with overlapping and varied identities and experiences. However, when language ignores issues of power and equity that shape people’s lives, it creates exclusion of marginalized people. It is more important than ever to use language that creates inclusive and equitable cultures.
Inclusive language is more than just avoiding the use of a few antiquated or offensive terms and phrases. It is about embracing communication that acknowledges the power differentials and dynamics of our society and their hurtful effects. It is about showing appreciation for the diversity everyone brings to the table. And finally, it is about creating cultures where people can feel free to be their full authentic selves.
The face of the American population has changed. Gen Z will be the last generation that is a majority white — just barely, with 51%. The younger Generation Alpha, born 2013 to 2025, is 48% white and on track to be the most diverse generation ever. On the other hand, much larger shares of the older millennials, Gen Xers and baby boomers are white: 55%, 60% and 72%, respectively. Gen Z is more racially and ethnically diverse than older generations, with: 25% Latino or Hispanic;15% Black;6% Asian American or Pacific Islander; 5% two or more races; and 2% American Indian or Alaska Native young Americans. As Gen Zer’s grew up over the past two decades, children in immigrant families grew more common, rising from 19% of the United States’ population in the early 2000s to 25% in year 2021.
Adding to the changing American face, more than 1 in 4 Gen Z adults in the U.S. identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender or queer, stunting the percentages of LGBTQ Americans in older age groups, a recent survey has found 28% of Gen Z adults — which the survey’s researchers specify as those ages 18 to 25. That compares with 10% of all adults, 16% of millennials, 7% of Generation X, 4% of baby boomers and 4% of the Silent Generation, the institute found. “With respect to LGBTQ identity, it’s very clear that Gen Z adults look different than older Americans,” said Melissa Deckman, PRRI’s chief executive. (1) (2)
The use of inclusive language can have a positive effect on Maternal and Family Health Service’s efforts to cultivate an inclusive workplace environment that champions far beyond those we serve. Using inclusive language demonstrates an organizational commitment to and reinforces diversity, inclusion as core values. It also reduces discrimination and bias by actively discouraging exclusionary language and conduct. Additionally, because it tends to improve communication and collaboration, inclusive language breaks down barriers, building trust and mutual respect among coworkers. By speaking with an inclusive voice in external communications, organizations can experience a lift in their reputation and the perception of their bran, as well.
Using inclusive language is a continuous journey of education that includes actively listening to learn and being open to feedback (e.g., not responding defensively if someone recommends adjusting your word choice or phrasing in a given situation). Word-choice is often habitual. Another aspect of building one’s inclusive language capability is being open to acknowledging and correcting a mistake. Listening to others, asking questions, and learning the historical context of words and phrases are important steps to take in order to use more inclusive language.
Inclusive language is a powerful tool for demonstrating inclusive behavior and cultivating a sense of belonging among an increasingly diverse workforce. It takes deliberate action to break habitual use of words and phrases that are not inclusive and often requires one to commit to a continuous journey of listening, learning and growing, the benefits and positive impact of which can be far-reaching across an organization’s workforce and beyond.
Please take the time to review these helpful graphs from the Pennsylvania Department of Health regarding Inclusive Language which you can incorporate into your average workday:
Another suggestion is reframing how we respond to clients’ questions or behaviors.
