In a time when we often find ourselves divided instead of united,

Be reminded, there is only one force that overcomes fear and hate,

LOVE makes US great!

The research is clear and I’m not going to repeat it here. When people of ALL backgrounds feel valued, included, and that they belong in a group, they are happier and do better work. They contribute more ideas, they participate, they collaborate. EVERYONE benefits from this increase in engagement. Inclusion works – it’s not politics, it’s just common sense. 

It takes work to make inclusion work. Conscious inclusion is a skill to learn and hone. This week we focus on three simple inclusive language tools. In the spirit of keeping it positive, here are three to-do’s:

1. Share your pronouns. Despite what federal forms may now say, transgender people do exist, they have for, well forever. Recognition and respect are actions of love. Don’t ask others what their pronouns are, simply share your own as a loving demonstration that you recognize that gender and pronouns cannot be assumed.
2. Use inclusive greetings – everyone, folks, esteemed guests… “Ladies and gentlemen” as a greeting stopped being fashionable about the same time as my 1990’s suits with linebacker shoulder pads.
3. Use expansive terms to include everyone – parents (vs mothers and fathers), spouse or partner (vs wife or husband), chairperson (vs chairman), etc. 

You may be thinking, “these seem too simple to be impactful.” This is exactly why they are impactful. We hear them every day and each time those short messages add up in our brains. For members of underrepresented and marginalized groups, it is a shout of inclusion and can make the difference between feeling included or excluded. Words matter.

I wish I could say that these issues don’t come up anymore, yet just this week I was in a group conversation where the language a leader used did not recognize the existence of same sex parents. I’m sure it was not intentional, it still stung listeners.

This week, pay extra attention to what you hear and what you say. If you are introducing yourself, addressing a group, or writing an email, take a moment to scan your language. If you feel uncomfortable, it means you are learning a new behavior. 

Love requires participation. Love requires sharing. Love requires action. Love requires commitment. What you share is amplified and inspires others.

With gratitude,

Joyce Aiko

(yes, love really is my middle name)