Inclusive Language Guide for THE FEED Access & Affordability Newsletter

Problem:

I was concerned that THE FEED, an alumni engagement tool run by the Georgetown University Office of Advancement, was losing touch with inclusive language trends in a way that would jeopardize its fundraising mission in service of accessible and affordable higher education.

Action:

1. I spearheaded the creation of inclusive language guidelines for THE FEED’s editorial content, to ensure that the values implicit in this weekly newsletter’s language to all alumni matched its mission.

2. I drew upon the lessons I learned at a professional development conference in Chicago put on by ACES: The Society for Editing, about all the ways in which language around intersectional identities is adapting and evolving.

3. I researched best practices from leading nonprofit organizations that advocate for the populations we cover in our articles.

Result:

The guide that emerged from this work was very well-received. It has since shaped office-wide guidance on how to sensitively discuss language around diverse identities.

I have continued learning about inclusivity through my volunteer work planning and facilitating events for the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee.

THE FEED has seen increases in renown and readership, earning two CASE Awards and promotion from university partners.

Visit THE FEED to read news stories following the inclusive language guidelines.