A happy compromise between people-first and plain language
Find out how the National Institute of Corrections is using people-first plain language in its communications. See what words and phrases they’re changing.
Communication
Good written and verbal communications make the government more effective and trustworthy.
More News and Events on Communication
104 posts
Building Beta: The Foundation
The USAGov program has been developing a new iteration of our bilingual sites, USA.gov and USAGov en Español. In the process of building beta.USA.gov and beta.USA.gov en Español, we’ve been rethinking our work style and priorities. Follow the “Building Beta” series to learn how we’re reimagining the way we approach product management, usability, accessibility, content creation, analytics, and outreach. — via USA.gov
Three Tips for Using Facebook and Instagram Stories
At USA.gov and USAGov en Español, we’re always looking for better ways to connect people to government information through social media. Using stories has helped us increase our engagement rate and our number of followers as we deliver helpful information to people. Stories may be a good addition to your agency’s social media strategy, too. These three tips can help you get started. — via USA.gov
Jargon Madness: A Plain Language Exercise
During the 2022 Plain Language Summit, Laura Rabuck of the Veterans Health Administration demonstrated how to promote plain language practices by focusing on jargon, a common enemy of all plain writers.
User Research
Managing Stakeholder Feedback: Lessons from Experience
During the 2022 Plain Language Summit, Stephanie Morrison from the Department of Health and Human Services provided five tips for managing reviewers when asking for feedback.
6 Important Factors To Consider for Digital Advertising in Government
The Federal Communicators Network community shares how agencies can approach digital advertising.
Webinar Recap: How to Measure Effectiveness of Your Digital Outreach and Communications
Panelists shared their experiences, lessons learned, and best practices for what works in federal government agencies that have robust programs reaching a diverse American public.
Plain Language
2022 Federal Plain Language Summit
Join the best and brightest plain language practitioners from across the federal government.
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Katina Stapleton
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Katherine Spivey
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Shuly Babitz
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Katy Karnell
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Donna Ledbetter
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Sheila Walsh
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Stanley Dambroski
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Dr. Rachael Bradley Montgomery
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Heather Holland
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Laura Rabuck
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Amanda Damewood
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Stephanie M. Morrison, MPH
2022
Federal Communicators Network
How Effective Is Your Communication?
Join us to learn about best practices for measuring communication and outreach efforts.
2022
Outreach
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline Partner Toolkit
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) recognizes the need for governments, states, territories, tribes, crisis centers, and partners to speak with one voice to ensure there is a clear understanding about what 988 is and how it will work. We encourage you to use these communication outreach materials and build upon them with your community coalitions to meet the needs of your specific audiences.
Content Design for beta.ADA.gov: Writing for Action and Flexibility
Content Design for beta.ADA.gov: Writing for Action and Flexibility—18F worked with a team at the Department of Justice to redesign ADA.gov. They helped them launch beta.ada.gov, and designed new content for some of the most sought-after ADA topics. — via 18F
Plain Language
Increase Your Impact With Plain Language
Get tips and lessons learned from the U.S. Department of Justice Civil Rights Division on using plain language to increase their impact and influence.
2022
C-SCRM Acquisition Community of Practice (ACoP) Interact Site
C-SCRM Acquisition Community of Practice (ACoP) Interact Site—Since the launch of the Cybersecurity Supply Chain Risk Management (C-SCRM) Acquisition Community of Practice (ACoP), GSA and the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) have been co-leading an effort to broaden the level of awareness and develop agency maturity in the areas of acquisitions, supply chain risk management, and cybersecurity across the federal government for information communication technology and services (ICTS). To increase C-SCRM awareness and adoption government-wide, the C-SCRM ACoP launched an online collaborative space for the federal government’s IT community and industry to share best practices, ideas, guidance, tools, and expertise needed to implement C-SCRM requirements. Working together as a community and sharing information will help us improve our cybersecurity posture across all levels of government. — via General Services Administration
Lessons from the 2021 Federal Plain Language Report Card
During the Digital.gov and Plain Language Community event, Results of the 2021 Federal Report Card, speaker David Lipscomb gave examples of web content that received both high and low scores in the 2021 Plain Language Report Card. Here’s what we learned.
Plain Language
Plain Language + Compassion Help People in Crisis
Meet the content strategists who worked to transform FindTreatment.gov to connect people in crisis with the help that they need.
2022
Multilingual
Webinar Recap: How To Best Connect With Your Spanish-speaking Audience During an Emergency
In this panel discussion, experts from different agencies shared how they’ve used social media to reach Hispanic audiences during emergencies and the COVID-19 pandemic.
Plain Language
Keynote Speaker Recap: Would More Plain Language Have Saved Us From the Worst of the Pandemic?
A summary of Cynthia Baur’s keynote at the 2021 Plain Language Summit.
Professional Development
Webinar Recap: The Part-Timer
Learn how Joanne Short of the United States Postal Service (USPS) opened professional doors by going beyond her job description in her Plain Language Summit session, The Part-Timer.
Plain Language
Results of the 2021 Federal Report Card
David Lipscomb from the Center for PL will review the results of this year’s Federal Plain Language Report Card and answer questions.
2021
Three Ways USAGov Outreach Can Help with Your Agency’s Next Campaign
Three Ways USAGov Outreach Can Help with Your Agency’s Next Campaign—Does your agency have an idea for a new marketing strategy? USAGov’s Outreach team can support your agency in all stages of your campaign. We can brainstorm with your team, discuss best practices, and try new marketing approaches to grow together in serving people. Learn how to begin partnering with us. — via USA.gov
