<aside> ⚠️ (feel free to organize this page however makes sense!) (Please add/change/revise the below as you see fit, or email ([email protected])/Slack DM (Jackie S. / she/her / 60th Street/ 41 Ave.) Jackie to discuss

</aside>

Referring to Our Group

Our group name:

Sunnyside & Woodside Mutual Aid

Not:

SWMA

Sunnyside / Woodside Mutual Aid

Sunnyside + Woodside Mutual Aid

Sunnyside Woodside Mutual Aid

Sunnyside Mutual Aid

Woodside Mutual Aid

You can also refer to us as SWMA when brevity is needed (such as for a social media handle) or after initially referring to our full name.

Writing Without Bias and for Inclusivity

Notes:

• Remember that language is important—it’s a powerful tool, but the English language is also the tool of the oppressor. Don’t ascribe moral meaning or intelligence to the use of “proper grammar.” Don’t be overly corrective when it’s not necessary.
• Be as specific as possible without making assumptions, and ask people how they should be identified. (i.e., Colombian American rather than Latinx; Japanese rather than Asian; South Asian rather than Asian; be aware that not everyone who is Black is African American; use specific Native nations)
• Be aware of the difference between race and culture.
• Don't assume you need to include any identifiers unless it's relevant or preferred.
• Use person-first language (person with a disability; uses a wheelchair; Jewish person; Black person).
• Use gender-neutral language whenever possible and gender-spectrum-inclusive language when speaking to a group. Ask people their pronouns and use them; don’t question anyone’s identity. (And don't refer to them as "preferred" pronouns, which negates the legitimacy.)
• Be aware that not everyone wants to be personally referred to with gender-neutral pronouns once their gender identity is expressed if they have a specific gender.
• When including phrases in languages other than English or cultural words and phrases, don’t feel the need to italicize, capitalize, or define terms. Don't enclose them in quotations unless it's a direct quote or preferred by an original writer.
• When possible, give Indigenous land recognition when talking about places. Use Indigenous place names rather than English historical names. With Native nations, the singular is the same as the plural (don’t add “s”).
• Understand language justice: Everyone has the right to be able to communicate and be understood in the language they prefer and with which they feel powerful.
• Be aware of regional dialects and slang; acknowledge that they are valid forms of communication. Acknowledge that African-American Vernacular English is a valid form of communication, but don't appropriate it if you are non-Black.
• Be concrete and accessible without being condescending; don't assume people know high-academic terms, and don't assume that they don't understand the concepts.