Language is a powerful tool for community organizing. It can inspire, motivate, and mobilize people to take action for a common cause. But it can also alienate, discourage, and divide people if used carelessly or manipulatively. How can you use language to empower community members and foster a sense of ownership, agency, and solidarity? Here are some tips and examples to guide you.
One of the first steps to empower community members is to use language that acknowledges and honors their identities, experiences, and perspectives. Avoid terms that are derogatory, stereotypical, or marginalizing. Instead, use terms that are affirming, empowering, and respectful. For example, instead of calling people "poor" or "disadvantaged", you can use terms like "low-income" or "underserved". Instead of labeling people by their problems or needs, you can use terms that highlight their strengths or aspirations. For example, instead of calling people "homeless" or "addicts", you can use terms like "people experiencing homelessness" or "people recovering from addiction".
Empower community members by using inclusive language that recognizes their strengths and contributions. Share a personalized story, like, "Salma Noreen's dedication transformed our community garden. Every individual's unique skills make us powerful. Together, we create positive change. Your voice matters; let's amplify it. Join us in shaping a brighter future for our community!" This narrative promotes a sense of belonging and motivates individuals to actively engage in community initiatives.
Another way to empower community members is to use language that emphasizes their actions and achievements, rather than their passivity or limitations. Avoid verbs that imply that community members are helpless, dependent, or victims. Instead, use verbs that show that community members are active, capable, or agents of change. For example, instead of saying "we helped them" or "we gave them", you can say "we supported them" or "we shared with them". Instead of saying "they need" or "they lack", you can say "they want" or "they deserve".
A third way to empower community members is to use language that reflects and reinforces their involvement and contribution, rather than your dominance or authority. Avoid pronouns that create a distance or a hierarchy between you and the community members. Instead, use pronouns that create a sense of partnership and equality. For example, instead of saying "I" or "we" (referring to yourself or your organization), you can say "you" or "us" (referring to yourself and the community members). Instead of saying "they" or "them" (referring to the community members as a separate group), you can say "we" or "us" (referring to the community members as part of a larger group).
A fourth way to empower community members is to use language that conveys the reality and the relevance of the issues and the solutions, rather than abstract or vague concepts. Avoid nouns that are general, ambiguous, or jargon-filled. Instead, use nouns that are specific, clear, and meaningful. For example, instead of saying "the problem" or "the issue", you can say "the lack of affordable housing" or "the high rate of unemployment". Instead of saying "the solution" or "the strategy", you can say "the housing cooperative" or "the job training program".
A fifth way to empower community members is to use language that invites and encourages their input and feedback, rather than imposing or dictating your views and decisions. Avoid questions that are rhetorical, leading, or closed-ended. Instead, use questions that are genuine, open-ended, and empowering. For example, instead of saying "don't you agree?" or "what do you think?" (which imply that you already have an answer or an opinion), you can say "how do you feel?" or "what do you want?" (which show that you care about their feelings or desires). Instead of saying "what are the challenges?" or "what are the opportunities?" (which assume that you already know the context or the possibilities), you can say "what are you experiencing?" or "what are you dreaming of?" (which allow them to share their stories or visions).
A sixth way to empower community members is to use language that acknowledges and celebrates their efforts and achievements, rather than criticizing or ignoring them. Avoid feedback that is negative, judgmental, or dismissive. Instead, use feedback that is positive, constructive, and appreciative. For example, instead of saying "that's wrong" or "that's not enough", you can say "that's interesting" or "that's a good start". Instead of saying "you should" or "you must", you can say "you can" or "you might". Instead of saying "thank you" or "good job" (which are generic and impersonal), you can say "I appreciate your courage" or "I admire your creativity" (which are specific and personal).
In my experience, allowing my daughter who has a learning disability, to dance was the most powerful way to let her express herself. We all have different methods and language that suit us. Allowing everyone to contribute, share, and be heard in the language of THEIR choosing, is the most empowering opportunity we can give people. When we do that they feel that they matter.