Writing

Writing Principals

People First Language

Using people first language helps emphasize the humanity of the person rather than their diagnosis and can help with reducing stigma around health conditions. Try things like replacing "diabetic person" with "person with diabetes."

Self Identification

General writing principals are geared towards creating an inclusive and respectful online space. However, each individual has their own preference to how they like to be refereed to, so it is important to collaborate with the individual to refer to them in the manner they prefer.

Make space for people to self identify themselves, whether its for pronouns, race or anything in between. If you are confused or unsure, just ask.

Normalization

Normalization can happen when you use your own group as the reference group. This can imply a superiority or normality of one group over the other.

Example:

  • Children from BIPOC communties in the US have lower reading proficiency rates.

Jargon & Universal Phrases

As an active member of the FBC community, there may be terms that seem easily understandable to you, but they might not be to the observer. For example, sustainability in the FBC Youth Program refers to the overarching sustainability of environment, community and economics.

For example:

  • Sustainability can commonly refer to environmental sustainability so make sure to place terms with context and avoid overarching generalizations without explanation.

  • Intersectionality is a word that might seem self explanatory. But in the context of activism, sustainability, and change it means the coming together of different sectors to enable progression.


Inclusive Language

Inclusive language is paramount to making sure everyone feels welcome at the FBC Youth Program and that youth curious about the organization know that they will be respected. But, as language is continually evolving, it can be difficult to navigate. To help with this, the Government of British Columbia provides a comprehensive guide to inclusive language called Words Matter. This resource encompasses all facets of inclusive language from sexuality to medical conditions. Using this resource ensures that you are meeting guidelines for workplace reccomendations.

However, inclusive language, as implied in the term is designed to be just that; inclusive. Which is why it is crucial to consult the individual you are writing about on how they like to be addressed.

Tone

When writing captions, texts on graphics etc, keep in mind the brand identity of FBC's Youth Program which values elevating youth voices, inclusivity, ambition, and fun! Some other words might include: thoughtful, reflective, collaborative, positive. Essentially, think of the way you would like the organization to be represented, that is the tone written content should embody.

  • Empowering & uplifting: use things like affirmative language to encourage your audience with any goal

    • Example: Although Dove is a controversial company, they use written branding very effectively to build an image of their brand that they would like.

      • Dove uses phrases like "self esteem education" and "realize full potential" aimed at making their promise for empowerment of women clear.

Trigger Warnings

While the FBC Youth Social media content is generally does not include triggering content, there may be instances where traumatic events are referred to (Ex. residential school system, foster care, possible phobias such as blood).

Content warnings (CW) are used when the content of the caption or post might be upsetting without referring to traumatic experiences. Upsetting content can include things like blood, racism, animal cruelty, etc.

Trigger warnings (TW) are used when there is a reference to traumatic content that may cause psychological distress to individuals with PTSD and other related conditions. Trigger warnings must be used for content containing reference to violence, assault etc.

Captions

For platform specific informaiton, head to Platform Guides.

Text

When writing captions, keep in mind that the whole caption is not displayed to the app user. The first sentence and a half is all that there is room for before a drop down "more" has to be used. By keeping important information in the beginning of the caption you can help grab attention to the main reason of the post at first glance.

Instagram captions are not meant to be long form stories. Keeping it snappy and concise helps with grabbing attention and keeping it. Where possible, link to external sources for longer form versions and limit distracting details.

Facebook captions can be longer and more informative since the viewing process allows for slower scrolling. However, stay as concise as possible and keep important information towards the beginning.

Hashtags

Hashtags help people locate your posts and increase the possible engagement. Keep hashtags relevant to your post to help boost visibility. You can use hashtags to indicate geographic locations (#BC, #BeautifulBritishColumbia, #Kamloops) or to highlight topics of interest such as #HealthyLiving.

Hashtags are also easy ways to connect events or activism to your post. For example for Earth Day the hashtag #EarthDay can be used.

Sometimes, hashtags can make the caption too long in Instagram, taking away from the main message when you have the use the drop down "more" to see the rest of the caption. To counter this, comment on the post with your list of hashtags.

For information on how to made sure captions are accessible, go to Accessibility.