Are you curious about learning about plain language around the world? Join PLAIN’s global network in our LinkedIn group!
This group is open to PLAIN members and non-members alike. This growing community, from across 65 countries, shares both local and international stories related to plain language efforts around the world, as well as recent research and professional development opportunities.
From practical case studies to political implications to discussions on specific grammar topics, you can find a wide-ranging conversation on all things plain language. Professionally, members include writers, attorneys, editors, students, and all types of language enthusiasts. Learn a lot and contribute to the plain language movement!
We are thrilled to highlight outstanding work in the field of plain language. At the 2019 PLAIN conference, we honored two plain language experts and an institution for their achievements.
The 2019 Christine Mowat Plain Language Achievement Award was presented to Dr Neil James, a researcher, trainer, editor, author, and overall leader in the plain language movement. He is the co-founder and Executive Director of Plain English Foundation, an organization that has shaped communication culture in some of Australia’s biggest and most important sectors.
His work extends beyond his home country of Australia; as one of the former presidents of PLAIN, he helped define and strengthen the organization and plain language work as a profession. In addition to his work in organizations, he has developed workshops, edited significant communication templates, and served as a conference speaker, media commentator, and expert witness on plain language. His tireless work has helped expand the field of plain language on a national and international scale.
Neil James and Margrethe Kvarenes, president of PLAIN in Oslo, 2019
The 2019 Cheryl Stephens Innovation Award was presented to Katherine McManus and Simon Fraser University Continuing Education for the development, design, and implementation of the Plain Language Certificate Program in the Continuing Education department of Simon Fraser University.
Katherine McManus’ leadership and expertise in developing the certificate program is a significant contribution to the field of plain language. The Plain Language Certificate Program is recognized for its achievement in using technology for online learning, advocacy and network-building, as well as using the latest developments from experienced plain language practitioners. Thanks to Katherine’s diligence and commitment, the plain language field has a university-based professional training program.
Katherine McManus with the Cheryl Stephens Award
Want to learn more about how the work of our members is shaping plain language around the word? Members can read our e-journal and use the PLAIN logo.
The new Board members were nominated and elected at the 2019 Annual General Meeting that took place at the PLAIN conference in Oslo.
The new members bring with them a diverse background – both in their professional experience and in their global perspectives. The Board spans 5 continents and 11 countries – a reflection of PLAIN’s international development. The new members are already busy planning projects for the membership and publications committees.
The Board would also like to thank its exiting members, Anki Mattson, Greg Moriarty, Claire O’Riordan and Kate Harrison Whiteside, for their service on the Board. Their invaluable support with conference planning, membership, and administration was key to PLAIN’s recent growth.
Are you interested in helping PLAIN shape the future of plain language globally? Become a member today!
As a member of PLAIN, you can get the Editors Canada member rate for the second international editing conference. That means you can save up to $200 on registration for this weekend of learning, networking and fun.
The conference will be held from June 19 to 21, 2020, in Montreal, Quebec.
Take your training to the next level
The conference has three days of sessions that will help you enhance your editing skills and boost your career.
You can also take advantage of in-depth professional development opportunities with Editors Québec premium seminars.
These four half-day workshops will be held Friday, June 19.
They are not included in the conference registration fee, but you can sign up for them when you register for the conference.
Festivities and networking events
The conference organizers have lots of networking opportunities for you, including
a Thursday night dinner (individuals pay for their own meals and drinks)
the Friday night welcome reception (included in the registration price)
the Saturday evening banquet (extra)
Experience Montreal
Montreal is the second biggest city in Canada.
It has a long history in the country and it remains a hub of commerce, science, design, arts, food and fashion.
It’s a UNESCO City of Design.
The city is known for its art galleries, its restaurants and its fabulous clothing.
It also has over 100 festivals each year.
The residents of Montreal are almost all bilingual, so you don’t need to know French to get around the city.
Early bird registration fee is valid until April 6, 2020.
a downloadable PLAIN logo for you to use on your webpages and other materials,
all issues of PLAIN Matters, our newsletter,
TED talks on plain language, and
presentations from our previous conferences.
You will also find the first issue of PLAIN’s new e-journal with pieces about plain language in Germany, Colombia, Argentina, Chile, Japan, and Hungary. The articles are written in English and also translated respectively into German, Spanish, Japanese and Hungarian.
PLAIN plans to publish an e-journal twice a year.
To access all these benefits, head over to the Resources for Members section, and sign in with the email address and password you used when you signed up for PLAIN.
The theme of the PLAIN conference in Oslo, 2019 is to show the results and effects to date. During the conference, skilled speakers from approx. 20 countries will show concrete examples of how clear communication can save time and money, create trust and promote democracy. Participants can learn about specific methods which can be adopted, engage in discussions and help shape the field further.
public acknowledgement of their achievements on the PLAIN website and other PLAIN communication channels
How to nominate
To make a nomination for an award, you must be a PLAIN member. Your nomination must:
be in writing (maximum of 5 pages total for nominating and supporting documents)
document the nominee’s achievements, referring to the award criteria
be supported by another PLAIN member and at least one other individual active in the plain-language profession but not necessarily a member of PLAIN.
About the awards
The Christine Mowat Award
The Christine Mowat Plain Language Achievement Award recognizes an outstanding contribution to advancing plain language. Its purpose is to recognize a significant contribution to advancing plain language at the local, regional, national, or international levels.
The award will be presented to a person or organization who has significantly advanced plain language as a professional through their work and represented the profession of plain language with the highest integrity and skill.
The Cheryl Stephens Innovation Award recognizes innovation in plain language. The purpose of the award is to recognize the significant contribution of a PLAIN member.
The award will be presented to a person or organisation whose plain language activities have brought significant benefit to the community through technology, advocacy, research and/or professional development.
[one_half]The award is sponsored by skritswap. Skritswap is a technology company providing an AI solution to making information easy to understand. On 16 February, skritswap hosted ‘Innovation Day’. Read more about Innovation Day and skritswap’s sponsorship of the Cheryl Stephens Award here.[/one_half]
The deadline for submitting your proposal to the PLAIN 2019 conference is the 15th of February.
The conference theme is “Clear communication – clear results”. We seek interesting and dynamic speakers who can show different aspects of how clear communication is beneficial for society, companies, users, democracy or justice.
Margrethe Kvarenes of Norway (pictured) was elected the new President of PLAIN by the members of the organization’s board. Margrethe thanked her predecessor, Joanna Richardson of Argentina, for her wonderful service to PLAIN during her tenure.
Returning officers are Jana Goldman, United States, Vice-President; Greg Moriarty, Australia, Secretary; and Diane Macgregor, Canada, Treasurer.
The Board also welcomed two new members – Miguel Martinho of Portugal and Irene Stotko of South Africa.
The new President has great faith in PLAIN’s strategic plan, and Margrethe’s main goals for her term are to add value for PLAIN’s members and to professionalize the organization and the field of plain language further.
Margrethe is a manager at the Language Council of Norway, the Norwegian Government’s consultative body on language issues. Her career includes positions in international organizations and extensive Board experience from both non-governmental organizations and the public sector. As plain language advocate, lecturer, and author she has played a major part in establishing plain language in Norway’s civil service – a ten-year initiative which has set a new standard for public communication in Norway.
Start planning now for International Plain Language Day on October 13.
Theme for 2018: Let’s be clear!
Share your plain language successes
Plan a local, regional, national, organization-wide, in-person or virtual event to celebrate accomplishments in 2018 or promote your plain language initiatives for the coming year.
Event ideas:
competition for best clear customer service message in your organization
display of before and after examples of plain information
create a list of your jargon and challenge staff to create and commit to clear alternatives
Past International Plain Day celebrations have included art and music displays celebrating plain language, public demonstrations and marches, coffee meetings, luncheons, dinners, and exhibitions of plain language work from around the world.
