Plain Language Initiative
The County’s Quality and Productivity Commission launched a “Plain Language Initiative” campaign to promote the use of Plain Language. Plain Language is communication your audience can understand the first time they read or hear it. The purpose is to improve customer service and reduce costs.
Written material is in plain language if your audience can:
• Find what they need;
• Understand what they find; and
• Use what they find to meet their needs.
The Quality and Productivity Commission embraces “Plain Language” in all aspects of government. Six years ago, the Commission launched a countywide initiative to promote the use of clear communication to the public. Using plain language principles saves time, money and allows the public easy access to quality services.
The shift to plain language required a new way of thinking and communicating. Through the use of surveys, training, software, websites, articles and posters, the Commission has succeeded in initiating change in the embedded County culture. The Commission has been recognized for its efforts with a 2010 CSAC Challenge Award.
The California State Association of Counties honored the Commission with the “2010 Challenge Award” for the Plain Language Initiative.
CSAC “Simply Speaking” Executive Summary
Plain Writing Act Guidelines
The Commission’s “Plain Language Initiative,” under the leadership of Commissioner Jaclyn Tilley Hill, has long supported the recently passed Plain Writing Act. Guidelines for complying with the Act can be found at www.whitehouse.gov/sites/default/files/omb/memoranda/2011/m11-15.pdf
Informational Links:
Ten Things You Need to Know About Plain Language
Plain Language Posters
Basics of Plain Language Booklet
Plain Language Tip Sheet
Plain Language Training Handbook
The Write Stuff for Quality
Plain Language Power Point Presentations
Disclaimer: Notice of Leaving County Website: Please be advised that clicking on some of the links below will take you to websites that are not maintained by the County of Los Angeles and may contain commercial advertising. The County of Los Angeles does not endorse or support any of the advertising that may be contained on these sites.
http://plainlanguage.nih.gov
www.plainlanguage.gov
www.impact-information.com
http://www.centerforplainlanguage.org/
http://www.customercarewords.com/webinar-previous.html