NOV 7, 2021
The words we choose to express our ideas, craft our curricula, and share our news do more than just communicate—they shape the very fabric of our collective consciousness. They influence how we see the world, how we interact with one another, and ultimately, how we take action together. What we choose to include in our language becomes part of our communal truth -- and what we leave out? Well, that slips quietly into the collective unconscious, leaving behind gaps and silences that can perpetuate exclusion and misunderstanding.
I recently had the privilege of working with a large psychoeducational organization that’s dedicated to helping families around the globe build healthy relationships. This organization is deeply committed to equity and inclusion, and they recognized that their educational materials needed a full overhaul to reflect these values more accurately.
When I first came on board, much of their language was tailored to the experiences of white, middle-class, heterosexual, cisgender couples. The content was well-meaning, but it didn’t capture the full spectrum of human experience that their audience represents. And they knew it. That's why they reached out to us. They had received feedback from queer, gay and polyamorous people that they could not see themselves in the curriculum, as well as pervasive monocultural imagery throughout their manuals. They needed a change.
Over the course of our collaboration, we transformed those materials. We didn’t just swap out a few words here and there or change out pictures of white people with mixed-race couples; we dug deep into the meaning and purpose of their message. We rooted out damage-centered narratives that reinforced stereotypes and reimagined the content to rehumanize and center the needs of real people from diverse backgrounds. By the time we were done, their materials reflected the rich variety of lived experiences that make up our world.
Why This Matters
The process of DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) editing goes beyond simple language tweaks. It’s about shifting the narrative, challenging assumptions, and ensuring that what we teach and share is truly reflective of the world we live in. It’s about creating content that doesn’t just speak to the privileged few but resonates with everyone, regardless of their background, identity, or lived experience.
Think about it: in a world that’s increasingly diverse, shouldn’t the materials we use to educate, inspire, and connect with one another be just as varied and inclusive? Shouldn’t they speak to the realities of all people, not just those who’ve historically held the most power and visibility?
When we take the time to ensure our language is inclusive, we’re doing more than just being “politically correct.” We’re making a conscious choice to create spaces—whether in classrooms, boardrooms, or online communities—where everyone feels seen, heard, and valued. We’re fostering environments where real learning and growth can happen because people feel safe to show up as their full selves.
How We Can Help
If you’re an author, educator, leader, or part of an organization that creates content, this is where we come in. At Awakening Creatives, we specialize in DEI copy editing and reviewing services that are anything but stuffy or corporate. We take an organic, deeply relational approach to our work, understanding that every word and every phrase has the power to either include or exclude, to uplift or to marginalize.
Our recent work with the psychoeducation company is a perfect example of how this approach can transform the learning and teaching experience. By working with us, they were able to make their programs not just more inclusive, but more relevant and impactful for the diverse populations they serve. Their materials now reflect the real world—the world as it is, with all its beautiful complexity.
So, if you know an author or organization that could use a fresh perspective, let’s talk. We’re here to help you bring more equity, more truth, and more humanity to the materials you create. Together, we can make sure that the content shaping our world is as diverse, inclusive, and vibrant as the people who live in it.
Let’s work together to create content that doesn’t just educate but inspires and unites. After all, the words we choose today will shape the world we live in tomorrow.
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