Pam Ryan
Inclusive language specialist and copywriter
When I was four, going on five, years old, I started primary school. We were taken on a tour of the school by the then principal, Sr Xavier. I remember stopping by a Catholic icon with writing around it. Eight years at that school and I don’t remember if the words were in English or Latin, but I remember Sr Xavier telling us the message.
“Treat others as you would like them to treat you.”
That singular moment shaped so much of who I am now and what I do. Consideration for others is part of everything I do. When I do laundry, cook, clean, I do so in a way or at a time that doesn’t bother anyone else. I ask if anyone needs the restroom before I hop in the shower. I use headphones pretty much anytime I watch TV or listen to music. I don’t make a big song and dance about it. I just do it. 99% of the time others don’t know that I’m doing something for them.
That’s what inclusive language means to me. Making people feel comfortable, heard and welcome without making them feel like the elephant in the room.
I firmly believe the words we accept deem the actions we accept. When we use exclusionary words and phrases, we create an us and them, which serves no one. When we speak to each other in inclusive and often neutral terms, we create a space to focus on our shared goals and succeed together.
Mission
Vision
Values
At Inklusive®, we want to eradicate exclusion and boost belonging in large organisations and their customer communities through inclusive language audits, edits and education.
Inklusive® imagines a future when everyone feels a sense of belonging and fear of the ‘other’ has been replaced with curiosity, allyship and friendship.
Diverse allyship
Inclusion isn’t up to just one group; it’s up to everyone. Exclusion is rife between marginalised and non-marginalised groups and also between different marginalised groups. Inklusive® works with diverse groups to help bridge gaps through language and communication.
Equity over equality
Gone are the days when everyone should be treated the exact same. Inklusive® believes individuals have different needs and should be nurtured, assisted and treated differently from occasionally for an equal chance of success.
Nurture inclusion
Wanting not to offend is not the same as wanting to welcome. Not wanting to exclude is not the same as including. Inklusive® works with clients motivated to do right by those in their community and workforce.
Foster belonging
Inklusive® helps build environments where colleagues and volunteers feel they belong and can achieve and succeed together.
Considerate action
There’s a saying, “Treat others as you would like them to treat you,” and that consideration and respect for others is what Inklusive® is built on.