Clear Edits, Stronger Impact: Why Accessible Writing Matters

Think Like a Reader, Not Just a Writer

You’re not writing to impress; you’re writing to inform, inspire, and mobilize. That’s especially true in the work we do—whether it’s organizing for fair wages or sounding the alarm on legislation that hurts working families.

Real people—tired, distracted, busy people—are your audience. If they have to stop and reread every other sentence, they might not finish at all. And the message you worked so hard on? It gets lost in the weeds.

Accessible editing removes the weeds. It clears the path for understanding and action.

Say What You Mean. Then Say It Shorter.

Let’s say you’re explaining a bill that could cut Medicaid funding. It’s tempting to start with all the legal language, citations, and sections. But the person reading your piece wants to know:

• What’s happening
• How does it affect me?
• What can I do about it?

So you start there. In plain language. Think: front porch conversation, not courtroom transcript. Once the message is clear, go back and trim the extra fluff—long-winded phrases, jargon, or anything that sounds like it came from a grant proposal.

You can always link to more detail later. First, make your message easy to want to read.

Use the Layout to Guide the Reader

Even great writing can lose readers if it looks like a wall of text. We’re all reading on screens, often on phones, usually in a hurry.

Break things up. Use:

• Subheadings
• Bullet points
• Bold phrases to highlight key ideas

Keep paragraphs short. Sentences, too. You’re not writing a textbook—you’re creating a tool. Make it one people want to pick up and use.

Watch Your Words—Jargon Isn’t Always Friendly

Terms like “collective bargaining” or “rank-and-file” may feel second nature to us. But for someone new to your cause—or someone quietly paying attention from the sidelines—those words can be a roadblock.

Define terms in plain speech. Offer quick examples. Turn abstract language into real-life situations. You’re not diluting your message—you’re strengthening it by making it stick.

Tiny Edits, Big Difference

Editing isn’t just mechanics—it’s tone. Consider how one word can shift a sentence:

• “Demand” becomes “push for”
• “Failure” becomes “shortcoming”
• “Opposition” becomes “those who disagree”

These small swaps can help you connect instead of confront (or confront more effectively, if that’s your goal).

Keep sentences focused and purposeful. A strong start and a clear close help people remember what matters—and what you’re asking them to do.

Sound the Alarm—Without Burning People Out

Urgency matters. But constant alarm bells? That’s a fast track to reader fatigue.

Instead of hype, offer clarity. Instead of shouting, spotlight the stakes. If you can include a short story or a quote from someone directly affected, even better. That human voice does more than any bold headline ever could.

Anchor your passion with a path forward. Don’t just say what’s wrong—show what’s possible. People will listen longer when they feel they have a role to play.

Words That Welcome

Accessibility also means inclusion. That starts with language. Look for:

• Gender-neutral terms
• People-first language (“families without housing” instead of “the homeless”)
• Phrases that don’t assume everyone shares your experiences

Inclusive language doesn’t water down your message. It widens the circle—exactly what a movement needs.

Edit with Purpose

At its heart, accessible editing is about respect—for your audience, your message, and the change you’re working toward. When we strip away clutter, clarify meaning, and invite everyone to the table, we’re not just polishing sentences—we’re strengthening solidarity.

And you don’t have to figure it out alone. I’ll be here soon to help.

Your message matters. Let’s make sure people can hear it.