<\/p>\n
I’m very impressed with this submission. This initiative is representative of the nitty gritty, down and dirty, battlefield for plain language. They are making appreciable change at scale. And making a difference in the lives of people in vulnerable circumstances. For the plain English geek in me it’s humbling. Very well done. The Better Letters Project at MSD is a worthy plain English champion!<\/p>\n
Keep going and spread the word! Imagine what New Zealand’s public service might look like if every government department took this approach?<\/p>\n
Having our work acknowledged by people who recognise and care about plain English feels great. It not only reminds us we\u2019re on the right track, it reinforces how writing clearly and simply can make a difference in people\u2019s lives.<\/p>\n
Through our Better Letters project we\u2019re bringing warmth and simplicity to our communications at the Ministry of Social Development (MSD). We send out close to six million letters a year to 1.5 million people. Our letters go to people from all walks of life. They\u2019ve come to us for help; they\u2019re often stressed and struggling to cope. Many have poor literacy or a limited understanding of English. Each letter we send is a chance to show we care, to help make someone\u2019s life a bit easier, their day less stressful. Even if it\u2019s not good news, we can still write with compassion, offer options and hope.<\/p>\n
It\u2019s about mana manaaki – making people\u2019s contact with MSD a more positive experience. Our words back up our actions. We\u2019re supporting people, wh\u0101nau and communities through warmth, understanding, respect, openness and fairness.<\/p>\n
The Better Letters Project<\/strong><\/p>\n
Ministry of Social Development<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Judges’ comments I’m very impressed with this submission. This initiative is representative of the nitty gritty, down and dirty, battlefield for plain language. They are making appreciable change at scale. And making a difference in the lives of people in vulnerable circumstances. For the plain English geek in me it’s humbling. Very well done. The […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":3555,"parent":3119,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":[],"yoast_head":"\n