Clear communication starts with us: Geldrop-Mierlo Takes the Step Together
Reading a letter, filling out a form, or understanding your rights. That may seem obvious, but it isn’t for everyone. That’s why the municipality of Geldrop-Mierlo is joining forces with partners from Taalhuis Geldrop-Mierlo. Together, they’ve agreed to make their information clearer, step by step. Because everyone should be able to understand what’s written and know what to do with it.
A letter you have to read three times. A form you don’t know how to fill out. Or information about assistance you’re entitled to but don’t fully understand. Many people can relate to this. Yet organizations sometimes use language that isn’t clear to everyone. That can have unpleasant consequences.
Shame and Isolation
“If you have trouble with language, it’s about much more than just not understanding a letter. It can cause you to leave letters unopened, miss important information, or fail to seek help in time. Problems can pile up, while you don’t know where to turn. It can also lead to shame and isolation, because you can’t keep up or don’t dare to ask others for help. That’s exactly why it’s important that we communicate clearly and ensure that everyone can participate. When you receive a letter, you just want to know what it says and what you need to do. You shouldn’t have to wonder whether you’re understanding it correctly. Yet we sometimes make information unnecessarily complicated—often without even realizing it. We need to pay closer attention to this together,” explains Hanneke Meulendijk, a “ Alderman .”
More than just signing a document
The municipality, the Dommeldal Library, LEVgroep, Ter AA Adult Education Center, and the Reading and Writing Foundation are collaborating within Taalhuis Geldrop-Mierlo. Through a joint declaration of intent, they have agreed to make clear language a permanent part of their work. This means that employees are learning how to write and speak more clearly. For example, they focus on short sentences, everyday words, and a clear message. What does the reader need to know? And what should someone do next? “Signing a document is easy. But that’s not the end of it,” emphasizes Meulendijk. “Above all, we need to start looking at our own information differently. Does someone understand our letter? Is it clear what’s expected of them? And what if it isn’t? Then we need to revise our text. That takes time and attention, but it’s important.”
Do we really understand each other?
Other organizations in Geldrop-Mierlo are also welcome to participate. After all, clear language isn’t just important for the government. Schools, clubs, and healthcare organizations also benefit when people understand the information they receive. Meulendijk calls on organizations to take a critical look at their own communication. “Ask yourself: Would everyone understand what I’m writing or saying here? We don’t have to do it perfectly, but we can always take a step forward—by explaining things better, listening carefully, and asking if someone understands us. That way, together, we make it easier for our residents to find their way. That’s where it starts.”