I'm a plain language expert in the federal government.
I'm a writer. Or, more specifically: I translate complicated government language into plain English. So if (and when) you need to access your hard-earned benefits, file your taxes, or get help after a disaster, you can do it quickly and move on with your life.
How plain language takes shape in government
In my decade of civil service, I've read many complicated documents, met the subject matter experts who write them—the lawmakers, the scientists, and the engineers—and rewritten them to be clearer and easier to understand.
In practice, I do things like:
- Replace complicated words with simple words. "Validate" becomes "check," "advise" becomes "tell," and "currently" becomes "now"
- Shorten long sentences and paragraphs so they're easier to read and understand
- Consult subject matter experts to simplify complex concepts
- Follow federal plain language guidelines to ensure accessibility outlined by the Plain Language Action and Information Network and Plain Language Writing Act of 2010
I also partner with many kinds of experts:
- Translation experts to make sure content is easy to read in many languages
- UI/UX designers to organize the words on a page, so you can find what you need
- Design researchers to find out if people can understand the words we use and how we use them
And I do it all with a deep appreciation for the complexities of policy, law, and technology. When we (the government) fail to document critical technical details, even the most well-meaning policies can hurt people. These details, when documented well, help the government communicate at scale and take action. And all of this is done for one very good reason: to protect you.
Documentation is how the government communicates at scale, and when people understand what they’re reading—along with what they need to do—that’s good government in action. Good government action, when done right:
- Protects you from bad actors who misapply the law
- Protects you from policies that seem good but don't work in practice
- Makes sure your tax dollars pay for the programs and policies you vote for
- Keeps you and your family safe at work, at school, and when you're traveling
Plain language is equal access
I studied linguistics and language, so I know that long sentences can be hard to understand. I know that intellectual or bureaucratic words are frustrating. When combined, they create barriers that lead to misunderstandings.
Now layer that on top a high-stress situation—applying for unemployment, SNAP, or disaster relief. When people are already stressed AND don't understand what they're being asked to do, they're more likely to make a mistake. Or worse, they'll drop out of the process entirely. Either way, they're probably not going to get the help they need.
Plain language helps even the playing field and removes these barriers. If you need SNAP, you should be able to understand how to get it—even after a long day at work, even when you and your kids are already hungry, even when applying for SNAP is the last thing you want to do. No one should have to fight through confusing language just to access the support they need.
What comes next
You don't know me, but you've certainly read many of the thousands of words I've written. I wrote them because of you. And I wrote them because I am one of you.
I have had to apply for government benefits. I have lived through natural disasters that destroyed my community. My family and friends are senior citizens, people with disabilities, and members of the LGBTQ community. People who lost their businesses during the pandemic, who searched frantically for baby formula when there was a shortage, and veterans trying to access healthcare.
This is how I know that one or two words can make all the difference on the hardest or most complicated days of our lives.
My job may be deemed "nonessential" by DOGE. They may try to "delete" me and replace me with AI. But I'll still be here, combing through the dusty stacks of bureaucracy, working to make it all a little easier to understand.