Language matters when you want to be heard

This blog originally appeared in Alliance magazine. 

Stacey Thomas, Board Member, Community Foundations Australia

With over 50 people joining us from across Australia and as far afield as Nepal, the U.K., and the U.S., to name a few, the energy in the room was one of excitement to all be together – but also determination to learn and understand what we could do in practice. 

Jenny Hodgson, GFCF Executive Director, started us off with an overview of the #ShiftThePower movement, from which we gained an understanding that it is a hashtag, but also a moment in time to respond to a provocation. This set the scene for how our responses, reflections and future actions all help to continue the movement beyond just this Summit. 

From Jenny’s presentation, knowing that in action communities are looking to build trust, strengthen community groups, and build community assets, warmed the room up for deepening our relationships. 

Very quickly, perspectives were shared. Some great quotes that have stayed with me include: 

“From ego-system to eco-system.”

“Walking into a space as radical equals.”

“From I, to we, to us.”

As we all listened deeply to the sharing of perspectives, one important theme emerged: language matters. It matters if one wants to build connection and trust. It matters if one wants to be heard and understood. But sometimes, our words are not interpreted in the way they were intended – and power plays a role in this too. 

When we consider the sharing or ceding of power, what does it mean to use words that don’t resonate with the people you are trying to influence? Should we be using plain and simple language, and as few words as possible to convey complex issues? 

Or should we continue to use language that resonates with communities – and ask those in positions of power to appreciate that their making the effort to understand this language is part of the process of sharing, or ceding, power? 

This was the kind of conversation that kept Summit attendees engaged and thoughtful. Perhaps there is no right or wrong answer – language is always contextual to the audience and topic, after all. But the parting thought that resonated with me was, “Language without responsibility is just words.”

And so, as the Summit wraps up, I am keen to learn from my fellow attendees about what our responsibilities and our actions are as we respond to this moment in time. 

By: Stacey Thomas, Board Member, Community Foundations Australia

Check out more coverage from Community Foundations Australia Forum Week – including the #ShiftThePower Summit – here: 

• The decisions we make now, will flow through for years to come – John Huigen, Executive Director, Mparntwe Alice Springs Community Foundation
• Communities have enormous power when they are connected and inclusive – Harriet McCallum, Executive Officer, Mannifera