Call to join plain English campaign
Media release, 1 July 2013
Grey Power members need to understand in plain English what they have signed up for or what is on offer, says former Race Relations conciliator Gregory Fortuin.
“Or as I keep saying my mum shouldn’t need a lawyer to explain what she is insured for and what is excluded.”
Mr Fortuin is on a crusade. He is passionate about the use of plain English and calls for others — especially those of the 50’s plus age group — to join the campaign.
“Clear, honest communication is an ethical and financial obligation. Business and government departments should take notice and ensure all their communication is clear and easily understood,” says Mr Fortuin, Chair of the WriteMark Plain English Awards Trust.
“The need for plain English is relevant to older people who may be faced with making decisions about entitlements or services,” he says.
Mr Fortuin encourages people to ‘dob in a bad document or praise a good one’ by nominating an entry in the People’s Choice categories of the annual WriteMark Plan English Awards. The awards honour the organisations and people trying to purge waffle and jargon from business and government communications.
“Nominate a bad document or website that’s caused you frustration or worse. Tell your story — the judges need to know. Organisations that receive a dreaded 'Brainstrain' award often go on to improve their document and make it a great example of plain English. That means your nomination could make a difference to the lives of thousands of everyday New Zealanders,” says Mr Fortuin.
“Praising a great document or website also helps the push for plain English,” says Mr Fortuin. “Organisations that win a People’s Choice Best Communication award are more likely to keep up the good work. Anyone can help the judging panel find and reward a great document — especially if it’s been sent to, or seen, by many New Zealanders. For example, it might be a really clear letter or a user-friendly web page from a bank, local government organisation, or government department”.
Last year the People’s Choice award for Best Plain English Communication went to BreastScreen Aotearoa for its clear, reader-friendly letter showing mammogram results.
Mr Fortuin has a passionate desire to make a difference and is heavily involved in national and community issues across New Zealand. He is currently on the Combined Counsel of Whitireia and Weltech as well as an Independent Inquiry Chair of the Glenn Inquiry into family violence.
Entries for the People’s Choice awards are open at www.plainenglishawards.org.nz.
Ends
For all media enquiries and further information about the Awards, contact:
- Andrea Bolton, WriteMark Plain English Awards, [email protected], 021 670 564
- Gregory Fortuin, Chair, Plain English Awards Trust, [email protected], 021 465 254.