Our Writing Philosophy

The WIC program meets participants where they are by providing support without judgment. Our writing should reflect this by being clear, friendly, and accessible to everyone, regardless of their background, education level, or circumstances.

We write like a helpful friend: warm, straightforward, and respectful. We never assume prior knowledge, and we never make users feel inadequate for asking questions or needing help.

Core Principles

1. Write at a 7th Grade Reading Level

Why this matters:

• Reduces cognitive load: Users can process information faster and take action more quickly, especially when multitasking, stressed, or in a hurry
• Reaches more people: Approximately $54 \%$ of American adults read below a 6th grade level
• Supports non-native English speakers: Simpler sentences and common vocabulary are easier to understand and translate
• Improves accessibility: Benefits users with learning disabilities, cognitive impairments, or different information processing needs
• Increases task completion: Clear language means fewer mistakes, less need for support, and better user experiences

In Practice:

• Keep sentences under 20 words when possible
• Use common, everyday words
• Use active voice instead of passive voice
• Break complex processes into clear, numbered steps (think progressive discolsure!)

Word choice examples:

2. Be Friendly and Judgment-Free