THE LAB library

Each year the Clear Language Lab honors a community organization that has shown meaningful commitment to equitable communication and plain language. This year we are happy to acknowledge the work of Cook Uptown People's Law Center (UPLC) as the recipient of the Clear Language Lab’s Community Leader Award. Having access to high quality legal services is essential but not always accessible. UPLC is a vital, community-based legal clinic that focuses on supporting marginalized pe

This Clear Language Lab webinar took place on May 21, 2026, as part of our free quarterly plain language series. Check out the recording, notes, and resources below. Watch on YouTube This webinar covers: Establishing plain language guidelines across your organization Creating templates for common documents that align with plain language and accessibility standards Building a culture that encourages and rewards clear communication Open a PDF of the presentations slides. Key id

Introduction Have you ever started reading a document, paused halfway through, and went back to the beginning to start over? It sounded ‘professional’, but you weren’t sure what it actually said or what you were supposed to do next. This often happens in ‘professional’ writing. Someone uses complex words and long sentences to sound credible and knowledgeable, but it only confuses their readers. Professional writing helps people understand, decide, and act. If what you write