Words Matter: Our Manifesto for Broad and Respectful Language

For communication that embraces, respects, and represents the complexity of human experiences.

Words shape the world we live in. They can build bridges or walls, foster connection or exclusion. That’s why, at Amapola, we have chosen to be mindful of the language we use every day.

We have developed a Manifesto for Broad and Respectful Language—a guide that brings together principles, insights, and best practices to promote communication that reflects the society we aspire to: open, fair, and mindful of people and their diverse experiences.

A Thoughtful and Intentional Journey

Creating this Manifesto was an exercise in awareness and responsibility. We explored research and guidelines, listened to experts and communication professionals, and challenged our own linguistic habits. The result is not a rigid set of rules, but a collection of insights and practical suggestions to help everyone adopt more respectful and thoughtful language. A guide for the language we use at Amapola and in our external communications, but also—why not?—an inspiration for all organizations that share these values.

The Core Principles of the Manifesto

Our Manifesto is built around ten key principles for broad and respectful communication. These include:

• Questioning our linguistic habits—always asking if our message could be clearer and more inclusive.
• Ensuring visibility for women across all linguistic forms—since Italian is not a gender-neutral language, choosing appropriate feminine forms helps acknowledge and represent women in all contexts.
• Avoiding stereotypes and biases—choosing words that do not reinforce discrimination.
• Striking the right balance—ensuring that communication remains natural and spontaneous.
• Paying attention to visual communication as well—so that images, graphics, and layouts fairly represent the diversity of people.

Beyond these key principles, we have created a document that includes an extensive appendix with concrete examples, practical cases, and sources for further exploration.

Language as a Tool for Change

“Language is a powerful tool: with words, we can illuminate, break down walls, and build connections—or we can reinforce biases and inequalities. Every word we choose is a building block of the world we create together.”

This is how our Manifesto begins. We don’t just talk about “inclusive” language—a term that can still imply an imbalance between those who include and those who are included. Instead, we embrace broad language, one that welcomes and reflects the complexity of human experiences without reducing them to labels.

📌 Read the full Manifesto here [ITALIAN ONLY]