- [Shajira] You might be asking yourself, "What is inclusive language?" Well, I'm here to help. Inclusive language acknowledges diversity but it also conveys respect to all people and promotes equitable opportunities. I understand that using inclusive language may be new and at times feel challenging, but with practice you will get better. Using inclusive language involves making an intentional effort to avoid the use of certain expressions or words that might lead to the exclusion of a particular group or groups of people. Here at ndi we wanna make sure that we're doing our part to be as inclusive as possible. I know I'm not alone. A number of us have heard this saying before, "Sticks and stones may break my bones, "but words will never hurt me." We've come to learn that this is absolutely false. And it's also the reason why we should be using inclusive language and why it's so imperative. Language has an enormous amount of power and can have a positive or a negative impact depending on how it is used. It has the unique ability to make people become united or divided, feel included or excluded, feel welcomed or uncomfortable, feel heard or ignored. To me, inclusive language is a superpower that we all have the ability to use. We just have to practice it. Inclusive language makes people feel valued. That should be the goal. Anytime that you're speaking or interacting with people, you want everyone to walk away feeling valued.