Colonial and paternalistic terms often appear in charity communications without anyone meaning harm. They’ve become buzz-words and have become so ingrained in internal language that they can slip by unnoticed: words and phrases like help, vulnerable, or on the ground.

As part of designing their 2025-30 strategy document, humanitarian mapping charity MapAction asked us to review the language to make sure it reflected the organisation’s values. In addition to our usual copy edit for plain English and readability, for this document we turned to Bond’s guidance: “Taking British politics and colonialism out of our language” – a practical and thoughtful resource for anyone communicating in this space.

The process

Using the Bond guide as our framework, we reviewed MapAction’s strategy line by line. Sometimes the changes were small; sometimes they needed a rethink of tone or emphasis. In every case, the goal was to reflect partnership and agency more clearly.

A few examples:

• “Most vulnerable” becomes “People who have been marginalised or under-represented”
• “Helping communities” becomes “Working alongside communities”
• “On the ground” becomes “When working with communities”
• “Capacity development” becomes “Sharing learning and building community-led knowledge”

Language in context

Sometimes, there’s no simple right or wrong answer. A good example is the phrase “leave no one behind”.

The Bond guide flags this as potentially disempowering, suggesting it implies that people being marginalised have no agency. But it’s also a core principle of the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) – a shared commitment that underpins global development efforts.

In cases like this, organisations will need to use their judgement. Context matters. When a phrase is widely recognised within a global framework and used with care, it can retain its place and purpose.

What we learned

This project was a reminder that inclusive communication is about awareness, reflection and choice. It’s an incredibly sensitive area. It’s about true partnership, and making sure that the words you use are the words that would be used in the communities you work alongside.

Editing with this perspective involves asking “Does this language reflect our intent? Does it honour the people we work with?”

At Door 22, we’re often asked to support charities with this kind of review. Whether it’s a strategy document, an annual report or web content, small shifts in language can strengthen the alignment between values and voice.

Working with care

Language evolves, and so should we. By taking time to question familiar phrases, we make space for communication that feels more respectful, human and real.

Thoughtful language isn’t just good practice, it’s part of working with care.