Plain Language Association International (PLAIN) is the leading international membership organization for plain language. We believe a world with plain communication is a better world, because it promotes equal opportunities and enables everyone to participate fully and meaningfully in society.

  • We are dedicated to helping our members achieve this by promoting and supporting the use of plain language.

  • We foster an environment that respects diversity and promotes equal opportunities for all.

  • We create an environment where everyone feels safe and heard.

  • We innovate and experiment, always looking for new ways to advance the practice of plain language.

  • We contribute actively and significantly to meeting the needs of our members and the wider community.

A communication is in plain language if its wording, structure, and design are so clear that the intended readers can easily find what they need, understand what they find, and use that information.

International Plain Language Federation

Our objectives

  • Increase public awareness of plain language as a means of making communications from government, business, industry, and community organizations accessible internally and to a broad audience.

  • Help people understand and use the principles of plain language.

  • Promote the use of plain language in Canada* and internationally.

  • Promote research and development in plain language.

  • Promote the interests of plain language specialists.

  • Develop standards and practices for plain language.

  • Provide services for members, including marketing, networking, conferences, and communications.

  • Sponsor an international forum where members and others can share ideas about plain language.

  • Collaborate with organizations that have similar objectives.

* PLAIN is a nonprofit organization incorporated in Canada.

Learn more

Who we are

PLAIN is an association for plain language professionals that promotes clear communication in any language.

Awards

Read about our awards program, how to apply for an award and to learn a bit about our award recipients.

Board of directors

Learn more about each of the PLAIN board members.

Ambassadors

Find out about our ambassador program and meet our current ambassadors. Interested in becoming an ambassador? Read about what this involves and how to apply.

Help make the world more plain

Find other plain language communicators in your region, or get help to start your own campaign.

Become a member