The Plain Writing Act of 2010 requires federal agencies to write "clear Government communication that the public can understand and use." President Obama also emphasized the importance of establishing "a system of transparency, public participation, and collaboration" in his January 21, 2009, Memorandum on Transparency and Open Government.
The Department of Defense is committed to writing new documents in plain language, using the Federal Plain Language Guidelines in accordance with the Office Management and Budget Memorandum M_11-15, "Final Guidance on Implementing the Plain Writing Act of 2010."
Helpful Resources
Training- NIH: module-based training program
- PLAIN: half-day plain language training
- Write Smart, LLC: e-learning via WebEx
- View "Using Active Voice" on YouTube.com:
- View "Myths and Fixes of Plain Language" on YouTube.com:
Mr. Michael L. Rhodes, Director of Administration and Management (DA&M), is the Senior DoD Official for plain language and has issued DA&M Memorandum OSD 13949-11, "Requirements and Initial Implementation of Public Law 111-74, "Plain Writing Act of 2010," (the Act) in the Department of Defense (DoD)".
DoD has organized a committee of Plain Language points of contact from different Components and organizations within DoD to:
- Assist in the review and revision of policy and guidance.
- Monitor DoD compliance with the Plain Writing Act.
- Share best practices and resources.
Progress and efforts to comply with the Act will be posted annually in our compliance reports. Compliance Report - April 2012
We need your help to comply with this Act! Let us know if you have trouble understanding our documents or the pages on our website: Contact Us.