Inclusivity is more than a buzzword—it’s a commitment to ensuring everyone feels seen, heard, and valued. For celebrants, inclusivity is essential, given the diverse array of clients we serve. Conducting an inclusivity audit on your business can help you identify areas for improvement and ensure that your language, imagery, and practices are welcoming to all.
Follow this step-by-step guide to help you carry out a simple inclusivity audit on your celebrant business:
1. Review Your Website
Your website is often the first point of contact for potential clients. It should reflect your commitment to inclusivity.
Language
- Gender-Neutral Terms: Use gender-neutral language where possible. Instead of “bride and groom,” consider “couple” or “partners.” Remember too that not all the people seeking to work with you will be in a couple-based relationship so consider how to include them.
- Pronouns: Ensure you are using inclusive pronouns. Include a statement about your willingness to use clients’ preferred pronouns. And make sure you’re sharing your pronouns on your site.
- Diverse Examples: Share stories and testimonials from a diverse range of clients. Highlighting various backgrounds and experiences demonstrates your inclusivity.
Images
- Diverse Representation: Ensure your images showcase diversity in race, gender, sexuality, disability, and faith. Avoid tokenism; aim for genuine representation. Remember that cultural appropriation is to be avoided and educate yourself on the traditional elements you’re going to include.
- Inclusive Alt Text: Use inclusive language in your image descriptions and alt text to ensure accessibility for all users, including those using screen readers.
2. How Inclusive is Your Social Media?
Social media platforms are useful tools for engagement and visibility. Your presence here should also reflect your commitment to inclusivity.
Content
- Variety of Stories: Share content that represents a wide range of experiences and backgrounds. Feature posts celebrating different cultures, religions, and types of ceremonies.
- Educational Posts: Create content that educates your audience about the importance of inclusivity. Share resources and articles on topics like gender-neutral language, accessibility, and cultural competence.
Interaction
- Engagement: Actively engage with a diverse range of followers. Like, comment, and share posts from a variety of voices and perspectives.
- Responding to Feedback: Be open to feedback and willing to learn. If someone points out an area where you could be more inclusive, thank them and make the necessary changes.
Profiles
- Name and Pronouns: Make sure to add your pronouns to all of your profiles. Actively encourage colleagues to do the same.
- Bio: Are you using inclusive language in your summary and the images you share here? Think about rewording these to reflect the journey of learning you’re on.
3. How’s Your Email Signature and Communication?
Your email signature and communication style also reflect your business values. They’re often the first impression a potential client or collaborator will get of you.
Email Signature
- Pronouns: Include your pronouns in your email signature to normalise this practice and show your support for the LGBTQ+ community.
- Inclusive Language: Use inclusive language in your email templates and communications. Avoid assumptions about your clients’ identities and relationships.
Communication Style
- Accessibility: Ensure your emails are accessible. Use clear, simple language and consider using tools to check for readability and inclusiveness. Avoid coloured text and fancy fonts, that some may find challenging to read.
- Personalisation: When addressing clients, use their preferred names and titles. Avoid making assumptions based on traditional roles or appearances.
4. Re-evaluate Your Marketing Materials
From brochures to business cards, your marketing materials should align with your commitment to inclusivity. You may have created them when you were a new Celebrant and it’s possible they don’t convey your values.
Language and Imagery
- Brochures and Flyers: Use inclusive language and diverse imagery in all printed materials. Highlight your experience and willingness to work with clients from all backgrounds.
- Business Cards: Consider including a small statement on your business cards about your commitment to inclusivity.
5. Assess Your Practices and Policies
Inclusivity should be woven into the fabric of your business practices and policies.
New Client Forms
- Inclusive Options: Ensure your client intake forms offer inclusive options for gender, relationships, and other personal information. Allow clients to self-identify in their own words.
- Accessibility: Make your forms accessible to people with disabilities. Use clear fonts, provide digital options, and ensure compatibility with screen readers.
Training and Development
- Ongoing Education: Invest in ongoing education for yourself and any staff or partners. Attend workshops, webinars, and training sessions on inclusivity and diversity. There are so many good courses available on this topic so explore several platforms to find one that feels right for you.
- Feedback Mechanism: Create a feedback mechanism for clients to share their experiences and suggest improvements. Use this feedback to continually enhance your practices. Make this part of your Inclusivity and Diversity Pledge / Policy, and share the policy on your website.
Conducting an inclusivity audit is an ongoing process. By regularly reviewing and updating your language, imagery, and practices, you can ensure that your celebrant business is welcoming to all.
Remember, inclusivity is about more than just compliance—it’s about creating a space where everyone feels valued and respected. By taking these steps, you can help ensure that your business truly reflects the diverse and beautiful world we live in.
We’ve created a self-study training module for Celebrants who want to improve their understanding of Inclusivity and Diversity. You can find out more here.