Pronouns Matter
We understand all of our team members want to provide a warm, welcoming, and inclusive environment for one another. We celebrate individuality and one small, impactful way we can make Conservation Dogs Collective more inclusive is by using language conscientiously, including pronouns.
Pronouns are words that a person uses to identify themself in place of their name; almost everybody, including cisgender people, uses pronouns. Some examples of pronouns include: she/her/hers, he/him/his, they/them/theirs, ze/hir/hirs, per/per/pers, etc. While some of these pronouns may be new to you, many of them have been widely used in English for a long time. Singular they has been in use in standard English since the 1300s!
Why do pronouns matter?
Pronouns are linguistic tools that we use to refer to people. In our efforts to respect the diverse identities of our communities, it is important to use the pronoun that people prefer when referring to them.
Share your pronouns
In professional settings, introducing yourself with your pronouns is an effective way to challenge the norm that pronouns can be assumed, while creating space for others to share their own pronouns if they choose.
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Digital representation: you may include pronouns in your online profiles and your video meeting display name. Also try adding pronouns to your email signature and hyperlinking to this page or another informational resource.
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In-person visual marker: you might include pronouns on your business cards or name tag, wear a button, or write pronouns on a table tent.
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In person or over the phone: if you are building a relationship with that person where you need to know pronouns, you can try simply modeling pronoun introductions. For example, “Nice to meet you! My name is Taylor and I use she and her pronouns.”