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Plain Writing

Plain Writing Act

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 Jan. 21, 2009, Memorandum on Transparency and Open Government.

We’re training our employees and have strengthened our internal oversight process. We are committed to use plain writing principles in any document that:

  • is necessary for obtaining any Federal government benefit or service or filing taxes;

  • provides information about any Federal government benefit or service; or

  • explains to the public how to comply with a requirement that the Federal government administers or enforces.

How You Can Help

The Corporation for National and Community Service is committed to writing new documents in plain language, using the Federal Plain Language Guidelines.

We want to know when we communicate well and when we don’t. You may send an e-mail to CNS Plain Writing staff at plain@cns.gov or send feedback to CNCS-OIG at Feedback@cncsoig.gov.