Gender-Neutral and Inclusive Language in NA literature |
IDT Input Form
For a workshop outline on this topic and information on the other Issue Discussion Topics this cycle, visit na.org/idt/current-issue-discussion-topics/
Background
The 2023 World Service Conference (WSC) had consensus to select Gender-Neutral and Inclusive Language in NA Literature as one of four Issue Discussion Topics (IDTs) for this cycle, and It was prioritized as an IDT in the Conference Agenda Report (CAR) survey.
The 2023 World Service Conference also passed a CAR motion that reads:
- To direct the World Board to create a project plan for consideration at the next WSC to investigate changes and/or additional wording to NA literature from gender specific language to gender neutral and inclusive language.
The next World Service Conference will be held in 2026. If a project plan passes at that WSC, this input will help frame and inform that project.
This is an issue discussion topic. We are not making decisions at this time.
Define terms:
This IDT conversation is primarily about literature in English and is not intended to address the variances unique to other languages. In terms of the English language, gender-neutral means using words that do not refer to a specific sex or gender. For example, a gender-neutral approach in English would be to use the word “people,” "addicts," or “members” instead of the phrase “men and women.”
This IDT conversation is primarily about literature in English and is not intended to address the variances unique to other languages. In terms of the English language, gender-neutral means using words that do not refer to a specific sex or gender. For example, a gender-neutral approach in English would be to use the word “people,” "addicts," or “members” instead of the phrase “men and women.”
Questions: