The Wordsmith's Forge

This article talks about buzzwords.


Now, there are two basic types -- the kind that never intended real meaning, and the kind that started out meaningful but got overused to the point of whitewashing. I'm not particularly interested in the first; people will always make up stuff just to sound important. The second, however, is a serious problem. A language has only a limited supply of words to discuss a given topic, and if the good ones get used up without replacement, then it gets harder and harder to talk about that thing.

Fortunately, there's a way to discourage that type of buzzword development. Demand details. If someone says their project or business is X, then ask what makes it X. If they can cite specific actions and outcomes, then it's valid; if not, they're using it as a buzzword and should be badgered to back it up or else stop lying about it.

I'll use an example from the article. The concrete evidence can be supplied via links, or presented as subsections farther down the same page, depending how much information there is. A large project may need many pages, while a small project might fit on one. In fact, larger projects often involve many organizations, each of whom probably has their own website and hardcopy materials that should be listed so people can find them as needed.

The multimodal corridor plan will be developed through an inclusive, multi-stakeholder collaborative process which centers the values of equity and sustainability, resulting in an organic, community-led vision for a more vibrant and livable Main Street corridor.

Multimodal --> The new Leisure Lane plan supports diverse transportation options to serve as many people as possible.
* One side has on-street parking, while the other has a bike lane.
* Bus loops and shelters promote mass-transit use.
* Extra-wide sidewalks provide space for walking and skateboarding as well as sidewalk sales and al fresco dining.
* During reconstruction, an abandoned parking lot was turned into a new skate dot suitable for skateboards, roller skates, and bicycles.

Corridor --> Leisure Lane spans the 12 blocks between Clarity College campus and City Hall.
* A package of business incentives encourages development along Leisure Lane to establish more businesses appealing to people on the sidewalks.
* Side streets crossing Leisure Lane have a different package of incentives that may appeal more to smaller or start-up businesses.
* Just north, the West Way provides a faster route for people traveling from one side of town to the other.

Inclusive --> The 10-person planning committee for Leisure Lane has the following demographics to support our goal of maximizing access for the widest possible audience.
* Gender (5 feminine, 4 masculine, 1 nonbinary)
* Orientation (9 straight, 1 gay)
* Race (8 white, 1 Hispanic, 1 mixed-race)
* Religion (8 Christian, 1 Jew, 1 atheist)
* Ability (3 abled, 4 with glasses, 1 Deaf, 1 cane user, 1 with PTSD)
* Age (13-77 years)
Additional inclusivity features include benches every 25 feet, an accessible playground at the east end, and a family restroom with lift and adult changing table at both ends. Need something else? Fill out our community needs form here.

Multi-stakeholder --> Leisure Lane is brought to you by over 200 Our Town citizens, and counting! Explore options to support this exciting project, suited to all budget levels.
* Big businesses please see our corporate sponsorship page.
* Medium businesses may be interested in expansion opportunities. We have lots and buildings for sale or rent.
* Small businesses may qualify for any of our 12 support programs including immigrant/refugee, entrepreneurs of color, and women.
* Small to medium developers should check out our list of pre-approved blueprints for small business shells, live-work units, and mixed-use buildings.
* Churches, clubs, and other groups may wish to sponsor public art or other features. We have a list of statues, water fountains, and other things we hope to install with enough support. U-Bend Bike Racks can turn your name or logo into a thematic bike rack!
* Individuals have multiple options including the Credit Union's microloan program, sponsoring a ramp in the skate dot, or buying a brick in the People's Plaza.

Collaborative --> Citizens may contribute in the following ways:
* Fill out our surveys regarding citizen needs and town vision.
* Attend Town Meetings once a month when Leisure Lane is featured; see calendar for dates and topics.
* Attend our charrette meetings once a week, alternately on Saturdays midday or Wednesday evenings.
* Join one of our volunteer groups; see the volunteer page for more details.
* Does your business or group have other ideas on how you could support Leisure Lane? If so, please contact our outreach team to discuss possibilities.

Values --> For the past 5 years, Everyday Virtues has polled local folks about what they value the most. This information went into development plans for Leisure Lane. As the answers shift over time, we hope to incorporate newly important values into our evolving community.
* Equity and sustainability have stayed in the top 3 slots for four of those five years, making them high priorities.
* An association of 16 local churches and Atheists for a Better World has established a program to promote more virtuous living. They will offer programming through Little Corner Interfaith Center.
* The Community Court, located near City Hall, is adding a "work it off" program to resolve minor to moderate conflicts through community service in and near Leisure Lane. It is hoped that this will encourage participants to make more connections with the community. We are in negotiation with the Veterans Court for similar ends.

Equity --> We acknowledge that our society has not yet done enough to ensure equitable resources to citizens. Leisure Lane has outlined the following steps to improve equity:
* 3/5 of the units in the Everybody Business Center (total 15/25) will be awarded by grant to qualified black owned and operated small businesses in reparation for slavery; fill out an application here.
* League of Women Voters is crowdfunding to raise money toward a new facility on Leisure Lane; visit their campaign page here.
* One section of 10 live-work buildings has been reserved for people below the poverty line; fill out an application here. Small developers are encouraged to create more affordable live-work space, so watch for additional opportunities.
* Public art in our development zone is intended to reflect local demographics. Read a demographic report of our town here. We especially hope to hire diverse artists; fill out an application here.
* Share and Share Alike has investment opportunities starting at $100; visit their website for more information.

Sustainability --> This project seeks to increase community and environmental resources over time through the following methods.
* All new buildings in this development must meet LEED standards.
* There is a matching grant available for historic buildings to be upgraded with Energy Star appliances, solar panels, or other improvements.
* Hope's Handywomen have offered to build free period-style ramps in wood or brick for historic buildings to provide wheelchair accessibility. Various discounts are available for other types of renovation in this project; see their business website for a list of options.
* All new landscaping will consist of native species. See a list of recommended urban trees, shrubs, and other plants for municipal and citizen use.
* Check out our pocket park plots! There will be two on each side of the street and one at each end. Fill out a park preferences form to influence their features.
* Reconstruction will require tearing up a lot of street surface. We are seeking partners for recycling or upcycling rubble from that.
* The new water system will include permeable pavement, rain gardens, and a kidney garden directing water toward a pond in Popcorn Park. Buy a water bond to help us pay for these features!
* Read our carbon footprint analysis.

Organic --> Leisure Lane supports a healthy, natural lifestyle in the following ways:
* We have three organic restaurants booked for lots already, one of them vegetarian. We also have a kosher deli booked. We are still seeking vegan, halal, allergy-friendly, and other diverse dining options. Small food vendors, please consider applying to Faboo Food Court.
* Oh Wow Organic Farm is contracted to supply local, organic produce for several restaurants. We still need to find local, organic providers for meat, eggs, dairy, and honey; see applications here.
* Forest Bathing Bonanza has sponsored a public Forest Bathhouse with natural fixtures.
* The four side streets to the southeast have winding tracks due to underlying topography. Hopeful buyers who want a less gridded, more organic flow of space should view lots for sale in this area. We already have a soapmaker, an herbalist, and a garden store there and would love to increase the density of natural-themed businesses.
* Four blocks northwest of Leisure Lane have been zoned for citizen development to try out new solutions to old problems on a manageable scale. Small developers and small businesses, check out our vision page and applications.

Community-led --> This project began with community improvement efforts by citizens living and/or working in the target neighborhood. Some wanted to revitalize historic buildings. Others wanted to replace several cheap office buildings and apartments that were falling apart. A series of smaller projects gradually evolved into a proposal for a neighborhood-wide upgrade.
* Visit the Leisure Lane business page for current and future entrepreneurs in the area.
* Visit the Leisure Lane homemakers page for current and future residents.
* The community spirit page lists churches, clubs, and other organizations supporting our project.
* See the student leadership guide for a list of schools fielding teams of youth volunteers.
* Concerned about possible problems? Contact our accountability team. An ounce of prevention is better than a pound of cure!

Vibrant --> Several of the citizens involved in early revitalization projects had visited cities famed for their colorful buildings and picturesque landscapes. A local Hispanic club also expressed interest in a more vivid streetscape. Leisure Lane therefore offers the following plans:
* All solid, blank walls longer than 10 feet facing the street will be covered with murals painted by local artists. See our mural project page here.
* The four blocks of all-new construction at the east end will display bright colors using palettes compiled from local flora and fauna.
* DoJae's Drum Jam will be hosting events every weekend at the People's Plaza. We are seeking sponsors for additional Busk Stops. There are 3 handpainted and 6 brickwork slots remaining.
* The art collective Babes in Bohemia is coordinating the decoration of the four southeast side streets.
* Planters with evergreen and blooming plants will add color to the sidewalks using native species. Sponsor a planter here! Your business name or personal dedication can be stenciled on the side.

Livable --> Leisure Lane will be a pleasant place to work, play, eat, shop, and live for a wide range of people. The following things will improve life here:
* Wide sidewalks, bike lanes and racks, benches, climbable/skateable sculptures, a skate dot, ramps, water fountains, and an accessible playground encourage healthy activity.
* Accessible shuttlebuses will connect Leisure Lane with apartment complexes elsewhere in town, serving different locations on different days. Special thanks to Upcycled Car Lot for donating a refurbished bus with 30 seats + 4 wheelchair docks! Clarity College will extend a college bus route down Leisure Lane as well.
* This development will add at least 100 new housing units to the town supply. These include a senior apartment building with accommodations for diverse disabilities and a 10-unit addition to the current halfway house for Human Services clients.
* A Human Services office with a food pantry and clothing bank will assist people in need.
* Little Corner Interfaith Center has taken over the former church near the middle of Leisure Lane to care for all souls on board. Multicultural faith services, counseling, children's programming, and community classes will be available.


So you see, it's not actually difficult to come up with specific steps enacting any given ideal or goal. If people aren't doing that, they either aren't being methodical about it or they don't actually want to do it. So when you hear buzzwords, don't necessarily assume they're all flimflam. Ask for details. If people can back up their claims with concrete actions, they're not just using buzzwords. If they can't, call attention to the fact that they're trying to fool people through virtue signaling but they're really just lying about it.

When you make plans for your business, club, community action committee, or other group don't just describe your ideals. List exactly how you plan to pursue them and and what measurable outcomes you expect. Then if anyone says you're using buzzwords, you can disprove their claim. Also ask then what they're doing to support that aim, since some people will challenge just to waste your time while doing jack about it themselves.