Words Matter Week – Mar. 7, 2027

Words Matter Week
Categories:
Tags:
AmericanCulturalEducational
Where:
United States
Date change rule:
Week starting with the 1st Sunday of March
Holiday emoji:
🗣️

Words Matter Week arrives every first full week of March, urging us to reflect on the profound impact of our language. This observance encourages thoughtful communication, fostering empathy and understanding in all interactions. Take time this week to choose your words carefully, practice active listening, and engage in constructive dialogue.

Want to sponsor Words Matter Week? Learn how

Expected Words Matter Week Deals

For Words Matter Week, expect a focus on educational resources and community initiatives rather than commercial deals. Organizations like the National Communication Association and Toastmasters International often promote workshops and free online guides for improving public speaking and interpersonal communication. Look for special offers on writing tools from companies like Grammarly and language learning apps. Educational publishers may offer discounts on books about rhetoric, linguistics, and effective communication. Non-profits dedicated to media literacy, such as The Poynter Institute, will share resources to help discern truthful and impactful language. We will update this page with confirmed live programs and resources as March approaches.

Platform Guide for Words Matter Week

LinkedIn

Tag National Today (linkedin.com/company/nationaltoday) and use #WordsMatterWeek. Share insights on professional communication, leadership language, and workplace empathy.

X/Twitter

Mention @NatlToday and use #WordsMatterWeek. Join real-time discussions on the power of language, media literacy, and positive online discourse.

Facebook

Mention National Today (facebook.com/nationaltoday) and use #WordsMatterWeek. Post community challenges, share educational articles, or host a live Q&A on effective communication.

Social Media Tips for Words Matter Week

Individuals

Practice mindful communication in your daily life. Before speaking or typing, pause to consider the impact of your words. Engage in active listening and seek to understand different perspectives.

Creators

Develop content that explores the nuances of language, from the power of storytelling to the dangers of misinformation. Host interviews with linguists or communication experts.

Brands

Launch an internal campaign promoting clear and empathetic communication among employees. Share public messages demonstrating your brand's commitment to responsible language and dialogue.

Organizations & Brands for Words Matter Week

  1. National Communication Association

    Founded in 1914, the NCA is a scholarly society dedicated to advancing communication as an academic discipline. It supports research, teaching, and service in areas ranging from interpersonal to mass communication.

  2. Toastmasters International

    Established in 1924, Toastmasters International is a non-profit educational organization that operates clubs worldwide for the purpose of promoting communication, public speaking, and leadership skills.

  3. Merriam-Webster

    Tracing its origins to 1831, Merriam-Webster is America's oldest dictionary publisher. It is renowned for its comprehensive dictionaries, thesauri, and language reference materials, promoting precise word usage.

  4. Grammarly

    Founded in 2009, Grammarly is an AI-powered writing assistant that helps users improve their grammar, spelling, punctuation, clarity, engagement, and delivery across various digital platforms.

  5. Google

    Founded in 1998, Google's mission is to organize the world's information and make it universally accessible and useful. Its tools like Google Docs and Translate facilitate communication and understanding globally.

  6. The Poynter Institute

    A non-profit journalism school and research organization founded in 1975, Poynter focuses on media ethics, fact-checking, and promoting clear, accurate, and responsible communication in journalism and beyond.

  7. Public Relations Society of America

    Founded in 1947, PRSA is the largest organization for public relations professionals in the U.S. It sets ethical standards and provides professional development to ensure effective and responsible communication.

Words Matter Week Hero

Noah Webster

Noah Webster (1758–1843) was an American lexicographer, textbook pioneer, and spelling reformer. Known as the 'Father of American Scholarship and Education,' he compiled the first comprehensive American dictionary, 'An American Dictionary of the English Language,' in 1828, standardizing American spelling and usage.

History of Words Matter Week

Words Matter Week is spearheaded by the National Association Of Independent Writers & Editors (NAIWE) and has been celebrated as far back as 2008 when the first one was observed. NAIWE is a professional association for all publishing professionals and its mission is to help members succeed with its unique focus on creating multiple streams of income.

The National Association of Independent Writers and Editors (NAIWE) was founded in 2007. It was originally called the National Association of Independent Writing Evaluators and as time passed and the association grew, it changed the name to accommodate all its members as well as its mission in 2009. The association is international in scope and reach and its membership isn’t restricted by geographical borders as it has members in every continent in the world.

This year, National Words Matter Week falls from March 6 to March 12, in a week-long celebration to use words properly and all sorts of fun activities centered around the use of words. Speaking an individual’s language is not just about speaking a national language that the person understands. The language has to be used strategically as well. You need to speak in the communication style that resonates with them, speak to what they value, what they need, and what they respect. By so doing, your message will not just be heard but accepted as well.

For example, someone who refers to himself as queer wouldn’t have an issue getting called that by someone who is the same but might have an issue being called that by someone who isn’t. Likewise, some words come with prejudice and so we should be mindful of their use of them. Whether you’re a blogger, copywriter, copyeditor, publicist, in any profession in the world, or just that random person walking down the street, make sure to use words the right way.

Words Matter Week timeline

2007
The Foundation is Formed

The National Association of Independent Writing Evaluators is founded.

2008
The Inaugural Celebration

The first edition of National Words Matter week is celebrated.

2009
The Name Change

The name of the association is changed to the National Association of Independent Writers and Editors (NAIWE).

2018
The Milestone Achievement

National Words Matter Weeks is celebrated for the 10th year.

How Businesses Can Celebrate Words Matter Week

Local businesses can honor Words Matter Week by emphasizing clear and respectful communication with customers and employees. Consider hosting a workshop on active listening for your team or implementing a ‘word of the day’ challenge to expand vocabulary. Retailers might curate a display of books on communication skills or offer discounts on journals. Restaurants could feature a ‘conversation starter’ question on their menus, encouraging thoughtful dialogue among diners.

Words Matter Week FAQs

When is Words Matter Week?

In 2027, Words Matter Week will be observed from Sunday, March 7, through Saturday, March 13. This week-long observance provides a dedicated time to enhance communication skills.

How many words are in the English language?

While a definitive count is elusive due to new coinages and specialized vocabulary, the English language is one of the largest globally. Its extensive lexicon allows for incredible precision and expression.

What is the impact of miscommunication?

The ripple effects of miscommunication can be profound, from personal frustration to large-scale organizational failures. Investing in better communication strategies can mitigate these negative outcomes.

What is the origin of Words Matter Week?

The National Council of Teachers of English initiated Words Matter Week to encourage individuals to recognize the ethical and social responsibilities inherent in using language effectively and respectfully.

Words Matter Week Activities

  1. Spread awareness

    Spread awareness of the day by posting on social media with the hashtag #WordsMatterWeek. It helps others to know about the celebration and what it is about.

  2. Play word games

    Play word games like scrabble and boggle to celebrate the day. It helps to learn new vocabulary and keep the mind sharp.

  3. Compliment someone

    Compliment someone or even more than one person to celebrate the day. Your words might just put a smile on their faces.

5 Interesting Facts About Words

  1. The word with XYZ in order

    The word is ‘hydroxyzine’ and it refers to a type of medicine that helps with sneezing and anxiety.

  2. The day before yesterday has a word

    The word is called ‘nudiustertian’, but given the time it would take you to explain it, it might be best to stick with ‘the day before yesterday.’

  3. The single letter use words

    ‘Uncopyrightable’ and ‘dermatoglyphics’ are the two longest words in the English language that don’t repeat a letter.

  4. The word to describe your first encounter

    ‘Qualtagh’ is the word for this. It can also be used to describe the first person to enter your home in the new year.

  5. The word with the most meanings

    The verb and sometimes noun of the word ‘set’ has the most meanings of any English word with 430 listed in the dictionary.

Why We Love Words Matter Week

  1. We learn about control

    Celebrating National Words Matter Week helps us realize that we might be offending some people unknowingly. After this, we can learn to control our words.

  2. We learn new words

    With the different activities that happen during the week, we are bound to learn a word or two. This goes on to help us better express ourselves.

  3. It improves our writing

    There’s no way you learn new words and your writing stays the same. With the week coming by, we don’t just learn new words but improve our writing as well.

Words Matter Week dates

Year Date Day
2026 March 1–7 Sunday–Saturday
2027 March 7–13 Sunday–Saturday
2028 March 5–11 Sunday–Saturday
2029 March 4–10 Sunday–Saturday
2030 March 3–9 Sunday–Saturday