Spread The Word To End The Word
Spread the Word to End the Word is an ongoing effort by Special Olympics, Best Buddies International and our supporters to raise the consciousness of society about the dehumanizing and hurtful effects of the word “retard(ed)” and to encourage people to pledge to stop using the R-word.
The campaign, created by youth, is intended to engage schools organizations and communities to rally and pledge their support.
Most activities are centered annually in March, but people everywhere can help Spread the Word throughout their communities and schools year-round thru pledge drives, youth rallies and online activation.
The effort is spearheaded by college students, Soeren Palumbo (Notre Dame 2011) and Tim Shriver (Yale 2011), and led by young people, Special Olympics athletes and Best Buddies partners across the country.
Celebrity activist John C. McGinley of the hit show “Scrubs” is a spokesperson for the campaign as well.
Respectful and inclusive language is essential to the movement for the dignity and humanity of people with intellectual disabilities. However, much of society does not recognize the hurtful, dehumanizing and exclusive effects of the word “retard(ed).”
It is time to address the minority slur “retard” and raise the consciousness of society to its hurtful effects.
This year schools in Wisconsin, such as Oconomowoc High School and Oak Creek High School are joining in the effort to stop the use of the R-word among their friends, families, classmates, and communities. You too can be a part of this effort! If you have any questions about this movement you can go to http://www.r-word.org. For Local movements happening in Wisconsin please contact Ryan Schultz at ryanschultz@bestbuddies.org or Wendy Walker at wendywalker@bestbuddies.org. |
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