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 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 at www.r-word.org with a goal of reaching 100,000 pledges.
WHEN
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.
WHO
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 participants across the country.
Celebrity activist John C. McGinley of the hit show “Scrubs” is a spokesperson for the campaign.
WHY
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(ed)” and raise the consciousness of society to its hurtful effects.
HOW
Visit www.r-word.org to learn how you can Spread the Word to End the Word.
For more information, contact:
Special Olympics Wyoming
307-235-3062
800-735-8345
John C. McGinley PSA (right mouse-click on links below and select Save Target As or Save Link As)
John C. McGinley and the Strikers All-Stars Youth Rally and Dance Videos
"For Elementary Schools" (51 MB, 4:49)
"For Middle Schools"
(118 MB, 5:36)
Johnny Knoxville and Eddie Barbanell's Spread the Word Video (right mouse-click on link below and select Save Target As or Save Link As)
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