Spread the Word to End the Word
Fact Sheet
WHAT
Spread the Word to
End the Word™ is an ongoing effort by Special Olympics, Best Buddies
and our supporters to raise the consciousness of society about the dehumanizing
and hurtful effects of the R-word 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 and to promote the
inclusion and acceptance of people with intellectual and developmental
disabilities.
WHEN
The
official annual day of awareness is held the first Wednesday of every March.
While most activities are centered on or near that annual day in March, people
everywhere can help spread the word throughout their communities and schools year-round
thru pledge drives, youth rallies and online activation.
WHO
Spread
the Word to End the Word was founded by college students Soeren Palumbo (Notre
Dame 2011) and Tim Shriver (Yale 2011) in 2009, and continues to be led by passionate
young people, Special Olympics athletes and Best Buddies participants across
the United States and in many other parts of the world.
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 R-word.
Language
affects attitudes. Attitudes impact actions. Make your pledge to choose
respectful people first language today at www.R-word.org.
HOW
1 comment:
I spread the word! And I was completely overwhelemed by the support it generated. Way to keep it going!!
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