SPREAD THE WORD

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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.

Join us and help end the R-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 encourage people to pledge to stop using the R-word.  

The official Spread the Word to End the Word Day is March 7th.  People all over the United States will be holding rallies to show support and encouragement.

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.

Help Spread the Word
Watch John C. McGinley’s message on the importance of valuing people with intellectual disabilities. Share it with your friends.  Watch now.

End the Word Gear

Help Spread the Word to End the R-word year round with t-shirts, posters, buttons, stickers and more! Get the Gear.

For more information, contact:

Allison Harker

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)
Download video(9 MB)

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) Download video (28 MB, 2:49)