Spread the Word to End the Word®
On Wednesday, March 3, the John T. Nichols, Jr. Middle School will join schools and people all across the world as we try to "Spread the Word to End the Word."
A special announcement will be made during the morning announcements by a sixth grade student, who feels very deeply about this subject. We will then make a pledge to stop saying the R-Word.
Here is more information on this day Wednesday 3/2, and the movement:
WHAT
Spread
the Word to End the Word is an ongoing effort by Special Olympics, Best Buddies
and our supporters to inspire respect and acceptance through raising the
consciousness of society about the R-word and how hurtful words and disrespect
can be toward people with intellectual disabilities.
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 annual day of awareness is held the first Wednesday of March for the John T. Nichols, Jr. Middle School.
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,
along with 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 for #Respect today at www.R-word.org.
HOW
Visit www.r-word.org to learn how you can Spread the Word to End the Word.
For more information, contact:
202-824-0307
