Spread the Word Campaign
The “Spread the Word Inclusion” or Respect campaign is an ongoing effort by Special Olympics, Best Buddies International and Special Olympics supporters to raise the consciousness of society and the dehumanizing and hurtful effects of the R word, and encourage people to pledge respect to everyone. Spread the Word is a global engagement campaign to increase inclusion amongst people with and without and developmental disabilities through grassroots action. In schools, workplaces, and communities around the world, local leaders are taking a pledge to create socially inclusive places to learn, work, and live. The campaign, created by youth, is intended to engage schools, organizations and communities to rally and pledge their support at www.spreadtheword.global in order to promote respect, the inclusion and acceptance of people with intellectual disabilities.
Here’s why YOU should promote RESPECT:
- Help your school and local community advocate against bullying and hurtful language
- Raise awareness of the harmful, dehumanizing effects of the R-word
- Participate in the creation of an environment free of stereotypes, where differences are not only accepted—but celebrated
- Give students of all abilities an opportunity to be leader
What is the R-Word?
- The R-word is the word ‘retard(ed)’. Why does it hurt? The R-word hurts because it is exclusive. It’s offensive. It’s derogatory.
- Our campaign asks people to pledge to stop saying the R-word as a starting point toward creating more accepting attitudes and communities for all people. Language affects attitudes and attitudes affect actions. Pledge today to use respectful, people-first language.
- Join thousands of others and make a pledge to help Spread the Word to End the Word with a new “R” word – Respect. Over 650,000 people have taken the pledge. You can be next!
- Click here to view all resources and tools to host your own Spread the Word Rally in your community
- We want to know about your Spread the Word Rally! If you host a local rally, please send your story in to your Program Manager.
- You may get your merchandise online at SpreadTheWordStore. If you are in need of any bracelets or Spread the Word Pledge cards, please contact your Program Manager to be delivered.
- For more information, please contact your Program Manager
