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
2020 Inclusion Week
Inclusion Week was held on March 2-6, 2020. Multiple schools around the state took advantage of this opportunity, promoting inclusion for those who do or do not have intellectual disabilities and bringing everyone together. In all, 6,500 students signed the Spread the Word pledge. It was a success! Please see below for some great photos to highlight the week.
Spread the Word Rally in Atlanta, Georgia
During the week of October 16th, Woods Curry, a student at Westminster High School and Special Olympics Youth Forum participant, held and R-Word Rally to raise awareness for Special Olympics. He set up a table outside of the campus dining hall during lunch and had students sign certificates, which he is planning to have displayed in the school. Through his successful campaign, he got 388 students to make the pledge to end the R-word. Woods is currently working with other parts of his school to get even more chances for students to make the pledge. Great job Woods!
Spread the Word Rally in White County, GA
On March 9th, students at White County Middle School held an R-Word Rally to help Spread the Word to end the Word. There were 465 pledges to show respect for those with intellectual disabilities and bring awareness to stop using the R-Word. Thanks to White County for a successful rally!
Spread the Word Rally in Monroe County, GA
On March 1-2, 2017, students at Mary Persons High School in Forsyth Georgia took part in the Spread the Word to End the Word campaign hosted by Mary Persons’ chapter of Best Buddies. On Wednesday, March 1, freshman from the school’s Freshman Campus signed the pledge banner during their lunches and, after signing, received a Spread the Word to End the Word bracelet, donated by Special Olympics Georgia. On Thursday, March 2 upperclassmen on the school’s main campus did the same, totaling 500 students. The pledge banner was displayed in the school’s gym on Friday, March 3 at the school wide Respect Rally, which brought 1,200 students together. The bracelets students were given up signing the pledge banner will allow them to Spread the Word into the Forsyth and great middle Georgia communities.
