Spread the Word to End the Word

Throughout the nation on March 3, Special Olympics is asking for your support to Spread the Word to End the Word.  Join us in taking a stand against a word that has gained popularity in culture, but is offensive to many.  The “R-word” or “retard(ed)” has found a place in common language and seems to be accepted by most, despite the fact that its use, casual or otherwise, is hurtful to millions of people with intellectual disabilities and those who love them.

 

The word hurts, even if it is not directed at a person with intellectual disabilities. For too long, people with intellectual disabilities have had to overcome the challenges society has put forth through stereotypes. It is time for a change, and you can help!

 

5 Ways to Show Your Support on March 3, 2010:

1. Get social.  Donate your Facebook status for the day and tweet about your support.  “Join Special Olympics Texas and spread the word to end the word.  Take the pledge today to eliminate the R-word at www.r-word.org.”
2. Forward this email to everyone in your contacts.
   
3. Start a conversation.  Tell 5 people about the R-word campaign and challenge them to pass the message onto 5 more people.
   
4. View our R-word PSAs at www.youtube.com/specialolympicstexas.  Email links to your friends.
   
5. Take the pledge at www.r-word.org.

Please help Special Olympics Texas to bring acceptance and inclusion to our communities.  We need your support, and the support of your friends and family, for our Spread the Word to End the Word_™ campaign.  Though we work year-round to educate people about proper terminology, please use March 3, 2010, to join with others across the nation and show your support of Special Olympics Texas athletes and our efforts to erase the R-word from people’s vocabularies.

 

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Kelly Coffey
Vice President of Communications 
Special Olympics Texas
kcoffey@sotx.org