Spread the Word to End the Word – 2016 Theme “Respect City – Population Everyone”
Spread the Word to End the Word is an ongoing effort by Special Olympics 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 and promote the inclusion and acceptance of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
The annual day of awareness is held the first Wednesday of every March, This Year on March 2nd. 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.
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.
WHAT CAN YOU DO
We are inviting individuals to download the pledge and show us your RESPECT! Upload a picture to Social Media with the #RespectCity hashtag any time up to or on March 2nd! We will be giving prizes to those that participate all day on March 2nd. You can download pledge cards, posters and the graphic below.