What Is Spread the Word to End the Word?
Spread the Word to End the Word is a campaign created by youth, in an ongoing effort with Special Olympics and Best Buddies International, to engage schools, organizations and communities by raising the consciousness of society about the dehumanizing and hurtful effects of the word “retard(ed)” and encouraging everyone to stop using the R-word.
On March 3, 2010, youth are leading the second annual day of awareness to Spread the Word to End the Word by encouraging people to rally and pledge their support at www.r-word.org with the goal of reaching 100,000 pledges.
I'm Sheila. In addition to raising 1 husband and 3 teens, I've founded 
Thanks for the heads up on this!
.-= Mama Zen´s last blog ..Smooches =-.
Awesome! I hate to admit that I used to use that word many years ago. Then when me dad got remarried his wife’s daughter was mentally challenged. She’s sweet and kind and I’ve never used that word since (12 yrs). Oh, and I may not be as youthful as i once was but I still to the pledge.
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Oh my daughter has been pushing for this for years! I didn’t realize there was a formal campaign. Excellent!
.-= blueviolet´s last blog ..Call Me Whatever You Want =-.
thanks for briging this to light…i really cant stand that word…
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It’s interesting. I had a brother with Down’s Syndrome. He died years ago. As is often the case with DS kids, he had other physical problems, and they took his life when he was just 6. It was a tough time for our family. Anyway. When he was alive, and for a long time after, “retarded” was not only commonly used, but accepted as label for children/people with mental delays.
Now, it is just another in a long list of words that have become outdated and un-PC. But no matter what words people use, there will always be negative slang. People can be insensitive, hurtful assholes. Which is why I don’t understand these sorts of campaigns. The people who are going to call someone a retard are not going to sign up. They know of it’s hurtful nature, that’s WHY they use it.
So, yes, I agree that people shouldn’t use the word. But the word isn’t really the problem, it’s nasty people. And sadly, they’re not going anywhere.
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sheila Reply:
March 2nd, 2010 at 3:12 pm
True….those that use the word won’t sign on. BUT….it does spread awareness and I’ll be there’s a lot of people who might think twice. :0) Ya never know. Sad story, Cara. That has to have been one of the most traumatic things a family has to go though. Times sure have changed with how we view things and things we’ve learned. In a perfect world………….
Sounds like a great campaign!
makes me feel sorta immature for posting about Vajazzling today.
lol
.-= Alissa Collins´s last blog ..To Vajazzle or not to Vajazzle… that is the question! =-.
I don’t like that word either. I think it is an awesome campaign. Thanks for posting!!!
.-= Jodi´s last blog ..Random Dozen & A Bit More =-.
Really, the word is just as ignorant as the “n” word. I can’t even type it out.
.-= arizonamamma´s last blog ..Mmmmmm……Chocolate! =-.
It’s a hurtful word when used to hurt, demean, or inflame others. That’s what needs to end. Campaigns like this will make people think twice.
.-= Marie´s last blog ..Just Snuggle =-.
People still use the R word? Really? How uncool. I thought we were already so past that.
lol on “Vajazzling” above!
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I wasn’t aware of the campaign. Thanks for sharing. I hate that word.
.-= Serendipity is Sweet´s last blog ..Wordless Wednesday =-.
To that I say AMEN! As a retired Special Ed educator I would truly tire of watching the ‘normal’ students use retard to describe my students!
Thanks for drawing attention to the awareness!!!
You have yourself one fantastic day!!!
.-= Nezzy´s last blog ..WE’RE OFF TO SEE THE WIZARD! =-.
Great movement. I never use that word now…but must admit when I was younger it was kind of the word to describe a lot of stuff….BUT thankfully I grew up and figured out how to not be an idiot.
.-= Holly L´s last blog ..DIY Day….Chick on a Stick =-.
I hope they reach their goal..
.-= Amy´s last blog ..Princess Time.. =-.
I did this yesterday, too. Wanted to write a post about it all day – but never got around to it. The button is too big for my sidebar and I’m not computer savvy enough to fix it.
Bravo for participating, too!
.-= Janene´s last blog ..Admitting you have a problem – is it the first step? =-.
Happy Friday Follow! I am a new follower! My blogs are numbers 166, 167 and 169!
http://whatsfordinner-mommymommymommy.blogspot.com/
Thanks for visiting my KISS-Keep It Simple Sister blog! I intensely dislike anything complicated!
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