Across the United States and around the globe, young people on college campuses, in high school cafeterias and workaday offices have joined a movement of mutual respect and human dignity called Spread the Word to End the Word. The goal: get people to stop and think about their hurtful and disparaging use of the word “retard” and pledge to stop using it.
http://www.specialolympics.org/03-31-09_Spread_the_Word.aspx
Feel free to use the following Sample Proclamation in announcing a “Spread the Word to End the Word” Awareness day for your community or state. Change the words to fit your community and submit it to your school principal, city mayor or state governor!
PROCLAMATION
WHEREAS, according to the 2005 U.S. Census Bureau, 604,245 Oklahomans, 19.0% age 5 and over, have some form of disability; and
WHEREAS, people with disabilities constitute our nation’s largest minority group, almost one in five; and
WHEREAS, this group is also the most inclusive and most diverse group: all ages, genders, religions, ethnicities, sexual orientations, and socioeconomic levels are represented; and
WHEREAS, when the words “retard” or “retarded” are used without thinking to mean something stupid or bad it is hurtful to people who have disabilities and the people who love them; and
WHEREAS, it perpetuates prejudice and discrimination towards people with disabilities; and
WHEREAS, this word is just as cruel and offensive as any other slur or hate speech;
NOW, THEREFORE, I, BRAD HENRY, Governor of the State of Oklahoma, (OR YOUR MAYOR, CITY OFFICIAL OR PRINCIPAL) do hereby proclaim
March 3, 2010, as
“Spread the Word to End The “r” Word Day” in the State of Oklahoma, and encourage all Oklahomans to Spread the Word throughout their communities and schools encourage everyone to stop saying the “r” word.
Spread The Word Image for T-Shirts or Small Posters (pdf)
Spread The Word Image Large Posters (pdf)
Other FREE Materials To Make Your Voices Heard!
Special Olympics Resource Materials for “Spread the Word to End the Word Awareness Day”