Spread the Word to End the Word

This year’s annual day of awareness, 03.07.12, is imminent! There are lots of ways that you can help to Spread the Word to End the Word. 

Share a Tribute Video 

Everyone takes the R-word pledge for a personal reason. Maybe you have a sibling, relative or friend who has an intellectual disability? We want to make sure the world hears your appeal for respect. Create a personal tribute video that creatively tells the story of why you took the R-word pledge and why you think others should too. Upload your video to You Tube and post it  Facebook. The R-Word Campaign will take it from there and integrate it into the R-word website in the “Tribute Videos” playlist for the world to see. Watch this tribute video, "For Russell", to use as an example. 

Get on our Timeline Collage 

There are extremely passionate fans taking the R-word pledge all over the world. You can show how and where the R-word has impacted you. Take a picture of yourself making your pledge to end the R-word, in your Spread the Word t-shirts, or in a creative way that shows off your support of the campaign. Tweet it to @EndtheWord, post it the Facebook wall, or email it to photos@specialolympics.org. The R-word Campaign will compile the best photos into this collage and post it this week as it Facebook Timeline cover photo. 

Create Lasting Change 

States across the US are reshaping their language and updating laws to people first language that removes the words “mental retardation” in favor of more respectful language like “people with intellectual disabilities.” In October, 2010 President Obama signed “Rosa’s Law” which changed references in many Federal statutes to replace "mental retardation" instead to "intellectual disability.” To date, 43 states in the U.S. have passed or introduced similar legislation. Is your state one of them? Visit the R-word site to find out. If not, you can make a difference by contacting your state government and ask them to join their sister states in creating communities of respect and inclusion and updating their laws to include people first language. 

     

Share Your Passion 

Use your social networks to recruit your friends and family to join the campaign. You can use the R-word Campaign's Social Media Activation Guide for ideas and messaging.  You can also take advantage of the new Facebook Timeline format by using this branded Cover Photo to tell all your friends that you are a fan of respect.