Spread the Word to End the Word on March 3

March 3rd will mark the second annual "Spread the Word to End the Word" day of awareness. This is a campaign created by youth in an ongoing effort with Special Olympics and Best Buddies International to raise the consciousness of society about the dehumanizing and hurtful effects of the word “retard(ed)” and encourage everyone to stop using the R-word. Youth leaders are encouraging people to rally and pledge their support at www.r-word.org with a goal of reaching 100,000 pledges.

The day will be devoted to educating and raising awareness of the positive impact individuals with intellectual disabilities have in our communities and why the use of the R-word is hurtful, even in casual conversation. Special Olympics and Best Buddies International hope that this day becomes an annually recognized day to raise awareness and ultimately encourage acceptance and respect for people with intellectual disabilities.

Students and schools across the U.S. and around the world continue to unite in their challenge for everyone to think before they speak. On March 3, youth will coordinate simultaneous pledge drives, campaigns, and educational opportunities through Spread the Word to End the Word.

Best Buddies Nevada is thrilled to announce that all of our area high schools will be participating in this event. Basic, Centennial, Coronado, Desert Pines, Bishop Gorman, and Sierra Vista High Schools will all be collecting pledges on March 3. In addition, Bonanza High School’s Best Buddies Chapter will host a week full of activities around Spread the Word to End the Word, including a “Ribbon Day” for disability awareness and “Twin Day” where buddies will dress alike.

The UNLV Chapter of Best Buddies, along with students from S.E.C.T.A.’s PACE Program, will gather to participate in the second annual “Spread the Word to End the Word” Campaign Event at UNLV on Wednesday, March 10 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Students will gather at Pida Plaza located in front of the Student Union.

UNLV students will gather signatures from those pledging not to use the R-Word on a 50-foot banner. Their goal is to gather 1,000 signatures from those pledging to promote acceptance and inclusion for people with intellectual disabilities.

If you haven't taken the pledge yet, visit:
www.r-word.org