Spread the Word to End the Word
Alpha Sigma Alpha joins the Special Olympics' campaign to "Spread the Word to End the Word" 3.31.09, a new effort encouraging people nationwide to pledge to stop using the derogatory word "retard." The campaign will be devoted to educating and raising awareness about individuals with intellectual disabilities and the offensive use of the "R-word" in casual conversation.
Alpha Sigma Alphas across the country will unite to challenge everyone to think before they speak. Collegiate and alumnae chapters will participate by encouraging other students, co-workers, friends and family to pledge to stop the use of the word at www.r-word.org. In addition, chapters will help spread the word by hosting events in the community and on campus.
"Alpha Sigma Alpha adopted Special Olympics as a national philanthropy in 1976. Since then, members have made a difference by volunteering at sporting events and in local Special Olympic offices. We hope that by assisting with this specific campaign, Alpha Sigma Alpha will be able to promote a better understanding of the challenges people with disabilities face on a daily basis," said Cindy Kelley, Alpha Sigma Alpha's National President.
How to get started?
- Take the R-word pledge at www.r-word.org.
- Become involved in your campus community. Click here for event and activation ideas.
- Join the Special Olympics on Facebook.
- Follow along the Special Olympics Fan Community on Twitter.
- Visit www.specialolympics.org/stw_resources.aspx for general information, marketing and public relation resources. You'll have access to graphics of posters, flyers, buttons and sample press releases and letters to the media.
Related Links
About Special Olympics
Special Olympics is an international organization that changes lives by encouraging and empowering people with intellectual disabilities, promoting acceptance for all, and fostering communities of understanding and respect worldwide. Founded in 1968 by Eunice Kennedy Shriver, the Special Olympics movement has grown from a few hundred athletes to nearly three million athletes in over 180 countries in all regions of the world, providing year-round sports training, athletic competition and other related programs. Special Olympics now takes place every day, changing the lives of people with intellectual disabilities in places like China and from regions like the Middle East to the community playgrounds and ball fields in every small neighborhood's backyard. Special Olympics provides people with intellectual disabilities continuing opportunities to realize their potential, develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage and experience joy and friendship.
About Spread the Word to End the Word 3.31.09
Spread the Word to End the Word 3.31.09 was created by young people with and without intellectual disabilities who participated in the Special Olympics Global Youth Activation Summit in February held in conjunction with the 2009 Special Olympics World Winter Games. Special Olympics has set a goal to garner 100,000 online pledges through this campaign.
