Spread the Word to End the Word Overview

Across the United States and around the globe, young people on college campuses, in high school cafeterias and corporate 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.

A Global Movement. Supporters in East Asia pledge their support for the Spread the Word to End the Word campaign. 

March 2, 2011 will mark the third annual day of awareness for “Spread the Word to End the Word.” Youth from around the world will host rallies and encourage others to eliminate the derogatory use of the r-word and promote acceptance and inclusion for people with intellectual disabilities.

In 2010 we surpassed 100,000 pledges as the campaign continues to grow in schools and communities across the United States and around the world.  Additionally, over 500 events took place in the United States on March 3rd to raise awareness of the positive impact individuals with intellectual disabilities have in our communities (See photos and media highlights from 2010 events).

But Spread the Word to End the Word is more than just a one day event. Events continue throughout the month of March and all year round. (Find Spread the Word events near you)

"The earlier we can start teaching this awareness, the easier it will be to reverse the language," says James Saetern of Sacramento, California. "This is not just a day of awareness, but a movement to end hate as a whole."

Take the pledge right now!

How It Started
Spread the Word to End the Word was created by youth with and without intellectual disabilities who participated in the Special Olympics Global Youth Activation Summit at the 2009 Special Olympics World Winter Games.  The motivation for the campaign was driven by a united passion to promote the positive contributions people with intellectual disabilities make to communities around the world combined with a simple call to action – a pledge to stop using a word – that also symbolizes positive attitude change and a commitment to make the world a more accepting place for all people.

Motivated by their commitment to action, actor John C. McGinley was inspired to join these youth and their dedication to stop the casual use of the R-Word.

“Most people don’t think of this word as the language of hate, but that’s exactly what it feels like to millions of people with intellectual disabilities, their families and friends,” said McGinley. “I choose to believe that most of us are fundamentally good and that we’re just not aware that the word is offensive and that it hurts.”

Read a personal message from John C. McGinley on the inaugural day of awareness to Spread the Word to End the Word.

Spread the Word to End the Word is one element of Special Olympics’ vision of a world where everyone matters, where everyone is accepted and, most importantly, where everyone is respected and valued.

Keep Spreading the Word
Join thousands of young people across the globe in making a difference.  Make your pledge to end the R-word now!  If you’ve already pledged, re-pledge.  Spread the word thru emails, Tweets and Facebook updates to get your friends and family to pledge.

Visit the R-word Store to buy the t-shirt, get buttons, posters, bracelets and more!

Use the tools on our resources page to help you raise awareness and encourage more people to take the R-word pledge.