Why It Is Necessary For You To Join The R Word Pledge

By Evelyn Walls


There has been a concerted effort to stop the use of the word retard over the United States. This word is termed as very derogatory and its daily use in normal conversations is seen as very insensitive to the people dealing with all sorts of intellectual disabilities. It is for this very reason that the R word pledge was started in the year 2009.

The main aim of this movement is to help instill the use of respectful language which takes into consideration the welfare of victims of several cognitive and even developmental challenges. The movement aims at informing the public at large that these individuals who fall into this category can be able to achieve a productive life especially if people never regard them to be complete human beings.

The Spread the Word to End the Word movement aims at achieving the very goals and objectives which are held by the pledge. The Special Olympics Global Activation Summit was the place of birth for this initiative where several young people thought it necessary to come up with this movement. The formation of this movement only came to be in the year 2009 when the World Winter Games were being held.

Students from all over the United States usually take part in this initiative by promising to discard the usage of the word retard in their day to day activities. They also promise to educate the public on the same. March 31 is usually the nationwide day for the propagation of this program. Through this movement, some people who hold public offices have been strongly condemned for violating the very objective of this movement and this has even led to them making public apologies. Some of them have even gone to join the movement.

This movement usually aims at achieving its objectives through several ways. One among the ways that its supporters are encouraged to take part in spreading the message is through social media. People are usually advised to tweet that they will actively support the agenda of this campaign through their words and even deeds. The movement also has a Youtube channel and a Facebook page whereby the agenda is usually publicized. Interested parties are also encouraged to sign up for the newsletter so as to keep up to date with relevant information and even schedules for events.

There is also a 46 day event which involves the carrying of a torch relay. Financial contributions are also made during this very event. These funds usually come in handy in further public awareness activities.

Individuals are also encouraged to share their story with regards to the situations which led to them to join this movement. This usually happens in the website run by the movement. There are encouraged to write powerful and personal stories of their motivation for ensuring that intellectually disabled individuals are addressed in the rightful manner.

The movement also aims at equipping the participants with the most suitable ways of handling a case whereby they witness the use of that derogatory statement. This is especially the case since most situations tend to be not suitable for an intervention. Several celebrities have also played a huge part in spreading the agenda of this movement by actively giving it support.




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