What are you doing to End The Word?

Its not enough for me to just post on my blog about Spread the Word to End the Word. I think most of the people reading my blog already know about the campaign. After seeing these ads Tricia posted at Unringing the Bell, I wanted to make sure everyone I know sees them. I put together this email with help from the Special Olympics website and spammed everyone I know IRL.

Dear Friend,
Help me Spread the Word to End the Word. I invite you to be a fan of respect and join me in a campaign to stop the use of the “R-word.” On 3.31.09 thousands of people across the country will pledge to end the use of the word “retard.”
Visit www.r-word.org and take the pledge and pass this email along to all your friends. Help us get 100,000 pledges and spread the word.
Thanks,
Goldie's Family

PS. the small print in the ads below reads:
Most people who would never knowingly use disparaging terms don't see a problem with saying "retard." This must change. It's just as hateful as any other slur. And for millions of people with Intellectual Disabilities, their families and friends, it hurts just as much. Please, don't use the R-word.

At the bottom I attached the ads. Thanks Deborah for finding out what the fine print said!

ETA: Does anyone know how to get around hotmail's spam blocker? I even tried sending the email individually to people with hotmail and it still bounced back.

The "R" Word

I was hanging out with the girls tonight when Mini Me told me about something that happened at school today. One of the girls was "teaching" the other kids how to hit themselves in the chest with their hand while saying retard. I don't think I've seen that move since I was in grade school. I explained why it was wrong and got online with her to show her the shirts Lisa at Finnian's Journey and her son made. But, I was pleasantly surprised to find Lisa's recent post.

Just like Lisa, I'm shocked at the girl who initiated this. You see, her parents are leaders at the Vacation Bible School my girls attend every summer. When I pick them up, her dad is always up there singing with the kids. On the other hand, Hank only goes to church at Christmas and Easter. He's also a truck driver and has a mouth like one. Sorry, but its true, as the daughter of a sailor this didn't phase me when I met him. The irony of this is not lost on me. Now, I also know as a parent sometimes our children do things that do not reflect our values. My children have come home and told me some awful things that were said by their grandparents. I'm just glad they knew what they were hearing is wrong and not to repeat it.

Oh, and if you want to read more posts about the "R" word Joyce had something to say, too.

I'm hoping Mini Me will be inspired by Lisa's blog and stand up to the kids at school. But, I don't think it will happen tomorrow. She still feels like "the new kid" and is pretty shy. I'm wondering if I talked to the guidance counselor if she has a lesson that would be appropriate for this situation. I don't want to see kids get in trouble, I want them to learn why using the "R" word is wrong. I want them to know the people they are hurting and be able to empathize with them. I have a chance to volunteer at the school next month. Maybe it wouldn't be a bad idea to go and bring Goldie with me.