This year, the Shadow Ridge Best Buddies Club is joining the global effort to promote inclusion by participating in the Spread the Word to End the Word campaign. To raise awareness, the club is organizing a spirit week during the last week of March, March 24 to March 28, encouraging Mustangs to take action and help support the cause. Launched in 2009 by college students Soren Palumbo and Tim Shriver, the campaign aims to eliminate the use of the “R” word and foster a more respectful and inclusive community. Over the years, schools worldwide have embraced this initiative, striving to create environments for everyone.
Most of all, this campaign promotes awareness, but it also encourages people to take action-showing that change can start at any age and in any community.
“This campaign means that we’re finally bringing awareness and acceptance into more areas of life like school,” senior Allan Dyson said. “Just as we don’t use other terms, we shouldn’t be using this one either.”
Beyond just spreading awareness, the campaign also encourages students to be more conscious of the way they speak and treat those around them.
“Hopefully, it will bring more students to become accepting and mindful of their words but also the treatment of others,” Dyson stated.
Dr. Hannah Small, a Shadow Ridge counselor, believes this is a great way to encourage everyone to understand and participate in the event.
“The Spread the Word Spirit Week is a fantastic way to continue to promote respect and inclusion for students with disabilities on campus,” Small said. Having all students participate and get involved helps to not only promote the Spread the Word campaign but also to help raise awareness regarding inclusion, and the actions that we take.”
Though this is a great way to spread inclusion and awareness, there are some setbacks that may occur during the process, such as speaking up.
“Sometimes people are reluctant to speak up or speak out when they hear others being unkind,” Small stated.
What Best Buddies Club cares about the most is bringing awareness and recognition for the students with intellectual and developmental disabilities during this week.
“I hope that while bringing awareness to this topic will bring empathy, love, and kindness to the affected individuals,” Melissa Kehr, a painting teacher at Shadow and an electives teacher for the buddies, stated.
Throughout the week, students can participate in various activities and themed dress-up days to show their support. A pledge poster will also be available for students to sign, committing to eliminating the use of the “R” word. This initiative is more than just an event-it’s a step toward lasting change, fostering a more inclusive and respectful community for future generations.
