Best Buddies met on Thursday, March 1, to begin their preparations for the Spread the Word to End the Word campaign. The McLean chapter of Best Buddies painted posters and made ribbons to be hung up and distributed. “The buddies were so excited to participate in this meeting and it reminded me just how important this cause is,” senior and Vice-President D.J. Davis said. The Spread the Word campaign was started to promote the use of correct terminology for those with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities, or commonly known as IDD, and disband the use of the R-word. “Spread the Word is important because it is one of many campaigns, which push for the inclusion and acceptance of those with IDD,” Davis said. “The ‘r-word’ has always been a derogatory term and its use in everyday language undermines those who have IDD.” Best Buddies is an important part of MHS community. It provides beneficial experiences to both people in the buddy pair. “My hope is that this day would push others to be mindful of those students with IDD, pursue friendships with them,” Davis said.

During this week, posters will be hung around this school and blue ribbons are given out during all lunches on March 7. The club hopes that the campaign will urge people to think before they use the r-word, but their main goal is still to help create lasting friendships for those with IDD. “The best part of being in clubs like Best Buddies is taking a step back a few months after school has started, and seeing all the smiles and friendships that have formed,” Davis said.