Valley High School Students ‘Spread the Word to End the Word’

The Best Buddies group from Valley High School attended a “Spread the Word to End the Word” rally at the state Capitol recently, meeting with various senators as part of their advocacy for individuals with special needs.

Afterward, they had their picture taken with Gov. Terry Branstad.

Best Buddies is an international nonprofit group dedicated to establishing a global volunteer movement that creates opportunities for one-to-one friendships, integrated employment and leadership development for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Founded in 1989 by Anthony K. Shriver, Best Buddies is a vibrant, international organization that has grown from one original chapter to almost 1,500 middle school, high school, and college chapters worldwide. Best Buddies programs engage participants in each of the 50 United States, and in 50 countries around the world.

The Spread the Word to End the Word campaign recognizes that the “R-Word” (retarded and its variations) is hurtful. Those signing the pledge to end its use recognize that it is exclusive, derrogatory and offensive.

Have you signed the pledge to "End the Word"? You can do that here.

For more news from around the district, go to the West Des Moines Community School District’s web site.