2009-J4205

Memorializing Governor David A. Paterson to proclaim March 2010 as Spread the Word to End the Word Awareness Month in the State of New York

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2009-J4205


LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION memorializing Governor David A. Paterson to
proclaim March 2010 as Spread the Word to End the Word Awareness Month
in the State of New York

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to acknowledge indi-
viduals with disabilities who have risen above those conditions which
might otherwise hinder a purposeful life of achievement and fulfillment,
demonstrating that the barriers to success for the disabled come more
commonly from prevailing attitudes and opportunities than the physical
limitations of a disability; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to memorial-
ize Governor David A. Paterson to proclaim March 2010 as Spread the Word
to End the Word Awareness Month in the State of New York; and
WHEREAS, In addition, the Special Olympics New York's 40th Anniversary
will be acknowledged and celebrated in Albany, New York, on Wednesday,
March 17, 2010; and
WHEREAS, Spread the Word to End the Word is an ongoing effort by the
Special Olympics and its supporters to raise the consciousness of socie-
ty about the dehumanizing and hurtful effects of the word "retard(ed)"
and encourage people to pledge to stop using the "R" word; and
WHEREAS, Special Olympics New York is naming March as Spread the Word
to End the Word Awareness Month, with Wednesday, March 3, 2010, being
the official statewide kickoff; and
WHEREAS, Throughout the month of March, youth and friends of the
global movement will be hosting rallies and implementing grassroots
outreach efforts to encourage members of their communities to take the
pledge to stop using the "R" word in a demeaning manner; and
WHEREAS, Respectful and inclusive language is essential to the move-
ment for the dignity and humanity of people with intellectual disabili-
ties; however, much of society does not recognize the hurtful, dehuman-
izing and exclusive effects of the word "retard(ed)"; and
WHEREAS, It is now time to address the slur "retard(ed)" and raise the
consciousness of society to its hurtful effects; Special Olympics New
York is proud to be promoting unity, respect, and tolerance for all
people while changing attitudes, one person at a time; now, therefore,
be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
memorialize Governor David A. Paterson to proclaim March 2010 as Spread
the Word to End the Word Awareness Month in the State of New York; and
be it further
RESOLVED, That copies of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to The Honorable David A. Paterson, Governor of the State of New
York, and to Special Olympics New York.

actions

  • 11 / Mar / 2010
    • REFERRED TO FINANCE
  • 16 / Mar / 2010
    • REPORTED TO CALENDAR FOR CONSIDERATION
  • 16 / Mar / 2010
    • ADOPTED

Resolution Details

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Resolutions, Legislative

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