#NoGoodWay to use the 'R' word, is new campaign. (Tero Vesalainen/ Dreamstime.com)

By Ronald Quaroni

#NoGoodWay

Local organizations support national campaign to stop using derogatory word

Mar 29, 2019 | 12:15 PM

_{Disclaimer: This story contains an offensive word.}

A national not-for-profit organization has a message that has resonated with local enforcement and educational authorities.

#NoGoodWay is a campaign started by Motionball, a national organization that helps promote and fundraise for Special Olympics in the country. They’ve begun a social media movement and their goal is to get people to stop using the word ‘retard’.

Motionball’s website said 8,494,929 tweets have contained the ‘R’ word since Jan. 1, 2018.

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The extensive use of the word is not necessarily aimed at people with mental challenges and is often spoken or used on social media as a general insult, even among friends. However, it is this abundant misuse of the ‘R’ word that advocates are rallying against, and that most people would like to see consigned to history.

Saskatchewan Rivers Public School Division Director of Education, Robert Bratvold said name calling is an important issue to address.

“I’m glad someone is taking it head on and addressing the issue directly. I think that’s a good thing,” Bratvold said. “It’s a little shocking that we still have to do this, but I’m thankful that someone has taken it upon themselves to do this.”

“We’re not going to tolerate. We’re going to embrace diversity and inclusion.” _{Robert Bratvold}

Bratvold said the campaign speaks to a message that everyone can benefit from.

“Staff, students, coaches, players, people on the street that you meet in stores, it’s advice for all. Name calling has no place,” Bratvold said. “Tolerance was a popular terminology a few years ago, but it implies that someone is less than equal. We’re not going to tolerate. We’re going to embrace diversity and inclusion.”

He added best outcomes happen when people know they are supported for who they are.

“Thinking about how others feel, showing empathy is a big part of growing up and maturing as children do and sometimes people make mistakes,” Bratvold said. “So being clear that ‘Hey that’s not appropriate,’ is also helpful advice for people too.”

The Prince Albert Police Service also expressed their support for #NoGoodWay through their social media accounts.

In an e-mail response, Sgt. Travis Willie wrote it’s an important initiative that will help people understand the impact of using the ‘R’ word.

“Police want to stand up for all people and I think people who are vulnerable need to know that the community and the Prince Albert Police Service is behind them and supports them,” Willie told paNOW.

He added name-calling is never acceptable and that Motionball’s, #NoGoodWay campaign is an initiative they specifically wanted to promote to help educate people.

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Ron.quaroni@jpbg.ca

Twitter: @RonaldQuaroni