The Golisano Foundation is again joining Special Olympics and Best Buddies to challenge the communities it serves to Spread the Word Inclusion and encourage connection. Wednesday, March 3, is this year’s global Inclusion Day of activation.
“This year we are building on our grassroots efforts over the past ten years, to focus on the importance of connection and how building relationships with people can help them feel seen, heard, and valued. During the pandemic, we have seen the effects that isolation and exclusion can have on us individually and as a community. When we are disconnected we are unable to learn from each other and grow together. By making connections with others and coming together, even when it has to be virtual, we can make inclusion a reality,” Ann Costello, Golisano Foundation Executive Director said.
Spread the Word is a global engagement campaign to increase inclusion among people with and without and developmental disabilities through grassroots action. In schools, workplaces, and communities around the world, people are pledging to create socially inclusive places to learn, work, and live.
How to participate this year:
- Encouraging people to sign the pledge page online (spreadtheword.global/pledge)
- Send e-mails to friends, families, and constituents
- Text / call family and friends
- Use social networks on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, and Linkedin
- Join Spread the Word Inclusion’s social networking pages
- Send an Evite to friends to take the pledge and spread the word online.
About Special Olympics New York
Special Olympics New York is the largest state chapter in the country, serving more than 67,000 athletes across New York with year-round sports training, athletic competition, and health screenings. The organization also partners with more than 170 schools statewide to offer Unified Sports. All Special Olympics New York programs are offered at no cost to athletes, their families or caregivers. For additional information about Special Olympics New York, to learn more about getting involved, or to make a donation, visit www.specialolympicsNY.org. Best Buddies International is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to establishing a global volunteer movement that creates opportunities for one-to-one friendships, integrated employment, leadership development, and inclusive living for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD).
