ACT Memo

As you requested, this is your ACT Self-Advocacy Resource Network Memo facilitating a national dialogue among self-advocates and supporters and a clearinghouse for materials and training that support self-advocacy.

August 12, 2008

A Thundering Boycott

We need to take a stand against the movie Tropic Thunder. It uses the R-word over and over and makes fun of people with developmental disabilities.

Boycotts are happening tomorrow, August 13th all around the country. We all need to be a part of these protests. Find out where the film is showing in your area. Get a group together. Stand outside the theater and protest. Below are some things to help you plan.

1.	Read more about the movie
	...and why it is so harmful and hateful.
2.	What “Tropic Thunder” Thinks Is Funny by Tim Shriver
	SABE’s Julie Petty says: “I’ve gotten to know Tim Shriver on the telephone over the last seven days, and I might say he’s as passionate as me against hateful language.”
3.	Action Kit from The Arc of the United States
	You can use it to help your group plan action.
4.	Posters and Flyers
	Homemade signs are best: big letters and just a few words from the heart. If you don’t have time, here are some posters and a flyer from the Special Olympics you can use in your rally.
	>> leaflet	>> protest signs 1	>> protest signs 2
5.	Coming Soon: Offense Taken – A community responds to the R-word (DVD)
	Next week, Self-Advocates Minnesota (SAM) will be premiering and releasing a new documentary about the R-word. It shows Minnesota self-advocates and allies in 2007 doing something about the R-word after a local theater company ran a play with the R-word in its title. Call (800) 641-0059 to ORDER NOW and use this discussion-starter, action-inspiring DVD. Price: $39.95. Release date: August 21, 2008.