Spread the Word: template tweets, facebook posts, and emails to libraries

Copy, paste, and send (or print and send) the template Tweet, Facebook post, and email / letter below to your local school or public library to ask them to help combat stereotypes by taking part in RGA UK’s ‘#SpreadTheWord’ book campaign!

To find your local library visit https://www.gov.uk/local-library-services or http://www.findmylibrary.co.uk/.

For EMAILS, please put **FAO Librarian in charge of Children’s Stock Selection** in the subject.

Note: the email to school libraries is at the bottom of this page.

 

TWEET

Hi @xxx. I support @RGAUK #SpreadTheWord campaign. Do you stock these books? http://rgauk.org/spread-word-template-tweets-facebook-posts-emails-libraries

FACEBOOK POST

Hi [INSERT LIBRARY NAME]. I’m supporting RGA UK’s ‘Spread the Word’ campaign. We want to promote more positive and accurate depictions of people with dwarfism who are otherwise often widely mischaracterised as people from fairy tales, myths, and fantasy stories. Do you stock these books (http://rgauk.org/spread-word-template-tweets-facebook-posts-emails-libraries)? If not, please could they be ordered? It’d be great if we could get the authors in to visit!

PUBLIC LIBRARIES EMAIL

[BEGINS]

Dear Sir or Madam:

I hope you’re well.

I’m writing to suggest the items to be ordered by [INSERT NAME OF LIBRARY HERE].

My request comes as part of the ‘Spread the Word’ campaign, led by dwarfism charity RGA UK, to promote positive and accurate depictions of people with dwarfism who are otherwise widely mischaracterised as people from fairy tables, myths, and fantasy stories. We believe such misrepresentations can perpetuate stereotypes and prejudice. Books such as these help introduce children to dwarfism, disability, and difference – in a positive and realistic light.

These books are:

  • Strong and Mighty Max / Kristina GRAY / Matador /ISBN 9781785890468
  • We are Giants / Amber Lee DODD / Quercus Children’s Books / ISBN 9781784294212
  • I can’t not never be very tall / Susan HATTON / CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform / ISBN 13: 9781499717747
  • The Thing About Georgie / Lisa GRAFF / HarperCollins / ISBN 13: 978-0060875916

Strong and Mighty Max is a children’s story aimed at Early Years and Key Stage 1. Max was born with Achondroplasia, a form of dwarfism. He explains that Achondroplasia is a ‘big word’ and not a special ‘superpower’; it simply means his bones grow differently. This is a wonderfully illustrated story encouraging discussion about how everyone is born different.

‘We Are Giants’ is for readers aged 9 and older and written from the view of a young girl called Sydney, who lives with her sister Jade and her mum, Amy. Amy was born with a condition called dwarfism, which means that she got to the height of 4ft then stopped growing altogether. Her deceased husband also had dwarfism so when Amy gave birth to two average-sized daughters, lots of people were sceptical about whether she could take care of them adequately. Perfect for young fans of Jacqueline Wilson, who has endorsed this debut author. Click here for The Guardian’s review of We Are Giants. It was also nominated for a number of national awards including the 2017 Branford Boase award for most promising children’s debut novel and Longlisted for the 2017 Waterstones’ children’s fiction award.

I can’t not never be very tall: is aimed at Early Years and KS1. Jessica was born with Achondroplasia, Dwarfism. This book is designed to help others around her to understand a little more about her and how imperfectly perfect she really is. Being small means she only needs a little more time to do everything the other children can do.

The Thing About Georgie: is aimed at Primary School children. A warm and humorous story starring an unforgettable young boy with dwarfism, from acclaimed author Lisa Graff.  “As far as Georgie is concerned, everyone has a “thing.”  The thing about poodles is that Georgie Bishop hates to walk them.  The thing about Jeanie the Meanie is that she would rather write on her shoe than help Georgie with their Abraham Lincoln project.  The thing about Andy’s nonna is that she kisses Georgie’s cheeks and doesn’t speak one word of English.  The thing about Georgie’s mom is that she’s having a baby—a baby who will probably be taller than Georgie very, very soon.  The thing about Georgie . . . well, what is the thing about Georgie?”

Both Kristina and Amber have some availability to visit libraries and schools and talk to children about their books as part of the ‘Spread The Word’ campaign and it would be fantastic if you or a member of your team could look into arranging this

I hope [INSERT LIBRARY NAME HERE] will be able to accommodate my requests and I look forward to hearing from you.

Much appreciated.

[INSERT NAME HERE]

 

[ENDS]

————————————————————————————————————————————————-

SCHOOL LIBRARIES EMAIL

 

Dear [INSERT LIBRARIAN / TEACHER NAME HERE]:

I hope you’re well.

I am a / my child is [DELETE AS APPROPRIATE] pupil at [INSERT SCHOOL] NAME.

I’m writing to suggest the items to be ordered by [INSERT NAME OF SCHOOL LIBRARY HERE].

My request comes as part of the ‘Spread The Word’ campaign, led by dwarfism charity RGA UK, to promote positive and accurate depictions of people with dwarfism who are otherwise widely mischaracterised as people from fairy tables, myths, and fantasy stories. We believe such misrepresentations can perpetuate stereotypes and prejudice. Books such as these help introduce children to dwarfism, disability, and difference – in a positive and realistic light.

These are:

  • Strong and Mighty Max / Kristina GRAY / Matador /ISBN 9781785890468
  • We are Giants / Amber Lee DODD / Quercus Children’s Books / ISBN 9781784294212
  • I can’t not never be very tall / Susan HATTON / CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform / ISBN 13: 9781499717747
  • The Thing About Georgie / Lisa GRAFF / HarperCollins / ISBN 13: 978-0060875916

Strong and Mighty Max is a children’s story aimed at Early Years and Key Stage 1. Max was born with Achondroplasia, a form of dwarfism. He explains that Achondroplasia is a ‘big word’ and not a special ‘superpower’; it simply means his bones grow differently. This is a wonderfully illustrated story encouraging discussion about how everyone is born different.

‘We Are Giants’ is for readers aged 9 and older and written from the view of a young girl called Sydney, who lives with her sister Jade and her mum, Amy. Amy was born with a condition called dwarfism, which means that she got to the height of 4ft then stopped growing altogether. Her deceased husband also had dwarfism so when Amy gave birth to two average-sized daughters, lots of people were sceptical about whether she could take care of them adequately. Perfect for young fans of Jacqueline Wilson, who has endorsed this debut author. Click here for The Guardian’s review of We Are Giants. It was also nominated for a number of national awards including the 2017 Branford Boase award for most promising children’s debut novel and Longlisted for the 2017 Waterstones’ children’s fiction award.

I can’t not never be very tall: is aimed at Early Years and KS1. Jessica was born with Achondroplasia, Dwarfism. This book is designed to help others around her to understand a little more about her and how imperfectly perfect she really is. Being small means she only needs a little more time to do everything the other children can do.

The Thing About Georgie: is aimed at Primary School children. A warm and humorous story starring an unforgettable young boy with dwarfism, from acclaimed author Lisa Graff.  “As far as Georgie is concerned, everyone has a “thing.”  The thing about poodles is that Georgie Bishop hates to walk them.  The thing about Jeanie the Meanie is that she would rather write on her shoe than help Georgie with their Abraham Lincoln project.  The thing about Andy’s nonna is that she kisses Georgie’s cheeks and doesn’t speak one word of English.  The thing about Georgie’s mom is that she’s having a baby—a baby who will probably be taller than Georgie very, very soon.  The thing about Georgie . . . well, what is the thing about Georgie?”

Both Kristina and Amber have some availability to visit libraries and schools and talk to children about their books and it would be fantastic if you or a member of your team could look into arranging this

I hope [INSERT SCHOOL LIBRARY NAME HERE] will be able to accommodate my request and I look forward to hearing from you.

Much appreciated.

[INSERT CHLD / PARENT NAME HERE]

Remembering the Raffle Man – Keith Hopkins (1946 – 2017)

In 2015, Keith Hopkins, known affectionately as “the Raffle Man”, was awarded the lifetime achievement award by RGA UK, in recognition for his tireless fundraising at conventions over many years.

Aldo Navato recalls: he was the “most charming and likeable man. [He] could be outrageously and unintentionally funny, which is why I thought the world of him. No equal as a relentless separator of member and hard-earned raffle money.” April Barrett recollects how Keith “was one in a million, and [I] so loved chatting to [him] at conventions. We also had a few great dances in the early years too!”

It took some years for Keith to find RGA UK, but, after joining in 1989, he soon became an active member and only missed one convention in all his time. In recent years, he enjoyed sitting back and having a more relaxed time at the organisation’s annual events. Many more of his friends have recalled how he was a big part in conventions over many years.

He also travelled to many of the regional events, held across the country. Steph Birch remembers from her time as the Chair: “wherever the RGA had hired a village hall and a children’s entertainer, Keith would be there with his friends Pam and Chris. No distance seemed too far and he always enjoyed talking to everyone – young and old. Raffles weren’t limited to convention; he would help out wherever and whenever he could. Each time we’ve seen him, he would always talk to the children and ask how they were getting on. He was a very gentle man and his presence at these events meant a lot to us as a family”.

Keith was born in London and described himself as a happy child with blond curly hair. His Dad also had Achondroplasia and his Mum was average height. He was an only child, but close to his cousins and wider family throughout his life. He took regular holidays to stay with his cousin Tony in Winchester.

In Keith’s early years, he was educated in a school for children with special needs – not uncommon for the time, when children with differences were often educated separately from the mainstream. After leaving education, he joined his dad’s workplace and was employed as an office clerk at Morganite. He started work in London. When the factory transferred to Swansea, he moved there, with his family. Here Keith worked throughout his career until retirement, aged 65. The city became home for Keith and he supported Swansea City Football Club.

Keith had many interests outside of RGA. He loved classical music and enjoyed more contemporary artists, such as Catherine Jenkins. Driving gave Keith independence and pleasure. Meteorology was a keen interest. Keith followed the pressure charts and enjoyed the cerebral challenge of interpreting the anticipated weather. He cared about the Royal Family and sent the Queen and other senior royals cards, to show his support. Keith also had a strong personal faith, which gave him great comfort.

In the last couple of years, friends could see Keith becoming more frail. Despite his poor health, he continued to live independently – staying active, and getting out and about. He was at the recent RGA convention in October – once again, his raffle bucket in hand.

He passed away aged 70 after a short stay in hospital, where he was receiving treatment for heart problems.

Keith’s family have asked for donations to the RGA, in lieu of flowers. Friends are welcome to attend the funeral, which is to be held at Morriston Crematorium, Swansea SA6 6BY at 11am on 24th February.

Our thoughts are with his family and friends at this time.

Pam Burnell and Steph Birch.

Leave.EU ‘Turf out the dwarf’ campaign ‘disablist’ and ‘disgraceful’, says RGA UK

A leading charity for people with dwarfism has slammed a Leave.EU social media campaign – which showed a photo-shopped image of the House of Commons Speaker, John Bercow MP, as a dwarf about to be thrown by a group of men, with the banner and hashtag ‘Turf Out the Dwarf’ – as ‘disgraceful’ and ‘disablist’.

The image and slogan were tweeted by @Leave.EU, supposedly in response to Mr Bercow’s recent comments about US President Donald Trump speaking in Parliament.

A RGA UK spokesman said: “Whatever your politics, we hope most people would agree that using the term ‘dwarf’ as a slur and celebrating – as this picture does – acts of physical violence against people with dwarfism is disgraceful and disablist.

“This isn’t about ‘political correctness’; it’s about dwarfism still being an acceptable target for prejudice and abuse.

“It’s a sad reminder that we still have far to go, as a society.”

At the time of writing, the Tweet can still be seen on the @Leave.EU twitter feed.

Some sad news

Dear friends, members, and supporters,

It is with a heavy heart that we have to tell you one of our well-known and much-loved members, Keith Hopkins, has sadly passed on.

Keith was an integral part of our community and our charity, for which he generously volunteered – often running our annual raffle – for many years. He was a kind and gentle character, genuine and welcoming.

We have now had confirmation about Keith’s funeral, which will take place on February 24th 2017.

If you knew Keith well and you would like to attend, please contact Adelina at RGA UK for further details (office@restrictedgrowth.co.uk).

If you would like to, it was Keith’s family’s kind suggestion that friends and family donate to the RGA – instead of providing flowers.

His family have arranged for the funeral directors to handle donations, through Graham Sullivan Funeral Directors, Ty-Hedd Funeral Home, Myndd Garnllwyd Road, Morriston, Swansea, SA6 7QG.

RGA UK was close to Keith’s heart, as he was to ours. We will all miss him.

Please pass this information on to anyone you think would like to know.

We are sorry to have to share such sad news.

The team at RGA UK.