The NSA has local chapters - also called local support groups - in many cities all over the United States. In most cases these chapters are formed and led by people who stutter, but in some cases they are led by speech-language pathologists (SLPs).
A typical chapter meets once a month. Some may meet once every two weeks or weekly. The NSA does NOT recommend any specific therapies for stuttering, so the meetings are generally very free form. Anyone currently in speech therapy is free to practice any techniques they feel comfortable doing.
The meetings typically last about two hours, discussing various topics relating to stuttering that seem appropriate at the time. Quite often, a member will have a particular concern that he or she is dealing with and the group will spend the rest of the meeting discussing that topic and supporting that person. These are generally SUPPORT meetings rather than INFORMATION meetings.
The vast majority of people attending a local chapter meeting are people who stutter. So we know what each other are going through, the challenges that stuttering brings, the emotions that it brings out, and especially the sometimes overwhelming fear that coming to a meeting and speaking in front of a group of strangers can cause. We've all been to a meeting for the first time. We've all felt what you feel and we're all still alive to talk about it. Been there, done that, survived it!
The NSA encourages all chapters to open each meeting with these "Welcoming Words."
...................
National Stuttering Association - Welcoming Words
Welcome to the ________ Chapter of the National Stuttering Association. The National Stuttering Association is a nonprofit organization dedicated to bringing hope, dignity, support, education, and empowerment to children and adults who stutter and to their families.
If you are a person who stutters, or have a special interest in stuttering, you are welcome here. For the time we meet here, this room is a very special place.
It is a place where we are accepted and supported;
It is a place where we can relax and speak freely;
It is a place where we can stutter openly without fear and embarrassment;
It is a place where we can practice whatever speaking and communicating techniques with which we may feel comfortable.
Together, we will help each other and we will help ourselves to accept and cope with our stuttering, to build our self-confidence, and to improve our verbal communication skills to the best of our abilities.
We who stutter, and those who support and help us, are not alone. Together we are strong.
................
So if you're new to the NSA and are looking for a chapter to attend, welcome aboard! Select "Find a Support Group Near You" on the right and plan on coming to the next meeting. We'd love to have you!
Russ Hicks
Past President of the Dallas Chapter
September 2003 |
