How the NSA Teen Advisory Council Empowers the Next Generation

Morgan Mowery

Morgan Mowery, 19, is a sophomore working toward her degree as a Nurse Practitioner. She also serves as a Patient Care Technician at MD Pediatric Associates.

What Is the Teen Advisory Council (TAC)?

As the Chair of the Teen Advisory Council (TAC), I get asked how our work impacts teens who stutter. And honestly? It’s tough to explain because it’s not just one thing—it’s a whole vibe. It’s about feeling seen, feeling heard, and knowing you’ve got people who just get it.

Our Mission: Empower, Uplift, Inspire

Our mission is simple but powerful: to empower, uplift, and inspire the next generation of kids and teens who stutter. We’re here to create a space where everyone feels comfortable being themselves, no matter what their stutter looks or sounds like. A huge part of that comes from mentorship. We prioritize building real, meaningful connections between teens and younger kids who stutter because we know how life-changing that support can be.

My First Experience: How Meeting Older Teens Changed My Life

I remember my first time attending a conference for people who stutter. I was eight years old. I didn’t know what to expect, and honestly, I was nervous. But then, I met these older kids—teens who had been where I was, who just got it. They were confident, unapologetically themselves, and they made stuttering seem like just another part of who they were, not something to be ashamed of. They made me feel like I could do anything, like my stutter wasn’t something that had to hold me back.

Why Leading TAC Matters to Me

That feeling stuck with me. It changed how I saw myself. And now, years later, I get to do the same thing for others through TAC. Leading this council isn’t just an honor—it’s a responsibility. Because I know how much it meant to me when someone older took the time to listen, encourage, and just be there for me. Now, I get to be that person for someone else.

More Than a Group: TAC Is a Movement

TAC isn’t just a group. It’s a whole movement. We’re dedicated to ensuring every teen who stutters knows they’re capable, strong, and valuable just the way they are. No one should have to feel like their voice doesn’t matter just because it might sound different. We want to change how people see stuttering, but more importantly, we want to change how we see ourselves.

Real Experiences, Real Support

One of the best parts about TAC is that it’s built on real experiences. We’ve all been through the same struggles—the awkward moments, the frustration of not getting words out, the fear of being judged. But we’ve also experienced the victories, big and small: the first time you introduce yourself without avoiding your name, the moment you speak up in class even when you’re scared, the time you order your food at a restaurant without having someone do it for you. These moments matter. The TAC exists to celebrate them, to push each other forward, and to remind every teen who stutters that they are more than their speech.

What We Do: Events, Mentorship, and Community

We put together events, mentor younger kids, and create spaces where people can talk about their experiences without fear of judgment. We form friendships that last way beyond TAC meetings. It’s not just about stuttering—it’s about life, confidence, self-acceptance, and realizing that your voice is worth hearing.

The Power of Representation: Why It Matters

One of the coolest things we do is connect with younger kids who stutter. Because when you’re little, stuttering can feel isolating. You might be the only kid in your class who stutters. Maybe the only one in your whole school. But then, you come to an event or a TAC meeting and see all these teens, these young adults, who stutter too. And they’re out here living their lives, chasing their dreams, being themselves. That kind of representation is everything. It tells kids, Hey, you’re not alone. And look at all the amazing things you can do.

Helping Each Other: Teen-to-Teen Support

And it’s not just about younger kids—we help each other, too. Being a teenager is hard enough as it is. Adding stuttering into the mix can make things feel even more complicated. But when you have a community that understands you, everything changes. You don’t have to explain yourself because we already know. We support each other, push each other to step outside our comfort zones, and remind each other that our voices are powerful.

A Favorite Memory: Celebrating Courage

One of my favorite memories from TAC was seeing a younger teen, who had barely spoken at the beginning of the conference, stand up at the closing session and share their story. They stuttered through every word, but they did it, and the room erupted in applause. It wasn’t about fluency. It was about bravery—about taking that step—and knowing that we, as a community, were right there cheering them on.

Embracing Our Stutters: Why Safe Spaces Matter

That’s the power of TAC. It’s about creating a safe environment for teens to embrace their stutter rather than hide from it and see their potential, even when the world tries to convince them otherwise.

Changing the Conversation: Advocacy and Awareness

We’re also focused on changing how people outside our community see stuttering. We advocate, educate, and spread awareness because the more people understand what stuttering really is, the less stigma there is. We want a world where teens who stutter don’t have to feel embarrassed ordering a coffee or introducing themselves in class. We want teachers to know how to support students who stutter instead of calling on them less. We want everyone to realize that speech differences don’t mean someone is less intelligent, less capable, or less anything.

Every Conversation Counts: Our Ongoing Work

There’s still work to do, but every conversation, every TAC meeting, every connection we make brings us closer to that goal. And the best part? We’re doing it together.

Leadership and Listening: What TAC Has Taught Me

Being part of TAC has taught me that leadership isn’t about being the loudest person in the room. It’s about listening, making space for others to step into their power, and showing up, again and again, to remind someone that they matter.

You Are Not Alone!

So, how does TAC impact teens who stutter? In every way possible. It’s in the friendships, mentorship, and moments of courage that wouldn’t have happened without this community. It’s in the way we lift each other, remind each other of our worth, and show the world that our voices deserve to be heard—exactly as they are.

If you’re a teen who stutters, or if you know one, I hope you know you’re not alone. There’s a whole community here ready to support you, encourage you, and celebrate you. Because, at the end of the day, your stutter is not a weakness. It’s a part of you. And you? You are more than enough!