How to Start an NSA Chapter & Build a Stuttering-Supportive Community

Have you ever wished there was a local community where people who stutter (and those who support them) could come together to share stories and support one another? Starting a National Stuttering Association (NSA) Chapter might be just the opportunity you’ve been looking for! 

The National Stuttering Association’s motto, If You Stutter, You’re Not Alone, is what our NSA Chapters are all about! For many, NSA Chapter meetings are the first time they have ever talked about stuttering with other people who stutter. Local support groups are a proven way to build self-confidence, practice speaking in a safe environment, and explore new ways to cope with stuttering. People who stutter (of all ages), their family and friends, and speech-language pathologists (SLPs) are welcome at NSA Chapters! 

Please read on to learn more about our different types of NSA Chapters.

NSA Adult Chapters

NSA Adult Chapters are open to adults who stutter, their friends and family, SLPs, and anyone who wants to learn more about stuttering. Chapter meetings allow people to share their experiences with stuttering and Chapter Leaders offer various topics to spark discussion. Chapter meetings provide a supportive community and a safe space for people who stutter to come together. 

Family Chapters

Family Chapters are designed for children and teens (ages 7-17) who stutter and their families. Family Chapters allow kids and teens who stutter to come together and participate in different activities to have fun while being among others who stutter. Parents are encouraged to participate in the groups and are required to stay with their children. If there is no NSA Chapter in your area, please keep checking as new groups are forming fast.If you're thinking about starting a Family Chapter or an Adult Chapter, stepping into the role of Chapter Leader is a powerful way to build connection, share knowledge, and foster a sense of belonging in your community.

Why Start an NSA Chapter?

NSA Chapters are the heart of the NSA. They bring together people who stutter, their families, and speech-language professionals in safe, supportive, and non-judgmental environments. For many, their first NSA Chapter meeting is the first time they’ve ever met someone else who stutters. That experience can be (and often is) life-changing.

NSA Chapters offer people who stutter a chance to feel seen and understood, to build friendships, and to help others know they are not alone. As a Chapter Leader, you become the person who makes that happen.

Steps to Get Started

Starting an NSA Chapter is easier than you might think—and you’re never doing it alone. Here’s a quick breakdown of what to expect:

Reach Out

If you're interested in starting a Family Chapter, contact Sarah Onofri, Family Programs Coordinator. If you're interested in starting an Adult Chapter, contact Tanya Banks, Adult Programs Chair

Have a Conversation

From there, you’ll set up a meeting with your Regional Chapter Coordinator (RCC). This will be a casual interview to get to know you and learn more about the needs of your local community.

Attend Existing Chapter Meetings (Optional, but Encouraged!)

Before launching your own NSA Chapter, we encourage you to attend one or more existing NSA Chapter meetings. We have many virtual options available. This is a great way to experience different meeting formats, observe how other leaders facilitate, and gather ideas for what you might want your own NSA Chapter to look like.

To find virtual meetings, visit the NSA Chapter Locator Map and use the filters to search for virtual or hybrid NSA Chapters. All NSA meetings are welcoming and you can join from anywhere.

Begin the Paperwork

You'll need to complete a confidential background check. This is to make sure NSA Chapters remain safe and welcoming for everyone.

Secure a Meeting Space and Schedule your first meeting

Chapters typically meet once a month for one to two hours. You’ll want to pick a consistent day, time, and location—something like the first Tuesday of the month at 7 PM at the local library. Some good options for free or low-cost meeting spaces include public libraries, community centers, universities and speech clinics, churches, or hospitals with community rooms. 

Fill out the Chapter Leader Agreement Form

You’ll need to fill out an NSA Chapter Leader Agreement form. This is where you’ll list your meeting details (location, schedule, start date) and include any contact information you’d like listed on the website for your NSA Chapter.

Complete Our Anti-Harassment Training

Safety is one of the NSA's core values. We ask all Chapter Leaders to complete anti-harassment training and confirm it with a quick attestation.

Once approved, you’re officially an NSA Chapter Leader! 

Your NSA Chapter will be listed on our website and you’ll have the full support of the NSA behind you as you begin this journey. The NSA will create graphics for you to help advertise your NSA Chapter. You can begin to spread the word about your NSA Chapter with the NSA behind you every step of the way! We will send out NSA email blasts to people in your state and share your first meeting as an event on our NSA website and Facebook. 

Planning Your First Meeting

Planning your first meeting can feel like a big step, but with a little preparation, it can be a rewarding and comfortable experience for everyone involved. Here’s a simple step-by-step approach to get you started:

Before the Meeting

Decide whether you want your meeting to be structured, casual, or a little of both. There’s no one right way; each NSA Chapter finds its own rhythm. For ideas, you can check out the Adult Chapters Meeting Topics Guide, Family Chapters Activity Guide, and the “60+ Things to Do at Your Chapter Meetings” resource on the NSA website.

Opening the Meeting

Start by asking a volunteer to read the Welcoming Words, a brief message that sets the tone and reminds everyone why they’re here. This can be found in your Chapter Leader materials.

Introductions

Go around the room (or screen!) and invite attendees to introduce themselves. It's okay to remind people they can always pass if they’re not ready to speak. You might add an icebreaker question like, “What brought you here tonight?” or “How long have you been involved in the stuttering community?”

Make sure everyone signs the sign-in sheet and check in with any first-time attendees to help them feel especially welcome. Utilizing the sign-in sheet is important because it helps the NSA keep track of chapter participation on the local level, and helps grow the outreach of the NSA by adding those attendees to the NSA mailing list. You can also email Sarah for your sign-in sheet data to keep your own mailing list!

Facilitating Discussion

If you don’t have a planned activity or topic, simply ask, “Does anyone have something they’d like to talk about tonight?” or “Is there something on your mind you’d like to share with the group?”

If things don’t flow naturally, that’s okay. Refer to your prepared discussion topic or activity to get the conversation going.

End the meeting by announcing any upcoming events or NSA news. Ask a member to read the Closing Words, and thank everyone for coming.

A Few Extra Tips

• Set a welcoming tone. Make it clear that people are valued just by being there.

• Let silence happen. Give people space to gather their thoughts. This is especially important in a group of people who stutter.

• Step back. Your role is to guide, not dominate the conversation. Encourage others to share insights and experiences.

• Step in when needed. If someone is monopolizing the conversation or giving unsolicited advice, gently redirect. For example, you might say, “Thanks for sharing, Sam. Is there anyone who hasn’t had a chance to speak yet?”

Every meeting is different… and that's a good thing. You’ll learn and grow along with your group.

You’re Not Alone: Ongoing Support for Chapter Leaders

When you start an NSA Chapter, you’re joining a nationwide network of passionate, experienced leaders who are here to support you every step of the way.

Chapter Leader & RCC Catch-Up Calls

Every other month, NSA hosts Chapter Leader & Regional Chapter Coordinator (RCC) Catch-Up calls on Zoom. These gatherings, which happen on Tuesdays at 8 PM ET, are a chance to share ideas, ask questions, and connect with other leaders who truly get it.

Chapter Leader Tools

On the NSA website, you'll find a dedicated Chapter Leader Tools section packed with resources, templates, activity ideas, outreach tips, and more to help you grow and strengthen your NSA Chapter.

Private Facebook Group

All Chapter Leaders are invited to join a closed Facebook group just for NSA leaders. It’s a space to brainstorm, swap ideas, share challenges and victories, and find encouragement whenever you need it.

From your first meeting to your fiftieth, you’re never navigating this alone. We’ve got your back so you can have theirs.