If you stutter, you're not alone!
The National Stuttering Association is a non-profit organization for people who stutter. The NSA has over 4000 members nationwide and operates a network of over 80 local support groups. The South Central Chapter is one of those groups. We began in 1998.
NSA meetings are an excellent place to take risks; to try out new communications behaviors, share feelings, and be open about our speech and our lives as people who stutter. Meetings begin with an "icebreaker" consisting of optional introductions and sharing. At this time, we can talk about challenges we're facing, successes we've had, and insights we've come to. A volunteer facilitator will chose a topic of discussion. The topic can range from a speech or coping related issue to a hot topic in the news. All participation is voluntary. We often discuss a chapter from NSA or Stuttering Foundation of America publications, and have the opportnity to practice speaking before our small and friendly group, if you want to. Students from the MSU, Mankato program are also invited to attend and provide opportunity for members to help students learn about stuttering. We also have an annual picnic each summer for families.
Our meetings are from 6:30-8:30 p.m. one Thursday night a month in 122 Armstrong Hall on the MSU, Mankato Campus. For more information contact:
The NSA can compliment a therapy program, serve as a social outlet, provide a place to work on new speech behaviors, learn how to lead meetings, practice public speaking skills, or just be a safe place to share your feelings about the unique challenges a person who stutters faces in a world where fluency is taken for granted.
In short, membership in the NSA can do whatever you want it to. Many of our members find that regular attendance at NSA meetings is one of their most important learning and growth experiences. What do we learn? To accept ourselves and each other. To have courage and keep trying. To challenge ourselves when growth opportunities present themselves. To be patient with ourselves and be kind to ourselves. But the most important lesson we learn is that we are not alone in facing the challenges of coping with stuttering.
Come and attend one of our meetings. If you decide that the experience is worthwhile for you, and you want to join the chapter, you are welcome to add your name to our mailing list so you can be informed about meeting times. You are also encouraged to join the National Stuttering Association and subscribe to their national newsletter, Letting Go. You can visit the National Stuttering Association website and fill out the mail-in or fax-in membership form. Or, you can contact the NSA directly by calling their tool-free number, 1-800-364-1677, by writing them at 5100 E. LaPalma Ave., Suite #208, Anaheim Hills, CA 92807, or by email at NSAmail@aol.com
You will also be sent information on the NSA publications and the annual NSA convention which is typically attended by over 500 people, including people who stutter, their friends and families, and speech-language professionals.
Annual dues in the NSA are $35 ($20 for students) and include the monthly newsletter, special rates on NSA publications, and membership in a very special organization.
