chapter policy manual€¦ · leading a chapter is not always easy, and we are always working to...

National Stuttering Association All Rights Reserved 2020 1

Chapter Policy Manual

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Welcoming Words for the Chapter Leader

ThankyouformakingthedecisiontohelpleadalocalchapterofNationalStutteringAssociation!

Youareembarkingonarewarding,challenging,andimportantjourney.ByvolunteeringtobeaChapterLeaderfortheNSA,youaresteppingforwardtohelpsupportandempowerpeoplewhostutterinyourcommunity.Weknow that it takes time, courage, anddedication to start and sustain a chapter.Ourlocalchaptersarethebackboneofthenationalorganization,soweareinvestedinyoursuccess.

Leadingachapterisnotalwayseasy,andwearealwaysworkingtocreateasupportsystemtohelpyouand your chapter succeed. One of those resources is this manual, and others include our website(www.WeStutter.org), your Regional Chapter Coordinator (RCC), Adult Programs Coordinators (APC),and fellow Chapter Leaders (CL) across the country connected via social media and NSA AnnualConferences.TheChapterPolicyManualisprovidedfortheuseofchapterleadersasaguideandinstructionmanualfor establishing their chapter procedures. Approved by the National Stuttering Association’s AdultProgram Committee and Board of Directors, the intent behind the manual is to provide a set ofparameters,guidelinesandpoliciesbywhichthechapterswillbeorganizedandgovernedinaccordancewith theparentorganizations vision andmission. These guidelines are limited to those items that arebest handled through specified procedures, either to provide consistency among the chapters, tosafeguard the chapters from conflict with individuals who present conflict of interest, to ensure thatchapters canbe identifiedasapartofNSAasawhole,andprovide thoseattending thebestpossibleexperience.Changesandamendmentswillbesentoutasnecessary.


TableofContentsNSACHAPTERBASICS 4- WHYLOCALCHAPTERS?- STARTINGACHAPTER- LOCATION&FREQUENCYOFMEETINGS- WHOATTENDSACHAPTERMEETING?- CHAPTERINCLUSIVENESS- OURANTI-HARASSMENTPOLICY

CHAPTERLEADERRESPONSIBILITIES 9- PROMOTINGYOURCHAPTER- COMMUNICATINGWITHYOURMEMBERS- COMMUNICATINGWITHTHENSA

RUNNINGAMEETING 13- GROUPFACILITATION- IMPORTANTTIPS- TROUBLESHOOTINGCHALLENGES

BUILDINGATHRIVINGCOMMUNITY 16- SOCIALEVENTS- RAISINGPUBLICAWARENESS- SPECIALEVENTS&LOCALCONFERENCE- FUNDRAISING

APPENDIX 20- EVENTACCOUNTINGWORKSHEET- CHAPTERLEADERAGREEMENT


NSAChapterBasicsChapterLeaders,Youarethecoreoftheworld’slargestorganizationofPeopleWhoStutter(PWS).OurLeadershipteams,ournationalheadquarters,evenourBoardofDirectors,existstosupportyou.ThelifechangingopportunityyouprovidetoPWSinyourareaisimmeasurable.WithinthisdocumentareseveralmattersofNSApolicy,whichwehopewillgiveyouclaritywhenquestionsandissuesarise.However,thegoalofthisworkistoprovideguidanceanddirectionforthechallengeofleadingasupportgroup,promotingconsistencyandsolidaritythroughoutourorganization.Asalways,thankyouformovingourNSAforward!TomScharsteinAdultProgramsChairNSABoardofDirectors

WhyLocalChapters?

Webelievethatwhenpeoplewhostuttercometogether,greatthingshappen.TheNSA isanon-profitorganizationdedicated toprovidingcommunityandempowerment topeoplewho stutter and thosewho support them throughoutreach, advocacy, education and research. Thefoundationofourorganization isournetworkof chaptersaround thecountry thatbringpeoplewhostutter together in their communityona regularbasis. Local supportgroupsprovidean irreplaceablesource of community, support and advocacy to the stuttering community throughout the year. ThepurposeofthelocalNSAchapteristoprovideasafeplaceforPWStosharetheirstutteringexperience.

Theobjectivesofourlocalchaptersareasfollows:

• Provideasafe,empowering,supportiveenvironmentforapersonwhostutters(PWS)

• HelpPWSestablishconnectionswithotherPWS

• ProvidearesourceforinformationaboutstutteringforPWS,families,andSLPs

• Meetingsareinclusiveofallindividuals


StartingaChapterorBecomingaChapterLeader

EachNSAChaptermusthavepermissionfromthenationalofficetoberecognizedasan

official“NSAChapter”.Inaddition,eachaspiringNSAChapterLeadermustgothroughan

applicationprocessandbackgroundchecktobeconsideredanapprovedNSAChapter

Leader.Thisisourpolicytoensurethatallofourchaptersandchapterleadersmeetour

standards.HerearethestepstobecomeacharteredNSAchapterand/orchapterleader.

1. Contact theNSANationalOffice ([email protected])withanewchapterand/or

chapterleaderrequest.Youwillreceiveawelcomeletterwithfurtherinstructions.

2. InterviewwithaRCC.YourRegionalChapterCoordinator(RCC)willcontactyoutosetupaninterviewtodiscussyourmotivationsandtheneedsofyourarea.

3. VolunteerScreening.YouwillnotbeasanctionedchapterleaderuntiltheChapter

Leader Agreement formhas been completed by you and a background check hasbeencompletedandapprovedbyournationaloffice.This isageneralbackgroundcheckincludingcriminalhistory,andisaconfidentialprocessthatinvolvesonlythepotentialChapterLeaderandNSAstaff.

Once all of the above steps are completed and approved, we will list your chapterinformation (ornameandcontact info ifyouareanew leaderworkingwithinanexistingchapter) on the NSA website and you can get started with your contribution to thestutteringcommunity!Pleasenote thatallChapter LeadersandCo-Leadersmustbecleared througha routinebackgroundcheck.


Location&FrequencyofMeetings

Whereshouldyourchaptermeet?

Ifyouarestartingachapterfromtheground,orsuddenlyneedtofindanewlocationforanexistingchapter,wehavesomesuggestions. Inmostcitiesand townsacrossourcountry,thereareoptions for freeor low-costaccommodationforchaptermeetings.This includeslocal recreationcenters (YMCA,YWCA, JCC,Boys&GirlsClubs),publicbuildings (libraries,universities, churches), health care centers (hospitals, speech therapy clinics, communityhealthcenters),andanyofficeorcorporatemeetingroomsavailabletoChaptermembers.

Occasionally, finding a free or low-cost option can be challenging. If you run into thisproblem, please contact your regional chapter coordinators (RCC) or Adult ProgramCoordinators and we will do our best to help you. No Chapter Leader should be payingunreasonableamountsofmoneyoutofpockettoleadanNSAchapter.

Howoftenshouldyourchaptermeet?

Mostchaptersmeetmonthlyortwicemonthlyfor1.5-2hourseachmeeting.Itisimportanttochooseaconsistentday,place,andtimeforthegroupeachmonth,andtrynottocancel.Manypeopledon’tkeepupwithonlineannouncements,andithelpstoknowwhere,when,andhowtofindasupportgroupeachmonth.Weeknights,especiallyMondays,Tuesdays,andThursdays,seemtobemostpopularandwell-attendednightstoholdmeetings.

WhoAttendsNSAChapterMeetings?

AllNSAChaptermeetingsare,andwillremain,opentoallindividuals,regardlessoffluency,gender, sexual orientation, disability, gender identity, age, race, religion. While weunderstand that PWSmaywant to ‘safe space’ tomeetwith other PWS, we are a non-discriminatory organization, and strictly forbid anyone excluding an individual fromattendancebasedonanyofthesefactors.

Peoplewhostutter(ofcourse)!

TheNSA’s toppriority is toprovide a safe, empowering, and supportive environment forpeople who stutter. An NSA meeting is a place where we can meet other people whostutterforthefirsttime,learnfromeachother,andrealizethatwearenotalone.


Lovedones.Our friends and families often need just as much education and support as we do.Sometimes,wewouldn’tmake it to our firstNSA chapter if itweren’t for our loved onedraggingusin!Forthatreason,NSAchapterswelcomelovedonestoattendtheirmeetingsand/orsocialevents.Professionals&Students.NSAChapterswelcome speech therapists andSLP students to attend theirmeetings as alearning opportunity. Many speech therapy programs have very little education aboutstuttering,andstudentscanlearnfromlisteningtotheexperiencesofpeoplewhostutter.ItmaybehelpfultoprepareSLPs/studentsforyourmeetingswithexpectationsandguidance,including that NSAmeetings are anchored in values of acceptance of stuttering and areprimarilyaspaceforpeoplewhostuttertoconnectwithoneanother.PleaserememberthatNSAistheONLYnationalnetworkofChaptersforpeoplelivingwithaspeech challenge, sowe can expect our strategies and insights to carry over and benefitprofessionals offering other types of speech therapy besides stuttering. Also, many SLPgradstudentsdependonsurveysforaccuracytobeutilizedintheirfinalresearchprojects,ofwhichan individualCLmayagreetooffer toChaptermembers. However,pleasenotethat any such research/survey must be pre-approved by the NSA Research Committee(NSARC),ExecutiveDirector,AdultProgramsChair,orFamilyProgramsChair.

ChapterInclusiveness

AnychaptermeetingorchaptereventwithanNSA labelmustbe inclusive;meaning thatourmeetingsareopentoanyonewithaninterestinstuttering.Theonlyindividualsthatwedeny access are those with a fact pattern of causing trouble in meetings or those withfinancialgainintentions.Thesearejudgedona"casebycase"basis.Should a chapter host an informal meetup, hangout, or outing only to PWS, the terms"NSA"or“Chapter”maynotbeincludedinthedescriptionoftheevent.Anti-HarassmentPolicy

The NSA is dedicated to providing a safe, supportive and harassment-free space for ourmembers. We have a zero-tolerance policy for harassment, especially as it pertains togender, sexual orientation, disability, gender identity, age, race, or religion. Harassmentincludesoffensiveverbalcommentsrelatedtogender,sexualorientation,disability,genderidentity,age,race,religion,theuseordisplayofsexualimagesinpublicspaces,deliberateintimidation, stalking, following,harassingphotographyor recording, sustaineddisruptionoftalksorotherevents,inappropriatephysicalcontact,andunwelcomesexualattention.


Anti-HarassmentPolicy(continued)

Chapter leaders,members or guests violating these rulesmay be sanctioned or expelledfromthechapter/eventatthediscretionoftheAdultProgramChair,FamilyProgramChair,and/ortheExecutiveDirector.

Ifyoufeelthatagroupmemberoranyoneelseisactinginappropriatelytowardsyouoranymemberof your chapter, please contact theExecutiveDirector,Adult ProgramsChair, orFamilyProgramsChair, immediately forassistance.Youcanalsosendanemaildirectly [email protected] if youaren’t surehowtoescalateup thechainof command.Even ifyouarenot100%sureifouranti-harassmentpolicyisbeingviolated,pleaseletusknowifyouarefeelinguncomfortablebecauseofsomeoneelse’sbehavior.Wecanhelpyoufigureouthowtomoveforwardtoensurethatyourchapterremainsasafeandsupportivespace.Pleaseknowthatyouarenotaloneandthatweareheretosupportyou.

Please note, while we take all concerns seriously, we will use our discretion as to indeterminingwhenandhowtofollowuponreportedincidentsandmaydeclinetotakeanyfurtheractionand/ormaydirecttheparticipanttootherresourcesforresolution.


ChapterLeaderResponsibilitiesPromotingYourChapter

Getting the word out about your chapter is a critical step towards building a thrivingchapter.Itcanbehard,especiallyatfirst,togetpeopletoyourmeeting.Restassuredthatpersistenceisthekey,andthatyouaredoingpeoplewhostutteragreatservicebycreatingthisspaceforthem.Herearesometips.

• NSAChapterDirectory.Onceyourchapterisapproved,itwillbelistedonourstate-by-statedirectoryoflocalchapters,alongwithmeetinginformationandtheChapterLeader’scontact information.Mostchaptermembersfindtheir localchapterusingthis resource. You will likely receive emails from prospective members, SLPs, orparents inquiring about the chapter. Be sure to respond in a timely and politemanner.

• Fliers.CheckoutoureditablefliertemplateandotherresourcesintheGrowingYour

ChaptersectionofWeStutter.org.Pluginyourlocalchapterinformation,thenhangthem in local coffee shops, schools, libraries, and community centers. You neverknowwhoyouwillreach!

• ChapterWebsites.Manychapterscreatetheirownwebsites,completewithdetails

aboutmeetings, short bios of chapter leaders and pictures or testimonials. If youwanttocreateawebsiteandneedaccesstoofficiallogosandcontactinformation,contacttheNationalOffice([email protected]).

• SLPOutreachManypeoplewhofindtheNSAfinditthroughareferralfromaspeech

therapist. It is worth your while to reach out and get to know local speechtherapists,especially those that specialize in stuttering.Youcancalloremail theirofficeandletthemknowthatyouleadasupportgroupforpeoplewhostutter,andthat it can work hand in hand with stuttering therapy to support and empowerpeoplewho stutter. Refer them to theWeStutter.orgwebsite to learnmore, andsendaflierthattheycanhangintheirlobby.


CommunicatingWiththeNSAStayingintouchwiththenationalNSAorganizationhelpsusstayawareofyourneedsandallows you and yourmembers stay aware of regional and national events that youmaybenefitfrom.Here’showweaskCLstokeepusfilledin.

• ChapterReports.Threetimesayear(January15th,May15thandSept15th),weaskthat one CL from each chapter fill out a brief Chapter Trimester Report online. Itincludes questions about average number of attendees, how you feel chapter isdoingoverall,specialeventsyourchapterhasplannedandotheritemsthathelpusunderstand the impactofourorganizationandwhatwecando tohelpyou.YourRCCwillremindyouwhenthisisdue.

• Sign-InSheets.WeaskthateachNSAChaptersubmitasign-insheetaftereachoftheirmeetings.Thisallowseachnewchaptermembertobeloopedintothenationalorganizationand letsusknowhowmanypeoplewearereaching.Pleaseprint thesign-insheetbeforeeachmeeting,andtakeaclearphotoofitafterwardstoemailtothenationaloffice.Youmayalsofaxormailitin.IfcertainmembersdonotwanttobeaddedtotheNSAlistserve,theymaysimplywritetheirnameonthesheet.

• RCCs.Weoperatechaptersinsevenregionsacrossthecountry,eachonestaffedby

a volunteer Regional Chapter Coordinator (RCC). This person is your greatestresource and first line of contact with NSA leadership. They will help with newchapterdevelopment,analyzingchapterdataintheregion,andwithanychallengesyoumaycomeupagainst.Feelfreetoreachouttothemwithchallengesor ideas.Theyareheretosupportyou!

• APCandFPC.AdultandFamilyProgramChairperson(s)serveontheNSABoardof

Directorsandmanagechaptersatanational level,workingcloselywithRCCs.TheyareeasilyaccessiblebyemailforyouandyourRCCifyouneedassistanceorhaveanideatoshare!


CommunicatingwithMembers(Part1)

Thebestwaytobuildandmaintainathrivingchapteristohaveconsistentcommunicationwithyourmembers.Thisremindsmembersthattheyarepartofaspecialcommunitywhocaresabouttheirpresence.Hereafewwaystodoit.

• Up-to-Date Information. Make sure that your chapter information on the NSAwebsite and your chapter website is up to date! There is nothing worse thanshowing up to your first NSA meeting to find it isn’t there. People who find anoutdatedwebsiteorsocialmediaaccountareunlikely toattendameeting for thefirst time. Email [email protected] to let the national office know of schedulechangesorifyouaretakinganymonthsoff.

• MemberListserve.Collectnamesandemailaddressesonoursign-insheetateach

meeting.Useanold-fashionedemaillist,MailChimp,GoogleGroups,Yahoo!Groups,oranyotherapptosendoutremindersbeforemeetings,recapsaftermeetingsandannouncements about special events like social gatherings or the Annual NSAConference.

• Personal Follow-Ups. Take it upon yourself or ask members to follow up withattendees before and after a meeting. Send a reminder text about an upcomingmeeting,shootanemailtoafirst-timertoaskhowtheirexperiencewas,orcallanold-timerwho youhaven’t seen in a fewmonths. Let it be known that theyhavejoinedacommunityoffriendswhocareabouttheirpresenceandexperience.ManyCLsfindthatthisold-fashionedwayofengagingmembersisthemosteffective!

Usetheseideas,butbecreative!Witheverevolvingtechnology,therearealwaysanewandsmarterwaystostayintouchwithyourmembers.


CommunicatingwithMembers(continued)

Facebook.Thisisafantastictooltopromoteyourchapterandengageyourmembers.NotsurehowFBcouldhelpyourchapter?Learnmorehere…• FacebookGroup - a greatway idea to keep thediscussiongoingoutsideofmeetings.

Thinkofitlikeachatforum,wherememberscanposequestionorpostrelevantarticles,films or podcasts to the group. Groups can be “open” to anyone or “closed” wheremembersrequesttojoin.Aclosedgroupallowsformemberprivacy.Ifrequested,theNSAStaff,APC,andRCCmustbeapprovedasmembers.

• Facebook Page - less conducive to discussion, but will help you get theword out toprospectivemembers.Thinkofthisasapublicrelationspage,fromwhichyoucanmakeannouncements. You caneven “boost”postsorevents, so thepublic can learnaboutstutteringandyourchapter.

PleaseadheretostandardsofconductonlineasyouwouldinanychaptermeetingorotherNSAevent,andusetheappropriatelogosandlanguage(missionstatement,etc.).Ifyouneedanyassistancecreatingsocialmediaaccountsforyourchapter,pleasecontacttheNationalOffice([email protected])andourProjectsDirectorwillbehappytohelp.OneRCCandNSAstaffmembermustbeincludedasmemberforanyFBpage/groupaffiliatedwithourNSA.We ask that CLs refrain from creating Facebook event pages for any national NSA event(e.g.:AnnualConference,FallRegionalConference).Thebestwaytopromotethoseeventsis to “share” the events that the national office creates on your local pages. For local,chapter-onlyevents,youarestronglyencouragedtocreateyourownFBeventstogetthewordout,butfornationalevents,itisimperativethatwehaveonecentralizedeventwiththemostcurrentandcorrectcontentandthatisconsistentlymoderatedbyoneofourNSAadministrators.


RunningaMeetingMeetingFacilitation

Therearefundamentallytwotypesofmeetings:

• LargeMeetings (12+ attendees) requiremore structure and perhaps division intosmallergroups.

• Small Meetings (<12 attendees) can be unstructured and more of an informalconversationwithaheavyemphasisonsupport.

Step-by-StepMeetingFacilitation

• Some chapters have very structured meetings with planned activities, while otherchapters aremore free flowing and conversational. Everymeetingmaybedifferent!Experimentwithboth,andrespondtotheneedsofyourmembers.

• Preparation.Comewith copies of a ChapterMeeting TopicGuides anddistribute toattendees. Have members take turns as Meeting Facilitators, creating leadershipopportunitieswithinyourChapter.

• Opening. Ask a volunteer from the group to read the Welcoming Words, whichexplainsthevaluesandgoalsoftheNSAandsetthetone.

• Introductions.Welcome thegroupandasksattendees to “goaround thecircle”andintroduce themselves. Be clear that attendees have the right to pass.Warm up theroombyaddingashortquestiontotheintroduction,suchas“Whatbroughtyouheretonight?”or“Howlonghaveyoubeeninvolved inthestutteringcommunity?”Asthisgoesone,circulatethesign-insheetwithapen.

• Unlessyouhavea specificactivityplanned, it isalwaysgood to startbyopening thefloortothegroup.“Doesanyonehaveanythingtosharewiththegroup?Doesanyonehavesomethingtheywanttotalkabouttonight?”

• Ifthegroupdoesn’ttakeoff,pulloutthoseactivitiesortopicsyouprepared.Closethemeeting bymaking announcements for any local or national events upcoming. ThenaskamembertoreadtheClosingWordsandthankeveryoneforafantasticevening.Many chapters hit a local restaurant or bar for some casual connecting after theirmeetings!


ImportantTips

1. Setafriendlytone:OneNSAmemberdescribeditbest:“IlovetheNSA,becausewhenI walked into my first meeting, it felt like everyone was happy that I had arrived.”Discussion doesn’t need to be artificially positive to set a tone of friendliness andoptimismsopeoplefeelasthoughthisisacommunitytheywanttoreturnto.

2. Allowforsilence.Thisisnoteasy,andmanyofuswillwanttojumpinandtalk.Resistthaturge.Allow20,30,45secondsofsilence.Peoplewhostutteroftenhavealottosay but wait until the time is right for them to speak. Respect this, and trust thatsomeonewillcomeupwithsomething.

3. Make room for yourmembers.Don’t fall into the trapof talking toomuch.Youare

there to facilitate connection,not topreach.Relieve yourselfof the feeling that youhavetheanswersforeveryquestion,andletmemberspipeupforoneanother.

4. Ifnecessary,stepin.Ifsomeoneisdominatingtheconversation,trysaying,“Thankyou

foryourthoughts,Sam.Isthereanyonewhohasn’tspokenmuchtonightthatwantstosharesomething?”Gentlyremindyourmembersthatthisisasupportgroup.Adviceishelpfulandnatural,butifonememberisdishingouttoomuchadvice,feelfreetosayto thegroup “Well,weknow thateveryone isdifferent andwill find theirownway.Oneapproachwillnotworkforeveryone.Ifyouhaveto,remindmembersthatthisisnotatherapyoffice,butasafespaceforPWStosharefeelingsandexperiences.


TroubleshootingChallenges

Challengingmembers.EveryChapterLeadercouldlikelyfillasmallbookwithstoriesofgroupmemberswhosaythewrongthingatthewrongtime.Usually,thisisharmless,but,sometimesitcrossesovertoinappropriate.Ifagroupmemberisofferingunsolicitedadvicethatisoffensivetoothergroup members, making mean-spirited jokes, or being downright rude, speak to themprivatelyandremindthemofouropeningwords.Let themknowexactlywhatyou foundinappropriate,explainwhy it is inappropriate,andaskthemtorefrain fromthatbehaviornexttime.Ifonepersonfrequentlymakesothermembersfeeluncomfortableoroffended,escalatetheconcerntoyourRCCforassistance.InappropriateBehaviororHarassment.Ifthebehaviorofanattendeegoesbeyondthenormalboundsof“sayingthewrongthingatthewrongtime”andanyChapterLeaderorchaptermemberismadeuncomfortableduetocommentsontheirgender,sexuality,ethnicity, raceordisability,knowthatwehaveazero-tolerance policy for such harassment. Convey your concern the Adult or FamilyProgram Chairs, or Executive Director.Wewill ensure that the situation is handledwithminimalstressonyouandyourchapter.Chapterleadersshouldneverfeelthattheyneedtojust“putupwith”inappropriateorabusivebehavior.Researchrequests.You may be contacted by stuttering researchers to ask if your members would like toparticipate as subjects. You must ensure that the study has been approved by the NSAResearch Committee before inviting any members. Please email [email protected] tocheck in and tell the researcher to do the same. All research opportunities must beapprovedbyNSAResearchCommitteebeforepresentationtomembers.DisbandingYourChapter.Theremaycomea timewhenyouneed todisbandyour chapterorputyourmeetingon‘pause’ for a time. This can happen for a variety of reasons, most often relocation ofChapter Leaders, lack of community interest, or loss of meeting space. This is notuncommon,andmostimportantly,notyourfault!However,itiscrucialtoletthenationaloffice and your RCC know immediately of any changes to your meetings, includingdisbandingofthechapter.Again,wewouldneverwantsomeonetoshowuptotheirfirstmeeting,onlytofindit’snotthere.


BuildingaThriving

CommunitySocialeventsareagreattostrengthenthebondsofyourchapter.Theyexpandthe“circleofacceptance”ofstutteringoutsideofatraditionalsupportgroupandallowmemberstogettoknoweachotherinalessformalspace.Herearesometips.

1. Pickadateandpromotetheeventatleastonemonthinadvance.Orhaveanannualevent!Iftheeventisopentothelargerpublic,consideraskingtheNSAnationalofficetoaddtheeventtotheircalendar.

2. Considertheneedsofyourmembers.Istheeventwheelchairaccessible?Areyoumembersoldenoughtoenterabarormovie?Don’tbeafraidtoaskandcommunicatethesethingsclearlywithmembers.

3. Youwon’talwaysbeabletomakeeveryonehappy.Pollyourmemberstoseewhat

peoplewouldmostliketodo,andconsiderdoingsomethingdifferenteachmonth.Herearesomeideas.

• “Chat‘nChew”dinnerordrinksatarestaurantorlocalbar• Touramuseum• Catchamovie(especiallyifittouchesondisabilityorstuttering!)• Bowling,iceskatingorapicnic• Signupfora5K/ObstacleCourseRaceortakeayogaclass• Catchalocalsportingevent.Contacttheticketofficeandletthemknowyouare

anon-profitgrouptoseeifyoucangetadiscount.• Holidaypartiesareagreatannualtradition.Considerhavingapartyinaprivate

home,restaurant,orbar.Nomatterwhatyoueventyouchoose,weguaranteethatyourmemberswillembrace

theopportunitytoconnectinalaid-backenvironment!


Advocacy(Part1):RaisingAwareness

Awarenessraisingeventsareagreatwaytostrengthenyourchapterandmakeanimpactinyourlocalcommunity.Rememberthatmostpeoplewhostutter intheworlddon’tattendsupportgroupsorbelongtotheNSA,sothoseofuswhoareluckyenoughtofindtheNSAcanworkonmakingtheworldalittlebetterforall!

Information Tables. Contact your local Parks & Recreation Departments and ask for apermit to setupa table ina localpark, farmer’smarket,orcommunity fair. Feel free toreachouttotheNSANationalOfficetoseewhattypesofhandoutsandmaterialswecanoffer.Surveychaptermembersandcompileyourown“Stuttering101”or“StutteringFAQ”sheets.ConsiderhostingthistypeofeventaroundInternationalStutteringAwarenessDay(October22nd)orNationalStutteringAwarenessWeek(secondfullweekofMay).Thisletsthepublicknowthatstutteringisnothingtobeashamedoforquietabout,andisasafeandfunwayforyourmemberstopracticediscussingstutteringopenly.Havingmembersbringbakedgoodsandsmileswillbesuretodrawthecrowds!MediaCoverage.Placinganadforyourchapterinthelocalpaper,reachingouttolocalnewmedia, or writing a special interest story about stuttering are great ways raise publicawarenessvia themedia.TheNSAemploysamedia relations firmthatcanhelpyouwithgettingthewordout.ContactusattheNationalOfficeformoreinformation,orcheckoutourtipsheetforgeneratingmediacoverage.Workingwith localschools.ManyCLsandtheirmembershavegivenfunpresentationsatlocal schools to educate kids and educators about the experience of stuttering. Everyschool is different, but try reachingout to the administration, special educationofficeorworking with a local school SLP to get your foot in the door. Consider presenting a“Stuttering101”talktothekidsorteachers!

Advocacy(Part2):SpecialEvents&Conferences

Organizing a special event for your chapter is awonderfulway to getmembers involvedwhileofferinganopportunitytodigdeeperintotopics.Askengagedmemberstohelpout,orevenhavethemleadaspecialeventtoencourageproactivityandbreakingoutoftheircomfortzones.


Workshops. Are there any topics that your group seems hungry to dig deeper into?Considersubstitutingoneofyoursupportgroupswithaspecialworkshop.Youcouldhostapanel discussion of couples to discuss relationships while stuttering. Or perhaps craft apresentationonthehistoryofdisabilityrights.OrinvitemembersindifferentprofessionalfieldstodiscussstutteringintheworkplacewithQ&A.Brainstormsomethoughtprovokingorfuntopicsandgiveitatry!Visiting Local Graduate Schools.ManyNSAmembers regularly appearonpanels at theirlocal SLP graduate schools to share their experience as people who stutter with SLPstudents. What better way for therapists in training to learn about helping people whostutterthanbyhearingyourstories!ContactyourlocalSLPprogramandoffertogatherasmallgroupofPWStoappearonapanelonenight.Localconferences.Planningandhostingalocalconferenceisafantasticwaytostrengthenyourchapterandgiveyourmembersleadershipopportunities.Startbybrainstormingwithagroupofactivemembers.Haveeveryonesharewhattheywouldliketoseeinaday-longstuttering conference. Think about howmuch time you need to plan and pull it off (wesuggestatleast5-6months).Seethefundraisingsectionbelowforideastohelpfinancetheday.Once you have an idea ofwhat you and yourmemberswant to do andwhere andwhenyoucandoit,contactthenationalofficetofillusin.Wewilldowhateverwecantohelpyousucceed!

Formoreinspirationoradviceonpullingoffaspecialevent,headovertotheNSAChapterLeadersFacebookPageandposeaquestiontothegroup.Manychaptersacrossthecountryhaveorganizedamazingevents,andwecouldn’tpossiblycontainalltheirwisdomintothisonedocument.Usethemasaresource!


FundraisingPolicyWestronglyencourageour localchapters to raisemoney throughout theyear tosupporttheirchapterfunctions(rentalspace,specialevents,andholidayparties)andcontributetothenationalorganizationaswell.Belowareafewdifferentwaystoraisefunding.

Monthly Support.NSA Chapters are free and open to all, though attendeesmywish toconsiderbecomingamonthlysupporterthroughanaccountorcard.Aninvestmentof$10-20permonthmightnotseemlikemuch,but,ifwealldoit,itwillmakeaHUGEimpact.

CrowdRise.TheNSAhasanofficialpageatCrowdRise,whereyoucan“Fundraise for thischarity”onlineandprovideyourdonorswithtax-exemptstatus.Makeanaccountandstarta fundraiseronourCrowdRisepage.Themoneywillheadtothenationaloffice,whowillworkwithyoutodirectthefundstoyourchapter.Besuretosharefarandwideonsocialmedia with a compelling caption to let others know exactly what this money willaccomplish!

FacebookGiftDrivesFacebookfundraisinganddonationtoolsareavailableforcharitable501(c)3 organizations based in theUnited States. In addition to the ‘Donate' button youmayseeonourmainNationalStutteringAssociationFacebookpage;individualsnowhaveto option to raise funds for these organizations. This is a quick and easy way tocommemorateaspecialoccasionorjustgetthewordoutaboutanoriginationaboutwhichyou are passionate. Give it a try today! Simply click ‘Create’ > ‘Fundraiser’ on your left-handsidebar,andfollowthesimplesteps.

NSAFundraiser/EventForm.PriortohostinganNSAsanctionedfund-raisingevent,theEventAccountingWorksheet(appendix)mustbesubmittedandapprovedbythenationalNSAoffice.

It isoftheutmost importancethatyourchapterhastheresources itneedstoself-sustain,withoutyoupayingtoomuchoutofpocket.So,weunderstandthatmostofthemoneyyouraisewillneedtobedirectedbacktoyourchapter!Thatsaid,manychaptersorganizeonefundraising event throughout the year to donate directly to theNSA national office for aspecificorgeneralpurpose.Wedependonsmalldonorsandappreciateanyhelpyourlocalchaptercansendourwaysowecancontinuetoserveyou.


Appendix

Event Accounting Worksheet (page 1 of 2)

NSA Fundraiser (e.g.: 5K Walk/Run, Regional Workshop) Event approved by NSA Review Committee, contains our NSA branding for advertising, and may be promoted on the NSA website. The goal is to generate funds that surpass event expenses, with the intention of donating all remaining profit to the NSA. Criteria

1. Pre-approval by the Executive Director and Event Coordinator 2. All pre-registration fees paid directly to the NSA office 3. Any requests for space/location fees must be discussed and approved

by Executive Director and Event Coordinator prior to the location being confirmed

4. Any requests for reimbursement for event promotional expense is subject to the discretion of the NSA office

5. Complete fundraising accounting worksheet within 30 days of event completion

NSA Chapter Social Event (e.g.: Picnic, Sporting Event) 1. Pre-approval by the Executive Director and Event Coordinator 2. Will be listed on the NSA website once details are finalized 3. All expenses paid through self-funding of hosting Chapter members or

Chapter 4. This is a "break even" activity, with no profit generation 5. Chapter Leader to complete an Event Accounting Worksheet (page 2)

within 30 days of event completion, and forward to National Office. NOTE: Any funds from activity/event utilizing NSA nonprofit tax-ID number must be coordinated through the NSA office.


Event Accounting Worksheet (page 2 of 2)

______________________ __________ ___________ Date of Proposed Event Is this a: Fundraiser Social Event Is there a registration/reservation fee associated with this event?: ___ Y/N How much? $ ______ _________________________________________________________________________________ Chapter Name _______________________________________ _____________________________________ Chapter Leader(s) _________________________________________________________________________________ Fundraiser/Social Event Name _________________________________________________________________________________ Location (complete address) _________________________________________________________________________________ Contact person (if other than Chapter Leader)

$______ Promotional Expenses (list by item)

! ____________________________________

! ____________________________________

! ____________________________________

! ____________________________________

$ ___________ Total Funds Raised $ ___________ (less expenses) $ ___________ Total Proceeds

$______ "Day of" Expenses (list by item)

! ___________________________________

! ___________________________________

! ___________________________________

! ___________________________________

_____


Chapter Leader Agreement

As a chapter leader of a local chapter of the National Stuttering Association, I agree to abide by the following tenets:

o Provide a safe and supportive environment for all persons who stutter (PWS) o Help people who stutter establish connections with other people who stutter o Provide a safe place to gain information about stuttering o Follow the established policies and procedures of the National Stuttering Association as set forth

by the Board of Directors and the Chapter Leader’s manual o Understand that names/personal information of NSA members cannot be sold, rented or

distributed without prior written approval from the NSA National Office All Chapter Leaders acknowledge this by signing below. Please note that the contact information listed below will be what is used for your chapter listing on our website and in any other chapter advertising. Name(s) of all Chapter Leaders & Co-Leaders: ______________________________________ ______________________________________ Type of Chapter (circle one): NSAKids (ages 7-12); Teens (ages 13-17); Family (ages 7-17); Adult (ages 18+); Military Personnel Signature of Chapter Leader & Co-Leaders: _____________________________________ ______________________________________ Chapter Leader Contact Email(s): _____________________________________ ______________________________________ Chapter Leader Contact Phone Number(s): _____________________________________ ______________________________________ Chapter Location Chapters must meet in a public location (library, office building, classroom, etc), and may not be held in a private home. Incomplete addresses will not be approved. ________________________________________________________________________ Business/Building Name ________________________________________________________________________ Street Address Suite/Room # City/State Zip Meeting Days & Time (eg: 3rd Saturday of each month, 1st Wednesday of each month, etc) __________________________________ ________ AM/PM Date of First Meeting: _______________________

chapter policy manual€¦ · leading a chapter is not always easy, and we are always working to...

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