NSA Chapter Meeting Recaps
April 14th Chapter Meeting Relaunch
April’s meeting was a huge success as we kicked off our Chapter Relaunch with a fantastic group storytelling activity!
We dove into a spooky "Haunted Hotel Investigation" where our members brought the eerie tale of a haunted hotel to life. From strange noises in the hallway to creatures in disguise, the creativity was flowing, and the room was filled with laughter and excitement.
Not only did we enjoy the spooky storytelling, but we also shared our personal motivations for attending the Tacoma NSA Chapter and discussed any challenges we are currently going through so we can support each other through them. 💬💪
Next month, we’re continuing the fun with another exciting story activity – but this time, with a twist! Stay tuned to find out what that twist is!
Thank you to everyone who attended and contributed to making this relaunch such a success. We can’t wait to see you all next month!
#TacomaNSA #VirtualMeeting #SupportGroup #StutteringSupport #NSA #JoinUs
May 12th Chapter Meeting Recap
What a fun and creative meeting we had! 🎉
We kicked things off with a hilarious group storytelling activity, using a random word generator to take the story in directions we never expected. The Zookeeper and the Mutant Worms was born! 🐒🐍 It started with a letter from a relative written 50 years ago, telling the tale of an unnamed zookeeper who loved his animals, especially his favorite pig and turkey friends. The story then took a wild turn, introducing mutated worms who spread kindness, offered free hugs, and even opened a supermarket! The journey was full of twists and laughter, and it was amazing to see where everyone’s creativity took us.
We also discussed raising stuttering awareness, sharing personal stories, and brainstorming ways to connect more through social media and events.
Looking ahead, next month's meeting is going to be just as exciting! We'll try Story in Reverse, watch a short film, and discuss our current projects. Can’t wait to see everyone there! 🙌
#TacomaNSA #VirtualMeeting #StutteringAwareness #CreativeStorytelling #Community #NSA
June 9th Chapter Meeting
Last meeting, we dove into creativity and connection. We tackled a reverse storytelling activity, starting with a lonely birthday and working backward to reveal a runaway wish, a chaotic clown (Ashley's estranged father), and a family's complex reunion. This challenging exercise led into a powerful discussion sparked by a short film on stuttering. Members openly shared their experiences with speech blocks, social anxiety, and self-acceptance, along with coping strategies. The meeting underscored the strength and support found within your community, reinforcing the idea that "Together we stutter. Together we're strong."
#TacomaNSA #VirtualMeeting #SupportGroup #StutteringSupport #NSA #JoinUs
July 14th Chapter Meeting Recap
Last night's Tacoma NSA Chapter Meeting was a lively session featuring a Storytelling Wheel activity where participants collaboratively created a fantasy and sci-fi narrative involving elves, orcs, Mars, and AI therapy. The discussion then shifted to the value of NSA chapter support, with one member sharing his long history as head of the Olympia Chapter and positive experiences with group meetings. The group also discussed personal anxiety around ordering food and shared various stuttering experiences and management strategies, including the benefits of early disclosure and factors influencing stuttering.
The next meeting is on August 11th at 7 PM.
#TacomaNSA #VirtualMeeting #StutteringAwareness #CreativeStorytelling #Community #NSA
August 11th Chapter Meeting
August’s meeting was a fantastic session filled with creativity, vulnerability, and powerful conversations! We engaged in a hilarious collaborative storytelling activity with a twist—using random last lines generated by AI to steer the plot. From a "Spaghetti Union" declaring war to a time-traveling goldfish, the narrative took wild turns, and the room was filled with laughter at the surreal story we created together. Not only did we enjoy the storytelling challenge, but we also dove deep into serious discussions about covert stuttering and the exhaustion of hiding our speech. We shared experiences about managing stuttering in high-pressure work environments and reaffirmed the importance of our chapter as a safe space for connection and support. Next month, we are gathering again to continue the conversation on Monday, September 8th, at 7 pm. We hope to see you there! Thank you to everyone who participated and shared so openly. We look forward to our next gathering! #TacomaNSA #VirtualMeeting #SupportGroup #StutteringSupport #NSA #JoinUs
September 8th Chapter Meeting Recap
September’s meeting was a fantastic session filled with laughter and deep connection! We kicked things off with a "Character Swap" activity where we spun a virtual wheel to introduce random characters into a story about a car breakdown. From Frodo Baggins and the Grinch attempting car repairs to Shrek getting lost in a swamp and Luke Skywalker arriving in a Tesla truck, the narrative was absolutely hilarious and full of unexpected twists. Not only did we enjoy the character chaos, but we also transitioned into a meaningful discussion about navigating stuttering in customer service and professional settings. We shared personal experiences regarding public awareness, discussed strategies for managing speech under stress, and emphasized the importance of maintaining a positive mindset and self-acceptance. Next month, we’re gathering again to support one another on Monday, October 13th, at 7 pm. We hope to see you there! Thank you to everyone who participated and shared their insights. We look forward to our next gathering! #TacomaNSA #VirtualMeeting #SupportGroup #StutteringSupport #NSA #JoinUs
October 13th Chapter Meeting
October’s meeting was a fantastic session filled with creativity and empowering discussions! We embarked on a "Character Swap" adventure set in a post-apocalyptic world where resources were scarce. The group wove a wild narrative featuring Katniss Everdeen, The Joker, and Harry Potter, leading us through a magical portal to The Simpsons’ world and back again to rebuild civilization with the help of Gandalf and Winnie the Pooh. Not only did we enjoy the imaginative survival story, but we also transitioned into a meaningful discussion on disclosing stuttering in the workplace. We explored how hiding our speech creates unnecessary stress and shared strategies for using humor and open communication to relieve pressure and educate others. Next month, we are gathering again to continue the conversation on Monday, November 10th, at 7 pm. We hope to see you there! Thank you to everyone who participated and shared so openly. We look forward to our next gathering! #TacomaNSA #VirtualMeeting #SupportGroup #StutteringSupport #NSA #JoinUs
November 10th Chapter Meeting Recap
November’s meeting was a fantastic session filled with imaginative storytelling and inspiring conversations! We dove into a wild "Character Swap" story where "Dreamweaver Bob" accidentally brought an alien invasion to life through his nightmares. From Willy Wonka and James Bond teaming up to a giant Frodo Baggins slinging donuts to defeat the invaders, the story was a hilarious mix of chaos, candy, and creativity. Not only did we enjoy the alien defense, but we also watched a moving clip from the documentary My Beautiful Stutter. We shared personal stories about the fear of public speaking, the pressure to remain "covert," and the importance of finding comfort in our voices rather than striving for perfect fluency. Next month, we are gathering again to continue the conversation on Monday, December 8th, at 7 pm. We hope to see you there! Thank you to everyone who participated and shared so openly. We look forward to our next gathering! #TacomaNSA #VirtualMeeting #SupportGroup #StutteringSupport #NSA #JoinUs
December 8th Chapter Meeting
December’s meeting was a fantastic session filled with wild storytelling and deeply personal discussions! We embarked on a chaotic "Character Swap" mission to capture a teenage Griffin joyriding on a subway train. From Hannibal Lecter scaring away the paparazzi to Spider-Man weaving containment webs and Gandalf launching James Bond into the air, the story was a hilarious, action-packed adventure that ended with Homer Simpson saving the day. Not only did we enjoy the Griffin chase, but we also shared a powerful discussion sparked by a clip from My Beautiful Stutter. We explored the deep exhaustion that comes from constant speech monitoring and covert stuttering. Members opened up about the fear of heredity, the frustration of being misunderstood in emergency situations, and the relief found in a community where we don't have to hide. Next month, we are gathering again to continue the conversation on Monday, January 12th, at 7 pm. We hope to see you there! Thank you to everyone who participated and shared so openly. We look forward to our next gathering! #TacomaNSA #VirtualMeeting #SupportGroup #StutteringSupport #NSA #JoinUs
January 12th Chapter Meeting
Tacoma NSA Chapter: January 12th Meeting Recap! 🗣️✨ We kicked off the year with a powerful reminder that our chapter is a sanctuary—a judgment-free zone for acceptance and open stuttering. 🎲 The Icebreaker: We built a wild "Character Swap" story set in a silent, post-apocalyptic dome. It took an eclectic team—including James Bond, Spider-Man, Luke Skywalker, and even Ebenezer Scrooge—to save the city and bring the power back online! 🎬 Real Talk: We watched a clip from "My Beautiful Stutter" which sparked an incredible conversation. Members shared vulnerable stories about the "hidden mental work" of speaking, the exhaustion of trying to hide a stutter, and the freedom found in self-disclosure. We discussed how owning our stories can take the power back from the struggle. We wrapped up with an important reminder: "We are never alone; together we are strong." 💙 See you at the next one! #TacomaNSA #NationalStutteringAssociation #StutteringAwareness #MyBeautifulStutter #StutteringSupport #TacomaEvents #EndTheStigma #WeStutter