NATIONAL STUTTERING ASSOCIATION
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My name is Steven Kaufman and I am the Long Island chapter leader (along with teammate and chapter leader Lori Melnitsky) for the National Stuttering Association. I can say emphatically that the NSA is my rock, my strength, and my courage to do what's right in this world. Ever since age three, I have been a person who stutters. I really didn't think much of it until I got to high school and saw how much of an impact could have. I suffered through everything-the teasing, the Porky Pig jokes, the humiliations of not being picked to volunteer in class because the teacher just "did not have time" to listen to me. It got so bad that I would eat in the nurse's offide during lunchtime just to have a place of solitude. I felt so ashamed that I dared not tell my parents what was going on. When I entered junior college, I heard all the cliches: "This will be a new beginning," and others. It wasn't. It was just more of the same. I felt myself undergoing a bitter metamorphisis into someone I could not recognize, feeling like my body and soul were fighting each other for control. A few years later, I found work at a law firm, but not in the position I ideally had hoped to get. The firm decided to place me in the billing department, because my speech apparently was too big of a concern for them. Feeling absolutely low, it was at this point that I heard about the National Stuttering Association's annual conference, held in Long Beach, Calif. I believe that in every life, we have defining moments that show our character. On a spur of the moment, I booked my plane ticket and hotel. When I told my parents I was going, they said "Why?" and used a sarcastic tone. I knew right then there, it was now or never. The plane touched down a few hours later, and I wondered what I got myself into. Well, what I did get myself into was an amazing family who I love more than life itself. I found seminars that not only challenged me emotionally, but mentally too, forcing me to look at stuttering in ways I never knew existed. I finally saw how to tap into my potential and deal with negative feelings in a constructive manner. I began to fully understand why the NSA believe that if you stutter, you're not alone. I am a firm believer that at these conferences, I have no friends, but teammates: over 600, and growing. You should not be afraid of your stuttering. But your stuttering should be very afraid of you. It is because of the National Stuttering Association that I have helped transform my life in many ways. I am now very outspoken about stuttering. I have a blog that reaches teammates who stutter from here and abroad. I've lectured at Seton Hall University, Columbia University, Mercy College, to name a few. I am a chapter leader and absolutely love it, and I do a great deal of work with them in various capacities. I stand by my teammates and whenever we struggle with challenges, we'll always be there. When all else fails, the NSA doesn't. The NSA's impact on children and teens is amazing. Every year at our conferences, we take pride in welcoming "first-timers," who are given special recognition. This past year, we had 160 teammates who were "first-timers," many were young children who came with their mothers, and families. The children were very shy and apprehensive, but within one hour, they are laughing and talking nonstop. At the closing banquet, it is very emotional for all, but it's really like watching a butterfly emerge from the cocoon. You will never ever see the person the way they were again. The National Stuttering Association is the biggest advocacy organization in the world. I have no doubt saying emphatically, it is the number one fan club for teammates who stutter. For anyone who stutters, I can't stress to them how important it is to get involved. It truly is magical in every way.
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
Transforming the lives of teammates who stutter-from giving them the freedom to live their dreams and pursue their goals, to being able to embrace the fact they are a person who stutters-and there is nothing to apologize for!
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
More feedback...
What I've enjoyed the most about my experience with this nonprofit is...
Being able to not only be my own advocate, but to give back and support my teammates in every way possible-the NSA teammates have a very special bond that lasts forever!
The kinds of staff and volunteers that I met were...
Possessing some of the biggest hearts I've ever seen. The NSA staff and volunteers are not only committed to the cause of stuttering, but we always know that is more we can do. We refuse to be complacent!
Ways to make it better...
My experience is fantastic and there is nothing that the NSA could have done to improve that at all! They are simply perfect.
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2009
A great organization that provides invaluable support and assistance to the entire stuttering community across the United States of America.
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
both my life and in the lives of countless others.
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
do whatever it takes to join forces with the Stuttering Foundation of America since these support group efforts should be unified.
More feedback...
What I've enjoyed the most about my experience with this nonprofit is...
it provides me access to a great support network that I previously was not aware of.
The kinds of staff and volunteers that I met were...
all very helpful and genuine individuals.
If this organization had 10 million bucks, it could...
help all 3 million people in the U.S. who stutter.
Ways to make it better...
this organization had the resources so it could be marketed more effectively to the local community.
In my opinion, the biggest challenges facing this organization are...
how to continue providing such great stuttering support and resources in such a troubling economy.
One thing I'd also say is that...
I stutter and I'm proud of it!
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2009
I had just graduated college and was officially job hunting. I had a great lead for an accounting position so I picked up the phone to call for an interview. I couldn't get out the word "Hello" and the person on the other line hung up on me. Try again... and the same thing. Breathe, relax, easy onsets...The third time that he hung up, I fell to the ground in tears. Even with endless hours of speech therapy, my stuttering was frustrating, humiliating, debilitating. Along with the frustrations in not being able to get my words out was the embarrassment I felt when someone unknowingly teased me or the discouragement I felt when I backed down from a situation. Stuttering was a wall and as much as I tried to think about roses and puppies in between the blocks, I couldn't get over it. What was I going to do? How was I going to work in the professional world if I can't even say the word "hello"? Nobody could possibly understand how stuttering was controlling my decisions and consuming my thoughts until... I found the NSA. This organization has an amazing power where the people within make a difference! People who stutter often feel alone with the challenge so to connect with others who stutter either by email, articles, telephone, local support groups or annual conference is priceless. I did not meet anyone who stuttered until I was in my 20's and this experience was life changing. Seeing other people who stutter successfully communicating and living life to the fullest was the boost I needed to get over the wall. I could see clearly now how to use all the therapy techniques and take all the advice from speech pathologists over the years. The NSA has opened doors for me that I thought were sealed shut. The NSA has made me a stronger person and it has given me a place where I can give back. I went on to get a job that I wanted, and landed other positions that I would have otherwise been very frightened of (receptionist, waitress, sales, management, real estate). I gained confidence. I got married, have 2 beautiful girls and I still stutter. Now, I work for the NSA as the family programs administrator and web editor.
Photos
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
kids, teens, adults and parents all across the country.
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
find a billionaire to fund.
More feedback...
What I've enjoyed the most about my experience with this nonprofit is...
meeting people who stutter, hearing their story and knowing that they understand.
The kinds of staff and volunteers that I met were...
outstanding
If this organization had 10 million bucks, it could...
let the world know about stuttering in all of its trials, triumphs and intricate quirks (maybe via a movie). Reach out to make sure that stuttering is treated in the correct manner and the myths.
Ways to make it better...
I'd have known about this organization earlier in my life.
In my opinion, the biggest challenges facing this organization are...
making new members realize that they are not small fish in a big pond but that they are THEE integral part of making the NSA carry out its mission.
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2009
The NSA helps people of all ages who stutter through chapters around the country. They also distribute informative and helpful pamphlets to schools and individuals. Knowing there is someone/s with the same problem as yourself is an extraordinary helpful fact. The NSA brings this to light. "You are not alone" becomes energy for your soul. In meetings there is a special bond that occurs. One finds that emotions one has are felt by everyone. Without the NSA one would not be able to reach out to others who stutter, not only to help, but be helped by the friendship and joy.
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
action. Seeing the new members who feel welcomed and a part of a new family who are both supportive and generous with their time.
More feedback...
What I've enjoyed the most about my experience with this nonprofit is...
helping others.
If this organization had 10 million bucks, it could...
reach so many more people.
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2009
AMAZING! If you stutter, know someone who stutters, have a child/teen who stutters or are a SLP... this is the organization to get hooked into. "YOU ARE NOT ALONE" is their motto. How important is that to know when you feel (especially as a child) that you are the only one that stutters. Highly recommend calling/emailing them to learn more. www.westutter.org
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
This non profit will inspire you to do things that you thought you could/would never do, provide insight on the latest research & techniques out there, educate society and professionals on stuttering, and empower you to be all you want to be.
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The kinds of staff and volunteers that I met were...
Totally dedicated, empathetic, supportive to anyone needing assistance.
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2009
I have been a member of this organization since 1995. It has given me the confidence and courage to deal with my stuttering and to become a mentor for other people who stutter. It's not how you speak, it's what you say that is important. This is a great organization that does amazing work with kids, teens, and adults who stutter. The NSA also encourages Speech Language Pathologists, parents, siblings, and friends to be part of the support process for people who stutter.
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
action at the support group I attend for people who stutter and the National Stuttering Association annual conventions. The NSA literally changes the lives of people.
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
Advertise more in the national publications. They are just now starting to do that.
More feedback...
What I've enjoyed the most about my experience with this nonprofit is...
I have met people who stutter from all different parts of the world. I now speak without the fear, shame and embarassement. The NSA has also helped my wife and I to better deal with my stuttering.
The kinds of staff and volunteers that I met were...
simply an amazing group of dedicated people.
If this organization had 10 million bucks, it could...
do much more research concerning what causes stuttering. It could also reach out to many more people who stutter.
Ways to make it better...
I had known about this organization many years ago.
In my opinion, the biggest challenges facing this organization are...
Maintaining a source of funds to better educate the public about people who stutter. We have a long way to go in that regard.
One thing I'd also say is that...
the National Suttering Association has given me the opportunity to step out of my comfort zone many times. I've been able to speak at various colleges and universities to the Speech Language Pathology grad students.
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2009
This is an outstanding group, well-organized, and providing help for hundreds of people. After involvement in the NSA I started a local chapter because I felt so strongly about what it did to inform, unite, and help people who stutter. As a speech pathologist who stutters, NSA plays many roles for me, and I for it. It provides support for clients I treat; I provide educational programs and advice for people who stutter who write in to the NSA website. The organization is run by very dedicated people.. NSA is a truly OUTSTANDING nonprofit!!!
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
assisting people (adults, teens, youngsters, families, and SLP professionals) find help for their stuttering difficulties.
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
NSA is very well run already, by very dedicated individuals
More feedback...
What I've enjoyed the most about my experience with this nonprofit is...
It makes me feel so good to see others finding their way, coming out of their shell, and regaining their lives.
The kinds of staff and volunteers that I met were...
understanding, supportive, real people, compassionate, down to earth
If this organization had 10 million bucks, it could...
Spread to more remote areas. Provide more training for speech pathologists, support stuttering research
Ways to make it better...
Spreading the word, assisting people to attend programs, funding new program ideas and intitatives.
In my opinion, the biggest challenges facing this organization are...
funding for continued work; encouraging people who stutter to get involved (the problem can be very isolating; many need encouragement to "come out of the stuttering closet"
One thing I'd also say is that...
those involved in the NSA are very caring people
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2009
I've travelled around the world, visiting stuttering associations, meeting people who stutter and learning from experts, but when I came to the NSA the first time, I came home. These people know what they are doing, but most of all, have a heart that is big enough for the whole world to fit in. I gladly use my whole family holiday budget to go back again and meet the people who changed my life and my whole way of thinking. I owe them for turning me into... me!
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
the faces of those who refound their self esteem, in the tears of happiness of young people who stutter performing on stage, those who have found the strength to change their careers, parents who have found answers and children who can laugh again.
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
try to get more money to reach out to more people, as many don't even know the NSA exists.
More feedback...
What I've enjoyed the most about my experience with this nonprofit is...
how it changes people. Through the conferences, through the local chapters, through people who stutter meeting therapists without any barriers, through the internet and through the everlasting friendship.
The kinds of staff and volunteers that I met were...
the most dedicated people I've ever met.
If this organization had 10 million bucks, it could...
get more (young) people to come to the conferences, produce more material and start a big information campaign, do more for kids and teens, start more self help groups and reach out to all the people surrounding us to give us a better world to live in.
Ways to make it better...
I could go to there would be state funding just like in many European countries, if the children/teen performance group Our Time could perform all over the world to inspire kids who stutter and of course, if i could come to the NSA conference every year!
In my opinion, the biggest challenges facing this organization are...
finances. It's hard to run an organisation with no stabile funding. To be able to communicate should be the state's responsibility. It's a human right. Hoping for private funding is a huge challenge and use of efforts that could be used otherwise.
One thing I'd also say is that...
few people understand how it's like not to be able to speak, to not be able to say your name, be mocked and laughed at, get low grades and unqualified jobs, but most of all, the constant fear of speaking, simply because people don't get it...
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2009
I think this association is doing great at what they do. They helped me educate those that are in my son's life who didn't know what stuttering was. They helped me establish a support group for kids who stutter - they helped me become a better mom and for that I am forever grateful. If you know someone who stutters I would highly suggest this organization.
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
Different magazines recently - those ads were amazing.
More feedback...
What I've enjoyed the most about my experience with this nonprofit is...
The amount of support you get from people all over the world is amazing. I joined the parent yahoo group and now am friends with other parents and can speak about my fears of being a parent with them. I think that is amazing.
If this organization had 10 million bucks, it could...
Educate those who know nothing about stuttering, have 2-3 mini conferences every year instead of 1, look into the stuttering gene, help research and find a cure for stuttering.
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2009
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