For individuals who stutter, finding a supportive community can make all the difference in their journey toward confidence and effective communication. In the Upper Plains region, the National Stuttering Association (NSA) is proud to offer a network of local chapters dedicated to providing this much-needed support. Covering the states North Dakota, South Dakota, Nebraska, Kansas, Minnesota, and Iowa, the Upper Plains region is a beacon of hope and empowerment for people who stutter and their families.
Connecting Through Local Chapters
At the heart of the NSA’s mission in the Upper Plains are our local chapters. These chapters are more than just meetings—they are safe spaces where individuals who stutter can come together, share their stories, and gain strength from one another’s experiences. Whether you’re an adult navigating your career, a teenager finding your voice, or a parent seeking guidance for your child, these chapters are a vital resource.
Led by dedicated volunteers who often have personal experiences with stuttering, our local chapters offer regular meetings and events that focus on education, personal growth, and community building. Attendees can expect to participate in discussions that foster understanding and resilience, all while forming meaningful connections with others who truly understand the challenges and triumphs of living with stuttering.
Regional Events: More Than Just Meetings
Beyond the regular chapter meetings, the Upper Plains region hosts a variety of events designed to bring the community together. These events range from workshops that dive deep into specific aspects of stuttering to social gatherings where fun and fellowship are the main goals. These gatherings aren’t just educational—they’re also a way to build camaraderie and a sense of belonging among participants.
For instance, regional conferences offer a larger platform where individuals from different states can meet, exchange ideas, and learn from leading experts in the field of stuttering. These events are crucial in helping individuals expand their support network and find new strategies to navigate their stuttering in different areas of life.
How You Can Get Involved
Getting involved with the NSA in the Upper Plains region is easy and rewarding. Whether you’re attending a local chapter meeting, volunteering your time at one of our events, or even considering starting a new chapter in your area, there’s a place for you in our community. By participating, you’re not only helping yourself or your loved one, but you’re also contributing to a nationwide movement that’s making a significant impact on the lives of people who stutter.
Minnesota
Duluth: Adults & Teens (ages 13+) – Meetings are held September through May on the 3rd Tuesday of each month from 6:00-7:30 at UMD–Chester Park building (31 West College Street Duluth, MN – Woodland & Clover) Room 102. Meetings can also be attended virtually via Zoom. For more information, please contact Chapter Leader Derrick at duluthstutters@gmail.com.
Minneapolis/St. Paul: Adults – Meetings are held the second Thursday of the month from 7:00 to 8:30 p.m. at Bethlehem Baptist Church – 720 13th Ave. South, Minneapolis. Room numbers will be posted at the church each month. For more information and to confirm monthly meeting details, please contact Chapter Leaders Dave Lindberg and Tim McCarren at mccarrenspeech@gmail.com.
Moorhead: Adults – Meetings are held on the 2nd Thursday of each month September through May at 6:00PM on the Minnesota State University Moorhead Campus Murray Hall (Room 210) – 1104 7th Avenue S. Moorhead, MN 56563. For more information contact Chapter Leaders Bruce Hanson (701-261-9734 / brucehansonbrsfd@gmail.com) and Elaine Pyle (pyleel@mnstate.edu / 218-477-2393) or visit the Moorhead Chapter Facebook page.
Mankato: Adults – Meetings are held on the last Monday of each month from 5:30-6:30PM at Minnesota State University – Mankato (Clinical Sciences Building – Room 212) 150 South Road Mankato, MN 56001, and also via Zoom. For more information contact Chapter Leaders Todd Marten at 507-625-7543 / tcmarten@charter.net and Dr. William Strong (507-389-1476/ william.strong@mnsu.edu).
North Dakota
Also See – Moorhead, MN: Adults – Meetings are held on the 1st Thursday of each month September through May at 6:00PM on the Minnesota State University Moorhead Campus Murray Hall -1104 7th Avenue S. Moorhead, MN 56563. For more information contact Chapter Leader Bruce Hanson at 218-477-4641 / brucehansonbrsfd@gmail.com or visit the Moorhead Chapter Facebook page.
South Dakota
Rapid City: Adults & Families (age 7+) – Meetings are held on the 1st Thursday of each month at 6:00PM at Rapid City Public Library – 610 Quincy Street Rapid City, SD 57701. For more information contact Chapter Leader Oscar Carcamo at OscarCarcamo5@gmail.com / (937) 470-4314.
Wisconsin
Milwaukee: Adult & Family Chapter (ages 7+, families, SLPs) – Meetings are held on the 2nd Saturday of each month from 10-11:30AM at the United Methodist Church of Whitefish Bay – 819 E. Silver Spring Drive (Rooms 208/221 and 222) Milwaukee, WI 53217. For more information and to RSVP, contact Chapter Leader Lindsey Burant (lindseyburant@gmail.com / 262-455-1876), or visit the Milwaukee Family NSA Chapter Website.
Stevens Point: Adults – Meetings are held on the 1st Thursday of each month from 6:00PM – 7:00PM at the Univeristy of WI-Stevens Point, Center for Communicative Disorders – 1901 4th Avenue, Stevens Point, WI 54481. For more information contact Chapter Leader Charlie Osborne at cosborne@uwsp.edu or 715-346-4960.
The Upper Plains region is a testament to the power of community support. Here, people who stutter find the tools, encouragement, and friendship they need to thrive. We invite you to become part of this vibrant community and discover the difference that support, understanding, and empowerment can make in your life.
Reach Out and Connect
If you’re interested in learning more about the NSA in the Upper Plains, or if you have questions about how to get involved, we’re here to help. Don’t hesitate to reach out—we’re committed to supporting you every step of the way.
Regional Adult Chapter Coordinator:
Pamela Mertz: pamela@westutter.org
Regional Family Chapter Coordinator:
Sarah Onofri: sarahonofri@westutter.org
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