Suggested Organizational Structure for an Association of PWS

Suggested Organizational Structure for an Association of PWS

Key Topics Public Relations / Media Self-Help Groups Events Creating information in the local languages Association Name International Contacts Online presence (Web page; Facebook) Contact with Employers Contact with Speech Therapists + Research Annual Conference OUTREACH Increasing Awareness Fundraising

Step 1: Establish an Association �Decide on a name �Suggestion: Incorporate the words “Stuttering Association” �Examples: � Bosnian Stuttering Association � The Gambia Stuttering Association �Find out how to register the association as a nonprofit organization �It might be complicated �It might not be necessary in order to start activities �It WILL be necessary once you start handling money

Step 2: Online Presence �Website �The ISA can host a temporary web page �Include contact and event information �Facebook group

Step 3: SHG groups for PWS �Establish your guidelines for SHG Meetings �Start in the major population centers �Try to find a place to meet where you don’t need to pay �E. g. , Community center, Prayer center �Public park �Schedule meetings once a month to start with �Advertise via: �Announcements for self-help group meetings in classified ad sections of newspapers �Flyers pinned up on message boards �Local newspapers on online communities

Step 4: Information on stuttering �Ideally, make information on stuttering available in the native language(s) �The Stuttering Foundation (http: //www. stutteringhelp. org/) seems to be a good, standard source for information about stuttering �Prepare a basic set of information on stuttering. For example: �Myths about stuttering �Facts about stuttering �Notes to the Teacher: The Child Who Stutters at School �Notes for employers �Stuttering and Your Child: Question & Answers; tips for talking with your child

Public Relations & Media �Article on stuttering in a major newspaper �Television report