Vee's farewell blog: What this community's taught me

Wednesday 22nd January 2025 - 10:07

A young woman in a running vest biting a medal that's round her neck

Vee after running for STAMMA

We're very sad to say that Vee Meyners will be leaving STAMMA tomorrow for pastures new. In her final blog, Vee reflects on what she's learnt from people who stammer during her time here.

After three-ish years as Communities & Campaigns Manager, it's time for me to say goodbye. I'll be leaving STAMMA on 23^rd January. I'm personally sad, but professionally excited about what's next. I thought I'd use my last blog to reflect on what I've learned over the past few years.

When I joined STAMMA, I didn't know much about stammering and knew nothing about the stammering community. I had never experienced stammering in the context of discrimination. In my previous role, the Finance Director had a stammer — it was never an issue for anyone, and he never pointed it out as such. I barely noticed stammering was 'a thing' day-to-day, let alone something that needs a charity (obviously I knew what stammering was, but that's about it). Until, that is, I read some of the Your Voice articles on the STAMMA website in preparation for my interview.

It's been a journey of listening, growing and rethinking what it means to create inclusive spaces for everyone.

I have worked for and alongside inspiring and passionate people, and I've learnt a lot from the amazing group leaders, volunteers and members I've had the privilege to meet and collaborate with. It's been a journey of listening, growing and rethinking what it means to create inclusive spaces for everyone.

A montage showing a woman laughing, and the same woman posing with another woman

Vee at STAMMAFest 2024, with colleague Catherine (right)

Learning to listen

I've always been the loud, extroverted one — the first to speak, the first to fill a silence. But working within the stammering community taught me something: the value of active listening. I learnt to step back, to listen and hear from others before saying my piece. Which wasn't just about being quiet; I learnt to be intentional with it. I wanted to give space to others, and to create a space for me to learn.

Silence doesn't mean being disengaged. It can be a sign of thoughtfulness, of processing, or of someone choosing to contribute in a way that feels right for them.

Inclusivity: it's not one-size-fits-all

Another lesson I've learnt is that inclusivity is far more nuanced than I thought. It's not about blanket statements like 'everyone needs to have their say'. True inclusivity means recognising that peoples' needs are diverse. For some, having the opportunity to speak up is empowering. For others, being a silent observer is what feels right. Both are valid.

So many people in the stammering community have shown me the power of resilience, connection and creating space for others.

What matters is what we signal at the start: alternative contributions are welcome. Whether it's through speaking, writing or sharing thoughts later, every form of participation needs to be valued equally. And if you chair a meeting or lead a discussion, you need to role model this. Make sure you explore and seek feedback on what that looks like for every individual and ensure no one feels excluded simply because their way of engaging is different. And don't put pressure on people to share at any point.

A montage featuring a woman sitting and speaking into a microphone, and the same woman dancing

Vee at STAMMAFest 2024, speaking at a plenary and showing off her moves on the dancefloor

All about growth

Apart from the stuff I've learnt about inclusivity and communication, I've also learned a lot about myself. I'm ambitious, driven and always seek opportunities to grow. I reached a point where I felt ready to take on new challenges and to develop further.

Feeling an urge to learn and grow, I completed a counselling course in my spare time and expanded my ability to listen and connect with others. I applied for a competitive digital learning grant and got accepted. Between now and June, I'm undertaking a course to achieve a certification to strengthen my comms and fundraising skills further.

Since last summer, I've also been working to set up a Rotary club that's focused on diversity and younger voices, and I organised my first fundraising event in the name of the club. I worked with a great team, we secured corporate sponsorship, and had an article in the local newspaper about the club. I felt reminded of my passion to lead, create and make an impact.

Looking Ahead

While I'm professionally excited about my next chapter at another small charity, I know I'll miss the people I've met through STAMMA. So many people in the stammering community have shown me the power of resilience, connection and creating space for others. I carry those lessons with me.

To the people I've worked alongside: thank you. I wish STAMMA all the best.

Vee x

From everyone here at STAMMA we would like to say thank you to Vee for all her hard work and we wish her all the very best for the future. If you would like to do the same, find the posts on our social channels and leave a comment there.