Keith Boss, BSA trustee, asks for your views and help in arranging local Open Days.

Open Days play an important role, in
Enabling people to meet others who stammer, perhaps for the first time;
Introducing people to local speech therapy services and self-help groups;
Highlighting what the BSA can offer;
Increasing membership of self-help groups.

The trustees have discussed the subject of Open Days and have put this article on the website for members to discuss and think about.

There are two slightly different types of event,
An Open Day arranged by a local self-help group. For example Hull (2005) and Cambridge (April 2007). Any self-help group wanting to arrange an Open day, goes ahead and plans it.
BSA Open Day arranged by BSA volunteers plus any local members who care to help in a specific region. For example London (2006).

The trustees will always try to arrange the presence of at least one member of staff and / or a trustee at all Open Days.

The BSA may be able to contribute up to £250 for open day expenses, subject to available funding. The trustees would prefer these events to be spread around the country to ensure that what money is available is used to benefit and to provide some fun for as many members as possible.

Thoughts for 2007 are Anglia (April); Northern Ireland (June); Midlands (August); South West (October).
Thoughts for 2008 are London (April); North (June); South (August); Wales (October).

Your comments / help...

On behalf of the trustees I am spearheading this Open Day initiative and:
I ask every self-help group leader to consider the above and let me have comments. I am happy to let group leaders plan their own Open Days, or I can offer help in the organisation if this is required.
If any BSA members would like to volunteer to help in this countrywide initiative, especially in regions where there is no active self-help group, please contact me with your thoughts on how you could help. Joining together to plan these events is fun.

Please email me at keithmaxkb@yahoo.com.

Guidance on Open Days (BSA or self-help group arranged)

If guidance is required on a format / speakers / anything, please contact me. But remember:-
The event is to enlighten as well as being a fun day;
The venue needs good access (including for wheelchair users) and parking and public transport;
Be considerate to Keynote speakers;
BSA members / staff / volunteers / trustees may offer workshops;
Advise helpers of likely jobs (maybe a rota).

Publicity:
Fliers / posters should be placed around the region;
Notices on BSA website and in members' newsletter;
Press / TV / Radio need to involved. Have someone there on the day if possible (local radio / local TV);
Mayors / MEPs / MPs and any regional dignitaries should be invited to attend.

Two kinds of information should be circulated:
Event notification, as early as possible;
Likely program, as early as possible.

March 2007