Among major challenges facing stutterers is a sense of isolation and lack of awareness and acceptance from society. Speakeasy's goal is to promote understanding and remove the stigma surrounding stuttering so that more people will take advantage of the self-help mutual aid strategy. One major component of Speak Easy's education and advocacy effort is our annual Symposium, a weekend event for stutterers, their families and friends, professionals in the field, and others concerned with stuttering. Symposium sites have included Bergen Community College, New Jersey State colleges and universities, and conference centers in Connecticut.

The 2 1/2-day conference attracts participants from local and outlying areas of New Jersey as well as from other parts of the country. More than 100 people attended the first symposium 33 years ago. Since then average attendance has been approximately 125. The Symposium is a key element in the effort as it builds strength and self-esteem among stutterers, and informs and educates those who do not.