SAY: DC programs leverage the power of listening, art-making, and community to open up new worlds of possibility for each participant. For over twenty years, the SAY approach has been based on the belief that each young person has an important story to tell and also possesses the ability to share it with the world in a unique and powerful way.
Enrollment is now OPEN for the 2024 season of our mixed-age, weekly, creative arts program focused on self-expression, collaboration, and connection. Dates: January 2024 – June 2024
CLICK BELOW to register a child or teen who stutters today!
At SAY, we believe the arts are for everybody. Here, young people can feel free to explore new modes of expression in a safe and supported context. At the forefront is our trust in the power of listening and the inner strength that comes from nurturing supportive friendships. When you know your friends truly understand and empathize with you and have your back, you can do anything.
SAY: DC weekly gatherings happen every Saturday (excluding holidays), from 10 AM to noon, starting the last weekend of September and going until mid-May. Our sessions are held at the SAY: DC Studio on Rhode Island Avenue NW. These “Clubhouse” gatherings are available to young people who stutter, ages 5-18 and are offered 100% free of charge. All project materials will be provided.
At Clubhouse gatherings, we come together to create a community of fun, support, creativity and imagination. With the guidance of SAY: DC Co-Founder, Leigh Pennebaker, and a team of accomplished Teaching Artists, participants explore a variety of approaches to making art. We place an emphasis on increasing confidence, maximizing joy, unleashing curiosity and inspiring collaboration. Over the course of the year, projects will incorporate creative writing, printmaking, sculpture, painting, mixed-media, drawing, creative movement, games, textile art, jewelry-making, acting and improvisation. The Clubhouse creates a supportive haven to make new friends and explore self-expression in a caring, safe environment.
Underlying everything is the Camp SAY “cabin effect”: the transformative experience of being part of a tight-knit team — a diverse group that shares the commonality of being young people who stutter. Our mixed-age group allows for a wide range of mentorships and collaborations. Every season, each cohort becomes a group of friends that feels like family and knows how to listen to and support each other. Our creative year will lead to an opportunity to share what we have done with the rest of the SAY: DC community, family, and friends.
Central to our mission is the breaking down of all financial barriers to attendance. SAY: DC is dedicated to providing our award-winning programming completely free of charge.
SAY: DC is centrally located in the vibrant Golden Triangle, just two blocks from the Farragut North and Dupont Circle Metro Stations. Our open and expansive studio space is awash with natural light and stunning views of the city skyline. It is a place for the SAY: DC community to feel welcomed and inspired.
Our 2024 Summer Day Camp will take place from 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM daily, June 24-28, 2024. This camp is available to young people who stutter, ages 8-18. The Day Camp is offered 100% free of charge. All project materials will be provided. Campers will need to bring their own lunch and snack. Click below for details, and to enroll.
Join a global community of young people from around the world who stutter. Each month of this five-month program is carefully designed as a progression, with these powerful themes: February-Building Community, March-Express Your Voice, April-Make Your Mark, May-Educating Others, and June-Sharing Our Stories.
The My Stutter Project takes place on Zoom, with two convenient weekly session days & times – and there’s no charge to participate. Learn more
If you have any questions, please visit our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) or contact us directly by email or phone.