Every day, we experience paradoxes of all sorts, in moments where two seemingly incongruent truths live side by side.

At Friends, we know that people who stutter live with nuance every day. We can feel brave and scared, supported and self-reliant, quiet and powerful. These are contradictions and they are real, human experiences. And they belong at our convention. 

This year, we’re embracing the AND, the space where conflicting emotions, identities, and truths live side by side. We’re creating space to name what’s complicated and celebrate the beautifully messy parts of being human.

What complexities shape who you are and how you show up in the world? Together, let’s get curious about what it means to live in the AND, where stuttering and strength, confidence and doubt, fear and freedom all belong.

Some of us may feel that being part of the Friends community and having support means we aren’t “allowed” to feel that stuttering is still hard sometimes. And for many of our teens and young adults who stutter, especially those who take on leadership roles and become role models for kids, it can feel impossible to lead and still struggle.  What thoughts and emotions do you hold that seem incompatible but are both true? Explore these contradictions with us in Charlotte, where we can all learn from each other’s ANDs.