Start an HLAA Chapter or Support Group in Florida
No chapter where you live? Many Florida cities are waiting for someone to start one. It takes three interested HLAA members, a room or a Zoom link, and a willingness to meet once a month. HLAA-FL and HLAA national do the rest with you.
How to start a hearing loss support group in Florida
Start as a support group, then become a chapter. HLAA's process: join HLAA, fill out the national interest form, find at least three unrelated HLAA members in your area, pick an accessible meeting place, and meet monthly. HLAA national gives you a mailing list of local members to invite. Once the group is meeting regularly, you apply to become an official HLAA chapter. HLAA-FL helps at every step.
The chapter development process
1. Join HLAA and tell us
Chapter founders are HLAA members. Join national, then fill out the interest form below and the national interest form so both HLAA-FL and the national chapter team know you are starting.
2. Find three people
HLAA asks for at least three unrelated HLAA members in your community. National can send a mailing to members near you. Ask local audiologists to mention the group to patients.
3. Pick a place and a day
A library, community room, house of worship or senior center works. It must be accessible, and ideally has a hearing loop or assistive listening system. Or start on Zoom with captions.
4. Meet monthly
Take turns facilitating. Bring in a speaker when you can: an audiologist, an FTRI representative, a cochlear implant user. Keep the second half open for people to talk.
5. Spread the word
Post on community calendars, the library bulletin board and local social media. HLAA-FL will list your group on this site and share it in the newsletter.
6. Become an official chapter
When you have a core group and regular attendance, email chapters@hearingloss.org to move from support group to chartered HLAA chapter, with national resources and insurance.
How HLAA-FL helps
- Connects you with the state chapter coordinator and with leaders of existing Florida chapters who have done this before.
- Lists your group on this site and shares meeting dates in the HLAA-FL newsletter and on social media.
- Offers speakers from the state association's network for your early meetings, in person or over Zoom.
- Helps you find a looped or accessible venue and set up captioned Zoom meetings.
- Works with you on restarting a chapter that has gone inactive, such as Tampa, Miami, Broward or the Treasure Coast.
Tell us about your area
This goes to the HLAA-FL state association. We will reply and connect you with the right people. No commitment yet.
Common questions
How many people do I need to start a chapter?
HLAA asks for at least three unrelated HLAA members who want to form a group. That is enough to begin meeting as a support group. Most groups grow through word of mouth, local audiologists and community calendars, and become official chapters once they have a steady core of attendees.
Do I need to be an expert on hearing loss?
No. You need lived experience and a willingness to bring people together. Speakers and experts can be invited. HLAA provides leader training, meeting guides and a national network of chapter leaders to ask. HLAA-FL connects you with Florida leaders who have started groups from nothing.
Can a support group meet online instead of in person?
Yes. Some groups start on Zoom with live captions and add in-person meetings later. Online works well in rural parts of Florida and for people who no longer drive. Hybrid meetings, with some people in the room and some on Zoom, are also common.
What does it cost to run a chapter?
Very little. Most venues donate a room to a nonprofit group. Official HLAA chapters are covered under national's insurance and can accept donations. Some chapters collect small local dues for a newsletter or refreshments. There is no fee to HLAA-FL or HLAA national to start.
There used to be a chapter in my city. Can we restart it?
Yes, and it is often easier than starting fresh. Several Florida chapters are on hold or inactive. HLAA-FL may be able to reach former members, and the chapter may already have a name, a logo and a record with national. Tell us which city and we will look into what is there.
Ready to bring HLAA to your community?
Send the interest form above, or contact the state association directly and we will call or email you back.