HEM SUPPORT GROUP NEWS - June 2005

~JUNE'S HIGHLIGHT

~ISSUES TO WATCH

~COMMUNITY SERVICE

~CONFERENCES

~WEB UPDATES

~HEM RESOURCES AND MORE

JUNE'S HIGHLIGHT

June's HEM Support Group News Highlight is The Organization of Virginia Homeschoolers.  Home Education Magazine's Online Newsletter   Editor, Shay Seaborne is the President of the group.  Shay is a native of Virginia and has been homeschooling since 1995.

The statewide group was previously known as Virginia Home Education Association, but they recently announced that they had changed their name.  I asked Shay why the group changed its name?

Shay: Before we became The Organization of Virginia Homeschoolers (VaHomeschoolers for short), our name was confusingly similar to that of the other statewide group in the state. Our board of directors, volunteers and Government Affairs Committee members repeatedly encountered evidence that the public, the legislature, and even homeschoolers often confused the two organizations. This created a problem with gaining new members and in helping people understand who we are and how we are markedly different from the other group.

"The Organization of Virginia Homeschoolers" looks and sounds different from any other statewide group, illustrates that our single focus is on homeschooling, and indicates that our mission is to bring people of many backgrounds, beliefs, and methods together around the one thing we have in common: homeschooling. The new name encompasses our broad appeal and will clearly define us as the organization of homeschoolers in the state.

Mary:  Please tell us a bit about the group's history and how it all began.

Shay: One of our founders was originally a lobbyist for- and Vice President of the other statewide group, which is affiliated with the Home School Legal Defense Association. But even though Will Shaw and co-founder Jay Phaup are conservative Christians, they knew there were other kinds of homeschoolers, and they felt that a statewide homeschool group should serve all homeschoolers equally-and avoid religious and partisan political issues.

The two homeschool dads moved to create a new organization in 1993, when Will received what he perceived as a very hostile letter from HSLDA, in which that organization objected to activities he was engaged in on behalf of the existing statewide group. He felt it best to separate himself from that organization in order to protect himself and the group from the threat implied in that letter.

Will and Jay's intent was to create an organization of organizations, one that would provide effective and affordable legislative information and lobbying services for several local homeschool organizations. Each of these groups was individually paying the state's lobbyist registration fee for registering the same lobbyist: Will Shaw. It made sense to form one entity that would pay one lobbyist fee, reducing the cost to groups, while allowing Will partial remuneration for expenses.

The new association gradually metamorphosed into a full-fledged statewide organization providing a high-quality newsletter, an extensive Web site, and various local and statewide events.

Mary: How long have you been a volunteer with the group?

Shay: I got my feet wet unofficially, in 1998. I was so excited to know that my state has a fully inclusive, volunteer driven and member directed statewide homeschool organization and I wanted to see it thrive, so I actively took to telling other homeschoolers about its merits. I was impressed and encouraged by its single focus, and I told people about it at every opportunity.

The following year I became an official volunteer with the debut of my "National News" column, which ran in the newsletter for 2 years. It wasn't long before I volunteered at other levels, such as event planning and, to my surprise, as a speaker. Eventually, I agreed to run for the board of directors, and here I still serve.

Through these volunteer opportunities, I have met many wonderful people, had great fun, learned a lot, and developed previously undiscovered abilities. Not to mention, it is satisfying to have played a part in the growth and success of our state's only fully inclusive, member directed and volunteer driven organization. I expect I will continue with VaHomeschoolers for at least as long as I homeschool.

Mary: How does the group maintain a good volunteer base?

Shay: Volunteers are the driving force of our organization, and we are keenly aware that they are crucial to its continuance. The board of directors and committee chairs often express appreciation for our volunteers, in small but meaningful ways. Also, we offer a variety of "mom-sized" tasks for opportunities of varying involvement, so our volunteers can commit to something that suits their schedule and ability. We well know that it's easy to burn out, and so we try to safeguard against that by reminding everyone on our team that we must keep a "family first" mindset.

Mary: Is The Organization of Virginia Homeschoolers legislatively proactive?

Shay: Absolutely! We began as a solely legislative/lobbying organization, and that is still VaHomeschoolers' most important and effective function. Our Government Affairs Committee spends numerous hours each spring monitoring legislation pertaining to the Home Instruction statute, tutor provision, religious exemption provision, driver training, truancy, curfews, tax credits, and more. The team frequently seeks amendments needed to protect homeschooling, while not necessarily taking a position on the legislation.

Although much of the legislative energy goes into monitoring, VaHomeschoolers has also introduced legislation to improve the Home Instruction statute. For instance, our successful 1998 bill improved the Home Instruction statute by eliminating the wording "in the home," which some took to mean one couldn't be in the community during school hours; by removing the evidence of progress requirement for children of Kindergarten age; and by making it clear that homeschooling could begin at any time during the year. During the 2005 General Assembly, VaHomeschoolers introduced two bills, and one passed into law. This legislation requires local school divisions to notify of the availability of PSAT and AP testing and relevant financial aid programs. Prior to this, some divisions refused or neglected to do so.

VaHomeschoolers occasionally initiates legislation regarding other laws that affect homeschooling, such as our amendment that effectively made it illegal for local jurisdictions to implement a daytime curfew. We oppose daytime curfews because they unfairly penalize homeschoolers, and truancy laws already give schools the power to handle any wayward public school students.

One of our most important legislative tasks has been encouraging the legislature to avoid tying legislation-such as drivers licensing-to "attendance at school," but to refer to "meeting the requirements of the compulsory schooling statute" instead, as a way to prevent unintentional penalties against homeschooled students.

A vital part of our legislative action is to inform homeschoolers about legislation and the legislative process. VaHomeschoolers issues calm, factual legislative updates instead of the emotionally charged alerts one often sees elsewhere. Our legislative information is intended to keep readers knowledgeable about how bills may affect their homeschooling, rather than to incite undue fear and anger. We save phone blitzes for the rare situation where they would be the most effective and necessary action.

In addition to our e-mail reports, the VaHomeschoolers' site provides background information about the Virginia General Assembly, and informative articles such as "Playing an Active Role in Legislative Affairs," and "The Dark Side of Legislative Alerts," that empower homeschoolers to make up their own minds about legislation and appropriate action.

Mary:  I read that the group's legislative actions are member driven.  How is this accomplished?

Shay: Each year, VaHomeschoolers conducts a Member Survey, which asks for opinions on topics ranging from whether to accept ads in the newsletter to legislative issues, such as part-time access to public schools and tax credits for homeschoolers. Of course, we cannot anticipate every legislative possibility, but the survey gives us the best possible picture of what our members want the Government Affairs team to support.

In addition, our Government Affairs team and board of directors are very accessible. We welcome input from members and others through e-mail, postal mail, and our toll-free phone number. Between our availability to the homeschoolers of Virginia, and years of surveying our members, we feel we have a clear picture of what homeschoolers want and need from their statewide organization. At the same time, we are aware that those needs and wants can and do change, and we respond accordingly.

Mary: What do you think is the most valuable information your group shares with new home educators?

Shay: That in Virginia, any parent may homeschool: with a college degree, without a college degree, with or without a curriculum, younger kids, older kids-you can do it! We show this by providing practical information about filing with the local district and meeting evaluation requirements, as well as helping homeschoolers connect with each other through support groups and e-lists.

Mary: What do you feel is the most valuable information your group shares with veteran homeschoolers?

Shay: One of the most important things we stress to everyone is that other homeschoolers are the best source of help for resolving any problems occurring at home or with the local school division. VaHomeschoolers helps parents understand the law, and our frequently updated list of support groups and e-mail lists helps homeschoolers connect with the real experts: other homeschoolers.

Mary: What do you feel is the biggest challenge facing VA home educators today?  

Shay: I think there are actually 2 big challenges currently. Homeschoolers are facing an onslaught of businesses and "educational product providers" trying to undermine parents' trust in themselves and their ability to choose what to teach their children. It is a challenge to understand the degree to which these stakeholders will co-opt or sell out homeschooling in the name of profit.

Another big challenge today is putting a positive face on homeschooling, to counter the persistent stereotypes and recent stories that blame child abuse on homeschooling. Letting school personnel, the public, and our legislators know that the vast majority of us are out there simply trying to do the right thing for our kids.

Mary: What is the key to The Organization of Virginia Homeschoolers' longevity and success?

Shay: I believe that what makes VaHomeschoolers worthy of support is that our goal is to meet the needs of the diverse homeschool community to the greatest extent possible. Rather than to tell homeschoolers what they should want, we ask them what they want-and we work to make that happen. Part-time public school enrollment is a case in point. According to our member survey and other input, homeschoolers wanted access to partial enrollment. Although VaHomeschoolers was initially cautious about this new involvement with the public school system, it supported the idea-with careful attention to potential increase in regulation. We supported legislation that encourages school districts to allow part-time enrollment, and have also worked on this issue at the county level, where access is becoming increasingly available.

Although it seems that most homeschoolers believe part-time access should be available out of fairness, few families take advantage of it. However, homeschoolers who have had a child enrolled in a public school class or two report largely favorable results. Even so, the HSLDA-affiliated statewide homeschool organization remains opposed to partial enrollment.

In addition to active listening, VaHomeschoolers strives to empower individuals to feel confident about their homeschooling, and about their ability to handle interactions with school division personnel. By encouraging parents to consult with other homeschoolers, saving third party interventions for last resorts, we foster homeschoolers' self-reliance and interdependency, instead of their dependency. We know our work to empower homeschoolers has spread, because we see on e-mail lists the advice and information that homeschoolers give each other-and the basic message is "Don't be afraid of authority or give in when asked for more than the law requires. We will help you stick up for yourself!" That is immensely gratifying.

Another key element of VaHomeschoolers' success is that our events are intended to appeal to the whole family, and to families of diverse backgrounds. We always have activities and resources for children to enjoy, and we welcome homeschoolers of all ages.

One of the essential roles of VaHomeschoolers is to provide a great deal of accurate information about homeschooling-at no charge. Our extensive Web site is in-depth and available to anyone, 24/7. Also, we give away sample copies of our newsletter, plus articles and other handouts whenever possible. We can keep admission fees low for seminars and other events with admission charges because we have no rent for a brick-and-mortar office, and our board, newsletter staff and committee chairs are all volunteers.

Most importantly, VaHomeschoolers is committed to taking the high road, to telling the truth, and to active listening-to our members, to legislators, to education officials. We seek to understand before taking action. I believe that in the long run, these principles will win out, and Virginia's homeschoolers will be truly united in their one area of collective agreement: homeschooling.

Mary:  Thank you for taking the time to share with us today.  Your love for learning, home education and your willingness to serve are very much appreciated.  The Organization of Virginia Homeschoolers is a wonderful example of non-partisan grass roots activism at its best.   To learn more, visit VaHomeschoolers at: http://www.vahomeschoolers.org/

ISSUES TO WATCH ~ Still no free lunch.....

On June 3rd, 2005 an Oregon News report by Lusiana Lopez, "State limits funding for home- schoolers" stated "A memo sent this week says home-school programs that receive public money must reach for Oregon state standards"

These are programs that offer publicly funded supplements to homeschooling .  These supplemental programs have been reviewed and the state wants to ensure that state standards are followed and  are in place within these programs.  http://tinyurl.com/dfjzn   

This is simply a matter of fact that sooner or later, when one takes state dollars one is accountable to the state for those public dollars.   Many in the last few years have attempted to profit by attempting to pull homeschooling under the public school umbrella and to collect funding for it while doing so.  As the age old adage goes, there is still no free lunch.

Community Service

During the months of May & June, H.E.A.R.T.S. participants are collecting & donating food to their local food pantries, soup kitchens, and shelters.  Visit http://www.h-e-a-r-t-s.org/FoodDrive.html   if you would like to learn more.

WEB UPDATES,ANNOUNCEMENTS AND RESOURCES

Illinois Homeschool Blog has information on the recent Mental Health Screenings there:http://homeschoolingillinois.blogspot.com/

National Independent Home-Education Network is where Independent Home-Educators will discuss political and social issues that affect independent home-educators throughout the nation. All states have different legalities but we can work together and brainstorm ways to affect change on the state and national level. http://wnla.tripod.com/nationalindependenthomeeducationnetwork

The Military Homeschooler is not just about the Military, but it also offers a wealth of information on  homeschooling outside of the United States and General Homeschool information.

Read the articles, with linked references, at: http://www.militaryhomeschoolers.com/

CONFERENCES

San Antonio Home Education  wrote that their Resources and Opportunities (HERO) will host the 2nd Annual Homeschool Roundup, July 30th, at the Municipal Auditorium. The conference will focus on "Homeschooling Resources in Your Backyard." The conference will include information and activities for new and experienced homeschoolers and their families. There will be teacher workshops, a science fair, local support groups, archeologist Tom Castanos, and Dinosaur George. Visit www.sahero.org for more information of call 587-2407.

Visit HEM's Conference Calendar at http://hem.blogs.com/calendar to find other conventions coming to an area near you.

Upcoming Highlights

July- Valerie Bonham Mooon and the Military Homeschooler

August- Annette Jurczyk and her NCSW list

September- New Mississippi Network and it's founder Jeanne Faulconer

HEM RESOURCES, HEM BLOGS and MORE

HEM's Free Networking & Discussion Lists and Blogs- A guide to the many free discussion lists and weblogs sponsored by Home Education Magazine    http://hem.blogs.com/guide/   

AHA Weblogs Blog - The AHA's blog showcasing homeschooling weblogs.http://aha.typepad.com/weblogs_blog/

HEM's News and Commentary BLOG http://hem.blogs.com/newscomm

HEM's Online Newsletter  http://www.homeedmag.com/wlcm_hemnewsltr.html  

Be sure to bookmark Home Education Magazine's Support Group page, which can be accessed at: http://www.homeedmag.com/wlcm_groups.html  

Listing your group on the HEM Support Group web pages is a free service provided by Home Education Magazine. To list your group, fill-in the form at http://www.homeedmag.com/groups2.html    

Have a wonderful month!

Mary Nix

HEM's Support Group Liaison

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© 2005 Home Education Magazine (All rights reserved). This newsletter is provided as a free service of Home Education Magazine. Readers are encouraged to forward this newsletter in its entirety, including headers and footers, to others who might also find its contents helpful.

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