Home Education Magazine: The oldest and most informative homeschooling magazine.

This months HEM Support Group highlight is Indiana Home Educators Network (IHEN) and its coordinators, Jane Casey, Debbie Harbeson, Carol Pozos and Ben Bennett.

The IHEN Web Project: Provides an exhaustive web site with information and advice for all Hoosier Homeschoolers, a Statewide Directory of Homeschooling Services, Support and Resources and the largest e-mail discussion list for homeschoolers in Indiana, called IndianaHomeschoolers .

A good friend contacted me this year to suggest that I highlight IHEN. She noted that Ben Bennett was active in IHEN and that it often is the Moms that are participating in support groups and she found it nice to see a Dad so involved as well. I contacted Ben and he humbly pointed out that he was a part of a team that makes IHEN what it is and so we invited the others to join the interview as well.

I began by asking the four of them to share a bit about themselves and how they each became involved with IHEN?

Ben: Well. To be perfectly candid, I'd have to say that IHEN wouldn't be where it is today if it weren't for the vision of Jane Casey. It's all her fault! She did it! Don't blame me! Debbie, Carol!! Back me up here!

Ben: Kidding aside, I was a new parent over 11 years ago. I knew we were going to homeschool, and had already been spending some sleepless nights going through the old AOL message forums, looking for advice and participating in those 'virtual' conversations with other homeschoolers. After all, if you are going to choose to be a Stay-at-Home Dad, without a 'real' job -- you have to find *something* to do to make yourself feel useful. :-)

I ended up launching myself into the years long discussion threads that ended up forming the National Home Education Network (NHEN.org) and met fellow Hoosier, Jane Casey.

Jane: Hey, I just wanted a place where homeschoolers from Indiana could network, whether they agreed about everything or not. Ben and I were on a couple of national lists and we started talking via e-mail about what it would be like to have a list in Indiana. So I started the list and when I found out I was moving out of state, I asked Debbie to be Moderator and Ben to be the list owner.

Ben: Yep, Jane had the prescient wisdom to start the IndianaHomeschoolers e-list on what is now YahooGroups. The rest is history; full of fun, excitement and hard lessons in 'flame war' suppression. That was back in 1998 or so. The IndianaHomeschoolers e-list is now subscribed to by over 1,100 of the most helpful Hoosier Homeschoolers we've ever known.

Debbie: I was just starting to see the fun in e-lists when I found IndianaHomeschoolers. My children are grown now but I still enjoy doing my part to keep the list going and I continue to do what I've done from the beginning, which is to keep it lighthearted and fun. I can't seem to get away from it.

Ben: Well, that's partly because we've duct taped her to her yahoo chair. She's committed.

Carol: My children are still quite young and I came in after the vision was a raving success. I don't know if I'd gone ahead with homeschooling if not for IHEN.

Jane: If it weren't for Ben, it probably wouldn't be much more than the e-list.

Debbie: Yeah, I know I was much too lazy to think about creating a whole website!

Debbie: Aw it's okay, if Ben's head gets too big, we'll just have another official Pick on Ben Day on the e-list.

Ben: That was only a day? It felt like a week. You know, Mary, life's been such a blur since this started -- did I mention we're up to four children now? -- I've kind of lost track of things, including several loads of laundry. The web site was built on the community formed by IndianaHomeschoolers, and they each support each other. If we can find a way to fulfill our motto: Helping Hoosiers Homeschool, we'll try it. Not everyone likes e-lists, and not everyone likes using web sites. Some people just want to write to one person who will help them get started, find a support group, or share a little friendly advice. We try to find people who will help us do it all.

Jane: To find people who will help?that's where Carol came in. She saw the potential and really liked the idea of having an IHEN County Contact in every county in the state. She's been working hard to accomplish that goal and doing a great job!

Debbie: I think Carol was attracted to the idea because Ben uses a colored map to show counties we represent and each time she finds a new contact, he colors another county. We're lucky she's so young and still into coloring. I think she even hangs it on her refrigerator.

Mary: As I understand it, IHEN is primarily an online group. Do you ever have face-to-face meetings with members of your network?

Ben: I had been working with both Deb and Jane for, what... almost three years? More? Without EVER, EVER meeting or even talking to them on the phone!! I look back at this and am still amazed. We did, however, eventually meet with the help of Betty Malone and our friends with Home Schools United (HSU) in Anderson. They hosted a sort of organizational meeting. So we finally got to meet each other. We had an agenda and everything! It's been pretty much smooth sailing since then, right?

Debbie: Well, let's just say we learned a lot about face-to-face meetings of homeschoolers. But in between caring for kids, locking ourselves inside the building, using paper towels for coffee filters, and being interrupted by alarm clocks going off in someone's purse, we did manage to start the IHEN project rolling that day.

Jane: I had moved out of state for 2 years and when I came back I discovered that the list was not only still going, but still growing! And in May of 2002, we had that first face to face meeting and things really took off.

Debbie: But since then, we've really been working together almost exclusively through online contact and occasional phone calls.

Ben: We aren't a support group in the usual sense. We aren't a membership organization. No members. IHEN is involved in the lives of thousands of people every week. And as our statewide resource directory grows, we'll be helping thousands more every week. I guess IHEN is what it is ... a network. While large people groups getting together is important, I believe that touching base on a more local level is MORE important. If IHEN can help homeschoolers get connected on the local level, I think we've made better use of our time and resources.

Mary: Indiana has very few restrictions placed on them by the state for Homeschooling. Can you describe the home education freedoms you enjoy and how you protect them?

Debbie: We are considered private schools and this has been our biggest advantage because we lump in with a lot of other folks. And lumps are good, unless you're mashing potatoes.

Carol: By now, everyone should know about the freedoms we enjoy in Indiana. Hey Deb, did you ever try coloring mashed potatoes?

Jane: It was important for me that homeschoolers network together, directly, in an open forum. I wanted the list to focus on Indiana's laws free from any existing group affiliations that might turn people off so that we could all learn about Indiana's educational freedom and work together on maintaining those freedoms.

Ben: I believe Indiana's homeschooling laws are the best kept secret in the country. We get the occasional subscriber to IndianaHomeschoolers that wonders if maybe we could use a few more regulations and rules -- you know -- to make sure that there aren't any parents out there that are 'saying' they're homeschooling, but really aren't. We have a few parents that are either from or are still living in pretty restrictive states with regard to homeschooling, and they usually chime in with a resounding, "Nooooooooooo! Don't go there!" It's fun to watch the education process over and over again, as new subscribers are taught about what it's truly like to be free (and responsible!) to direct the rearing of your own children.

I think the sheer existence of IndianaHomeschoolers and the resources of our entire network is the best way to help protect our freedoms. People become self educated and are more steadfast because they perceive a very large number of people agree with them on many basic ideas. IHEN is starting to put a little larger number in the heads of people (legislators especially) who think homeschooling is still inconsequential.

Professionals from the education field have been invited and participated with IndianaHomeschoolers many times. The more we communicate (in a reasonable manner) with people, the more likely our rights are protected. Rather than drawing lines in the sand, IndianaHomeschoolers helps people reach a mutual understanding.

We are educating people one at a time, and on a more solid level. Every subscriber that knows he or she is strong on the law, and in their convictions, adds that many more homeschoolers who are on the look out for nefarious legal shenanigans.

Mary: What do you feel is the most valuable information you share with new folks on the list? With veterans?

Carol: You are free to do whatever suits your family, enjoy your children, foster a love of learning and you DO NOT REGISTER YOUR CHILDREN!

Ben: Once everyone learns it's "report enrollment, not register" we then inform parents that unless the State Superintendent of Schools contacts you and asks... you don't really HAVE to report enrollment. That's the law, as written. I think more than anything, the Veterans enjoy being able to give back what they received by subscribing to IndianaHomeschoolers.

Debbie: The most valuable information we share is that as an Indiana homeschooler, you are not alone. Our subscribers are always happy to answer questions, share experiences, and provide resources to others. As a veteran, I tried to write a serious book about homeschooling to share all my wisdom. Then I discovered to my horror that I really didn't have any wisdom. But I felt better after I realized all the best information was already on IHEN's list and website. So instead I wrote a little humor book of our family's early homeschooling experiences and donated it to IHEN. Our hope is that those who download it free from IHEN's site will give us a buck or two to help us pay the costs of maintaining our network.

Ben: With the veterans... we try to share new web sites. We talk about a wide variety of topics and often come up with interesting trains of thought that makes us all realize that we are right on when we tell our children that learning is a lifelong process.

Mary: What has been the greatest benefit you have each enjoyed via your IHEN participation?

Debbie: Connecting, even if only online, with others who decided to homeschool their kids and becoming friends.

Jane: Yeah, the money's been great. But the best part is making new friends online.

Ben: BIG COIN! Yeah?buddy. Seriously, I've met countless parents with which to share the homeschooling adventure with. The bonus is that what started as a creative outlet and hobby is amazingly helping thousands of homeschoolers a year.

Ben: Yeah, right?women who seem to have no problem declaring Disparage Ben Week on a statewide e-list.

Mary: What advice can you share with others wanting to start a statewide group similar to IHEN?

Ben: Don't start out trying to form a statewide group. Don't presume you'll be anything big in five years. Have fun, first of all by not taking things too seriously. Don't allow foolishness or foolish people to run your life or make your decisions for you.

Carol: That reminds me of a quote I heard once: never argue with fools, they bring you down to their level and beat you with experience.

Ben: I don't know if you can START a group like this but you have to have a vision and an idea of what you would LIKE the thing to be one day. And of course a cool motto: Helping Hoosiers Homeschool.

Jane: Actually what Ben really likes to say is "Helping Hoosiers Homeschool since the turn of the century!"

Mary: Thank you all for sharing your time with us and for all you have done and continue to do for home educators in Indiana.

All: Your welcome Mary. We'd just like to add that anyone may join the IndianaHomeschoolers e-list. So consider this an open invitation to anyone reading to come on over and experience some Hoosier hospitality.

Knowing the rights and responsibilities that accompany home education is one of the most important steps a new homeschooler takes, but first they have to find that information.

Some home education groups host conferences throughout the year and include getting started information for new folks. Other groups offer local getting started meetings specifically to share information about the home education rules and regulations of their state. They help others find resources and help them to hook up with local networks.

As veterans give of their time to share with new folks, these newbies learn about their homeschool rights and responsibilities. They also gain an understanding of the importance of protecting these rights and homeschool grass roots activism grows. Thanks to all of you who take the time to help them find this information and support. Doing so helps to maintain all our freedoms.

One year introductory subscription to Home Education Magazine: only $20.00! (reg $32.00) MC/Visa/Disc cards accepted. To order: email Orders@homeedmag.com or call toll-free 1-800-236-3278. Secure online form: http://www.homeedmag.com/ORD/_hemonline.html. Home Education Magazine, PO Box 1083, Tonasket WA 98855. Please mention this HEM Support Group newsletter when contacting us for this Special Offer.

Featured Project: Donations of left over school supplies (or newly purchased) to Appalachian Outreach, Inc. Other theme ideas include donations of school supplies to your local domestic violence/homeless shelter. Please visit here for details

Chicago ? The Northside Unschoolers Group, a Chicago area homeschool support group, will sponsor the third Chicago Unschoolers Workshop, on Saturday, September 9, 2006 at the Portage Park Center for the Arts. The keynote address will be given by Kathy Wentz, popular speaker and leader in establishing the venerable Johnsburg Public Library?s Homeschool Resource Center. Her address to Workshop participants will be ?Embracing Your Inner Expert.? Other workshop speakers include: Dorothy Werner, nationally known homeschooling advocate; Roy Underhill, a Milwaukee homeschooling dad and popular homeschool conference speaker; and Jean Vondriska, a late reading specialist from Chicago. Workshop session topics will include: What is Unschooling?, Trusting Our Children, Late Readers, Cure for the Math Curse, Family Mission Statements, The Art of Philosophical Discussion and a special teen panel of unschoolers.

The purpose of Chicago Unschoolers Workshop is to provide Chicago area families with information and support for unschooling. Unschooling is a term, first coined in the 1970?s by John Holt, to describe families who learn in a ?non-schoolish? way. Unschooling can be described as child-led or child-initiated learning, and has come to be associated with the type of homeschooling that doesn?t use a fixed curriculum.

Chicago Unschoolers Workshop will be held on Saturday, September 9, 8:30am to 5:00pm at the Portage Park Center for the Arts, 5801 W. Dakin (near Irving Park and Austin Ave.) in Chicago. The workshop is $40 per person and includes a continental breakfast and sandwich lunch. Registration begins June 1. More information about the Workshop and the Northside Unschoolers Group can be found at www.northsideunschoolers.org

If you have not already registered for...
The RETHINKING EDUCATION CONFERENCE - Labor Day Weekend, 8/31 - 9/4, 2006...
NOW is the time to do so! The deadline to save $20 per person is just 3
weeks away!

- RECYCLED RESOURCE SALE is back
- New Sessions Recently Added: SPAMasterpiece Carving (you remember
SPAM... yes, *that* SPAM!)
- *Also*, just for teens: Roommates, Professors, Schedules: What's
College * REALLY* about?

RECYCLED RESOURCE SALE
We will offer a forum again this year for all who wish to sell their used resources... such as games, videos, DVDs, CDs, books, toys, art supplies, science stuff. Put a price on each item and Jeff Parker, one of our RE dads, will sell it for you. He will give you 80% of each sale and keep 20%.Any items not sold will be returned to you, or you may leave them with Jeff
and he will donate them to a charity. Get your stuff ready now and make
some cash at the conference!

New Session Just Added this Week: SPAMasterpiece Carving
Roll up you sleeves, break out the carving knife and get your best JuliaChild impersonation ready. We are going to have a little friendly Spamcarving competition. Yep, that's right, we are going to let our creative juices flow as we sculpt our *Spam*asterpieces. So, bring your friends to build a team or prepare for a solo run. We will supply you with everything
that you need to enter, unless you want to bring a little something extra to give you that added edge.

ANOTHER New Session Just Added this Week:
Roommates, Professors, Schedules... What's College *REALLY* About? If you're interested in attending college, no matter what age you are, chances are you have lots of questions about it. You'll get some answers here, and you'll also get lots of ideas for following up and learning more about college on your own. This workshop will be geared primarily to your
interests, but we'll likely cover all sorts of topics including financial aid, where to apply, how to be a compelling candidate, what to do if your roommate locks you out or your professor grades you unfairly, and everything in between.

WHAT TO DO NOW
Barb Lundgren can take your registration personally over the phone, or you can fax or mail it. She can also answer any questions you have... about anything!

Mail your registration form to her, or come by and visit:
3013 Hickory Hill
Colleyville, TX 76034

"Whatever you can do, or dream you can do, begin it. Boldness has genius, power, and magic in it." Goethe

CHN?s 2006 Family Expo

CHN?s Family Expo is the homeschool conference for everyone, from beginning homeschoolers to veterans. Every year, homeschooling families from around the state meet to have fun and learn together. In addition to featured speakers, this homeschool conference features sessions for adults and teens, family events that include the children, and opportunities where parents can meet to discuss the challenges of homeschooling. Every year, great door prizes are given away during The Expo. You can also find information about lodging and things to do in the Ontario area. Feel free to look around and join us at CHN?s Family Expo, August 4-5, 2006

The Votes Are in And We're Off to Niagara Falls! Make your reservation today for the 2006 African-American Homeschoolers Family & Friends Vacation. When: Wednesday, August 2 - Monday, August 7, 2006 -- 6 days and 5 nights. Where: Rock Point Provincial Park, Dunnville, Ontario, Canada. Activities: At campsite -- Hiking, canoeing, wildlife viewing, activities for children and homeschooling round tables. Campsite is 1hr South of Niagara Falls. Cost: Reserve your family's space at the campsite by making your $75 payment via PayPal by April 30, 2006. Space is limited and on a first come, first served basis. Changes in dates and venues may occur. Contact

The 2006 VaHomeschoolers' Conference and Resource Fair has been designed with you in mind. Whether you are undecided about your family's educational path, new to homeschooling, or a veteran homeschooler, you are sure to be inspired. LEARN from our exciting speakers as they share their sage advice and homeschooling experiences. DISCOVER unique products and new homeschooling opportunities. REJUVENATE yourself by surrounding yourself with others who share the desire to provide a unique, custom education for their children. Enjoy all of this with your entire family, as our conference is designed for and welcoming to all ages. The Science Museum of Virginia and The Children's Museum of Richmond are the perfect venues for a day of fun and discovery. Add our outstanding family programs and you have an experience that can't be topped!

The HomeSchool Association of CA (HSC) annual Home=Education Conference is a high point for over a thousand homeschooling families who live on the West Coast. Not only is it where parents connect with kindred spirit home educators, but also it's where the kids make connections with each other. Whether aged 18 or 6, these lucky kids are looking forward to their time at this conference as much as their parents are. This conference is for families-parents and children alike. That knowledge is what guides us as we try to plan workshops that will not only educate but also entertain our members of all ages.

The 16th annual Home=Education Conference will happen on August 16-20, 2006 at the Radisson Hotel Sacramento. Check the HSC Website (http://www.hsc.org) for details and for online registration. This is a conference that should not be missed!

Pat Farenga Co-author, TEACH YOUR OWN: The John Holt Book of Homeschooling wrote and told us he'll be speaking at the following conference this summer:

WHEN: September 8 - 10, 2006 WHERE: The Home Education Network of Ireland at the International Hostel in Glendalough, Ireland CONTACT: pcronnelly@eircom.net
TOPICS: TBA

Visit HEM's Conference Calendar at http://www.homeedmag.com/blogs/calendar to find other conventions coming to an area near you. If you are having a conference, seminar or perhaps a getting started homeschooling meeting, here are some FREE resources from Home Education Magazine:

FREE ISSUES OF HOME EDUCATION MAGAZINE~~ Did you know that FREE issues of Home Education Magazine are available to hand out at your conferences, meetings, the library or to new folks?

The Homeschool Buyers Co-op recently launched a new Supplier Sweepstakes program whereby members can win prizes from educational suppliers just for visiting the suppliers' web sites! Prizes have included complete sets of Switched-On Schoolhouse, a video prize pack worth $250, books, curricula,and more. For more information or to play the Co-op Sweepstakes game, visit this link.

Homeschooljournal.net is a site for homeschoolers to sign up for their own free blog and to network and support one another. If you've ever thought of starting a blog to journal your homeschooling adventures, now is a great time to start ~ Visit them here and be sure to read their upcoming interview in the HEM Guide To Resources Newsletter here.

RetiredHomeEd · Retired Home Educators You've homeschooled for years, and your last child has left for college or career or parenthood. You aren't quite sure where you fit in to the homeschool community now, but you know you miss it. Maybe you continue to help families in some way. You are looking for ways to fill your empty nest with some new joys. Perhaps you are taking up new hobbies or traveling more. Come join this relaxed group of mature, retired homeschool moms and dads.

Be sure to bookmark Home Education Magazine's Support Group page, which can be accessed at this link.

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 here.

Subscribe to HEM SUPPORT GROUP NEWS here. (be sure to use the drop down menu and select support group news)

Thanks for taking the time to read this month's newsletter. I hope you enjoyed learning about Indiana Homeschool Network, its founders and the wonderful resources they make available to Hoosier homeschoolers.

If you would like to feature your group in an upcoming newsletter, please contact me.