The Organization of Virginia Homeschoolers
VaHomeschoolers.org
Your Resource. Your Voice. Your Association.
The Organization of Virginia Homeschoolers
VaHomeschoolers.org
Your Resource. Your Voice. Your Association.
by Shay Seaborne
There are two basic types of homeschool support groups: general, and those with a specific focus. Within these, there are myriad variations. Understanding the variety can help you find the one that is right for you.
These represent the wide world of homeschooling. They include members from diverse backgrounds and beliefs, using a variety of homeschooling styles. Members of these groups believe that there is no "one right way" or "one right reason" to homeschool. These national, state and local groups may be structured, loosely structured, a network or an email list (see below).
Specific Focus Groups are national, state and local homeschooling groups that have a particular bent, whether it be beliefs, method, or activity--or any combination thereof. These groups may be structured, loosely structured, a network, or an email list (see below).
Under Specific Focus Groups there are:
There are several types of Religious Groups:
Religious Based Groups: members largely belong to a particular faith, although the group welcomes people from other belief systems. Meetings and activities may begin with prayer, and there might be a statement of faith (SOF) for leaders, officers and coordinators. Some religious oriented groups call themselves "inclusive," because they accept members from outside their religion.
Religious Limited Groups: require a statement of faith (SOF) for all members.
Closed Religious Limited: many church-based groups are open only to members of the particular church.
NOTE: Some religious groups may require membership in other organizations.
These groups have a focus on a particular homeschooling method, such as: Unschooling or child-led method, Classical or Trivium method, Unit Studies, Charlotte Mason, Eclectic, Montessori, or Waldorf.
These groups focus on a particular activity such as sports, drama, field trips, or other activities.
Members cooperatively teach courses to groups of children.
Curriculum groups focus on a particular curriculum, such as KONOS or Calvert.
You may want to consider which type of group structure best fits your needs:
These groups institute bylaws, positions, elections, dues, and a newsletter, or some combination of these elements.
There may be a few basic rules or requests, perhaps a modest membership fee, and a calendar of events, newsletter, or Web newsletter--or a variation of these elements.
Offers no rules, officers, and few offical activities, other than an opportunity for homeschoolers to meet and plan what they will.
A discussion group, offering an online exchange of ideas, information and support, and in which members may not know each other "in real life" (IRL).
As you can imagine, there are many possible combinations of the above. In seeking a support group, it is good to have in mind what type you believe would best suit your family. When speaking or writing to a support group contact, you might ask questions to get a feel for the nature of the group:
If you cannot find a comfy support group in your area, take heart! It can be easy--and fun--to start your own group. Here are some resources that can help:
VaHomeschoolers' Support Groups Support page
Starting a Support Group page at A to Z Home's Cool
Starting a Support Group page at Home Education Magazine
2002, Shay Seaborne. All rights reserved.