Homeschool Networking

When tender plants need to be protected from scorching heat, invasive weeds, and munching insects, mulching with a protective layer of plant material provides shelter and nourishment. We homeschoolers can benefit from a little "mulching" as well! :-) The first place to seek such protection is in the shelter of the Living God, but He in His goodness and wisdom has also provided us avenues of fellowship with one another.

We have found help, support, and friendship within the support groups we have joined. They have been an invaluable resource for information about curriculum, documentation, legal issues, and political action, as well as providing an atmosphere of fellowship for parents and children alike. Activities, field trips, project fairs, potluck and family dinners, classes and parents support meetings are all things we've been able to participate in through our local support groups.

In addition to our local support groups, though, the internet provides a wealth of opportunities for homeschool networking. From finding local homeschoolers to reading online magazines and articles, from message boards and mailing lists to political action links -- the list could go on and on. Here are more than 40 places where you can get started....

If you need information about homeschooling in Pennsylvania, here's a good place to start your research; special features include articles from across the state and an extensive section on evaluations and evaluators:

If you are interested in finding a local support group in Pennsylvania, here is a good place to start looking:

Here is the new website for CHAP, the Christian Homeschoolers Association of Pennsylvania. This is the place to come to find out about Pennsylvania's largest homeschooling convention, hosting 6,000 annually.

Information of interest to Western Pennsylvania homeschoolers can be found at this local website:

Folks from across the USA and around the world may be able to find a local support group here:

Looking for homeschooling conventions? Check here!

Print magazines and online newsletters devoted to helping homeschooling families can provide another important link in the chain of support, and can also be a help in networking with other groups and families. Some of our favorites have websites where you can read articles online or request a free sample issue.

If you are looking for a more interactive way to get acquainted with the homeschooling cyber-community, you can look into message boards and mailing lists geared to homeschoolers, or look for a penpal for your child:

A message board functions in much the same way as a public bulletin board: you can read messages posted by others, reply to their questions, or post your own messages for others to read. This can be a good way to find used curriculum at reduced prices as well.

There are mailing lists to suit homeschoolers of every stripe -- whether you are looking for others who live in your state, who use your curriculum or teaching style, or who share your faith, there are people out there ready to communicate with you! When you join a mailing list, an ongoing discussion forum is delivered right to your email address, and you can send your thoughts to the rest of the group with just the click of your mouse. There are over 800 different homeschool mailing lists to choose from at this site -- discernment is advised:

In addition to these, here are a few favorites that originate elsewhere:

If your child is looking for a penpal, check out this listing just for Christian homeschoolers
(the usual cautions apply):

If you're feeling discouraged and you need a little humor to bring your spirits up, try this site:

Or if you need something more serious encouragement, try these pages:

For inspirational reading from a Christian homeschoolers' perspective, this is good stuff:

Be encouraged in your day-to-day homeschooling venture with these thoughts:

If you need some statistical information about homeschooling, or want to know how homeschoolers compare with their peers in public and private schools, check here:

If you are homeschooling children with extra challenges, here are a few helpful resources:

We homeschoolers need to remain aware of those pesky homeschool laws that we must abide by, which vary from state to state. If you need a copy of your state's homeschool law, you can search for it here:

If you need Pennsylvania's homeschool law, here it is:

If you are concerned that you may need legal representation to handle issues with your school district, you may want to consider membership with the Homeschool Legal Defense Association, which provides free homeschool legal services to its members. Memberships run $100 per year, but if you belong to another organization, such as a homeschool support group, you may qualify for a $15 discount. For more information, or to read up on the latest legal battles around the country, contact HSLDA at their website:

And finally, protect your homeschooling freedom with political awareness and action.

For information about members of Congress and state legislatures, to identify your representatives, and for tips on writing to them, check here:

Research Congress

You can use this search engine to obtain all pertinent contact information for Congressional members and members of state legislatures, including email addresses:

Find Your Representatives

Keep up to date on Senate happenings here:

The United States Senate

And find out about the House as well:

The United States House of Representatives

You can search the Congressional Record regarding education issues, as well as other topics, using Thomas, the Congressional Record Filter:

CRFilter Homepage

And finally, here's a link to the email forms you need to let your voice be heard at the White House:

Executive Office of the President

Don't homeschool alone -- surround yourself with others who can lift you up, pray for your homeschool, advise you, teach you, support you, and fellowship with you and your family. And don't forget to do the same for them! :-)