Getting Acquainted with Homeschoolers of Maine
Getting Acquainted with
Homeschoolers of Maine (HOME)
What is HOME all about and why does it exist?
Homeschoolers of Maine is a Christian ministry dedicated to preserving, protecting and promoting home education in the State of Maine. We believe that every family has the God-given and constitutional right and responsibility to oversee the education of their children, regardless of their philosophy of education or religious affiliation. HOME is not a church, and is not meant to replace the ministry of the local church to the homeschooling family.
How does HOME aid in the creation and growth of support groups throughout Maine?
HOME has provided direction and guidance to many local homeschool families wishing to get together for mutual support and encouragement. HOME maintains a current list of support groups, and refers new homeschoolers to their HOME Regional and County Representatives. HOME Representatives are kept up to date with frequent communication from HOME. HOME Email News Updates contain information on events, activities, news, legislative alerts, etc., to share with local support groups. HOME Regional Leaders form around the state gather at the annual convention, held in the spring, for further updates, sharing and fellowship.
What is necessary to maintain a favorable legal climate and protect the future freedoms of home educators in Maine and in our nation?
Over the years, we have remained vigilant and protective of our freedom to homeschool. Before taking any action on an issue, counsel is sought from various organizations such as Home School Legal Defense Association. HOME efforts include much prayer, discussion and thought before taking action. Once a decision is made, support groups are updated via legislative alerts. The HOME website, e-mail, fax and phone are all utilized to keep the information flowing, so that families can make decisions on issues that might impact their ability to educate their children at home. HOME strongly encourages HSLDA membership. A 15% discount toward a family’s membership dues to HSLDA is available for families who also subscriber to The Heart of HOME newsletter. On the Federal level, we participate in the National Center for Home Education’s Congressional Action Program in Washington D.C. and their annual Legislative Briefing Day bi-annually in March.
In what ways does HOME promote home education over alternative forms of education outside of the home?
HOME promotes public awareness of home education through media interviews, press releases, communication with the Department of Education, civic involvement, Home Education Week activities, support of accurate home education research and its publication, and interaction with other state and national organizations.
How does HOME provide education and training for parents or legal guardians that will equip them to develop the spiritual, intellectual, physical, and emotional needs of their children?
Through God’s grace, HOME Regional and County Representatives and local support groups help to meet the needs of the ever growing number of new homeschoolers in our state. These veteran home educators guide rookies through their first year. HOME publications such as The Heart of HOME newsletter, our email updates, our website and our facebook page bring education, news, information and encouragement on and ongoing basis to the homeschool family. Our annual state home education convention provides top-notch speakers, workshops, a graduation ceremony and a curriculum fair for the continuing education and support homeschool families and local support groups help to meet the needs of the ever growing number of new homeschoolers in our state.
How does HOME operate on a day to day basis?
The HOME Board of Directors meet quarterly to make decisions regarding HOME's events and activities, discuss upcoming legislative issues, and make business decisions, etc. The main day to day operations at the HOME Office are shouldered by Ed and Kathy Green. HOME’s Office operates from the Green's home. Many hours each day are spent taking care of phone calls, correspondence, mailings, updating mailing lists and numerous other jobs. The Board is in constant communication via email, phone, fax and mail between meetings. HOME is working behind the scenes daily throughout the year, but is especially busy in August as many new families get ready to begin their first year of homeschooling in September.
How is HOME funded and how is the money used?
Our largest fundraiser is the annual convention. After expenses for the convention, HOME generates enough monies to operate for 6-8 months from this event. Subscriptions to The Heart of HOME newsletter, other fundraising efforts and donations help to carry HOME for the rest of the year. The money is used to pay for The Heart of HOME newsletter to be published and mailed, pay our telephone bill (which can run several hundred dollars during some months), update computers, purchase office supplies and maintain the office, help send our President and Board members to the National Leadership Convention, etc. No HOME Board member is paid for their services to the organization. The monies are used to purchase items that HOME needs to operate, while HOME depends on volunteered time to provide services to the homeschooling community.
How can I support the efforts of HOME?
Pray that HOME continues to hold true to a vision for homeschooling that brings glory to God, who entrusted families with the care and nurturing of their children. Join us as a volunteer and help to serve others within the homeschool community. Make a financial donation by subscribing to our newsletter, or become a Founding Family. Attend our annual convention! You will reap many benefits, and support HOME’s biggest fundraising effort of the year!
If you have any questions concerning HOME or its services, or desire to volunteer, please contact us at 763-2880.