How to Start a Homeschool Association

Video Transcript

"Hi, I'm Linda Wooldridge. I'm a home schooling mom. I've been home schooling since 1998. And I've been involved with home schooling associations all of that time. Frankly I couldn't have a very successful home school if I didn't have other friends that I could call when I had a question or who could let me know that it'll be o.k. on those days when things aren't going all that well. So if you don't have access to a home schooling association, how do you go about starting one? Well the easiest way is to just find some wonderful informal place where you can sit down and chat with other home schooling parents. Some people like to go to a coffee shop or go out for desert but a lot of moms find a playground is an excellent place to meet. After all you still got to find something to do with the kids so let them play on the playground while you and the other moms sit and talk about what's going on in your lives. But if you've reached a point were you need to formalize that time or you want to have some time away from the kids then it's time to look at forming an association. Now there are a lot of things you have to consider with that. Do you need insurance? Do you need to incorporate? Are you going to be a non-profit? You need to research how to fill out that paperwork and where to find those resources. Once you've done all of the background work then you're ready to find a location to meet to sit down and start planning out those meetings. Are you going to talk about fun topics? Are you just going to spend time socializing? The choice is yours. The important thing is that you get together with other mothers. Studies have shown that home school moms that are hooked into a support group have very successful home schools. And sometimes the moms that don't have that resource have a really hard time staying on that home school journey. So if you don't already have an option go ahead, create one. It's worth the time and energy. I'm Linda Wooldridge, have a great home school day."