Today, I’d like you to meet a few of our home education advocates here in South Carolina. As part of my giving thanks campaign, I want us to acknowledge our supporters who believe in our homeschool rights. We are not alone!
In 2013, when our homeschool rights came under fire, I was completely unprepared. I had become quite comfortable in my little homeschool bubble. It was a wake-up call to me, personally.
I realized how much we need to stay connected as a homeschool community. But, we also need to get connected to our homeschool allies. Since then, I’ve had the opportunity to get to know a few local organizations that support and promote home education. I’d like you to have the opportunity to know them too!
Our Education Allies
My SC Education is a non-profit organization with this simple but bold mission: that every child in South Carolina deserves the opportunity of a high-quality education in order to reach their full potential…no matter their zip code.
They seek to “build a strong coalition of diverse community participants. Including: organizations, policymakers, business and religious leaders, students, parents, educators and other South Carolina citizens who are interested in working together.” I love that phrase: a “strong coalition.” That’s exactly what we need…and there’s already someone else building it. All we have to do is join what they’re doing!
Not everyone knows that homeschooling is an option. They don’t know how it really works. My SC Education wants to equip families with the information they need. Then they can decide if homeschooling is right for them.
Our Partnership is Needed!
We have the opportunity to join with the work that’s going on, already. My SC Education invites homeschoolers to partner with these efforts–and shine the spotlight on what’s great about home education. So others who might choose to homeschool…CAN!
- My SC Education is looking school success stories to post on their blog. We need homeschool families to tell what’s working for you in home education. It’s our chance to celebrate the success stories of our homeschools…all year round! Contact: Shaunette Parker–[email protected]
- My SC Ed organizes the School Choice Rally in partnership with National School Choice Week. The rally is an upbeat, kid-friendly celebration to showcase what’s GOOD in education. Yes, there’s problems in every school option. Too often we only focus on the problems. But, there’s also things that are working and that’s worth celebrating. The school choice rally is a celebration of what’s working!
Register NOW to attend the School Choice Rally on January 24, 2018
Our Home Education Advocates
“The best way to stem the tide and get people in Washington to stop trying to ‘fix’ things…is to demonstrate that states can do things better than we can do at the federal level. South Carolina is poised to do this better than any other state.” ~Jim DeMint
Palmetto Promise Institute (PPI) is an independent, nonpartisan, nonprofit, 501(c)(3) educational organization. PPI conducts public policy research dedicated to creating a free and flourishing South Carolina, where every individual has the opportunity to reach their full potential.
Palmetto Family Council promotes positive change that helps make South Carolina a better place to live and raise a family. One of their core beliefs states that learning is fundamental to success in life and that all schools – public, private, and home – should be driven by the wishes and active involvement of parents.
These two local organizations are well informed and well connected. I believe that working with them is a key to preserving homeschool rights in South Carolina. They have the bigger picture in mind for the best for all educational options, including homeschooling. They believe that parents know what’s best for their own children.
I’m still learning about the legislative process, too. So, anytime I have a question about a legislation, I ask them. They’re always able to explain where the bill is in the process…and what it means. Last year there was a bill proposed to amend the LIFE scholarship. But, it cut out homeschoolers entirely. Dr. Oran Smith assured me that bill was already dead in committee.
I appreciate their local connections to the legislators, policy makers and also lawyers. Whenever I’ve needed more information, they’ve been able to introduce or refer me to someone else who can help answer my questions. Now, we have two bills about Education Scholarship Accounts awaiting the open legislative session in January again. Click here to read more about the Education Savings Accounts Legislation.
I find it empowering to have these kind of local allies and advocates. The information and resources they offer are invaluable. The idea of local people working together to solve local issues–that’s inspiring! We are not alone!
We have the opportunity to join with the work that’s going on, already.
Are you in? Let me know in the comments.
Read more reasons for Homeschoolers to Participate in School Choice Week:
SC Homeschool Laws
Parent Made Transcripts
Policy Issue Resolution at Department of Ed
5 Things Your Association Director Wants You to Know
About Kim Andrysczyk
[…] Our homeschool directors and leaders gathered for a workshop about how the legislation process work in January 2018. Dr. Oran Smith from Palmetto Promise spoke to us about the process and how to be effective advocates for issues that matter to us. Click here to read more about Palmetto Promise and our local allies for home education. […]