The A to Z of Homeschooling Support Groups part 4

Previously we discussed N-S of homeschooling groups. Today we’ll cover T-Z.

Treasurer

Most homeschooling groups require members to pay dues, while a few don’t.

Funds are often used to offset fees for postage, printing, paper plates and napkins, gift bags for visitors and new members, love offerings for speakers, and room rentals when needed.

Use of funds varies from group to group, depending on the size, but a Treasurer will be needed (regardless of the size) if dues are collected.

Sometimes the leader will take care of the funds, but often someone else will do it.

Unity

When you first join a group, you may feel like the newbie you are, but don’t be discouraged from getting involved!

The more you interact with others, the more you get to know them and the more you’ll feel like part of the group.

When a group is united toward a common goal (educating their children to the best of their abilities) they share info and resources more willingly. This forms trust. This creates prayer warriors.

Volunteers

Members of a homeschooling group are not paid. They are volunteers.

They volunteer to speak; to bring refreshments; to organize parties, field trips, and community service activities. They share their love for their own children, their passion for homeschooling, their hopes and dreams, as well as their doubts and fears.

By joining a group, they are volunteering to come alongside other members and encourage them the same way they are being encouraged.

Wisdom

While it is easy to drop out of a homeschooling group simply because you feel you get enough support from friends and family, please reconsider. If you’ve been homeschooling for a number of years, you have so much wisdom to share!

The younger moms need you to stay involved. They need to watch you, to talk to you, to glean from your successes and failures.

Chances are good there is another mom in the group who may not have as much homeschooling experience, but she may have more life experience–and that may be just what you need. The two of you can be a huge help to each other! And the wisdom the two of you have will be a blessing to other moms as well!

X-tra Patience

There will be times when the whole group gets together: moms and kids. When that happens, you may need a little extra patience to deal with all the kids running around and with all the chatter among the moms.

If you are planning a field trip, you will need patience as some moms get their money to you late, or don’t show up at all.

If you are communicating with other members, you will need patience when they don’t check their text messages or emails as often as others.

We are all at different seasons of life. Making the effort to be patient and meet someone where they’re at will be a blessing to them.

You

There wouldn’t be a group if there were no members.

You are needed!

Step up, volunteer, encourage, interact!

This is your group. It will only be as good as member participation makes it.

Zeal

When you have lost your passion for teaching, contact another member.

The biggest gain you will get from being a member of a homeschooling group is the encouragement.

Share your excitement, your zeal, and your love of teaching with the other ladies– you will be blessed!