Tag: Legislative Day

A cup of coffee and a notepad with the words "top tips" on it

Tips For Contacting Your Lawmakers

Posted on | by Lauren Gideon

“Don’t wait until you are ready to take action. Instead, take action to be ready.” —Jensen Siaw

Perhaps you’d love to start communicating with your elected officials on a regular basis but are at a loss for what to discuss. Consider these possible topics:

  • Research School/Parent Choice or ESAs
  • Parental rights regarding medical decisions or general parental rights
  • First and Second Amendment rights

You can also check this website and your state government’s website for updates and additional suggestions.

Also, keep in mind:

  • Always speak graciously.
  • They work for you. They want to hear from you.
  • Be brief. Be clear.
  • Open communication and relationship-building takes time. Leave them with a good impression and let them know you appreciate their time and will contact them again.
  • If they ask you a question that you don’t have the answer to, be honest. If you are able, find the answer and provide it in your follow-up. You can say something like, “That’s a very good question. I would like to investigate that and get back to you. Thank you for asking.”
Business handshake agreement partnership after the meeting

Get Ready! January & February Homeschool Days at the Capitol!

Posted on | by Lauren Gideon

Capitol Days, Legislative Days, Homeschool Day at the Capitol, Pie Day, and other similar events foster communication between parents and their elected representatives. This is a great opportunity for you to teach your children the importance of the legislative process and help them mature into civic leaders who will help protect American freedoms. While the chart below lists January and February Capitol Days, you can check your state’s dates here if not listed below.

ArkansasFebruary 21, 2023
CaliforniaJanuary 18–19, 2023
Hawaii February 27, 2023
IdahoFebruary 8, 2023
IndianaJanuary 19, 2023
KansasFebruary 2, 2023
New MexicoFebruary 2, 2023
Oklahoma (Homeschool Oklahoma)February 7, 2023
Oklahoma (Constitutional Home Educators Alliance)February 8, 2023
VirginiaFebruary 2, 2023
West VirginiaFebruary 3, 2023
the U.S. capitol building drawn on a dollar bill

Homeschool Capitol Days

Posted on | by Lauren Gideon

Classical Conversations families are raising a generation of leaders with Christ-centered worldviews. Let’s model for our students the importance of establishing open communication with elected officials. We can effect change!

A fun and easy way to get involved is through your state’s Capitol Day or Day with the Legislator. Ohio’s Capitol Day is October 18, 2022. Check here to see if your state’s Homeschool Capitol Day is published!

Here are some resources to get you started. Your state homeschool organization may have additional resources on its website. Also, here are a few tips to prepare for Homeschool Day at the Capitol and to meet your state legislators:

  1. Find your state’s House Representatives and Senators and their contact information.
  2. Begin, and continue, to pray for them.
  3. Make an appointment to meet with the legislator or their staffer. You do not need to identify yourself as a homeschooler or bring up homeschooling unless you want to. This will be a very brief appointment, so you must be prepared.
  4. On your visit. Introduce yourself and thank them for meeting with you. Know what you want and be clear about how the lawmaker can help. Don’t minimize the power of statistics and personal testimonies. Capitol Canary suggests that you leave them with a story they can tell at a dinner party.
  5. Follow up. Send a personal, hand-written note to thank them for the meeting. Show your appreciation and let them know you are praying for them, even if you have differing opinions.
  6. Extend an invitation to your legislator to visit your homeschooling event.