Tag: Legislator

Lawyer Scales Justice - Law Concepts on Human Rights

Parent Rights Erosion Continues

Posted on | by Lauren Gideon

Even if you aren’t a Colorado resident, it is important to keep abreast of the political climate in other states because it won’t be long before it’s in your state. Be prepared for what’s coming your way.

Carolyn Martin, the Director of Government Relations for Christian Home Educators of Colorado, sounds the warning on HB23-1003, a bill currently under consideration that represents an outright assault on parental rights.

The question we need to ask is: “Where does the civil government’s authority and jurisdiction stop?

“This year an introduced bill, HB23-1003 School Mental Health Assessment, grants children twelve years or older the ability [to] override a parent’s wishes concerning a mental health assessment given in a public school. Although the bill allows parents to opt their child out of the assessment, it also authorizes the school to ignore the opt-out when the child dictates. Children can also keep parents from seeing the results of the assessment. Note: If your child participates in a part-time public-school program, this bill applies to you as well!“

Keep reading here.

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.”
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.