Homeschool Day at the Capitol

CHN/Christian Heritage Homeschool Day at the Capitol
February 6, 2008 – Wednesday
At the Washington State Capitol

“Therefore I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men, for kings and all who are in authority,
that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence.”
1 Timothy 2:1-3

“Let your light so shine before men that they may see your good works and glorify your Father which is in heaven.”
Matthew 5:16

Why attend Homeschool Day at the Capitol?

1. To let your homeschooling family shine its light before the legislators and government workers of this state:

  • Coming to Homeschool Day at the Capitol gives state workers an opportunity to see and meet real homeschooling families, and that is important.
  • If people working in our government never meet homeschoolers, it is difficult for them to relate to us as real people with genuine concerns.

2. To bring a blessing to those who serve us in our state government:

  • Hardworking legislators are at work in Olympia before, during, and after the close of each legislative session.
  • The Bible tells us that they are appointed by God to govern us.
  • And whether we agree with our representatives on all their decisions or not, it is important for us to show Christian love to them and express to them our sincere appreciation for all they do.

3. To briefly share your joys and concerns:

  • Our legislators need to meet and visit with honoring, polite, interested homeschooling families to hear how homeschooling is benefiting their families.
  • They also need to visit with homeschoolers to learn their concerns and know how best to represent them.
  • See the section below for tips on meeting and visiting with your legislators.

4. To learn more about the workings of our legislature:

  • Homeschool Day Tours of the Capitol (in Washington State called the Legislative Building) give families a close up look at the historical and present-day seat of state government.
  • You will also get a glimpse of government workings in progress.
  • But remember, if you do at least a brief study or review of Washington government before you arrive, your family will benefit even more from this valuable experience.

5. To learn more about the Christian Homeschool Network and the crucial, behind-the-scenes work this organization continually does to safeguard our freedoms to homeschool in this state.

  • They will be giving a brief presentation on their work during the Homeschool Day at the Capitol.
  • But you can also check the Christian Homeschool Network website now for information about how this valuable organization is working for you in Olympia.
  • These legislators work tirelessly and sacrificially for our benefit.
  • So, because freedom isn’t free—it takes lots of time, energy, and financial resources to maintain it—and because the laborer is worthy of his hire (Luke 10:7), please seriously consider contributing to the vital ministry of Christian Homeschool Network of Washington.

Tips for Visiting Your Legislator

1. Make an appointment in advance to visit your legislator.

2. Be ON TIME!
.

3. Dress as if you were going to meet someone important. You are!

  • Legislators always dress professionally. We should dress professionally when we visit the Capitol & our legislators, as well.
  • A trip to the Capitol is more than a field trip. It is our opportunity to be ambassadors for Christ and Christian home education to our government officials. This is very important.
  • We may be the only homeschoolers some legislators ever see.
  • Therefore, our dress should reflect the care, thoughtfulness, and attention to detail that we apply to every area of our homeschooling … and all of life.

3. Be gracious, courteous, and honoring in everything you say and do.

  • Through your actions, also, you are representing Christ to this person who is representing you in our government.
  • Discuss with your family the importance of communicating with our words, facial expressions, actions, and attitudes only what is honoring to Christ and others.
  • Be brief!

4. Have a plan.

  • Be prepared with several brief but important things you wish to communicate to your legislator.
  • Introduce each member of your family. Then begin by expressing your gratitude for his/her work on your behalf.
  • Express also your sincere appreciation for the legislature’s consistent protection of our freedoms to homeschool in this state.
  • Share one or two important benefits of homeschooling in your family.
  • Express briefly any concern you might have.
  • And/or—if time permits—have a child or two ask a significant question that has been thought through beforehand.

5. Be relaxed and friendly.

  • Although legislators are governing authorities, they are also people just like you. They appreciate genuine friendliness like everyone else.

6. Be grateful!

  • Before leaving, again express your genuine gratitude for the time your legislator has spent with you.

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