Support groups play an important role in helping you have a successful homeschool program. There are many different types to choose from; one thing common to all support groups is that they offer a sense of community and togetherness. Support groups are a safe place to come and have your cup filled with information, inspiration, ideas and encouragement. They are also the vehicle you will use to network with other like-minded individuals. Statistically, you will find that those who plug into their local homeschool community suffer less burnout.
Make sure you do your homework and visit the websites of those support groups that interest you the most. You’ll want to look at their membership perks and mission statement. Are you looking for a faith-based group, or would you prefer a more secular approach? Do you want to volunteer your time, or would you rather pay and let others support you? Are you looking for informal fellowship or for more formal meetings? It’s important to figure out what’s important to you and your family.
Finding a group is not about right or wrong, or better or worse. It’s about you choosing a support group that will best help you achieve your goals! Many support groups offer a “one-stop shop,” while others act more as a “Welcome Wagon” that simply invites you in and helps you find programs already in place outside their organization.
Functions of a Typical Support Group
Please note that every group differs, but these things are most common to typical groups:
- Regular meetings
- Newsletters
- Field Trips
- Orientations
- Testing/evaluation information
- History and science fairs
- Spelling bees
- Annual talent shows
- Interactive websites
- Used curriculum sales
- Graduation ceremonies
- Proms
- Lending libraries
To Find a Support Group
It’s important to do your research before joining any group. Support groups come in all shapes and sizes – you will want one that lines up with your goals and your worldview. A great place to begin your research is right here. The listings that originate at www.fpea.com/find-your-district include the counties served by each FPEA district so that you can confirm which district is yours. Support group encouragement is simply a couple of clicks away!
For additional information to support your homeschool journey visit the FPEA Guide to Homeschooling in Florida.
Awesome thoughts! Also, remember that since one size does NOT fit all, you may need to join more than one group. I love my local group for activities and “mom socialization”. I also love the FPEA for the global view, and the convention!
If you find that your support group is not meeting your needs, talk with the leader. They should know of other groups in your area that might better serve your family. There are so many types of groups out there, that one is sure to be the right fit for you. Don’t give up until you find the group that is going to help you succeed as a homeschooler.
I love leading my support group. I have the best group of ladies in Tampa. What is so fun about my group is the majority are 15-20 years younger than me and have kids ranging from 10 years old and younger. Most have been homeschooling 4 years or less. I am in an interesting place in my homeschool journey. This is my 17th year; I have 3 homeschool grads and still homeschooling that “late-in-life” baby. She will be 10 this Sunday, in 4th grade, my oldest is 28, so you can kind of guess my age!!!
My ladies keep me energized with that “fresh excitement” that new homeschoolers have. But my years of experience and wisdom help them “keep-on-keeping-on”. Homeschooling has it’s down days for sure, but like one of my dearest friends, Debbie Strayer says…. ” a bad day of homeschooling is better than a good day in public school”. And it is TRUE.
Even as a veteran, I have sometimes felt like cashing it in. “I am tired, too old, I want to do something for me now….blah, blah, blah.” I am not discounting those feelings for one minute, but you know, I will NOT sacrifice my 10yod on the altar of lousy public education and spiritual depravity for my own desires. God will see you through and give you the desires of your heart, too. Be faithful, stay the course. The rewards are great. I know. My 3 adult children, 28, 23, and 20 are in our house all the time, hanging around, talking to us, bantering with each other and loving their baby sis. What can be more precious than that??? I would not trade my last 17 years for anything. Where would we be had we farmed them out to others?
Support group leaders: Keep encouraging your members and tell them it is WORTH it!
God is GOOD!
Marlene Baron,
J.O.S.H. Support Group Leader and Former District 5 Director