I. Introduction: The Hidden Threat to Homeschooling Freedom

Homeschooling freedom is like a pristine mountain lake, thriving under the care of its stewards. The water is clear and full of possibility, but there are hidden threats—pipelines installed to siphon off the lake’s water. These pipelines start small, draining a little here and diminishing a shoreline there. At first, families—the fish—hardly notice, thinking it’s a minor change. But these pipelines are no accident. Interest groups, bureaucrats, and legislators want to control the lake’s water for other purposes.

A new proposal threatens to bring many more pipelines all at once, flooding homeschoolers with regulations that could overwhelm us or even destroy the dam that holds the lake together. If that happens, our homeschooling freedoms could be drained away in an instant. The fight to protect these freedoms is ongoing. We must remain vigilant, guarding homeschool freedom for our children and future generations.

II. The Role of Homeschooling Leaders: Shepherds of the Flock

As homeschooling leaders, whether its group administrators, veteran homeschoolers, or experienced parents, you are the shepherds guiding your flock, walking them through difficult places, and helping them through trouble whatever it may be.

It is your responsibility to protect homeschooling freedoms by informing and equipping your community.

Stay Informed, Stay Engaged, Stay Supportive
It’s crucial to remain informed about legislative developments. Supporting advocacy organizations like CHEA and FPM, both financially and through participation, strengthens the efforts that protect homeschooling freedoms. God has been faithful to homeschooling families throughout history, and by staying committed we trust He will continue to guide and protect us.

III. Clear and Present Danger

Homeschooling is facing a somewhat hidden but very real threat: regulations that would destroy the homeschool freedoms we have fought so hard to protect.

The “Make Homeschooling Safe Act”

According to HSLDA, The “Make Homeschool Safe Act” (MHSA) is a proposed model bill that, if enacted, would drastically flood homeschooling with regulations. Key provisions include:

• Parental Qualifications: Requires parents to have a high school diploma or GED, or else homeschool under the supervision of a “qualified educational professional.”
• Abuse Investigations: Restricts the ability to homeschool for three years after any abuse investigation, regardless of outcome.
• Notification and Waiting Periods: Mandates annual notification and a 30-day waiting period before starting homeschooling, with potential penalties for non-compliance.
• Annual Evaluations: Requires annual evaluations by a “qualified educational professional,” with potential for superintendent oversight and rejection.
• Mandatory Immunizations: Enforces the full schedule of immunizations required for public school students.

These measures would significantly increase government oversight of homeschooling, leading to a decline in homeschooling options and parental rights. The MHSA challenges the proper and traditional understanding of parental rights and responsibilities in education.

Where is this new proposal coming from?

An organization known as the Coalition for Responsible Home Education has been working to restrict homeschool freedoms for years with a slant to their arguments that claims they want what’s best for kids. The truth is that they have a very different view of parenting and government roles than we do. Ultimately they view the government as the provider and protector of children both for their care and for their education. Their arguments can sound reasonable at times but their end game is government control over all education. Although one role of government is to protect people from harm and punish the evildoer, the way MHSA plans on doing that will result in the rights of the innocent being violated and infringed upon.
For more detailed information about the implications of the “Make Homeschooling Safe Act” and the steps you can take to protect your rights, visit this comprehensive resource:
What Homeschoolers Need to Know About the Make Homeschool Safe Act.

IV. How to Protect Your Homeschool Community: Steps for Leaders

As leaders, you must take proactive measures to safeguard homeschooling freedoms. Here’s how you can protect your community:

1. Educate Your Community
   Be a reliable source of information. Keep your community updated on proposed legislation and its potential impact. Use resources like CHEA’s support network and host workshops or meetings with speakers from CHEA, HSLDA, or FPM to discuss current issues. Online discussions, webinars, and newsletters are excellent tools for keeping everyone informed.
2. Facilitate Communication
   Create channels for families to express concerns, ask questions, and strategize together. Whether through social media groups, emails, or regular meetings, it’s important to ensure all voices are heard. Encourage open dialogue so families feel empowered to act.
3. Empower Action
   Provide tools for advocacy. Teach families how to contact lawmakers, write letters, attend public hearings, and engage in advocacy efforts. Encourage involvement in organizations like CHEA, FPM, and HSLDA, which are working to protect homeschooling rights. Help families understand how their participation—whether through donations, petitions, or volunteering—can make a tangible difference.
4. Promote Vigilance
   Stay alert and share updates on legislative changes that might impact homeschooling. Encourage families to sign up for newsletters or email alerts from advocacy groups to stay informed. Protecting homeschooling freedoms is a continuous effort, and families must remain vigilant and proactive.
5. Foster Unity
   Encourage a strong, supportive homeschooling community. Remind families they are part of a larger network of homeschoolers. A united community can withstand challenges and effect positive change. Create opportunities for mutual support, whether by sharing resources, providing legal help, or offering moral support.

V. Conclusion: The Time to Act is Now

The future of homeschooling in California is at a crossroads. As leaders, the responsibility to protect our freedoms rests with you. Complacency is not an option. We cannot wait until the pipelines have drained our freedoms entirely. We must act now before it’s too late.

Leadership is Key
You are the shepherds who are guiding your flock through these challenges. Now is the time to act, before the dangers become too great to reverse. Be the watchful protector, the one who sounds the alarm and leads the community toward action.

God’s Faithfulness
As we move forward, let us remember that God has always been faithful to homeschooling families. He has provided for us in the past and will continue to guide and protect us. Our hope is not in legislation or political victories but in God’s faithfulness to our families and to the cause of educational freedom.

Call to Action: Be the Voice of Protection for Your Community
The time to act is now. Educate, communicate, and unite your homeschooling community to protect the freedom to educate children in a way that honors God and upholds family values. By following these steps, you can play a critical role in ensuring the future of homeschooling in California. Together, we can keep the lake full and thriving for generations to come