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Finding Support

© Belinda Moore

One problem often encountered by those researching and practicing home education is a lack of support. Many lament that it is difficult to find others home educating, locally or in similar situations to themselves. There are many avenues to finding support for yourself and your family; here are some ideas to get you started…

Church – many churches have groups of homeschoolers who meet regularly, ask around or put up a “Wanted to Meet - Homeschoolers” notice. This could also work at the local library or supermarket for that matter! I just happen to know that many homeschoolers have met through their churches.

Newspapers – homeschool groups often advertise in the community section of local newspapers, keep an eye on yours. There may be a local group who meet for sport, outings, social excursions or parents’ groups. Or, there may be the need for one – take out an ad for yourself!

There are major organisations such as HEA http://www.hea.asn.au and LEM http://www.lem.com.au that will often put you in touch with others in your area. State organisations often have lists of homeschoolers in each region. See the Australian Links List on this site for details of a body in your state. There are often lists of contacts in many newsletters and magazines, try Stepping Stones: www.australia.edu/steppingstones.

Newsletters themselves are great for contact with other home educators. It is inspiring and encouraging reading about other families and what they have been doing. Newsletters are a wealth of practical information too. Another newsletter is KIT – Keeping In Touch http://kitsa.topcities.com which is based in South Australia but a useful read (and website) for all!

There is also at least one Australian Newsletter Network, where each family sends a newsletter a year to all the other families in the network. I have been involved in one for three years and find it a joy to hear everyone’s news, and a lot of fun to put our own record together to share with others. For details, contact Janine: janinecoral@hotmail.com. The list is compiled at the beginning of each year.

Online there are mailing lists, messageboards and a new reading group. Here are some details:

Homeschool List through Stepping Stones - e-mail address: homeschool@australia.edu Send an e-mail to homeschool-request@australia.edu with the word subscribe in the body of the e-mail, nothing in the subject.

Australianhomeschool: http://www.groups.yahoo.com/group/austra... e-mail address : australianhomeschool-subscribe@yahoogroups.com (to subscribe) e-mail address : australianhomeschool@yahoogroups.com (for messages)

Aussie Homeschoolers: http://mc2.vicnet.net.au (Click on Education and join) e-mail address : auhsers@mc2.vicnet.net.au (for messages) They have a children's list too.