You can still watch the recordings of HFD by registering at our livestream link below!
As for you, brothers, do not grow weary in doing good. 2 Thessalonians 3:13
On February 12, 2022, Family Protection Ministries (FPM) and Christian Home Educators Association of California (CHEA) hosted Homeschool Freedom Day (HFD) at William Jessup University in Rocklin, California. An exceptional audience of private homeschooling families and homeschool leaders were able to join us both in-person and through our livestream, making this year’s event a great success!
This event had two main goals: 1) Emphasize the need for private homeschool families to advocate in order to protect private homeschooling freedoms, and 2) train these homeschool families and leaders to build relationships and engage with their California state legislators and staff in a friendly, professional manner in order to create a visible presence and positive impression of private home education.
We had a great line up of inspiring speakers. In addition to our featured speakers, FPM Executive Director Nathan Pierce and FPM Legislative Assistants Weston Potter and Drew Olender trained our attendee families. They explained the legislative process as well as how to effectively meet with state legislators at their district offices to advocate for private homeschooling. You can learn more about homeschool advocacy and how to get involved through our Advocacy from Home Program at the button below. We hope to hear from you!
Our Speakers
Pastor Frank Erb, who serves as missionary and pastor to our California State Legislators in the Capitol, encouraged us to pray for our legislators. He reminded us that our legislators are in many ways sheep without a shepherd. They need to know the Lord to have the strength and wisdom to lead well.
Jeremiah Lorrig, Deputy Director of Generation Joshua, was truly inspiring. He shared John Quincy Adam’s story and his willingness to step out and be involved, even as a teenager. His story challenges us to have the right perspective, saying, “I will go,” even when things don’t seem to work out or the fruits of our labor are not revealed in our lifetime. He also shared about a Pennsylvania family that made a great impact on national legislation that would have affected homeschooling freedom through a personal relationship they had built with their legislator.
Assemblyman Kevin Kiley came and spoke about the challenges and victories he has had in fighting for our liberties in California. He commended the homeschool community for showing up in great numbers to a 2018 hearing and effectively influencing a bill (AB 2756) that would have negatively impacted homeschooling freedoms, and encouraged us to continue our advocacy. During our lunch break, he took the time to meet people and have his picture taken with our attendees!
Kimberly Dugger and Elvie Francisco, two homeschooling moms who attended Homeschool Freedom Day with their children, described their experiences visiting their legislators’ district offices and inviting them to homeschool events. Their examples encouraged us to be involved and not be intimidated. They reminded us that any private homeschool family can be a positive influence for private homeschooling in a tangible way.
Kristi Clover, author, speaker, and homeschool mom, spoke about being strategic in our homeschooling and making time for advocacy. No homeschooling family can do it all at once! She reminded us that ultimately homeschooling is about discipleship—the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom! She shared some simple tips regarding organization such as prioritization, planning ahead, and making lists.
Our thanks go to CHEA, SCOPE, and to all who attended Homeschool Freedom Day 2022 and to each of you who support our work. We trust that God will continue to bless the work that you all do to protect private homeschooling freedoms as He multiplies the fruits of your labors both now and in the future. We are continually working hard to preserve our God-given freedoms in the California Legislature. Please continue to pray for us.