“Eternal vigilance is the price of liberty.”
Wendell Phillips, (1811-1884), abolitionist, orator
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The success of home education does not guarantee our freedom to homeschool.
The fundamental right of parents to direct the upbringing and education of their children is under attack.
Homeschool parents take a special interest in legislation and judicial decisions that deny fit parents’ authority to make decisions for their children. It’s not enough to be registered to vote and exercise that right. We must be informed and active citizens if we are going to pass this fundamental right to our grandchildren.
Public Relations
“Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven. Matthew 5:16
Be prepared to graciously share and defend your personal decision to homeschool. Most people know a few of the fast facts describing the success of homeschooled students.
For example, in New Mexico and across the nation, the home educated score as well as or better than those in conventional schools, 28 to 36 percentile points higher. Report provided by, The National Home Education Research Institute (NHERI).
Share the open letter with skeptical family and friends. Originally written to reassure concerned grandparents, it has many other uses.
Build relationships with local and state officials. Think of your family as ambassadors for the homeschool movement, and make the most of every opportunity. This is outside the comfort zone for many, but be brave and smile.
Plan to attend CAPE AT THE CAPITOL every year. Many homeschool families gather in Santa Fe during the legislative session, greet legislators, tour the capitol, encourage one another, and celebrate Home Education Week in New Mexico.
Public Action
This doesn’t mean you have to make a speech or run for governor. It does mean that as Americans we have a responsibility to use our vote and our voice…so “that government: of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth…” (from Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address)
- Be informed. Part of the mission of CAPE is to stay current on potential legislation and policies that affect home education. Membership includes the quarterly CAPE Communique that provides background on these issues.
- Register to vote and vote for homeschool and family-friendly candidates. If you don’t know where they stand, ask.
- To Register to Vote contact your County Clerk or download the National Voter Registration Application NVRA
- To Verify Voter Registration, visit VoterView.
- Communicate with officials at every opportunity. When issues arise, the CAPE Communiqué (our email alert system) will let you know what the issues are, who to contact, and even what to say (if you would like help.) Our opinions matter and they should. Recent events confirm that gracious emails, letters, and phone calls will make a difference. Sign up here.
CAPE’s purpose is to provide information and action recommendations for homeschool related issues, and occasionally there is an overlap to include family issues such as marriage and parents’ rights.
For complete information on all family values issues, we recommend the following sites:
Parental Rights Their mission is to protect children by empowering parents through adoption of the Parental Rights Amendment to the U.S. Constitution and through state laws supporting fundamental parental rights.
“Remember the Lord, who is great and awesome,
and fight for your brothers,
your sons and your daughters,
your wives and your homes.”
— Nehemiah 4:14 NIV