Winter 2019

HOMESCHOOLIOWA.ORG

Beyond Capitol Day: Relationships Matter

BY LAURA CARLSON, HOMESCHOOL IOWA ADVOCACY TEAM

erriam Webster dictionary defines a relationship as

“The state of affairs existing between those having

dealings.” Synonyms for relationships might be the “as-

sociation” or “connection between people.”

Homeschool Iowa’s focus on relationships doesn’t limit our

community to other homeschool supporters. Homeschool fami-

lies walk a less-traveled road and often enjoy connections with

like-minded families. These are easy relationships, comparing

and sharing ideas, encouragements, and curriculums.

Do you have a relationship with your state senator or represen-

tative? Have you dropped a card in the mail this year encour-

aging your state senator regarding the upcoming legislative

schedule? Perhaps send a colorful postcard sharing an appre-

ciation for their support of homeschool laws?

Creating a relationship of trust with the man or woman making

laws you live under begins with a foundation. A note explaining

your family’s use of Iowa’s varied homeschooling laws, sharing

a brief example of a child’s success creates a connection with

elected officials who may or may not support Iowa’s home-

schooling laws. These notes sent serve as the building blocks

for a relationship that may be vital to maintaining Iowa’s home-

school freedoms.

You know how you meet someone, exchange a few pleasant-

ries, and then don’t cross paths for a year? That isn’t someone

you would rely upon to come jump-start your vehicle in subzero

January. In order to ask that favor of a person, grow that rela-

tionship, you must communicate during the year.

I cherish our homeschooling rights in Iowa. As I’ve created leg-

islative relationships, based upon mutual respect, my elected

officials reach out to me to learn more. I’ve been asked to testify

in education committees at the Iowa Statehouse. I have been

asked my opinion about a proposed bill the representative is

considering because, as a homeschool parent, they consider me

an “expert.” It was a privilege to share our family’s journey with

the ones who make our laws. All possible because God prompted

me to build a connection with my representative.

Relationships weave the fabric required to communicate ef-

fectively. If the only times I contacted elected officials was to

complain, our relationships would be strained. “Oh, no. It’s her

again,” might be the response to my name. I don’t want that in

a working relationship with the men and women who literally

vote for the right to homeschool. I want to serve God by being

a positive person sharing the Bible’s instructions to parents with

legislators.

I hope you encourage your elected servants, perhaps finding

common ground asking questions about the representative’s

job or about their grandchildren. Curiosity is a trait homeschool

parents possess. Use this trait and learn more about your legisla-

tors to build those relationships.

The dividends of your time pay off when a legislator, who

thought he/she wanted to reduce homeschool rights, has met

a real homeschool family. Your family will have educated and

encouraged a legislator with personal homeschool educational