The Texas Homeschool Coalition (THSC) is a non-profit organization established in 1989 to protect and preserve the right to educate children in the home. As a membership-driven organization, THSC upholds the value of homeschooling as a viable educational solution, advocating on behalf of thousands of homeschooling families across Texas. Though THSC is nearly three decades old, it is still a mystery to many homeschool families, leaving several key questions unanswered.
In this article, we’ll explore 15 key questions about the Texas Homeschool Coalition, from the organization’s mission to its activities to its financial structure.
1. What is the mission of the Texas Homeschool Coalition?
The mission of the Texas Homeschool Coalition is to protect and preserve the right to educate children in the home. The THSC also works to preserve homeschooling’s public image, as well as keeping homeschool families informed about laws related to homeschooling and educational rights.
Additionally, the THSC assists families with issues or concerns related to homeschooling and provides support systems, advocacy, and communication network to educate, equip, and empower homeschool families.
2. Who founded the Texas Homeschool Coalition?
The Texas Homeschool Coalition was founded by Tom Goodman, an experienced homeschool parent and THSC’s first president, in 198 After Tom saw the need to create an organization that would advocate for homeschoolers in Texas, he began drafting a constitution. Tom already had experience in leading an organization as he had previously served as president of the Christian Home Educators Association of Texas (CHEA).
With the help of other homeschooling leaders such as Eugene Whitten and his wife Robin, the founding board of the Texas Homeschool Coalition was formed.
3. Who runs the Texas Homeschool Coalition?
Today, the current leadership of the Texas Homeschool Coalition consists of a Board of Directors, Executive Directors, and staff. The Board of Directors oversees the organization, governance, and budget, whereas the Executive Directors are responsible for implementing the organization’s mission and objectives. Additionally, the staff provides day-to-day support to the Board and Executive Directors, and also assumes added duties as directed.
To ensure effective oversight, the Board of Directors grants authority to various committees and groups, such as the Legislative Relations Group, the Media Relations Group, and the Volunteer Relations Group.
4. What kind of activities does the Texas Homeschool Coalition engage in?
The THSC engages in a variety of activities to protect and preserve the right to educate children in the home. Chief among them is advocacy, which involves communicating with legislators and other influential figures to advocate for homeschooling families throughout Texas.
This includes making recommendations to authorizing bodies and lobbying for legal modifications, as well as staying up-to-date on changing legislation that affects homeschool rights. Additionally, the THSC also hosts an annual event called the Texas Homeschool Convention, which features workshops, discussions, and educational sessions for homeschooling families. The THSC also holds periodic support meetings, promotes educational activities, and sponsors scholarships and awards.
5. How does the Texas Homeschool Coalition communicate with members?
The THSC has a variety of ways of communicating with members. This includes a website, a blog and social media channels, as well as a monthly e-newsletter and an occasional printed newsletter, Keepsake.
In addition, the THSC offers a toll-free line for members and local group meetings. The THSC also produces media content and radio broadcasts, as well as periodic online events such as webinars and educational conferences.
6. What kind of membership options are available?
The THSC offers two types of membership: Standard and Family. Standard Members are individuals who are actively involved in homeschooling, whereas Family Members are couples or families who are actively homeschooling. Both membership options include full access to all of the THSC’s benefits and services, including membership rates to the Texas Homeschool Convention, discounts on THSC’s line of products, access to legal advice and homeschool resources, and much more.
7. How much does it cost to join the Texas Homeschool Coalition?
The cost to become a Standard Member is $50 per year, while the cost to become a Family Member is $90 per year. Additionally, Standard and Family Members may also choose to purchase a Lifetime Membership for $29 Lifetime memberships include the same services and benefits as both the Standard and Family Membership options, but provide lifetime access to those services and benefits.
8. What are the benefits of membership?
The primary benefit of being a member of the THSC is access to a comprehensive list of services, including legal advice and homeschool resources, as well as exclusive discounts on THSC products and services, such as the Texas Homeschool Convention. Additionally, members are eligible for membership rates for the convention, as well as for THSC scholarships, awards, and other educational activities and events.
9. How does the Texas Homeschool Coalition support local homeschooling groups?
The THSC supports local homeschool groups in a number of ways. The THSC offers financial grants to assist local homeschooling groups with activities, and provides a comprehensive list of resources and professional support services.
Additionally, the THSC regularly communicates with local homeschool groups to keep them apprised of state-level homeschool-related activities and events.
10. How does the Texas Homeschool Coalition involve parents in homeschool advocacy?
The THSC engages parents in various ways in order to help homeschool families advocate for their rights and achieve their educational goals. This includes providing parents with the necessary tools and resources to advocate for homeschooling in their communities. The THSC also provides parents with the opportunity to serve on the Board of Directors or on Legislative Relations or other advocacy committees.
Additionally, parents are also encouraged to participate in Legislative Days, local meetings, and other events hosted by the THSC.
11. How can I volunteer with the Texas Homeschool Coalition?
The THSC is always looking for volunteers to help with its mission to protect and preserve the right to educate children in the home. Volunteers have the opportunity to serve on the Board of Directors or on one of the THSC’s committees or task forces. Additionally, volunteers are also recruited to help with events such as the Texas Homeschool Convention, as well as with sending out newsletters, creating webinar content, or other digital media.
12. How does the Texas Homeschool Coalition raise money?
The THSC currently raises money through several different avenues. This includes membership fees, sponsorships, and donations, as well as its annual Texas Homeschool Convention.
Additionally, the THSC also sells merchandise such as t-shirts and hats, as well as publications and research materials.
13. Who are the THSC’s major partners and sponsors?
The Texas Homeschool Coalition has a number of major partners and sponsors, including companies such as ABC Financial Services, Worldwide Insurance, eLearning Tools, and Cengage Learning. Additionally, the THSC also has relationships with a variety of local, regional, and national Christian organizations such as American Heritage Academy, Homeschool Legal Defense Association, and the Home School Foundation.
14. How is the Texas Homeschool Coalition structured?
The THSC is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization with a Board of Directors and Executive Director. The Board of Directors is responsible for the organization’s overall policies and budget, whereas the Executive Director is responsible for working with the staff to implement the organization’s mission and objectives. Additionally, the THSC also has several committees, task forces, and staff members who carry out the daily activities of the organization.
15. How does the Texas Homeschool Coalition interact with other homeschool groups?
The THSC has a long-standing history of working together with other homeschool organizations. This includes regularly communicating with other homeschool groups and organizations nationwide, as well as providing insight and guidance on trends and developments in various state-level homeschool legislation. Additionally, THSC also works closely with other local and regional Christian organizations to promote homeschooling and spread awareness of the right to home educate children.
Conclusion
The Texas Homeschool Coalition is a non-profit organization dedicated to protecting and preserving the right to educate children in the home. From its mission and goals to its membership and services, the THSC has answered many questions about who runs the organization and what kind of activities they engage in. Through its activities such as advocacy, media outreach, and educational events and activities, the THSC is a powerful advocate for homeschool families everywhere.