beanmommy2

A friend who has homeschooled for several years just told me
she "highly recommends" I join HSLDA.

When I asked her why, she said it was worth it for the security, and
also they would represent you for much cheaper than any lawyer if you
ever got in trouble with the law.

I had not gotten the impression they were a wonderful organiziation,
but when I thought about it, I realized I really don't know anything
about them. Could anyone please give me their experience or opinions
about them? Do they, in fact, provide true security and representation
for their members?

Thanks
Jenny

Jason & Stephanie

I had not gotten the impression they were a wonderful organiziation,
but when I thought about it, I realized I really don't know anything
about them. Could anyone please give me their experience or opinions
about them? Do they, in fact, provide true security and representation
for their members?

Check out http://hsislegal.com/questions.asp

http://hsislegal.com/freedom.asp

Stephanie in TN

Kieran 12, Brennan 9, Cassandra 7, Jared 5

www.learningthroughliving-stephanie.blogspot.com

Meanwhile, education--compulsory schooling, compulsory learning--is a tyranny and a crime against the human mind and spirit.
Let all those escape it who can, any way they can.
~John Holt Instead of Education

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Susan

> When I asked her why, she said it was worth it for the security, and
> also they would represent you for much cheaper than any lawyer if you
> ever got in trouble with the law.

> I had not gotten the impression they were a wonderful organiziation,
> but when I thought about it, I realized I really don't know anything
> about them. Could anyone please give me their experience or opinions
> about them? Do they, in fact, provide true security and representation
> for their members?

Well, the scope of what they'll defend is limited - it's not "if you
ever got in trouble". Also, as an unschooler you may not qualify for
their services. Anyone can become a member (they'll be happy to take
your money) but they do not guarantee representation to anyone and
this is especially true if you are not using a curriculum. I think
their definition of homeschooling is very narrow and constrictive.
Something that might be helpful to consider: The most common legal
situation involving homeschooling is divorce - one parent wants to
continue homeschooling the kids and the other does not - however,
HSLDA will not get involved with such cases.

Something else to think about: When they pursue legislative changes in
both state and federal govt, they tend to mix homeschooling issues
with political and religious advocacy. This may be fine for some but I
think it muddles things, weakens homeschooling laws (their involvement
in some situations has actually made things worse) and is confusing
for lawmakers. They claim to speak for all homeschoolers when they
most certainly do not. Their religious agenda, political meddling, and
attention-seeking actions has unfortunately helped to promote the
image of homeschoolers as religious fundamentalists.

Thirdly, and perhaps most importantly, in the vast majority of cases
we do not need lawyers to represent us. We make effective advocates
for ourselves when we know and understand the laws of our state and
stand up firmly for our rights. Although it can be a bit unnerving to
be challenged in some way by a govt or school employee, legal counsel
is rarely needed and things can usually be resolved with a phone call
or a letter. Not always, but usually. And for those unlikely instances
where a lawyer would prove extremely helpful, there is no guarantee
that HSLDA will come to your aid in a way that is beneficial or
effective. So I'd save my money.

~ Susan

diana jenner

On 7/31/07, Susan <SusanYvonne@...> wrote:
>
> > When I asked her why, she said it was worth it for the security, and
> > also they would represent you for much cheaper than any lawyer if you
> > ever got in trouble with the law.
>
> > I had not gotten the impression they were a wonderful organiziation,
> > but when I thought about it, I realized I really don't know anything
> > about them. Could anyone please give me their experience or opinions
> > about them? Do they, in fact, provide true security and representation
> > for their members?
>
> Well, the scope of what they'll defend is limited - it's not "if you
> ever got in trouble". Also, as an unschooler you may not qualify for
> their services. Anyone can become a member (they'll be happy to take
> your money) but they do not guarantee representation to anyone and
> this is especially true if you are not using a curriculum. I think
> their definition of homeschooling is very narrow and constrictive.
> Something that might be helpful to consider: The most common legal
> situation involving homeschooling is divorce - one parent wants to
> continue homeschooling the kids and the other does not - however,
> HSLDA will not get involved with such cases.
>






















-=-There have also been situations when folks have been refused services
based on their religion and marital status.

Something else to think about: When they pursue legislative changes in
> both state and federal govt, they tend to mix homeschooling issues
> with political and religious advocacy. This may be fine for some but I
> think it muddles things, weakens homeschooling laws (their involvement
> in some situations has actually made things worse) and is confusing
> for lawmakers. They claim to speak for all homeschoolers when they
> most certainly do not. Their religious agenda, political meddling, and
> attention-seeking actions has unfortunately helped to promote the
> image of homeschoolers as religious fundamentalists.
>











-=-i.e. lots of HSLDA funds went into promoting the Constitutional Amendment
limiting the scope of marriage in America. Whether you agree with the
amendment or not, it's not a homeschooling issue on any level.

Thirdly, and perhaps most importantly, in the vast majority of cases
> we do not need lawyers to represent us. We make effective advocates
> for ourselves when we know and understand the laws of our state and
> stand up firmly for our rights. Although it can be a bit unnerving to
> be challenged in some way by a govt or school employee, legal counsel
> is rarely needed and things can usually be resolved with a phone call
> or a letter. Not always, but usually. And for those unlikely instances
> where a lawyer would prove extremely helpful, there is no guarantee
> that HSLDA will come to your aid in a way that is beneficial or
> effective. So I'd save my money.
> .
>

Everything Susan said (thanks!)
Also -- I won't pay for fear mongering! There plenty of places giving away
reasons for Living in Fear, which I strive to avoid in my life, I'd never
*pay* to perpetuate their platforms nor their fears.

--
~diana :)
xoxoxoxo
hannahbearski.blogspot.com


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