6,975,229,925
people in the world
312,616,045
people in the United States
2,500,000
people estimated to be homeschoolers
75
people estimated average in local homeschool groups
1
you
Best leader tip of the day--Find ways to Learn and improve your people skills. With all the people in the world, you're going to need them! =)
"The heart of the righteous studies how to answer." Proverbs 15:28 NKJV
"A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in settings of silver." Proverbs 25:11 NKJV
Tuesday, November 15, 2011
Tuesday, November 1, 2011
Return of the Tuesday Tip
A Golden Hour
One homeschool group leader's task that can naggingly overwhelm is the need to connect with members. The tendency is to either procrastinate or to be controlled by needs. Balance simply with a system of scheduling one hour a week to get as many phone calls done as possible. Make it an hour of power, per se, and let worry be a thing of the past.
Thursday, October 27, 2011
Great Webinar for Homeschool Group Leaders Tonight!
The IRS and Your Homeschool Organization
by Carol Topp, CPA and Homeschool Leader
Quite an important topic! In this webinar Carol will discuss
- Homeschoolers and the IRS
- What does 501(c)(3) mean?
- Is it needed for my group?
- The benefits of 501c3 tax exempt status
- The disadvantages too!
- Why your organization should consider becoming a nonprofit corporation
This webinar is free, so tell your friends and fellow homeschool leaders. Ask your board to listen in as well.
Topic: The IRS and Your Homeschool Organization
Date: Thursday , October 27, 2011
Place: Talkshoe http://www.talkshoe.com/tc/73712
or call in to: Phone Number: (724) 444-7444. Enter this Call ID: 73712 when asked
SLIDES & BOOK can be found at: http://homeschoolcpa.com/free-webinar-the-irs-and-your-homeschool-organization/
Wednesday, August 3, 2011
We Were Connected ~ A Tribute to Kristen
Today was the first day I stepped into the role as president of our local homeschool group. It was a smooth transition full of hope and future promise; it was a difficult transition without my friend and confidante there.
I will never forget the day we met. It was in the exact place I stood today where Kristen introduced herself to me over six years ago. As she told me the names of her children, she suddenly held out her spiral notebook, saying, "In case you are a visual learner . . . " and proceeded to draw stick figures of her children complete with the oldest being a girl with the triangular skirt all the way to her fourth, a baby boy with a diaper. I laughed delightedly, knowing that only a homeschooler would think like that. I think like that. We instantly liked each other. There was a connection.
Now, she always shook her head at me with a smile saying that's not really the first time we met, but that we had already talked on the phone and through email. She remembered how the leader of our homeschool group had contacted her after my first visit and asked her to call and email me before the next meeting. Kristen remembered doing that and then looking specifically for me at the meeting. Thank you, Shawna, for connecting us!
As our casual friendship grew at the monthly meetings, I recognized her vitality and strength. It was also obvious that Kristen truly cared for others and believed in homeschooling. First chance, I nominated her for the upcoming president's position. At the same time, I accepted the field trip coordinator position. Little did I know where this connection would lead.
As officers together, we began to bond closely. This was such a growing and stretching time. This was also a time of testing. As Kristen led the group that first year, there was such turmoil. Everything was questioned including whether the group was even a Christian group or should allow a prayer. Kristen felt strongly that Christ must be acknowledged and stood for Him in the fray. She researched the beginnings of our local group and stood on those. Even in the heat of personal attacks, she lived true to her name which is "Christ-bearer."
At the end of that first year, we were left with only three officers to do it all, but we had peace in our group again. The building began. It became important to put things in writing for the future of the homeschool group. We focused on the budding homeschool group and ministering to the families. Our work and support and stand for one another forged a life-long friendship of trust.
As I look at the future of our local homeschool group, I wonder how in the world I can lead it without the love and prayers and creativity and cheering that Kristen always gave. Who will understand my heart to share the joys and excitements with? I will have to lean so heavily on the Lord. Maybe that is just what the Lord is wanting me to do during this time of sorrow--truthfully depend on Him completely, aware that He is my Comfort, my Strength and my Guide. My connection to my Lord is most important.
I will always remember my connection with my closest friend, and miss her terribly.
With the grief still fresh, I looked at the families gathered in the heat today at our homeschool group meeting and hoped that they, too, could be so blessed as to make such a wonderful connection in this life.
It is as Kristen wrote, "I believe that we each have a special and distinct purpose on this earth, and this blog is part of my effort to fulfill God's purpose for my life. I also believe that life is worth living well and that life is a precious gift to be shared joyfully with others. Thank you for letting me share my life with you. I pray it encourages you."
Through love and grace,
Denise Hyde
P.S. The first work that we ever wrote together is this free mini-course for you.
This blog came to be as a way to connect homeschool leaders together. Read about it here.
It's happening even now on our facebook group, I am a Homeschool Group Leader.
I will never forget the day we met. It was in the exact place I stood today where Kristen introduced herself to me over six years ago. As she told me the names of her children, she suddenly held out her spiral notebook, saying, "In case you are a visual learner . . . " and proceeded to draw stick figures of her children complete with the oldest being a girl with the triangular skirt all the way to her fourth, a baby boy with a diaper. I laughed delightedly, knowing that only a homeschooler would think like that. I think like that. We instantly liked each other. There was a connection.
Now, she always shook her head at me with a smile saying that's not really the first time we met, but that we had already talked on the phone and through email. She remembered how the leader of our homeschool group had contacted her after my first visit and asked her to call and email me before the next meeting. Kristen remembered doing that and then looking specifically for me at the meeting. Thank you, Shawna, for connecting us!
As our casual friendship grew at the monthly meetings, I recognized her vitality and strength. It was also obvious that Kristen truly cared for others and believed in homeschooling. First chance, I nominated her for the upcoming president's position. At the same time, I accepted the field trip coordinator position. Little did I know where this connection would lead.
As officers together, we began to bond closely. This was such a growing and stretching time. This was also a time of testing. As Kristen led the group that first year, there was such turmoil. Everything was questioned including whether the group was even a Christian group or should allow a prayer. Kristen felt strongly that Christ must be acknowledged and stood for Him in the fray. She researched the beginnings of our local group and stood on those. Even in the heat of personal attacks, she lived true to her name which is "Christ-bearer."
At the end of that first year, we were left with only three officers to do it all, but we had peace in our group again. The building began. It became important to put things in writing for the future of the homeschool group. We focused on the budding homeschool group and ministering to the families. Our work and support and stand for one another forged a life-long friendship of trust.
As I look at the future of our local homeschool group, I wonder how in the world I can lead it without the love and prayers and creativity and cheering that Kristen always gave. Who will understand my heart to share the joys and excitements with? I will have to lean so heavily on the Lord. Maybe that is just what the Lord is wanting me to do during this time of sorrow--truthfully depend on Him completely, aware that He is my Comfort, my Strength and my Guide. My connection to my Lord is most important.
I will always remember my connection with my closest friend, and miss her terribly.
With the grief still fresh, I looked at the families gathered in the heat today at our homeschool group meeting and hoped that they, too, could be so blessed as to make such a wonderful connection in this life.
It is as Kristen wrote, "I believe that we each have a special and distinct purpose on this earth, and this blog is part of my effort to fulfill God's purpose for my life. I also believe that life is worth living well and that life is a precious gift to be shared joyfully with others. Thank you for letting me share my life with you. I pray it encourages you."
Through love and grace,
Denise Hyde
P.S. The first work that we ever wrote together is this free mini-course for you.
This blog came to be as a way to connect homeschool leaders together. Read about it here.
It's happening even now on our facebook group, I am a Homeschool Group Leader.
Tuesday, July 19, 2011
An Unbelievable Void ~ We Will Miss You, Kristen
April 2, 1970 - July 16, 2011
Kristen, you are so dear to us. You and your wonderful smile will be missed more than words can express.
Prayers are needed and appreciated for her wonderful family and friends. This beautiful photo taken at Easter includes her husband Paul and their seven children, ages 15 to 5 months.
Services~
There will be a visitation from 5 pm until 8 pm on Tuesday. The funeral is at 10 am on Wednesday. Both will take place at the Navarre Funeral Home, 2444 Rollingbrook Dr., Baytown, TX
Kristen Lea Fagala
A Must-Read~
Kristen's own words of trusting God throughout our short life and through death.
http://healthathomeblog.blogspot.com/2008/11/tribute-to-samson.html
Donations~
Friends of Kristen may contribute to her Memorial Fund to help the family at http://www.lakewoodlight.org/. Click on the "eGive" link. You will need to set up a one-time account. It is fast and simple. Towards the end, there is a place to specify where you want the funds to go.
Well Wishes~
Feel free to write how Kristen touched your life or any kind words as a comment below.
It's extremely hard to put this on the blog that we have always done together. I hope to be able to write more soon--something to remember Kristen that is really worthy of life.
Until then, we will rest in the knowledge that she is with her Savior whom she loved first and foremost. She is joyous and in perfect peace.
With love,
Denise
Wednesday, June 29, 2011
How to Get People to Help, Part 2
Communicate. Communicate. Communicate. Then communicate some more.
In the last post, we revealed the value of connecting with your members, so that relationships are solidly formed and everyone feels needed and cared for. This will result in more contented and involved members.
The second part of how to get people to help is to communicate clearly.
A leader must communicate vision and purpose continually. You cannot get the purpose in front of the people enough. Remember that.
Whether you are casting the vision for your group's existence or sharing the purpose of an individual event, you cannot overdo communication.
Let's say your group is hosting a parent planning meeting to decide events and activities for the upcoming school year. Several months ahead, begin to let people know it's coming up. Mention it at every monthly meeting, in your newsletter, on your web site or Yahoo group calendar. A crafty graphics person in your group could design a flyer for members to share with their friends and neighbors who might be interested in homeschooling. Encourage them to invite.
Build excitement for the event by communicating details of interest. Will there be any door prizes? Any discounts offered to those who come? Do you need a volunteer for a specific table? Will there be arrangements for the children? Do you want dads there, too? FORSEE any questions your members may have and ANSWER them. You will have much more involvement if you communicate clearly the value of the event to the members and what you need from them.
Getting people to help is fun and easy when you concentrate your energy on connecting with each member in a personal way and making very clear the benefits of the events you all choose to do together.
Talk it Up!
Kristen
For more on motivating volunteers, check this out.
http://www.homeschoolgroupleader.com/
In the last post, we revealed the value of connecting with your members, so that relationships are solidly formed and everyone feels needed and cared for. This will result in more contented and involved members.
The second part of how to get people to help is to communicate clearly.
A leader must communicate vision and purpose continually. You cannot get the purpose in front of the people enough. Remember that.
Whether you are casting the vision for your group's existence or sharing the purpose of an individual event, you cannot overdo communication.
Let's say your group is hosting a parent planning meeting to decide events and activities for the upcoming school year. Several months ahead, begin to let people know it's coming up. Mention it at every monthly meeting, in your newsletter, on your web site or Yahoo group calendar. A crafty graphics person in your group could design a flyer for members to share with their friends and neighbors who might be interested in homeschooling. Encourage them to invite.
Build excitement for the event by communicating details of interest. Will there be any door prizes? Any discounts offered to those who come? Do you need a volunteer for a specific table? Will there be arrangements for the children? Do you want dads there, too? FORSEE any questions your members may have and ANSWER them. You will have much more involvement if you communicate clearly the value of the event to the members and what you need from them.
Getting people to help is fun and easy when you concentrate your energy on connecting with each member in a personal way and making very clear the benefits of the events you all choose to do together.
Talk it Up!
Kristen
For more on motivating volunteers, check this out.
http://www.homeschoolgroupleader.com/
Wednesday, June 22, 2011
How to Get People to Help
As homeschool group leaders, we all face it at one time or another. The temptation to fuss about how much is on us and how no one is helping.
I've fallen into that trap. Here's the way out.
Connect and communicate
This post will deal with the first of these two: connect. The truth is that, as leaders, we are in a servant position. We must remember that the group members are not there to serve us, we are there to serve them. Now, before you faint from the thought of all that could put on you, let me offer you a way through. . . connect with your members and they will be much more likely to serve alongside you.
How many times has a friend called on you for help and you ran to their aid? Now, how many times has that happened with a total stranger. The reality is that we help people we know more often than people we don't. The lesson for leaders is this: know your members.
Are you crazy, you say? Yes! Crazy about caring.
You may not be able to personally know each person in your group, but someone else can. Touches are simple--as simple as a welcome at the beginning of each gathering.
Connecting with your members is really very simple and there are lots of creative ways to do it. But the effort of knowing your members will really pay off in the long run in making everyone feel at home, including you!
I've fallen into that trap. Here's the way out.
Connect and communicate
This post will deal with the first of these two: connect. The truth is that, as leaders, we are in a servant position. We must remember that the group members are not there to serve us, we are there to serve them. Now, before you faint from the thought of all that could put on you, let me offer you a way through. . . connect with your members and they will be much more likely to serve alongside you.
How many times has a friend called on you for help and you ran to their aid? Now, how many times has that happened with a total stranger. The reality is that we help people we know more often than people we don't. The lesson for leaders is this: know your members.
Are you crazy, you say? Yes! Crazy about caring.
You may not be able to personally know each person in your group, but someone else can. Touches are simple--as simple as a welcome at the beginning of each gathering.
"Welcome to all our first time guests! We are so glad you are here. We hope youThen have a designated person or two who greets each visitor, and discovers two cool things about their family and introduces them to at least one other person. Your designated person reports to you what they found so you stay in the loop and you plan a second "touch." Maybe a very short personal invitation to your next group event. I've done this before. It works very well.
find a home with us."
Connecting with your members is really very simple and there are lots of creative ways to do it. But the effort of knowing your members will really pay off in the long run in making everyone feel at home, including you!
Blessings!
Kristen
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