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2007 MACHE Day at the Capitol
On a particularly warm and spring-like March day, my children and I set course for St. Paul to attend MACHE DAY at the Minnesota State Capitol. Unlike the Capitol Rallies held in past years, MACHE changed the event to focus on families meeting with the legislators from their districts, rather than a program in the Capitol Rotunda. Families were given suggestions for activities prior to the event to prepare for the day, and several families assisted by contacting legislators prior to the event to schedule visits. Two hundred fifty adults and children, representing approximately 70 home educating families, gathered together at MACHE DAY at the CAPITOL to meet their district legislators. As they entered the State Office Building, families were greeted by Representative Steve Sviggum and Senator Michael Jungbauer.
The vision cast by the MACHE board for this year’s MACHE DAY was "to put a face to MN home educators" so our legislators have in mind those whose lives their lawmaking affects. At our appointed meeting times with our Representative and Senator, we were able to visit with them about their work and thank them for representing so well the interests of MN home educators. We thanked each of them for their service and let them know that we pray for them...and asked them to continue to protect our educational freedoms in the state of Minnesota. Personally speaking, we happen to be blessed with a very pro educational choice representative who supports home based education, 100 percent. Our visit with our senator was also positive, but I was a little surprised when I found myself on the receiving end of the "socialization" question! It was a great opportunity to respond with a smiling face and calm answer – "Oh, I think that’s one of the biggest myths surrounding home based education. There is a big difference between ‘socializing’ and ‘socialization.’ If anything, many home educators need to be careful about being too busy with all the opportunities we have." After sharing a bit more about our interests and exposure to people and "real life," our senator turned to my children and said, "You’re very fortunate to have flexibility in your day, and to be able to do so many things." Though my husband and I are politically active in state and national politics as Christians, and citizens, participating in this MACHE sponsored day at the hub of our state government reminded me of the importance of remaining prayerful, diligent, and informed. We must not take our personal freedoms for granted and become complacent about all we enjoy as parents guiding our children’s spiritual formation and educational path. We must remain informed – and if you’re not informed, I urge you to make it a point to become informed. I’d like to recommend to you the following organizations that do a terrific job and stay on the cutting edge of issues concerning education and family legislation in MN. Visit these web sites, sign up for their e-newsletters...watch and pray.
May God continue to bless each of you as you seek to follow God’s will and His leading for your children’s spiritual, academic, and creative training...and may God direct the steps of those serving the great state of MN. God’s purposes shall be accomplished – no matter what.
Submitted by Laur Weisensel
March 14, 2007 Note: MACHE Day at the Capitol Event Coordinators, John and Wendy Tuma, wish to thank each and every one of the families who participated in this event! We could not have done it without you! We hope the day was a learning experience for all of you. Our thanks also to Laur Weisenel for her excellent review of the day’s activities. Back to Legal/Legislative Copyright 2007, MACHE |
