Copyright 2003 MACHE Design By: bw.net	MACHE Speakers Bureau      "Support groups," are local members of the home education community who gather together to share suggestions, experiences, and talents to help one another in the journey. Sometimes the essence of a support group is a monthly morning coffee meeting of the moms. Other times it is moms and dads together, conducting the business of the group and discussing policies and strategies. At times it may be the families getting together for an evening hay ride in the winter. Some support groups sponsor periodic group teaching opportunities somewhat similar to co-ops.      Whatever form the group takes, or whatever it does, it is a good idea to get involved with a good one, to take advantage of the wisdom and knowledge present from the veteran members. To find one near you, check the list in your MACHE Member Handbook, or email MACHE at info@mache.org.      Each Minnesota support group listed in the MACHE handbook receives a monthly electronic communication called the "MACHE Communique", which serves as an update with relevant and timely information for Minnesota Support Group Leaders.      A Support Group Leaders' Retreat is held each fall to encourage local leaders and inform them of timely information and trends.      A Support Group Leader Symposium is offered specifically for leaders at the annual MACHE Conference. The 75 minute symposium features a guest speaker and refreshments. This is another way of honoring the individuals who sacrifice and commit so much of themselves for the benefit of other home educators.      As a service to support groups, MACHE provides two workshops that can be hosted by support groups and offered to those considering homeschooling or needing encouragement in their homeschool adventure. To schedule one or both of these workshops in your area, contact MACHE at info@mache.org. Considering Homeschooling Workshop provides information on getting started in homeschooling, its legal requirements, advantages of home education, defining a personal vision for homeschooling, and much more. Finishing the Journey: Homeschooling through High School will cover transcripts and record keeping, issuing diplomas, student participation in extra-curricular activities, college entrance tests and earning college credit while still in high school, as well as preparation for options other than college. Smoothing the Way (STW), a support group for new homeschoolers, exists to serve and assist the new or prospective home educator to be confident in her ability to teach her own children at home. You may participate in a STW group in either of the following ways: (1) You may join a STW group in your area. These support groups are led by veteran home schoolers who will encourage and equip you to meet the challenges of your first year of home schooling. They meet once a month for ten months, beginning in August; and the schedule of topics is designed to address your needs as you encounter them during the school year. (2) You may join STW and participate in 10 monthly webinar discussion groups, while studying your STW curriculum on your own at your convenience. These discussion groups work on the same schedule as the regular support groups. For more information, visit www.smoothingtheway.com. Beginning Homeschooling, a website sponsored by The National Alliance of Christian Home Education Leadership (known as the ALLIANCE), has various articles which have been selected to encourage and equip those looking into homeschooling and those who are currently homeschooling. Visit www.beginninghomeschooling.com for more information.      Download the MACHE Support Group Information form [MS Word Document] to update information about your group for MACHE. Please contact us if you are interested in forming a group and you have questions about the process and development of a home education support group. All of the MACHE Liaisons have been intricately involved in support group development and maintenance and have expertise and resources that you will likely find very helpful. Please contact us at: MACHE, PO Box 32308, Fridley, MN 55432; Metro area: 763-717-9070 Greater MN (toll-free): 866-717-9070 Email: info@mache.org