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pixilated_momma
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| Posted: March 29 2008 at 10:15am | IP Logged
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Does anyone have any good tips about starting a Catholic homeschooling group?
My idea is to start one that meets every week at a park and making it a casual thing where people can come (or not that week) but we can share our stories and struggles and joys with it. I've got three girlfriends who homeschool their little ones that want to join. (We meet regularly anyway.  ) But we'd like more people, so there's more kids for our kids to play with.
Right now, there's a Catholic homeschooling group in our community that is nice, but it's geared towards much older children (they only meet at the park once a month for two hours) and it's run very, very strictly, so there's not much communication or input from anyone.
So, I'm thinking about starting one. I just don't know how. 
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Veronica Maria
Paper Dali, my art blog
Sometimes Bailey, my creativity blog
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Martha
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| Posted: March 29 2008 at 2:20pm | IP Logged
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Go for it! I think starting out the way you suggest is the perfect thing. You could place your information in a homeschool directory or church bulletin to get some responses. Or you may feel more comfortable adding to the group by personal invite only. Basicly, you stumble on someone, hit it off, and invite them and see where it goes.
I think it's very important that you know what kind of group you want and let that guide you. Also, remember that the more people you have in your group, the more rules that will be neccessary to maintain it.
Personally, I'd rather have 10 committed members/friends, than a large group.
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Martha
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mellyrose
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| Posted: March 29 2008 at 2:24pm | IP Logged
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Just do it 
Since becoming a mom, I've started a few groups and while none have been wildly successful, they've all been useful and found me good friends!
I started 2 different mom's groups using yahoo groups. I was pretty clear in the description what the intent was and sent out an intro email when people joined restating the purpose, etc. Both have since dissolved, but they served their purpose :)
I also started a mom's group at our parish. We're closing out our 3rd year and I can count on only 2 other moms to come regularly. BUT, I still believe it's an important thing for our church to have, and even though I consider dissolving it every month -- I keep it going. I come up with a monthly topic, we meet in a room at church, and kids are always welcome. We've also done mom's nights out and kid outings as well. AND, I've made some dear friends through the group as well.
It sounds like you already have a group going -- you just need to open it up to more like-minded families! I have found yahoo to be a great way to connect with others, but be clear that your main purpose is in-person meetings and not just email!
GOOD LUCK!
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Melanie in AZ
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pixilated_momma
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| Posted: April 16 2008 at 10:50pm | IP Logged
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Martha wrote:
| Personally, I'd rather have 10 committed members/friends, than a large group. |
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Thanks for the advice! And sorry about taking so long to reply. We've had a crazy few weeks.
But, YES, I agree. One reason I want to start a new group is that it'll be smaller and more intimate than the local Catholic homeschooling group. It's just too huge and indifferent.
Well. I guess I'll give it a go. 
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Veronica Maria
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Sometimes Bailey, my creativity blog
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pixilated_momma
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| Posted: April 16 2008 at 10:52pm | IP Logged
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[QUOTE=mellyrose] Just do it [QUOTE]
Well, okey dokey then. LOL
But seriously, thanks for the encouragement and sharing your experience with me. Yeah, I think I'll start putting thoughts down on paper as to what the intent is and then just go for it. Prayerfully, of course. 
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Veronica Maria
Paper Dali, my art blog
Sometimes Bailey, my creativity blog
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4Real Forums : Living Learning
Topic: starting a support group?
