Networking Organizations

THSC maintains a network among the leadership of regional home school organizations and local support groups.  The Coalition meets with leaders for training and sponsors a yearly leadership retreat.  A Support Group Leaders Manual is nearing completion.

Seminars and Book Fairs

In cooperation with regional and local groups, THSC sponsors home school workshops and support group seminars.  THSC also attends the book fairs around the state, speaking at workshops and operating an information booth to educate new and veteran home schoolers.

Speakers Bureau

Speakers from the THSC board and staff attend book fairs and conferences around the state to address many topics. These speakers also provide information about home education in Texas to officials, educators, the media, and the public.  The purpose is to promote a greater knowledge, understanding, and acceptance of home schooling in our society.  THSC also maintains a list of speakers from around the state who are available to speak at meetings and workshops.

Patrick Henry College Scholarship

The Texas Home School Coalition has established a scholarship fund for Texas home school graduates who attend Patrick Henry College (PHC).  The mission of PHC is to train Christian men and women who will lead the nation and shape the culture with timeless biblical values and fidelity to the spirit of the American founding.  The amount of the scholarship varies with the amount of money THSC has in the fund and the number of students awarded scholarships.

Activities Sponsored by THSC

THSC Annual Awards Banquet

THSC honors home educators, legislators, and others who have positively impacted home schooling in Texas.  Also recognized are recipients of the THSC Patrick Henry College scholarship, the THSC Leader of the Year, THSC Debate and Speech Tournament winners, and the top award winners of the THSC Good Citizenship program.

Home School Leader Appreciation Week

To show appreciation to and to honor leaders in the home school community who sacrificially give of their time and effort to serve and promote home schooling, THSC has instituted a Home School Leaders Appreciation Week in Texas.  THSC accepts nominations from support groups around the state for the THSC Leader of the Year award to be announced during this week and recognized at the annual Awards Banquet.

Leadership Retreat
THSC sponsors an annual retreat at various places around the state either the 1st or 2nd weekend in November to train and encourage home school support group and regional leaders.  This is a time of refreshing and networking as leaders enjoy the opportunity to share and to learn from each other’s experiences.
 

Good Citizenship Awards Program

THSC has instituted an ongoing Good Citizenship program to recognize home school students who participate.  Certificates are awarded to students who volunteer for forty hours in one or more of the following areas: Voter Registration, Political Party Process, Campaign Process, and Legislative Process.  Awards for the most voters registered and the most hours worked in the other three areas are presented at THSC’s annual Awards Banquet.

Sponsored by Texas Home School Coalition Association:

THSC State Convention and Family Conference

Annually, THSC Association sponsors the State Convention and Family Conference in the Houston area.  This event has an exhibit hall made up of home school vendors and workshops aimed to encourage and equip attendees.  Children’s and Young Adult programs, as well as vacation discounts and special evening programs, make this a convention for the whole family.

Lobbying
The Association staff monitors legislation and lobbies the Texas legislature on home education issues during the biennial legislative sessions. Because the Association believes that the participation of individuals in the political arena is vital to keeping home school freedoms, it keeps the home school community informed about issues of concern through its website, publications, and e-mail network.  As an advocacy organization, the Association issues calls for action when home school freedoms are endangered.
 

E-mail Network

The Association maintains an e-mail network of thousands of home educators across Texas.  This network is used to disseminate information on time-sensitive issues of concern as well as updates and announcements to Texas home educators.  Participation in the e-mail network is free and available upon request.