Do I have to pick a membership option? Yes. We don't require much, but we do need to have your membership type listed so we know who will be required to plan an activity as well as joining in our activities, versus those who just wish to participate in the annual review.
If I choose "review only", can I still use the Yahoo Group for support and information? Because membership in the main PHLiC-MD Yahoo Group is the primary benefit of full membership, review-only members will not have access to this resource. The PHLiC-Review Yahoo group is provided to keep review-only members up to date on issues pertaining to reviews, and to answer any questions related to that topic.
Are there guidelines for the activity I will plan or host? You are only limited by your imagination on this. We want you to feel free to set up an activity in which you are interested. This way, we feel the enthusiasm will remain high and you will meet other families with interests similar to your own. We only ask that you give adequate notice, and that you open the activity only to PHLiC members, unless you cannot meet an attendance requirement for your activity without inviting non-members.
How many activities can I organize/set up? As many as you wish!
We only require one per year, but you are free to add to our activity calendar as much as you want.
Why is there an activity requirement? The intent of PHLiC is to create a cohesive homeschooling community, in which its members are involved and know one another in person. By having an activity requirement, we are tapping into the expansive resources of our diverse members, and facilitating a unique learning environment for our children. Without an activity requirement, we are just another on-line homeschooling group, whose members may or may not ever cross paths. Our intent is to be more of a homeschooling co-op.
What if I don't know where to start in setting up my required activity? We have an Activities Schedule Coordinator who is happy to help with this. Check the contact us link and you can e-mail her directly! Also, if you are already a member, you can check the "Activity Database" in the database section for ideas.
Is there an attendance requirement for other activities? No. You can join in as little or as much as you would like.
What does "all-inclusive" mean? We used the term all-inclusive in our group description because we do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, nationality, political views, or teaching style. In fact, we welcome diversity in hopes that our group has a broad appeal. We all have homeschooling in common; that is our focus and is what brings us together. Our goal is to have a cohesive and safe group that offers fun, friendship and learning opportunities for our homeschooled kids, as well us parents.
Is there a membership fee? Not at this time. If the need for such ever arises, it will be discussed and decided upon at one of our organizational meetings. So far we have offered plenty of free activities, as well as those that are fee related (tickets to events or paying for your own child's supplies for use at an activity).
