The National Home Education Network was born as a result of the discussions of support group leaders and independent homeschoolers via the American Homeschool Association’s e-mail list in the mid-nineties. This group of homeschoolers began to realize that despite their diversity and differences in opinion, they all shared a common focus: homeschooling.

One of the many topics they discussed was the difficulty some homeschoolers were encountering as they sought basic information about homeschooling. While some homeschoolers were able to access information readily, others were actually encountering roadblocks to certain information. Since it’s impossible to make good choices without information, this group decided that a national organization for networking, a central clearinghouse for information, could make such resources more readily available.
Later discussion centered around the fact that individuals were making their voices known as legislation threatened homeschooling freedom. Phone calls, e-mails, letters to the editor, and other publicity was initiated. But how much more effective would it be to have these diverse voices united to support the basic homeschooling freedoms?

In 1998 and 1999, continued discussion, including real-life meetings around the country, enabled the dream of a national network to be a reality. "Movers and shakers" initiated a group that would recognize and respect the diversity and yet the uniqueness of individual homeschoolers, while facilitating networking among the small groups across the country. All members are invited to work on committees, which share the responsibility of organizing and structuring the group. Rather than a top down hierarchy, the committees report to the trustees of the board, whose role is simply to be sure the committees’ actions match the organization's mission statement.

NHEN celebrates diversity and doesn’t expect everyone to agree on everything. Rather, the organization supports each family’s right to choose what is best for them and empowers families to do so by providing an abundance of information and resources. Besides helping homeschoolers everywhere to network and support one another, NHEN provides a central point where homeschoolers can find a local support group, articles, resources, information about legalities and regulations, and supportive websites. While the bulk of the material is available online, the organization also provides a paper-copy newsletter "Voices" available by subscription for those who don’t have internet access.

The NHEN Public Relations Committee seeks out ways to promote homeschooling in positive ways, in print, on the web, and through radio and television. One of their most important goals is to help the public see homeschooling in a positive light and to recognize the diversity among homeschoolers.

NHEN is a non-profit service organization created simply to help homeschoolers and improve the public image of homeschooling. Membership is free. Support by financial contribution is strictly voluntary; participation is strongly encouraged. If you would like to see NHEN continue to promote networking amongst homeschoolers and make a positive impact for the homeschooling movement, become a member! Sign up at NHEN’s website (www.nhen.org) or send your name, address, telephone number and e-mail address to NHEN, P.O. Box 41067, Long Beach, CA 90853. All new members receive a complimentary copy of VOICES. It’s not too late to become a Contributing Charter member of NHEN! Those who send a donation of $50.00 or more before December 31, 2000, will receive a one-year subscription to VOICES and find their name listed (with gratitude) in the upcoming VOICES issue. A big thanks, ahead of time, to those who feel moved to support NHEN in this way.
NHEN makes brochures and other materials available for homeschoolers to pass out at conferences, curriculum fairs, and support group meetings. Visit the website to print downloadable brochures or contact NHEN by mail for information.

The latest news flashes from NHEN:
With only word of mouth to promote its existence, over 2000 homeschoolers have joined this grassroots organization during its first year. Members of NHEN are appearing in mainstream publications each moth, helping to provide balanced information about homeschoolers in America, including yours truly, featured in the October issue of Family PC, a computer magazine.
NHEN received the Forbes.com "Best of the Web" award for the website. It’s unique format allows homeschoolers to easily access the information that applies to them, such as New Homeschoolers, Teens, Media people, those seeking support groups, and information especially for support group leaders.

NHEN’s first annual board meeting was held on November 27, 2000 at 2:00 p.m. Pacific Time, 4:00 p.m. Central Time, 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time, via AOL Instant Messenger. All members were encouraged to participate or send their thoughts and ideas to Board@nhen.org via e-mail for discussion. NHENotes, a free monthly e-mail newsletter, is sent to all NHEN members, keeping them current on what’s new with NHEN and how they can participate.

A special thanks to Sue Patterson at NHEN for her help with this article. For in-depth coverage of the beginnings of NHEN point your web browser to her article at: www.home-ed-magazine.com/HEM/166.99/ne_art_nhen.html

Marsha Ransom is a state liaison for NHEN (National Home Education Network) she is responsible for helping home educators find support groups in their area. She has spoken at numerous conferences on such topics as Getting Started Homeschooling, Relaxed Unit Studies, and Apprenticeships and Mentorships for Teens. Marsha has been published in several homeschool, parenting, and family publications, as well as homeschool newsletters. She is currently under contract with Macmillan Publishing for "The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Homeschooling", to be published in March 2001.