How to Be Involved in Local Politics as a Homeschooler, with special guest Dani Dent Breen

Summary:

Are you a homeschool parent who wants to make a difference in your local community? In this episode of Show Me Homeschool, host Erin is joined by guest Dani Dent Breen as they delve into the topic of how to be involved in local politics as a homeschooler.

Dani shares her experience and insights on the importance of understanding the role of legislation in homeschooling, building relationships with local representatives, and advocating for homeschooling rights. If you're looking for advice and inspiration on how to navigate the world of politics as a homeschool parent, this episode is a must-listen.

Links and Resources:

Sponsor: Podcast with Faith, www.podcastwithfaith.com

To learn more about booking one-on-one or group homeschool coaching sessions with us, upcoming events, see our speaking schedule, or to get access to more resources, be sure to check out our website, www.showmehomeschool.com and sign up for our weekly newsletter. You can also follow us on Instagram @show.me.homeschool, on Pinterest at @showmehomeschool, or email us at info@showmehomeschool.com.

Transcript:

Erin [00:00:56]:

Hello. Today, I have a very special guest on the Show Me Homeschool podcast. It's my dear friend, Dani Dent Breen. She is a local homeschool mom that we both met through our support organization, and now that organization, she's the president of. So we have known each other since our kids were little. We've worked together in different capacities volunteering within the local organization and at the state level, and we just have really enjoyed each other's time, so I thought we'd have her on to discuss some of the things that we've learned together about how to be politically active In the homeschool statewide level, and for homeschooling rights and parental rights and those kinds of things. And then just to talk a little bit about How to manage and budget your time as a homeschool leader in the community? Because I know that, not everybody is a a leader in the community.

Erin [00:02:00]:

Sometimes we're just getting started, and we are focusing on our families. But then after you're in the community for a while, you wanna give back, and so you start signing up to plan field trips or do a party or have an event, and then you get sucked in like we did to much more involved roles. So Welcome, Danny. Hello.

Dani [00:02:20]:

Hi. How are you today, Erin?

Erin [00:02:22]:

Doing well. I'm so happy you're here. So, Dani, why don't you tell us a little bit about yourself and your homeschooling journey.

Dani [00:02:32]:

Well, I'm mom to 2 kids. They are now teenagers and, my eldest is Just turned 16. My youngest is 14. We are in our 12th year of homeschooling. I wouldn't trade it the world. I traded it for my career and, you know, probably a bigger house or those kinds of things, but I wouldn't have I wouldn't trade it for the world. It's been a great experience for us. It's a Journey this taught me so much about myself and about my kids.

Dani [00:02:59]:

I am currently serving as president of our local homeschool support group. We kind of went through a major reorganization this last year and we have been really blessed to see exponential growth. We Have sort of expanded our focus to expanding what we were doing to bring in more active, More community for the teens, we were noticing as moms of teens that that, it gets a little harder. Our kids are not so much in Playdates at the park anymore, you know, and so they really do well when we have some organized activities. So we've been working on trying to bring in Dances, we have a senior class graduating this year for the 1st time and some really exciting things going on. So

Erin [00:03:42]:

Yeah. So We could talk a little bit about the local organization because I think, you know, we're very fortunate in the Kansas City area to have so many things offered for the homeschool community. Like you said, there's, not as much going on for the teens, but we really are hoping to change that. And we are seeing a lot of growth as People like us who were both in our 12th year homeschooling, and we've got a lot of friends who are still sticking it out. You know? I I credit you and our other friends For my own success and Joe and I in sticking it out, I know when things have gotten tough, it's people like you that we met at the park, you know, when our Kids were just starting, and they're in pre k and kindergarten or whatever. And, we're just kinda deer in the headlights, not sure what we're doing, but, hey, our Friend's got a buddy at the park and a mom that's pretty cool hanging out. Why don't you talk a little bit about your experience Getting a little bit more active, not just in the local level of homeschooling, but kind of how that journey has taken you now to being A little bit more politically active, not with the the group that you're leading, but personally as a homeschool mom and why it's important.

Dani [00:04:53]:

Sure. Well first of all, I just wanted to say I think we touched briefly on the importance of community and that is that is number 1, the most important thing. If you are Homeschooling and it's your 1st day or your homeschooling and it's your 12th year, that community is so important because, Oh, you need you just you need friends that you can that can help hold you accountable to the big picture. Help you keep perspective. Today went terrible. My kids hate Math. My kids hate me. We all wanted to jump out the window but that doesn't mean we're failing in homeschooling.

Dani [00:05:26]:

I need a friend to say, Dani put away the books and try it again tomorrow, you know. So community is is everything and I I, am so thankful We can have support groups and and make friendships. Our kids can make friendships. Really those local County and state governments, that is where the nitty gritty seems to come into play you know? And that is where, unfortunately we have seen instances where Just in the snap of a finger, the stroke of a pen, someone could declare your rights invalid. And so along that line of thinking, I began thinking about, how we are so fortunate to have the freedom we have to homeschool and Missouri is a fantastic 6 state to homeschool in, but I started watching some, additional regulation coming down in other states and It really hit me that we don't wanna take for granted the freedoms that we have. Really every legislative session you have, you have a new set of Laws trying to trying to make it to the floor. A new set of enthusiastic lawmakers who are trying to get their bill passed. Some of those are great And some of those are not so great and so I just became really convicted about the fact that it's not enough For me to sit back and wait and see what happens, but I need to be proactive, trying to what is what is being introduced in the house and in the senate.

Dani [00:06:55]:

What is looking like it might I'm down the road during the legislative session and start making connections with the lawmakers themselves. Erin, you went with me to the capitol you know and We found that when we're there, the lawmakers by and large, they say, we never see homeschoolers. We we never hear from you. We don't know. And so, you know, the, of course Ronald Reagan said, I'm from the government, I'm here to help is are the scariest words, you know. It's true. I think that a lot of times maybe they have good intentions, but they don't think about the way that Something that they're crafting might affect us, they think they're helping us and so we've been really strong saying, We just want you to leave us alone, let us do our let us do our homeschooling in peace and so I think that's that's how I got into it. And then I just have really Enjoyed the connections that I've made with the lawmakers on both sides of the aisle and feeling like I can I can have some input? These are just people, You know, who are serving their state, serving their fellow citizens.

Dani [00:07:58]:

And they by and large, they do want what they want to do what is best for us, but sometimes they need help knowing what we want.

Erin [00:08:05]:

Right. That's really important. I think, like you said, we've both gone down to the capital. We've made connections through writing letters. So what how would you help a homeschool parent who homeschooling feels hard enough, it feels like it's all consuming of your time, And you feel like adding 1 thing that seems major, like watching bills go down the line, talking to legislators, how would you help a parent not just See the importance of that, but then to make time to make the steps to make it happen, to be more active.

Dani [00:08:39]:

That's a that's a good question because it is. It's very difficult to follow the legislation that's happening on the floor. We've been doing it a while and it's still very difficult there. The language is convoluted and the steps for something from the time it's introduced until it actually goes to the governor's desk and is signed, There are, there are so many steps and it's confusing for all of us. I would say that it is, really helpful to get to know Who your local representatives are in the county government, in the state government, you know, Find out who those people are. You can go onto your state's website and search them if you don't know, you know? Find out who they are, find out where their office is And find out when they will be having a meeting with their local constituents. Most of them do and you can out from their legislative assistants who answer the phone when you can meet with them and maybe just start by letting them get to know you and and offering to them, You know, I'm a homeschool parent and I would love to give you input if you have anything come across your desk that, you think might affect us, I would love to give you input From a homeschooler's perspective and making yourself available to them as a resource, I think is huge. And then just keeping in touch with them from time to time is super valuable.

Erin [00:10:02]:

Yeah. I think because it's not always just about, I'm a homeschooler, and I have needs, and I don't want you to infringe on my rights, but it's Building a relationship, and I think you're talking about that where, just like everything else that we're doing with our children with homeschooling, Everything goes back through the filter of how is this building relationship with my child? And, you know, that's something that we're modeling in our homes. So if we're gonna take that a step further, Like you said, reaching out to your city council person, your mayor, local people that hold office, aldermen, whatever, however it's structured in your city, and going to those meetings and not just saying, I need you to listen to me, but you're listening to what they're saying and asking questions and getting to know them as well. And then that rapport will build. And so, you know, I think there's a hesitation for people to get involved with politics Because, you know, in my experience in the Christian culture with in the nineties at church, it was sometimes talked about, like, You know, Christians shouldn't be involved in politics. We shouldn't go there. But I've come to find that, actually, that's exactly where we should be because, As believers, we have have the truth on our our side. We we have the truth.

Erin [00:11:15]:

We know God. We know the word and how that is upheld, Just by God's standards being just. And so when we are filtering everything through that, then who better to speak Into the government, into the lives of the people in the community than people that are believers. Right?

Dani [00:11:33]:

Absolutely. Absolutely. I think we have a responsibility. Those of us who have God's perspective on the events of the day on politics, we have a responsibility to Speak up to those that that make the rules and speak up for those who can't as well. So I do feel like that's a strong conviction of mine.

Erin [00:11:56]:

Right. So okay. So we've got a homeschool mom, like, just like you or I. We're going about our day, homeschooling our kids. So like you said, to recap a little bit, just maybe Looking up online, who are your representatives? Maybe there's an upcoming election and you're going to vote. Being an informed voter, like, looking up And researching who are the candidates on the ballot, because like you said, that that local piece of government is so important, to keep an eye on because As we've seen over the last 3 years, depending on how your local government structured, you could have people making decisions for everyone that are not Elected officials, they are just hand selected by people, and then they suddenly got this power and how damaging and controlling that can be to, The community. So from the local level, getting to know who you're actually voting for, and then how do you take a step further To get a little bit more involved within the state.

Dani [00:12:57]:

Yeah. Well, I think we've seen all over, all over the news, all over, You know, some really encouraging, some really encouraging movement of parents getting more involved in what was happening in their school district if they still have their kids in the government Schools or parents speaking up, you know, for their kids rights. I think when you really become effective is when you can work through being angry And I think anger is sometimes a very valid response to some of the things we see happen. When you can work through being angry And start actually pursuing solutions, offering solutions, you know, I think that's when you become a valuable resource to those around you. So I would say, make some connections with politically connected friends As well, everyone who's listening probably knows someone who follows the events a little closer than they do. Make some make some connections with those people and Ask questions, you know ask your friends questions. Why do they why do they feel this way about this subject or what are you missing because what you hear sounds okay or sounds good, ask your lawmakers those questions for sure. Ask them, why do you support bill such and such or What is it in this bill that that earns your support? Even so much with your with your state homeschool organization, ask them, What is your stance on this? I I saw this bill, coming through.

Dani [00:14:24]:

What is your stance and why are you taking that stance? You know, especially if you if you disagree with the stance that they may be taking, ask them why, you know. Experts are fine, but we are We are all the experts and the CEOs of our own schools and our own homes and we have a right to ask those questions. So ask The question that you might think is stupid and stand up for what you think is actually the truth, what is actually right. And then With your lawmakers, with your state organization, whatever with HSLDA, ask them what they're what they're gonna do and then hold them accountable. Come back and say, I did not see you do what you said you were going to do or thank you for doing what you said you were going to do, you know? Boy, don't we all behave better when we know someone's watching?

Erin [00:15:16]:

Definitely. Yeah. I think that's important For us as parents, I hadn't really had any political leaning as far as my own personal involvement In making a difference or making a connection with people that were elected officials, you know, I always tried to be an informed voter and make sure that I was trying to, you know, pray about it before I went to the polls and say, god, please show me who is the person for this role and and then vote for that person. So when it came time for homeschooling, you know, and we've talked about political side of things, But I think for me and for my conversations with you, I know that you think the same, is that this is about Parental rights, you know, and making sure, like yes. There's bills to watch that come down the pike about homeschooling, and there's other ones that have to do with Parental rights, but for us, it's a vigilance on making sure that our rights as parents aren't eroded by the legislation happening in our states and at the federal level. And and I think for me as a homeschool mom too, you know, when the kids are little, you're so Exhausted and, you know, wrapped up in all the day to day things because the kids have such great needs. But then I think as we've progressed into homeschooling high school In middle school, when we start learning about the branches of the government and the roles that people in government have and what the responsibility of a government is to the people, And seeing through that lens a little bit has helped me to see my importance as an individual citizen too. So when you have Gone to the capital.

Erin [00:16:55]:

How you said that you've started to build relationships and that they've made comments about you, you know, being there and that a lot of people don't show up. So what would be a tip that you would give or a couple of tips that you would give to parents who maybe want to make that trip out there with their kids or by themselves? What are some things that you have found helpful?

Dani [00:17:13]:

You know, bear in mind that those may be 2 very different trips. If you wanna take your kids to the state capitol, You can do that and you can call ahead to your representative or your senator and see if maybe their Legislative assistant can give you a little tour around the capitol and you can see all the things and climb to the top of the dome and And, you know, look at all the art and talk about the history, that sort of thing and you might meet your legislators and that's Fantastic. I know in Missouri you can sit in the the loft and watch some of the legislative session. All of that's great and I would encourage bring your kids along, You know, before you go, talk a little bit about the legislative process or or if you don't know, tell them, you know, these are the things we're gonna look for. This is what we wanna try to learn when we're here today. But understand that if you're bringing your 8 year old, you're going to be somewhat limited on the impact That you can have in visiting with your legislator. You only have a few minutes of their time most likely And so you wanna be prepared when you go to speak to them. If if there is a pressing issue that right at the top of your list that you really need to speak to them about this Particular bill that's trying to make its way through, you may want to leave the kids at home or leave the kids with grandma or something Out in the rotunda and let them look at the artwork while you step away and go visit with the legislator.

Dani [00:18:37]:

Your kids are adorable, but they're gonna distract you. And, you know, like I say, you're gonna have a couple minutes come prepared with what in the sales world they call your elevator speech. You know, this is who I am, This is what I'm concerned about and this is what I want you to do for me and this is how you can let me know you've done it. You know, if you come with that kind of approach In a kind way, you're gonna be much more effective than if your 3 year old is trying to, I don't know, look at the trinkets on their desk or something and you're distracted. Then you then You right away are fighting against a stereotype of, Oh, this is a mom and just a mom. And does it Does that make sense? And I'd say to dress as if you have something to say that's of importance. Remember that these people are used to Seeing each other dressed up all the time. So dress as a equal so that they don't automatically discount you.

Dani [00:19:30]:

Think as homeschool moms, that is something we have to fight against is the perception of people who don't know our world. Mhmm.

Erin [00:19:37]:

Yeah. So that got me thinking about our visit, and we had gone to meet with, one of your reps. And he was not in office that day, but we sat for quite a while with his assistant in in the office and chatted. And, I mean, when you got feedback from the rep that we were, scheduled to see, and he said, you know, how impressed his assistant was with us and how the questions that we asked and things like that. I think that that's so true, addressing for the The part of, you know, your professionally coming to them as as a citizen who really respects the The situation, I don't know how to say that. I'm not trying to say, like, they're better or more than, but just when you take the time to, you know, do the business casual or whatever it is that, is appropriate for the space, you know, showing up in your jammies and being like, yeah, we are we're homeschoolers. That just doesn't give the same Level of authority or, like you said, they wouldn't look at you probably as, like, someone who knew what they were talking about. And and coming informed too, I I know that they that we had really investigated the issues that we were talking about with the homeschool bill, and that's super important too not to just show up and ask them questions.

Erin [00:20:49]:

Like, It's their job to inform you what's going on. Does that make sense? Like

Dani [00:20:55]:

Yes. Yes. Also, bear in mind that When you go to the Capitol, you never know if you will be able to meet with that legislator when you walk through their office doors. They are in and out. Things come to the floor for a vote. They have to go here, they have to go there. Your legislative assistants are They're they're the hub that makes it all run, so be prepared to speak to them. Mhmm.

Dani [00:21:18]:

And we always try to bring along information with our Our contact information, a business card or just something with your contact information, bring along a a little printed out sheet of points. This is what I wanted to say, So that they have a chance to look at that later if they're not in their office, especially the legislative assistant is going to convey what you said, but How much better is it if you can get it out in your own words of course. So I always tried to leave a little a little trail everywhere I went to say this is who I was, I was here, this is what I wanted. Even if I met with them face to face, try to hand it to them, you know, so that they Right. At least have it to add to their stack.

Erin [00:21:56]:

Yeah. That's excellent. So, you know, the whole reason I wanted to get into this episode with you is because I know that our sessions are getting ready to start back, You know, in full swing. And last year, there was a lot of movement on a bill, particularly in our state that would have directly impacted traditional homeschoolers. And I think it's important for our listeners to understand that each year, There is someone pushing for something to move with a homeschool. You know, we've seen it in many states where they're adopting, you know, the School choice bill, and a lot of times, that involves government funding or home schools, which comes with strings. And in states like Missouri where we don't have to register our students with the local school district. You know, to have something that puts strings on something we have freedom in is It's trampling some of the rights that we've already worked hard, and the leaders of the homeschool movement in the eighties worked really hard to to protect and to establish Homeschooling as legitimate and, something that shouldn't be infringed on.

Erin [00:23:00]:

So, you know, the whole point of having Dani here is to say that and to give you guys some tips because It is overwhelming. Before, you know, we started investigating this, I mean, we're hours and hours back and forth towards texting or Showing, hey. I researched this person. Here's this thing that's happening in the capital. And we don't know what we're doing, but the more that we've done it, we've learned. And so we just Yeah. Really Joe and I, he's not able to record with me today, but really want to start having that Conversation. If it's something that has never crossed your mind before as a homeschooler that you should be paying attention to what's happening at the state level legislatively, Maybe this year in this session is the time to start because it like you said, it takes 1 bad legislative session, One stroke of the pen and things change.

Dani [00:23:49]:

Mhmm. For sure. We have to be careful that we're not lulled into a false sense of security. My understanding is that nationwide post COVID homeschooling numbers have at least tripled across the United States. We don't have the luxury of being fringe and ignored anymore and a lot of those homeschoolers were pulled out of the government schools. So the funding is drying up for a lot of the schools when those kids come out, they no longer get paid for those children. Mhmm. Do they get paid by how many rumps are in seats.

Dani [00:24:21]:

Right? So Don't be tempted to think that we can just stay within the walls of our house and no one will notice and they'll just leave us alone, because in every state, There are people working hard to make homeschooling harder to gain more control because we know that what is being taught In a lot of homes, not all homes, but in most homeschool homes, we're being taught different values than what is being pushed in the government schools. In Christian schools, as well. And so, there's a lot of legislation coming down that will make it harder for Christian schools to teach independent of government standards as well. And so we can't be lulled into complacency. It's tempting, it's tempting to just think I'm just gonna Stay here and do my Saxon Math and everything will be fine, but it takes constant vigilance just to be on top of things, you know. Always question the motives behind Any legislation you see always question why a certain lawmaker is behind it and if you can't find it, ask them.

Erin [00:25:26]:

We've kinda touched on this a little bit, but with the whole school choice, you know, the terminology is important, and, you know, I think there's a lot of people we've Personally talk to when you say, you know, school choice, the the money follows the child. And at face value, that sounds really great, you know, that Homeschooling, the fees of homeschooling or joining a coop or whatever, it can be as you know, it could be cheap, but it could also some money if you wanna take a lot of lessons or your kid has a very expensive hobby that they want to divulge during school hours, as a a means of education. And so I I've heard a lot of parents say, well, you know, that'd be great. I would love for my my homeschool to be funded. And, actually, some states do have state programs where you register and you get a paycheck of whatever your stipend is, and that's How they fund the activities that they do, but something that we like to warn people about, and when I say we, Joe and I and Dani, I know we've had these conversations, is that, you know, you you start seeing where people are taking money and that lower cost co op that you're going to. Last year was that we didn't know exactly what strings were gonna be attached with the school choice bill that was trying to be run through. And so, you know, you start thinking that through. Well, maybe there's strings attached where now that money, obviously, you can't teach Christian material.

Erin [00:26:54]:

It's gotta be, like, neutral or not, you know, secular. And then your co op's taking kids that get that money. So now your coop is getting in trouble with with the government because they're taking money and they're teaching religious things, and they can't do that. So Something to to be guarding and protecting and and looking out for.

Dani [00:27:15]:

Yes, for sure. You know, I think it's important that you acknowledge This as a fundamental truth, public funding and homeschooling, it's inherently incompatible. Okay? Now Homeschoolers like our nature is to liberate ourselves from government entanglement in our kids lives, right? And, that desire that we have for autonomy really is like the heart of why we are homeschooling. It's certainly easier to put them on the yellow bus and send them away, you know. The reason we're doing this is because we believe strongly that it's the parents responsibility of the parents, decisions and how their children should be educated. But I think that like the school choice, as they often do, They use clever words to try to make it sound good, right? Homeschoolers have always been a proponent of school choice. If you consider that as I say like a common noun, right? We've always supported the rights of parents to choose the best Education for their kids and, Erin, you like to always point out, we already have school choice in every state in America Because we have the choice to public school, private school, homeschool. We already have that choice, but the issue comes along when we Talk about school choice as a proper noun like big s, big c.

Dani [00:28:36]:

Mhmm. And that's like, you know, school choice incorporated or whatever, you know, school choice Then when you use it like that, it really has the potential to undermine that autonomy that homeschool parents or even private schools you know that we Really cherish because as the government funnels this public money into the alternative Educational options whether it's home school, private school, whatever. By doing that, the government is granting itself more influence over Our curriculum, our standards, our requirements, you know, what ends up happening if you ever give government money to anyone, Then the conservative response is, I want accountability for where that money goes. That is conservative to ask where the money goes, You know, and making sure that it's being spent properly. It is imperative though to ask the government to take a peek behind my front door And to insist that the government should be able to peek behind my front door. So ultimately when the government starts Funding either homeschool or private school, what will come next is well, we just need you to make sure you include these DEI requirements, you know make sure you're addressing this diversity, equity and inclusion and then maybe a little further down the line, well we just wanna make sure that Our money is getting a good return. So we're just gonna ask your kids to take these standardized tests. And then, you know, in a private school, well, we just wanna make sure you're using state certified teachers, you know, whatever that case may be.

Dani [00:30:11]:

You are eliminating the choice ultimately because you're turning the private education whether it be private school, home school, you're turning that into government run school. And the minute that you take, this is this is okay, this is a controversial thing to say, the minute that you take money to fund your private school or your homeschool, you in essence become an agent of the state because you will be forced to implement Whatever rules are around that.

Erin [00:30:43]:

Mhmm.

Dani [00:30:43]:

And I think that is that is we have to stand against that. We have to stand against that.

Erin [00:30:48]:

Yeah. That's a really, really great point. And I hope to have more conversations about this, as the the year goes on and, you know, as we see our own legislative sessions start up in Missouri and other states across the nation, I we do wanna keep bringing this to the forefront because it is so important for us as parents to understand that God has given us our right to homeschool and to make the decisions that for the children that he's placed in our homes. And the second that we are not vigilant on that is when we start seeing things like People trying to legislate things that are common sense, but it's just a thing that we need to protect, with our homeschools. And So I'm gonna go ahead and we'll wrap up there. If you have any questions about any of the things we've talked about or, you know, wanna give us some feedback, We hope you've enjoyed this episode, and I thank Danny for coming on and chatting with me. You can find any info that you want about Show Me Homeschool at www.showmehomeschool.com, and I look forward to hearing from you.

Dani [00:31:54]:

Thanks so much, Erin.

Erin [00:31:55]:

Yeah. Thank you. This episode was sponsored by Podcast with Faith, our favorite Christian podcast production company. For more information, visit them at www.podcastwithfaith.com. To learn more about booking 1 on 1 or group homeschool coaching sessions with us, upcoming events, see our speaking schedule, or to get access to more resources, be sure to check out our website, www.showme homeschool.com and sign up for our weekly newsletter. You can also follow us on Instagram at show.me.homeschool, on Pinterest at showmehomeschool