Review of Legislation: Should We Become Involved?
I'm writing to ask what you think about homeschoolers getting involved with the review of the education and training legislation. I've been asked by someone if I, or my homeschooling group, would like to provide a submission to the review. I gathered from discussions on homeschool lists that not only is it a waste of time to get involved with govt reviews but that it could also work to our disadvantage.
I've always had my say whenever the govt invites me to have a say, and sometimes when they haven't. If I feel passionately about a topic I like to have input. That's the democratic way. Apathy is a dreadful thing. Too many homeschoolers bury their head in the everyday bustle of homeschooling life... and I've a lot of sympathy for them - it's the ones that don't do anything or bother to voice their views, then whinge about the outcome afterwards that I have no sympathy for.
I've always had my say whenever the govt invites me to have a say, and sometimes when they haven't. If I feel passionately about a topic I like to have input. That's the democratic way. Apathy is a dreadful thing. Too many homeschoolers bury their head in the everyday bustle of homeschooling life... and I've a lot of sympathy for them - it's the ones that don't do anything or bother to voice their views, then whinge about the outcome afterwards that I have no sympathy for.
Having said that, however, I've seen too many really great homeschoolers become so passionate about getting involved in reviews and legislative change that they end up literally losing their families - divorces, separations, not 'being there' for family members because they are campaigning on behalf of strangers! We're lucky that there are a few die-hards in homeschooling land willing to sacrifice just about anything to bring the discrimation homeschooler face every day to light. I personally don't have what it takes to do battle at that level, nor do I want to cop the cost, which seems to be the norm rather than the exception.
I am passionate about home education. I would like to see it established in legislation as the third option - private school, public school, and home education provision. To this end I've participated in letter writing campaigns, submitted personal proposals (to emphasise the point the homeschooling community is made up of many individuals as well as representative groups), attended information evenings, become involved in legislative review panels, spoken at a conference for Aus & NZ lawyers. I've participated to the degree that satisfies my need to be involved in the democratic process at this stage. I firmly believe it is my duty as a citizen of Australia to do this, and my duty as a parent to model this behaviour to my children.
I am aware that for the most part consultation is, in any arena, a cosmetic process, and that minority stakeholders are often ignored or given scant or serious attention. Minority stakeholders often present the more radical views and governments and businesses are usually seeking to satisfy the majority - that's a feature of the kind of democracy we hold dear in Australia. It ostracises and alienates minorities, although it does let them have a token say. As a person with a minority position I must do my level best to push my case, which to me means educating as many people as possible that, in the case of home education, it is a successful and viable alternative to school education. But I can't insist that Australia adopts my view, or even listens! All I can do is state my case, whenever I can. If someome says, "hey, we're ready to listen" I jump on the opportunity to have an audience. I don't care if that audience isn't sympathetic or is perhaps 'using me' - I firmly believe that the more people I tell my happy story to the better! Ultimately education will, with the resultant growth of the homeschooling movement at the grass roots level, pay dividends.
Good luck with your involvement. Remember to stay objective and detatched, to not let your passion for changing the world take over every day family life, find a sympathetic buddy that will support you in your endeavors, steer clear of fellow homeschoolers who will want to harrass you for your stand and poisonous rhetoric. Work out in your heart and mind what it is you wish to say - what will most benefit your family right now - and state your case with confidence as a citizen of a democracy.
Beverley Paine
www.alwayslearningbooks.com.au
Beverley Paine
www.alwayslearningbooks.com.au
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