2023 MÂCHÉ Legislative Day

Do you cherish the liberties we have in our country, including the freedom to homeschool?

Legislative Day is an opportunity to gather with others in the homeschool COMMUNITY, get EQUIPPED to engage in the legislative process, and make a real IMPACT!

Homeschoolers from across Minnesota will gather to learn about the legislative process (how a bill becomes a law) and proposed legislation that may impact the freedom to homeschool. In addition, experts will lead a discussion on civic engagement so families can learn how to meet with lawmakers confidently and be the “face of homeschooling.”

Homeschool liberty is a gift. Others tirelessly fought for this freedom; we must value homeschool liberty and continue the ongoing battle to protect it. If you homeschool, love someone who does, or care about supporting the parental right to do so, we would love to have you join us!

-------------Registration opens on February 1st, 2023 and closes on March 23rd, 2023 ---------------

An event Co-sponsored by Anchor Homeschool Group

Who: This is a family event. Geared toward adults and students ages 12 and older. You don't need to be a homeschooler to attend!

When: March 31, 2023

Where: First Baptist Church, Anoka and the Minnesota State Capitol

Schedule of Events:

8:00 Check-In/Visit Vendor Tables

• HSLDA
• NCFCA Christian Speech and Debate
• Speaking Proudly Oratory Competition
• Student Senate Across America
• And more!

9:00 Amy Buchmeyer, HSLDA – A detailed explanation of proposed homeschool-related legislation

10:00 Patience Griswold – The legislative process/how to engage with lawmakers

11:30 Q&A With Amy Buchmeyer, Patience Griswold, and former MN Rep. John Heinrich (R) District: 35A

12:00 Chick-fil-A Box Lunch (optional)

12:30 Minnesota State Capitol Self-directed Activities

• *Pre-arranged meetings with legislators
• Committee Hearings
• Scavenger Hunt
• Self-directed tours

1:30 Organized Homeschool Capitol Tour (optional, join at your convenience)

2:30 Organized Homeschool Capitol Tour (optional, join at your convenience)

*Helpful tips for arranging a meeting with your legislator:

• Find out who represents you here: https://www.gis.lcc.mn.gov/iMaps/districts/
• Call your legislator’s office and politely explain that you are a constituent and will be at the Capitol for Homeschool Legislative Day and that you would like to set up an appointment for a meet-and-greet. Generally, meetings are scheduled to last approximately 15 minutes. Provide the scheduler with the names of who plans to attend and the time that you would like to meet with the legislator. Also offer to email your request with details to the scheduler.
• The day prior to Legislative Day, place a call into the legislator’s office to reconfirm the meeting time to ensure that the legislator is still available.
• Do some research to find out what committees they serve on and what political party they represent. They will appreciate that you took the time to know about them.
• Arrive 10 minutes before the appointment time. When greeting your legislator, introduce yourself and let them know where you live and explain that you are a homeschool family attending Legislative Day. If there is an issue that concerns you, be ready to share about it and answer questions. If you do not have a concern to discuss, give them the opportunity to share. You could ask them about why they have chosen to represent your community, what they like about the position and what challenges they face.
• Thank them for meeting with you and offer a way for them to reach you.
• Follow up with a thank you email reminding them of who you are.
• Tell others about your experience to inspire them to meet with their legislators!

Learn about recently proposed legislation and how to effectively engage with your legislators.