• C.H.E.B.W.A. was founded on, and the Leadership Team adheres to, a Statement of Christian Faith. Acceptance of that statement is not a requirement for receiving advice or support from the group leaders, membership in the group, support group meeting attendance, or serving in volunteer positions. C.H.E.B.W.A.'s leaders recognize that
there is a growing diversity in the homeschool community, and that no one should be refused Christian kindness or service based on differences in belief. We leave convictions about religious beliefs, doctrines, denominations, and practices up to the individual, and we ask that those who receive our services and participate in the group maintain an attitude of respect and humility where those matters may surface. The leaders will handle issues of
dispute in this area, and will seek at all times to promote the fruit of Christian faith: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.
• C.H.E.B.W.A. Leadership is defined as a Leader, Co-Leader, and an Advisor. Leadership is transferred from existing leaders by invitation. Leaders must agree to the Statement of Faith. The Advisor to the group is required to have served as a past leader to the group and must be consulted before making any policy changes. They do not have to be present at every leadership meeting or support group meeting, though familiarity with the group is
encouraged.
• Member dues ($25 yearly) will cover the cost of the website, printing, postage, paper, supplies, and speakers, and will reduce the cost of select group events. All memberships expire after the September meeting. Dues must be paid by the September meeting to continue receiving member benefits and to be included in the directory. The treasurer will receive checks or cash by mail or in person at C.H.E.B.W.A. events. Dues are $12.50 for those who
are new to the area (or to homeschooling) and join the group after March.
• Families who are experiencing financial hardship may request from the leadership team that dues or event fees be waived. Their situation will be considered, and the decision will be reported to the group's treasurer. If the hardship is relieved, the family is expected to report the change to the leaders and assume future payments.
• Monthly meeting attendance, while not mandatory, will greatly increase the positive experience of being a member of the group and strengthen the relationships between group members and their families. Participation in meetings and events is encouraged.
• Members will be given priority for any group sponsored activities, and may receive a discounted price for some events. Only members may organize events for the group, and only member's teens will be allowed to serve as volunteers for group events.
• Courtesy to activity organizers is expected by recognizing deadlines, age and grade limits, and financial arrangements.
• All members are homeschooling according to Michigan law.
• This group, being a private organization, reserves the right to refuse or terminate membership at any time, without explanation.
• If children attend parent meetings, the parent is responsible to supervise their behavior and prevent disruptions to the order of the meeting.
• HSLDA group discount is only available to active members. HSLDA will be notified of our membership roles and those signing up under our name will be monitored.
• C.H.E.B.W.A. does not carry insurance for you or your children. You are responsible for any accidents or injuries that occur while you are participating in C.H.E.B.W.A. meetings or events. You may be asked to sign a waiver at events that carry particular risk such as Field Day.
• PHOTO RELEASE: Any photos that you post on the Christian Home Educators of the Blue Water Area or CHEBWA Facebook pages become property of C.H.E.B.W.A. and may be used on the website, fliers, post cards, brochures, or any other promotional material produced by the group. Names will rarely be used, and never without permission. You may "tag" photos on Facebook if you wish. If you do not want your pictures used in this
way, please do not publicly post them on our site. Most public events sponsored by the group will be photographed. We would prefer that you turn your geo-tagging off if you are posting pictures of our events from a smart phone.
• The Member Directory will be distributed at the October group meeting. The directory is confidential, and its information cannot be used for any purposes other than connecting with other group members for support, friendship, and C.H.E.B.W.A. related business.
• The success of the group depends upon the participation of its members.
• Admittance into the CHEBWA secret group on Facebook and the email chain are optional and for members only.
Please retain this membership covenant as a reminder of your commitment to the group. We look
forward to sharing the homeschooling journey with you and your family!
- The C.H.E.B.W.A. Leadership Team