Scott and/or DiAnna Brannan conduct workshops at no charge to support groups. To support our efforts non-tax deductible donations will be accepted. Note: CHN is a political non-profit 501 c 4 organization, non-profit organization may donate to CHN, within certain limitations.
Contact us at chnow@msn.com to schedule a workshop.
Topics:
NEW: The Washington’s Trojan Horse
Government funded programs for home educators are enticing. But what price do parents pay to participate in these programs? Is there a cost to the home education movement? Are we welcoming a Trojan Horse into our midst through participation in these programs?
Washington State is one of the hardest hit states- with an estimated 30%of home educators joining government school-at-home programs.
The government schools are attempting to redefine homeschooling as just another model of public schooling! We cannot allow this lie to spread; we must act and we must act now!
Come and get informed about the history of the programs, their agenda and what we can do in Washington state to stop the spread of these programs. Together we can preserve the home education movement for future generations!
Scott and DiAnna Brannan have followed these programs since 1998. They have worked with the State Auditors Office and the Joint Legislative Audit and Review committee with the investigation into the programs. They have also spent many hours educating lawmakers on the difference between independent home education and government school-at-home programs. They were able to stop legislation in 1999 and 2003 which would have allowed the spread of these programs, and at one point even defunding the programs. However, in 2004 they were not able to stop the passage of the Virtual School law but were able to get key legislation added to the law to protect home education.
Time: 60 minutes total (includes presentation of the Exposing a Trojan Horse DVD).
Special message from Scott and DiAnna Brannan - We have designed this workshop to be informational to all attendees, including parents who are involved in the program. It is our hope that by having the facts attendees will be able to make decisions that are more informed and to evaluate what is best for their family. Our desire is to create a spirit of unity among homeschoolers, and to strengthen the homeschool movement. In order to achieve this goal, homeschoolers must be informed of the facts and not allow a lack of information to hinder our being like-minded.
Speakers: Scott and DiAnna Brannan founders of the Christian Homeschool Network.
Handouts: The Washington’s Trojan Horse handout (includes quotes of source documents)
Open Letter to Support Group Leaders & the General Homeschool Community
Home Education and government school-at-home comparison chart
Homeschooling for Today and Tomorrow!
This workshop is an overview of the homeschool movement designed to inspire the new as well as the seasoned homeschool family. We suggest this workshop for all audiences and it is a great opportunity to introduce the Christian Homeschool Network to your group, provide necessary information on issues affecting the homeschool movement, and encourage all who attend.
Time: 60 minutes (include extra time for Q and A)
Overview: CHN will share our vision as an organization. We will discuss the homeschool movement, where we have been, where we are going, and what we need to do to preserve our homeschool freedoms for our children and our children’s children.
We will discuss some of the current issues that are affecting homeschool freedoms- what you need to know, and what you can do. We maintain a presence in Olympia through volunteer lobbying and advocacy efforts, and organize an annual Homeschool Day at the Capital event. We will give you an update on past legislative sessions, and what is in store for the future.
Our desire is to create a spirit of unity among homeschoolers. In order to achieve this, homeschoolers need to be informed on the issues and not allow lack of information to hinder our being like-minded. We need to stand together to protect our God-given freedom to independently homeschool.
Speakers: Scott and DiAnna Brannan founders of the Christian Homeschool Network.
Note: This workshop can be condensed to fit a 30 minute time slot if needed.
Handouts: None needed for this workshop.
The Homeschool Law Simply Explained
Want to inform/update your group on the legal nuances of homeschooling? CHN has designed this workshop to cover the basics of Washington’s homeschool law. Suggested for all audiences-new or currently homeschooling.
Time: 30 minutes
Overview: This workshop covers the basics of the homeschool law and answers many of the questions that come up to new or seasoned homeschoolers. We will attempt to cover the most common questions and give you the answers you need. The best way to protect our freedoms is to know our rights under the law!
NOTE: Due to recent changes in the Running Start law, many homeschoolers may have questions regarding these changes. We requested the legislature amend the law and successfully lobbied for its passage. Afterwards, we worked with OSPI and WHO for proper implementation of the amended law. If you would like us to add a brief discussion on the changes to the Running Start program, we would be glad to do so, please allow at least 15 minutes of extra time for an overview.
Speaker: DiAnna Brannan, co-founder of the Christian Homeschool Network.
Handouts: TBA
What’s all the Fuss?
Independent Homeschooling versus Public School-at-Home programs.
So what is the difference between independent homeschooling and public school-at-home programs? What is a virtual school? What is an Alt. Ed. program? Why should I care? This workshop will answer these questions and much more. Suggested for all audiences, including those currently enrolled in public school-at-home programs.
Time: 60 minutes (includes time for Q and A)
Topic: Are you currently in a public school-at-home program? Come and hear the facts on the difference between these educational options. We will give a brief overview of the pros and cons of these programs. We will also discuss the pit-falls, and confusion created by them.
We have designed this workshop to be informational to all attendees. It is our hope that by having the facts attendees will be able to make decisions that are more informed and to evaluate what is best for their family. Our desire is to create a spirit of unity among homeschoolers, and to strengthen the homeschool movement. In order to achieve this homeschoolers must be informed on the facts and not allow lack of information to hinder our being like-minded.
Speakers: Scott and/or DiAnna Brannan, founders of the Christian Homeschool Network.
Handouts: TBA
How to Be a Citizen Activist.
This workshop will cover the basics on how to get involved with the legislative process. Attendees will learn how to be involved and informed citizens
NOTE: This workshop is appropriate for youth ages 12 and up.
Time: 60 minutes (time allowed for Q and A)
Topic: Geared for the beginner, you will learn how the legislative process works, how to get information on legislation, how to contact the legislature, and what to do when you make contact.
This workshop is taught by volunteer lobbyist, DiAnna Brannan of CHN. DiAnna has successfully worked on stopping, influencing and passing legislation. She will review some of these bills and share the results. CHN maintains a presence in Olympia through volunteer lobbyist and advocacy efforts, and organizes an annual Homeschool Day at the Capital event. We will give you an update on past legislative sessions, and what is in store for the future.
Speaker: DiAnna Brannan, co-founder and volunteer lobbyist for CHN.
Handouts: CHN will provide workshop handouts.
How a Bill Becomes Law
So how does a bill become law? Who’s who in the legislature? What is a committee and what happens at a hearing? What can I do and when? This workshop will answer these questions and more. Geared for youth ages 12 and up as well as interested adults.
Time: 60 minutes
Topic: This workshop stresses the basics of the legislative process. Geared for the beginner and youth ages 12 and up. We will address the basics of the legislative process, how to read a bill, and review some examples of homeschool legislation. This workshop is interactive, and the presenter will engage the audience and field questions before moving on to the next topic.
This workshop is taught by volunteer lobbyist, DiAnna Brannan of CHN. DiAnna has successfully worked on stopping, influencing and passing legislation. She will review some of these bills and share the results.
Speaker: DiAnna Brannan co-founder and volunteer lobbyist for CHN.
Handouts: CHN will provide a handout for the youth.
We understand that each group has unique needs. We are willing to combine or modify our workshops to meet the special needs of your group. We will do our best to accommodate your request.
Thank you for the privilege and honor of serving the wonderful homeschool community. We pray that we will be faithful to do the Lord’s will and be a blessing to your group.
By His grace and for His glory!
Scott and DiAnna Brannan
Christian Homeschool Network
Biography Information:
Scott and DiAnna Brannan have been happily married twenty-four years. They have two teenage children, who were home educated from the beginning. The Brannan’s have served in several capacities within the homeschool community at the state, regional and local level. They also serve on the board and teach classes at a homeschool cooperative, which they helped establish. They are founders of the Christian Homeschool Network of Washington (www.chnow.org). CHN’s mission is to communicate legislative and local issues that effect homeschooling in the state of Washington. CHN acts as legislative liaison to Christian Heritage Home Educators of Washington and state liaison to Home School Legal Defense Association.
Workshop Logistics:
1. You may cut and paste the workshop/biography information for use in your newsletter, flyer or e-mails to advertise the workshop. We would appreciate reviewing the final product before distribution.
2. Please include the following on any advertisement of a CHN workshop:
Preserving Homeschool Freedoms for Today and Tomorrow!
Christian Homeschool Network
www.chnow.org
3. CHN does not charge a speaker fee for workshops; as a result we would appreciate the inviting organization to make copies of requested/ suggested handouts for attendees prior to the workshop. See workshop for suggested handout information.
4. Please provide presenter with emergency contact information, estimated number of attendees, directions and address of meeting location, and any other relative information needed prior to the workshop.
5. Presenter requirements:
-an overheard projector and screen.
-podium or table for speaker’s usage
-DVD player
6. Presenter will bring a table to display CHN handouts and other material.
7. If the workshop is taped, we request that the CHN presenter be provided a complimentary copy of the taping at the end of the workshop or mail a copy to:
CHN
10638 SE 236th St
Kent, WA 98031