2015 Membership Agreement
2016
Update July 12,2015
Statement of Purpose and Objectives
Olive Branch Christian Home Educators (OBCHE) exists to inform, encourage, and aid
Christian homeschooling families in Olive Branch and the surrounding areas as they seek
God’s will in training and educating their children. The membership shares information
with each other concerning issues related to home education and provides opportunities
for family recreation and educational activities.
Statement of Understandings
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OBCHE is a Christian organization and has an unchanging standard, God’s Word, the
Holy Bible. All group activities, publications, and conduct are to be consistent with
the teachings and principles of the Bible. OBCHE is affiliated with the Mississippi
Home Educators Association.
OBCHE does not provide textbooks, curriculum, or teachers.
OBCHE does not give legal advice concerning any issues. All legal questions
concerning home education should be addressed to the Home School Legal Defense
Association (HSLDA).
OBCHE does not divulge member information to anyone with the exceptions of other
OBCHE members and the Mississippi Home Educators Association.
OBCHE is governed by a Leadership Board.
Continued participation in OBCHE events is contingent upon membership in
OBCHE. Members will always receive preferential treatment when space or numbers
are limited.
OBCHE does not take responsibility for the acts of any individuals within the group.
Adult members must be accountable for their own actions and the actions and safety
of their own children.
Membership Policies and Guidelines
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OBCHE membership is open to parents or grandparents actively home educating.
Members must accept the OBCHE Statement of Purpose and Objectives and
Membership Guidelines, indicated by the signing and submission of the Membership
Agreement.
OBCHE membership will begin in August of each year and must be renewed
annually. New members joining after Feb 1s t may not be allowed to participate in
the graduation of that year unless the board approves.
OBCHE members are expected to perform at least one act of service to OBCHE per
year. Any adult family member may perform this service.
Children should be accompanied by at least one parent to each OBCHE function
attended unless otherwise approved by the responsible coordinator. No less than two
adults must be present at any OBCHE event where children are being supervised.
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OBCHE parents and children are expected to honor God through modest appearance
and appropriate attitude and actions at all OBCHE events.
The OBCHE Leadership Board must approve all activities sponsored by OBCHE.
Proposals may be made to any Coordinator or Board member.
Privileges of Membership
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OBCHE membership card, which entitles families to teacher discounts at Memphisarea businesses.
The OBCHE website, FB page, prayer requests from and for group members, and
periodic announcements from group leaders.
An OBCHE membership directory to help families interact and support one another.
Full participation in specially planned field trips, activities, and special events.
Opportunities to develop friendships with and learn from other home educators in
various settings.
Optional participation in OBCHE graduation.
Optional participation in Stanford Achievement Testing.
Membership Dues
OBCHE requires an annual $22.00 membership fee per family. The dues are used to
defray the costs of the OBCHE website ($7.00 per family), publication, parties, meetings,
and special events. If you choose to submit the dues by check, please make checks
payable to Amy Holliman and in the memo write “OBCHE membership.” Mail the
check to Amy Holliman, 7572 Brooksberry Road, Olive Branch, MS, 38654.
Scholarships are available upon request and at the discretion of the leadership board.
Contact Vicki Nevill (obche@earthlink.net) if you have such a need.
Service
OBCHE thrives with parent volunteers. Without your help we would not exist or be able
to offer the many benefits of membership. Many hands make light work! Because of our
serious dedication to offering our children the best options and having an active group,
we need your help.
At the beginning of each membership year, members choose an area of service best
suited to their gifts and abilities. While OBCHE prefers its members to complete their
“act of service” each year, members unable to fulfill this requirement may choose to be
exempt by paying an EXTRA $18.00 fee to their membership dues. This fee is required
at the time of renewal.
If you do not fulfill your act of service by the last function in May you will pay a
penalty for the next year’s membership. The cost of renewal will be $40.00 instead
of the regular $22.00 membership fee. This penalty will only be in effect for one year
and then membership dues will return to the regular fee at the time of renewal.
We have read and understand the Olive Branch Christian Home
Educators’ Statement of Purpose and Objectives and Membership
Guidelines. We agree to support these principles and guidelines during the
full duration of our membership in this support group with our
cooperation and our service.