Request Membership in this Homeschool Group!

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This website is for the benefit of current members of the Rome, NY chapter of New York State Loving Education at Home (LEAH). By requesting membership in this group, it is understood that you have read & understand our Bylaws, including the Statement of Faith, and the Activities Guidelines. While it is not necessary that you agree with our Statement of Faith, membership implies an understanding that we are a non-denominational Christian organization and conduct business, meetings & activities as such. While we expect denominational differences to exist, membership may be restricted or revoked to any member seeking to change the basic, Christian foundation of the group.

To Join: Please click on "request membership in this homeschool group" and complete the required fields. Annual membership dues in the amount of $46.00 may be paid via electronic payment, check or money order. Dues include membership to both the Rome LEAH chapter and NYS LEAH.

Checks or money orders payable to "Rome LEAH" in the amount of $46.00 to the following address:

Rome LEAH

c/o Mroz

27 Dudley Ave

Yorkville, NY 13495

Once your membership dues have been received, you will receive an approval message & you will be able to utilize all areas of this website and to participate in all LEAH sponsored activities.

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1. ROME AREA LEAH

Bylaws

ARTICLE I NAME

The name of this organization shall be Rome Area Loving Education at Home, also known as the Rome LEAH chapter. It will be referred to as “LEAH” or “the Chapter” or “this Chapter” henceforth in these Bylaws. NYS LEAH shall refer to the statewide organization of which this Chapter is a member.

ARTICLE II DEFINITION

Section 1 Biblical Basis

1.1 LEAH is a Christian organization, the members of which are like-minded families dedicated to observing the Biblical commands of Deuteronomy 6:4 10, Proverbs 22:6, and Ephesians 6:4. We promote home education as the Scriptural design for education whereas institutional education is alternative to the home.

Section 2 Philosophical Statement

2.1 We believe that every family has the God-given legal and constitutional right to home-educate in New York State, regardless of their philosophy of education or religious affiliation. LEAH is not a church nor is it meant to replace the ministry of the local church at which the chapter members worship.

2.2 The Chapter exists primarily for its membership, member families who voluntarily assist and support each other in the endeavor of home education through a variety of activities.

Section 3 Legal Standing

3.1 This LEAH chapter is a member chapter of New York State Loving Education At Home (NYS LEAH), a New York State Not-For-Profit Corporation. As such, its establishment, leadership, operations, and final dissolution is subject to the oversight of the Board of Directors of NYS LEAH according to the bylaws of NYS LEAH.

ARTICLE III PURPOSE

Section 1 Purposes of the Organization

LEAH is organized primarily for the purpose of providing service and support to member families, including but not limited to the following ways:

1.1 Providing and encouraging support and training for parents through such activities as the support group meetings.

1.2 Providing and promoting opportunities for children and families to interact with others through planned educational and recreational activities.

1.3 Providing information regarding the regulatory climate of home education

1.4 Encouraging home education families to seek appropriate legal counsel

1.5 By instituting whatever programs or services as may be deemed necessary by the membership of this organization in support of home education.

ARTICLE IV STATEMENT OF FAITH

Section 1 Preface

1.1 Our Statement of Faith includes only those truths upon which all true Christians agree. It concerns the Authority of Scripture, Deity of Christ, the Person and Work of Jesus Christ (the Gospel) as revealed in Scripture. It is the faith once delivered to the saints (Jude 2, Ephesians 4:5) which distinguishes believers from non-believers. There are many other precious truths taught in the Bible over which godly men have differed in understanding. Therefore, this is not a statement of all that is important to believe, but of all that is essential to believe for Christian fellowship and unity. (Romans 15:7).

Section 2 We believe:

2.1 The Bible to be the inspired, infallible, divinely preserved Word of God, the supreme and final authority for all faith and life.

2.2 That there is one God, eternally existent in three persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

2.3 In the deity of our Lord Jesus Christ, His virgin birth, His sinless life, His miracles, His vicarious and atoning death through His shed blood on the cross, His bodily resurrection, His ascension, and His imminent bodily return in power and glory.

2.4 That man was created in the image of God, but fell into sin and is therefore lost, and only those who put their faith in Jesus Christ alone, not trusting in any personal works whatsoever, can be saved.

2.5 That salvation is the free gift of God brought to the sinner by grace and received by personal faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, Whose substitutionary death on the cross paid the penalty for man's sin.

2.6 That the ministry of the Holy Spirit is to convict mankind; indwell, guide, instruct, and empower the believer for godly living and service.

2.7 In the spiritual unity of believers through our common faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, and that individual doctrinal differences which may exist, outside of the aforementioned (Article IV, §2.1-2.7), should not hinder the unity of Christian home educators.

Section 3. Statements on Gender, Morailty and Family

3.1 That God created mankind in His image: male (man) and female (woman), secually different but with equal personal dignity. Consequently, members must affirm their (and all others) biological sex and refrain from any and all attempts to physically change, alter or diagree with their predominant biological sex (Genesis 1:26-28, Romans 1:26-32, 1 Corinthians 6:9-11)

3.2 That God created and ordered human sexuality to the permanent, exclusive, comprehensive, and conjugal "one flesh" union of man and woman, intrisically ordered to procreation and biological family, and in futherance of the moral, spiritual, and public good of binding father, mother, and child. Consequently, members must affirm the sexual complmentarity of man and woman and resist any and all same-sex attractions and refrain from any and all same-sex sexual acts or conduct (Genesis 1:27, Genesis 2:24, Matthew 19:4-6, March 10:5-9, Romans 1:26-27, 1 Corinthians 6:9-11, Ephesians 5:25-27, Revelation 19:7-9, Revelation 21:2)

3.3 That the term "marriage" has only one meaning: the uniting of one man and one woman in a single, exclusive union, as delineated by Scripture. (Genesis 2:18-25) God intends sexual intimacy to occur only between a man and a woman who are married to each other. (1 Corinthians 6:18, 7: 2-5; Hebrews 13:4) God has commanded that no intimate activity be engaged in outside of a marriage between a man and a woman.

3.4 That any form of sexual immorality (including but not limited to: adultery, fornication, homosexual behavior, bisexual conduct, bestiality, incest, and use of pornography) is sinful and offensive to God. (Matthew 15:18-20, 1 Corinthians 6:9-10)

3.5 That the term "family" means either a married couple as defined in 3.2 and 3.3 who are usually blessed with one or more biological and/or adopted children or grandchildren; or a single adult with one or more biological and/or adopted children or grandchildren.

ARTICLE V MEMBERSHIP

1Section 1 Specifications

1.1 Membership in LEAH is open to all home- educating families who are in agreement with our Statement of Purpose and who agree to abide by the Code of Conduct and the Bylaws of this organization.

1.2 It shall be required of all member families to affirm, via a signed statement, that they:

1.3 Understand that the purpose and activities of LEAH are governed and guided by the LEAH Statement of Faith, and that the member family agrees to respect and honor those core values.

1.4 Provide information regarding legal issues regarding home schooling in NYS and encourage members to join Home School Legal Defense Association.

1.5 Encourage people to know their rights regarding home schooling in NYS.

1.6 Encourage people to respect and follow the NYS laws regarding home schooling.

1.7 Promote the benefits of home education over alternative forms of education outside the home.

1.8 Provide opportunities to enrich their home school experience through field trips, classes and parties.

1.9 Encourage good community spirit through volunteer activities.

2Section 2 Requirements & Expectations

2.1 LEAH is a mutual support group. As such, all member families are expected to support each other and LEAH in the fulfillment of LEAH’s purposes.

2.2 All member families are required to promptly pay their annual dues as specified by Article VIII, §3-4.

2.3 It is encouraged and expected that members with us for one year or more will be active members of the group.

2.4 Member families with us for less than one year are encouraged to use Rome LEAH as a tool to help support you in your home school mission.

2.5 Rome LEAH requires good behavior on behalf of the children at all events. This is important for the other parents and children to enjoy the event as well as setting a good example of home education to the public.

2.6 Parents are expected to be with their children at all Rome LEAH events unless they have made other arrangements with another parent.

2.7 It is understood that our monthly meetings and annual picnics are open to non-members only if they are interested in home educating their child(ren). All other events, classes, parties, trips and newsletter are benefits received through membership.

Section 3 Applying for Membership

3.1 Applications for family membership must be approved by the LEAH Leadership (defined by Article VI).

3.2 The application process shall consist of the following:

3.2.1 Completion and submission of any application materials that the Chapter Leadership may require. This will include personal affirmations by the member family of their agreement with the documents referenced in §1 of this Article.

3.2.1 A family interview may be required at the option of the Chapter Leadership

Section 4 Discipline and Revocation of Membership

4.1 If and when any member family is accused of being in confessional or ethical non-compliance with the Statement of Faith, Statement of Purpose, Code of Conduct, or By-laws of this organization, including conduct and/or activities within the chapter which are contrary to Biblical principles or the Code of Conduct, an investigation shall be conducted by the Leadership of LEAH.

4.2 If the Leadership concludes that the allegations have merit or need further investigation, the Leadership may, at its discretion, immediately suspend said member from any or all privileges of membership until a final disposition of the matter is made, There shall be an opportunity given to the party or parties involved to petition for a hearing before the Leadership to consider the matter. Such a hearing must take place within thirty (30) days of the request, with one week prior written notice of the hearing date given to the party or parties involved.

4.3 After the time set for the hearing, the Leadership shall have fifteen (15) days to consider the options of taking no action, of requiring specific corrective actions by the party or parties involved as a condition of continued membership in LEAH, or of dropping the family from membership. All decisions by the Leadership, both interim and final, shall be promptly communicated to the parties involved.

ARTICLE VI CHAPTER LEADERSHIP & GOVERNMENT

Section 1 Chapter Leadership

1.1 The Affairs of this Chapter shall be under the direction and guidance of the Chapter Leadership. The Leadership of the Chapter shall consist of the Chapter Leader.

Section 2 Compensation

2.1 Members of the Chapter Leadership shall not receive any stated salaries for serving in Leadership. Nothing herein stated shall preclude any member from being reimbursed for expenses incurred while fulfilling board duties, i.e. travel related expenses, phone calls, etc.

ARTICLE VII SELECTION OF CHAPTER LEADERSHIP

Section 1 Chapter Leader

1.1 As per the NYS LEAH bylaws, the Chapter Leader shall be consist of a married couple, as per Article IV, §2.7. Under exceptional circumstances, the Chapter may petition the NYS LEAH Board to waive the requirement of a married couple to allow an otherwise qualified person or two persons teaming together to serve as Chapter Leader.

1.2 The Chapter Leader will be chosen by recommendation of the current Chapter Leader

1.3 In all cases, the Chapter Leader chosen shall meet the requirements set forth in the bylaws of NYS LEAH, and receive approval from the NYS LEAH Board through the LEAH Regional Representative for that chapter.

ARTICLE VIII BUDGET AND DUES

Section 1 Fiscal Year

1.1 The fiscal year shall be from July 1 to June 30. An annual financial report listing income, expenses, and cash balance on hand shall be provided to the NYS LEAH Regional Representative for this Chapter.

Section 2 Adoption of Budget

2.1 A proposed budget for each year shall be developed by the Chapter Leadership

Section 3 Determination of Annual Dues

3.1 Chapter dues for each member family will be set at a level necessary to support the budget, taking into account other estimated sources of income.

Section 4 Collection of Dues

4.1 Each member family shall submit dues in the amount of the Chapter dues plus that member family’s share of the annual dues levied on the Chapter by NYS LEAH.

4.2 In cases of financial hardship, the Chapter may, at its discretion, establish a means to provide for the dues of those families unable to pay their dues.

ARTICLE IX AMENDMENTS

These bylaws may be amended by specify mechanism: Chapter Leader couple. Changes are subject to the approval of NYS LEAH. All member families shall be promptly provided a copy of the new bylaws.

ARTICLE X DISSOLUTION

Upon the recommendation of the Chapter Leadership and any other provisions of the bylaws contained herein, a petition to dissolve shall be submitted to the NYS LEAH Regional Representative. Upon approval of NYS LEAH, this chapter may be dissolved and its activities closed. After payment of all bills and proper claims, remaining assets shall be disposed of in cash or in kind by transfer to a similar home education organization, approved by NYS LEAH, or by transfer to NYS LEAH.

I agree to abide by the Bylaws governing Rome Area LEAH. 2.

Rome LEAH Guidelines For Activities, Parties and Field Trips

Rome LEAH strives to open up new opportunities for member families and to enhance their home educating efforts through planned group activities including parties, field trips and classes. We also want to present home school families in a positive light, leaving behind a good reputation wherever we go. To this end, the following guidelines have been written and will be used by Rome LEAH members wishing to participate in all LEAH sponsored activities.

#1: A parent must be in attendance at all events. Should circumstances arise that prevent a parent from being present at an activity, that parent is to make prior arrangements with another LEAH parent to be in charge of their child during the event.

#2: It is expected that all members, teachers and children dress modestly and appropriately for all LEAH activities and functions.

#3: Please plan to arrive 10 minutes early for an event where we all need to go into an activity together. By doing so, we will show the people hosting the field trip or activity that we appreciate their effort and are grateful for their time.

#4: If a family cannot attend an event for which it is pre-registered, it is important they call the coordinator of the event to let them know they will not be going. That way people will not be waiting at the event, possibly holding up the event for one family.

#5: Since pre-registration is required at most events, please do not just "show up" at an event that requires pre-registration.

#6: It is important to honor RSVP deadlines. People planning events have a lot to do even when everyone RSVPs on time. Please don't put the event coordinator on the spot by asking if it is okay if you RSVP the day before the event, when the RSVP deadline is long past. In conjunction with this, if payment is required for an event, please be prepared to make payment by the specified date.

#7: Some field trips are designed for a certain age group and sometimes children may be divided by age at an event. Please respect these age guidelines and the people who put them into place. This will ensure the enjoyment and safety of the children in each particular activity.

#8: Sometimes it may be necessary to escort a child to the bathroom, to get a drink or to take care of a disciplinary issue. In such cases, please ask another adult to care for any other children under your watch during that time.

#9: While participating in an activity/event children should be attentive, respectful and courteous. Rudeness or bad attitudes are not acceptable.

#10: Parents, keep your children and their behavior in check. It is imperative that you know where your children are at all times and that you know what they are doing. In doing this, you will avoid any embarrassing or awkward moments between parents. Please be aware of any possible problems and nip them in the bud. We all know that one child's poor behavior can take away the enjoyment of others attending the event. If a child does become unmanageable and is spoken to regarding his/her behavior or poor attitude more than twice, they will be asked to leave the activity.

#11: Dating couples are to avoid all public displays of affection. They should be mindful that they are in the presence of younger children who often look up to them.

"Let your light shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father who is in Heaven." Matthew 5:16

I have read, and agree to abide by, the Guidelines for Activities. Furthermore, I have reviewed them with my school-aged children.