I received this information from TEACH, a homeschool organization in CT, for more information about this organization, please visit www.teachct.org

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Greetings Homeschool friends --

Connecticut Homeschool Pride and Lobby Day, Wed., February 6th

1) A homeschool-friendly legislator, Representative O'Neill,  has reserved the corridor that runs between the Legislative Office Building and the State Capitol building for Wed., February 6th, 2008 for any homeschoolers who want to display examples of homeschooling projects, posters or other exhibits on what is being called "Connecticut Homeschool Pride and Lobby Day" 
 
February 6th is the first day of the new legislative session.  All legislators in both the House and Senate will be at their offices in the Legislative Office Building and will be using the corridor to get to the State Capitol building that day for opening ceremonies and for the first day of work this session. 

Parents and children who wish to do so may stay with their displays to greet legislators and answer any questions about their displays.  The building will be open at 8:00 a.m. and parents are requested to have the displays in place by 8:30 a.m.  The legislative session begins by 10:00 a.m. such that most legislators will be walking by this area first thing in the morning.   

You do not have to remain with your displays if you do not wish to do so.  There is a cafeteria in the Legislative Office Building for purchase of breakfast, lunch, or snacks.  

Everyone is encouraged to dress in their Sunday best and, as homeschooled children usually are, to be on their best behavior.  It is important to make the best impression possible to the legislators.  This is a unique opportunity to proudly display how successful homeschooling is and generally to get to know your legislators. Let's make the most of Representative O'Neill's gracious support and hospitality and encourage as many friends as possible to bring projects, posters, tables --- whatever will demonstrate to legislators that homeschooling is serving our children well!

2)  Families are encouraged throughout the day to visit their legislators in their offices, to introduce themselves to the legislators, and to ask their legislators if they are familiar with homeschooling or know any homeschoolers who are their constituents. Consider calling you legislator ahead of time and making an appointment for February 6th. If the legislators are not available at the time you visit, leave them a note that you stopped by and ask them to give you a phone call to schedule a future visit, in Hartford, in the local district, or in your home.  They usually are quite willing to sit down and chat with their constituents over coffee or tea, at which time you can discuss any aspect of homeschooling or other issues as you choose.

3)  On February 6, 2008, Rep. O'Neill's office will be arranging tours of the Capitol for any families who may wish to take the tour.  The tours will take place beginning at 1:00 p.m.  You can contact Rep. O'Neill's office ahead of time to schedule the tour.  Call 1-800-842-1423 and ask for his office.  His aide is Jake Bookwalter.

4)  As many families as possible are asked to visit their legislators and seek their support of the bill that Rep. O'Neill will propose this session which will compel public school officials to accept letters of withdrawal from parents and to immediately consider their children withdrawn from the public school system. The bill would codify the right all parents have had since the beginning of the school system: that they can withdraw their children at any time for any reason without any conditions being placed on them by the school system.  

More information about Rep. O'Neill's bill can be obtained at the following website:
  http://www.housegop.ct.gov/members/surveys/2007_homeschooling.asp