A friend of mine came up with the idea of sending postcards or Christmas cards to the officials, in this case, specifically with regards to the family in Bremen who has their bank accounts frozen last week. Afraid that the authorities might actually come in the night to take the boys, the boys slept over at a friend's house one night, then the family made the decision to send the boys to school so that they wouldn't risk losing custody, and so that they could have their accounts freed up, sell their house, and move themselves and their business to Austria. The boys did go to school, but only for one day (if I understood correctly), as a lawyer then was able to submit a request to the federal court that custody not be removed until the case has actually come to court. This was accepted, so the boys are home again, but the bank accounts are still frozen.
So, if you want to write to the Senator for Education and Science in Bremen, here is her address:
Senatorin für Bildung und Wissenschaft
Frau Jürgens-Pieper
Rembertiring 8-12
28195 Bremen
A suggested text would be:
"Sehr geehrte Frau Jürgens-Pieper, Frohe Weihnachten, in der Hoffnung, dass es bis nächste Weihnachten in Bremen Bildungsfreiheit gibt. Mit schönen Grüssen von Famile (insert your last name.)"
Or if you prefer, in English, "Dear Mrs. Jürgens-Pieper, Merry Christmas, in the hope, that by next Christmas educational freedom will exist in Bremen. With greetings from the (X) family."
I'd love a quick comment on my blog (even anonymous!) if you send a postcard, and I'll try to post some more addresses soon!
Nov. 29, 2007 - Hi there!
I hope you don't mind if I post a link to this on the UK blog and see if we can drum up some support here in the UK? I can also list this on another message board I belong to here if you don't mind me copying and pasting your post? Let me know!
Nov. 30, 2007 - Yes, please do!
Dec. 4, 2007 - Untitled Comment
I found you through deedeeuk's link. I am mailing a card today to Germany. Thanks for the German translation!
Dec. 20, 2007 - Support from America
I find it really sad that you have to struggle with such a personal choice. Educating our children should be our choice not a governmental choice.
Keep up the good fight, and I'll send my card in for you!
I'll also put a bit on my blog, if you think that would help. Wouldn't it be funny if they received cards from all over the world in support of homeschooling?