October Support Group Meeting

October – How Our Work and Future Affect You Shawna Sundal (AHEA Government Liaison)

Many home educators have no idea what happens behind the scenes in defending and advancing their home education rights. AHEA works tirelessly to advocate for you all year! Come and hear about the work that affects the choices you make and have, the things we are working on now and how we need to face the future together

Ticket Options:

In Person limited seats

This ticket is admittance for 1 Roots parent to attend the in person support group meeting on October 19th from 7-9pm.  Only those who have RSVP'd will be allowed in the facility. This is a private event and NOT open to public or drop ins.  RSVP is required to attend.

Online

Tickets need to be purcahsed in order to receive the link to the online meeting for October 19th from 7-9pm.  Those who RSVP must be a Roots family for the 2020 school year in order to be sent the meeting link.

Roots recognizes that our monthly support group meetings have been instrumental in developing the Roots community. These meetings have been highly anticipated through the years, and the relationships that have been developed through our coffee and prayer times cannot be replaced. Unfortunately, due to continued COVID-19 restrictions, we are unable to run the support group meetings as we have in the past for a minimum of the first half of the school year.

In the meantime, we will offer a couple options for families to join us in the way that suits your family:

1) Parents only in-person evenings: This will be the parent portion of the support group meetings. Meetings would include announcements, devotionals, fellowship, and small group prayer time. RSVP will be required through the Roots website each month as we are limited to how many can attend. The maximums for attendance will be based on current Calgary bylaw allowances and will be evaluated each month. (See below for Calgary bylaw details that apply to these meetings.)

2) Live Stream: We will be live streaming the evening meeting each month. RSVP is required to receive the link for the online meeting each month. We understand that this is not the most ideal way to participate for everyone. Here are some ways to get the feel for support group while watching online, be it with others or on your own:

• a) Small in-home gatherings: Families who are comfortable with cohort gatherings can meet in homes with one another for a smaller version of the support group meetings. If you would like to open your home for families to join you, or if you are looking for a home to gather in, please contact the Roots office at office@rootshomeed.com and we can connect you with one another.
• b) On your own: Small group prayer time is one of the most valuable times during our meetings. Those who have logged into the meetings online will be divided into groups. We encourage you to stay signed in to meet other moms and participate in the prayer time and fellowship with one another.

Common Questions about Support Group Meetings

What happens at support group meetings?

This is a time for Roots parents and children to come together to enjoy one another’s company while supporting each other on our homeschooling journey. Our meetings follow a basic format of announcements, devotional, main topic/ discussion and ends with small group prayer time.

Can I bring my children?

For the start of the 2020 season, due to COVID-19 restrictions, children are not allowed to attend the evening in person meetings.

Do face coverings need to be worn in places of worship (support meetings)?

“Places of worship would be included in the bylaw definition of a public premise, as they are enclosed buildings that members of the public have access to. Those attending places of worship are permitted to temporarily remove their face covering to provide or receive service, such as to receive communion.

However, if a place of worship closes its doors to the public for a private event (for example a wedding), it is not a public premises during the event and therefore attendants will not have to wear face coverings.”

Quote taken from City of Calgary Bylaws Q & A section: 

https://www.calgary.ca/csps/cema/covid19/safety/covid-19-mask-bylaw-questions-answers.html

Things to Note:

Roots will encourage the practice of physical distancing for all indoor activities.