Are there any non religious support groups?

Question

I homeschool my children and would like to join a support group. My problem is is that all the support groups that I find are religion based. I am thinking of joining them even though I am Agnostic. My only concern is that I do not want to be preached to. I know they are good people, but sometimes they seem not to be able to help themselves.

Answer 1

This is a non-religious thing take a look. it worked wonders to my life.

Answer 2

Go with them at first to "feel" the environment...if it is religious, stop going.
Join a different group, girl scouts, boy scouts, YMCA, karate class, dance class, soccer, guitar or piano lessons....theater...there are many other groups they can be involved in and learn on the side. Teach your children ALL the different religions, the basics of their beliefs, the history behind it, and why you believe as you do, and give them permission to ask questions or read more about what interests them....be open to it that they may go differently from you. Be open for them being like you. Be open and tolerant. You would not want them to become prejudiced or intolerant of other faiths or people.

The more they know, the more open you are, the better equipped they will be to choose, be independent thinkers and be strong in their own convictions.

Do tell them when YOU are uncomfortable and why. They will "feel" this, if you don't tell them, they will soon know you are being dishonest to them. OK?

Answer 3

Every area is different, but it is possible to find them. I would check with your local pulic librarian as they often deal with homeschoolers and may know of a small group you've missed. If you don't find anything, try starting your own! The group I belong to is very diverse, with every flavor of christian, to agnostic/atheist, to maybe pagan? It was begun by 4 moms who also wanted an alternative to the local christian group. Four years later it now has 50-60 families.

Answer 4

I was the Administrative Director of a Christian homeschool support group for several years, and I must say, we never "preached to" anyone, preferring rather to be accepting of differing points of view ranging from homeschooling styles, to worship styles, so on and so forth.
However, most ( not all, just most) religious groups, I would venture to say, especially Christian groups, usually have a statement of faith you sign before joining. Various reasons for doing that, but it's main purpose is to keep everyone within their comfort zone.
During my tenure, we did have a couple of non-christians join the group and it did not go well. They did not like it when we prayed before meetings and before meals, and they did not like our Biblical world view in our studies, and truth be told, at least one mom ended up trying to "preach at us" about her world view.
And that's perfectly fine, but my point is that, those families would've had a much better experience if they would've kept searching for a secular group instead of signing our statement of faith even though they did not agree with it just to meet some families.
So, dear, I may not be able to help myself, in your opinion, but I sincerely hope this advice helps you and you keep searching for a group that will truly meet your needs instead of latching on to one that would cause tremendous amounts of discomfort for all involved just for the sake of meeting a few people.

Good grief, I was so busy preaching that I forgot to answer your question completely, LOL :)
yahoo groups has tons of homeschool support groups ranging from religious to secular to pagan to every thing you can imagine. There are ones for every different learning style imaginable and even different curriclum providers. there are groups that are strictly cyber chat and some that are real live groups that get together for park days and so forth. Had a lot of people in my area find our group through searching yahoo groups.
Good luck.

Answer 5

It is hard to find those that are non-religous. We live in Pensacola, Florida...home to Creation Scientist Kent Hovind, Pensacola Christian Academy and the Brownsville Revival! There is a church, literally on every corner and house churches are not uncommon either.

I've got several friends who are Christians and non-Christians but am not part of any group right now. However, my non-Christian friends and I are going to post flyers around the area for an all-inclusive alternative education group that embraces all lifestyles and types of home educating. We're relaxed home schoolers and even in the non-Christian community there are plenty of "my way is the best way to homeschool types" lurking...lol

On the net there are several secular home school support groups, hopefully you can find one that meets your needs. Of course, we could always start a Yahoo Group if you want and I'd be up for it, just email me.

Answer 6

I am religious and was part of a religious support group. I get what you mean, though : ). Usually, you shoould have a county or regional support group that is non-religious - run through the state. Usually, the best people to ask are the other support groups.

Answer 7

I am part of a support group myself. We do not talk about religion. We get together to talk about ourselves and how our week has been going. We are there to reasure others that we are there if we are needed. So, yes there are non-religious support groups out there. You just have to find one. :)

Answer 8

You might give one of those "religious" groups a try (as long as you don't have to sign a "statement of faith" to join). The groups I've been in are not preachy, they're Christian in name only (sad, but true).

Answer 9

I think you hit the nail on the head with this question! Don't cave into these religious nuts. Stand firm. Go somewhere else. Anywhere else.

If you think they preach to YOU, wait til you see what they do to your KID!!!!

(Read Terri's answer above).

Answer 10

try the library or maybe the school distinct you live in