It is a privilege to participate as a member of HOPE Homeschoolers and to serve one another in Christian fellowship.

Whether we fellowship with one another during Moms’ Night Out gatherings, on field trips, or other activities, our standards of behavior should be based on God’s Word. Please begin with trusting the Holy Spirit and the fruit of the Spirit as a beginning guideline. Galatians 5:22-23 states, “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.”

In addition, Paul gives us guidelines for holy living in Colossians 3:12: “Put on then, as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony. And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body.”

Adults are responsible for our own and our children’s behavior toward one another, as we represent HOPE in our community. In addition, we are responsible to assist and redirect other children’s behavior if they misbehave when representing HOPE. Please consider your child’s or guest’s age and temperament when signing up for an event to make sure it is appropriate for them. Remove your child or guest if necessary to ensure safety and to keep them from distracting other participants.

Discuss appropriate behavior with your children prior to field trips and events. Also, be willing to graciously accept reports on your child’s or guest’s behavior. Adults and children should always show respect for others, property, and behavior guidelines.

HOPE field trips and events are organized and financially handled by volunteers within HOPE. All financial activities are expected to be handled with integrity. Adults should appreciate and respect those who have planned the field trip or event. Barring unforeseen circumstances, such as sick children or a family emergency, please cancel two weeks in advance, as “no-shows” and tardiness are not acceptable. Make certain that you have the cell phone number of the person who is in charge so that you can contact them as appropriate. Pay for trips or events by the deadlines required. Post-dated checks are not accepted. If your check is returned for non-sufficient funds (NSF), the total amount due in addition to the bank charges will be expected.

Any conduct by a student or adult that is considered abusive, offensive, endangering to others, or unbecoming of the members of HOPE during a HOPE event or activity, may result in dismissal from HOPE and all of its meetings and events for the school year as determined by the Board. Readmission may be requested and evaluated by the HOPE Board the following year.

Conflict Resolution

Matthew 18: 15-16 states, “If your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault, between you and him alone. If he listens to you, you have gained your brother. But if he does not listen, take one or two others along with you, that every charge may be established by the evidence of two or three witnesses.” Strive to resolve conflict and maintain unity within HOPE Homeschoolers. If you have a difficulty with a sister in Christ, please go to her first, in love, to resolve the issue. If extra conflict resolution is needed, please feel free to contact a Board member, so that we may forge ahead as a unified group at peace with one another.

Failure to abide by the Code of Conduct will result in the following:

• First Offense: E-mail warning

• Second Offense: E-mail warning and a 30-day restriction period, which includes all meetings and events. If the warning is due to a second NSF, you will be required to pay by cash or money order for all field trips and events for the remainder of the school year.

• Third Offense: E-mail warning and an additional restriction period as determined by the Board, and a required meeting with the HOPE Advisor.

Further problems with a member may result in DISMISSAL from HOPE Homeschoolers.  The HOPE Board reserves the right to refuse membership.