A Day at the Capitol

Why go to Homeschool Day at the Capitol on April 8th? Colorado homeschool mom Briana Ross shares why it’s important event for every homeschool family.

Briana: Thomas Jefferson said,“If once the people become inattentive to the public affairs, you and I, and Congress and Assemblies, Judges and Governors, shall all become wolves. It seems to be the law of our general nature, in spite of individual exceptions.”

For the first 30 years of my life, I was “inattentive,” doing the bare minimum as a citizen: voting in November. But as we have read more, delved into history, learned more about the wisdom of our Founding Fathers, and witnessed the turn of our nation from strength to apathy, we have seen our liberties little by little be replaced with bondage.

So to make changes for the last two-thirds of my life that God gives me, we have purposed as a family to:

1. learn more
2. find ways to serve and participate in the education of our neighbors
3. serve our local, state, and federal governments, and
4. do what we can to influence the direction of those governing authorities.

Much can be accomplished by a few who know a little and put out some effort to keep some of those “wolves” in check. And keeping this state and nation in check is crucial to allow for similar freedoms for our children and grandchildren to come.

Why is it important for homeschoolers to attend Homeschool Day at the Capitol?

Briana: First, it’s an opportunity to gather with many other like-minded families as it’s a blessing for our children to know they are not alone in their educational journeys. Second, it allows our children to have a visual connection to our governing authorities. The State House is “Our House” as Coloradans. The legislature and governor are to serve us, the people. Not vice versa. Third, attending shows our state leaders that we value our freedom of choice to educate our children how we deem best.

What is your family’s favorite part?

Briana: We like to spend our time sitting in on the legislative sessions and touring the capitol. The last number of years they have had the fife and drum corp assemble at the Pillar of Fire Church and parade around to the West Steps for the rally. I think this has been a great addition to the day with families stretched out, completely surrounding our capitol building. I think for the young, they may have lifelong memories of marching around the capitol even when they won’t remember the words spoken at the rally. Hearing the songs of our country and taking time for a flag ceremony together with hundreds of other fellow home educated families, those are memory-making, idea-building things. We also enjoy the men’s chorus Bold Reflections singing for the House opening.

How many years have you been coming?

Briana: I think we started about 12 years ago, and except for last year, I think we’ve gone to each one. I think going regularly is important! We’ve gone on beautiful Spring-like days, in the rain, and in the snow. And it’s always so neat to see that Coloradans will show up, even in inclement weather! Each time, the Capitol becomes a more of a familiar place. To learn how our representatives work by reading is one thing. But to see it, to watch the Amendments being discussed and to compare those discussions in the large House and the smaller Senate, those are lasting lessons.

We invite you to bring your whole family and join the fun! Recent legislative actions make this a crucial year for Colorado families to remind our legislators that we still care about our freedoms.

Register Here