**Click here to read Governor Hickenlooper’s Proclamation of Homeschool Day in Colorado.**

Come to the annual Colorado Homeschool Day at the Capitol on April 13th and stand for educational and religious liberty with over a thousand other freedom-loving people from around the state.

Homeschool Day at the Capitol is both a fun field trip (see below for all the activities) AND the #1 way to make an impact on your legislators’ support for homeschooling freedom.

ONLY IN 2018: Join us at Homeschool Day at the Capitol for a special celebration of the Colorado Homeschool Law 30th Anniversary! (pssst…includes cake!)

Guest Speaker

Michael Donnelly, homeschool dad of seven children, serves with HSLDA as Staff Attorney for members in Colorado and other states around the nation. He is also the Director of Global Outreach, coordinating HSLDA’s support of homeschooling freedom around the world, and an adjunct professor of government at Patrick Henry College, where he teaches constitutional law. Mike’s experience includes combat service during the first Persian Gulf War as a United States Army cavalry officer, private legal practice, and founding a nationally ranked internet marketing firm. He is also an internationally published writer and a frequent conference and media spokesperson on homeschooling, educational freedom, parental rights, and human rights.

We’re pleased to welcome Mike to this year’s Homeschool Day at the Capitol!

A special thank you to Calvary University for their sponsorship of this event. Learn more here about the ministry of Calvary and how they might be a good fit for your students. As a non-profit organization, our activities and resources are dependent on the support of organizations like Calvary University and from families like yours. Thank you!

Activities

Tentative Schedule

Pre-events	Future Statesman program - complete-at-home workbooks
Pre-events	Homeschool Graduate Posters
Time	Event	Location
8:30 am	Opening of the Colorado Senate	Capitol - inside
9:00 am	Opening of the Colorado House	Capitol - inside
9:45 am	Liberty Celebration	Pillar of Fire Church
9:45 am	Constitution 101	Capitol - Old Supreme Court chambers
11:15 am	Lunch	Pillar of Fire Church - outside
11:15 am
Noon	Family march with fife & drum	To the Capitol
12:15 pm	MAIN EVENT: Rally	Capitol - west steps
1:30	Cake celebration!	West Steps of the Capitol

Click each activity to view more information:

Pre-Event: Future Statesman Workbooks for kids and families

CHEC produces exclusive “Future Statesman” workbooks each year based on a historical theme. Geared for the whole family, the workbooks contain lessons, historical information, suggested activities, and research ideas.The 2018 Future Statesman booklet commemorates the 30th anniversary of Colorado’s Homeschool Law, telling the challenges and victories of the modern homeschool movement in Colorado and stories of Coloradans that God used to build what we know as Christian homeschooling today. Children will enjoy the stories of homeschool pioneers and the activities inside.Cost for the 2018 Future Statesman workbook is $5 per student for a downloadable PDF (or purchase the PDF & hard copy workbook for $7, and pick up your hard copy onsite). Simply add-on when you register.

Pre-Event: Homeschool Graduate Posters

In honor of the 30th anniversary of Colorado’s homeschool law, we will be selecting homeschool graduates to feature on posters that will be displayed inside the Capitol through the week of Homeschool Day at the Capitol. Each poster will include a current photo of the homeschool graduate graduate along with a short, bullet-style bio which will emphasize their current occupation and contributions to their communities.Click here to learn more and complete the form by March 15th. We’ll select graduates from the submissions and take care of creating and displaying the posters.

Capitol: Directions & Tips

The House and Senate opening, Constitution 101 class, noon Rally, and optional free time activities (self-guided tour and meeting with legislators) are all located at the Colorado State Capitol (200 E Colfax Ave, Denver, CO 80203).

What to wear? Due to the formal business atmosphere at the Capitol, all attendees should dress in business or church attire (or historical costumes) — first impressions are important. Dress nicely, speak kindly, and keep children quietly and respectfully by your side.
Driving? There is plenty of paid parking (street or lot) near the Capitol, but please note that there is no public parking available at the Capitol or Pillar of Fire Church. Car pooling is encouraged – make the drive a fun one with other homeschool families! Click here for a map of suggested parking areas.
Light Rail? This could make for a fun add-on to your field trip! The light rail train comes within just a few blocks of the Capitol and Pillar of Fire Church. For route, schedule, and price information click here.

Pillar of Fire Church: Direction & Tips

The Liberty Celebration and pre-ordered lunch pickup are both located at the Pillar of Fire Church (1/2 block south of the Capitol at 1340 Sherman Street). There is no public parking available at or near the church; see “Capitol” section just above for parking & transportation options.

8:30 – Opening of the Senate (9:00 – Opening of the House)

Attend either the House or the Senate opening in the morning and see how the Colorado legislature opens the day. Please arrive 15 minutes before the start time; everyone must be seated by the start time, and space fills quickly!

9:45 – Constitution 101 class ($10/participant, grades 7-12)

Students (grades 7-12) and parents are invited to learn how the U.S. Constitution is actually built upon a biblical worldview, not “separation of church and state” and secular principles. Simply add this class on to your family’s registration (cost is $10/person). Space is limited!

The class is held in the Old Supreme Court Chambers of the Colorado State Capitol and taught by Dr. Jenna Ellis.

A practicing attorney in criminal law, and specializing in Constitutional law, Dr. Ellis has extensive experience in trial and appellate level litigation (and she’s a homeschool graduate!). She has served as a deputy district attorney, private counsel, and counsel for the U.S. Departments of State and Navy. She frequently contributes to national publications, radio, and television media commentary. Dr. Ellis is a professor at CCU, directing their Legal Studies Program and coaching their undergraduate Moot Court Team. As a Christian attorney, she endeavors to contribute to the biblical worldview of law.

9:45 – Liberty Celebration

The Liberty celebration is a grand morning full of music, prayer, and speeches for the whole family.

11:15 – Lunch

Eat lunch before the rally. You can pre-order Chick-fil-A sack lunches when you register, or bring your own sack lunch.

Please note: Pre-ordering closes on Monday prior to the event. There will be a limited number of lunches available to purchase onsite at the CHEC table (located at Pillar of Fire Church).

12:00 – March to the Capitol

Continuing our tradition for many years, families will gather in front of the Pillar of Fire Church to march together around the Capitol behind fife and drum in a parade, ending at the Capitol west steps just in time for the rally to begin.

12:15 – MAIN EVENT: Rally!

This is the most important part of the day! We will gather with over a thousand people to make our statement loud and clear: Homeschoolers value our liberty!

The rally will feature music, recognition of elected officials, and special guest speakers.

Please invite grandparents, neighbors, and friends – everyone who values educational and religious liberty. Let’s stand strong together! And beware – the weather can be unpredictable, so dress in layers. (And pray for sunshine!)

Learn more about the rally here.

Free time: Visit Your Legislator

We encourage you to set up a visit with your legislator as a part of Colorado Homeschool Day at the Capitol on April 13th. (You can find your legislator and their contact information here.) Personally meeting your elected official will help you know first-hand who is making decisions on your behalf at the Capitol and it will strengthen our stand for homeschool liberty in both the House and the Senate.

When you contact your legislator to set up the appointment, encourage them to attend the noon rally. We would be pleased to recognize them during event. (Email carolyn@chec.org to let her know.)

Questions about Homeschool Freedom in Colorado?Learn more here.
Need help contacting your legislator? Email Carolyn, the CHEC Homeschool Legislative Liaison, at carolyn@chec.org.

Free time: Tour the Capitol & Dome

Pick up a special self-guided Capitol tour booklet at any CHEC table to explore our state Capitol and learn about history first-hand.

Please note: There are guided tours of the Capitol Dome available, but they are limited in space. Learn more at the Visitor Services desk in the North Foyer of the Capitol Building. Tours are currently scheduled for these afternoon times: 1:30pm / 2:15pm / 2:15pm