Moultrie C.H.A.T. Constitution - 2007

I.  NAME

This organization will be called Moultrie Christian Home-Schoolers Associating Together (Moultrie C.H.A.T.)  

II.  STATEMENT OF BELIEF  

We believe the Bible is the inspired and infallible Word of God and constitutes His completed and final revelation to man. The Bible is without error. 

We believe that God has existed from all eternity in three persons: God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit. Jesus Christ was God come in human flesh, born of a virgin, fully God and fully man, except without sin. I John 5:7, II Timothy 3:16, John 3:16, Romans 10:9 

We believe that Jesus Christ came to pay the penalty for man's sin through His substitutionary death on the cross, the successful accomplishment of which was attested to by His subsequent visible, bodily resurrection. 

We believe that salvation is offered as a free gift to the sinner, through grace. This gift must be responded to in individual faith, not trusting in any personal works, but in the sacrificial death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. 

 We believe in the continuing  ministry of the Holy Spirit by Whose indwelling  the Christian is enabled to live a godly life.

 Family

We believe in family, whether it be the traditional family, mixed families (due to death, divorce, or adoption) or single parent homes. We also, believe that there is no compatibility between Christian morality and the practice of homosexuality.

III.  STATEMENT OF PURPOSE  

Our purpose is to provide support and encouragement to home-schoolers by the sharing of information, inspiration and resources. To promote high-quality home education programs which will encourage the development of Christ-like character, and which will meet the spiritual, intellectual, physical, and emotional needs of our children. It is purposed that this organization and all of its activities will be consistently and forthrightly Christian to the honor and glory of the Lord Jesus Christ. 

IV.  MEMBERSHIP REQUIREMENT  

A. We require all members to sign said Statement of Belief and Purpose.

B. We require all members to pay membership dues. Dues will be discounted if your application is post   marked by August 1st. There will be no other discounts or pro-ratings except for new members. The fiscal year is  August  1 to July 31. The term of membership shall be for a period of one year beginning at the start of the fiscal year. Member families will be required to renew their membership on an annual basis at the beginning of each fiscal year.  Membership dues are for the purpose of all operating expenses of the organization. This would include, but is not limited to: website fees, postage, printing, envelopes, rental fee of facilities, special events, speakers, new people packets.   

C. As a co-operative organization, we require all members to participate and serve. Upon joining or renewing each member will be required to sign up for areas of service. Special sign-up days will be planned before the beginning of each school year to allow families the opportunity to find where their family can best serve.  

D. As the co-op grows and changes, classes will be generally designated by age with occasional family integrated events. Each group will define their own statement of purpose which will reflect the above stated purpose.

V.  WEBSITE

In order to keep costs low, this organization will post all announcements and activities on the website, through e-mail and at meetings.. Every family will be assigned an e-mail account if they would like one.

The purpose of the website is to be informative to all members. Could include, but not limited to: a chat room, recommended websites, calendar of events, book reviews, announcements, editorials, articles on homeschooling or education in general, legislative updates.

VI.  QUALIFICATIONS FOR EXECUTIVE COUNCIL

A.  Council Members must agree with both the Statement of Belief and Statement of Purpose.

B. They must have homeschooled for at least two years. They will be appointed by the existing executive council.

VII.  DUTIES OF EXECUTIVE COUNCIL

Will oversee the group as a whole . They will be responsible for dues and membership. They will approve the field trips and special activities and keep a master calendar. They will be responsible for contacting the parents of disruptive children who are not following Christ-like principles of orderliness at field trips and special activities. The council shall exist these positions: Two Co-Directors, Treasurer, Secretary, Membership Director, and a Director to represent each designated class group.

VIII.  DATABASE  

A database of information regarding our organization and its members will be provided as a service for the purpose of networking homeschoolers in areas of curriculum use, tutoring, geographic location or age of children for fellowship, special help or questions. This database is for referrals only. Information on a specific family will not be released. Information on the database is on a voluntary basis only. 

IX.  INTERGROUP COMMUNICATION  

Moultrie C.H.A.T. will maintain intergroup communications with other homeschooling support groups for the purpose of sharing ideas, resources, legislative information, offering large group activities or taking part in large group activities we, as an organization, deem worthwhile. Maintaining a working relationship and unity with other homeschoolers is important to homeschooling as a whole. 

X.  CHANGES TO THE CONSTITUTION

Articles II, III, and X cannot be changed.

2007-08 Officers

Amy Bloodworth, Co-Director

Payge Ladson, Co-Director

Denna Adams, Secretary

Shannon DeMott, Treasurer

Margie Holman, Membership

Mandy Farmer, Director of Teens

Jill Tomlinson, Director of Upper Elementary

Theresa James, Director of Lower Elementary

Haley Perryman, Director of Pre School