By Lauren Brenner-Katz, long-time Homeschooling Mother in Southern California.

A. Starting a support group is nothing more than connecting with a new group of friends. But it’s a lot easier, because you have a common ground – and a shared desire to connect! It’s almost a guarantee that any homeschooler in your area will be THRILLED to know you’re out there too.

Before you begin advertising your soon-to-be-new group, take time to consider the type of group you want. Do you want an unstructured group that meets at a park to hang out and play? Do you want an organized co-op group to share academic studies and field trips? Or maybe a combination of the two? You might want a group that reflects a certain homeschooling philosophy. Or one that's eclectic and includes all kinds of homeschoolers.

Homeschooling groups come in all sizes and styles. Some don't even include the kids! I'm part of a small online discussion group of homeschooling moms. And one family in our community hosts a "marriage enrichment" support group just for homeschooling parents.

If you have a specific need and vision for your group, you can take one of two approaches. Either zero in and work to connect with others who share your particular need. Or begin by forming a general, open homeschooling group that includes as many homeschooling families as you can find. Then, within that large group, smaller "special interest" groups can evolve. For instance, there may be a number of families with preschoolers who want to start a weekly arts-and-crafts day. Or a handful of teens who want to have a monthly drop-in party night....

The latter approach has worked best in the groups I know. And the thing that makes it work is the mainstay of most homeschooling groups: PARK DAY.

Most support groups have a monthly (if not weekly) park day. The group I belong to has one big park day each month, always at the same park. Usually on the same day of each month. (Currently the last Thursday.) All are welcome, including non-homeschoolers who are considering homeschooling.

This open park day is a place for our kids to spend time with homeschooling peers. It's a place for newcomers to meet like-minded others, discover they are NOT alone, and get input on homeschooling from a variety of perspectives. It's a place for parents to share ideas, brainstorm group activities, vent frustrations, and relax with friends who understand exactly why you are homeschooling. (And that may just be the BEST reason of all to start a support group!)

It's from this larger pool of homeschoolers that the cozier groups take form. And, most important, it's a safe, neutral territory to meet other homeschoolers before inviting them over to play or heading out together for a whole day at the beach. Park day is the homeschooler's equivalent of meeting at Starbuck's for coffee on a blind date, instead of booking dinner and a movie the first time out.

Flyers, ads, listings on websites... use the printed word to promote your group anywhere and everywhere! Post flyers at local libraries, bookstores, community bulletin boards, churches, temples, and anywhere people meet. (I keep a roll of scotch tape in my bag or car.) Include little tear-off strips with a contact name, phone and email address. We've had a lots of newcomers find us through online searches. So be sure to get your group mentioned on the Internet on an online support group list.

Stress-Saver: Consider having more than one person as the contact name. Some groups have different people handling different types of calls. For instance, one person can be the one to add names to your email list. Another might be good at answering basic homeschooling questions. And someone else might be great at giving directions to park day. (Our group has a three-page "info sheet" that does the job of several people.)

In addition to our group's monthly park day, we have a group email list that's used as a virtual "announcement board." In fact, our group is so wide-spread (and everyone is so busy) that our online notice board is sometimes the most active aspect of our support group. This is where individuals can announce a class, activity, or field trip. It's where the more specialized groups-within-our-group reach one another, hosting everything from chess clubs to science days to a girl's teen lunch club and more. It's taken the place of a printed monthly calendar, and provides a way to share last-minute news of interesting community events as well as homeschooler-sponsored activities.

But before you begin the process of spreading the word, take time to consider the type of group you want.

I asked Tamah Kushner, one of the founders of Southbay Homeschoolers Network, for some ideas on getting a support group going. Tamah suggests:

• Start a park day. Publicize. Be willing to sit there for 6 months with only 3 people until more find you.

• When people come to park day, welcome them and give them information and introduce them to the group.

• Start an e-mail loop.

• Hold a homeschool information night at a local bookstore, library, etc. (publicize it well).

• Mention support group to everyone who comes. Gather e-mail addresses.

• It takes a while, be patient until people find you.

• Be clear what it is you're offering - to yourself and others. Support groups come in all shapes and sizes. Decide on the rules up front and write them down.

• Be in touch with other support group leaders in other areas so that you can know what the issues might be, or get help when they come up.

Laurel Springs will list the meeting times, locations and anything else you think is pertinent information, in this online newsletter for you each month. Please email amber@laurelsprings.com with the information and we will help grow your attendance for you!

Hana Brenner-Katz, a Laurel Springs student, publishes www.gurlzonemagazine.com an online magazine for girls ages 10 and up. If you'd like to contribute an article, story, review, poem, illustration, ANYTHING, send her an email at gurlzonemagazine@aol.com. And be sure to check out the site!

L.A. Homeschoolers meets once a month at a Santa Monica park for socialization and conversation. For more info, contact Lauren at copykatz@aol.com. We're especially interested in getting more TEENS together in the Santa Monica/Palisades/West L.A. area.