People often assume that homeschoolers have the right to use public school facilities in their taxpayer districts. Mmm...not quite. We haven't given up yet--ever try to *rent* a track stadium? :D --but we do have to get somewhat creative with practice times and locations.
Last week, we attended our local City Council meeting to introduce our team and negotiate indoor early-season stretching/gathering space in a large, empty room. (We will run outdoors, but March isn't exactly meet-on-the-lawn weather.) This was a bonus opportunity as an educational glimpse into local government, but we had no idea how we'd be received or whether we'd be able to afford it.
Well, the first words from the City Administrator were, "This was the group that rented our hall for their awards banquet and left it cleaner than when they arrived." (Yes!!) They were remarkably supportive of our program and suggested volunteer service in exchange for certain practice-space days until ice-out. Win-win! After all, engaging in our local community is part of our vision.
A little encouragement goes a long way. We take the steps we can see, and trust God for the next ones. Now to fill out the rest of our practice-location lineup and meet schedule. It's quite the journey and very exciting for those not faint of heart. :)
