We are gearing up for momentum! We have come a long way in almost 20 months. Now, we’re working on refining what we have built, expanding our coalition, building depth in our committees, and gearing up for the Education Committee interim sessions this summer. As we approach our second anniversary, momentum is the key.
But first, a little about where we have been…
Several concerned Utah parents and veteran homeschool leaders came together to discuss how best to promote, preserve, and protect home-based learning options and parental rights in Utah. This was 9 September 2024. We agreed to another meeting to further discuss and set plans.
In the past, a sole person had worked as a liaison between the homeschooling community and the legislature. That liaison would alert a phone tree. members of the phone tree would then contact their representatives. That person was elected to the legislature, and other individuals followed as liaisons. This proved to be far more than one individual could do. The suggestion was made that committees would be helpful. This would spread the work over more people.
On 25 September 2024, they formed the Utah Home-Education Organizations for Parental Empowerment (UHOPE Coalition). General Board members include two Utah Legislators and board members from Davis, Salt Lake, Tooele, Utah, and Iron Counties! Board members come from a variety of home-based education options and traditional homeschooling. Our board members range from young parents to homeschool veterans with decades of experience.
Our First Year -
The Coalition spent the first three months creating our coalition, clarifying our By-laws, and preparing for our December launch and for the 2025 Legislative Session. The UHOPE launch was held at the Utah State Capitol Rotunda in Salt Lake City, Utah, on December 18, 2024. The organizations that are part of UHOPE, homeschool families from throughout Utah, showed up, participated in the event, and got the T-shirt! We were ready for the Legislative season!
Freshman Representative Nicholeen Peck introduced HB 209, a bill that protects parental rights and simplifies the process of starting to homeschool in Utah. Thanks to everyone who helped HB 209 pass!
In February, homeschool families joined us for Homeschool Day on the Hill. Families heard speakers, many viewed government in action, and even got to meet some legislators.
In April, we elected our general board leaders and committee heads for the coming year.
During the first year, many youth participated in the Youth Hope Committee, helping spread the word. Youth HOPE created a video encouraging youth to get involved. The Youth HOPE committee, along with members of the UHOPE general board, hosted get-to-know-you BBQs in locations from Layton to Orem.
Our Second Year- Stepping Into Our Mission
We assessed the previous year and moved forward.
During the summer and fall, several members of the UHOPE General Board closely followed the discussions in the interim Education Committee sessions. Other board members reached out to the homeschool community to make them aware of issues and bills being proposed.
This year, several bills were closely followed. Reporting on legislative status and outreach (within the homeschool community) increased. We began to report via Substack, in addition to Facebook and Instagram.
This year’s Homeschool Day on the Hill was bigger and better! We had speakers, tours, viewing government in action, mingling with representatives, and writing Valentines to our representatives.
What’s next?
As we assessed our second year, we realized we needed more families involved, as many hands make the work light.
The home education community needs more eyes in the committee sessions (in the room and via Zoom).
UHOPE’s marketing and outreach committees need parents who are savvy with social media to help with creating graphics, copy, and social media outreach.
While UHOPE started on a shoestring, we have come to realize we need to consider fundraisers or other ways to acquire funds to cover the costs of events and outreach.
The First Summer Interim Education Committee Meeting
May 20 is the first Interim Education Committee Meeting! Join with us tomorrow to attend or watch the Interim Education Committee online.
Wednesday, May 20
1:15 PM
110 Senate Building
You can watch it here (the link will be active the day of):
https://le.utah.gov/committee/committee.jsp?com=INTEDU
Let’s help each other Protect, Promote, and Preserve homeschooling options in Utah.
Save the Date
Watch for a post on how to join us at UHOPE Homeschool Night at the Salt Lake Bees vs Albuquerque Isotopes game, on 2 June 2026.
Momentum!
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