Membership Application

Please provide contact information for an emergency contact other than the primary caregiver, e.g., father, grandparents, etc.

I understand that in order to have an effective association that meets the needs of homeschooling families, all members have an important role and are valuable to the group.  I understand that families who fulfill the requirements outlined for membership are considered REACH members and have full responsibilities and privileges.

REACH MISSION STATEMENT

We desire to be a source of encouragement and support to like-minded families who have chosen to teach and train their children at home.  We strive to equip members with resources which will help them be successful in their homeschool journey, to cultivate a community of friendship, and to provide social and educational activities which will enrich the homeschool experience.

REACH MEMBERSHIP REQUIREMENTS

Membership is open to families who are actively engaged in home education with at least one child in Pre-K – 12th grade.  The following requirements must be met for membership:

1.  File Intent to homeschool form in compliance with Arkansas state law.  (If online public charter school, comply with the rules set forth by the school.)
2. Membership application must be submitted.  Application includes:
   • Membership form
   • Agreement to REACH Code of Conduct
   • Agreement to REACH Dress Code
   • Agreement to various REACH policies
   • Agreement to Statement of Faith
   • Agreement to Release of Liability
   • Photo Release
3. Membership fee must be paid.  The current year's dues are $60.00.  Several options for payment are listed on the membership application form.
4. New members must attend an orientation meeting with the Membership Director.  You may contact the Membership Director at membership@rsvlreach.org.  This meeting is not required for renewal members in good standing.
5. Volunteer to serve on at least one (1) committee.

You will receive an email from the Membership Director notifying you when your membership is active.

REACH MEMBERSHIP PRIVILEGES

Your family will be encouraged by the following membership privileges:

1. Members in good standing are entitled to involvement and participation in all REACH events and activities for the current year.  (Note:  Some events and activities require an additional fee.)  All REACH events and activities are for members only unless prior permission has been given by the REACH board.
2. Connection to group announcements through email and newsletter.
3. Access to the “members only” section REACH website which includes:
   •  Membership directory
   •  Committee directory
   •  Member Handbook
   • Announcements and details related to REACH activities
4.  Access to private REACH Facebook group.
5. Monthly meetings which provide you the opportunity to meet and fellowship with other REACH families and hear speakers on topics of home education interest.  Childcare for children ages 7 and under is provided without cost at these meetings if you sign up by the given deadline.
6. Access to the REACH library.
7. Academic guidance in preparation for high school graduation.

REACH MEMBER RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES

REACH is a volunteer organization. Without the cooperation and commitment of our members, the events and activities of REACH would not be possible.

Each member is a vital part of the volunteer team which helps us provide activities and extra learning opportunities for our families. Therefore, please carefully consider the following member responsibilities and duties prior to joining REACH:

1. Members must agree to follow REACH policies and procedures, code of conduct and dress code.
2. Members must communicate openly with REACH leadership (officers and committee heads) and other members regarding questions, concerns, suggestions, etc. Effective communication is necessary in order to build relationships, share resources and organize activities.
3. Parents must take responsibility for the supervision of their own children unless prior arrangements have been made. If damages occur, the parents will bear the financial responsibility.
4. Parents are responsible to pay the membership fee and any and all expenses incurred for their child(ren) related to all events, clubs, classes, sports, field trips, teen activities, yearbook, graduation, etc. not covered in the annual membership fee. Payment should be made by the given deadline.
5. Members should fulfill their volunteer service to REACH by serving on at least one (1) committee.
6. Members should participate in a variety of REACH activities and/or events.

As a member of REACH, I believe:

1. The Bible is the authoritative Word of God.  Hebrews 4:12
2. Jesus Christ was in the beginning with God and is God.  John 1:1
3. All men have sinned and are in need of a saving relationship with Jesus Christ.  Romans 6:23
4. All human life is sacred and created by God in His image. Psalm 139
5. God wonderfully and immutably creates each person as male or female from conception.  Genesis 1:27
6. God created marriage to be exclusively the union of one man and one woman.  Mark 10:6-9
7. The ultimate responsibility of the education of children belongs to parents (or legal guardians).  Deuteronomy 6:5-7

Recognizing that we are a reflection of our Lord Jesus Christ and all home educators, my family agrees to the following at all REACH meetings, events, and activities:

• Parents are ultimately responsible for the behavior of their children.
• Members are expected to conduct themselves in accordance with Biblical principles of respect, courtesy, and morality.  All conduct should be in agreement with the REACH Statement of Faith.
• All language used should glorify God and edify others.
• The personal space and property of others should be treated with respect.
• Inappropriate physical displays of affection are not permitted.
• Members should abide by the requirements for participation in any specific activity.
• Members should abide by any special rules of behavior that apply to facilities/buildings that REACH uses.  In particular, children should not wander the facilities without an accompanying adult.
• Those in authority may admonish or remove a student from the group or activity who does not abide by this code.
• Should continual disruptive discipline problems arise, the REACH Board reserves the right to not allow someone to attend future activities until the problem has been resolved.  Suspension or expulsion of a member will be considered if necessary (in accordance with REACH By-laws).

Along the journey of life, we do not travel alone. Our appearance and actions directly affect those in our community, for better or worse. We realize that our guidelines may not be perfect, but it is an attempt to honor God by wearing modest clothing that is respectful of our Christian witness and our fellow believers.

Within any group, there will undoubtedly be varied and diverse definitions of what responsible, Christian freedom looks like regarding clothing. REACH simply aims to set the standard high in an effort to limit distractions, foster unity, and build respect for one another.

“So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God. “ 1 Corinthians 10:31

Accountability: The REACH dress code applies to all persons (parents, students, and guests) attending any REACH function. A Committee Head or REACH officer has the authority to ask any person to change or leave an event if their outfit does not meet the dress code. Parents are ultimately responsible for their children’s dress. We ask that all parties involved make it their goal to communicate humbly and graciously with one another. See the dress code violation procedures here.

WHEN THE BODY IS STANDING STRAIGHT, CLOTHING MUST COVER THE CHEST, BACK, TORSO, STOMACH, AND LOWER EXTREMITIES FROM ARMPIT TO ARMPIT TO MID-THIGH.

• Shirts: We require that shirts not be too tight and long enough to cover your waistline. Tank tops and muscle shirts are unacceptable. Tops must have straps that cover any undergarments, at least 3 finger widths are suggested. No underwear or undergarments may be visible at any time. Clothing may not be see-through. No T-shirts with offensive or unsuitable text/graphics.
• Pants/Shorts: We require that pants should not have large see-through holes above mid-thigh, should not be too tight, and should be worn high enough so that the waistline is covered by your shirt. Shorts should be no shorter than mid-thigh. All shorts should be visible under the bottom of the shirt. At no time may any parts of the buttocks be exposed.
  • Leggings, jeggings, yoga pants, or any other form-fitting pants without back pockets or a front zipper may only be worn with a modest top with enough length to completely cover the hips and buttocks.
• Dresses/Skirts: These should be no more than 3 inches (width of a dollar bill) above the knee when sitting and standing, this includes slits.
• Formal Wear: We require that modesty be maintained in formal attire; all aforementioned dress code rules apply. Strapless dresses are not permitted. A dress covering only one shoulder or having more narrow straps could be permissible IF the dress conforms to all other dress code requirements. Formal wear approval may be required by the Banquet committee head. If Formal Wear Approval is required, the Banquet committee head will provide further instructions.
• Swimwear: We require that shirts that are not see-through when wet be worn for both boys and girls. All shorts must meet current dress code standards. Shorts must be worn over all girls’ bathing suits.

I understand that there may be risk associated with the events, functions or activities in which I, my children, family members, or guests participate through Russellville Education Association of Christian Homeschoolers, hereinafter referred to as REACH, whether operating as an organization or corporation.  In consideration of the right to participate in these events, I hereby agree to release, waive, and hold harmless REACH, its leadership, members, and volunteers, and any organization hosting any REACH event, from any and all liability, loss, or damage and any claim or demands for the same of any of the following:  (a) injury of any kind or death to any person participating in any REACH event, function or activity; (b) damage to any property arising out of or related to my, my family’s, or any guest’s attendance or participation in any REACH event, function or activity.  I agree to be personally responsible for myself, my own children, my own family members, and my guests at all times when participating in any REACH event, function, or activity.  I also agree to take full financial responsibility for any damages caused by me, my children, my family members, or my guests, to any property, and I therefore, agree to indemnify REACH and its leaders and volunteers for any such damages for which they may be charged.

I/We, the Legal Guardian(s) hereby grant REACH, ITS LEADERS, ITS VOLUNTEERS, and CHAPERONES full authority to take whatever actions they may consider to be warranted under emergency circumstances for my child’s health and safety.  I/We understand that no medical insurance is provided by REACH covering illnesses or injuries of any nature incurred during any event.  That is, it is the responsibility of each participant to provide his or her own insurance coverage.

I certify that I am the legal parent or guardian of the participants listed on the membership application and that I have fully read and fully agree to everything in this document.  I hereby join in each and every part of the release and hereby relinquish any claim that I might have against REACH and its volunteers.  I acknowledge that my digital signature indicates that I am voluntarily signing this Release of Liability.

REACH has a no visitor policy unless approved by the Board. If you have family or friends who wish to come with you to any REACH activity, then please be sure that it is approved first.  All visitors need to be aware of the REACH Code of Conduct and Dress Code as well as any guidelines for the specific facility or activity.  Because grandparents and friends enjoy watching our children participate in their activities, exceptions are made for certain events.  These include graduation, used book sale, spelling bee, scheduled games involving REACH teams and certain designated REACH meetings.  If you plan to bring a visitor to an event not listed here, please check with a board member for approval.  Should you have any questions about the policy, contact a REACH board member.

I agree to follow the library policies and procedures detailed in the member handbook, including: filling out the card in the pocket when checking items out, and I agree to return items to the library or pay a fee based on the value of the item.

When selecting your committee(s), please understand that your commitment to serve is essential for maximum benefit to all REACH families. REACH is a volunteer organization. Without the cooperation and commitment of our members, the events and activities of REACH would not be possible.

REACH policy requires that each member serve on at least one (1) committee but no more than two (2).

Because some committees fill up quickly, we ask that you choose three (3) committee options and state whether you want to serve on 1 or 2 committees. An email will be sent to you advising you of your committee placement.

The REACH year is from June 1st to May 31st.  The current annual membership dues are $60.00.  Membership is not active until this fee is paid. Payments will be accepted by mail, PayPal, or CashApp. You will be emailed payment instructions.

A scholarship may also be requested for returning REACH members in good standing. After requesting the scholarship, you will receive an email with details concerning the scholarship request.