SJHA's policy on Religion, Tolerance, Politics, and Inclusion:

South Jersey Homeschool Association is a non-religious organization established to provide equal access to opportunities for the local homeschool community. We were established to be a diverse group that is open to everyone no matter what their beliefs or family configuration may be. We have families that align all over the religious spectrum: from agnostic or atheist, to any religion you can think of. Our goal is to maintain a respectful space for all of those people. We believe that everyone deserves respect and kindness.

We ask that you review this policy with your children (especially the older ones).

Here are some general guidelines to support this policy:

If your religious beliefs come up organically in conversation that is fine, but we expect people to remain respectful towards other people’s beliefs or non-beliefs. Here are some ways to maintain that respect:

• Do not speak negatively or make jokes about any religious or non-religious belief system.
•  At SJHA events, you should not push your beliefs onto any other person by means of recruiting or evangelizing. This includes but is not limited to peaching, handing out religious merchandise, or distributing religious pamphlets.
• While you are able to bring your own religious texts to events to read during your free time, the expectation is that you will not be sharing your text with other members unless prompted by another party.
• If you are wearing religious garb or jewelry (such as a hijab, a cross neckless, or yarmulke), please do not share specific information about your garb unless prompted by another party.
• While there will be no communal prayer at SJHA events, individual prayer is perfectly acceptable.
• In the end, we are simply asking everyone to be respectful of others beliefs or non-beliefs without infringing on their rights to have private conversations.

There are no political discussions allowed at our events, unless it pertains to that event.

We ask that people do not make jokes that include any racist, sexist, or homophobic undertones or stereotypes. Please also do not speak negatively about any groups of people. This includes microaggressions.

We ask that people do not speak negatively or make jokes about any family configuration we have families off ALL different make ups. For example: LGBTQ+ families, multiracial families, families through adoption, neurodivergent families, multi-generational families, students who have non-parents attend with them, and more.

No rude comments or bullying will be tolerated at SJHA events.

Please keep kindness & compassion at the front of your mind.

SJHA's Smoking, Vaping, Drugs, & Weapons Policy:

SJHA's goal is to maintain safety for the children. 

• Any prescription or OTC medication should be secured and out of the reach of little ones.
• No street drugs (both legal and illegal) or vape pens are permitted at SJHA events
• No smoking or vaping at SJHA events
  
• No weapons should be brought to SJHA events
  
  

SJHA Co-op Food and Food Safety Policy:

SJHA is nut-free due to allergies. This is non-negotiable. This includes nutella. At this time, sunbutter is allowed. While SJHA remains committed to being nut-free, we cannot guarantee the locations we visit are entirely nut-free. If you have a severe allergy, please keep this in mind.

• If your child has any food restriction(s), you are responsible for managing this. If there is food at an event, please be prepared to assist with providing safe alternatives for your child(ren) when necessary.

At the end of the day, this is a parent involved association. If you have a young child who is unable to advocate for their food restriction, please plan to be on guard to monitor their access to foods.

SJHA’s Dress Code Expectations For All People:

We have a simple dress code expectation for SJHA events.

• Underwear and bra cups should not be visible.
• Private parts, including but not limited to buttocks and nipples, should not be visible, please note that this applies to all ranges of motion.
• No vulgar language or sexual imagery on clothing or accessories.
• No clothing or accessories with election related propaganda is allowed. Clothing or accessories should not show political affiliation. No clothing or accessories should have negative content about any political affiliation.
• Please wear appropriate clothing to match the event’s needs. For example, safe shoes should be worn for a hike and not flip flops.

Please always feel free to reach out to an SJHA Admin, in writing, for clarification on this policy.

SJHA’s Illness Policy:

For the consideration and wellbeing of others, please do not bring child(ren) to events who have shown any symptom of illness in the last 24 hours, including but not limited to:

• Fever over 100 (within the last 24 hours)
• Colored mucus (yellow or green snotty nose)
• Nausea, vomiting or diarrhea
• Eye drainage or crusty eyelids
• Virus or infection know to be contagious
• Rashes or ringworm
• Head lice
• And more

By attending our events, you acknowledge that participation includes possible exposure to illness and infectious disease, including but not limited to Covid-19.