Rising Roots Secular Homeschool Cooperative Philosophy Statement

Rising Roots seeks to create a safe, supportive, and open space for homeschool families of all backgrounds.  We are committed to the principles of inclusion while honoring the great need for support through the singular experience of homeschooling our children.

Rising Roots is expressly open to and welcoming of individuals regardless of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, marital status, citizenship, national origin or genetic information. 

In this Co-Op we believe that Black Lives Matter and that LGBTQ+ rights are human rights.  We pledge to see and honor each other’s differences while taking the time to learn the world outside of our own, realizing that the experiences of others are valid and real.

Rising Roots Secular Homeschool Cooperative was created in 2021 when we saw the need for a secular homeschool co-op in the Lehigh Valley.  We aim to be a safe place for religious and non-religious families alike. 

I agree to the Rising Roots Secular Homeschool Cooperative Philosophy Statement.

I confirm I have read and agree to the above terms and conditions

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Rising Roots Secular Homeschool Cooperative Membership Terms and Conditions

These Membership Terms and Conditions (“Agreement”) govern membership in Rising Roots Secular Homeschool Cooperative (“Rising Roots,” “Cooperative,” “we,” “us,” or “our”). By applying for membership, paying fees, or participating in Cooperative activities, the member family agrees to be bound by this Agreement, the bylaws, and all policies and procedures adopted by the Board or Leadership Team.

1. Purpose

Rising Roots is a secular homeschool cooperative intended to supplement, and not replace, the education required by law for member children.

Rising Roots does not provide counseling, social work, legal advice, legal protection, or legal assistance. Rising Roots has no obligation to testify regarding any member’s homeschool validity, authenticity, or effectiveness in any legal proceeding or before any governmental authority.

2. Membership Requirements

Membership fees shall be set annually by the Board. The membership fee must be paid before class registration. All membership fees are non-refundable.

All members age 18 or older must successfully complete any required background check before being permitted to participate in Cooperative activities or enter Cooperative facilities on co-op days.

3. Member Benefits

Active members in good standing may participate in Cooperative classes, field trips, and other approved activities. Returning members in good standing may receive priority registration for the following program year.

4. Fees and Refunds

Class tuition and material fees shall be due according to deadlines established by the Leadership Team. No refunds shall be issued after the applicable refund period established by the Cooperative. Membership fees and material fees are non-refundable as stated in the relevant policies.

If a member withdraws or membership is revoked, no refund shall be owed except as required by law.

5. Liability Waiver

As a condition of membership, each member family shall execute a waiver of liability and agree to release, indemnify, and hold harmless Rising Roots, its board members, officers, employees, volunteers, teachers, host sites, and affiliated persons or entities from any claim, liability, loss, damage, injury, or expense arising out of or relating to participation in Cooperative activities, to the fullest extent permitted by law.

6. Confidentiality

Member information, internal communications, event details, and other nonpublic Cooperative information shall be kept confidential and may not be shared with any nonmember or external organization without prior authorization from the Board or Leadership Team.

7. Conduct

All members and guests shall conduct themselves respectfully and lawfully. Prohibited conduct at Cooperative functions includes profanity, smoking, alcohol, drugs, fighting, slander, weapons, verbal or physical abuse, and the display of inappropriate messages, images, or symbols.

8. Religious and Political Neutrality

Rising Roots is a secular organization. Proselytizing, coercive religious conduct, or religious harassment is prohibited.

No member may use the Cooperative’s name, resources, or position to campaign for or against any political candidate or party, solicit political support, or otherwise engage in partisan campaigning on behalf of the Cooperative.

9. Intellectual Property and Name Use

The name “Rising Roots Secular Homeschool Cooperative,” the name “Rising Roots,” and all logos or identifying marks of the Cooperative may not be used without prior written approval of the Board.

10. Class Enrollment

Class enrollment shall close on the date established by the Education Coordinator. No enrollment changes shall be permitted after the deadline except with express approval.

11. Revocation of Membership

The Board may suspend or revoke membership for violation of this Agreement, the bylaws, or any policy or procedure of the Cooperative. Upon resignation or revocation, no refund shall be due except as required by law.

12. Amendment

The Board may amend this Agreement at any time. Continued participation in the Cooperative after notice of amendment constitutes acceptance of the revised terms.

I confirm I have read and agree to the above terms and conditions

Type Your Full Name:

By typing by name above, I understand and agree this form of electronic signature has the same legal force and effect as a manual written signature.