J. Michael Smith, Esq. President Michael P. Farris, Esq. Chairman

CAP families visited the U.S. Senate to share concerns about the threat posed by the U.N. Convention on the Rights of the Child.

On March 10, 2009, 17 HSLDA member families met with Federal Relations staff on Capitol Hill for the first Congressional Action Program (CAP) Lobby Day in the 111th Congress.

The goal of the day was to “blitz” the entire Senate with information about the harmful implications of the U.N. Convention on the Rights of the Child. Following a short briefing featuring Senator Jim DeMint (SC) and lunch, our CAP families set out for their lobbying appointments with senators and staffers to share first-hand how this treaty would negatively affect the homeschool community. HSLDA is among the first groups talking about this issue, rendering our lobby day extremely important in framing the debate and educating members of Congress.

Our CAP families thoroughly enjoyed themselves and were invigorated by having the chance to actively defend their beliefs before Congress.

One participant wrote, “We were very excited to be able to meet ‘actual’ senators. We were amazed at the actual access we had to them (how easy the process was). It certainly showed us the impact that everyday, average citizens could have in the legislative process.”

Another family thanked us for providing an “exceptional education experience” for their children. HSLDA has heard that the senators and their staffers also greatly enjoyed the day, appreciating the opportunity to meet our families and interact with their kids.

If you would like to join CAP or learn more about our efforts to defend homeschool freedom on the Hill, please email us at CAP@hslda.org or call 540-338-5600.