Constitution and Bylaws

About THTH

THTH is a not-for-profit Christian based volunteer organization. We are comprised of home school families who desire to raise Godly children who love the Lord. We strive to meet the needs of member home schooling families by offering several levels of involvement to provide support, resources, activities, and fellowship for one another. Our group is open to all families home schooling at least one child.

As a member, each parent does more than participate. Members contribute by arranging and helping with activities. Members can choose to be involved in all areas, or only those that meet their family's needs and schedule. Following is a partial list of some of the services and activities that THTH has to offer:

  • Annual Picnic
  • Informational Monthly Meetings
  • Member Directory
  • Website
  • Mom’s Night Out
  • Field Trips
  • Prayer Chain

THTH is always looking for parents to teach a class, arrange a field trip, or look for other ways to serve in THTH. If you have an idea for a subject you would like to teach or an activity you would like to lead, please contact a member of the Membership Support Team. If you are new to the organization, it is a great way to network and get familiar with the members.

Website & Emails

Support group information for THTH is available on the website, http://www.thth.org
Contact information for the Membership Support Team, are available on the website

The following constitutes the Constitution and Bylaws of the Turning Hearts Towards Home (THTH) home school support group, which serves as our operating policy.

1) General

1.1 Name

The name of the organization shall be Turning Hearts Towards Home (THTH).
THTH reserves the right to control the use of the THTH name and logo. Under no circumstances will the name or logo be used without the explicit permission of the Membership Support Team.

1.2 Statement of Faith

We Believe the Bible is the inspired, infallible, written Word of God and constitutes His completed and final revelation to man. It is the sole rule of faith for the believer. The Bible, in its original manuscript, is without error in whole and in part, including theological concepts as well as geographical and historical details.

God has existed from all eternity in three persons: God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit. Jesus Christ was God come in human flesh being fully God and fully man, except without sin.

All men are in violation of God's righteous requirements and His holy character both by nature and act, and are therefore under His wrath and just condemnation.

The central purpose of the coming of Jesus Christ was to demonstrate God's all holy character that He alone is just and the one who justifies. Jesus Christ alone paid the penalty for man's sin through His substitutionary death on the cross, the successful accomplishment of which was attested to by His subsequent visible, bodily resurrection.

Salvation is God's free gift to the sinner. By God's grace alone, this gift must be responded to by individual faith alone, not trusting in any personal works whatsoever, but in the sacrificial death of Jesus Christ alone.

1.3 Mission

Our Mission is described in God’s Holy Word, in Deuteronomy chapter 6:

Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is one. Love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. These commandments that I give you today are to be upon your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. Tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. Write them on the doorframes of your houses and on your gates.

Deut. 6:4-9 (NIV)

We are serving one another in order to enable us all to better educate and lead our children as God has directed us. We acknowledge that God is the inspiration and guiding force behind what we do, and all glory belongs to Him.

1.4 Purpose

Our purpose is to promote Christian home education in the Union County area by providing resources, activities, and fellowship for home schooling children and their parents, always while honoring our Lord Jesus Christ.

The THTH support group is led by a voluntary Membership Support Team. The Membership Support Team has it in mind to lead all aspects of THTH according to the THTH Statement of Faith and Mission, in a Christian manner.

Likewise, the member families are expected to act at all times according to the Statement of Faith and in a Christian manner.

The success of all events, and of THTH in general, depends on participation of parents, such as in planning, executing, set-up, and clean up for activities.

1.5 Goals

  1. We strive to honor and please God through promotion of home education by Christian parents.
  2. We strive to mutually support and encourage one another in our God-given task of raising Godly children in an ungodly world.
  3. We strive to facilitate Christian home education of our entire families according to Biblical guidelines by providing support and encouragement to our member home schooling families.
  4. We strive to use our God-given talents and abilities, provide information, exchange ideas, and to offer group activities to our members.
  5. We strive to provide opportunities for Christian fellowship for all family members by encouraging one another, promoting unity among Christian home educators, and encouraging communication within our membership.
  6. We strive to be a positive witness for home education to the community and to government agencies.
  7. We strive to schedule and organize activities in a manner that will please God and increase our understanding of His creation and His will for our lives, as well as develop our families physically, mentally, spiritually, and socially.
  8. We strive to promote the rights of Christian home educators as citizens within the sovereign State of Ohio.

2) Membership

Membership to THTH is available to families home schooling at least one child, who desire to be a part of this support group and agree to abide by the Constitution and Bylaws and the Statement of Faith.

2.1 Member Character

Members of THTH are expected to conduct themselves, both individually and as a group, according to the Biblical guidelines upon which our Statement of Faith and the mission, purpose and goals in this Constitution are based on. Honesty, integrity, and discipline are character traits that we endeavor to instill within our children. These character traits should exhibit not only within the group, but also at all times during our life.

The just man walketh in his integrity: his children are blessed after him.

Proverbs 20:7

We need to be a good example (as “Representatives of Christ”) during our meetings, on all of our field trips, and during all other activities, not only for our children, but also for all of those who are watching from outside our group.

2.2 Requirements

The basic requirements of membership are as follows:

  1. All member families must agree to the THTH Statement of Faith, contained in this Constitution and Bylaws in order to be considered for membership. The Statement of Faith must be agreed to and signed by at least one parent (or legal guardian). All members will remain focused on the common ground of the Statement of Faith during all group-sponsored activities.
  2. All Members agree to acknowledge and abide by THTH rules and policies, and are subject to the authority of the Membership Support Team.
  3. All members must pay annual membership fees, unless said fees are waived by the Membership Support Team.
  4. Member families agree to manage their home schooling according to state regulations.
  5. Membership in THTH is for support and resource purposes only. THTH does not research, certify, qualify, approve, or in any way determine who may or may not home educate. Neither does THTH endorse any particular curriculum or any particular social development program.
  6. Members pledge their fullest cooperation to keep doctrinal controversy, denominational, and political ideology out of the group at all times.
  7. Participation in any support group activity is open only to members.
  8. Courtesy to activity organizers is expected by recognizing deadlines, age/grade limits, and financial arrangements.
  9. Members shall refrain from engaging in any activity, which may bring reproach on the support group.
  10. This support group, being a private organization, reserves the right to refuse or terminate membership, without explanation and without refund of fees, as determined by the Membership Support Team. This applies to any and all of the activities of THTH.
  11. A member family may terminate membership in THTH at any time by providing notice to the Membership Support Team.
  12. Members agree that if they have concerns about the home school support group or sub-groups that they think should be considered by the Membership Support Team for any action, that they will in no case discuss it with other member of the group. After praying, and in the love of Christ, concerns should be submitted to the Membership Support Team by written letter, email, or in person to ensure that concerns are properly addressed.

If your brother sins against you, go and show him his fault, just between the two of you. If he listens to you, you have won your brother over. But if he will not listen, take one or two others along, so that every matter may be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses.

Matt.18:15,16 (NIV)

By submitting the application and the annual membership fee, each family acknowledges their agreement and consent to these conditions. If at any time during the year a member is found to be in violation of the Statement of Faith, policies and procedures, or the requirements of membership, the Membership Support Team may require the family’s resignation from the group.

2.3 Membership Acceptance

Each family who applies for membership shall be considered once the following have been submitted:

  • completed application form
  • payment of annual fees

All new applications will be submitted to the Membership Support Team for approval. Applicants will be notified as to the status of the application by email or standard mail.

2.4 Membership Rights and Privileges

Membership in THTH will entitle the family to:

  • Access to the online Member Directory
  • Involvement in all THTH meetings, events, activities, and educational classes

2.5 Member Duties and Responsibilities

The success of all events, and of THTH in general, depends on participation of parents, such as in planning, executing, set-up, and clean up for activities. THTH members can assist by leading various projects and being familiar with the support group policies. The prayers and consideration of THTH members are imperative for the Membership Support Team’s success and the success of the support group.

Participation is welcomed and expected in the group by both parents and children. As the number of people who join in and participates increases, so will the strength of the group. Not everyone will choose to participate in all activities all of the time for any number of personal reasons. So please choose the activities that you can participate in and volunteer your time and assistance.

2.6 Member Directory

A directory of member families is prepared for your convenience as a personal resource. Information in the directory is to be treated as confidential and is not to be given, sold, or distributed in any way to anyone who is not a member of this support group, or otherwise used for any other purpose than which it is intended. A violation of this policy is cause for expulsion from the support group.

2.7 Member Termination

This support group, being a private organization, reserves the right to refuse or terminate membership, without explanation. The Membership Support Team reserves the right to remove a family who violates the THTH Statement of Faith or any policy in this Constitution (either by word or deed).

The member family may also at any time choose to terminate their THTH membership by providing notice to the Membership Support Team. Refund of fees should not be expected, but a partial refund may be requested, if warranted, and will be determined by the Membership Support Team.

2.8 Fees

Membership fees will be collected to support the operating costs of the organization and will be determined by the Membership Support Team. Payment of fees is due by the deadline on the current application. For members joining after the beginning of the fiscal year, fees are not pro-rated.

Families who are unable to pay their membership fees, due to financial hardship, may request that fees be waived for that year by indicating a financial need on the member application. Waiving of fees is subject to approval of the Membership Support Team, and will be evaluated each year as needed.

3) General Operation

3.1 Fiscal Year

The THTH fiscal year begins June 1 of each year.

3.2 Policy Manual

The THTH Membership Support Team will develop and maintain a THTH Policy Manual. This shall include, but not be limited to, the following:

  1. A copy of the THTH Constitution and Bylaws, Statement of Faith, and all other current THTH policies. Policies may be added/updated/removed from the Policy Manual as decided by the Membership Support Team.
  2. Written resources and forms that may be used by the THTH members for effective communication and cooperation regarding the business of THTH.

4) Membership Support Team

The Membership Support Team should consist of at least three (3), but ideally, five (5) husband/wife couples. The members of the THTH Membership Support Team make an annual commitment to volunteer their time, talents, and resources as the Lord leads them, for the edification of the whole support group. Without their efforts it would be very difficult to accomplish the purpose and goals of the support group.

4.1 Qualifications

The qualifications of the members of the Membership Support Team are as follows:

  1. Have an active personal faith in Jesus Christ and adhere to basic Christian doctrine, including the THTH Statement of Faith.
  2. Are educating their children “in the discipline and instruction of the Lord” Eph 6:4 (NASB).
  3. Have been a member in good standing with THTH for at least one year, and be a current member.
  4. Have read the THTH Constitution and Bylaws and be willing to work within their provisions.

Now the overseer must be above reproach, the husband of but one wife, temperate, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, not given to drunkenness, not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome, not a lover of money. He must manage his own family well and see that his children obey him with proper respect. (If anyone does not know how to manage his own family, how can he take care of God's church?)

1 Tim 3: 2-5 (NIV)

4.2 Duties

The duties of the Membership Support Team will include the responsibilities of overseeing all aspects of the THTH support group, including the approval of budgets and expenditures.

The following list consists of officers and committee coordinators within the organization. All positions need not be members of the Membership Support Team.

  • Treasurer
  • Secretary
  • Membership Coordinator
  • Policies & Procedures
  • Website
  • Legislative Liaison

4.3 Length of Term

The length of term for the Membership Support Team is at least (1) year. Outgoing couples may serve again after they have served on the team. Outgoing Member Support couples agree to remain available for a reasonable time to facilitate the transition of incoming Membership Support Team couples.

4.4 Delegation of Authority

The Membership Support Team may delegate powers and duties to one or more of the Membership Support Team members or committees, or to other THTH members. In the absence of such delegation, whether generally or specifically, no member of the Membership Support Team will have any authority to act for any other member of Membership Support Team. All decisions will be made by the Membership Support Team, not necessarily by a formal vote, but by consensus of the team. Each member of the Membership Support Team shall have equal status with that of each other member concerning all questions coming before the Membership Support Team.

4.5 Reimbursement of Expenditures

Members of the Membership Support Team or their appointed committee members may be reimbursed for actual expenses incurred in the maintenance of their duties, following the guidelines determined by the Membership Support Team. Documentation of expenditures will be required and will be submitted to the treasurer for reimbursement.

4.6 Vacancies

If a vacancy should result because of the death or resignation of a member, the Membership Support Team will appoint a replacement within the guidelines of the Constitution to finish out the remainder of the term.

5) Meetings

5.1 Meeting Conduct, Rules of Order

Meetings will be conducted generally observing the guidelines of Robert’s Rules of Order.

5.2 General Membership Meetings

General membership meetings will be held a minimum of once per year.
Additional general membership meetings may be called by the Membership Support Team as needed.

5.3 Support Group Meetings

Regular THTH support group meetings are typically held monthly, on the first Tuesday of each month, from October through May. The Membership Support Team approves various activities to accomplish the purpose and goals for the THTH support group.

Childcare is generally provided by teens at the monthly support group meetings for a small fee. Children staying with the provided childcare are expected to maintain appropriate conduct. Parents will be asked to remove their children if misbehavior occurs. Parents are expected to retrieve their children immediately following the meeting, providing the childcare volunteers the opportunity for fellowship after the meeting.

5.4 Member ship Support Team Meetings

Membership Support meetings will be held periodically as determined necessary by the Membership Support Team, in order to make decisions and conduct the business of THTH. A majority of the Membership Support Team members must be present to conduct formal business.

6) Committees and Activities

All committees shall be governed by the Membership Support Team and the names of the committee members will be made available to the membership. All activities that use the THTH name must be pre-approved by the Membership Support Team.

6.1 General Rules

  1. An attempt will be made for all activities and field trips to start on time. Please do not expect the rest of the group to wait for you.
  2. Please do not bring anyone to an event who was not registered.
  3. Unless otherwise specified, a parent or a designated parental adult must be present at all events with the children. These events are typically not “drop off” events intended to provide babysitting services.
  4. Parents must supervise your children. Please be sure that your children maintain appropriate conduct during activities. Children not exhibiting appropriate behavior may be asked to leave an event. Families with repeated offenses will be dealt with according to the Discipline and Conflict Resolution section of this Constitution.
  5. Children who are ill should not be brought to activities.
  6. Dress code: For all activities, all persons are expected to dress according to the principles of Christian modesty.

6.3 Field Trips

Field trips may be offered periodically, as approved by the Membership Support Team.

Parents must supervise their children during field trips. Please be sure that your children maintain appropriate conduct during activities. Children not exhibiting appropriate behavior may be asked to leave an event. For example:

  1. Do not let your children run ahead. Have them stay with you.
  2. Listen and follow the instructions of the instructor/leader.
  3. Do not interrupt the instructor/leader when he/she is talking.
  4. Do not touch things unless you have been given permission.
  5. Do not go into areas that are not part of the field trip.

Children and adults should behave in a way that sets a good example for others about home schooling and, most importantly, to be a good witness for Jesus Christ.

7) Adoption and Amendment of Constitution

The Membership Support Team will review the Constitution and Bylaws annually and document in meeting minutes. Any section of this Constitution or any other THTH policies may be amended by a consensus agreement of the Membership Support Team as necessary to continue efficient operation of the support group.

8) Discipline and Conflict Resolution

If a conflict occurs within THTH that affects the unity and functioning of the organization, the following steps shall be taken:

  1. The offended party shall communicate the grievance lovingly and tactfully to the offender, with the goal of reconciliation. Every effort shall be made to resolve the conflict at this level.
  2. If personal reconciliation is impossible, the offended individual may take the grievance to the Membership Support Team. Through prayer and searching Biblical principles this group shall make every effort to resolve the problem. The Membership Support Team shall be resolved to hear only the issues involved and not engage in, nor encourage, attacks upon personalities.
  3. After a search of the Scriptures, prayer, reflection, and research, the Membership Support Team shall be empowered to administer the appropriate disciplinary action. This may include a person being asked to resign from office, a person being asked to abide by THTH policy, or a person being removed from THTH membership. The final decision of the Membership Support Team shall be binding upon all individuals involved.
  4. All parties involved in conflict resolution and/or disciplinary action shall ever bear in mind that the goal of this process is restoration and reconciliation. The focus of this process shall be unity within the THTH membership.
  5. Scripture Resources:
    • If your brother sins, go and show him his fault in private; if he listens to you, you have won your brother. But if he does not listen to you, take one or two more with you, so that BY THE MOUTH OF TWO OR THREE WITNESSES EVERY FACT MAY BE CONFIRMED. If he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church; and if he refuses to listen even to the church, let him be to you as a Gentile and a tax collector.

      Matthew 18:15-17 (NASB)

    • So then, while we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, and especially to those who are of the household of the faith.

      Galatians 6:10 (NASB)

    • Let no unwholesome word proceed from your mouth, but only such a word as is good for edification according to the need of the moment, so that it will give grace to those who hear…Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving each other, just as God in Christ also has forgiven you.

      Ephesians 4:29, 31-32 (NASB)

    • But immorality or any impurity or greed must not even be named among you, as is proper among saints; and there must be no filthiness and silly talk, or coarse jesting, which are not fitting, but rather giving of thanks.

      Ephesians 5:3-4 (NASB)

    • Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might. Put on the full armor of God, so that you will be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places.

      Ephesians 6:10-12 (NASB)

    • Better is open rebuke than love that is concealed. Faithful are the wounds of a friend, but deceitful are the kisses of an enemy.

      Proverbs 27:5-6 (NASB)

    • But avoid foolish controversies and genealogies and strife and disputes about the Law, for they are unprofitable and worthless. Reject a factious man after a first and second warning, knowing that such a man is perverted and is sinning, being self-condemned.

      Titus 3:9-11 (NASB)

9) Dissolution of THTH

In the event of the dissolution of THTH for any reason, all assets, after all existing debts and financial obligations have been satisfied, shall either be donated to an existing home school support group agreed upon by the Membership Support team, or to the Christian Home Educators of Ohio (CHEO), Columbus, Ohio.

10) Insurance

The support group does not carry insurance for member family’s children. Parents are expected to carry their own insurance.

By signing the membership application form, parents agree to not hold the support group, it’s Membership Support Team, and/or organizers of activities liable in the event children are injured.