Social Group Pods

Stage 1 - Forming

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We will help with forming! AnySchoolers will recruit new members, find pod members  who are a good match for your group, and connect them to you through the groups section of the AnySchoolers Spaces app. Pods will have an approximate  maximum of 12 members, and when a group has become cohesive, it will close and become invisible on the app to those outside the pod.

To form: 

1. Make a donation to AnySchoolers. The minimum annual donation per household/family is $60/year ($30 special offer as we launch our organization in 2022)  and include pod activities, donor only events, monthly Slow Burn Curriculum, listing and access to a directory, and the joy of supporting the vision of changing the way society views home education (priceless).

2. Fill out the AnySchoolers Social Pod Connection Form.

3. We will match your preferences with at least one group. The matching process is human, not algorithmic. A real person is looking at your Connection Form, reading your comments, and considering what will be the best fit for your family based on available options. 

4. If you see a group listed on the App that you’d like to join, click “Join” and your request will be reviewed by volunteer staff and by the existing group members to determine whether it’s a good fit. The reason why it might not be could be related to the group’s life cycle phase (if they’re “storming,” the timing might not be right for new additions, for example),, the meeting locations in the area, or other more organic reasons. The goal is for everyone to have a safe space to exist with other homeschoolers. 

Stage 2 - Norming

We expect all pod members, both children and adults, to follow the AnySchoolers Code of Ethics. When it comes to how often, where, and when you meet, you can work together to establish what feels right. AnySchoolers is not responsible for in-group behavior,  conflict that arises, or management of your pod’s schedule and communication. We provide a platform (the AnySchoolers Spaces app) where safe, private communication can take place. It’s safest to stay on this platform and communicate within the pod group page. 

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Stage 3 - Storming

All human relationships have negative interactions. These are an opportunity to learn, grow into deeper connection, and experience unconditional positive regard even when we make mistakes. When a group is norming, it will naturally run into differences between families needs, expectations, wants, behavioral limits, political/religious/social orientations, even family history of emotional or relational struggles. By helping to make like-meets-like matches, AnySchoolers gets things started on the right foot, but it’s inevitable that the closer and more known we become to others, the more we discover about ourselves and about them. The Code of Ethics provides some guidelines for how to Storm together - conflict does not have to be catastrophic. It’s a chance for mutual learning and modeling social skills to the next generation.

Stage 4 - Performing

Storming and performing happen in tandem with one another. Your group will have ups and downs, grow together, make memories and have challenges if you are authentic and real with one another. While performing, you’ll find it’s easiest to make plans, use the app, share photos, and feel the joy of connection. 

Stage 5 - Adjourning

All living things die, so that new things can grow in their place. The death of one part of an ecosystem gives life to the next generation of life.. Groups are organic, living units with moving parts. We have a natural opportunity for your group to adjourn at the close of the summer season, as there is a transition to the new school year. Some groups will choose to be ongoing. Some groups will need to adjourn in less than one calendar year. The important thing to know is that it will happen, and endings can be beautiful and celebratory.