SWMI-ILC is a secular and inclusive community for home educators and families in Southwest Michigan. We endeavor to create a diverse, equitable, and accessible environment while providing educational programming and resources to its members.
At our core, SWMI ILC is designed by the people, for the people. We are homeschooling families dedicated to providing a safe and welcoming environment for ourselves, our children, and our community. Every decision that is made by SWMI ILC will hold these values in mind.
We will embody an equitable community, which is one where everyone is included in the full benefit of society. In such a community, everyone is treated with fairness and justice and empowered to participate fully in social, cultural, and economic life.
We will seek out and strive to obtain resources for meeting people where they are physically, emotionally, educationally, culturally, and financially, through collaboration with individuals, the local community, and beyond.
We will foster an inclusive culture where all bodies experience freedom and safety to be the most authentic version of themselves. We support each other – not by shying away from others or our own uniqueness – but by celebrating each other and building a community where all can thrive in our differences.
We will use and encourage inclusive language that respects how an individual identifies in their culture, gender, sexual orientations, age, ability, and religion. We will provide resources and information about community opportunities to gain further education in inclusivity practices (e.g. intersectionality, cultural competence, etc.).
We will provide peer support, education, and create a safe space where homeschool families and individuals have access in a way that feels comfortable to them to create a community of belonging.
We will engage with the surrounding community to enrich programming and to teach learners to build a positive, healthy relationship with their local community.
We understand that people’s beliefs come from many places of origin and that a diversity of experience only enriches communities. We inspire our learners to think critically of the world around them for a broader understanding of all cultures. All educational content will be taught from a secular perspective.
We adopt principles of self-efficacy which reflect confidence in the ability to exert control over one's own motivation, behavior, and social environment. We believe all people are born capable of learning when provided the right environment and support. We invite learners to decide what they're comfortable with and capable of in a flexible educational environment.
Sarah (she/her) - Programming Director
Kim (she/her) - Administrative
Gayle (she/they) - Finance & Branding
Lexi (she/her) - Member Advocate
Vacant - Social Media Manager
Vacant- Community Building Lead
Vacant- Volunteer Coordinator
SWMI ILC is a non-profit educational organization operating in the state of Michigan. Please consider donating to help fund our 501c3 application fee.