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Creating Community by Connecting Neighbors
When there is moral rot within a nation, its government topples easily. But wise and knowledgeable leaders bring stability. Pr 28:2 (NLT)
Homeschool Communities Offer Relationships By Molly Kitsmiller
Readers of this paper are likely involved in churches, schools, clubs, and neighborhoods—yet, if what the experts say is true, we are also all experiencing, in degrees, the sense of loneliness that pervades our modern culture. Living in a small town or homeschooling our kids does not make us immune to current cultural trends or their effects. In fact, loneliness is now widely described as an “epidemic” and a defining feature of modern American life. It has also been said to be one of the most under-recognized and under-discussed public health issues of our time. This epidemic affects people of all ages, but probably has the most profound effect on teens, who are at a vulnerable age. Today’s teens face an unprecedented convergence of social media, digital communication, and increasing social isolation. Healthy, oncecommon forms of in-person interaction and community are becoming less frequent. Many of us have seen groups of teens sitting
together while each person focuses on a phone, or noticed that fewer teens gather in person at all. Digital communication can create the illusion of connection while replacing the deeper relationships that come from face-to-face friendship. To understand why community matters so much, we must recognize the cultural shifts that have contributed to today’s isolation. Digital tools have replaced many in-person activities—we don’t shop, bank, watch movies, play games or exercise in-person anymore. So much of our interaction with people has been replaced by interaction with a screen. Families are more spread out, there is less neighborhood engagement, and we think Facetime can replace in-person companionship. As a result, many teens struggle with declining mental health, a loss of belonging, and fewer opportunities to form deep friendships. While the problem is serious, there are meaningful solutions. One of the most
Our Journey to 250
powerful is the intentional building of committed communities. Homeschool families, in particular, benefit greatly from being connected to supportive groups that provide friendship, shared experiences, and encouragement for both parents and students. Some assume homeschooling naturally protects children from loneliness because of strong family bonds or reduced peer pressure. However, homeschool families can also experience isolation, especially when learning happens without connection to others. Parents often feel overwhelmed or cut off from encouragement, while students may miss out on close friendships and collaborative learning. This is why community-based homeschool groups can play such an important role. Petra Scholé Classical Community in Longmont combines classical education with authentic Christian community. Families seeking both academic support and meaningful relationships can find belonging in
an environment where learning is shared, friendships grow, and mutual encouragement is central. The loneliness epidemic poses a real challenge for individuals and families alike, but intentional homeschool communities offer a hopeful response. In an increasingly disconnected culture, places like Petra Scholé remind us that education is not only about information—it is about the formation of relationships and a shared sense of purpose. We invite you to learn more at www.petraschole.com or call (303) 525-1470 for more information.
Nominate history’s unsung champions
On July 4, 2026, our nation will commemorate and celebrate the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. The journey toward this historic milestone is an opportunity to pause and reflect on our nation’s past, honor the contributions of all Americans, and look ahead toward the future we want to create for the next generation and beyond. America250 is striving for “350 by 250” — our goal to engage all 350 million Americans by our nation’s 250th anniversary. Join us in celebrating America’s Semiquincentennial by sharing your story through Our American Story or America’s Invitation, inviting students to describe what America means to them as part of America’s Field Trip, or helping make 2026 a record setting year for volunteer service through America Gives. Go to https://america250.orgfor more information on our 250th Celebration.
The American story is woven from the unique and varied narratives of our people — let’s tell and celebrate these stories. Our American Story is an oral and visual storytelling project aimed at collecting and preserving our nation’s stories. This is your opportunity to nominate a living person — a friend, family member, neighbor, or community leader — whose story you think needs to be shared and preserved. It could be someone in your life whose story resonates with you or has inspired you, but maybe isn’t widely known. It could be someone who has made a difference in your community — famous or unknown. Conversations will be recorded and archived, and a portion will be preserved at the Library of Congress, to cultivate a permanent record of the collective American story. Every story is one worth sharing. Nominate history’s unsung champions today. Go to https://america250.org/nominate/for nomination form. See more ideas and events on page 7.
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