My Family Was Politically Active: Darren Jones, A Homeschool Dad’s Story

CC image courtesy of Flickr, Grufnik. Our family didn’t get involved in politics until I was in high school. The first (somewhat) political event that we went to was a pro-life rally in our local city. Since that time, I try to get to the annual March for Life at least every other year, which my parents never did, so in

Contrasts: Kathryn Brightbill’s Story

CC image courtesy of Flickr, Grufnik. Kathryn is a blog partner, follow her here. My life in politics is a story in contrasts. Election day, 1992, I’m in my county Republican headquarters making Get Out To Vote calls, working my way down the list to make sure everyone gets out to vote for George H.W. Bush. That night I watch in

I Was Meant to Be An Arrow

CC image courtesy of Flickr, Grufnik. Editorial note: The following is reprinted with permission from Kierstyn Darkwater’s blog. It was originally published on July 12, 2016. We would scoff at the idea that people wanted to have well-rounded educated children. I was meant to be an arrow to pierce the darkness and pop all the well-rounded bubbles. << actually a thing that was said. I

Rallies and Reason: Nastia’s Story

CC image courtesy of Flickr, Grufnik. HA note: The author’s name has been changed to ensure anonymity. “Nastia” is a pseudonym.   I often tell people that the three most important subjects to study are math, physics, economics.  Math gives you a logical mindset.  Physics allows you to understand the natural world.  Economics allows you to understand people and the social

TeenPacters Speak Up: Part Two, TeenPact And Me

“When I think about TeenPact and my time there, I don’t feel anger – like I do with most of my other past experiences. I feel confusion. Because I have so many good memories and experiences that are entrenched in environments that perpetuated the lies that enabled an abusive environment to thrive.”

TeenPacters Speak Up: Part One, Intro to TeenPact

“The goal of every camp, but especially National Convention and Survival, is to ‘challenge’ students’ spiritual walk. Every camp teaches students from an evangelical christian conservative (patriarchal) viewpoint. ‘Taking the nation back for God’ is ultimately what TeenPact hopes its alumni will grow up to do.”