The key is, I think, COMMUNITY.

Finding like-minded people but not necessarily focusing on "Waldorf" people... There are lots of ways to meet with like-minded folks. As has been the subject of discussion many times on this list, often times "Waldorf" parents also have other interests regarding parenting, diet, environment and so forth. Look to your neighborhood midwives, childbirth educators, natural food stores & co-ops, home school groups & clubs, attachment parenting groups, handwork supply shops, metaphysical bookstores, etc.

It is reasonable to assume that the woman who has had 3 home birthed children is also seeking a gentler path of educating her children. The woman who feeds her children the organic food is also concerned with what is in their daily lives and environment. The mom who is buying wool yarn or taking a spinning class is most likely at home knitting, spinning and felting with her kids! (When in Seattle, I found a wonderful community from visiting a yarn shop which offered classes in spinning... we ended up organizing and adding a class in felting and suddenly the people came out of the woodwork!) Post a note on the bulletin board at your midwife's office or at your health food store. See if there are any Organic or Biodynamic farms in your area. Get out the phone book and brainstorm!

Often times too, I have found that people do have similar philosophies and ideals, but have not yet come across "Waldorf" schools & philosophies.... They fall into the category, but they haven't gotten a name for it. Why, just two weeks ago in my sons Fencing class, I was talking to a mom whose daughter is home schooled.... We had so much in common, and yet she didn't know about Waldorf Education. When I sent her links to sites, discussion groups, etc.... she sent me a long message saying how she has been practicing this philosophy for over 8 years but never even new there was a name for it!

She simply never put Waldorf Education and her HOME SCHOOLING together! She knew of the schools and the philosophies of Steiner -- but not that Rahima Baldwin (You Are Your Child's First Teacher) had a conference or that there were specially designed curriculums such as Live-Ed or Path of Discovery. Additionally, many retired Waldorf teachers are available for tutoring or consultations.

The bottom line is that you most likely have many interests in common with many folks who are your neighbors - but maybe you will have to educate them to the "ways of waldorf". . As has been my personal experience many, many times: they may already be on the path and not even know it!

Best of Luck!

ka Himar-Jezek, Ph.D., is a writer, Certified Childbirth Educator, Labor Assistant, Doctor of Naturopathy, Minister, Soul Counselor, Reiki Master/Teacher, Life Coach and most importantly, a mother. She is the publisher of several family & parenting websites, two books and a regular weekly column. Reprinted with permission, this originally appeared in the "Ask Kytka" column at W.I.S.H.

For complete Waldorf and Homeschool resources and to learn more about Kytka visit http://www.waldorfhomeschoolers.com.

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