Be the Founder of a New Co-Op Community

1. Call Your People

Start with a simple mission:
“I want my babies around other babies that look like them.”
Reach out to local Black and Brown homeschoolers online, in Facebook groups, at libraries, in community centers, or even at Target (yes, the homeschool moms are always at Target).

2. Pick Your Purpose

Decide what your co-op stands for.
Academic support?
Cultural education?
Field trips?
Afrocentric curriculum?
A safe space where our kids don’t have to be the only ones in the room?

Make that purpose loud and clear.

3. Set the Vibe

Is your co-op:

Chill and flexible?
More structured with weekly lessons?
Outdoorsy and adventure-based?
Focused on social events and community?

Whatever the vibe — own it.

4. Choose Your Meeting Spot

You don’t need a fancy building. Start with:

Libraries
Parks
Community centers
Churches
Someone’s big backyard

Anywhere kids can learn, laugh, and be themselves.

5. Gather Your Curriculum & Activities

Pull together lessons and activities that celebrate culture, creativity, and curiosity.
Think:

History projects
Science experiments
Nature walks
Cultural studies
Life skills
Art and storytelling
Book clubs with diverse authors

Mix and match — it’s your co-op.

6. Set Expectations (A.K.A. Everybody Needs to Know the Rules)

Keep it simple:

How often you meet
What each family contributes (time, money, snacks… especially snacks)
Behavior expectations
Attendance
Communication

Clear rules save friendships!

7. Recruit Your Tribe

Post your co-op info online:

Facebook homeschool groups
Local community boards
Instagram
Word of mouth
Your new GHC listing 😉

Your people are out there — they just need to find you.

8. Plan Your First Meet-Up

Keep it light and fun:

Icebreakers
Picnic
Play date
Mini lesson
Parent chat circle

Let everyone feel the vibe before committing.

9. Stay Organized

Use tools like:
Google Calendar
GroupMe
WhatsApp
Facebook Groups
Email lists

Trust me — communication makes or breaks co-ops.

10. Grow at Your Pace

Co-ops evolve.
Start small, keep it real, and build your community step by step.
Your tribe will grow in its own time.