Online homeschool associations abound, but while there are plenty of free resources in addition to presence of national, state or local support for homeschooling, there may be reasons to pay for membership to obtain certain benefits. One major homeschool association that provides unique services is the Home School Legal Defense Association. A membership with the HSLDA for $115 per year as of 2011 allows you to join with other homeschooling families so that each can have a low-cost method of obtaining quality legal defense should the need arise. (See Reference 6.)
A to Z Home's Cool Homeschooling, a free resource which includes a homeschool group directory by state, describes its A2Z Homeschool Community as the best place to engage in discussion groups or post invitations to local homeschooling events. The American Homeschool Association also provides free information about how to homeschool, learning styles and standardized testing; it maintains a social networking presence online and has a page of special resources, which includes a list of recommended homeschool websites. (See Reference 3.)
Most states have at least one homeschooling association that provides significant educational direction, assistance and linked instructional materials on the association's website. Some, like the New Jersey Homeschool Association, provide extensive online resources and are a free source for homeschoolers. Many others ask for a nominal fee to join. The Georgia Home Education Association, for example, has a membership cost of $25 annually as of June 2011. This enables homeschoolers to receive discounts on magazines, book purchases, conventions and other education-related activities and resources. (See References 4 and 5.)
Many libraries, especially public libraries, provide educational activities and special events and exhibits for homeschoolers. There are also numerous websites with free instructional materials, local connections to organized groups, announcements of activities and field trips or social gatherings for homeschooled children.