ITHACA COMMUNITY LEAH BYLAWS
ARTICLE I: NAME OF CHAPTER
The name of this organization shall be Ithaca Community LEAH (Loving Education At Home), also known
as Ithaca LEAH or the Ithaca LEAH Chapter. It will be referred to as “Ithaca LEAH” or “the Chapter” or
“this Chapter” henceforth in these Bylaws. “NYS LEAH” shall refer to the statewide organization of which
this Chapter is a member.
ARTICLE II: DEFINITION AND AFFILIATION
Section 1: Biblical Foundations
1.1. Ithaca LEAH is a Christian organization, the members of which are like-minded families
dedicated to observing the Biblical commands of Deuteronomy 6:4-10, Proverbs 22:6, and
Ephesians 6:4. We promote home education as the Scriptural design for education, whereas
institutional education is alternative to the home.
Section 2: Philosophical Statement
2.1. We believe that every family has the God-given legal and constitutional right to home-educate,
regardless of their philosophy of education or religious affiliation.
2.2. The Chapter exists primarily for its membership, which consists of member families who
voluntarily assist and support each other in the endeavor of home education through a variety
of activities.
Section 3: Legal Standing
3.1. Ithaca Community LEAH is a member chapter of New York State Loving Education At Home
(NYS LEAH), a New York State Not-For-Profit Corporation. As such, its establishment,
leadership, operations, and final dissolution are all subject to the oversight of the NYS LEAH
Board of Directors according to the NYS LEAH Bylaws.
ARTICLE III: PURPOSE
Section 1: Purposes of the Organization
Ithaca LEAH is organized primarily for the purpose of providing service and support to its
member families, including but not limited to the following ways:
1.1. Providing and encouraging support and training for parents through such activities as support
group meetings.
1.2. Providing and promoting opportunities for children and families to interact with each other
through planned educational and recreational activities.
1.3. Providing information regarding the regulatory climate of home education.
1.4. Providing information to member families regarding appropriate legal counsel as needed.
1.5. Implementing other programs or services as may be deemed necessary by the membership in
support of home education.
1
Revised 5/11/2016
1.6. The organization is organized exclusively for charitable, religious, educational, and/or scientific
purposes under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.
1.7. No part of the net earnings of the organization shall inure to the benefit of, or be distributable
to its members, trustees, officers, or other private persons, except that the organization shall
be authorized and empowered to pay reasonable compensation for services rendered and to
make payments and distributions in furtherance of the purposes set forth in the purpose clause
hereof. No substantial part of the activities of the organization shall be the carrying on of
propaganda, or otherwise attempting to influence legislation, and the organization shall not
participate in, or intervene in (including the publishing or distribution of statements) any
political campaign on behalf of any candidate for public office. Notwithstanding any other
provision of this document, the organization shall not carry on any other activities not
permitted to be carried on (a) by an organization exempt from federal income tax under
section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, or corresponding section of any future federal
tax code, or (b) by an organization, contributions to which are deductible under section
170(c)(2) of the Internal Revenue Code, or corresponding section of any future federal tax code.
1.8. Upon the dissolution of the organization, assets shall be distributed for one or more exempt
purposes within the meaning of section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, or
corresponding section of any future federal tax code, or shall be distributed to the federal
government, or to a state or local government, for a public purpose.
ARTICLE IV: ITHACA LEAH STATEMENT OF FAITH
1. Section 1: We Believe
1.1. The Bible to be the inspired, infallible, divinely preserved Word of God, the supreme and final
authority for all faith and life.
1.2. That there is one God, eternally existent in three persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
1.3. In the deity of our Lord Jesus Christ, His virgin birth, His sinless life, His miracles, His vicarious
and atoning death through His shed blood on the cross, His bodily resurrection, His ascension,
and His imminent bodily return in power and glory.
1.4. That man was created in the image of God, but fell into sin and is therefore lost, and only those
who put their faith in Jesus Christ alone, not trusting in any personal works whatsoever, can be
saved.
1.5. That salvation is the free gift of God brought to the sinner by grace and received by personal
faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, Whose substitutionary death on the cross paid the penalty for
man's sin.
1.6. That the ministry of the Holy Spirit is to convict mankind; to indwell, guide, instruct, and
empower the believer for godly living and service.
1.7. In the spiritual unity of believers through our common faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, and that
individual doctrinal differences which may exist outside of the aforementioned (Article IV §1.11.6) should not hinder the unity of Christian home educators.
2. Section 2: NYS LEAH Statement of Faith
2.1. Ithaca Community LEAH is a member chapter under the authority of NYS LEAH which has its
own Statement of Faith. The NYS LEAH Statement of Faith can be referenced in the NYS LEAH
Bylaws Article IV §1-2.
2
Revised 5/11/2016
ARTICLE V: MEMBERSHIP
Section 1: Specifications Regarding Governing Documents
1.1. Membership in Ithaca LEAH is open to all local home-educating families who agree, via a signed
statement, to respect, honor, and abide by the Ithaca LEAH Bylaws, Membership Covenant, and
Statement of Faith. The Membership Covenant with signature page is attached to this
document as an Addendum.
1.2. Each member family will be required to sign the Ithaca LEAH Membership Covenant. This
Covenant, which is attached to this document as an Addendum, shall serve as our Code of
Conduct. By signing this document each member family affirms that:
1.2.1.They understand that the Chapter’s purposes, convictions, and activities are governed and
guided by the Ithaca LEAH Bylaws, Statement of Faith, and Membership Covenant.
1.2.2.They agree to respect, honor, and abide by the core values of the Chapter as stated in the
Ithaca LEAH Bylaws, Statement of Faith, and Membership Covenant.
Section 2: Requirements and Expectations
2.1. Ithaca LEAH is a mutual support group for homeschooling families. As such, all member families
are expected to encourage and help each other and to participate in the activities of the group
in order to help fulfill the Chapter’s purposes.
2.2. All renewing member families are required to promptly pay their annual dues no later than July
1 of each year, as specified by Article VIII §4.1-4.3.
2.3. The membership year will run from July 1 through September 30 of the following year (15
months).
2.4. New members can join anytime during the fiscal year, as defined in Article VIII §1.1.
Membership for the following year must then be renewed by July 1 of that year.
2.5. New members joining anytime during the fiscal year will need to pay full dues for that year.
Dues are not prorated.
2.6. New members joining after April 30 will have their dues applied to the next membership year.
Section 3: Applying for Membership
3.1. Applications for membership in Ithaca LEAH must be approved by the Chapter Leadership,
which is defined in Articles VI and VII.
3.2. The application process shall consist of the following:
3.2.1.Completion and submission of any application materials that the Chapter Leadership may
require, including a signed Membership Covenant as specified in Article V §1.
3.2.2.Submission of annual membership fees as specified in Article VIII §4.1-4.3.
3.3. The Chapter Leadership may, at its discretion, interview any family applying for membership.
Section 4: Discipline and Revocation of Membership
4.1. If and when there is evidence that any member family is in confessional or ethical noncompliance with the Ithaca LEAH Statement of Faith, Membership Covenant, or Bylaws,
including conduct and/or activities within the chapter which are disruptive and/or contrary to
Biblical principles or to any of the above documents, an investigation shall be conducted by the
Chapter Leadership of Ithaca LEAH.
3
Revised 5/11/2016
4.2. If the Chapter Leadership concludes that the allegations have merit or need further
investigation, the Leadership may, at its discretion, immediately suspend said member family
from any or all privileges of membership until a final disposition of the matter is made.
4.3. There shall be an opportunity given to the party or parties involved to petition for a hearing
before the Chapter Leadership to consider the matter. Such a request must be received by the
Chapter Leadership in written form (by letter or email) within 30 days of the suspension. Such a
hearing must take place within thirty (30) days of the request. Written notice of the hearing (by
letter or email) will be given to the party or parties involved not less than one week prior to the
hearing date.
4.4. After the hearing, the Chapter Leadership shall have fifteen (15) days to consider the following
options: taking no action, requiring specific corrective actions by the party or parties involved
as a condition of continued membership in Ithaca LEAH, or releasing the family from
membership. All decisions by the Leadership, both interim and final, shall be promptly
communicated to the parties involved.
ARTICLE VI: CHAPTER LEADERSHIP AND GOVERNMENT
Section 1: Chapter Leadership
1.1. The affairs of this Chapter shall be under the direction and guidance of the Chapter Leadership.
Chapter Leadership shall consist of the Chapter Leaders and the Leadership Team as defined
and specified in Article VII.
Section 2: Leadership Decisions
2.1. The Chapter Leaders and the Leadership Team will work together for the effective
administration of Chapter activities. They are expected to work through any disagreements in
policy or practice with Christian grace and charity.
2.2. As per the NYS LEAH Bylaws Article V §8.1.1, the Chapter Leaders shall have final authority
within the Chapter, especially in matters pertaining to the Statement of Faith, Membership
Covenant, and Bylaws, and also to settle any disputes among the Leadership Team.
Section 3: Quorum and Voting
3.1. At least one spouse of the Chapter Leader couple meeting with a majority of the Leadership
Team members, or with their spouses as alternates as specified in Article VII §3.7, shall
constitute a quorum at a meeting.
3.2. If a quorum is not present at a meeting, the meeting may be postponed to another time at the
discretion of the Chapter Leaders.
3.3. Any item requiring a vote, including a proposed Amendment to these Bylaws as specified in
Article IX, shall be communicated to and discussed among all members of the Chapter
Leadership either in a meeting or by group email. All Chapter Leadership members shall then
vote on the item and it shall be approved by a majority decision.
Section 4: Compensation
4.1. Members of the Chapter Leadership shall not receive any stated salaries for serving in
leadership. However, they may be reimbursed for expenses incurred while fulfilling leadership
duties, such as travel, office supplies, phone calls, etc.
4
Revised 5/11/2016
ARTICLE VII: SELECTION OF CHAPTER LEADERSHIP
Section 1: Qualifications of Chapter Leaders
1.1. As per the NYS LEAH Bylaws, Article V §6.1, the Chapter Leaders shall consist of a married
couple. Under exceptional circumstances, the Chapter may petition the NYS LEAH Board to
waive the requirement of a married couple to allow an otherwise qualified person or two
persons teaming together to serve as Chapter Leader(s).
1.2. Chapter Leaders shall meet the requirements set forth in the NYS LEAH Bylaws and must
receive approval from the NYS LEAH Board through the LEAH Regional Representatives for the
Chapter.
1.3. Chapter Leaders must be members in good standing of Ithaca LEAH as their primary chapter
who have previously demonstrated leadership ability within the Chapter.
1.4. Chapter Leaders will be required to sign a statement that they agree to affirm and uphold all
parts of the Statement of Faith, Membership Covenant, and Bylaws of the Chapter.
1.5. Prospective new Chapter Leaders will be chosen by volunteering to take on the position and by
the recommendation of the current Chapter Leaders with the approval of the Leadership Team.
1.5.1.It is highly recommended but not required that prospective new Chapter Leaders serve as
Assistant Leaders under the direction of the current Chapter Leaders for a minimum of one
year prior to taking on the Chapter Leader position.
Section 2: Qualifications of Leadership Team Members
2.1. Leadership Team members must be members in good standing of Ithaca LEAH as their primary
chapter who have previously demonstrated leadership ability within the Chapter.
2.2. Leadership Team members will be chosen by volunteering to take on a position and by the
recommendation of the current Chapter Leaders with the approval of the Leadership Team.
2.3. Leadership Team members will be required to sign a statement that they agree to affirm and
uphold all parts of the Statement of Faith, Membership Covenant, and Bylaws of the Chapter.
2.4. The Chapter Leadership may, at its discretion, interview any candidate applying for a
Leadership Team position.
Section 3: Positions and Duties of the Chapter Leadership
Positions and Duties of the Chapter Leadership shall include:
3.1. Chapter Leaders, as defined above in Article VI §2.1-2.2 and Article VII §1.
3.1.1.The Chapter Leaders shall generally oversee the day-to-day operations of the Chapter and
its activities. As per the NYS LEAH Bylaws Article V §8.1.1 and stated above in Article VI
§2.2, the Chapter Leaders shall have final authority within the Chapter, especially in
matters pertaining to the Statement of Faith, Membership Covenant, and Bylaws, and also
to settle any disputes among the Leadership Team.
3.1.2.As per the NYS LEAH Bylaws, Article V §6.3 and Article VI §7.1, the Chapter Leaders are the
primary liaisons between Ithaca LEAH and the NYS LEAH Board of Directors. Chapter
Leaders are required to attend two NYS LEAH meetings annually, where they shall
represent Ithaca LEAH and exercise Chapter voting rights. In the event they are unable to
attend a meeting, they have the authority to appoint another representative to attend and
5
Revised 5/11/2016
to vote on the Chapter’s behalf. The Chapter Leaders shall communicate to Ithaca LEAH
any pertinent information from the NYS LEAH Board.
3.1.3.The Chapter Leaders are primarily responsible to NYS LEAH for all membership records,
including processing all registration materials for Ithaca LEAH membership, but at their
discretion this responsibility can be delegated to a Membership Secretary, as specified in
Article VII §3.3.
3.1.4.The Chapter Leaders shall have the authority to have access to the Chapter’s bank account
and to sign checks in the event that the Treasurer is unavailable.
3.2. Assistant Leader. The Assistant Leader is an optional Leadership Team position. The Assistant
Leader will work closely with the Chapter Leader and generally assist in the day-to-day
operations of the Chapter. Specific duties will vary.
3.2.1.An Assistant Leader is logically considered to be a prospective new Chapter Leader and will
be chosen as per Article VII §1.5.
3.2.2.As per Article VII §1.5.1, it is highly recommended but not required that an Assistant
Leader work together under the direction of the Chapter Leader for a minimum of one
year prior to taking on the Chapter Leader position.
3.2.3.An Assistant Leader may hold another position jointly within the Chapter Leadership as
well.
3.3. Membership Secretary. The Membership Secretary is an optional Leadership Team position.
The Chapter Leaders are primarily responsible for processing all registration materials for Ithaca
LEAH membership and for keeping all membership records, but at their discretion this
responsibility can be delegated to a Membership Secretary. The duties of the Membership
Secretary shall include:
3.3.1.Answering inquiries about Ithaca LEAH. The Membership Secretary is generally the first
contact with prospective new members.
3.3.2.Processing all registration materials for new and renewing members.
3.3.3.Collecting all annual dues and working with the Treasurer to ensure correct payment for
said dues is made to NYS LEAH.
3.3.4.Providing NYS LEAH with the required information regarding Ithaca LEAH members and
processing online registrations in the NYS LEAH database.
3.3.5.Maintaining contact information for Ithaca LEAH members and communicating any
changes or updates, including information about new members who join throughout the
year.
3.3.6.Producing an annual Membership Directory in October of each year that shall include
contact information for each member family, and distributing said Directory to all Ithaca
LEAH members.
3.4. Treasurer. The Treasurer is a required Leadership Team position. The Treasurer shall have the
authority to sign checks, to pay the Chapter’s bills, and to spend chapter funds in joint decision
with other members of the Chapter Leadership. The duties of the Treasurer shall include:
3.4.1.Managing the Chapter budget and bank accounts.
3.4.2.Keeping up-to-date records of all Chapter income receipts and expense disbursements.
3.4.3.Providing financial reports whenever necessary, including the annual end-of- year financial
report to be reviewed at the June Planning Meeting and then submitted to the NYS LEAH
Regional Representatives, as specified in Article VIII §1.2.
6
Revised 5/11/2016
3.5. Co-op Committee Leadership. The Co-op Committee Leader (or Co-Leader) is an optional
Leadership Team position. The Co-op Committee Leadership shall generally oversee the
operations of the Co-op Committee and the administration and activities of the Ithaca LEAH Fall
and Spring Co-ops. Co-op Committee Leadership shall be chosen from among the Co-op
Committee Members by their general consent. The duties and responsibilities of the Co-op
Committee Leadership may be delegated at their discretion to other Committee Members and
shall include:
3.5.1.Answering inquiries about Ithaca LEAH Co-op.
3.5.2.Communicating all pertinent Co-op information with the Chapter, including registration
information, class offerings, rules and regulations, etc.
3.5.3.Presiding over Co-op Committee meetings.
3.5.4.Recruiting new Co-op Committee Members as needed at their discretion. There shall be no
set number of Committee Members.
3.5.5.Processing Co-op registration materials and working with the Membership Secretary as
needed to verify that each registrant is an Ithaca LEAH member in good standing.
3.5.6.Collecting all Co-op fees and working with the Treasurer to ensure all Co-op obligations are
paid, including donations and/or fees for any facility used.
3.6. Co-op Committee Members. Co-op Committee Members are optional positions on the
Leadership Team. There is no set number of Co-op Committee Members. The Committee shall
work together under the direction of the Co-op Committee Leadership to generally oversee the
administration and activities of the Ithaca LEAH Fall and Spring Co-ops. The duties and tasks of
specific Committee Members will vary according to what is needed, as determined by the Coop Committee Leadership.
3.7. Spouses of all Leadership Team members are considered part of the Team and are welcome
and encouraged to attend Leadership Team meetings.
3.7.1.A Team member and spouse will share one vote at a meeting.
3.7.2.In the event that a Team member cannot attend a meeting, the Team member’s spouse
may attend and vote on behalf of the member.
3.8. Any additions or changes to the Leadership Team positions will require amendment to these
Bylaws, as specified in Article IX.
Section 4: Terms of Office
4.1. Leadership Team members shall serve terms of one year coinciding with the Chapter fiscal year
as specified in Article VIII §1.1.
4.2. Terms may be renewed by volunteering to serve for another year.
Section 5: Vacancy
5.1. Chapter Leader vacancy. In the event that the Chapter Leaders choose to step down from
leadership for any reason, they shall submit a resignation notice to the Leadership Team in
writing (either by letter or email). The resignation notice shall include a specific date or time
frame when the Chapter Leaders will end their service. If possible, Chapter Leaders should give
enough notice before stepping down so that replacements may be confirmed (if there is no
Assistant Leader already on the Leadership Team) and trained to take on the Chapter Leader
position. New Chapter Leaders must meet the requirements specified in Article VII §1.1-1.4.
7
Revised 5/11/2016
5.1.1.In the event that the Chapter Leader position becomes vacant without notice for any
reason, it shall be filled by the Assistant Leader and spouse, who will then either take on
the position themselves or serve as interim Chapter Leaders until a new Chapter Leader
couple is confirmed.
5.1.2.In the event that the Chapter Leader position becomes vacant without notice for any
reason and there is no Assistant Leader, the Leadership Team shall appoint a Team
member to act as interim Chapter Leader until a new Chapter Leader couple is confirmed.
5.2. Leadership Team vacancy. Any member of the Leadership Team who chooses to step down
from leadership for any reason shall submit a resignation notice in writing (either by letter or
email) to the Chapter Leaders. The resignation notice shall include a specific date or time frame
when the Team member will end his or her service. If possible, Leadership Team members
should give enough notice so that a replacement may be chosen and trained before they step
down from the position.
5.2.1.A vacancy on the Leadership Team for any reason may be temporarily filled by the Chapter
Leaders, or by the Assistant Leader at the discretion of the Chapter Leaders, for the
remainder of the term or until a replacement is confirmed.
ARTICLE VIII: BUDGET AND DUES
Section 1: Fiscal Year
1.1. In accordance with the NYS LEAH fiscal year, as per NYS LEAH Bylaws Article VIII §1.1, the
Chapter fiscal year shall be from July 1 to June 30.
1.2. Following the end of each fiscal year, an annual financial report listing income, expenses, and
cash balance on hand shall promptly be provided to the NYS LEAH Regional Representatives for
this Chapter.
Section 2: Adoption of Budget
2.1. A proposed budget for each year shall be developed by the Chapter Leaders and the Treasurer.
2.2. The annual budget shall be maintained by the Treasurer, as per Article VII §3.4- 3.4.3.
Section 3: Determination of Annual Dues
3.1. Ithaca LEAH annual dues shall include the annual Chapter membership fee plus the annual NYS
LEAH membership fee as determined by the NYS LEAH Board.
3.2. The annual Chapter membership fee shall be determined by the Chapter Leaders and the
Treasurer.
3.3. The Chapter membership fee shall be set at a level necessary to support the annual Chapter
budget, taking into account other estimated income and expenses.
Section 4: Collection of Annual Dues
4.1. Annual dues shall be due and payable to Ithaca Community LEAH by July 1 of each year for
renewing members or immediately upon initially joining as new members, as specified in
Article V §2.2-2.6.
4.2. If a family belongs to Ithaca LEAH as their primary chapter, they shall pay to Ithaca LEAH the
annual Chapter membership fee plus the annual NYS LEAH membership fee.
8
Revised 5/11/2016
4.3. As per the NYS LEAH Bylaws Article VIII §3.2, a family may be members of more than one
chapter. If a family belongs to Ithaca LEAH as their secondary chapter and has already paid
their NYS LEAH membership fee to their primary chapter, they shall pay to Ithaca LEAH only the
Chapter membership fee.
4.4. In cases of financial hardship, the Chapter Leadership may, at its discretion, establish a means
to provide for the dues of those families unable to pay membership fees.
ARTICLE IX: AMENDING THE BYLAWS
These Bylaws may be amended at the discretion of the Chapter Leadership. A proposed amendment
shall be discussed among all members of the Chapter Leadership, either in a meeting or by group email.
An amendment must be approved by a majority vote of all members of the Chapter Leadership, not
merely the majority of a quorum. Prior to voting, a proposed amendment may, at the discretion of the
Chapter Leadership, be communicated to the entire Chapter to allow for general discussion and
comments from member families when such discussion would be of benefit to the Chapter Leadership.
Following the Chapter Leadership vote, copies of the amended Bylaws shall promptly be provided to the
NYS LEAH Regional Representatives for the Chapter and to all Ithaca LEAH member families. All
amendments are subject to the approval of NYS LEAH.
ARTICLE X: DISSOLUTION OF THE CHAPTER
Should it ever become necessary, a petition to dissolve Ithaca Community LEAH shall be submitted to
the NYS LEAH Board of Directors upon the recommendation of the Chapter Leadership, which is defined
in Article VII of these Bylaws. Upon approval of NYS LEAH, this chapter may then be dissolved and its
activities closed. After payment of any and all outstanding bills and proper claims, any remaining assets
shall be disposed of in cash or in kind by transfer to NYS LEAH or by transfer to a similar home education
organization approved by NYS LEAH, and all Ithaca LEAH bank accounts shall be closed.
9
Revised 5/11/2016
ADDENDUM: ITHACA COMMUNITY LEAH MEMBERSHIP COVENANT
Ithaca Community LEAH exists primarily to provide a network of support and encouragement for
Christian families who are homeschooling their children. The nurture and training of children is a Biblical
calling of highest priority and at times each of us needs help with this calling. The community of God’s
people have often shared their goals and expectations in an expression of Covenant. Therefore, as we
walk together on this path of homeschooling, we agree to support one another according to the
following statements in this Membership Covenant:
1. We will uphold the core doctrines of the NYS LEAH Statement of Faith. We recognize and
respect that the many churches represented in Ithaca LEAH may have different positions on
various doctrinal beliefs, but as LEAH members we affirm the core doctrines in the attached
Statement of Faith. In all of our activities, our primary mutual goal is to honor God the Father,
the Lord Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit.
2. We will seek to honor one another as fellow Christian parents. Given that our churches vary on
issues of minor doctrine and that homeschooling methods will be different for each family, we
agree that it is not our place to seek to undermine any other parent's role as the authority over
his or her own child. Therefore, we will encourage each child’s respect for their parents’
authority and for the teachings of their own church.
3. We will support and encourage one another with mutual respect. Support and encouragement
may take many forms, including but not limited to: praying for one another, speaking the truth
in love, sharing our wisdom and expertise as homeschooling parents, sharing curriculum
materials, and mentoring those who are new to homeschooling. We acknowledge that even
though our homeschooling methods may differ, we can learn a great deal from one another.
4. We will be actively involved in LEAH programs and events. As much as we can, we will
contribute our time and talents in some way to help carry the responsibilities for our group
activities. We will seek to maintain an affirmative Christian environment in all that we do as a
support group.
5. We will provide a safe and edifying environment for our children. In all our events and
activities, we will shepherd our children’s hearts in Christian discipleship and do all we can to
help them feel secure as they grow and mature in their faith. We will give them physical and
emotional protection as we help them negotiate interpersonal relationships and learn to love
one another. We will encourage their joy, curiosity, respectful feedback, personal initiative,
healthy competition, and full participation in activities.
6. We will be good stewards and teach our children good stewardship as well. We expect that all
LEAH program materials and the facilities we use will be treated with the utmost care and
respect. We will take responsibility for any damage we may cause both to people and property.
As a group, we will be responsible in all of our financial dealings and will leave no bills unpaid.
7. We will actively seek to be godly in our personal conduct and we will teach our children to do
the same. As much as possible, as LEAH parents we will guard our own hearts and walk in
personal integrity before the Lord, before one another, and before our children. We will work to
resolve conflicts and differences of opinion one-on-one in a loving and Biblical way, and we will
help our children to do this as well.
8. We will strive to walk in personal purity. We affirm that God created man and woman after His
own image and that He has ordained marriage, consisting of one man and one woman, to be the
10
Revised 5/11/2016
foundation of the family and to be the only legitimate and godly expression of sexuality. It is
expected that each LEAH parent will either practice Biblical monogamous marriage or celibacy,
depending on individual circumstances.
9. We will respect the authority of anyone in leadership and teach our children to do the same.
We will seek to support and encourage the leaders of any program or activity in which we are
involved. Following Biblical mandates, we will exercise integrity in resolving any differences of
opinion. We will teach our children to respect those adults who are in authority over them in a
given program or activity, both for the success of the program and for the safety of the children.
11
Revised 5/11/2016
AGREEMENT WITH STATEMENT OF FAITH AND MEMBERSHIP COVENANT
Each family of Ithaca Community LEAH is asked to acknowledge agreement with the Ithaca Community
LEAH Statement of Faith and the Membership Covenant by having at least one parent or ideally both
parents sign in each section below. If a parent will be participating in Ithaca LEAH Co-op, either as a
teacher or a helper, he or she is required to sign both sections below.
I have read and understood the Ithaca LEAH Statement of Faith and I agree to respect it as a document
that reflects the core beliefs of the group. I will not interfere with it or speak against it.
Signature(s):
_____________________________
_____________________________
Print Name(s): _____________________________
_____________________________
Date: __________________________________________
I agree with and will abide by the Membership Covenant.
Signature(s):
_____________________________
_____________________________
Print Name(s): _____________________________
_____________________________
Date: __________________________________________
12
Revised 5/11/2016