Claiborne Thornton heard about homeschooling in the 80s. He has actively participated in homeschool advocacy in Tennessee, from being a homeschool dad to President of the Tennessee Home Education Association (THEA). In this conversation with Claiborne and Jim Mason (HSLDA President), learn about the early days of homeschool freedom, engaging with your representatives, and the importance of attending your homeschool capitol day—it might just involve 180,000 cookies! “We have a system that is designed for us to have the freedom to step forward and act. We understand how to take and use the tools that are set out before us and to preserve what we've been entrusted with. It's a complicated thing, it's a beautiful thing, and it's a very dynamic dance that goes on to make that to make that happen. And it's so encouraging to see other folks around Tennessee and across the country step forward and use those tools that we've been given. [We have the] freedom to interact with those that represent us and [build relationships] with them to help them see we're well-intended. Look through the systems that are there and try to find ways to make those connections. That's critically important with your friends, and even with those who might have some disagreement with.”—Claiborne Thornton