Andy Blom addresses a point made in the movie at GRIH's new Family Brain Gain Nights.

The new GRIH program called 'Family Brain Gain Nights' got off to a roaring start earlier this month. Meeting once a month on a weekday evening, the Brain Gain night shows the latest in liberty and free market related films. Created by GRIH founder Dick Rowland and EducationYearRound.com's Lora Burbage and held at a local church, the first gathering saw over 60 people turn out to watch a new film from The Acton Institute, "The Birth of Freedom." It was the first time the film was shown in Hawaii and it was very well received by the audience. GIR sat down with Burbage to discuss the new program.

GIR: What's the 'Family Brain Gain Night' all about and what led you to create it?

Burbage: There are so many excellent educational resources that people may not know about. Dick Rowland and I decided that the best way to share them with as many students and adults as possible would be to show these films in a community setting.

GIR: What kind of movies will be shown?

Burbage: Films that teach the principles of liberty, rule of law and a free market economy are the goal.

GIR: Why do you feel it's important that young people be exposed to these types of films?

Burbage: So many of these ideas and principles of conservative thinking and reasoning are missing in our textbooks and especially in the media. We desperately need to educate our youth and teach them to think critically. They are the leadership of tomorrow in our towns, states, and nation and we need to help prepare them.

GIR: What is your overall goal for the program?

Burbage: The goal of the program is to educate as many youth as possible, along with parents and adults who are interested in the topics.

GIR: If there was one thing you wish people knew about The Grassroot Institute's new "Family Brain Gain Nights" and about homeschoolers in general, what would it be?

Burbage: I would hope that people who are seeing the invitation would understand that the content of these films is not elementary. Yes, we're targeting youth, but most adults would also benefit from these evenings. We will also include guests who can comment about the topic for the evening and this should also enhance learning. The second part of the question having to do with homeschoolers, is the age-old question about socialization of our students. Ninety-nine percent of all homeschoolers that I know of and have interacted with over the last 20 plus years are being taught positive social skills like appropriate behavior for the appropriate setting, communication skills, good manners, proper etiquette, how to be a good friend and so forth. Homeschooled students are not perfect but in general they do display positive social skills. We hope folks will come and join us!

-GIR-

For more information on Ms. Burbage's organization please visit: www.EducationYearRound.com.