Category: National Grange Information

National Grange information, including National Convention.

Grange Today! 11-28-2025

The Newsletter of the National Grange

Articles in this edition include:

  • National Grange President calls for action to strengthen rural America
  • National Grange holds elections
  • A Call to Act: President charts a future of connection, courage, and growth
  • “What does the Grange mean to you?”
  • Support the Grange Foundation through the Common Routes Challenge
  • As Temperatures Drop, Respiratory Risks Rise
  • View from the Hill
  • Free Webinar on Alcohol Use Disorder among Women in Rural America
  • We need Red, White, and YOU!
  • Keeping America Fed: Why Farm Labor Reform Can’t Wait
  • Grange honors and celebrates
  • Grange Foundation elects advisory board members
  • Juniors and Youth Learn at Sea
  • Recipes from the Heartland
  • Health Care Premium Tax Credits: What’s at stake for rural America?
  • 3 Ways You Can Help Tackle Hunger and Strengthen Communities This Holiday Season
  • Member Benefit: MemberDeals
  • Grange Store: Stocking Stuffers

Click the button below to read and/or subscribe to Grange Today!

Read THE Current Issue

Note that all recent issues are available on the National Grange Website. To save server space, we only post the table of contents on the MSG Website.

National Grange Honors Night

Join us TONIGHT, Friday, November 21 at 8:30pm ET / 5:30pm PT as we celebrate the outstanding achievements, service, and leadership of Grange members from across the nation at National Grange Honors Night. This special program shines a light on the individuals and Granges whose dedication strengthens our communities and embodies what it means to be #GrangeStrong.

Tonight’s event will include:

  • Grange Hall of Fame induction
  • Celebration of Remembrance for the Grange leaders who have gone to the great Grange above
  • Departmental Awards for the 2024-2025 Grange Year

We hope that you and your Granges will tune in live on YouTube or Facebook to celebrate the accomplishments and honor those who helped us reach where we are today, as we look ahead to another incredible year for the Grange.

Please invite your members, friends, and community partners to join us online as we recognize excellence throughout the Grange. Let’s celebrate and honor together – no matter where you are!

Click to watch on YouTube on November 21, 8:30 pm ET

Click to watch on Facebook on November 21, 8:30 pm ET

Click for Program Book

Grange Today! 10-24-2025

The Newsletter of the National Grange

Articles in this edition include:

  • National Grange President to Join National Panel on Rural Women’s Health
  •  Prepare to celebrate National Rural Health Day
  •  Save the Date: National Grange Honors Night
  •  National Ag in the Classroom Grants and Scholarships Cycle Open
  •  Grange Member Benefit: SingleCare / GoodRx
  •  View from the Hill
  •  Home Fire Prevention Tips
  •  We need Red, White, and YOU!
  •  Recipes from the Heartland
  •  Grange Store: #GrangeStrong Socks & 60-year membership pin 

Click the button below to read and/or subscribe to Grange Today!

Read THE Current Issue

Note that all recent issues are available on the National Grange Website. To save server space, we only post the table of contents on the MSG Website.

By the Book —   a message from Chris Hamp, National President

I want to remind each of you and ask that you make it a priority to remind your membership of our long-standing and unwavering non-partisan policy, which has been part of our Order since day one. Our Constitution, Declaration of Purposes, and Bylaws clearly state that the Grange is not, and must never become, a partisan or party organization and this must be reflected in all we do. This applies to every publication at every level, oral reports at Grange meetings, social media posts made in the name of the Grange, and any other communication. I ask that you carefully review and ensure that all communications are free of partisan comments, endorsements, or implications. When we drift into comments about people and parties rather than focusing on issues, we erode the very bonds of unity built by our non-partisan approach. Our strength lies in being a trusted, non-partisan voice for rural America, and it is vital that we preserve that trust through our words and actions. That unity is what makes the Grange one of the few remaining places where civil dialogue across differences can thrive – and it is essential we protect it.

CHAPTER I – CONSTITUTION OF THE ORDER OF PATRONS OF HUSBANDRY

1.12.1 Denominational religious or partisan political matters shall not be the subject of discussions in the work of the Order, and no religious or political tests for membership shall be applied.

CHAPTER II – DECLARATION OF PURPOSES OF THE NATIONAL GRANGE OF THE ORDER OF PATRONS OF HUSBANDRY

2.5.1 We emphatically and sincerely assert the oft-repeated truth taught in our Constitutional Law, that the Grange — National, State, Pomona or Subordinate — is not a partisan or party organization.

CHAPTER X – CODE OF ALL GRANGES 10.1.4 No Grange of the various divisions of the Order shall use or allow to be used any name, insignia or mark of the Order in a manner which could indicate support, approval or opposition of any candidate for political office or any partisan political position.

MSG President Sherry requested that we post and publish this important message!

National Grange Apparel Sale

National Grange Apparel Sale

The National Grange is launching a limited-time apparel sale through CustomInk. We have chosen “business apparel” – as requested – in a few different styles.

Button-down shirts in both long-sleeve and short-sleeve, in men’s and women’s cuts, and a polo shirt (also in men’s and women’s cuts). Each will have the Grange emblem embroidered in the pocket area. (Actual placement may be slightly different than pictured). This sale is only available in adult sizes. (Sorry!)

Access the apparel sale at https://grange.biz/apparel or http://customink.com/fundraising/ng-apparel . 

National Grange Launches Rural Life Initiative Grants

The National Grange is doubling down on its commitment to revitalizing rural communities with the launch of two new competitive grant opportunities through the Rural Life Initiative.

On June 24, during the “GPS to Success” webinar, National Grange President Christine Hamp announced the launch of two new grant opportunities as part of the expansion of the Rural Life Initiative (RLI), a program designed in partnership with Grange Advocacy to strengthen rural communities through health, wellness, agriculture, and community projects and events.

If you missed the webinar, it is available to watch on the National Grange YouTube channel.

Following the 2024 successes of programs in seven pilot states and nearly 25 Granges that received mini-grants for holiday events, the National Grange is expanding the RLI program and eligibility for all Granges.

Successful examples of past projects include senior fitness classes, building Grange awareness at a community zucchini race event, vaccination and wellness clinics, a cancer research fundraising 5K, and more.

The grant opportunities are as follows:

$1,000 Summer Grants (30 available)

  • Projects must be completed and report submitted by September 30, 2025
  • Applications reviewed as received. Must apply by July 31, 2025.

$5,000 Long-Term Grants (2 available)

  • Projects must be completed and report submitted by December 31, 2025
  • Applications are due by July 31, 2025, with notification of grant winners on August 8, 2025.

Both grant opportunities are open to either local or State Granges.

While the main grant amounts are fixed, there are additional incentives available for completing projects and submitting reports on time, and for each new member gained through your project.

What are the grant requirements?

Because RLI aims to build stronger communities across the country, there are three main components to the grants:

  • You must include at least one partner organization beyond your Grange.
  • You must submit a current membership list with the application proposal.
  • You have the flexibility to choose topics based on local needs, but:
    • Projects cannot involve building improvements or equipment purchases. Projects must focus on recruiting and engaging new members.

“We are excited to see what Granges will create for their communities,” said Hamp. “The flexibility of this grant cycle encourages Granges to truly think outside of the box and the Grange ‘norms.’ I look forward to seeing the dynamic events and powerful programs that this grant helps make possible.”

During the June 24 webinar, presenters Beth Westbrook and Nona Bear offered guidance on how local Granges can apply for these grants, develop project ideas that align with the program’s mission, and measure community impact. Participants were encouraged to think creatively and collaboratively in identifying rural needs and proposing solutions.

The tips and tricks presented also encouraged Granges to go after other community-based grants, always aiming for success.

“These grants are about investing in the people, traditions, and future of rural America,” said webinar leader Beth Westbrook, a member of the Grange Advocacy Board of Directors. “By empowering Granges to take action on local priorities—from health to heritage—we’re building stronger, more connected communities.”

To watch the full announcement, visit the National Grange YouTube channel and view the full grant requirements and submit your applications at the Rural Life Initiative page on the National Grange website.

Communication Shorts 5-23-2025

By Walter Boomsma,
MSG Communications Director
207 343-1842

Communication Shorts are brief (short) but important items posted for your information and use. Please send us your ideas and thoughts!

Sagadahoc Pomona Meetings

Please note the May Sagadahoc Pomona Meeting is cancelled. The next meeting is at Merriconeag Grange in Harpswell on Wednesday, June 25th at 7:00 with a potluck supper at 6:00. FM contact Stephanie Alexander, 207-841-9481

Memorial Day

How will you celebrate? Have you found a ceremony or parade to attend? Will you hang out your flag? Visit a cemetery? Here’s some ideas for you.

Subscribing to the Website

We’ve recently added more subscribers! Remember, we don’t share your email address with anyone, and you get a weekly summary of what’s been posted. Subscribe here! Copy and share that link with new members!

Online Directories Available 24-7

Thanks to those who help us keep these directories current by letting us know of changes! With election of officers coming up, don’t forget!

  • The Directory of Granges features all Granges in the state with a contact person. Please make sure your listing is correct! Visitors to the site consult these directories often.
  • The ODD Directory features all state officers, directors, and deputies with contact information.

Communication Shorts 5-20-2025

By Walter Boomsma,
MSG Communications Director
207 343-1842

Communication Shorts are brief (short) but important items posted for your information and use. Please send us your ideas and thoughts!

May Bulletin Available!

Deadline for May Columns is the 14th! Recent issues of the Bulletin can be found on the Program Books and Information Page in the communications section.

Memorial Day

How will you celebrate? Have you found a ceremony or parade to attend? Will you hang out your flag? Visit a cemetery? Here’s some ideas for you.

Finding Fairs

The Maine Association of Agricultural Fairs (MAAF) lists Maine Fairs by month. How many will you attend?

Finding Your Maine Legislator

Did you know how easy it is to learn who your Senator and Representative is? Just use this link: https://www.mainechamber.org/find.html.

Subscribe to the Site!

It’s easy and risk-free! With the recent influx of new members and degree recipients, we should see some new subscribers! Remember, we don’t share your email address with anyone, and you get a weekly summary of what’s been posted. Subscribe here! Copy and share that link with new members!

Consider this Idea!

Assume everyone is interested in your Grange Events! Broadcast the news far and wide–including submitting to the Maine Website Calendar. When sending information to the media (including MSG) send the information at least one month before it takes place!

Think about this!

“A life without love is like a year without summer.” 

 Swedish Proverb

Online Directories Available 24-7

  • The Directory of Granges features all Granges in the state with a contact person. Please make sure your listing is correct! Visitors to the site consult these directories often.
  • The ODD Directory features all state officers, directors, and deputies with contact information.

Communication Shorts 5-1-2025

By Walter Boomsma,
MSG Communications Director
207 343-1842

Communication Shorts are brief (short) but important items posted for your information and use. Please send us your ideas and thoughts!

May Bulletin Reminder!

Deadline for May Columns is the 14th! Recent issues of the Bulletin can be found on the Program Books and Information Page in the communications section.

Summer Events and Programs

Don’t forget to submit your summer events and programs–ideally at least one month in advance!

Recent Degree Day

The first Four Degrees were conferred on several dozen candidates! We’re waiting for some additional information and photos–coming soon!

Subscribe to the Site!

It’s easy and risk-free! With the recent influx of new members and degree recipients, we should see some new subscribers! Remember, we don’t share your email address with anyone, and you get a weekly summary of what’s been posted. Subscribe here! Copy and share that link with new members!

Consider this Idea!

Sometimes, simple is best! We’re intrigued by Vassalboro Grange’s weekly “Coffee on the Porch.” (We also like their one-page flyer listing all their summer events!)

Think about this!

“Shall I compare thee to a summer’s day? Thou art more lovely and more temperate. Rough winds do shake the darling buds of May, and summer’s lease hath all too short a date.” 

 William Shakespeare

Online Directories Available 24-7

  • The Directory of Granges features all Granges in the state with a contact person. Please make sure your listing is correct! Visitors to the site consult these directories often.
  • The ODD Directory features all state officers, directors, and deputies with contact information.

The Time is Now for the Silent Majority to Speak Up

By Christine E. Hamp, President of the National Grange

Photo of Chris Hamp

In every city council chamber, statehouse, and congressional hearing room, decisions are being made that shape the future of our families, communities, and country. Yet far too often, those decisions are influenced by the loudest voices – not necessarily the wisest or most representative ones.

For too long, the so-called “silent majority” – hardworking, civic-minded Americans – have taken a back seat in the advocacy process. We have trusted that “common sense” would prevail, that our leaders would act in our collective best interest, and that simply voting every couple of years would be enough.
It isn’t.

Democracy demands more than silence. It requires active participation. It thrives when everyday people – including farmers, teachers, small business owners, healthcare workers, construction workers and skilled laborers, students, and retirees – make their voices heard. It’s time for the silent majority to stop assuming someone else will speak for them and start showing up, standing up, and speaking out.

As President of the National Grange, I see firsthand how deeply our members care about their communities. We believe in strong values, in service to others, in tradition, and in progress. But I also see that many feel disconnected from the legislative process – disillusioned, frustrated, or simply overwhelmed. The truth is that advocacy isn’t just for professionals or partisans. It’s for all of us.
You don’t need a lobbyist’s credentials to walk into your legislator’s office. You only need your voice. A personal letter, a well-placed phone call, a presence at a town hall meeting or community function – these are powerful tools that too few use. And in their absence, the vacuum is filled by those with more narrow, sometimes self-serving agendas.

We must remember that silence can be interpreted as acceptance. When small, independent pharmacies close due to unjust reimbursement systems, when broadband once again skips our back roads, when healthcare becomes harder to access and education less equitable – our silence can cost us dearly. But our engagement can turn the tide.

The Grange has always stood for active citizenship. We were founded on the idea that when neighbors and communities work together, we don’t just react to change – we lead it. Today, that spirit is more essential than ever.
To the silent majority: you are not invisible. Your values, your experience, and your insight are needed in every conversation about the future of this nation. Let’s turn silence into action – at the local, state, and national level. Democracy doesn’t just belong to the loud. It belongs to the engaged.

Let’s act today.