Category: Resources for Granges and Grangers

Is It Time for a Re-run?

Are you old enough to remember when television programming involved sometimes dreaded and sometimes eagerly anticipated summer re-runs? What we call “media” was certainly different.

In completing some recent research, I happened to look at a program Amanda Brozana Rio and I did together on April 18, 2020. While it was centered on the book I wrote about the Grange Way of Life, we spent considerable time on the challenge of maintaining the Grange Way of Life during the pandemic.

Whether or not things have changed much since this interview is perhaps debatable, but that’s not the intent of reposting it. The Grange Way of Life doesn’t change much fundamentally, even if how we live and practice it does. Therefore, it seems worth reposting this for consideration. Don’t miss the part about caterpillars and butterflies.

http://:abbotvillagepress.com

Flying Our Flag

In response to a request during the state session, we have researched and are providing the information below. Note this information will also appear permanently at the very top of the Program Books and Information Page. Special thanks go to John Lowry of Porter Grange and Vicki Huff of Hollis Grange for their help!

How we display the flag communicates! The image to the left indicates recent state proclamations regarding flying the flag at half-staff. The image to the right indicates current federal proclamations.

This is a link to a guide to the Federal Law regarding displaying the Americal Flag: US Flag Code.

To sign up for email alerts advising when to fly your flag at half-mast, visit Half Staff American Flag

Learn more from the Department of Veterans Affairs about the rules and traditions for flying the flag at half-staff 

Sneak Peek Brochure

Check out this great resource for recruiting and developing your membership!

DIY Resource

There’s actually nothing “sneaky” about this tri-fold brochure designed by National Grange for local Grange use. What we have is a fairly complete explanation of what to expect at a Grange meeting. Topics covered include:

  • Tips for participating
  • A diagram of the traditional layout of the hall
  • The order of Business
  • A description of the opening and closing
  • Key terms and objects
  • How business is conducted

We also learn, “A special time is set aside during each meeting for an educational, entertaining or inspirational program to be presented, called the Lecturer’s Program. This allows Grange members to meet one of our charges – to help members grow to
their fullest potential – and provides a time for
the community to learn from and interact with
our Order.”

You can download a copy from the National Grange Section of the Program Books and Information Page then print as many as you need. (You might consider adding a small label with contact information for your local Grange. Contact the MSG Communications Department if you need help with that!) Additional options include having a local printer produce them or ordering from the National Grange Supply Store as part of an orientation pack.

This brochure is a great way to introduce people who have never attended a meeting to what to expect and to make them feel more welcomed. Consider having copies available on the tables if you have a potluck supper before the meeting. Keep a supply near the gatekeeper/greeter’s station to hand to visitors.

Visit the Program Books and Information Page–Scroll down to the National Grange Section for a complete list of brochures available for your use. That list includes:

And don’t forget, there’s a one page letter describing these brochures and tips for using them!

Degrees and Symbols Brochure

Check out this great resource for recruiting and developing your membership!

DIY Resource

National Grange designed this long-overdue tri-fold brochure for local Grange use. It offers an effective summary of Grange heritage, ritual, and lessons.

The degrees “are short enactments, like plays, that allow members of the Grange to pass on to new candidates the values of the organization and lessons that can be learned – in the Grange’s case – through the natural world and work of agriculture.while emphasizing the core teachings of the Grange and the fact that ‘local Granges build resiliency and sustainability in their hometowns..'”

You can download a copy from the National Grange Section of the Program Books and Information Page then print as many as you need. (You might consider adding a small label with contact information for your local Grange. Contact the MSG Communications Department if you need help with that!) Additional options include having a local printer produce them or ordering from the National Grange Supply Store as part of an orientation pack.

If you’ve ever tried to remember the emblems, seasons, or symbols of the first four degrees, you need this brochure! And what a great thing to give new members who are about to celebrate the Four Degrees–or as a take-home “handout” after a degree day.

Visit the Program Books and Information Page–Scroll down to the National Grange Section for a complete list of brochures available for your use. That list includes:

And don’t forget, there’s a one page letter describing these brochures and tips for using them!

New Applicant “Pack”

Check out this great resource for recruiting and developing your membership!

DIY Resource

National Grange designed this as a new membership application and orientation/welcoming plan! It’s larger than the other brochures and with good reason! The membership application is very user-friendly and captures plenty of good information. It is “detachable” in a way that leaves the applicant with meeting information, important additional contacts a local mentor, a dues reminder, and some ways to stay informed!

You can download a copy from the National Grange Section of the Program Books and Information Page then print as many as you need. (You might consider adding a small label with contact information for your local Grange. Contact the MSG Communications Department if you need help with that!) Additional options include having a local printer produce them or ordering from the National Grange Supply Store as part of an orientation pack.

This brochure is a great way to process new members and to make them feel welcomed by providing basic information they’ll use. Ideally, an existing member would complete the application with the new member, making sure to include the orientation information–so much better than handing someone an application and telling him or her to fill it out! Applying for membership should be a warm and friendly experience just like being a member should!

And you just have to love the fact that the Grange Motto is right on the first panel.

Visit the Program Books and Information Page–Scroll down to the National Grange Section for a complete list of brochures available for your use. That list includes:

And don’t forget, there’s a one page letter describing these brochures and tips for using them!

Member Benefits Brochure

Check out this great resource for recruiting and developing your membership!

DIY Resource

National Grange designed this tri-fold brochure for local Grange use as a way to introduce members to the benefits that provide “added value for your dues dollars.” The general list of benefits includes

  • Travel and entertainment
  • Hearing services and devices
  • Financial planning and home protection
  • Shopping
  • Technology, shipping, and business services
  • Insurance
  • Prescription and medical care

While enjoying Grange membership, it’s easy to forget that there are some financial benefits as well!

You can download a copy from the National Grange Section of the Program Books and Information Page then print as many as you need. (You might consider adding a small label with contact information for your local Grange. Contact the MSG Communications Department if you need help with that!) Additional options include having a local printer produce them or ordering from the National Grange Supply Store as part of an orientation pack.

This brochure is a great reminder of the opportunity to get the most out of membership. New members should definitely receive a copy and it could be used to supplement an occasional lecturer’s program to briefly review current benefits offered by National Grange.

One panel suggests “Grange benefits help you secure what’s most valuable”–an interesting thought starter. What is most valuable and how can the Grange help protect it?

Visit the Program Books and Information Page–Scroll down to the National Grange Section for a complete list of brochures available for your use. That list includes:

And don’t forget, there’s a one page letter describing these brochures and tips for using them!

An Order Like No Other Brochure

Check out this great resource for recruiting and developing your membership!

DIY Resource

National Grange designed this great tri-fold brochure for local Grange use. It describes the overall structure of the Grange explains Grange Entities and how each works to ensure rural prosperity.

There’s also information about the National Grange Foundation and other opportunities for giving. Of all the brochures available, this one has the least amount of local focus but does establish the credibility of the Order and explains the various IRS designations.

You can download a copy from the National Grange Section of the Program Books and Information Page then print as many as you need. (You might consider adding a small label with contact information for your local Grange. Contact the MSG Communications Department if you need help with that!) Additional options include having a local printer produce them or ordering from the National Grange Supply Store as part of an orientation pack.

This brochure is a great way to introduce the Grange as an organization. Having copies available in a rack at your hall is great but you really want to get copies out to the community in a way that supports your role and recruiting efforts. Many people will find the national aspect of our Order reassuring as it suggests permanence and deeper resources.

Make sure people know “Granges improve quality of life and inspire others to work for the common good.”

Visit the Program Books and Information Page–Scroll down to the National Grange Section for a complete list of brochures available for your use. That list includes:

And don’t forget, there’s a one page letter describing these brochures and tips for using them!

How to Sponsor Garden Tours in your Community

Resources for Granges

produced by the
Maine State Grange Communications Department

While searching for ideas to promote agriculture, the Maine State Grange Farmers’ Initiative discovered that Victor Grange #49 in Fairfield had a jump on us by several years. We asked Barbara Bailey from Victor Grange in Fairfield Maine to share her energy, tips, and success stories they experienced.

Barbara also put together a resource booklet containing planning information, tips, and samples of the material they have used. The booklet also includes Barb’s contact information–she would love to help your Grange set up a similar tour!

Download the Tour Resource Booklet
Visit the Victor Grange Facebook Page

Check out:

  • More Resources for Granges — Program Information and Inspiration
  • Maine Grange Farmers’ Initiative — Information about the Initiative
  • Program Books and Information –Information arranged by committee and topic.

Exploring Traditions and Connections

Here you can watch and listen to the discussion between National Grange Communications Director Amanda Brozana Rio and author Walter Boomsma as they explore some of the topics from the book and what they mean to Grangers and Granges today–especially during the current pandemic.

Walter’s book is available from