Category: Grange News

Facebook Page Zoom-torial Recorded

Phil Vonado, National Grange Communications Director, recently led a Zoom-torial on “How to Create a Facebook Page,” which also included some information on the free design website Canva, as well as how to create a Facebook Event. This video is now available on the National Grange YouTube channel and can be viewed here: https://youtu.be/-F3iqXyN5Lo. (We’ll be adding this link/video to the Grange Resources Page.)

National Grange Guide to Contests

A National Grange Guide to Contests, with contests from the Junior, Youth, Lecturer, and Communication Departments. (A legislative department contest will also be added shortly.) This Guide is available on the Program Books and Information Page of the MSG Website in the National Section.

Is Your “Elevator Pitch” Helping You?

by Phil Vonada, National Grange Communications Director

An elevator pitch is your 30-second “canned speech” or “stump speech” to give perspective members or curious minds a taste of who we are as an Order and organization. Elevator pitches are used with people or businesses all the time, whether you know it or not – they’re used when trying to court a donor to your fundraiser, when working at a membership booth or food stand at a fair or festival, or when riding an actual elevator at the National Grange Convention (I know I personally had an actual elevator pitch in Wichita last year!)

The goals of your elevator pitch should be to (a) to ignite and encourage further conversation about the aims and mission of the Grange and your Grange in particular and (b) to let the other person do some research on their own.

But what does your elevator pitch sound like?

Does it start with “Well, in 1867, Oliver Hudson Kelley was sent to the south…”? Or maybe “The Grange is a farmer’s organization…?” A lot has changed since then! While we hold onto our roots as an agricultural organization, we are also known as an advocacy and community service organization for all of rural America.

Let’s start with the Grange’s mission statement: The Grange strengthens individuals, families and communities through grassroots action, service, education, advocacy and agriculture awareness.

And then tailor it for your own Grange – State, Pomona, or Local. 

I also note that we are the nation’s oldest agricultural fraternal organization. My pitch sounds something like this: “The Grange is America’s oldest and foremost agricultural and rural service organization, focused on supporting and advocating for rural America in nearly 1,500 communities nationwide. At Penns Valley Grange, we believe in supporting our community through direct action and service that builds up families.”

Your elevator pitch shouldn’t be a membership pitch. There’s no “… and here’s why you should join” at the end, but rather the pitch is the seed that will hopefully take root and grow – through a partnership or an eventual membership.

I encourage Granges to take time to work with one another to build their elevator pitches – and I look forward to hearing them!

Gimme a “G!” — Just make sure it’s capitalized!

“Grange” is a proper noun and it should always be capitalized!

A Quarter’s Worth

The next deadline for A Quarter’s Worth submissions is November 1st. Please send these to Ann Bercher (lecturer@nationalgrange.org). (A Quarter’s Worth is the National Grange Lecturer’s Newsletter.)

New Member Recognition in Good Day Magazine

Want to see your new members recognized in Good Day Magazine? Anyone who has not been recognized as a new member in the past year can be included. Use this link to share the news. The deadlines for the next issue is November 30, 2022

National Grange Convention

156th National Grange Convention will be held at the Nugget Casino Resort in Sparks, Nevada, from November 15-19, 2022. Visit the National Grange Website for information and to register.

National Grange Heirloom Program

Grange Heirlooms are snippets from the lessons of the Grange as taught in the Ritual and Declaration of Purposes. Please share “success stories” about the use of the program with us, or if you come up with other innovative ways to incorporate the Program in your Granges. Information and materials are now available on the National Grange Website.

“Notes from National” is based on a monthly email received from the National Grange Communications Department.

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Rural Minds Partnership

Rural Minds is a non-profit focused on increasing awareness and reducing the stigma of mental health issues in rural America. Coming up in September is a webinar that is co-produced by Rural Minds and the National Grange on Rural Suicide Awareness & Prevention. (Information about the webinar will be posted and is available on the MSG Conferences and Dates Page.)

Good Day! Magazine

The latest issue of Good Day! has been sent to print and should be reaching mailboxes soon. Please consider subscribing or purchasing a subscription for their Grange or local schools or libraries. There’s also the option to subscribe to a virtual copy for readers who don’t want a physical magazine.

Grange Fairs Across the Nation

Phil Vonado, National Grange Communications Director, would love to know of any Granges in your state that run or are heavily involved in the organization of community/county/state fairs. He hopes to make this the feature of the October Good Day! magazine and connect with these Granges – especially smaller ones!

A Quarter’s Worth

The next deadline for A Quarter’s Worth submissions is November 1st. Please send these to Ann Bercher (lecturer@nationalgrange.org). (A Quarter’s Worth is the National Grange Lecturer’s Newsletter.)

Phil’s Challenge for August

Words have power behind them, and the words and phrases that we choose to use are very important! Negative words and language can lead to negative energy within yourself and within the Grange as a whole. But how often have you said, “We used to do…” or “We don’t have the people for…”? 

Using negative/negating language can be a hard habit to break. I know I’m guilty of it myself. I encourage you to find a positive spin – “We could try…” or “We’re up to the challenge of…” are good places to start. Allow new members to bring new energy into the organization; give things a try, and encourage new members (and long-time members) to try something new.

When you hear yourself (or anybody else in your Grange) saying things that either take ownership away from a person or an idea, try flipping the language into something affirming. Building people up and encouraging new things is going to help grow the organization.

Please consider this when writing up your reports for this year. Despite challenges or setbacks, let’s look for the positives – and I know every state has done some incredible things this year!

National Grange Convention

156th National Grange Convention will be held at the Nugget Casino Resort in Sparks, Nevada, from November 15-19, 2022. Visit the National Grange Website for information and to register. Early bird registrations are open until September 9, 2022.

National Grange Heirloom Program

Grange Heirlooms are snippets from the lessons of the Grange as taught in the Ritual and Declaration of Purposes. Please share “success stories” about the use of the program with us, or if you come up with other innovative ways to incorporate the Program in your Granges. Information and materials are now available on the National Grange Website.

New Member Recognition in Good Day Magazine

Want to see your new members recognized in Good Day Magazine? Anyone who has not been recognized as a new member in the past year can be included. Use this link to share the news. The deadlines for each issue are:

• November 30, 2022

“Notes from National” is based on a monthly email received from the National Grange Communications Department.

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2023 National Grange Revival

The 2023 National Grange Revival is just one year away! Information and registration forms are available on the Program Books and Information Page under the heading “National Grange.” Make your reservations at the campground as soon as possible – many of the campsites and RV sites are already reserved, which means you’re going to have an amazing week in Curtis, Michigan! Don’t miss out on a week full of fellowship, fun, excursions, great Grange food, and more! Booking your spot now will also save you some money!

Good Day! Magazine

The next issue of Good Day! magazine will be coming out in August, so there’s still time to subscribe! This quarterly magazine is full of information for your members, and at just $16 for a year’s subscription, it’s truly a steal! We are also always looking for content, including editorials, articles about things happening in your State or Community Granges, or other information that you think would be interesting to Grange members across the country. Please email me! The next deadline for information and articles will be August 31, 2022. Thank you to the states who send in your new members, too! It’s a great way to give your new members and Community Granges a shout-out!

Grange Foundation Virtual Telethon

THANK YOU to the States, Departments, and individuals who supported the Grange Foundation’s Virtual Telethon for the Junior and Youth Departments last weekend. You have made a HUGE difference in the future of the Grange, with over $24,000 raised!

Grange Fairs Across the Nation

Phil would love to see pictures from Grange Fairs across the country! I would love to see how fairs operate around the country and to hear how Granges are involved in making them happen. Photos of Grange exhibits and how we are sharing the message of the Grange are especially wanted! Attach them to an email to Phil!

National Grange Quilt Block Contest

The deadline has been extended to September 1, 2022. More information is available here.

National Grange Convention

156th National Grange Convention will be held at the Nugget Casino Resort in Sparks, Nevada from November 15-19, 2022. Visit the National Grange Website for information and to register. Early bird registrations are open until September 9, 2022.

National Grange Heirloom Program

Grange Heirlooms are snippets from the lessons of the Grange as taught in the Ritual and Declaration of Purposes. Please share “success stories” about the use of the program with us, or if you come up with other innovative ways to incorporate the Program in your Granges. Information and materials are now available on the National Grange Website.

New Member Recognition in Good Day Magazine

Want to see your new members recognized in Good Day Magazine? Anyone who has not been recognized as a new member in the past year can be included. Use this link to share the news. The deadlines for each issue are:

• August 30, 2022
• November 30, 2022

“Notes from National” is based on a monthly email received from the National Grange Communications Department.

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Reminders

Many contest deadlines are coming up soon! National Grange Lecturer’s Virtual Photo Contest and Communication Department Publicity Item Contest are both due on June 30, 2022. Check recent issues of Patrons Chain and the National Grange Website for more information. Many National Junior and Youth Grange Contests are coming up–check your handbooks!

An Encouraging Word!

Granges are active in 1500 communities nationwide and we are 140,000 members strong. A few states are seeing massive growth in membership numbers, and (more importantly, in my opinion) activity and presence in their communities. Members are joining because they are proud of the work being done by the Grange and proud of the way their members are talking about the Grange.

Phil Vonada, National Grange Communications Director

Grange Foundation Virtual Telethon

This year’s telethon is July 9, 2022. We are seeking sponsorships, testimonies, and talent entries from youth and juniors! Please email Samantha or Mandy if you have questions about the event. Please plan to tune in, starting at noon eastern on July 9, 2022!

National Grange Quilt Block Contest

The deadline has been extended to September 1, 2022. More information is available here.

National Grange Convention

156th National Grange Convention will be held at the Nugget Casino Resort in Sparks, Nevada from November 15-19, 2022. Visit the National Grange Website for information and to register.

National Grange Heirloom Program

Grange Heirlooms are snippets from the lessons of the Grange as taught in the Ritual and Declaration of Purposes. Please share “success stories” about the use of the program with us, or if you come up with other innovative ways to incorporate the Program in your Granges. Information and materials are now available on the National Grange Website.

New Member Recognition in Good Day Magazine

Want to see your new members recognized in Good Day Magazine? Anyone who has not been recognized as a new member in the past year can be included. Use this link to share the news. The deadlines for each issue are:

• June 30, 2022
• August 30, 2022
• November 30, 2022

“Notes from National” is based on a monthly email received from the National Grange Communications Department.

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Reminders

Regional Leadership Conferences are coming up soon… National Grange Convention registration will be opening soon… 2022 Communications applications are now open–any and all ages welcome! Check recent issues of Patrons Chain for more information.

National Grange Virtual Photo Contest

Remember the deadline is June 30, 2022. Submission guidelines are available on the MSG Website.)

National Grange Convention

156th National Grange Convention will be held at the Nugget Casion Resort in Sparks, Nevada from November 15-19, 2022. Visit the National Grange Website for information and to register.

National Grange Heirloom Program

Grange Heirlooms are snippets from the lessons of the Grange as taught in the Ritual and Declaration of Purposes. Please share “success stories” about the use of the program with us, or if you come up with other innovative ways to incorporate the Program in your Granges. Information and materials are now available on the National Grange Website.

New Member Recognition in Good Day Magazine

Want to see your new members recognized in Good Day Magazine? Anyone who has not been recognized as a new member in the past year can be included. Use this link to share the news. The deadlines for each issue are:

• June 30, 2022
• August 30, 2022
• November 30, 2022

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Reminders

Regional Leadership Conferences are coming up soon… National Grange Convention registration will be opening soon… 2022 Communications applications are now open–any and all ages welcome!

National Grange Virtual Photo Contest

A recent mailing from National Grange Lecturer Ann Bercher summarized the rules, clarified the deadline (June 30, 2022) and outlined submission guidelines. (A copy is available on the MSG Website.)

Grange in Action Program

The Grange in Action Program invites Granges to submit a one-page summary of at least three events/activities no later than September 25, 2022, for recognition at the 2022 National Convention. (Rules and instructions are available on the MSG Website.)

Grange Supply Store Note

Effective May 1, 2022, any Grange Supply Store “rush” orders that require expedited arrival (7 days or fewer from time of order) will have a $25.00 expedition fee added to the order and the shipping fee. This includes any seals, certificates, and membership recognition applications.

National Grange Heirloom Program

Grange Heirlooms are snippets from the lessons of the Grange as taught in the Ritual and Declaration of Purposes. Please share “success stories” about the use of the program with us, or if you come up with other innovative ways to incorporate the Program in your Granges. Information and materials are now available on the National Grange Website.

New Member Recognition in Good Day Magazine

Want to see your new members recognized in Good Day Magazine? Anyone who has not been recognized as a new member in the past year can be included. Use this link to share the news. The deadlines for each issue are:

• April 30, 2022
• June 30, 2022
• August 30, 2022
• November 30, 2022

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Important Trademark Information

Remember that the Grange emblem is a registered trademark, so the full Grange emblem should always include the (R) symbol. Many publications and other locations only have the old TM included, which is no longer correct. To ensure that our trademark is protected, it’s important to get this updated on websites, social media, program guides, and more. Meanwhile, the Grange Youth and Junior Grange logos are only trademarked by the Grange, so only have the TM options. The current logos are available here.

Grange Month Calendar

As a reminder, the “Raised Right Here” theme lasts through 2023, so if you didn’t think about using the theme in this year’s Grange Month programming, be sure to start thinking about it for 2023!

National Grange Heirloom Program

The Grange Heirloom Program is underway–just in time for Grange Month! Grange Heirlooms are snippets from the lessons of the Grange as taught in the Ritual and Declaration of Purposes. Please share “success stories” about the use of the program with us, or if you come up with other innovative ways to incorporate the Program in your Granges. Information and materials are now available on the National Grange Website.

New Member Recognition in Good Day Magazine

Want to see your new members recognized in Good Day Magazine? Anyone who has not been recognized as a new member in the past year can be included. Use this link to share the news. The deadlines for each issue are:

• April 30, 2022
• June 30, 2022
• August 30, 2022
• November 30, 2022

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Contest Deadlines

Please note that the June deadline is only true for certain, specific contests, including the Quilt Blocks, Photography, Publicity Items, and certain contests in the Junior and Youth Departments. Please consult the National Grange website or program guides for other deadlines. We will continue using social media and the Patrons Chain (as well as Good Day! magazine) to list upcoming deadlines.

National Grange Heirloom Program

The Grange Heirloom Program gets underway in March–just in time for Grange Month! Grange Heirlooms are snippets from the lessons of the Grange as taught in the Ritual and Declaration of Purposes. Please share “success stories” about the use of the program with us, or if you come up with other innovative ways to incorporate the Program in your Granges

National Grange Rosters

This roster lists the state officers for every State… it’s available in booklet form (as a pdf) and as a spreadsheet.

New Member Recognition in Good Day Magazine

Want to see your new members recognized in Good Day Magazine? Anyone who has not been recognized as a new member in the past year can be included. Use this link to share the news. The deadlines for each issue are:

• April 30, 2022
• June 30, 2022
• August 30, 2022
• November 30, 2022

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