Category: Membership

By Rick Grotton,
Membership Committee Director
207 582-5915

Do your members know of the exciting contests that are proposed annually by different state committees? Do they participate? The Lecturers Department, CWA, Membership, and Community Service all have great contests, and some entries are due in September. If you follow the website, you will find information on all of these contests. When approaching new membership, these contests should be mentioned in the conversations. We all have varied talent interests and some of these contests could promote new membership. Communication is key. When you talk about Grange, be sure to give out contact numbers, applications, pamphlets of our history, and how your Granges affect your communities. People want to keep involved, to be active, to fit in and to be able to make a difference.

Encourage your newer members to take all of the Degrees to learn about our lessons, traditions, and history. We are all proud to belong to the Grange, so share your story, your pleasures, your memories and what you have learned. New friendships are formed and old ones are renewed. We are a fraternal family with strong bonds. It doesn’t matter where your Grange is located; our family has no geographic boundaries. Technology has provided us the opportunity to communicate easier no matter where we live. Keep in touch with one another. I know I think of my friends all over the country I have met through conferences, events, conventions, and committees. I am pleased to know them as they have helped me grow and advance. It is a warm, endearing feeling to know these Brothers and Sisters and what they have helped me accomplish as a Granger. I do respect and appreciate all of them. They make feel appreciated, wanted and needed. It has been such a life changer for me. I am sure there are many others who have the same thoughts and feelings. I am proud to be a Granger. You, also, could be a life changer for someone. Encourage them to join the Grange and watch what happens!!! 

By Rick Grotton,
Membership Committee Director
207 582-5915

I hope all are having a great summer. The weather has been good and people are getting out and enjoying the fresh air. Stores seem to be busy and traffic seems to be heavier than normal. After two years of COVID and people being afraid to go out of their homes, it seems great to see people milling about. Lawn sales (or whatever you call them) are everywhere, outdoor fundraising activities are abundant and Granges are joining in as well with their own fundraising activities. It is great to look on the Maine State Grange website and to see what is happening at various Granges. Their advertising is enthusiastic, their stories are refreshing and their events are successful due to hard work and teamwork. One of the most fulfilling things about Grange (for me) is to see organized and hard-working members happily serving the needs of the community. The Grange Hall provides a fun place to have a meal, socialize, smile, help others, and feel good about yourself and others.  It is also a place where legislative resolutions are presented, business is conducted and event planning is done. When explaining to others about Grange and what it does, enthusiastically tell them about all of the above. Many persons would love to be a Grange member; all you have to do is ask. Speak often, advertise often, keep busy and continue to be fulfilled. Others can sometimes “read” our facial expressions and feel our likes and dislikes about any topic. So when you want to attract new members speak with passion, be enthusiastic, be positive, and provide proficient information to the inquirers. Keep your doors open for new membership.