By Rick Grotton,
Membership Committee Director
207 582-5915
As a Membership Committee Director, it seems fitting that all of us should be “talking membership.” Columns relating to membership are presented each month. These columns are also intended to answer any membership questions you may have, so please send your questions to me at ricti@aol.com so your answers will appear in these columns. Let’s all cooperate and share what makes your Grange successful in recruiting new members, maintaining them and what your Grange does that attracts them. I will be referring to my own Grange at times to inform you what we have been doing that has been successful.
Membership does not just pertain to getting new members but is much more than that for sure. As an introduction, answer the following questions and make your own assumptions. Is your Grange prepared to accept new members? This means having an active grange, getting along with your brothers and sisters and if the community knows you exist. What does your Grange have to offer a new member? Why would they want to join? Can you explain to a prospective member about Grange and it’s history? Does your Master conduct the meeting smoothly and without incident or confusion? Do your members know the rituals and traditions that you can pass on to new members? Do you regularly meeting in one location (your hall or other place if you do not have a hall)? These are just a few questions to consider. To be prepared is a major step and should not be taken lightly.
Whether your Grange is a large group or a small one, it doesn’t matter. Membership should always be a priority in order to be able to operate efficiently.
Wishing all of you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!