Tag: Grange Communication

By Walter Boomsma
207 343-1842
Communications Director

New Developments

You’re probably aware of our new resource page(s) for the Words for Thirds Program. We’ll officially release on January 18, 2025, but it is a work in progress. Some resources, such as label templates and sample press releases, have already been accessed and used. There are still a few things “coming soon,” including an interview with Mary French, Director of the Dictionary Project. In addition to making life easier for Granges participating in Words for Thirds, we are determined to get more Granges in-terested in the program. As most know, I have been directing Valley Grange’s program for close to twenty years and I’m excited and happy to work with and assist Granges who are interested!

I’ve recently been working with the AARP Fraud Watch Network to add another resource to the MSG Website. We’ll post a weekly Fraud Watch Alert on specific types of fraud and scams. These will serve a dual purpose. First, Grangers will have access to concise information for their use. Second, the information can be used in lecturer’s programs and as FHH reports. As a bonus, these posts will have buttons at the bottom, making it easy to share them on social media or by email. Links are also provided, giving access to an AARP speakers’ bureau.

(Speaking of scams, stay suspicious! I’ve personally been getting hit with a lot of phony emails that look like they are from companies like United Health Care, Bitdefender Support, PayPal, Delta Airlines, FedEx, etc. They often are identified as “FW” (forwarded) in the subject line. Most have an attachment (which I do not open) and an offer of something free. When in doubt, don’t!)

The underlying development for the Words for Thirds Resources and AARP Fraud Watch Alerts is a more structured editorial plan for the website. We want the site to be resource-rich, engaging, and useful. As a reminder, every member is a reporter and potential contributor. Submit your news and events, but don’t hesitate to go beyond that. If you’re a lecturer, consider submitting your program ideas and tips. Tell us about your Community Service activities or how your Grange is improving Family Health and Hearing. Thanks to several “reporters,” we’re now working on some information regarding Grange Hall insurance that will be shared soon. I can’t do these things alone. That’s one reason I’ve adopted the slogan, “We’re Grangers. We help each other.”

► FACT: In the past week, the most visited posts and pages were the Grange Directory, Program Books and Information, Words for Thirds Resource Page, and Grange Scholarships.

By Walter Boomsma
207 343-1842
Communications Director

Making it Work

How providential that I recently received this email from Larry Bailey, Master of Ocean View Grange:

FYI – The dictionaries for the Ocean View Grange “WORDS FOR THIRDS” project have been ordered. There are two third-grade classes to whom we will distribute the books. The students have always seemed excited and grateful for getting the dictionaries. I was very surprised to see that response when we first gave out the dictionaries given that we live in an electronics and internet-based world.

Larry’s email was sent to members—I was copied. Communication creates involvement and allows people to feel engaged even if they are not directly participating. As another example, we recently completed Valley Grange’s “Dictionary Day” Words for Thirds Program. One of those days received front-page coverage in a weekly newspaper. As a direct result, a woman located some distance away sought out and called our secretary, explaining how much a dictionary meant to her as a child. She also mailed a $100 donation to us to support the program. She wanted to be part of what we were doing.

Words for Thirds is a program with a huge potential impact, particularly when we think about the communication aspect. What child doesn’t enjoy a gift? One reason I strongly urge an in-school presentation is that we are delivering more than dictionaries. We are delivering interest and care for our kids. Our organization and its members care about our third graders and their learning opportunities. I love telling the story of a high school student who saw and recognized me. She approached me to share that. I admitted she had an advantage because I did not recognize her. She explained, “I just want you to know that I still have the dictionary you and the Grange gave me when I was in third grade.”

Gifts are a form of communication. The impacts of the gift and the things we do (and don’t do) are yet another form of communication. It’s trite but true that sometimes what we do shouts so loud people can’t hear what we say. One of the things to love about Words for Thirds is it shouts and does a lot of good things loudly!

► FACT: We currently have sixteen Granges here in Maine participating in or interested in Words for Thirds!