Tag: Grange Events

By Rick Grotton,
Membership Committee Director
207 582-5915

If you have read the recent column by our State Master, you would notice that everything she stressed in her goal-setting article pertains to attracting new members and encouraging our present membership. As mentioned in previous columns, everything you do INSIDE of your Grange is noticed OUTSIDE by the community.

Goal setting is very important. There are words and phrases she used in the goal-setting process that are very strong yet very workable and obtainable. Awareness of the operations and members of your Grange will lead to changes and improvements necessary for growth. Think when you have your vehicle inspected. Sure, it runs fine with no problems (that you are aware of, anyways), but it doesn’t hurt to do maintenance work. You may find there are hidden things; not so important now, but can lead to bigger problems. The same thing applies when you go for your annual physical at the doctor’s office. An assessment of the overall performance of your Grange is needed and changes; no matter how small, will lead to a stronger, organized Grange. The community will notice.

Good leaders are essential. We all have unique talents and blended together, it makes a hearty “soup”. When you have the ingredients, it makes it easier to assign roles based on each member’s specialty. It takes a good leader to organize this talent into a winning team. Don’t be afraid to become a leader! You can make a big difference. Have faith and trust in your membership to help. The rewards are certainly beneficial to you and your Grange. Go outside the box and take the step. You have your Grange family to support you!  I certainly was afraid and told myself I couldn’t be a leader, however, my Grange friends and Grange family felt different. With their support and my trust in them, I took the step and am glad that I did!  Thank you all for that little push and love. Be not afraid.

 We all joined the Grange for various reasons; mainly for agricultural and community service purposes. We have created new friendships and bonds with other Grangers; we can use our skills and talents to help others. Personally, I have learned much about myself and my abilities since joining the Grange in 1985. Grange has made me a better person (not that I wasn’t before) and taught me new skills and toned up on some lesser-used ones. Family has always been important to me and my Grange family has always been accepting of me, no matter if I make mistakes or embarrass myself (which has been done). They pick me up when I am down; they just don’t laugh and turn away. Who wouldn’t want a family as supportive and loving?

The following are a few phrases that will help you in your endeavors to strengthen your Grange: 

• Respect others.
•  Give respect and others will respect you.
•  Keep active and you will grow.
• Cooperate with others and respect their opinions.
• Be aware of the needs of your community and your Grange.
•  Speak up with suggestions and ideas. Become a leader!
•  Attend other’s Grange meetings and talk to members of other Granges.
• Form bonds and friendships.
• Work together for a common cause.
• Keep visible!
• Welcome the community into your Hall.

By Rick Grotton,
Membership Committee Director
207 582-5915

Let’s put ourselves in the shoes of the prospective new member. As we look back at the meetings we have all been to, there are times when we might not have wanted to be there or want to leave early. We have attended many meetings but think of the person who is attending their first Grange meeting. We all know that first impressions are very important so if they are observing negative, boring or an unorganized meeting flow, they are more than likely to not come back. Meet in full form at your stations whenever you meet at your hall. Sitting around a table discussing business should not be happening when you have guests, your Deputy, or non-members present. Your Master should conduct an orderly, progressive flow to the meeting. Reports from committees tell the new member what you are doing in your community; lack thereof results in a boring meeting and probably an inactive grange. Why would they want to join if you do nothing? The majority of us want to be involved, to make a difference in our community and for ourselves. We care about others and want to make life better for all. We do positive things without asking for anything in return. We show our love in many ways. That is what a new member wants to achieve. That is what most of us wanted when we joined. We make a difference to many and enjoy working with our Brothers and Sisters for the Good of the Order. When a non-member sees our work, feels our positive energy, and happy workers, of course, most will want to be part of the action. Didn’t you? I did and still do.

In summary, just keep working, keep active, and have fun. Have orderly meetings and always greet and acknowledge guests whether they are members or not. If you follow protocol, then your Grange is ready for the next step which is to keep them coming back.