Tag: Grange Events

By Rick Grotton,
Membership Committee Director
207 582-5915

HMMM…No, I’m not thinking or pondering in awe over anything in particular; I am reintroducing you to a new acronym. Help Make Membership Matter. Yes, another acronym. Just like GOTO (remember that?) it is an important message for all of us. It is up to each of us to bring in new members; to expand our family for future generations. In order to keep our organization strong, we always need to add new members; to teach them our traditions, to introduce them to the world of agriculture; make them aware of our lessons and how to apply them. To keep the blood of the Grange circulating and its heart beating strong, it takes new ideas, fresh faces, and new projects. It is easier than one may think. The Good of the Order (GOTO) is in everyone’s hands. Yours, mine, and every member of this organization.

Do you remember why you joined the Grange? I certainly remember why I joined and it changed me for the better and set me on a great path. Would you be able to apply your own reasons for joining to others? Pay it forward. Certainly, you will have some rejections, however, there are people out there just waiting to be asked. Push aside the “nos” and keep going. May the rejections only make you stronger in your efforts. Invite others to sit in a meeting and observe. Give them the opportunity to decide for themselves. If you invite them, make it like you are selling a home or a car. First impressions are important. Invite others to a picnic or an open meeting first so that they can meet the membership in a casual, non-threatening atmosphere. When they attend an actual meeting, they will not feel isolated because they have already met the membership. Pay attention to them, explaining why we do what we do and the symbolism. Once a non-member is comfortable with the surroundings, they will be ready to join. Sound easy? It may, but it does take work and effort.

I wish all a happy, safe, and productive new year. HMMM…

By Rick Grotton,
Membership Committee Director
207 582-5915

As the holiday season arrives, we are reminded that this is the season of giving. Aside from the commercial aspects of this season; how you choose to celebrate Christmas and whether you do or do not celebrate, the air seems filled with a sense of giving; even heightened during this time of year. A friendly smile to a stranger, a helping hand to someone in need, a pay forward in the grocery line, shoveling out a neighbor, or any small gesture in order to make someone feel good also makes us feel good. Take a moment to reflect on the good feelings we generate and how it affects others around us. Others sense our positive energies and take notice. It spreads from there. Many times we don’t realize the effects our attitudes and feelings have on others around us. No words need to be said or interaction needed. Many people do not realize that their whistling or happy mood while walking down a crowded street or at their place of work may be making the day for another and another, It goes on and on like dominoes. Imagine if we all did this!!

Now, you say, what does the above have to do with membership?  EVERYTHING! It has everything to do with membership. When talking to someone about joining the Grange, if they feel your passion, your positive thoughts, and your love for the Grange, you are more likely to keep their attention and make them feel good at the same time. They sense your happiness, and it affects them also. We all like things that make us feel good and when we share those feelings, we are spreading good cheer to many others and from the others to those around them. Most of us have a deep passion for our Grange. It can be detected by anyone who senses those feelings. The Grange has changed our lives for the better;  enhancing positive relationships with others, the giving and helping we do for others, the sense of usefulness of ourselves and our accomplishments, and most of all it has made us better people all around. It makes us feel good; it makes others feel good. Therefore, when attracting new members, be positive, show your passion and be honest and true in your presentation. Remember that others can sense your feelings and will make their own conclusions based on your attitude. Always be kind and helpful to others. Even if you do not like the person remember that giving of yourself creates rewards for all. Be a part of the solution, not part of the problem.  It’s about creating peace and harmony in today’s crazy world. It begins with YOU!!!

Enjoy the holidays and be safe!

By Rick Grotton,
Membership Committee Director
207 582-5915

Remember, it is difficult to attract new members if your Grange is inactive. It has been a challenge during the past year, however, many Granges have “switched gears” from the normal “we have always done it that way”. Creativity and new ways of doing routine things have resulted in success for many. My Grange did (with success) the “trunk or treat” on Halloween night. We had many who stopped by to receive a bag full of goodies and many more who drove by waving and honking. It seemed like the adults had just as much fun as the young ones. The publicity from those who noticed us outside having a grand ole time was welcomed. During these difficult times, the members were excited to try different ways and came up with some wonderful projects. This was noticed by the community. It seemed to bring us closer together and strengthened our bonds even with social distancing.

There are many things Granges can be doing as the holidays approach to keep active and to bring awareness to potential new members. Donations to your local food bank, Thanksgiving and Christmas baskets to the unfortunate, help to the veterans, making Christmas cards for the elderly and shut-ins at nursing homes or rehab center, and checking in with members who cannot make it to the meetings are a few things that come to mind. Or you may have your own ideas which I wish you would share so that they can be forwarded to others in future columns.

It has been difficult this year to visit and to do membership drives, however, social media is a great way to boost your publicity and attract new members. Use social media to post events and remind others that the Grange is better than ever and is there to serve. Change happens and change is good. It keeps us thinking of new ideas and gets us out of the annual project rut where we tend to do the same things over and over without enthusiasm or thought. Change keeps us fresh, alive, and productive as well as motivated and excited. Non-members will pick up on that excitement and that will make it easier to attract them. Also, people tend to get stir crazy stuck at home during this pandemic and will be eager to get involved in something positive, new and exciting to get them out of their ruts. That is why communication, social media, publicity and being  active will help you in your drive for new members. Now is a great time to increase your membership. Keep an open mind, a positive attitude and updated planning of new events. Take advantage of these down times to boost your Grange. We will do it!! Remember, I am available to help you with any questions or ideas to help you boost your membership.

May every Granger be safe during the holiday season and wish you all a Happy Thanksgiving and a very Merry Christmas! God bless.

By Rick Grotton,
Membership Committee Director
207 582-5915

September and October are my favorite months of the year. The warm days and cool nights are refreshing and the colors of the changing foliage (also football games) are my favorites. State Grange session is almost upon us. This is also a great time for autumn events at your Grange. Also, many of us spend much of our time at various agricultural fairs displaying our crops and handiwork to compete for that elusive blue ribbon and cash to fund our projects.  Publicity runs high in these two months and we should be proud of our products out there for public view. Be proud of displaying your wares and be grateful for the admiration of others who enjoy the result of your hard work throughout the year. I have seen some beautiful displays and it makes me proud to be a Granger. Also, harvest suppers and “trunk or treat” Halloween gatherings are fun for the community and for ourselves.  Keep up the good work Brothers and Sisters!

Remember, adding new members is a top priority and should be a constant venture. Without water, we and other living things wither up and die; without new members, our Grangers do the same. Membership is our lifeblood, and we should constantly be working to increase membership. Does your Grange have a membership committee? If not, you should. No matter how small or large your membership is, adding new members is always needed, just as the blood pumps through our veins and the sunlight helps our plants to grow.

How did you come about becoming a member? If you joined other than by family, you were recruited as was I. My life changed immediately for the better as I had a whole new family to meet and to create lasting friendships. Growing and learning were constant and I felt grateful for the changes that I endured (some beyond my control). Early on, I had not envisioned myself as a leader or a public speaker and especially as a State Grange Master (President).  Think of your own experiences. Wouldn’t you want others to feel the same way you do about Grange? The passion when speaking to others will certainly be noticed and felt by them. Encourage them to visit and invite them to events. Even ask them for their ideas about how to run a particular project or their opinions about an event. Make them welcome and be open to their ideas. Positive energy yields positive results. So, get out there with a smile and a goal; to bring in the new members! I hope to see you at State Grange session in October.