Tag: communication

By Walter Boomsma
207 343-1842
Communications Director

Give us a bite!

Well, what I mean is “give us a sound bite,” except that’s not exactly correct, either. “A sound bite is a short, catchy piece of video, audio, or speech chosen to give the essence of what you are saying and arouse interest…” While we’d love a video, we’ll take a written snippet (a small piece or short extract.) Let me explain.

We did something like this when the website was first launched, listing them as Member Benefits. Since the site was launched over ten years ago, it’s time to update and expand what people love about the Grange. We can’t do this without you.

Brevity is the soul of wit.

William Shakespeare

Shakespeare would likely be able to work effectively with the media today–he understood the value of “short and sweet.” It’s important to remember that you are trying to capture interest, not cover “everything you need to know.” In my work with the media, I’m always amazed when a reporter covers an event and shoots over an hour of video. After editing, the story is told in 2-3 minutes. As someone prone to rambling, I have to remind myself to stay focused when being interviewed. In journalism, we are reminded to “write tight.”

Why do you love the Grange? We need your answer in a short, catchy way. I know, there’s lots to love. Think of your contribution as a “teaser” or testimonial designed to make people curious about the Grange. Another prompt might be, “What’s the one greatest benefit you receive from your Grange membership?“

We’ll take your answer in writing. Don’t worry about grammar and spelling–I’ll edit and correct (with your permission) if necessary. I’m making it as easy as possible by creating a short form you can fill out. This also makes it easy for me because filling out the form ensures that I’ll have all the information I need.

Visit the “I love the Grange” post for the form. (For those reading this in the printed Bulletin, there will be a form at the end of the Bulletin you can complete and mail.) And, yes, you can submit more than one.

It’s not just Grange members using the website. Let’s tell website visitors what’s great about the Grange. While I will be updating the Member Benefits page, I also hope to be using your answers in several other ways. Stay tuned!

► FACT: 530 people visited the Maine State Grange Website in July.

By Walter Boomsma
207 343-1842
Communications Director

Planning for Grange Month

It’s not too early! How are you going to create a stir in your community? For many Granges that should ask “How are you going to create a bigger stir in your community?” I recently had an exciting conversation with a member who described the overwhelming support their Grange is receiving because the community loves what they are doing and wants to keep things happening. I don’t think that’s a Grange that will need much help figuring out what to do during Grange Month!

National Grange has offered the theme “Raised Right Here” for this year. An interesting addition is a plan for a special “Grange Spirit Week” April 3 – 9, 2022. Each day of that week is dedicated to one particular aspect of the Grange.

If that feels overwhelming, think of it as an idea starter. Could, for example, your celebration of Grange Month include information about your Grange Friends? In addition to recognizing a “Community Citizen of the Year,” why not celebrate individuals and organizations who your Grange counts on for help when it’s needed? And, while you’re at it, how about a history of your Grange Hall that includes features available to those who use or rent it? Think about posters and displays. Can you enlist a member of the local media to write a series of articles? Are there organizations you could collaborate and partner with?

The idea is to overwhelm your community with awareness of the Grange. There’s not much time, so get on the phone, schedule a Zoom Meeting, or have an impromptu meeting at your Grange Hall. Throw out some ideas–the crazier the better! You may not do them all, but you just might be surprised at the energy you’ll generate.

Remember, we’re happy to post your events on the Maine State Grange Website–but you have to tell us about them!

If you are going to celebrate a Community Citizen of the Year, don’t forget to order that award from The National Grange Supply Store.

I’ll be updating the Grange Month section of the Program Books and Information Page over the next week or two as resources become available for National Grange. Don’t wait! Start planning the party now!

► FACT: The Maine State Grange Website was visited by over 600 people during the month of January 2022.