Tag: Grange Membership

You’ll Miss Us!

a “webatorial” by MSG Communications Director
Walter Boomsma

Seth Godin recently wrote an interesting post suggesting that when people move away, cards and cake should read, “You’ll miss us” instead of “We’ll miss you.” He points out that the community remains.

One of the more powerful sentences in the short post was, “When a marketer serves a community, they create the conditions where they’d be missed–because the ideas or products or services they bring are important, not simply tolerated.“

With apologies to Seth, I changed a word or two. “When a Grange serves a community, they create the conditions where they’d be missed–because the ideas or services they bring are important, not simply tolerated.“

My revision raises a question for Granges. Would your communities miss you if you were gone? Would they even notice? Are you important or simply tolerated?

One of the challenges we face as an organization is relevance in communities that are loosely defined and increasingly diverse. If our vision is narrow and our goals are limited, we will be missed an ever-diminishing number of people. For example, not everyone likes potluck suppers.

Seth’s short message is that marketers should see that as a worthwhile goal, creating ideas, products, or services that the community would miss.

Maybe it’s time for Granges to figure out what they can create and offer that their communities would miss.

Fraternal Concern – Norma Jean Haines

Submitted by MSG Secretary Sharon Morton

Norma Jean Haines, Past Jr. Deputy of the Maine State Grange, passed away on April 19, 2023.  Celebration of Norma’s life at the First Congregational Church of East Baldwin from 2:00-3:00, Sunday, May 7, 2023.  In Lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Brown Memorial Library, P.O. Box  24, East Baldwin, ME  04024. Condolences may be sent to Glenn Haines and his Family at PO Box 49, East Baldwin, Maine  04024.

Condolences may be sent to:
Glenn Haines and his Family
PO Box 49,
East Baldwin ME  04024.

View the complete obituary here.

Chelsea Grange Award

At Chelsea Grange’s April meeting, James Meserve was given the Golden Sheaf Certificate issued by the National Grange of the Order of Patrons of Husbandry in recognition of fifty years of continuous Grange Membership. It certifies Jim has been enrolled in the permanent records of those who have devoted half a century of service to the Order, to Agriculture, and to Mankind. The Certificate was given by the National Grange on January 31, 2023, and presented to Jim by Rick Grotten, Master of Chelsea Grange #215, on April 8th, 2023, at our monthly meeting.

Membership Moments – April 2023

By Rick Grotton,
Membership Committee Director
207 582-5915

What has your Grange done for Grange month? I know there have been many active Granges doing wonderful things to help the community and to gain membership. Please send me information on what is going on in your area. My Grange is preparing its annual open hall May Basket project for veterans at the VA center and local nursing homes. We invite the community, especially the children, to come in to decorate and fill the baskets. Items used are small travel samples of toothpaste, deodorant, etc. as well as sugar-free candies and a note saying “Thank you for your service”. Tours of the Hall are also coordinated.

Membership drives should be continuous and a priority. Be aware of the upcoming degree days. Without members, we will not exist. The importance of getting new members is needed more than ever. I know you have heard this over and over, but it is our lifeline. Keep active, communicate, and most of all keep your doors open to new members!

    Notes from National – March 2023

    Are you feeling disconnected from National Grange news?

    Gleaned from an email written by Phil Vonada, National Grange Communications Director

    Each Friday morning, an email arrives – your computer dings, your phone buzzes, a notification pops up on your computer screen. The email is from the National Grange – either the Patrons Chain or the once-a-month View from the Hill. Without fail, that email has come to you for years, and then you notice… it’s not coming anymore. It’s not in your junk or spam folders, you didn’t change your email address… where is it?

    Scrolling emails on your phone, it’s really easy to accidentally unsubscribe, mark the email as spam, or remove yourself from our mailing list. Unfortunately, it’s not so easy for the National Grange staff to re­-subscribe you. Because of the software used to send these emails, the only way to get back on the weekly email list is to sign up again – staff are unable to do it for you.

    That’s why we tried to make it simple for you to get back on our email list! Visit www.nationalgrange.org/comeback to be added back to our mailing list through Constant Contact. On the form, check “Newsletter” to start getting our weekly Patrons Chain and View from the Hill emails again. Checking “General Interest” will also subscribe you to other communications through the National Grange emails. Don’t worry, we promise not to clutter your inbox.

    If you haven’t subscribed to the newsletter before, this form will still work for you!

    Here’s what you can expect by signing up:

    • Each week includes columns from National Grange President Betsy Huber, one of our Department Directors, and information about what’s happening at the National Grange
    • The Legislative Department includes two columns a month – one is the “Advocacy Playbook,” which picks a specific issue and helps Grange members know how to get involved; and the last Friday of the month is the “View from the Hill,” which gives a rundown on what’s happening on Capitol Hill and how it affects Grange policy.

    So, if you’re feeling a little disconnected from National Grange news and information, be sure to update your subscription to the National Grange’s newsletters!

    National Grange Heirloom Program

    Grange Heirlooms are snippets from the lessons of the Grange as taught in the Ritual and Declaration of Purposes. Please share “success stories” about the use of the program with us or if you come up with other innovative ways to incorporate the Program in your Granges. Information and materials are now available on the National Grange Website.

    “Notes from National” is based on a monthly email received from the National Grange Communications Department.

    Membership Moments – March 2023

    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.

      Kassandra loves the Grange!

      Our Grange is one big family. They welcome everyone. They are the heart of this community. Rebekah is an angel on earth!

      Kassandra Holmes, Jonesboro Grange #357

      What about you?

      Do you love the Grange? Can you explain what’s great about being a member? It only takes a minute to click the button and tell the world!

      I love the Grange!

      Notes from National – February 2023

      Grange Month 2023

      Gleaned from an email written by Phil Vonada, National Grange Communications Director

      Visit www.nationalgrange.org/grange-month-2023 to access and download graphics, headers, calendars, press release templates, and more for your Granges to use. We will be celebrating Grange Spirit Week from April 16-22, and I hope you all join in! Who knows, there may be some prizes to come for your participation… There are likely to be more events added, so please stay tuned!

      Virtual Fly-in Planned for April

      We will be holding the Virtual Legislative “Fly-In” on April 26th. There will be more information and registration for this coming soon.

      Canva “Zoom-Torial

      Make plans to join the 2022 Communication Fellows and me on March 29 as we dive into “Canva 201.” We will be going a little more in-depth on a few things that Canva can offer. If you missed our first Canva Zoom-torial in January, you can access it here: https://youtu.be/xNGwn8hsR_o. If you have questions or an aspect of Canva you would like us to be sure to hit, please let me know.

      March National Grange Events

      MARCH 2023 – ALL TIMES EASTERN
      March 1: GRANGE FOUNDATION MN-IOOO CLUB 8:30 P.M. (ZOOM )
      Connect: bit.lv/FoundationZoom
      March 14: MEMBERSHIP MATTERS (ZOOM) 8:30 P.M. Open to all!
      Connect: bit.lv/mml867
      Contact abrozana@nationalgrange.org for more information.
      March 19: JUNIOR JIBBER-JABBER (ZOOM) 9:00 P.M.
      Connect: bit.lv/jibberjabberZoom
      Join National Junior Grange and Youth Development Director Samantha Wilkins for updates about the National Junior Grange Department. Contact Junior@nationalgrange.org for more information.
      March 29: COMMUNICATIONS ZOOM-TORIAL (ZOOM )8:30 P.M.
      Connect: bit.ly/GrangeZoom
      “Canva 201” – Using some of the more in-depth or technologically challenging areas of canva.com. Questions? Email pvonada@nationalgrange.org

      National Grange Heirloom Program

      Grange Heirlooms are snippets from the lessons of the Grange as taught in the Ritual and Declaration of Purposes. Please share “success stories” about the use of the program with us or if you come up with other innovative ways to incorporate the Program in your Granges. Information and materials are now available on the National Grange Website.

      “Notes from National” is based on a monthly email received from the National Grange Communications Department.

      Membership Moments – February 2023

      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.

      Notes from National – January 2023

      Grange Month 2023

      Gleaned from an email written by Phil Vonada, National Grange Communications Director

      “I am working on Grange Month materials, though many of last year’s materials are still good, too, as we are in year 2 of the “Raised Right Here” theme. Make plans now to join us for “Grange Spirit Week” which will be held April 16-22nd, with a Zoom program in the works for EVERY night that week, but more on that soon! (April 16th also happens to be the founding date of Fredonia Grange #1, NY, which will celebrate its 155th birthday that day!).”

      Social Media Calendar Available

      Are you looking to add some spice to your Grange’s Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter pages? Check out our 2023 downloadable Social Media Calendar, which lists various “holidays” about which you can make posts or celebrations. Also included on the calendar are recurring National Grange meetings, holidays, events, and more. Feel free to pass this on to your Grange’s Lecturer, Secretary, social director, or anyone who helps plan events or activities for your Grange.

      National Roster Available

      The National Grange Roster lists, among other things, information about National Leadership and each state Grange with contact information. Download the National Grange Roster

      Facebook Page Zoom-torial Recorded

      As a reminder, Phil Vonado, National Grange Communications Director, led a Zoom-torial on “How to Create a Facebook Page,” which also included some information on the free design website Canva, as well as how to create a Facebook Event. This video is now available on the National Grange YouTube channel and can be viewed here: https://youtu.be/-F3iqXyN5Lo. (We’ll be adding this link/video to the Grange Resources Page.)

      National Grange Heirloom Program

      Grange Heirlooms are snippets from the lessons of the Grange as taught in the Ritual and Declaration of Purposes. Please share “success stories” about the use of the program with us or if you come up with other innovative ways to incorporate the Program in your Granges. Information and materials are now available on the National Grange Website.

      “Notes from National” is based on a monthly email received from the National Grange Communications Department.