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Tag: Grange Membership
Let the New Year Begin!
“An optimist stays up until midnight to see the new year in. A pessimist stays up to make sure the old year leaves.”
Bill Vaughan
Notes from National – December 2022
I know it’s late notice, but just yesterday afternoon, I received “Ten Tips for Tackling the Holiday Blues” from our partners at Rural Minds. You may have already seen it up on Facebook this morning, but we would love to have the information shared with members of your State Granges. The holidays are not an easy time for many people, and this one-page resource on mental health during the holidays may be helpful to see.
Webmaster’s Note: It’s been posted separately on the website–feel free to share on social media or via email.
Mark Your Calendar
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.
Communications Column – December 2022
A Nudge and a Nag
By Walter Boomsma
207 343-1842
Communications Director
When teaching adult students, I remind them they are taking THEIR course, not MY course. Of course, that doesn’t prevent me from offering an occasional nudge or nag (they get to decide which it is) when they aren’t doing their part.
There’s a parallel with the MSG website. It’s YOUR site, not MINE. That means we have a shared responsibility for it. And it also means I get to offer an occasional nudge or nag. (You can decide which it is.) There might be two this month.
First, an ongoing challenge continues to exist with the online directory of Granges. I continue to receive far too many emails and phone calls from people who have tried using it, and it hasn’t worked–disconnected phone numbers, no replies from the email address listed, etc. For those unfamiliar with it, this directory lists active Granges, the address of the Grange Hall, and a contact person with a name, phone number, and–ideally–email address. This contact person does not need to be the master or secretary. It does need to be someone who is dependable and responsible.
The online directory is consistently the most visited page on the website. (The second most visited is the Program Books and Information Page.) For various reasons, people want to contact local Granges. We need to work together to make sure that can happen. Keeping the online directory accurate should be a priority for all of us. Please make sure the information listed is accurate. Send any corrections to the webmaster!
There are too many sad (and sometimes funny) stories I could share. I was recently contacted by someone who desperately wanted to participate in a Grange event in their area but couldn’t figure out who to contact for more information. Another example was from a group that had used the Grange Hall. They found a note requesting the group supply their contact information to the local Grange, but it didn’t say who to send it to!
We can do better.
This same nudge or nag applies to almost ALL information about your Grange! Please send information and news about your Grange and your events! I’ve tried to make it as easy as possible. You can use the “submitting information” tab on the site or send the information in an email. If you are sending information to your local newspapers, add webmaster@mainestategrange.org to the distribution list.
By the way, once your information is posted to the website, it’s easy-peasy to share it on Facebook. It doesn’t work the other way around!
We can do better.
Lastly, I’ve been nudging and nagging myself to continue the effort to repair and reconstruct the site. One problem with providing so much information is that it becomes a real challenge when much of it disappears! If you visit the Program Books and Information Page, any link with a smiley 
face after it should work. If you need something specific and can’t find it on the page, let me know, and I’ll try to find it for you.
Your patience and participation are appreciated!
► FACT: Your MSG website was viewed nearly 1900 times during November 2022–and 10% of those visits were to the online directory of Granges.
Notes from National – October 2022
Facebook Page Zoom-torial Recorded
Phil Vonado, National Grange Communications Director, recently 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 Guide to Contests
A National Grange Guide to Contests, with contests from the Junior, Youth, Lecturer, and Communication Departments. (A legislative department contest will also be added shortly.) This Guide is available on the Program Books and Information Page of the MSG Website in the National Section.
Is Your “Elevator Pitch” Helping You?
by Phil Vonada, National Grange Communications Director
An elevator pitch is your 30-second “canned speech” or “stump speech” to give perspective members or curious minds a taste of who we are as an Order and organization. Elevator pitches are used with people or businesses all the time, whether you know it or not – they’re used when trying to court a donor to your fundraiser, when working at a membership booth or food stand at a fair or festival, or when riding an actual elevator at the National Grange Convention (I know I personally had an actual elevator pitch in Wichita last year!)
The goals of your elevator pitch should be to (a) to ignite and encourage further conversation about the aims and mission of the Grange and your Grange in particular and (b) to let the other person do some research on their own.
But what does your elevator pitch sound like?
Does it start with “Well, in 1867, Oliver Hudson Kelley was sent to the south…”? Or maybe “The Grange is a farmer’s organization…?” A lot has changed since then! While we hold onto our roots as an agricultural organization, we are also known as an advocacy and community service organization for all of rural America.
Let’s start with the Grange’s mission statement: The Grange strengthens individuals, families and communities through grassroots action, service, education, advocacy and agriculture awareness.
And then tailor it for your own Grange – State, Pomona, or Local.
I also note that we are the nation’s oldest agricultural fraternal organization. My pitch sounds something like this: “The Grange is America’s oldest and foremost agricultural and rural service organization, focused on supporting and advocating for rural America in nearly 1,500 communities nationwide. At Penns Valley Grange, we believe in supporting our community through direct action and service that builds up families.”
Your elevator pitch shouldn’t be a membership pitch. There’s no “… and here’s why you should join” at the end, but rather the pitch is the seed that will hopefully take root and grow – through a partnership or an eventual membership.
I encourage Granges to take time to work with one another to build their elevator pitches – and I look forward to hearing them!
Gimme a “G!” — Just make sure it’s capitalized!
“Grange” is a proper noun and it should always be capitalized!
A Quarter’s Worth
The next deadline for A Quarter’s Worth submissions is November 1st. Please send these to Ann Bercher (lecturer@nationalgrange.org). (A Quarter’s Worth is the National Grange Lecturer’s Newsletter.)
New Member Recognition in Good Day Magazine
Want to see your new members recognized in Good Day Magazine? Anyone who has not been recognized as a new member in the past year can be included. Use this link to share the news. The deadlines for the next issue is November 30, 2022
National Grange Convention
156th National Grange Convention will be held at the Nugget Casino Resort in Sparks, Nevada, from November 15-19, 2022. Visit the National Grange Website for information and to register.
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.
156th National Grange Session is scheduled for November 15-19, 2022 in Sparks, NV
Dale loves the Grange!
I love the Grange because we are continuing a tradition 150+ years old of inclusion and equality.
Dale Holst, Alexander Grange #304
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!
Notes from National – August 2022
Rural Minds Partnership
Rural Minds is a non-profit focused on increasing awareness and reducing the stigma of mental health issues in rural America. Coming up in September is a webinar that is co-produced by Rural Minds and the National Grange on Rural Suicide Awareness & Prevention. (Information about the webinar will be posted and is available on the MSG Conferences and Dates Page.)
Good Day! Magazine
The latest issue of Good Day! has been sent to print and should be reaching mailboxes soon. Please consider subscribing or purchasing a subscription for their Grange or local schools or libraries. There’s also the option to subscribe to a virtual copy for readers who don’t want a physical magazine.
Grange Fairs Across the Nation
Phil Vonado, National Grange Communications Director, would love to know of any Granges in your state that run or are heavily involved in the organization of community/county/state fairs. He hopes to make this the feature of the October Good Day! magazine and connect with these Granges – especially smaller ones!
A Quarter’s Worth
The next deadline for A Quarter’s Worth submissions is November 1st. Please send these to Ann Bercher (lecturer@nationalgrange.org). (A Quarter’s Worth is the National Grange Lecturer’s Newsletter.)
Phil’s Challenge for August
Words have power behind them, and the words and phrases that we choose to use are very important! Negative words and language can lead to negative energy within yourself and within the Grange as a whole. But how often have you said, “We used to do…” or “We don’t have the people for…”?
Using negative/negating language can be a hard habit to break. I know I’m guilty of it myself. I encourage you to find a positive spin – “We could try…” or “We’re up to the challenge of…” are good places to start. Allow new members to bring new energy into the organization; give things a try, and encourage new members (and long-time members) to try something new.
When you hear yourself (or anybody else in your Grange) saying things that either take ownership away from a person or an idea, try flipping the language into something affirming. Building people up and encouraging new things is going to help grow the organization.
Please consider this when writing up your reports for this year. Despite challenges or setbacks, let’s look for the positives – and I know every state has done some incredible things this year!
National Grange Convention
156th National Grange Convention will be held at the Nugget Casino Resort in Sparks, Nevada, from November 15-19, 2022. Visit the National Grange Website for information and to register. Early bird registrations are open until September 9, 2022.
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.
New Member Recognition in Good Day Magazine
Want to see your new members recognized in Good Day Magazine? Anyone who has not been recognized as a new member in the past year can be included. Use this link to share the news. The deadlines for each issue are:
- November 30, 2022
“Notes from National” is based on a monthly email received from the National Grange Communications Department.
156th National Grange Session is scheduled for November 15-19, 2022 in Sparks, NV
Notes from National – July 2022
2023 National Grange Revival
The 2023 National Grange Revival is just one year away! Information and registration forms are available on the Program Books and Information Page under the heading “National Grange.” Make your reservations at the campground as soon as possible – many of the campsites and RV sites are already reserved, which means you’re going to have an amazing week in Curtis, Michigan! Don’t miss out on a week full of fellowship, fun, excursions, great Grange food, and more! Booking your spot now will also save you some money!
Good Day! Magazine
The next issue of Good Day! magazine will be coming out in August, so there’s still time to subscribe! This quarterly magazine is full of information for your members, and at just $16 for a year’s subscription, it’s truly a steal! We are also always looking for content, including editorials, articles about things happening in your State or Community Granges, or other information that you think would be interesting to Grange members across the country. Please email me! The next deadline for information and articles will be August 31, 2022. Thank you to the states who send in your new members, too! It’s a great way to give your new members and Community Granges a shout-out!
Grange Foundation Virtual Telethon
THANK YOU to the States, Departments, and individuals who supported the Grange Foundation’s Virtual Telethon for the Junior and Youth Departments last weekend. You have made a HUGE difference in the future of the Grange, with over $24,000 raised!
Grange Fairs Across the Nation
Phil would love to see pictures from Grange Fairs across the country! I would love to see how fairs operate around the country and to hear how Granges are involved in making them happen. Photos of Grange exhibits and how we are sharing the message of the Grange are especially wanted! Attach them to an email to Phil!
National Grange Quilt Block Contest
The deadline has been extended to September 1, 2022. More information is available here.
National Grange Convention
156th National Grange Convention will be held at the Nugget Casino Resort in Sparks, Nevada from November 15-19, 2022. Visit the National Grange Website for information and to register. Early bird registrations are open until September 9, 2022.
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.
New Member Recognition in Good Day Magazine
Want to see your new members recognized in Good Day Magazine? Anyone who has not been recognized as a new member in the past year can be included. Use this link to share the news. The deadlines for each issue are:
- August 30, 2022
- November 30, 2022
“Notes from National” is based on a monthly email received from the National Grange Communications Department.
156th National Grange Session is scheduled for November 15-19, 2022 in Sparks, NV
Merriconeag Grange Seeks Members
Check out this article written by freelancer Sam Lemonick for the Harpswell Anchor. The article not only explores some of the factors creating declining membership in fraternal and community organizations, it explores ideas and adaptations that can impact local Granges’ relevance and growth.
The Merriconeag Grange isn’t in immediate danger. Despite struggles to convene formal meetings, Sam Alexander says it is doing better than most Maine Granges, both financially and in terms of membership.
Check out the article to find out how they are doing it!
Notes from National – June 2022
Reminders
Many contest deadlines are coming up soon! National Grange Lecturer’s Virtual Photo Contest and Communication Department Publicity Item Contest are both due on June 30, 2022. Check recent issues of Patrons Chain and the National Grange Website for more information. Many National Junior and Youth Grange Contests are coming up–check your handbooks!
An Encouraging Word!
Granges are active in 1500 communities nationwide and we are 140,000 members strong. A few states are seeing massive growth in membership numbers, and (more importantly, in my opinion) activity and presence in their communities. Members are joining because they are proud of the work being done by the Grange and proud of the way their members are talking about the Grange.
Phil Vonada, National Grange Communications Director
Grange Foundation Virtual Telethon
This year’s telethon is July 9, 2022. We are seeking sponsorships, testimonies, and talent entries from youth and juniors! Please email Samantha or Mandy if you have questions about the event. Please plan to tune in, starting at noon eastern on July 9, 2022!
National Grange Quilt Block Contest
The deadline has been extended to September 1, 2022. More information is available here.
National Grange Convention
156th National Grange Convention will be held at the Nugget Casino Resort in Sparks, Nevada from November 15-19, 2022. Visit the National Grange Website for information and to register.
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.
New Member Recognition in Good Day Magazine
Want to see your new members recognized in Good Day Magazine? Anyone who has not been recognized as a new member in the past year can be included. Use this link to share the news. The deadlines for each issue are:
- June 30, 2022
- August 30, 2022
- November 30, 2022
“Notes from National” is based on a monthly email received from the National Grange Communications Department.
156th National Grange Session is scheduled for November 15-19, 2022 in Sparks, NV