Tag: Artificial Intelligence

Magic Meetings

I recently consulted with a group (not Grange-related) that is setting up a new type of meeting. It was an interesting, if not frustrating, experience.

They had a unique opportunity to create something extraordinary and engaging. Yet they seemed determined to keep things as ordinary as possible.

The group focused on safety in the planning process. Much of the discussion centered on what the group didn’t want to do. It was as if they were determined to focus on the limitations. However unintentionally, they committed to creating and promoting boredom.

Lately, I’ve been hearing a lot of frustration from Granges (including my own) that are struggling to reach a quorum of seven members at meetings. It’s an undeniable reality that there is a lot of competition for members’ attention.

Perhaps we’re missing the magic. If we want something to be exciting, why aren’t we excited about planning it? Much of Grange’s policy and practice encourages tradition, and that’s important and valuable. But we need to acknowledge that tradition can become boring, especially for people who thrive on excitement.

In plain language, would someone rather watch their grandchild’s baseball game or come to the Grange hall to complete the ritual?

There’s some irony in this. I am usually elected moderator of our town’s meetings. I always invite people to join in the Pledge of Allegiance as we begin. This year, I was thanked both privately and publicly for doing so. I didn’t expect people to be excited over reciting the pledge! I also am quite sure people don’t come to town meetings just for that. In fact, this year our attendance was double the usual because of competition for one particular office. Attendance also improves when there’s something to “fight” about.

I’m not suggesting Grange meetings should be based on fighting, but we’d better find some ways to create some magic and engagement. Our meetings should not just focus on an obligation to attend. We need to make some magic!

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FACT: In the past twelve months, site views have increased 7%, and post/page views have increased 16%!

Grangers Helping Grangers

The idea of “Grangers helping Grangers” can take many forms. We often see it within our Granges. For example, a member of Valley Grange recently needed some work completed on their home. It was quite natural for them to ask other members for suggestions. A slightly different version happens in Granges like Ocean View #463 in Port Clyde. They accomplish many of their projects by helping each other with ideas, resources, and expertise. These sorts of things happen both formally and informally, and all it takes is a little communication.

In recent weeks, I’ve had the privilege of seeing examples of it with Grangers helping Grangers in other Granges. For example, a Grange considering a Book Exchange Program (Little Free Library) wants to connect with other Granges that have one. Once again, all it takes is a little communication to make that connection! The odds are pretty good that if a Grange is considering something, another Grange (or someone in it) has at least tried it—and more likely done it.

What we are describing here is the primary focus of the Communications Department and website—supporting local community Granges. The odds are pretty good that if a Grange is considering doing something, another Grange (or someone in it) has at least tried it—and more likely done it. All we have to do is find that resource and connect!

That’s where you come in. It sometimes feels like local Granges are among the best-kept secrets! Tell the world (including the Grange World) what you’re doing!

A recent Rapid Resource on fundraising (included as a bonus article in this issue) challenges the use of the word “donation” in fundraising. Instead of asking for a donation, we can think of ourselves as giving others an opportunity. A similar mindset applies to recruiting members. Instead of asking people to join, give them an opportunity to be part of something.

“A rising tide lifts all boats,” is an idiom that suggests all who participate in improvements benefit. In a simpler sense, Granges can rise together, especially when we realize that collectively we have much to offer. In practical terms, that includes the events we hold and the projects we undertake. Humility is often overvalued. Bragging can be a very effective leadership tool. Of course we must earn the right to brag. We can help each other do that. You’ll probably be amazed at what happens as a result.

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FACT: In the past twelve months, nearly 9,000 people have visited the MSG website, an 11% increase over the previous year.

Where Are You?

The name and number of a Grange should be on the building or on the sign at the road AND should include the day and time of the meetings.  This way someone passing by or visiting the area will know when you meet.

Master Sherry

One of my earliest attempts to visit a Grange had a somewhat humorous result. It was over two decades ago. I was relatively new to the Grange, and technology was still young. I drove to Lincoln, thinking that the Grange wouldn’t be too hard to find. I stopped for directions (more than once), and no one could help. In fact, no one had ever heard of a Grange Hall. It took a few phone calls to learn that Lincoln Pomona Granges were several hours away.

In more recent adventures, I’ve learned that some Granges appear to have multiple locations. It goes with the territory of rural life. There are countless examples where someone unfamiliar with the area could become mightily confused.

I’ve been guilty myself of giving directions like “turn left where the schoolhouse used to be.” When my sister and family from North Carolina first visited us, I talked them in and, without thinking, actually said that. After a short silence, my brother-in-law reminded me that this was their first visit to Maine and asked how they would know where the schoolhouse used to be.

Under the heading, “Nothing’s perfect…” I’ve also learned that travelers coming from a certain direction to our home need to ignore their GPS at one suggested turn. But the simple truth is, we need to make it easy for people to find us, and “us” includes our Grange Halls.

One way to do that is to know and use your hall’s street address. Street addresses in Maine are assigned by local municipalities (usually the code enforcement officer or town clerk), plantations, or county commissioners (for unorganized territories), adhering to E-911 standards. The E-911 system requires that each structure be linked to a unique physical address that clearly identifies the caller’s location (e.g., 35 Pine Road). Remember that dispatchers are often far away from the communities they serve.

The additional benefit of standards for street addresses make it possible for anyone to locate a building. Once you have your hall’s street address, please use it. I recommend placing the street number outside the building or on a post. It also wouldn’t hurt to have it posted inside the hall. There are additional steps you can take online, including locating your hall on Google Maps.

As an aside, the National Grange’s “Find a Grange” program does not include Maine; you should not rely on it. Our Maine State Grange online directory is based on the published roster. We’ll update it soon, when the roster is issued, but we can also make changes at any time.

Making your hall visible and easy to find is another great spring project!

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FACT: During a recent seven-day period, more than fifty people visited the website from Facebook.

Some Changes and Reminders

As we begin a new calendar year, I’ll share some changes we are making and offer a few reminders that should be helpful. And I probably won’t resist including some accomplishments!

There will always be some challenges with the relationship between the Bulletin and the website. They are two very different media. (Think about the difference between reading a newspaper and getting news online.) One minor change we are working on involves the use of photos, particularly with monthly columns. While photos work well on the site, they simply do not reproduce well in the printed Bulletin. Therefore, we’ll either eliminate photos from the Bulletin or replace them with line art.

Speaking of that difference in media, we will continue the content shift we started several years ago. The website will continue to emphasize news, events, and the interests of local (subordinate) Granges. The Bulletin will be driven primarily by monthly columns and reports—still appropriate for local Granges, but not as time-sensitive.

We’ll continue to encourage subscriptions to the website. The number of people subscribing to the site has been steadily increasing. We have at least 10% more subscribers than we did a year ago, and that number continues to grow! Let’s continue that trend. As many have said, with a monthly Bulletin and monthly meetings, the site is one way to stay connected to the Grange on a regular basis. We work at keeping posts relevant and timely—no spam and no complicated algorithms deciding what you should see! Your subscription is confidential. We don’t share your contact information with others. Subscribing (and unsubscribing) is easy-peasy.

Technology advancements often help us, but they can also create more challenges. The use of A.I. (Artificial Intelligence) is currently near the top of the list! As a reminder, we should all use AI very deliberately. It doesn’t always get things correct or complete. Bear in mind, you may be using it unknowingly. If, for example, you search the Internet, the results are generated by automation. One of the major concerns with AI is diminished critical thinking among users. Don’t let this happen to you. As a quick example, I have used spell and grammar checking for a long time, but I always review suggested changes to make sure AI has not changed the meaning of what was written. In short, keep your brain active. Don’t let AI do your thinking for you!

We will continue purging the site of posts and columns that are over 2 years old. This may result in some broken links, but it will keep the site up to date and manageable. It also reduces server space. If you experience any problems, please let me know!

Note that our policy regarding Fraternal Concerns has not changed. “We will not, therefore, post Fraternal Concerns regarding sickness and death. Exceptions may be made when concern involves a current or past state officer or other person well-known throughout the state. This policy also avoids potential privacy issues.” The entire policy is available on the website on the Program Books and Information Page. Please submit any fraternal concerns, but understand the need to limit publication.

I’ll continue to report changes and reminders. While this is not a paid position, I truly believe that I work for you, Grange Members in Maine. If you have concerns, questions, or ideas, please let me know. Remember to submit your Grange’s events and news!

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FACT: In 2025, over 250 columns and posts were added to the website! 10,000 emails were sent to subscribers and ODDs using our automated system!