Meandering Around the Grange Way of Life
by Walter Boomsma, Guest Columnist
Suspensions and Expulsions
By Walter Boomsma, Guest Columnist
“Should I knowingly or willfully violate this pledge, I will invoke upon myself suspension or expulsion from the Order.”
(The candidate’s pledge during the First Degree.)
That’s some pretty strong language when we think about it. We are agreeing that if we “knowingly or willfully” violate the preceding pledge we’ll leave the Order. I confess I wonder how often it happens. I can think of one instance that is at least similar. Due to age and physical limitations, a long-time member chose not to renew her membership. She explained that she could no longer attend meetings and would be unable to contribute the way she believed a member should. On the one hand, we have to respect that. On the other hand, we didn’t want to lose her.
That happened at least a decade ago. We’re still in touch and I occasionally tell her she’s more supportive than some of our paid members. She’s always interested in what we’re doing as a Grange, she offers encouragement, and frequently supports our fundraising. As I read the pledge, I don’t think she’s knowingly or willfully violated any aspect of it. In that sense, she’s not an example.
But she is an example of someone who has set standards for herself—standards that are higher than what she pledged many years ago during the First Degree.
Recently, during a somewhat intense conversation with another Granger, I raised this question. “What would happen if we made it harder to become and remain a member?” It just might be worthy of consideration. Groucho Marx once observed that he did not want to join any club that would have him as a member. There’s some disagreement about the circumstances, but one credible version is that he offered it to explain why he was resigning from a club he had joined but was not participating in the activities. Why be a member?
Some years ago, I belonged to an organization with very specific requirements that included meeting attendance and participation in community service—measured in hours. It was not always easy to be a member, but it was always rewarding and brought a sense of pride.
I’m not proposing we institute similar requirements. But I am suggesting that we individually consider the standards we are setting for ourselves as members. Grange membership should be seen as a privilege, not a right.
Since we have, thankfully, some Degree Days scheduled in the near future, they can also serve as a day of renewal. Consider attending and observing. Listen carefully to the pledges and instructions—regardless of how long you’ve been a member. Pay less attention to the performance and more attention to the content. Questions to consider include:
- Am I practicing and reaping the benefits of the Grange Way of Life?
- Do I deserve to be called a Granger?
- Regardless of my limitations, how can I best serve my Order and community?
By the way, the original language of the First Degree pledge included something that has since been removed. “Should I knowingly or willfully violate this pledge, I will invoke upon myself suspension or expulsion from the Order, and thus be disgraced among those who were my brothers and sisters..” (1987 Subordinate Grange Manual)
The requirements of continued Grange membership are not so demanding, really. So, you probably don’t have to and shouldn’t suspend or expulse yourself. But it might be time for a renewal that involves more than writing a check for dues.
Any degree or ritual quotations are from the forty-sixth edition of the 2013 Subordinate Grange Manual or the most recent edition of the Pomona Grange Manual. The views and opinions expressed in “Exploring Traditions” are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official doctrine and policy of the Grange. Information about the book “Exploring Traditions—Celebrating the Grange Way of Life” can be found at http://abbotvillagepress.com, on Mr. Boomsma’s Amazon Author Page, or by contacting the author.
