President's Message (Good Day! Vol. 6, Iss. 1)

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

Betsy E. Huber

I’ve been doing a lot of reading and scanning of the organizational documents and files in the subbasement of the Grange building, and I am continually amazed at the numbers of Granges and thousands of members who flocked to join us, even 100 years ago - before the age of advertising, internet, or even telephone. Word of mouth and some charismatic leaders were effective tools to grow our Order in the 1800s and early 1900s.

As a child on the farm, I remember what a big event the twice-monthly Grange meeting was for our family. Grange, church, family gatherings and the annual milk producers banquet were our only social activities. Imagine what it was like in those early days of the Grange when farmers were really isolated on their farms and didn’t even have those social outlets!

What was it that attracted so many people to join us? I believe it’s the same primary reason that attracts people today - social interaction. The isolation of rural life didn’t end with the advent of telephone and television; it’s still present today as we’ve seen through the pandemic. In every survey of Grangers I’ve seen, the number one reason they join or stay in the Grange is friendship and fellowship. Zoom meetings have partially filled this need

for the last two years, but hopefully by now your Grange is back to in-person meetings, fulfilling those desires for socialization.

Another founding principle of the Grange was legislative work. Farmers joined together to fight the railroad monopoly because there is power in numbers. The same is true today. Our lobbying and influence in the nation’s Capitol is still strong and an important part of the Grange organization.

While not everyone is as interested in legislation and government regulation as I am, it certainly affects everyone in their daily lives. It is a great benefit to belong to an organization like the Grange that can look out for your best interests, even if you’re not always paying attention or connected to what our leaders are doing.

The Grange gives you opportunities to stay informed and up-to-date on issues that are important to you - the monthly View from the Hill email, annual Legislative Fly-in, email alerts when an important issue comes up, even training our youth to be influencers and advocates through the annual DC Experience.

Some State Granges have an active legislative program also, keeping you updated on statewide government activity. Many Community or Pomona Granges hold Meet the Candidates

Nights, legislative banquets, and open forums on current topics of interest.

The U.S. seems to be filled with dissatisfaction about our government leaders and their actions or lack of actions on things we care about. Instead of griping and complaining, why not get involved in something that can make positive change?

Next time you’re caught up in a conversation about problems, suggest that the complainer do something about the issue by joining the Grange. A group of people, especially voters in your local precinct, can have great influence on what happens in the Capitol. National Grange has a legislative department that can teach you how to be an effective citizen influencer. Start by signing up for legislative updates on our website www.nationalgrange.org/subscribe.