156th Annual Grange Convention

National Grange of the Order of Patrons of Husbandry Hold 156th Annual Convention in Sparks, Nevada By Suzann Gilliland Peterson

From the vastness of the West to the historical roots of the East, the members of the National Grange of the Order of Patrons of Husbandry came together at the Nugget in Sparks, Nevada, from November 15 to November 19 to hold their 156th annual

national convention. One of the oldest fraternal organizations in the United States, the Grange’s mission is to strengthen individuals, families and communities through grassroots action, service, education, advocacy and agriculture awareness. Members upheld that mission by coming together to solidify their common focus in order to:

• Determine policy issues for advocacy in Washington, D.C. -

The six legislative policy committees of the National Grange considered and debated 81 different resolutions submitted by many different State Granges, ultimately adopting 23 of them. Committees included Agriculture; Citizenship & Taxation; Conservation; Education and Health; Labor,

Judiciary, and Transportation. • Encourage and feature youth while teaching and inspiring them to become leaders – Recognition of the skills and knowledge of Grange youth was on display with the selection of youth and Junior members to serve as leaders and representatives of peers in their age group. The Showcase highlighted youth activities and projects from western states Granges. Some of the displays offered information and shared activities from both youth and adults via the Communication Fellows, Grange

Youth & Young Adults, Junior Grange, Community Service,

Foundation, the Dictionary Project, Grow Club, and Nevada

Mining. Voices of the Grange featured live presentation from youth on LEGO robotics, reining, networking in Grange, agricultural mythology, prescribed burns, raising pheasants, and Knights of the Grange. Impromptu Speaking tested how quickly youth could organize their thoughts in a very short span of time in order to present a coherent verbal response to unknown questions. Workshops were held for youth to network and learn about the Grange and its mission and structure. The Ballet Folklorico Nuestra Herencia Mexicana dancers delighted the States of the Western Region reception attendees while they enjoyed cake and fellowship. • Recognize members for their contributions to the good of the Grange. • Install new officers.

• Honor member and non-member veterans with Quilts of

Valor- Made by the Nevada Quilters of Comstock Quilts of

Valor, eleven quilts were presented to northwestern Nevada

Grange and non-Grange veterans. Junior Grange members escorted the veterans to receive their quilts. • Award The Eddy House in Reno, NV, with $2600.00 and donations of pillowcases with strings, personal hygiene and clothing items. Sixteen states raised the funds and donations as part of the National Grange Community Service Project. The

Eddy House is the only transitional housing for at-risk youth in northwestern

Nevada.

• Hear the National Diversity Task Force Report. • Affirm that the National Grange has partnered with Rural Minds to launch a campaign providing access to mental health educational content for rural America.

Ruralminds.org highlights the vast challenges rural America faces with mental health issues.

• Establish the Bucket Brigade – This is a new program whereby Grange chapters can be prepared to quickly provide relief for disaster victims in their areas using a bucket with a lid that can serve as an easy system of storage for necessities: sharpies, notepads, playing cards, portable games, hand sanitizer or wipes, toiletries, feminine products, and washcloths, etc., and that can be stored until needed. Food items can be added shortly before use. • Welcome new Delegates - New western states delegates include: • Carl Clinger, High Desert Grange #22, NV • Vince Scholten, Hessel #750 and Bennet Valley #16, California • Jay Sexton, Willamette #52, Oregon UPCOMING - The Northeast Region will host the 157th Annual National Grange Convention at the Sheraton at the Falls in downtown Niagara Falls, NY, from November 14 through November 18, 2023. For more information on the National Grange of the Order of Patrons of Husbandry, visit www.nationalgrange.org or contact Gloria Montero at (775) 427-8210.

Photo courtesy of Lindsay Schroeder.