| JANUARY 1, 2023 -- Hank wishes to thank Karen Macdonald for coordinating this interview with four members of Greenfield Hill Grange. Hank is checking in on this Grange a little more than ten years after they had a large influx of new members.
What did your Grange do that allowed both long term members and newer members to work together towards protecting your local Grange?
Ten years ago, the historic building was in need of major repairs and was almost closed as a Grange due to lack of membership. New members led to other new members, and a lengthy coordinated effort focused on fund raising and restoration of the building. Now, new members work with more experienced members with ideas for attention to the grounds and creating attractive signs for the building and for any upcoming events. “Curb appeal” considerations and sandwich signs attract the attention of “drive by” neighbors when they see an attractive setting. Members participate in outreach to community resources for publicity, such as when we recently received a national historic building plaque.
Not all members intend to attend meetings and many experienced members take on many roles “behind the scenes”. As in any organization, we need to find ways to balance and share responsibilities, find ways to communicate, learn how to respect differences and work toward shared goals. This can be challenging when many new members join, and we all need to find a way to help them feel involved, included and appreciated.
We have found it helpful to communicate upcoming events through a printed newsletter, and our secretary has been emailing reminders and invitations to all members. This is helpful for members who are un- able to participate in- person to feel a part of the group and connected with what is happening.
What advice would you give to other Granges that are currently experiencing an influx of new members?
Welcoming new members is an exciting time! They will be joining experienced members who may serve as examples for format, roles and teaching about the many opportunities that the local, Pomona and State Grange can offer. For inviting and retaining new members, we found it helpful to reflect on what attracted that person to the Grange--there are many possible reasons. For example: invited by a friend...interested in local history and the building...want to learn more about the Grange’s role in agriculture, community ser- vice and “what’s in it for me?”...perhaps he or she be- came curious after winning a blue ribbon at the Agri- cultural Fair... or have an interest in rentals and hall use...and other reasons. We would suggest encouraging participation in meetings, visit other Granges to see their own style(s) for operating, and connect with the Connecticut State Grange for exploring questions about Grange history and current functions.
We experienced several “waves” of new members over the years and would encourage individual participation in fund raising, restoration of the building projects, and other events such as public suppers, flea markets and other specialized sales along with the annual Fair. Consider what special interests or talents a new member may have from his or her background. Encourage sharing of new ideas, for example, during COVID, a new member suggested the idea of backyard Drive- in movies, which were an attraction to the community and also profitable.
To encourage attendance and participation during meetings, efforts have been made to include new members in discussions and join committees. Lecturer’s programs are designed to be interactive, fun, interesting and promote fellowship.
The Grange has so many programs, contests and opportunities, it may seem overwhelming to new members who are beginning to learn the basics. We have tried to slowly introduce options such as member benefits and contest possibilities.
Encourage attendance and participation during meetings, efforts have been made to include new members in discussions and join committees. Lecturer’s programs are designed to be interactive, fun, interesting and promote fellowship.
The Grange has so many programs, contests and opportunities, it may seem overwhelming to new members who are beginning to learn the basics. We have tried to slowly introduce options such as member benefits and contest possibilities.
Do you see a role for the Connecticut State Grange in assisting Granges who have a large number of new Grangers?
Through Pomona and the CT State Grange, Greenfield Hill Grange has received much support over the years. Affiliate members served a mentors. Guests from other Granges and visiting State Officers offered encouragement. This assisted with teaching rituals and procedures, helped us to hear about what others are doing, and gave new members a chance to meet fellow Grangers.
Suggestions for additional support and help include clarifying what is available for printed materials about Grange services and possibilities; and to simplify methods for access to them. We would request the development of a very short and clear hardcopy hand-out for defining “what is the Grange?” and “what can the Grange offer for me” (our two Frequently Asked Questions by community visitors).
So much is available through the Granger newsletter, National Grange and the Publicity committee. We would encourage new members to explore these, including online research.
New members sometimes welcome the “ways of the Grange” while others find it challenging. The CT State Grange does work toward being flexible and at the same time preserving and honoring many of our historic traditions. One example of very helpful connection is when a “School of Instruction” is offered. This is when a State Officer focuses on a topic of Grange practices and procedures and have been offered at the Pomona level and on ZOOM.
The Grange has so much to offer for personal growth and sharing skills within a community people with similar interests. Overall, we would encourage new members to participate in-person as possible, find ways to join in for events and programs, and invite friends to consider joining! Thank you Hank, please visit us soon!
Reported by Karen Macdonald with thanks to Geno Piacentini, Jim and Pat Golias and Steve Golias.
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