| JANUARY 2, 2024 -- Connecticut State Grange members had a wonderful time attending the 156th Annual National Grange Convention in Niagara Falls. While the fellowship and learning opportunities were plentiful, so much was learned about the future of our beloved organization which just celebrated its latest birthday on December 4th.
First, I would like to introduce our newly elected National Grange Lecturer, Tom Gwin, from the State of Washington (attached photo). In addition to now serving as our National Grange Lecturer/Program Director, Tom is also the President of Washington State Grange. Tom is planning to continue the current National Grange Lecturer programs in 2024, while looking for a new cornerstone project. I hope all of you will get an opportunity to meet Tom and share your program ideas with him. I plan to host Brother Tom on a future Connecticut State Grange Lecturers Roundup.
We held a very successful EIGHTH Lecturers Roundtable on Sunday, November 19th. Much information was shared and attendees appreciated the updates. Here is the link to this latest information-packed Roundup if you happened to miss or attended and wanted to review the information: 8th Lecturers Roundup - November 19, 2023 - YouTube. We plan to host our NINTH virtual Lecturers Roundup on Sunday, February 18th, at 7:00 PM. Zoom information will be sent out to all interested folks; and remember that these Roundups are not JUST for Lecturers, but for all who are interested in sharing and/or learning more about Grange activities that could impact your local or Pomona Granges.
One item discussed on our latest Roundup was the launching of an exciting new initiative at the 2023 National Grange Convention in Niagara Falls, called “Reaching Rural Surgical Seniors” or “RRSS” for short. This program is funded through a Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute (PCORI) federal engagement grant awarded to the National Grange. Joan C. Smith, from Potomac Grange #1, serves as the RRSS Program Manager. At the invitation of National Grange, I am serving as the Northeast Region POC for this RRSS initiative for the next two years.
So, what is the problem? Well, rural America is underserved by our nation’s healthcare system. There are fewer doctors, especially specialists, per capita, many rural hospitals are in danger of closing, incomes are lower and employers less likely to provide health insurance, distances to care are greater, and there is less broadband access to medical information and virtual office visits. And older rural residents requiring surgery have less access to care and may be less informed on how to participate in their care and about treatment options.
What is the solution? The Grange, founded in 1867, is the largest and best-known community organization in rural America; it conducts a variety of social, service, and educational programs and is a leading advocate for rural interests. The National Grange has developed and is disseminating a user-friendly “Pre-Surgery Guide – Question Prompt List” that can be utilized to talk to your doctor/surgeon and “Planning for My Future Guide” that can be utilized to talk with your spouse/partner, family, caregiver to help provide your plans and desires for your future. All information can be found at www. seniorsurgeryguides.com.
And why should you or your Grange care? In addition to providing valuable information to your Grange friends and your community, you can also be one of the first 250 community Granges to earn a $100 incentive payment just by supporting this initiative. All you have to do is report in May and
October of 2024 the total number of people you influenced through any three of the following activities:
- Conduct a Grange Program
- Conduct a Public Forum(s)/ Program(s)
- Provide the RRSS Video/ Guides to three other organizations (Church, Senior Center, VFW, Clubs, FFA, 4H, etc.)
- Have a display at your Fair and handout guides
- Provide information on social media or local media.
All five activities would provide value to you, your Grange and your community, but you only have to report on three activities to qualify for an incentive payment. Incentive checks will be presented at the 2024 National Grange Convention in Bettendorf, Iowa, which I plan to attend and I hope to see many Connecticut State Grange community Granges being awarded an incentive check. This is a great way for Lecturers to earn funds for programs at your local Grange. Need help; just ask and I will get you help!
President Rob Buck and I hope to host RRSS Program Manager Joan Smith here for a State-wide program at one of our centrally located Grange halls in early 2024. Watch for updates on this opportunity to learn and share.
In closing, I hope everyone is energized for an exciting New Year 2024 filled with hope, promise and opportunities to make our communities better for all. Please let me know if you need any help for your Grange or a speaker, as I enjoy visiting other Granges as your State Grange Lecturer.
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