| MAY 1, 2025 -- Older members talk of the days gone by where the grange was pretty much the centerpiece of the town. Where everyone came to dance, eat and socialize. Where whenever anyone in the community was in need the Grange was there in force. Today, this is the case in a few of our Granges in CT, but for the most part, it no longer is. And we struggle to maintain our relevance in our community.
The demographic of our communities has changed since the good old days. Both parents must work. If your child is of school age, they need to be involved in extracurricular activities because they need a solid college resume. Mealtimes are not for connecting as much anymore, and electronics and social media have dominated our lifestyle.
So, what are we seeing today, knowing how valuable everyone’s time is, and competing in a digital age? We are seeing Grange holding Hybrid meetings. The physical meeting in person in full form while those who cannot be there in person can still attend via electronic means. We are seeing more Granges opening their halls for tag sales, plant sales, public dinners and breakfasts and many, many educational programs.
We are hearing of new ways Granges are serving their communities. Hat and Scarfs for the homeless, seed swaps, free meals, food banks, supporting local organizations that also serve the community and, as there is ability, financial support to local sports teams and groups.
We just saw on Facebook a Grange in PA holds a Blue Jacket Night. On this night, any new student actively involved in their FFA Chapter receives from the local Grange their Blue Jacket. THIS IS BRILLIANT!!!
So, as you reflect on you as a Grange member and your Granges relevance in your community, we again ask you this question, HAS YOUR GRANGE OUTLIVED ITS USEFULNESS? If you think so, call us immediately and let’s put some plans together to see how the State Grange can offer support and try to turn things around. Again, many Granges and Grangers are making sure they have a relevant presence in their communities, but there is more work to do, more people to impact, more lives to change. Let us continually live a connected life and Grange every day like our very existence relies upon it. |
