GRANGE ADVOCACY Leveraging American Values and Hometown Roots

SUCCESSSFUL ASSOCIATIONS ARE GETTING IT RIGHT What are prosperous associations doing right? For starters, they are staying true to their core mission and the primary services that members value most. In a modern world that favors personal gratification and instant information, smaller associations should consider the defense of their members and their industry a core association mission.

SUCCESSSFUL ASSOCIATIONS ARE GETTING IT RIGHT (cont’d) Some of the most successful associations had to put on their work clothes to survive, and they are busy: taking a fresh look at member demographics, reassessing their industry and products, adding social media capabilities, reaching out to a new generation of members, mapping a year course of action for the association, becoming leaner administratively and financially, asking leadership and members questions about the association’s direction, building consensus about the future, and creating opportunities out of problems.

A VISION FOR THE GRANGE (2006) “The Grange in the 21 st century will be a preeminent organization. It will commit to the development of the potential in families, youth and young adults through dynamic programs and experiences that educate, engage, and enrich their lives. “The Grange will be noted for its commitment to the membership through its enabled leadership, its financial and organizational strength, and its ability to make a difference in the lives of children, youth, families, and individuals. “The Grange will be a relevant, caring and involved part of the community in which its members are located. It will be well known and understood and considered a viable, involved and distinctive organization.

A VISION FOR THE GRANGE (2006) (cont’d) “A person who becomes a member can expect to find in the organization a clear and impressive pathway to membership, outstanding fellowship with leaders and respected citizens of the community, the encouragement to meet and make new friends and the opportunity to lead and be well led. “At the national level the Grange will be a flexible, well- governed, proactive partner in support of issues that are relevant to members and the communities in which they live. It will be accountable to and supportive of the leadership and membership at the local Grange, responsive to the member’s time and committed to growth, to sustained relevance and to national preeminence.”

MISSION STATEMENT (2006) “The Grange in the 21 st century will be a preeminent organization. It will commit to the development of the potential in families, youth and young adults through dynamic programs and experiences that educate, engage, and enrich their lives. “The Grange will be noted for its commitment to the membership through its enabled leadership, its financial and organizational strength, and its ability to make a difference in the lives of children, youth, families, and individuals. “The Grange will be a relevant, caring and involved part of the community in which its members are located. It will be well known and understood and considered a viable, involved and distinctive organization.

MISSION STATEMENT (2006) (cont’d) “Provide opportunities for individuals and families to develop their highest potential to in order to build stronger communities, states and the nation.” The Grange will accomplish this mission through: – Fellowship We give our members the opportunity to meet with and get to know their neighbors in a safe, family-friendly atmosphere. We provide a place where children, youth and adults can grow, develop their talents and social skills, and learn leadership techniques. – Service We give assistance to individuals in crisis. We provide a great place for community networking. We provide our members with the opportunity to discover and solve community needs. – Legislation We have a grassroots approach to local, state and federal legislative change. We give our members a voice in state and federal government forums.

MISSION STATEMENT (2006) (cont’d) When State Masters and their spouses were asked the simple question: Why do we exist as an organization? The following answers were brought forward: ”We exist to improve the quality of life for our members and their neighbors, and to promote the role and importance of agriculture to American society.”

MISSION STATEMENT (2006) (cont’d) When State Masters and their spouses were asked the simple question: Why do we exist as an organization? The following answers were brought forward: ”We exist to improve the quality of life for our members and their neighbors, and to promote the role and importance of agriculture to American society.”