What is the Grange?
The Grange is a non-profit organization dedicated to improving the quality of life through:
educational, social and legislative activities
promoting family life through family-oriented activities
advancing the cause of agriculture
developing rural leadership and
acting as a spokesman in public affairs.
Grange policies affect local, state and national legislation, however, Grange legislative policies begin at the local level where members express views on many issues.
The fellowship, recreation and social activities in the Grange are developed with the family in mind - children and senior citizens alike are very welcome in the Grange. Grange activities are varied and include seminars, banquets, family outings and county fairs. The Grange also offers programs such as collegiate scholarships, bank services and lending, insurance policies and long-distance calling services.
Today's Grange provides an opportunity to serve by providing leadership for local community service projects is what the Grange does best. Examples of some projects include organizing a softball league, providing hearing testing, building a community center, sponsoring a community fair, staffing an after school child care program, conducting a candidate debate and organizing voter registration drives.
The Grange believes in leadership development, and reaches out to all people in an effort to respond to real needs. It builds a better community by providing the services that people need to live better lives. In working together, the Grange is able to provide assistance when the government can't and individuals alone aren't strong enough. By working together the Grange builds community and people.
The Grange provides each member with a legislative voice at the local, state and national level. Members are part of a grassroots constituency enabling them to effectively express their views and influence legislative policy at the highest levels of government. The Grange is non-partisan, but it vigorously encourages member participation in the political process.
The Subordinate (community) Grange
This unit of the organization is built around the local community. Men, women and youth are admitted on equal terms. Those who are 14 years of age are eligible for full membership. Each member has one vote on business matters. The local Grange elects its own officers and controls its own affairs in community matters.
The Pomona (county) Grange
Subordinate Granges within a given district are grouped together on a county or regional basis into Pomona Granges that meet monthly or quarterly. The Pomona Grange provides the leadership for educational, legislative, and business interests of the Subordinate Granges in its jurisdiction.
The State Grange
The State Grange is a delegate body representing Subordinate and Pomona Granges. At their annual conventions, State Granges consider many important matters relating to legislation and public policy, with particular reference to matters of concern to rural America and the general welfare of the state as a whole. Inasmuch as State Grange policies originate in the Subordinate and Pomona units and are conveyed through their delegates, this branch is, in a special sense, expressive of Grange thought and sentiment throughout the entire state.
The National Grange
This is the parent branch of the Grange and as the supreme legislative body of the Order, policies are developed through the channels of Subordinate, Pomona and State units. The National Grange headquarters building is located at 1616 H Street in Washington, DC.