Presidential PerspectiveChristine E. Hamp, National Grange President

One of the Grange’s greatest strengths has always been its deep roots in the community. For nearly 160 years, Granges across the country have stood – sometimes quite literally – as pillars of support, service, and shared responsibility. In today’s world –where challenges shift quickly and needs arise overnight – our ability to be nimble, responsive, and deeply connected is more essential than ever.

From natural disasters to divisive local debates, from economic hardships to public health emergencies, from families in crisis to moments of celebration and unity – our communities need organizations that can respond quickly, act meaningfully, and lead with clarity and compassion.

The question we must ask ourselves is not whether the Grange can help – it’s whether we’re positioned to do so when the moment comes.

We must not wait to be invited. We must already be in the room.

That means staying informed and involved. It means showing up – at town council meetings, school board sessions, planning committees, and public forums. It means knowing our neighbors, keeping up with local news, and building and fostering relationships with the people and institutions that shape our communities. It means being the trusted ones others turn to – not just in emergencies, but in moments of possibility.

We must be the ones who say, “Use our hall.”

We must also be the ones who say, “We don’t have a hall, but we have people ready to help.”

And above all, we must be the ones who ask, “What do you need – and how can we assist?”

Whether your Grange meets in a hall, a library, a church basement, or around a kitchen table – you have everything you need to make a difference. In fact, Granges without a hall, untethered by property upkeep and overhead, may often be better equipped to move quickly, adapt on the fly, and build partnerships wherever the need arises. What matters most is not the building, it’s the presence. It’s the people. It’s the willingness to act. Flexibility is power, connection is influence, and purpose is the driver.

Project Sustenance helps give our flexibility direction. While our work may look different in each town, county, or state, Project Sustenance reminds us that being nimble isn’t just about speed – it’s about having a clear sense of what we’re moving toward. Its three pillars – food security, self-sustainability, and resilience – are guideposts to ensure our actions are rooted in real community needs.

Food Security

Organize the food drive. Fill the pantry shelves. Help the farmers’ market reach more families. The need is immediate, and we are capable.

Self-Sustainability

Teach life skills. Host a budgeting workshop. Offer a garden-to-table class or a basic repair tutorial. These simple acts can change lives and empower communities to stand strong on their own.

Resilience

Be the place where neighbors gather when the power goes out or tensions rise. Share resources on mental health. Connect seniors to care or children to services. Sometimes, just being present is the difference. These are not abstract ideas. They are actions we can take right now, rooted in our purpose and guided by our commitment to service. When we lean into these pillars, we don’t just support our communities – we help them thrive.

I encourage each Grange – and each member – to ask:

• Are we connected to the issues our neighbors are facing?

• Are we present in conversations shaping our future?

• Are we building relationships that position us as first responders – not just in emergencies, but in opportunities?

• Are we visible, trusted, and engaged where it matters most?

Being nimble doesn’t mean being unstructured or reactive. It means having the right mindset, the right relationships, and the right mission focus to meet the moment.

Let’s recommit to being present, prepared, and purposeful. Because when the unexpected arrives – and it always will – it should be the Grange that’s already there: with sleeves rolled up, boots on the ground, and hearts and steady hands extended in service.