Good DAY!
A quarterly publication of the National Grange Vol. 6, Issue 1 l June 2022
Philanthropy in the Modern Age Although always a part of American culture, the way people give - and who we give to - has changed drastically over the past few decades. From major philanthropy to individual donations, how have we shifted our interests, and what comes next?
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Staff
WHAT’S THE GRANGE? The National Grange was founded as a fraternal organization for farm families in 1867 – opening its doors to men and women equally from the start. From rural free delivery of mail to the direct election of U.S. Senators by the people, Grange has influenced many aspects of American life and culture. Today we continue to advocate for rural Americans and those interested in all areas of agriculture – including those who just like to eat – and our local Granges provide millions of dollars and hours of service to their neighbors annually. Each Grange operates as a grassroots unit, taking on projects most appropriate for their communities and advocating based on their members’ beliefs.
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Betsy E. Huber, Publisher National Grange President President, Grange Foundation President, Grange Advocacy betsy@nationalgrange.org Philip J. Vonada, Editor Communications Director pvonada@nationalgrange.org Stephanie Wilkins, Subscriptions Manager IT Director swilkins@nationalgrange.org Burton Eller, Advertising Partner Legislative Director Executive Director, Grange Advocacy beller@nationalgrange.org
Learn more at www.nationalgrange.org.
OUR
Officers
Amanda Leigh Brozana Rios Membership & Leadership Development Director & Grange Foundation Associate abrozana@nationalgrange.org
Betsy Huber, PA, President betsy@nationalgrange.org
William “Chip” Narvel, DE, National Steward
Chris Hamp, WA, Vice President champ@grange.org
John Plank, IN, National Assistant Steward
Lynette Schaeffer, IL,
Executive Committee Chair lschaeffer@grange.org Susan Noah, OR
Executive Committee Member snoah@grange.org Leroy Watson, NH Executive Committee Member & Grange Advocacy Board Chair leroyawatson@nationalgrange.org William “Buddy” Overstreet, TX, Executive Committee Member boverstreet@grange.org Ann Bercher, MN, National Lecturer
lecturer@nationalgrange.org
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Loretta Washington Sales, Benefits, Programs & Membership Recognition Director lwashington@nationalgrange.org Samantha Wilkins Operations Coordinator & National Junior Grange Director samantha@nationalgrange.org
Kathy Gibson, MA, National Lady Assistant Steward Barbara Borderieux, FL, National Chaplain Joe Goodrich, VT, National Treasurer
Mandy Bostwick Youth & Young Adults Development Director youth@nationalgrange.org
Debbie Campbell, PA, National Secretary
Pete Pompper Community Service Director communityservice@nationalgrange.org
Christopher Johnston, MI, National Gatekeeper
Sean O’Neil Legislative Assistant soneil@nationalgrange.org
Cindy Greer, CO, National Ceres Kay Stiles, MD, National Pomona Welina Shufeldt, OK, National Flora
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Mujo Mrkonjic Building Engineer HEADQUARTERS PHONE (202) 628-3507
GOOD DAY!™ MAGAZINE www.nationalgrange.org
PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE Betsy E. Huber
I’ve been doing a lot of reading
for the last two years, but hopefully by
and scanning of the organizational
now your Grange is back to in-person
documents
meetings, fulfilling those desires for
and
files
in
the
subbasement of the Grange building,
socialization.
and I am continually amazed at the
Another founding principle of the
numbers of Granges and thousands
Grange was legislative work. Farmers
of members who flocked to join us,
joined together to fight the railroad
even 100 years ago - before the
monopoly because there is power in
age of advertising, internet, or even
numbers. The same is true today. Our
telephone. Word of mouth and some
lobbying and influence in the nation’s
charismatic leaders were effective tools
Capitol is still strong and an important
to grow our Order in the 1800s and
part of the Grange organization.
early 1900s. As a child on the farm, I remember
While not everyone is as interested in
legislation
and
government
Nights, legislative banquets, and open forums on current topics of interest.
what a big event the twice-monthly
regulation as I am, it certainly affects
The U.S. seems to be filled with
Grange meeting was for our family.
everyone in their daily lives. It is a great
Grange, church, family gatherings and
benefit to belong to an organization
dissatisfaction about our government
the annual milk producers banquet
like the Grange that can look out for
were our only social activities. Imagine
your best interests, even if you’re not
what it was like in those early days of
always paying attention or connected
the Grange when farmers were really
to what our leaders are doing.
isolated on their farms and didn’t even have those social outlets!
The Grange gives you opportunities to stay informed and up-to-date on
leaders and their actions or lack of actions on things we care about. Instead of griping and complaining, why not get involved in something that can make positive change? Next time you’re caught up in a conversation about problems, suggest
What was it that attracted so many
issues that are important to you - the
people to join us? I believe it’s the
monthly View from the Hill email,
same primary reason that attracts
annual Legislative Fly-in, email alerts
people today - social interaction. The
when an important issue comes
isolation of rural life didn’t end with the
up, even training our youth to be
in your local precinct, can have
advent of telephone and television;
influencers and advocates through the
great influence on what happens in
it’s still present today as we’ve seen
annual DC Experience.
the Capitol. National Grange has a
that the complainer do something about the issue by joining the Grange. A group of people, especially voters
through the pandemic. In every survey
Some State Granges have an active
legislative department that can teach
of Grangers I’ve seen, the number one
legislative program also, keeping you
you how to be an effective citizen
reason they join or stay in the Grange
updated on statewide government
influencer. Start by signing up for
is friendship and fellowship. Zoom
activity. Many Community or Pomona
legislative updates on our website
meetings have partially filled this need
Granges hold Meet the Candidates
www.nationalgrange.org/subscribe.
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GOOD DAY!™ MAGAZINE www.nationalgrange.org
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National Grange honors Champions of Rural America
Award Recipients Rep. Dan Newhouse (WA), Sara Wyant, and Nona Bear, with National Grange President Betsy Huber at the National Grange’s Champions of Rural America reception on April 26.
By Philip J. Vonada Communications Director On April 26, the National Grange presented the Champion of Rural America Awards during a reception at the organization’s historic headquarters near the White House to four deserving recipients. “This is one of the most important awards that could be given,” said National Grange President Betsy Huber. “For 155 years, the Grange has worked through nonpartisan means for America’s agricultural communities and rural residents nationwide. The process of selecting these Champions is something we take very seriously, as we want to ensure that our honorees are truly deserving because of their lifelong efforts.” Huber and National Grange Legislative Director Burton Eller believe that each of this year’s honorees is a true “Champion” for the people living and working in rural America.
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The 2022 Champions of Rural America are Senator Joe Manchin (DWV), Representative Dan Newhouse (R-WA 4th), Sara Wyant, founder of AgriPulse Communications, and patient rights advocate Nona Bear. “One doesn’t have to explain the rural and small-town citizen to Joe Manchin: he is one,” says Eller, noting that Manchin’s upbringing and life in West Virginia strongly influence his votes and positions for his constituents. “In this day of rampant partisan politics, Senator Manchin is all about bipartisanship on Capitol Hill.” Senator Manchin’s work for rural America has included keeping promises to seniors and veterans by protecting Social Security and Medicare. Like previous recipients Sen. Debbie Stabenow (D-MN) and Sen. Pat Roberts (R-KS), Representative Dan Newhouse continues to champion agriculture and work with legislators and advocates from many different industries to fight on behalf of America’s farmers, ranchers and rural
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GOOD DAY!™ MAGAZINE www.nationalgrange.org
Photo by Philip Vonada residents. Eller says Rep. Newhouse “is the consummate example of one of the Grange’s slogans, ‘American Values. Hometown Roots.’” “Representative Newhouse comes from rural America and truly understands the people he represents – and he fights for not only his own constituents but all of Washington and rural citizens across the country,” Huber says. “We are grateful to be able to honor Dan Newhouse with this award, as he truly is a champion for rural America.” “I can’t tell you how much of an honor this truly is,” Newhouse said while accepting the award. “The National Grange has truly been a unique and important part of the fabric of rural America for a century and a half... I can’t tell you how much it means to be recognized for the small part I’ve been able to play in helping to promote our industry - agriculture - and build, maintain and grow our rural communities... We will be successful if we continue to work
together.” Huber said that while those at the top rungs of government who have received the award have done much for rural residents, a lot of the work to “bring the horse to water” is done by respected groups and individuals with a history of leadership in areas that matter most to rural Americans. One of the primary connectors for many rural Americans is Agri-Pulse Communications’ founder and President Sara Wyant. “Sara’s Agri-Pulse is the first thing read every day by the movers and shakers at the intersection of agriculture, policy and government,” says Eller. “Sara is a real reporter: knowledgeable, informed, fair, unbiased, nonpartisan and deeply committed to what she does.” “Agri-Pulse connects the people who live in rural America directly to the people who make decisions about rural America,” says Huber. “Sara has created an unbiased direct approach to reporting the news for the benefit of those throughout the agricultural spectrum.” “As someone who grew up on a farm and has been familiar with the Grange all of my life... thank you,” Wyant said. “It is such an honor to be recognized. I have had this passion for a long time - that if we could better educate people on rural America,
and get them informed on the issues - the pros and cons of different topics, then they can become better advocates - just like [the Grange is].” “Your advocacy has made a huge difference,” Wyant continued. Patient rights and healthcare reform advocates have a true champion in Nona Bear. “Nona works tirelessly to address and advocate for the needs and concerns of older Americans,” Huber says. “Her work connects major national nonprofit health advocacy organizations to the people. She is an incredible, thoughtful spokesperson for the health care needs of rural America.” “America’s patient population has a far greater public voice today Sara Wyant accepts her award from National as a result of Nona Bear’s ability Grange President Betsy Huber at the to build alliances across patient Champions of Rural America reception. advocacy interests,” adds Eller. Photo by Philip Vonada “In 1992 or 1994, I called [the our economy and as part of our national Grange] to talk about insurance reform and healthcare reform,” Bear said security; they fight to ensure equitable in her acceptance. “And that remarkable access for rural Americans in relation to meeting with [Leroy Watson]... led me on to business, healthcare, educational and all the years since when it’s been a privilege other opportunities; they place a value and an honor to work with the Grange. on doing the right thing and serve the From working on taking the word out public above any political party, and they about Medicare Part D - which the Grange consistently work across the aisle, placing did remarkably into rural America, to being an emphasis on bipartisanship in their the first and only group legislative work or advocacy,” Huber during the meth crisis to said. “But also, we expect that each provide resources that local recipient show perseverance in the fight law enforcements could not for rural Americans and embody our core get anywhere... the Grange values of faith, hope, charity and fidelity put that together. Who does and live by our motto: in essentials, unity; in nonessentials liberty; in all things, that but the Grange?” “The Grange is the only charity.” During the evening, Wyant and Bear organization that is looking after every aspect of life in were also honored with the National Grange Community Service Director’s rural America,” Bear added. Huber said the award Pin. “These pins are very rare,” Huber criteria were established said. “They honor the work you do in in line with the Grange’s communities nationwide to help make grassroots priorities and them better.” Previous Champions include Sen. values. Nona Bear (center) poses with Grange Advocacy “Our recipients are Debbie Stabenow, Sen. Susan Collins, Executive Director Burton Eller and National expected to show a clear Rep. Collin Peterson, Rep. Greg Walden, Grange President Betsy Huber. understanding of the FCC Chairman Ajit Pai, Sen. Pat Roberts, Photo by Philip Vonada importance of agriculture in and the National Rural Health Association.
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GOOD DAY!™ MAGAZINE www.nationalgrange.org
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Fire Sale and store updates
VINTAGE PLAQUES
JEWELRY All Past Office (Master, Lecturer,
Designed in 1947, these
Secretary, and Past Junior Master)
wooden plaques have a felt
pins, various Degree charms and
backing. Size is 11.5”x13”, with
ties bars, and sash/lapel pins are
space to add an engraving for
on sale!
your Grange Hall.
Membership years of service pins
Limited number available.
are available in 5-year increments
Sold as-is.
from 5 years through 80 years $25 each, including shipping. Prices vary.
FASHION
Own a part of history
Junior Grange Polo Shirts
commemorating the National
White polo shirt with the Junior Grange
Grange’s Headquarters in
logo. Available in adult sizes (M, L, XL).
Washington, DC. These limited-
Buy 3 or more to receive a discount.
edition pins are sure to be collector items! Each pin includes a card with details about the Grange Building. Available in bulk at steep discounts!
Ladies’ Silk Scarf Pink ladies’ scarf with Grange wheat emblem. Buy 3 or more to receive a discount.
Effective Immediately, any Grange Supply Store “rush” orders that require expedited arrival (7 days or fewer from time of order) will have a $25.00 expedition fee added to the order, in addition to the shipping fee. This includes any seals,
Belt Buckle Solid pewter with antique finish, fits most standard belts. Buy 3 or more
certificates, and membership recognition applications.
to receive a discount.
There is a change in price with Membership Recognition seals and effective June 1, 2022 The 25 Years Award (Silver Star) certificate and folder is $12.00 each; The Golden Sheaf Certificate is $12.00 each; the 75-Year Diamond Certificate and folder is $12.00 each; 80-year letter & 85-year certificates and letter in a folder with letter from National President signature is $12.00 each
Order at www.grangestore.org or call (202) 628-3507 ext. 109 GOOD DAY!™ MAGAZINE
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www.nationalgrange.org
Long-term priorities achieved; National Grange looks at what’s next By Sean O’Neil Legislative Assistant
currently pushing for its passage in the
that the funds must be spent in a manner
House of Representatives.
which connects as many unconnected
Similarly,
Grange
rural Americans as possible. And further,
Since the start of the 117th Congress
is supporting the Growing Climate
the National Grange has worked with
in January 2021, The National Grange
Solutions Act, a bill which has been
healthcare partners in Washington, D.C.
has
legislative
stuck in the House of Representatives
to advocate for increased coverage
priorities including investment in rural
since 2021. This bill would allow the
of novel cancer screenings, certain
infrastructure
and
US Department of Agriculture to create
vaccines, and other important medical
necessary postal service reforms. At the
and operate a carbon credit system which would compensate farmers for
products under Medicare.
same time, policies the National Grange
achieved
long-term and
broadband,
opposes such as tax increases which would harm family businesses and farms and problematic new regulations have been defeated when proposed. As this Congress approaches its final summer and members begin to shift their focus from legislation to reelection, the National Grange is hoping to continue this trend of success and check off a few more priorities. In
this
mission,
the
National
Grange is currently advocating for the
the
National
voluntary climate-friendly practices on their farms. There are also multiple bills which would reform cattle markets with the intent to increase transparency and competition amongst meat processors, which are being supported by the National Grange in both the House and the Senate. The National Grange is involved in many important regulatory decisions being made throughout the federal government. Building on the successful
Looking forward, there are a few looming issues which may emerge throughout the summer which the National Grange will be involved in. In President Biden’s budget request that was released in March, he indicated an interest in reviving some of the tax provisions that the National Grange worked with the agriculture and family business community to defeat in the fall of 2021. And on the horizion, there are
passage of significant funding for rural
inklings of potential bipartisan efforts
broadband deployment in last year’s
to craft bills which would address issues
of legislation. The Ocean Shipping
infrastructure package, the National
such as drug pricing, inflation, and
Reform Act, a bill which would change
Grange has submitted comments to
climate change which the Grange could
the way American ports are regulated
the National Telecommunications and
potentially be involved in. Beyond this
to increase efficiency and American
Information Administration (the office
summer, the National Grange is also
exports, passed the Senate unanimously
which will oversee disbursement of the
actively participating in early discussions
in March and the National Grange is
broadband funds to states) making clear
which will shape the 2023 Farm Bill.
passage of a number of different pieces
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The Power of the Potluck Theming your potlucks may also add excitement as it challenges
By Amanda Brozana Rios
members to step outside their comfort dish and create something
National Grange Membership and Leadership Development Director
they otherwise might not have thought of. Having a theme allows you to build activities or educational programming around a specific
For many members, Grange meetings are synonymous with food.
food or invite a guest speaker with knowledge or experience with
While some see the shared meals as just a frill or perk of membership,
that specific food or theme. You could also learn about local farms
for others the potluck is a saving grace or the reason Grange remains a part of their lives. Over the past few years, I’ve heard many times the reasons why potlucks are a vital piece of the Grange experience and I’ve come to realize that we don’t talk about and think about these enough as membership, service, and educational tools. Like Natalie, Harry, and Robin* who you’ll meet later in this article, the potluck is not the immediate or only draw for prospective members. Yet, when people hear that they can have a full meal with friends, free because of their membership in the Grange, there is relief – from having to find time to do good while juggling a busy schedule; from loneliness; from food insecurity; and from so many other worries we may never know. There is also an opportunity for the Grange to fulfill at least three other vital roles we announce in our heritage work: that we build a fellowship among members, that we provide tangible benefits to those
that raise or produce the food. If you have made a good connection with a local producer, you might be able to work with them to provide your members with some of the themed ingredients to unveil the next theme, help them create their potluck item, or provide it as a prize to the person whose offering is selected “best dish.” You may also use the time to mix and mingle and start a new conversation. Make a game out of sitting with someone you may not otherwise have shared a meal with and encourage members to talk about something in small groups. From personal revelations to observations about how to improve your Grange experience, there is so much one can cover while enjoying lunch or dinner. Throughout Grange history, Grange cookbooks have been a staple at all levels of the Grange. Think about assigning someone to collect and create a print or virtual cookbook celebrating your members’ own potluck recipes. Even a simple document or website with the recipes
who choose to become members, and that we educate members,
can help connect people by reminding them of great dishes and great
helping them grow to their greatest potential.
conversations they enjoyed at your Grange.
How is it that a simple covered dish meal can do so much? And
Granges who have not recently welcomed new members may find
how can you be sure your Grange is cashing in on the power of the
this a silly exercise, but there’s no harm in trying. Moreover, it gives you
potluck?
something new to talk about to prospective members who may just
Consider naming a potluck chairperson or creating a committee including, but not limited to, your agriculture director and Lecturer. Encourage them to elevate your potlucks through thoughtful
area, food or their neighbors. * Natalie, Harry and Robin are personas built from experiences of real people in Grange membership.
preparation.
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have their interest piqued by a full meal or a fun way to learn about the
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Meet Natalie It’s been a long day. She’s getting off work late – again. The after-school program will fine her if she’s not there to pick up the kids in just a few minutes. They’ll be hungry, and so is she, but she’s not sure what’s in the fridge or freezer that she can make. Then she remembers – tonight is the Grange meeting. As Natalie established herself in her career, she struggled to eat at a reasonable hour before having children, and dinners from fast-food chains were an embarrassing staple. After the kids came, dinner became more of a priority, but juggling work and a family meant that she had to give up many other activities she had enjoyed. Grange, though, remained a priority in part because it welcomed the whole family with food and open arms. Grange nights were a relief, not a burden, in the schedule. As the kids are getting older and asking to get involved in sports and other activities, she’s not sure that she will be able to make each meeting as she does today, but she knows they will remain members and help when they can with events because of the friendships forged over food.
Meet Harry Cooking for one is hard. It’s either unhealthy prepackaged options or cooking a meal from scratch that will then be lunch and dinner for the next several days. The hardest part is looking across the table at the empty chair with something to say and no one to say it to. But tonight, he’ll share his food and fellowship with friends because there’s a Grange meeting. Harry’s Grange family rallied around him when his wife – who had also been a member – passed away. They continued to support him as he downsized and moved into a retirement community in a way that even the structured activities there and well-meaning neighbors could not. Some of his favorite meals were ones that couldn’t be downsized for a single serving, and Grange meetings gave him an excuse to cook for an army like he used to joke that his wife had done. Over a potluck, while enjoying what he had brought, people would reminisce with him about years gone by, their own memories of his wife and kids, and would warm his heart as they gladly scooped up leftovers.
Meet Robin Money is tight and while she is thankful for what is provided in the monthly food pantry box, there isn’t much variety - and there’s still a lot left to buy to construct a real dinner. Butter, cooking oil, milk, salt and pepper and other spices, most perishables – it adds up. The doctor says she needs a better-balanced diet with less salt, but that’s easier said than done in this income bracket. Tonight though, there’s a Grange meeting. Robin’s potluck offerings are few and those she brings are often boxes of sweet pastries or other treats given in abundance by the local food distribution network. As a person new to Grange, she didn’t know what to expect and considered politely declining after a friend invited her to join an organization that would cost her the equivalent of a week’s groceries and then some, but she’s always been good at math. For the dues, she could be guaranteed two healthy and filling meals each month plus sometimes several meals thereafter containing items she would otherwise not buy. As someone who often feels like a burden because she uses food assistance programs, it’s also nice to know that she’s giving back to her community while benefiting from her membership - and making friends in the process. Robin’s Grange Secretary and President - and a few other members she’d gotten close to - knew she struggled with food security and always made sure she was invited first to take home leftovers – a big way to make the food budget stretch for the month and provide some additional protein and fiber in her diet. After some time, she felt safe enough to tell the group about her experiences with food banks in the area and encourage donations. Since then, other members have offered rides to grocery stores holding big meat sales and have brought her items they had in abundance, like homegrown vegetables, butter or spices and several have invited her to attend events like Little League games and local plays – something she would otherwise feel awkward attending not having a relative taking part in the events.
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