Grangers Gather in Michigan for the
143rd National Grange Convention
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By Jennifer Dugent, Communications Director
The halls of the historic Amway Grand Plaza hotel filled with voices and laughter of Grangers who had gathered for the 143rd Annual National Grange Convention. Members had traveled from all across the country to Grand Rapids, Michigan for the occasion. The National Grange Staff and Midwest Region Host Committee had worked hard to put on a Convention that was sure to be a memorable one.
The focus of the Convention was growing the Grange, and plenty of tools and workshops were provided to members to aid in this effort. Attendees could pick up PR Manuals, Communications Toolkits, Youth Materials, and much more at the Idea Fair to help them grow their Granges and promote what their Grange is doing in the community. An exciting highlight was the unveiling of the National Grange’s first Web Commercial, which was played for attendees at the Celebration Banquet. This commercial can be played at fair booths, recruitment events, and posted on blogs and websites.
Two years ago a new slate of National Officers, headed by then National Grange Membership Director Ed Luttrell, were elected to the challenging task of modernizing the Grange, uniting the organization, and increasing membership. This year Delegates were able to evaluate the progress of the past two years and agreed that, lead by National President Ed Luttrell, the organization was going in the right direction and an increase in positive attitude and passion were on the rise. Most officers, including President Luttrell, were reelected--besides those who had term limits.
Delegates also debated and voted on important legislative topics and Grange procedure changes. Some of these issues included Cap and Trade, federal spending, healthcare reform, and child predators.
Earlier in the week, President Luttrell presented the attendees with his Annual Master’s Address. He spoke about agriculture, ethics, and other current issues. Amidst this polarized political world, Luttrell offered up the Grange as a non-partisan, neutral place where people can discuss issues in a non-adversarial mode. He portrayed the Grange as one of the “few places in American communities that can bring together as diverse a variety of views while striving to keep friendships and personal relationships after the discussion.” He pointed out that the Grange does not affiliate with any political party and does not endorse individual candidates for political office. He went on to say that the Grange is not afraid of getting into the big issues and often, due to its non-partisanship, bucks the prevailing trend. He even referenced former Grange member Robert Frost’s “The Road Less Traveled.” “We often walk a lonely path with our nonpartisan principal, a path we have walked for 142 years, but we bring people with different perspectives and beliefs together to build our communities, our states and our nation” Luttrell concluded.
Of course the Convention was not all work and no play. Attendees were able to tour places like the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum, Fredrik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park, and Van Andel Museum Center. Michigan’s own Cedar Creek Cloggers entertained members at the Celebration Banquet. Grangers from all over performed at the Evening of Excellence talent show.
Old friends of the Grange returned for the Annual Convention, including Robin Dixon from Dogs for the Deaf, Bob Quist and Ann Bercher from the Oliver H. Kelley Farm, and Jake Terpstra from the National Foster Parents Association. The National Grange values the partnerships with these organizations and wants to continue helping their causes. Robin Dixon, along with her working-dog Bonsai, worked with the National Staff to film a video about Dogs for the Deaf, which will be available to Grangers in 2010.
A few new events were added to the schedule this year. A few special members were honored in a “Heroes of the Grange Luncheon”. A presentation in honor of past National Officers was given during session. Past National Officers received a special pin as recognition for their service to the Grange. Plans are underway for the 144th National Grange Convention in Charlotte, North Carolina. It is sure to be a can’t-miss event, so get ready for some “Down Home Fun!”
