by Rusty Hunt
National Grange Director of Leadership and Membership
Whether we are letting our local membership know what we are doing
or we are trying to let people outside the Grange know about us
there are definite do’s and don’ts.
Let’s start with the media: Newspapers (daily,
weekly or monthly); radio stations; and television stations
(including cable networks). You will want to get to know your local
editors, talk show hosts, and station managers. Creating a
relationship with them can be a huge asset when it comes time to
getting something important out to the public. Having them recognize
you and/or the Grange will give you much needed priority over other
lesser known people and groups. You must always be prepared with a
good, honest and positive message. Never, ever get sarcastic!
Remember, news people are always looking for a quote and if you say
something sarcastic that very well may be used in their story. Lots
of the media provides free advertising for non-profit community
groups, so make sure you contact them with all your activities and
get them posted. It is a great way of reaching lots of people and
getting acquainted with the right people that work in the media.
Posters and flyers are another thing that all Granges need to use
when “Getting the Word Out”. Make your posters and flyers colorful
and entertaining. Make them “eye catching”. Be careful not to make
them too "busy" so people get lost in the message but just include
enough information so they know what you are trying to convey.
Window displays, banners, and billboards can be much bigger projects
that need more time, thought, and effort to put together. Get a team
of members together when planning these types of projects. It makes
it more fun and usually a better finished project is the result.
Brochures and newsletters are something that every Grange needs to
have for themselves. They are more personal and also allow us to
target our audience. We know who they are to go to so we should know
what we want them to see.
What about our dances, parties, fair booths, parade floats, and etc?
Aren’t they considered “Getting the Word Out”? You bet they are! And
they are a very important one at that. Check out the 2006 and 2007
“Idea Books” on the National Grange Website
www.nationalgrange.org
for more great ideas .
In all these different forms of “Getting the Word Out” one thing
that should always come out, is our POSITIVE ATTITUDE and our
PASSION FOR THE GRANGE! Let’s get ready for Grange Month in April by
planning how we are going to “Get the word out” about the Grange!
We will be discussing the monthly Membership and
Leadership Tips on Team Speak the second Tuesday of every month at
9:00 pm (prevailing eastern time).
Everyone is welcome to join us. For hookup
instructions contact:
Rusty Hunt -
membership@nationalgrange.org
Carl Meiss -
publicrelations@pagrange.org
