Ever wonder why it is difficult to get
new members? The first place to look is in the Grange. What is the attitude
of the members toward someone new, toward change, or toward the idea that
the Grange is in the service business? Grange members can get together and
enjoy themselves and never realize that they have an unhealthy attitude that
will inhibit growth in their Grange.
Each member must be looking at potential members as new
friends and then treating them as people they want as friends. Our Grange
circle must always be expanding to include new people if we are to prosper.
Share the way the Grange can fill the needs of individuals and they will
view the Grange as something they need to join.
To build a healthy attitude, each member must feel that they
have the power to change or direct the Grange in some way. No single member
should be controlling the destiny of the Order. People are not as fearful of
change when they have some control over it. In addition, when you give
members the power to change things, you give them opportunity to decide what
will change and what is necessary to keep.
Members should view their Grange with the pride of ownership,
but understand that they are the stewards of the organization. Serving the
needs of the membership and the community is critical to building a healthy
attitude in your Grange. Each current member has the responsibility to find
ways that the Grange can serve the needs of current and future members.
Work on building a healthy (positive, can do) attitude in
your Grange and watch things improve.
