Well, it's been a while.....

I've had a hard time deciding if I should keep this blog going, since most of what I would write here, gets written on the main NC Grange Blog page... but I decided for now, I'll keep it open :-)

Lots has happened since my failed farmers market attempt last May.

We were able to pool our efforts and open Cape Fear Grange. They are one of our strongest Granges in the state. They have easily DOUBLED their membership in the few short months they've been open! Please visit their blog, by click on the link :-) This Grange would NOT have been possible without the Fowler family, so we are grateful for them!!

Next:

I want to outline some goals for 2010... it's a new year, and we all love goals, right!?

1. Continue efforts in northern Mecklenburg County. I really want my own Grange here in Davidson!
2. Open a Grange in Greenville, NC... with the help of some fabulous people there! Our first meeting is set for January 23rd! YAY!
3. Work with the fine people of Duplin County to drum up some interest in the Grange there!
4. Work with members of Cape Fear Grange in an effort to revive Juniper Grange in Moore County
5. Form a Young Adult Committee to help grow the 22-40 age range of our organization

That's all for now! I'll try and be better about updating this site, but if all else fail, check the NC Grange blog!

Davidson Farmers Market

Saturday morning I got up super early to man my booth at the Davidson Farmers Market!

I have a info meeting set up at the Davidson Library at 7PM on Wednesday!


My booth at the farmers market

My view from my booth

Lots of people stopped by, hopefully they will come out to the meeting on Wednesday!

Fayetteville!

As I am sure you read on the main NC Grange Blog, you saw we have started a new Grange!

We are 16 voices richer here in North Carolina!

I am especially excited because this September our State Grange Convention will be held in Fayetteville, and we will have a Grange there!!

See you all on May 19th down there!

April 7th + Edneyville = Snow?

Last evening Edneyville Grange opened their doors to anyone who wanted to come for good food and to see an always entertaining Margaret Davidson! I was invited to give a short presentation on building membership. Here were the steps:

1. Set the Stage- Have something to start a conversation with- wear a Grange shirt, have a sticker, keep a copy of Grange News lying around
2. Listen to the potential members needs- do they have a kid that needs to be involved in a wholesome organization? Are they looking to get involved in the community?
3. Find a way to fill their needs- if they have kids, mention our Jr./Youth programs, and scholarships, if they are looking to get involved, tell them all they ways they can, if they are looking to network, tell them all the ways they can.
4. Ask them to join! This is the most important one, most people do not just show up to meetings, make sure they know you want them there, and how they can benefit from being a member.

Here are some pictures from my trip there....


Every Grange should have a sign like this!

Davidson Effort

I have been in contact with the Davidson Farmers Market, and have secured their "Community Booth" on May 9th! I was hoping to have the opening weekend, May 2nd, but it was already taken.

If you visit their website, you can see all their vendors. I researched them all to see who was actually living the closest to Davidson, found their addresses and sent them all information packets, that include a letter introducing who we are, an info guide and a current issue of Grange News. I am hoping they will get it, be interested, and then remember the name and logo when I am at the booth on May 9th.

I'll keep you updated on what happens! :-)

To find out more about the Davidson Farmers Market click here.

New Pomona!!!!

Tonight we will be meeting to hopefully form a new Pomona Grange!!! The following Granges have been invited to participate:

1. Troutman
2. Corriher
3. Patterson
4. St. Johns

We will be meeting at Corriher at 7 PM if anyone would like to attend! :-)

Texas Grange Growth Summit

This past weekend, I had the opportunity to travel to Elmendorf, TX for the 2nd GGS. I met many nice people from several Granges in Texas. We met with 4 Granges to help revitalize them. The meetings all went very well, and we even recruited some new members! Here are some of the pictures I took while traveling!

David Crockett Grange, our meeting place for the weekend, and one of the Granges we met with to help them become stronger.



Blackhill Grange in Blackhill, TX. The Grange my team went to.


Back at David Crockett Grange, Rusty and Ed talking with some Texas Grangers!