The Grange,

• PURPOSE To build a program of fellowship service and member activities within a framework of fraternalism embracing all members through: Business Meetings - Legislative Activities Charitable Services - Deaf Awareness - Youth Projects - Women's Activities - Community Service - Junior Grange.

• AMERICA'S FIRST Conceived in 1867 as an organization of agricultural people, the Grange has grown into an organization concerned about the needs of all people, rural and suburban.

• A FAMILY ORGANIZATION Father, mother, young adults and children meet on a common level of understanding to participate in educational and recreational program.

• A LEGISLATIVE VOICE Provides each member with a voice - an opportunity, starting in the local unit, to express his beliefs, knowing that his ideas may reach the highest levels of Grange and the Government. Although nonpartisan, the Grange stresses participation in activities related to public issues.

• A FRATERNAL ORGANIZATION Every Grange opens in regular form with a prayer and the salute to the flag. The local (Subordinate) Grange confers the first four degrees, symbolic of the seasons of the year, upon the new member when he or she joins the Grange. The county (Pomona) Grange confers the Fifth Degree, the State Grange the Sixth Degree and the National Grange the Seventh Degree.

Throughout the Grange, signs, symbols and passwords are used to represent the lessons of life and agriculture.

• A COMMUNITY ORGANIZATION The Subordinate Grange, built around the community, elects its own officers and runs its own program. Although Grange business is conducted in closed meetings, educational and informational programs are frequently open to the public. Each member has one vote. The Subordinate Granges meet once or twice a month. Yearly dues which vary with Granges are used to support Subordinate, State and National Granges.

• MEMBERSHIP REQUIREMENTS Persons 14 years of age and older may join a Subordinate Grange. Each applicant must have a desire to work with others in elevating and advancing the interest of Agriculture and Rural Life and to receive the benefits and advantages of Grange membership.

There are 100 local Granges in Connecticut organized into 12 regional Pomonas.

For more information on the Grange or on how to join, contact your local Grange or the Connecticut State Grange, P. O. Box 6517, 769 Hebron Avenue, Glastonbury, CT 0603 3. Phone 633-7550,

5/27/97 Revision