The National Grange is the United States’ oldest agricultural fraternity, advocating for rural America. It’s a social organization that encourages its 140,000 members to promote the political and economic well-being of communities, a collective sense of husbandry being shared among all. Over 1,400 local chapters exist throughout all corners of the country, from Hawaii to Alaska to Maine. Since Monday, November 11th, events making up its 158th annual convention have been happening at the Isle Casino Hotel in Bettendorf.
The Grange splits up the nation into five different regions on its own map, and each year the organization rotates through them to host its yearly convention at locations all over. Last year, it was held in Niagara Falls. Next year it will take place for the first time ever on a cruise ship in Miami.
President of the National Grange Christine Hamp said the organization offers its members an opportunity to shape it in whatever way they like. It can look different from what it was in the past, but in all things with it, there’s always an emphasis on what’s important in one’s community.
“The number-one thing with Grange is that we can make it what we want it to be, what you and I want it to be. It’s a different Grange than what our grandfathers had, because it moves, and it morphs with what’s going on in society,” Hamp said. “And what we do today and how we do it is so much different than what we did a generation ago. It’s what is important to you; it’s what’s important to your community right here, right now, today.”
At these conventions, Grangers, a title often used to identify individuals comprising the Grange’s membership, come together to discuss matters and policies relevant to the maintenance and future of the organization. These happenings also aim to present networking opportunities to those behind and in support of the organization’s mission, offering themselves as social events for Grangers nationwide.
Some events at the convention are exclusive to Grangers, but most are open to the public. Non-members have been invited to attend over 60 workshops on big ideas and legislative efforts, as well as a handful of showcases. Veterans in the area were honored during the Quilts of Valor presentation back on Wednesday. On Friday night, November 15th, for example, the Grange will honor the excellence of teachers, firefighters, and law-enforcement officials for its evening of recognition. An installation of officers is to occur before the award ceremony.
Hamp emphasized that people wishing to participate in these events should, because they’re not closed off to the community but rather naturally open to it. She said all should feel invited to engage in conversations motivated by this urge to inspire positive change.
“I would hope that anybody that was not a member that came to our events would feel very welcome, would feel like they were embraced in this group that is here with the sole focus of making our communities better,” Hamp said.
Attendees haven’t been limited to a few walls in Bettendorf, either. They were taken out for a riverboat cruise on the Mississippi River on Monday, where they gathered for a luncheon. Grangers unfamiliar with the Quad Cities have even been able to explore the gems of the region, visiting places like the John Deere Pavilion in Moline and the Figge Art Museum in Davenport.
The annual convention concludes at 6:00 p.m. on Saturday, the 16th, with a closing banquet. For more information about what remains, visit www.nationalgrange.org/158thconvention.
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