Volunteering

This morning I was watching the news and saw a story on people volunteering, and of course the President of the United States was featured painting a wall in his dress shirt and slacks. I love seeing stories like this as involving people in community service, educational activities, and legislative efforts is positive and empowering for each individual.

Grangers have been volunteering to help people, strengthen their community, and improve society in general since the birth of our organization in 1867. As an organization that is made up of volunteers, we understand the importance of giving back to our communities. No member is forced to do anything, we choose how we are going to participate, we choose when, we choose what we are willing to do.

The difference between volunteers for many organizations and the Grange is that in our Order, each member is empowered to suggest what, when, where, who, and how we are going to do as a group. Each member has the opportunity to suggest projects or activities, the chance to suggest and implement changes to the program, and the choice of whether to participate or not. Our members own the community service projects and the educational and legislative efforts.

We already have important people volunteering within and through our organization. Just because the news doesn't cover our efforts do not change the fact that we are impacting people in a positive manner. Grange members are also looking for those who feel a desire to give back to their community and want the opportunity to be a part of the decision or leadership process.

Grange members are regular people who understand that working together as a team empowers each member and that the satisfaction from volunteering can not be bought.