Leading from where you are

I've had a lot of dealings with lawyers over the past two years. Name protection, Grange property disputes, members filing charges against others, and a few other issues have all taken some of my time. The internal issues that led to attorneys getting involved almost always involve leaders who either didn't do their jobs, or leaders who didn't believe that the rules applied to them.

Grange leaders are not just the officers, much less the Master/President. I've seen many Granges were the leader was not one of the "major" officers. It is important that Grange officers, especially the Master take the time to check out the rules before doing things as they are are elected leaders.

The National Digest is available free of charge on the website and is also available for purchase through the Grange Store. Each State Grange has the responsibility to make their By-Laws available to each member who asks for it. The positive thing about our system of rules is that if you have a question you ask the Master at the level you are at. If you think that they are right, great. If not, you can appeal (ask the next level)to get the ruling of the next level. Subordinate/Community and Pomona Grange to State to National.

When we don't follow the rules or when we choose to interpret the rules to fit our desires, it often creates a situation where no one wins and our organization loses. Yesterday, I was made aware of a situation where a Community Grange wants to do something that is clearly against the rules. The State Master and I had a long conversation about options that the State Grange has to deal with this problem. I reminded that Master that ignoring the issue is not an option. We are the leaders and must do the right thing, even when it is difficult or unpopular.

Leaders who choose to disregard rules for their own goals open themselves up to a lot of risk. Our rules allow one member to file charges against another for improper or illegal actions. Our rules allow the Master, and/or Executive Committee, with jurisdiction to remove the offending officer which puts them into a Grange trial just as any member filing charges does. If legal actions were to be taken, there can be some legal liability to the officers or members for knowingly doing illegal actions.

Our judicial code, chapter 12 in the Digest, sets forth the due process that happens when members or leaders break the rules. I would hope that we would seldom need to use this chapter as we should be able to solve problems and disagreements without resorting to this avenue.

It is much worse for our Grange when members go outside our Order and file lawsuits in civil court or force the State Grange to file the suit to correct an illegal action. The moment that lawyers get involved we lose some control of our destiny and the lawyers and judges gain some control.

The big issue is always financial. The more we spend on legal fees, the less we have for member services, training, and new materials to help the Community Grange. But there is another cost. Lawsuits tend to create divides within Granges and within Communities. Sometimes those divides can endure for decades after the lawsuit is settled.

While there will be occasional situations that require a lawyer, every member can often be a part of a solution that does not include lawyers. Become a Grange leader, regardless of your position, and speak up. Ask questions, learn the rules, and encourage all members to participate in our process. I've seen cases where if a group of members had loudly said no to their peer, no lawsuit would ever have been filed. When you expect the State or National Grange to be the "bad guy" you in effect give permission to the member to break the rules. Remember that we are all a part of the State and National Grange!

We should expect the highest standards from our leaders at all levels of the Grange. They need to do the right thing for our organization as a whole. In spite of the new information I received, I am seeing our membership getting more involved and viewing themselves as part of a great national organization. As each member grows as a Grange leader the future gets brighter. This is a great step to involving lawyers and judges less and less in our internal affairs.