What does Brotherhood and Sisterhood mean?

I was recently asked what Brotherhood and Sisterhood means in the Grange?

It means many things to different people, but in essence it is the desire to become family with a group of people we want to associate with. We have common ties or bonds that bring us together in spite of other differences. These ties also keep us together when we have disagreements and give us strength in times of trial or trouble.

To be a Brother or Sister in the Grange means our Grange family gives us the authority to express our opinions and to advocate for issues that we are passionate about. We are not bound within the Grange to one viewpoint on political ideas, religious beliefs, or current event issues. Instead we are given the opportunity to work with others to come to a group consensus on issues. We thus gain strength by working together with others to advocate for the issues we share in common without sacrificing friendship over issues we don't agree on.

We become Brothers and Sisters through the Grange initiation ceremony which promotes the highest moral principles through lessons drawn from the farm, the field, and the farm home. This shared experience gives each member a common thread to draw upon. When we differ on topics within the Grange we remember the lessons of friendship, and after the vote is taken we remain true friends and family. Thus each remains true to themselves and yet finds comfort, companionship, and safety in the company of Grange family.

No matter what the passions of your life may be, the Grange allows you freedom to grow as you see fit. As family, each is encouraged to become the person they wish to be. We share a set of moral values that give us a bond that promotes and treasures friendships that can last a lifetime.

There is so much more that Brotherhood and Sisterhood mean to the members of the Grange, but to me it is all about being part of a great family.