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 and Junior Grange.

AMERICA'S FIRST: Conceived in 1867 as an organization of agricultural people, the Grange has evolved into an organization concerned with the needs of all people, rural, suburban and urban.

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

A LEGISLATIVE VOICE: Provides each member with a voice ­ an opportunity, starting in the local unit, to express his/her beliefs, knowing that his/her ideas may reach the highest levels of the 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.

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 the Grange. Children under the age of 14 are eligible to join one of Connecticut's Junior Granges. There are over 60 Subordinate (local) Granges in the state which are organized into 10 regional Pomonas.

For more information on the Grange or on how to join, contact your local Grange or: