"The National Grange is the nation's oldest national agricultural organization, with grassroots units established in 2,700 local communities in 37 states. Its over 200,000 members provide service to agriculture and rural areas on a wide variety of issues, including economic development, education, family endeavors, and legislation designed to assure a strong and viable Rural America. It was formed
in the years following the American Civil War to unite private citizens in improving the economic and social position of the nation's farm population. Over the past 144 years, it has evolved to include non-farm rural families and communities. The Grange is also a fraternal order known as the Order of Patrons of Husbandry, hence the "P of H" on the organization's logo. Founding members determined that a fraternal organization would be best able to combine loyalty and democratic ideals to provide service to others. The National Grange was one of the first formal groups to admit women to membership on the basis of equality with men. It remains so today. "The Grange believes in leadership development, and reaches out to all people in an effort to respond to real needs. It builds a better community by providing the services that people need to live better lives. In working together, the Grange is able to provide assistance when the government can’t and individuals alone aren’t strong enough. By working together the Grange builds community and people. The Grange provides each member with a legislative voice at the local, state and national level. Members are part of a grassroots constituency enabling them to effectively express their views and influence legislative policy at the highest levels of government. The Grange is nonpartisan, but it vigorously encourages member participation in the political process. The fellowship, recreation and social activities in the Grange are developed with the family in mind – children and senior citizens alike are very welcome in the Grange. Competitions in music, art, public speaking, crafts, and a whole variety of other activities are an important part of every Grange’s agenda."
-NATIONAL GRANGE OF THE PATRONS OF HUSBANDRY
At your local Alsea Grange, our members face and discuss issues such as community activism and promoting community values and relationships through events and fundraisers. Currently we meet on the first Thursday of the month, at 6pm. If you are interested in not only local farming and agriculture issues, but community and networking, we would be happy to have you attend one of our meetings and join our grange unit. Though historically the Grange was set up as a guild for the farming community, it now reaches past those borders to also include artists, farming enthusiasts, hobby farmers, gardeners, and citizens interested in their rural community. There is no specific age requirement for membership and our diverse group, which ranges from pasture raised beef producers to aspiring cheese makers, welcomes all interested members from our community. To become a member of the Hope Grange one must attend meetings, provide their annual dues of $45, and be willing to commit to attending and volunteering our sponsored events. These events include work parties, (improving our grange hall), Easter egg hunts, bazaars, barbeques, pot lucks, and other events as planned.
