Our vision is to be a community of neighbors.
Grange in the 21st Century: The Grange provides opportunities for individuals and families to develop to their highest potential in order to build stronger communities, states, and nation. This is done through dynamic programs and experiences that educate, engage, and enrich lives. Mutual understanding and cooperation are emphasized; Grangers strive to work together in harmony, good will and fellowship. We seek equality, fairness, and justly distributed power. We acknowledge there will be differences of opinion and urge that controversy be faced without bitterness.
The original purpose of Grange was to help decimated farms in the south after the Civil War and provide economic and political well-being of the community and agriculture for small farmers. It is the oldest American agricultural advocacy group. Grange offered insurance, political advocacy, and obtained free rural mail delivery. Currently we’re working on access to rural broadband for everyone.
The Grange organization was formed to advocate for the rights of small farmers against exploitation by corporate businesses, such as railroads and grain storage facilities.
Granges have been required to offer full membership to women since our founding in 1867, including voting rights, being officers, taking part in making policies, and assuming key roles during ceremonies. That was 50 years before women attained the right to vote in the U.S. in 1920.
Community: Members have opportunity for fellowship that encourages individual interests and talents. Healthy families are supported and a safe, neutral gathering place provided for all members of the greater community.
Education: Many aspects of continued learning are supported, including food growing and preservation, creative expression, local issues, as well as individual growth and expansion.
Service to the Community: Silverton Grange provides a local gathering place for many kinds of events, including classes, receptions, networking, and meetings. Members take part in projects for community enhancement and offer aid in crisis situations.
Bountiful Harvest at Silverton Grange
Sustainable agriculture: Silverton Grange is committed to supporting local, sustainable farmers and businesses. The more local our food is, the less we rely on shipping and the better we support our local economy, helping ensure that family farms stay part of our community.
Participatory Democracy: Granges are governed by members who meet regularly and vote on actions. At all levels, Granges are non-partisan and do not support any party or candidate. Each member as a free citizen may affiliate with parties and support candidates, but this is done as an individual. The Grange believes that “progress toward truth is made by differences of opinion,” and urges that the good of our organization, country, and humankind be held as the highest goal.
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Grange Motto: “In essentials, unity; in non-essentials, liberty; in all things, charity.”
Contact Us: [email protected]