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Lecturer: Nelson Eddy, 31571 Peck Rd., Black River, NY  13612

Telephone: 315-773-5133
STATE LECTURER'S COMMITTEE
District I  Nancy Zeliff, PO Box 27, Almond, NY  14804  (607) 276-5683
District II  Barbara Lawton, 4760 State Highway 12, Oxford, N.Y. 13830 (607) 843-6241
District III  Kathy Hughes, 8972 E. Floyd Rd., Holland Patent, N. Y. 13354 (315) 865-8334
District IV  Sarah Gearing, 499 Sixth Ave., Troy, NY  12182  (518) 235-6865

The State Lecturer and the State Lecturer's Committee are ready to help you accomplish your mission as a Subordinate or Pomona Lecturer. They are ready to answer your questions, come to your meetings, or help you in any way they can as you prepare the programs for your Grange. As a Grange leader, involve others - a Lecturer's Committee, Officers, other Grange Departments, and members with helping to plan and present your programs. The Lecturer's program is a key factor in grange attendance and membership. Through your programs you will bring new information, new ideas, entertainment, fun, and fellowship to your Grange.

A Grange Lecturer is a Program Leader
The Mission of a Local Grange Lecturer is to:
1. Arrange for a worthwhile program to be presented at each Grange meeting.
2. Work with other Grange officers and members in building a successful Grange.
3. Send in the Five Star Lecturer's Report form to the State Lecturer by September 15, 2008.
The Mission of a Pomona Lecturer is to:
1. Arrange for a program to be presented at each Pomona Grange meeting.
2. Assist Subordinate Lecturers in accomplishing their mission.
3. Work with the other Pomona officers in building a successful Pomona Grange.
4. Serve as a link between the State Lecturer and the Subordinate Lecturer providing information and support.
5. Report to the State Lecturer by Aug. 15, 2008, those wishing to participate in the New York State Talent Show.
6. Conduct Pomona level Photography and Art Contests and send first place entries in all categories to the State Headquarters by September 15, 2008.
7. Conduct Pomona level Symbol Craft Contest and send the top three entries to the State Lecturer by the Friday of State Session 2008.
8. Send in the Five Star Lecturer's Report form to the State Lecturer by September 15, 2008.

Purpose and Value of Programs
Lecturers' Programs at regular meetings fulfill the installation charge to educate our members and give them opportunities to develop their minds and talents. Lively, meaningful, interesting, and well attended Grange meetings are the result of the attitude and spirit that good Lecturers' Programs can create. Programs planned to include non-members open our Grange doors to the community at large.


Program Elements
A program may educate, inspire, or amuse those present. The basic program elements are education, inspiration, and recreation. Every program may not contain all three elements. One program may be an educational program and another may be inspirational. A program does not have to contain all three elements to be successful. However, when looking at your total program for the year try to achieve a balance between these three elements. Music can be used to enhance the educational, inspirational, or recreational focus of any program. Include music wherever possible.

Plan, Prepare, Publicize, Present, Evaluate

Plan:

  1. 1. Have a planning meeting with officers -select program topics.
  2. 2. Plan each individual program in advance.
    • Decide what to do and then decide the best way to do it.
    • Know your members.. .what they like, how they'd be willing to participate.
    • Try to involve as many members in the program during the year as possible.
    • Utilize local resources and talent.
    • List the order for the program.
Prepare:
1. Work out the details for the program.
2. Contact the speaker, or people who will take part.
3. Assemble materials, needed-handouts etc.
4. Gather items for decorations, displays, or exhibits.
5. Select appropriate music.
Publicize:
1. Announce ahead of time what is planned for future meetings.
2. Have a telephone committee to call members and remind them of the meeting.
3. Send program notices to the local paper.
Present:
1. Start on time and stop on time.
2. Make sure members as well as guests are comfortable and that all can see and hear.
3. Be enthusiastic and smile.
4. Program should have an orderly sequence that you announce to those present.
5. Thank people for their participation and attendance.
Evaluate:
1. What went well and what did not?
2. Did members feel that their valuable time was well spent in attending the program?
3. Record program and materials used for future reference.

HERE ARE SOME THINGS EXPERIENCED LECTURERS WILL OFFER AS ADVICE

  • ORGANIZE: Organize yourself, your workspace, your materials in files, and your programs.
  • PLAN PROGRAMS IN ADVANCE: This will give you confidence because your programs will run smoothly and you'll be prepared for the unexpected.
  • INVOLVE MEMBERS: When people have something to do for the program, they have a reason to come to the meeting. Remember involvement includes things other than performing in the program. Give people their parts/assignments in advance.
  • ALWAYS HAVE A BACKUP PROGRAM: There will be times when something planned will not take place.
  • EXPRESS THANKS: Acknowledge those people who helped in any way. That lets them know you truly appreciate their efforts.
  • COMMUNICATE WITH YOUR MASTER: By keeping your Master informed, there should be no problem with time for programs.
  • ENCOURAGE YOUR GRANGE TO HOLD AN ANNUAL PLANNING MEETING: Include officers and committee chairmen in the planning meeting.
  • ATTEND CONFERENCES: There's always something to learn and share.
  • REALIZE PROGRAMS WILL NOT ALWAYS SUIT EVERYONE: Learn to accept criticism of a program without taking it as a personal thing. Ask critics for suggestions and help. Ask for assistance. But remember, as long as you honestly feel you are doing your best, you can be satisfied.

Grange Theme | Theme Songs | Theme Symbol | Symbol Craft | Community Project |
Favorite Program of the Year Project | Sally Benson Memorial Lecturer's Award | Talent Participation Day | Photography Contest | Art Contest | With Pen In Hand | Back to Top



Projects and Contests

Grange Theme NEW YORK STATE GRANGE THEME FOR LECTURERS

Grange: "KEEP ON TRUCKIN"

When the Grange was started, we were only a small group with big ideas.  As time went on, more joined the growing movement.  There was strength in numbers and the Grange grew.  We were strong and nothing seemed to stop us.  The Grange rolled on.  Today, our Grange convoy is still rolling although we have lost a few trucks along the way.  We need to build a strong Grange convoy to take us into the future.  So get on your "CB" and let people know about who we are, what we do, and what we have to offer.  So Grangers, "Keep on Truckin".

Projects and Contests
Theme Songs "This Old Grange" - #19 in "The Grange Songbook
This is found on pg. 64 The Grange Songbook (brown)

Projects and Contests
Theme Symbol TRUCK/TRACTOR
 

Projects and Contests
Community Project NEW YORK STATE-LECTURER'S COMMUNITY SERVICE PROJECT :  Each Lecturer is urged to have their Grange present a program and/or entertainment at a nursing home, adult home, hospital or other local community group.  We are suggesting three topics this year for your community program:

1.  Health Care Project:  American Cancer Society - Today, when you ask someone what word can bring fear to a person, that word is cancer.  Not nearly the killer it was only a short time ago, it is still taking lives each year.  Great strides have been made in cancer research, from new forms of early detection, to new, more effective treatments.  Please contact your local chapter of the American Cancer Society to have a speaker come and share all the information that is available on the early detection and treatments available for fighting this terrible disease.  Plan an open meeting or maybe you could sponsor a team in your local Relay for Life event.

2.  Local SPCA:  So many times we hear about how animals have been treated in a cruel manner.  We see this on television on such shows as "Animal Precinct" and Animal Cops:  Houston" on the Animal Planet Network.  As Grange members, we should be doing what we can to help our local SPCA provide these services to help animals who have been abused or neglected.  These SPCA'S are mostly volunteers with a small paid staff.  Contact your local chapter to find out how you might be able to help.  Organize a program to raise awareness of their needs.  An example, ask members to bring in old blankets.  Donate them to your local chapter.  Our furry friends need our help.  Can you help them?

Projects and Contests

Sally Benson Memorial
Lecturer's Award 		3.  This award of a plaque and $50 is given for an open meeting program arranged by a Subordinate Lecturer. The application for the award is available from the State Lecturer and will be included in this handbook. The application is due to the State Lecturer by September 15, 2008.

Projects and Contests

2008 DEVELOPMENT AND ENRICHMENT PROJECTS AND CONTESTS FOR MEMBERS 

 





Last updated 4/24/08, Any questions or comments e-mail us at N.Y.S. Grange
Symbol Craft Contest NEW YORK STATE -SYMBOL CRAFT CONTEST: The purpose of this project is to encourage members to use their creative abilities to exemplify the symbol. The symbol,  A Truck or Tractor, can be made from any craft or art medium and interpreted in any manner.  Any Subordinate member may enter. The entry must be the work of the member submitting it. All entries must be judged on the Pomona level. Awards at the Pomona level are the responsibility of the Pomona Lecturer. The top three Pomona winners are due to the State Lecturer by the Friday of State Session 2008. All entries will be on display at the State Grange Session. State awards will include certificates & ribbons.

Projects and Contests
With Pen In Hand
Writing Project		 PEN IN HAND-WRITING PROJECT This year the writing project is "During My Travels". Any interested member is encouraged to submit an essay, poem, recipe, quiz etc. pertaining to this topic.  All writing projects should be typed and sent to the State Lecturer by September 15, 2008. The State Lecturer will compile a booklet that will be available to all attending the State Grange. Author's identification including name, address, Grange name and number, are to be placed on the back of any composition sent to the State Lecturer.  Maximum length of any composition is 300 words. This is not a contest and there will be no judging.

Projects and Contests
Talent Participation Day NEW YORK STATE GRANGE TALENT PARTICIPATION DAY FOR (LOCAL) SUBORDINATE AND JUNIOR MEMBERS SATURDAY, SEPT. 20, 2008 - 11:00  A.M. NEW YORK STATE GRANGE HEADQUARTERS  - CORTLAND Any Grange member or group of Grange members is invited to perform in the State Grange Talent Day. Pomona Lecturers may hold a Pomona level Talent Show or contact Subordinate Lecturers to determine those interested in performing at the State Talent Day. Pomona Lecturers will complete a form provided by the State Lecturer listing those interested in performing in the State Grange Talent Day. Pomona Lecturers will send the form to the State Lecturer by August 15, 2008. The maximum time limit for each act is 6 minutes. There is no minimum time limit. Judging will be done by those attending the Lecturer's/FAC Conference.  The winner selected will receive $50.00 and will be invited to perform at State Grange and at the National Grange Talent Showcase during the National Grange Convention.


Projects and Contests
Photography
Contest 		Subordinate and Junior members may enter this contest.
    Division I-Subordinate Grange members.
    Division II-Junior Grange members Ages 5-9 as of January 1, 2008

    Division III-Junior Grange members Ages 10-14 as of January 1, 2008.

Photographs may be entered in the following categories in all divisions:
  1. Our Beautiful Country
  2. Just for Fun
  3. Trucks/Tractors At Work
The photograph must have been taken by the person submitting the entry. The photograph must have been taken sometime during 2007 or 2008. A photograph can only be entered once.  Photographs will be no smaller than 4" by 6" and no larger than 5" x 8".  The photograph does not have to be framed. Participants may have one entry per category. Traditional printed photographs or digital photographs can be entered. On the back of the photograph list the division, category, name, address, and Grange of the person submitting the entry. Pomona Lecturers will conduct a Pomona level contest and send first place winning entries in all divisions to the State Headquarters by September 15, 2008. Mark outside of package Photo Contest Entries. State awards will include certificates, ribbons, and cash prizes. Judging criteria will include composition and arrangement, interest, presentation, and technique.

Projects and Contests
Art Contest Subordinate and Junior members may enter this contest.
    Division I-Subordinate Grange members.
    Division II-Junior Grange members Ages 5-9 as of January 1, 2008

    Division III-Junior Grange members Ages 10-14 as of January 1, 2008.

Art may be entered in the following categories in all divisions:
  1. Oils, Acrylics, or Crayon
  2. Watercolors
  3. Charcoal or pencil drawing
Entry must be the original work of the member submitting it. All entries must be completed during 2007 or 2008. A work of art can only be entered once. Art entry must not be larger than 24 inches by 36 inches. There is no minimum size requirement. Participants may have one entry per category. Do not send any glass with entries. Pomona Lecturers will conduct a Pomona level contest and send first place winning entries in all divisions to the State Headquarters by September 15th, 2008. Mark outside of package Art Contest Entries. State awards will include certificates, ribbons, and cash prizes. Judging criteria will include how well the artist used the medium, craftsmanship and skill, composition, presentation of subject, and originality.

Projects and Contests

OPEN HOUSE MEETINGS
(With comments about open meetings)
The purpose of an OPEN HOUSE MEETING is to welcome non-members to our Grange halls, for a meeting and/or program that informs the guests what this Grange is doing/working on and what the Order of Patrons of Husbandry stands for. Open House Meetings can be held for whatever reason you wish, as often as you wish if your State Grange does not have restrictions. While the Lecturer may suggest an Open House Meeting, the decision to hold one should be made by the Grange. An "Open House Meeting" differs from an "open meeting" because the former includes information about our Order, while the latter is held primarily to have a special program. Reasons for an Open House Meeting include Grange Week celebration, presentation of the (Subordinate) Community Citizen Award or (Pomona) Grange Award for Public Service, and an anniversary commemoration. Information about Grange should be presented at an Open House Meeting. Formats for Open House Meetings may be set by your State Master. If one is not prescribed, you may set the format which best suits your Grange for this particular meeting (depending on why the meeting was planned and what you will be doing). The format for open meetings is outlined by your State Master and, if none is available through your State Grange, you may wish to use the format on pages 1-2 of the Guidelines for Grange Leaders issued in 1996.
Consider these suggestions for Open House Meetings:
++Plan in advance so that invitations can be extended and public notices put out (posters, media announcements, etc.). Members should extend personal invitations to special guests and friends they'd like to have attend.
Be sure the meeting place is spruced up inside and outside to create a good impression on guests. ++Plan the evening according to the purpose of the meeting. This means conducting a formal opening, committee reports, literary program, formal closing if that is appropriate OR have an informal meeting with welcome, no reports, and the program is planned to convey information about Grange and its activities, ending informally with thank-yous.
++Have a practice for ,anything which would benefit by rehearsing such as flag presentation and skits. ++Be sure members, especially key people, know what is expected of them. This includes hospitality, officers. anyone who is expected to do something (and remember the more members involved, the larger the crowd).
For Open House Meetings, it is important that brochures you give to your visitors be the latest avail- able from National Grange and that they be fresh in appearance. Since promotional brochures can be secured from National Grange headquarters, at no charge, destroy those brochures which are in need of replacement. Brochures are part of the image your Grange is projecting. Make it clean and fresh. On brochures and posters, list a contact for your Grange. This might be a phone number or a name and address and/or phone number. Non-members need to know where to go for information. It is very important that non-members be greeted warmly upon arrival, hosted in a friendly way during evening, and that members make it a point to socialize with guests. Think of the situation as guests invited to your home; be as warm and friendly as you would in your own home. If speaking with people one doesn't know is a challenge to any of your members, let those people serve refreshments while other members mix among guests. People have different talents and we need all kinds of workers for Open House (and regular open) Meetings. Holding an Open House Meeting permits non-members to enter our meeting place, meet our members, and learn what Grange is, what it's doing now, and hopefully future plans. A well conducted Open House Meeting is a wonderful showcase of Grange.

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