National Convention

The annual session of the National Grange was held November 16-21 in Grand Rapids, MI. The Midwest region hosted this year's convention and it was such a great time! I assisted Leroy Watson, Legislative Director for the National Grange, with committee meetings and the business session. I enjoy seeing all of the resolutions that come from various states. It's interesting that there are common issues that affect all of us, regardless of location. I also love listening to the discussions that accompany the issues that come forward. The variety and mixture of expertise that is brought to the table when discussing issues makes policy development for the Grange so wonderful. When our policy is developed, we all stand together as a collective unit to advocate for these issues.

It wasn't all business in Michigan though.. there was plenty of time for fun and fellowship! From tours, luncheons, dinners and museums to workshops, the Idea Fair, the Evening of Excellence and Celebration Banquet... we all had such a great time being with our Grange friends! Although I've only been to 2 National Conventions, it's such a great feeling to be able to go to a place and feel so welcome! The opportunity to meet and interact with folks from across the country is an irreplaceable experience that everyone should have. Luckily, the 2010 National Convention will be held in Charlotte, NC next November and all of our North Carolina Grangers won't have far too travel to experience a wonderful National Convention!

Washington, DC

National Grange held their Legislative Fly-In from May 17-19, 2009. As the State Grange Legislative Director, I was excited to join other Legislative Directors from across the nation for my first fly-in! There were folks there from all over - Connecticut to California to Indiana to New Hampshire and more.

When I arrived on Sunday, a student at Georgetown University made a presentation on the Grange. She had learned about the Grange in a class that dealt with political movements in American history and she wanted to learn more so she focused a research paper on our organization. It was interesting to hear analysis on how a social group could be such a political force at its inception. It was also interesting to gain a non-member's perspective on the Grange.

Monday was filled with information, information, information! A number of speakers visited our group at the National Grange building with presentations. The issue focuses and the organization representatives that visited were:
1. Developing a National Broadband Strategy that Includes Rural America, Internet Innovation Alliance
2. Retirement Security Challenges Facing Family Farmers and Rural Americans in an Uncertain Economic Environment, RetireSafe
3. Expanding Options for Wireless "Lifeline" Telephone Service to Low Income Rural Americans, The Hastings Group
4. Digital Television Update: Less Than 30 Days to Go, Are We Ready?, National Association of Broadcasters
5. Health Care Reform: Bridging the Health Care Gap in Farming and Rural Communities, PhRMA
6. Impact of the Financial Crisis on Financing for Family Farmers and Rural Homeowners and the Response by the Federal Agricultural Mortgage Corporation, FarmerMac
7. Renewable Energy and Climate Change Update, Growth Energy

On Tuesday morning, Jimmy flew into DC and we set out on our full day of Congressional visits! We met with Legislative Aids who deal with agriculture in each respective office. We met with LA's from the offices of Heath Shuler (D-11th), Virginia Foxx (R-5th), Howard Coble (R-6th), Larry Kissell (D-8th), Mel Watt (D-12th) and Mike McIntyre (D-7th). The issues that we brought forth were H-2A reform in order to meet our need for affordable, reliable and legal agricultural labor, the Mexican trucking ban and the proposal for a National Animal Identification System. Between the visits, we ate lunch in the Supreme Court cafeteria with the rest of the Fly-In group.

Thanks to Leroy Watson and the rest of the National Grange staff for a great experience!