Volume 2 | Issue 14
July 25, 2025
A publication of the National Grange
Grange members encouraged to submit nominations as part of America’s 250th Help ensure rural and Grange voices are included in the nation’s 250th anniversary commemoration by Amanda Brozana
National Grange Membership & Leadership Development Director
into what it means to be American— whether through service, innovation, perseverance, or community impact.
As the United States prepares to mark its 250th anniversary in 2026, the U.S. Semiquincentennial Commission—known as America250—is gathering stories from everyday Americans to help tell the full and diverse history of our nation. This national effort is calling on individuals and organizations to nominate people from all walks of life to be interviewed and featured as part of the America250 “Storytellers” initiative. Grange members have long been stewards of their communities and voices for rural America. Now is the time to make sure those voices are included in this once-in-a-generation commemoration. By nominating someone to be interviewed, you help ensure the experiences of rural residents, Grange members, and community champions are part of the permanent historical record being created to celebrate America’s 250th. Nominees can be anyone who reflects the values, diversity, and resilience of the American spirit—including, but not limited to, longtime Grange members, emerging young leaders, veterans, teachers, first responders, farmers, and small business owners. America250 wants to hear from individuals whose life stories offer insight
Who Can You Nominate? • People who have made a positive difference in their communities. • Individuals from rural areas whose stories are often underrepresented. • Elders with unique perspectives on history and change. • Youth leading the way into the future. • Those whose personal experiences reflect major events or themes in American life. The process is simple. Visit www.america250.org/nominate to submit your nomination. You’ll be asked to share basic information about the individual and why their story is important to include. Selected nominees may be interviewed, filmed, or profiled as part of the official America250 archives, programs, or media features. This is not a National Grange-led project, but we encourage every Granger to take part in this national effort. We have a powerful opportunity to lift up the stories of our members, neighbors, and communities—people who might not seek the spotlight, but whose lives reflect the enduring spirit of America. Let’s make sure the voices of rural America are heard. Nominate someone today and help shape the story of our shared past and future.
In This Issue Grange members encouraged to submit nominations as part of America’s 250th . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 Opinion - Farms in Crisis: Fixing the Broken Labor System . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 Be dressed in your best - embroidered apparel sale . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 Final Call: Rural Life Initiative Grant applications due on July 31 . . . . . . . . 3 COVID-19 Doesn’t Take a Summer Vacation—But It Can Ruin Yours . . . 3 View from the Hill . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 What’s in the One Big Beautiful Bill Act for Farmers and Ranchers? . . . .5 Have you registered? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 You could be chosen to help close the business meeting at this year’s National Grange session . . . . . . . . . . 7 Support Grange Youth and Juniors with a Custom Cruise Door Hanger! ...............8 Hamp Watch: Where is our National Grange President this month? . . . . 10 Recipes from the Heartland . . . . . . . . 11 Grange Benefit: StartHearing . . . . . . 12 Grange Store . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
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