May 2009 Issue

Start Thinking About National Session

While November seems far, far away, before long, it will be time to apply for youth recognition programs. Information is available in the youth program book, which was sent to each state youth director and is available by clicking here. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Since January, the youth department has been hosting monthly Teamspeak meetings to share youth ideas. We have discussed ideas, youth activity programs and activity planning. If you have a topic or program that you would like discussed, or know of a guest speaker that would interest youth, please share your ideas.

SWEDESBORO, N.J. — During the weekend of April 17th, Grange youth and juniors from the Mid-Atlantic and Southeast gathered in New Jersey for the annual Eastern Regional Grange Youth Conference. During the three-day conference, more than 100 Grange youth participated in workshops and contests.

“Conferences, like the Eastern Regional Grange Youth Conference, play an important role in our Grange youth program,” said National Grange Youth Director Charlene Espenshade. “The friendships, ideas and excitement created at these conferences better prepare our youth to strengthen their local Granges.”

Espenshade and National Grange Junior Director Anne Kurburski kicked off the event on Friday evening with a workshop on the values of listening and telling your Grange story. A short documentary on the National Grange Building was presented in honor of its 50th anniversary next year.

Kuburski challenged the youth to become active listeners. Active listening, she said, is important for all members. It helps youth as they reach out to their friends, work through an issue and discover solutions to challenges.

The directors had the youth work through several exercises on active listening.

“Everyone has a story to tell, and they want to be heard,” said Espenshade. “As Grange members, it is the success stories of our members that bring our organization to life.”

On Saturday, the New Jersey State Grange youth team led a tour of Philadelphia historical sites. The youth learned about the birthplace of the Declaration of Independence and Constitution.

When not busy on tours or in workshops, youth enjoyed talking with each other and sharing their Grange experiences.

Saturday evening, Grangers showcased their talents in the public speaking, sign-a-song and drill contests. Participants in the public speaking and sign-a-song contest had previously won the contest divisions in their home state.

Earning the Best of Show award in the public speaking contest was young adult division winner Toni Evans of Ohio, with her speech on Benjamin Franklin. In the sign-asong contest, an event were the contestant signs the words to a song, Rebecca Vonada of Pennsylvania earned best of show for her interpretation of Garth Brooks’ song, “We Shall Be Free.”

Rounding out the sign-a-song contest was second place winner in the hobbyist division was Abby Moody of North Carolina with “Only Hope” by Mandy Moore.

Winning the group contest was the team of Haley Noer and Ana Mari Parker of North Carolina signing
the song “Don’t Stop Believing” by Journey.

Results of the prepared speech contest were as follows:

At Eastern Regional Youth Conference we had youth and young adults earn several achievement certificates.