| May 5, 2016 -- You may remember the classic song “Everything Old Is New Again” written by Peer Allen and Carole Bayer. The lyrics are timeless - and inspirational.
Don’t throw the past away
You might need it some rainy day
Dreams can come true again
When everything old is new again
Have you noticed recently, the latest trend in movies? Star Wars is once again on the tips of everyone’s tongues, and it was recently announced that a new Indiana Jones movie is on the horizon, as well as a new Star Trek movie too. Many of the current television commercials are revising themes and trends that were popular ages ago. Charlie Tuna is back, and even the Muppets are back on television in a new series and in commercials. Vinyl records are once again a staple in the music world. Even the automobile industry is in on this trend, re-introducing classic autos like the Chevy Camaro and the Dodge Challenger.
These days, consumers are critical, and often thrifty, when it comes to spending their hard-earned dollars - so supporting a concept that they already trust goes a long way. This also applies to groups and organizations that they support. People tend to gravitate towards things that are familiar to them.
So how does this apply to my Grange? All Granges hope to connect to those members that are no longer active, or reconnect to former members to bring them back into the group - and of course, hope to gain new members too. One way to do this is to revisit some of the events and activities that made your Grange popular and successful once upon a time.
Perhaps your Grange once hosted a Dairy Dinner or a Spaghetti Supper that was standing room only in its day. Or participated in a community service project that was well-received in the town, like cleaning the local cemetery or collecting cans and bottles. Members have fond memories of these past activities and events where they volunteered their time or attended and supported the organization. Why not take a look back, find something that worked for your Grange, and then host a new and improved “today” version of an event from the past!
Granges need to re-purpose timeless classics from their history into new, timely ways that takes people on a sentimental journey reminding them of the past, yet making new and positive memories looking to the future. |
