Direct involvement in the legislative process has been a key element of Grange programs since the organization's founding in 1867. As a community-based organization, the Grange provides a natural venue for the discussion of local, state and national issues. The Grange is unique among similar community-based organizations as its policy development is grassroots, its politics non-partisan and issues oriented.

Grangers meet in their local Community Granges and debate issues of common concern. Topics discussed range form issues of local concerns such as street maintenance and property taxes to international treaties and universal access to telecommunications products.

After debate the Community Grange members draft and vote on resolutions concerning the issues. If the issue is local, the members will pursue local solutions such as testifying at public hearings and writing letters to local government officials.

Resolutions covering state or national issues are sent by Community Grange to the State Grange for consideration by the delegate body at the Annual Session. Again, if the resolution passes with a majority vote of the representative delegate body, it becomes State Grange policy.

Any resolution addressing national issues are referred to the National Grange for consideration by the delegates at the annual National Grange Session. Those passed become National Grange policy.

The objective of the California State Grange legislative policies is to represent the views of our diverse membership and the needs of their communities through grassroots advocacy.

The Grange provides its members a place to get involved and make their voices heard.