Celebrating Rural Communities: The CEC Joins The National Grange In Honoring Grange Month

This April, the Connect Everyone Coalition (CEC) is celebrating Grange Month alongside CEC members the National Grange and the California State Grange.

The Grange is the nation’s oldest agricultural advocacy group advocating on behalf of rural America. The CEC is proud to have these two entities on board supporting our mission to connect everyone, everywhere. Grange Month is a time for us to recognize the fruitful work of the 150,000 community Grange members across America and to celebrate the Grange’s impact throughout rural and small towns nationwide.

This year’s Grange Month theme is “Growing From the Ground Up,” encouraging Grange chapters to consider the power of grassroots actions for strengthening their communities and organizations. This vision seeks to build up local communities with vitality and pride to establish a united, resilient nation where families and communities are provided the tools they need to grow and succeed.

This is where the work of the Grange and the CEC come together. In modern America, an important tool in the toolbox of rural communities is a reliable, high-quality internet connection. Yet nearly one-third of rural America lacks the 21^st-century connectivity they need to fully participate in our 21^st-century world. This means millions of rural households are still without access to virtual healthcare, agriculture tools and efficiencies, online learning opportunities, reliable cell service and more, compared to their urban counterparts.

National Grange President Christine E. Hamp says it best:  

“Since the Grange’s inception, our work and focus have been rooted in enriching the lives of those living and working in rural America and contributing to the essential agricultural industry, but in 2026, far too many of our members and those living in rural communities are still lacking the internet connectivity they need to compete and thrive in our modern world.  These are America’s growers—the people who feed, fuel and clothe our families. So, ensuring these areas have full access to the tools they need to do their jobs effectively and benefits all of us. It’s time to bring 21^st-century connectivity to the U.S. agriculture industry and the farmers and ranchers that comprise it.”  

Connectivity is now more accessible than ever through innovative low Earth orbit (LEO) satellite internet offerings. This modern technology provides high-speed internet in rural and remote areas when terrestrial technology may leave them underserved. California State Grange President & CEO Joseph Stefenoni says the Grange’s work is “enhanced” through expanded access to connectivity and cutting-edge connectivity offerings:  

“The California State Grange is dedicated to empowering Californians to thrive. Fostering connections in our rural communities through leadership, education and public service is enhanced when we adopt innovative technologies of the 21st century. While we preserve the rhythm of rural communities and the strength of farming families, we recognize the important role new technologies play in bridging the digital divide to make connections more accessible.”  

This April, the CEC celebrates with the National Grange and all its members in recognition of the daily necessity of connected agriculture and the ways community Granges invest in their neighbors. 

Read more about the Connect Everyone Coalition HERE.

To join the coalition, interested organizations and businesses are encouraged to learn more HERE.