Which Is What? Comparing Skyline Grange and SRN
By Sen Speroff and Suzanne Perra
It’s not unusual for visitors to be confused and think that Skyline Ridge Neighbors (SRN) and Skyline Grange are one and the same. Even the most connected people to our community may not realize that they are two completely different organizations. Both work to support our local community but have different structures, bylaws, members and financials. Very briefly, SRN primarily distributes information to keep local residents informed and the Grange provides a building for gathering and activities.
The relationship between the two organizations is mutual and complementary. Many people are actively involved in both organizations. SRN provides space in its Ridge Runner for “Grange News” and distributes information about Grange events on the Newsline, the weekly electronic newsletter. The Grange provides a free venue for SRN meetings & organizes the potluck for SRN’s Summer Gathering.
Here is a comparison of these two organizations:
Year of Origin
SRN: 1987 started as “Citizens for the Preservation of Skyline Ridge” then later renamed Skyline Ridge Neighbors
Skyline Grange: 1940 organized as a community Grange (National Grange was established in 1867)
Type of Organization
SRN: A Neighborhood Association which is a group of neighbors & business owners who work together for changes and improvements addressing issues in a way that individuals can’t do on their own. SRN is the recognized neighborhood association representing the rural northwestern portion of Multnomah County.
Skyline Grange: A Community Grange which brings neighbors together to meet local needs and promotes nonpartisan, nonsectarian face to face connections. Also, a member of the National and Oregon State Granges. Skyline Grange owns the 4.27-acre property that the building is located on. Zoning is “Community Use”.
IRS Classification & Nonprofit Status
SRN: A 501(c)3 public benefit corporation with members. Donations are tax-deductible to the extent of the law.
Skyline Grange: A 501(c)8 fraternal organization with members Donations are tax-deductible only when designated for charitable or educational activities (not for capital improvements).
Service Area
SRN: Encompasses approximately 17,000 acres & 1,400 households (https://www.srnpdx.org/boundary-map.html). Residents & businesses within the boundaries are automatically members.
Skyline Grange: No designated boundaries. Anyone can apply for membership who supports the Mission of the Grange.
Governance
SRN: Board of Directors, Bylaws, & rules for 501(c)3 organizations
Skyline Grange: Bylaws, membership & executive committee, plus the Bylaws of the National & State Granges
Mission/Goals
SRN: To protect and enhance the well-being of the neighborhood by educating all those who live, work and visit there on subjects relevant to life in the rural-urban interface, and by encouraging voluntary efforts to better the community; To foster good will and understanding within our diverse community by maintaining open communications whereby all those interested in the neighborhood may be informed of and may involve themselves in, the affairs of the neighborhood; and To assist local government and other nonprofit organizations by acting as a liaison between the neighborhood and governmental agencies, nonprofit organizations and other neighborhoods.
Skyline Grange: Its Mission is to provide a welcoming gathering place where Skyline Ridge residents can connect locally to become informed and engaged in activities that promote community resilience, well-being, and good land stewardship. It accomplishes this Mission in part by: Providing educational opportunities and activities that bring the community together; Providing a venue for local non-profit organizations; Lending equipment out to local non-profit organizations; Encouraging our local governmental representatives to hold town halls, informational meetings, etc.; and Providing an affordable rental venue.
Activites
SRN: Publishes the quarterly Skyline Ridge Runner and the weekly Skyline Rural Watch Newsline; Distributes urgent, accurate information to community promptly; Organizes The Summer Gathering, as a social gathering & fundraiser; Holds Pizza Party & Annual Meeting in the spring; Organizes annual SOLVE Clean Up; and Advocates for reliable Internet and other community concerns.
Skyline Grange: Traditional Events include: Skyline Living Series of educational talks; Mostly Tree Seedling Sale; Tree & Native Plant Sale; Skyline Artisan Fair; Spring & Fall Garage Sales; Community Soup Supper; Community Brunch; Garlic Mustard Control; Yoga at the Grange; and Flea Market.
Website
SRN: www.srnpdx.org
Skyline Grange: www.skylinegrange894.org
That summarizes which is what! If you have questions, contact us:
Sen Speroff, President of Skyline Grange #894 ([email protected])
Suzanne Perra, President of Skyline Ridge Neighbors ([email protected])
RR 0724
It’s not unusual for visitors to be confused and think that Skyline Ridge Neighbors (SRN) and Skyline Grange are one and the same. Even the most connected people to our community may not realize that they are two completely different organizations. Both work to support our local community but have different structures, bylaws, members and financials. Very briefly, SRN primarily distributes information to keep local residents informed and the Grange provides a building for gathering and activities.
The relationship between the two organizations is mutual and complementary. Many people are actively involved in both organizations. SRN provides space in its Ridge Runner for “Grange News” and distributes information about Grange events on the Newsline, the weekly electronic newsletter. The Grange provides a free venue for SRN meetings & organizes the potluck for SRN’s Summer Gathering.
Here is a comparison of these two organizations:
Year of Origin
SRN: 1987 started as “Citizens for the Preservation of Skyline Ridge” then later renamed Skyline Ridge Neighbors
Skyline Grange: 1940 organized as a community Grange (National Grange was established in 1867)
Type of Organization
SRN: A Neighborhood Association which is a group of neighbors & business owners who work together for changes and improvements addressing issues in a way that individuals can’t do on their own. SRN is the recognized neighborhood association representing the rural northwestern portion of Multnomah County.
Skyline Grange: A Community Grange which brings neighbors together to meet local needs and promotes nonpartisan, nonsectarian face to face connections. Also, a member of the National and Oregon State Granges. Skyline Grange owns the 4.27-acre property that the building is located on. Zoning is “Community Use”.
IRS Classification & Nonprofit Status
SRN: A 501(c)3 public benefit corporation with members. Donations are tax-deductible to the extent of the law.
Skyline Grange: A 501(c)8 fraternal organization with members Donations are tax-deductible only when designated for charitable or educational activities (not for capital improvements).
Service Area
SRN: Encompasses approximately 17,000 acres & 1,400 households (https://www.srnpdx.org/boundary-map.html). Residents & businesses within the boundaries are automatically members.
Skyline Grange: No designated boundaries. Anyone can apply for membership who supports the Mission of the Grange.
Governance
SRN: Board of Directors, Bylaws, & rules for 501(c)3 organizations
Skyline Grange: Bylaws, membership & executive committee, plus the Bylaws of the National & State Granges
Mission/Goals
SRN: To protect and enhance the well-being of the neighborhood by educating all those who live, work and visit there on subjects relevant to life in the rural-urban interface, and by encouraging voluntary efforts to better the community; To foster good will and understanding within our diverse community by maintaining open communications whereby all those interested in the neighborhood may be informed of and may involve themselves in, the affairs of the neighborhood; and To assist local government and other nonprofit organizations by acting as a liaison between the neighborhood and governmental agencies, nonprofit organizations and other neighborhoods.
Skyline Grange: Its Mission is to provide a welcoming gathering place where Skyline Ridge residents can connect locally to become informed and engaged in activities that promote community resilience, well-being, and good land stewardship. It accomplishes this Mission in part by: Providing educational opportunities and activities that bring the community together; Providing a venue for local non-profit organizations; Lending equipment out to local non-profit organizations; Encouraging our local governmental representatives to hold town halls, informational meetings, etc.; and Providing an affordable rental venue.
Activites
SRN: Publishes the quarterly Skyline Ridge Runner and the weekly Skyline Rural Watch Newsline; Distributes urgent, accurate information to community promptly; Organizes The Summer Gathering, as a social gathering & fundraiser; Holds Pizza Party & Annual Meeting in the spring; Organizes annual SOLVE Clean Up; and Advocates for reliable Internet and other community concerns.
Skyline Grange: Traditional Events include: Skyline Living Series of educational talks; Mostly Tree Seedling Sale; Tree & Native Plant Sale; Skyline Artisan Fair; Spring & Fall Garage Sales; Community Soup Supper; Community Brunch; Garlic Mustard Control; Yoga at the Grange; and Flea Market.
Website
SRN: www.srnpdx.org
Skyline Grange: www.skylinegrange894.org
That summarizes which is what! If you have questions, contact us:
Sen Speroff, President of Skyline Grange #894 ([email protected])
Suzanne Perra, President of Skyline Ridge Neighbors ([email protected])
RR 0724