Start Your Own Gaggle

All it takes to start a gaggle of Raging Grannies in your own home town is to gather around you a few good women “of that certain age” who share your commitment to peace, social justice, and environmental sustainability. We also ask that Grannies bring with them a sense of humor, a sense of outrage, and a commitment to non-violence. Being a biological grandmother is not a requirement and, if you've ever heard us sing, it should be obvious that a good singing voice is not required, either.

Write your songs (or borrow ours)

Once you have decided what issue(s) you'll be raging about, write your own lyrics and set them to melodies that are familiar to your Grannies and simple to sing. (You don't want to waste a lot of your activist energy on rehearsing.)

One of the things that makes the Raging Grannies so beloved, in addition to our commitment to the issues we rage about, is the startling nature of hearing such strong lyrics coming from such “sweet little old ladies.” So, dare to be outrageous. That doesn't necessarily mean being obscene, but don't be afraid to pull a few punches.

If you want to start with some songs we've already written, browse our song archive and see what's there. You'll find songs about women's rights, healthcare, war and militarism, the environment, and much more. Feel free to alter the lyrics to fit your own circumstances.

Sing it like you mean it

There's really no need to memorize your lyrics (unless you're very ambitious). It's fine to bring song sheets with you when you rage. Just be sure not to hide your face behind your music, and to make eye contact with your audience. Sing clearly and loudly. It helps to have one Granny lead the music, so that you all sing together, and one to introduce the group and the songs, as appropriate. But be brief! Remember, our lyrics are our message! Above all, have fun, and smile!

Dress the part

Once you have your songs ready to sing, you put on your Granny garb (whatever you think a stereotypical sweet little old lady might look like) and you get out there and rage! Most gaggles dress in flowery hats and colorful shawls and aprons, and many of these treasures can be found at your local thrift shops.

Show up where it matters

Don't wait to be invited! We rage on street corners, at farmers markets, at rallies, in town hall meetings and legislative hearings, wherever we think our message needs to be heard. Sing truth to power! They will listen.

We find it helpful to bring with us a “Raging Grannies” banner and, as appropriate, a hand-out explaining the issue of the day. (For example, if you're raging against military spending, you might want to give folks a chart showing how our tax dollars are currently allocated and what they could be buying instead.)

Run it your way

Some of our gaggles meet weekly; others meet only once a month. Each gaggle is autonomous, sets its own pace, and selects its own issues to rage about. The one thing we do have in common is that we make decisions by consensus, free from hierarchical leadership.

Plant your flag online

Do start a website, if you can, so folks can find you. You can use the host site we've already established and link your site to all our others. Contact the Web Granny to get set up.

If you're on Facebook, start a page for your new gaggle. Share it with your friends. It lets other groups connect with yours, and gives potential members a way to find you.

Get on the map

List your new gaggle in our directory. You'll need an email address. We recommend creating a new email account for your gaggle and asking at least two people to manage it. Many of the dead-end links in our directory are because the granny who volunteered is no longer an active member. You can also list your website, Facebook page, and telephone number if you'd like.

We're all in this together

If we can be of any additional help, please write again. And do let us hear from you as you enter the wonderful, wacky world of the Raging Grannies.