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The greatest gift of all is the gift of love-
The International Order of the Rainbow for Girls is a
golden opportunity for teen-age girls to gain self-confidence, self-respect, and
leadership skills while practicing reverence, patriotism, love and service.
It is NOT a religion, cult or secret order. Nor is it connected with any
other group using "rainbow" in their name or logo.
The Order is a non-profit character-building service organization for girls between the ages of 11 and 20 who believe in a Supreme Being. It is open to all girls regardless of their religious belief. The teachings are non-sectarian, based on the seven lessons taught to the girls at their initiation ceremony -- Love, Religion, Nature, Immortality, Fidelity, Patriotism and Service. Each of these are represented by a color of the Rainbow; therefore, seven colors represent the International Order of the Rainbow for Girls, not six used by others. There are also teachings of Faith, Hope and Charity. Taken together, the beautiful lessons of Rainbow guide a young girl into a better life.
Service is what the International Order of the Rainbow for Girls is all about. It is provided in many ways; assisting financially in such worthwhile projects as Shriner's Hospital playground, Cystic Fibrosis, Make-A-Wish Foundation, Canine Companions for Independence, and the American Melanoma Foundation, just to name a few.
Each assembly may choose to do this by selling candy, serving dinners, car washes, bake sales, rock or swim-a-thons--whatever the members' imagination create.
In the past ten years, California Rainbow Girls have earned and donated to non-profit charitable organizations more than $950,000.
Grand Assembly:
The annual state convention is "Grand Assembly." any member
of Rainbow may attend these sessions. Grand Officers exemplify the ceremonies in
beautiful form. New Grand Officers who will serve for the following year are
revealed to the excitement of all.
Leadership and Friendship: The formal component of Rainbow is centered around bi-monthly meetings. Under direction of the Worthy Advisor (a girl elected to serve as the assembly leader for a four-month period), the girls attend to business and perform memorized ceremonies, including opening, closing and initiation. The girls themselves are responsible for the financial management, correspondence and organization of their Assembly, with guidance from adult advisors. All Assembly activities are chaperoned by responsible adults.
A complete corps of officers consists of 20 girls. Members are encouraged to accept the responsibility of being an officer. Any member may accept chairmanship of an event or committee, learning to organize and work with peers to a successful conclusion.
Rainbow is fun: Although the girls have fun at their service and fund raising activities, they also plan some events specifically for their entertainment -- picnics, swim parties, talent shows, dances, skating parties, shopping trips, visitations to other Assemblies and trips to amusement parks are all a part of the Rainbow program.
A Golden Opportunity: A girl can join the International Order of the Rainbow for Girls if she is between the ages of 11 and 20 and believes in a Supreme Being.
A petition for membership may be obtained from any Rainbow Girl or Advisory Board Member.
Rainbow Camp: Campsites are reserved in Northern, Central and Southern California for a summer weekend retreat of fellowship and camping fun. Early reservations through each Assembly are required for this popular activity.
California Pledge Program: In the 1980's, California Grand Assembly started Pledge Groups for girls 8 to 11 years old. Pledge sisters participated in some activities of their sponsoring Assembly but have their own ceremonies and business meetings. At age 11, a Pledge Sister may become a Rainbow Girl.
Can Parents Help? YES! Parents are most cordially invited to attend all meetings and events. Some assemblies have active parents' clubs, which provide additional support for the girls and their projects. Many Rainbow parents feel their participation has provided an opportunity to establish a unique relationship with their daughters and her Rainbow friends.
History: April 6, 1922 is the birth date of the Order. The idea for the organization was conceived by Rev. W. Mark Sexson who wrote the beautiful ceremonies. Rev. Sexson was a Past Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Masons of Oklahoma.
Each Rainbow Assembly is organized and governed by a
uniform code of bylaws set forth by Supreme Assembly, headquartered in
McAlester, Oklahoma.
Rainbow Assemblies are located in nearly every state and in
many foreign countries. Each state is a jurisdiction within itself.