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Rainbow Is For You!
About Us . . .
The International Order Of The Rainbow for Girls is a character building organization for girls between 11 and 20 years old. Its purpose is to promote skills related to leadership, effective communication and service to others.
Founded in 1922, Rainbow teaches faith, hope and charity, in a ritual written by founder Reverend W. Mark Sexson, a Past Grand Master of Masons in Oklahoma, using the seven colors of the Rainbow as symbols of character building virtues. The Rainbow program teaches benevolence and service through a program of fun, fulfilling and fraternal activities.
Rainbow Girls meet in Assemblies, under the supervision of Masons and Eastern Star members. Assemblies are found all over the United States and around the world. There are over 25 Assemblies in Pennsylvania.
As a member of Rainbow, you automatically become a part of its rich heritage. The International Order of the Rainbow for Girls has been a vital part of the lives of young women since it was founded in 1922. The Order of the Rainbow for Girls is an International Organization.
Rainbow teaches
the importance of belief in the existence of a Supreme Being, and the
value of the great truths taught in the Holy Bible. It teaches you to
preserve the dignity of your character, and to strive for the higher things
in life. Rainbow also teaches leadership skills, patriotism, and service
to others. These lessons are taught in a ritual of ceremonies presented
from memory by the members.
Fun and Service:
Dances, beach parties, social events, sports, choirs, talent shows, skating
parties, picnics, visitations to other Assemblies and trips to amusement
parks are all a part of the Rainbow program. Rainbow Girls are active
in many fund-raisers for charity including bowl-a-thons, dance-a-thons,
rock-a-thons, walk-a-thons, and selling all varieties of foods and gifts.
Rainbow Girls find fun and satisfaction entertaining children in hospitals,
playing bingo with the elderly in nursing homes, and candy striping at
the Masonic Villages.
Opportunities for Leadership like serving as an officer, are open to any member willing to accept responsibility. The leader of the Assembly is the Worthy Advisor. She is elected to a 4-month term, presides in all ceremonies, plans the activities and organizes the service projects. In addition, Grand Officers lead all Rainbow Girls in the jurisdiction.
Activities and Competitions in the Rainbow program include an active schedule in bowling and softball. Many Assemblies participate in Ritual competitions. At the Annual Grand Assembly, or statewide convention, the Assemblies enter their Choirs, Drill Teams, Scrapbooks, Banners and Growth Charts into competition.
Achievement and Reward: Rainbow Girls have many opportunities to excel. Members can earn merit bars for service, attendance, ritual, religion, fund-raising, membership recruitment, visitation, athletics, scholastics, choir and many other categories. Scholarships for Rainbow Girls seeking higher education are available from the Rainbow Grand Assembly, Grand Chapter of Eastern Star, Grand Court of Amaranth, The Grand Lodge of Masons and many appendant Masonic bodies. They are awarded for scholastic ability, financial need and Rainbow service.
Supreme Assembly: Because of the rapid growth of the Order, around the world, the Supreme Assembly was formed to preserve its unique characteristics, and to develop programs which would provide for the betterment of all its members. The Supreme Assembly, headquartered in McAlester, Oklahoma, is the central office of record and promotion, and is the final authority in all matters concerning Rainbow.
Adults: Top quality adult volunteers work with the members of Rainbow to teach them how to be effective leaders. These adults are members of Eastern Star, Amaranth, Masons, or majority Rainbow Girls. They set a proper example for the girls, and provide guidance and stability to the Assembly. In addition, parents of active Rainbow Girls are invited to attend all meetings and programs.
How to Join . . .
Are you ready
to be a part of the fun?
Here's what you need to know:
Eligibility: To be a Rainbow Girl you must be between the ages of 11 and 21 years old. You may be a daughter of a Master Mason; an Eastern Star, an Amaranth member, a majority member, or you may be a friend of a Rainbow Girl. A Master Mason, Eastern Star or Amaranth member must sponsor all applicants. Most importantly, you must be of good moral character, and profess an abiding faith in God.
The Process: Ask a Rainbow member you know to get you a "petition" or application for membership. You'll submit the completed petition to the local Assembly, and after balloting upon your request, you'll be invited to participate in an impressive formal Initiation Ceremony. Don't know a local Rainbow member? See below for contact information to find Rainbow near you.
Pledge Groups: Not yet 11, but interested in Rainbow? Many local Assemblies have "Pledge Groups" for girls age 8 and up.
Rainbow Is For You!
Becoming a Rainbow Girl can change your life for the better! You will become a member of an organization for girls who share your hopes and dreams. You will become associated with other young women who "look to the end of the Rainbow" for a positive and rewarding future. Most importantly, when you learn to live by the teachings of Rainbow, you will become a better person.
Contact:
Mrs.
Helen Snedden
Acting Supreme Deputy
613 Library Avenue
Carnegie, PA 15106-2910
412.279.7595
