FAQ’s
Q. Is Rainbow a Secret Organization?
A. Similar to a sorority that brings groups of women together, Rainbow does have some closed meetings that only members attend. However, parents, grandparents and/or legal guardians are always invited and encouraged to attend any all functions.
No actions will ever be required of members that would be against their personal beliefs or the beliefs of their church or home. Further, members are never asked to make pledges or participate in activities that would be contrary to their moral values or make them feel uncomfortable.
Q. How much time is spent on Rainbow Activities?
A. Rainbow Assemblies have two regular meetings per month, every two weeks on an established day, time and location as described above. In addition to those meetings are other Assembly events the girls have planned to hold during that month, which may include a variety of fun, fundraising, or charity/community service activities as described earlier.
There are also opportunities for the girls to travel to other Assemblies in the state for their meetings or activities, and to attend and participate in various state-level functions and events. With the assistance of the advisory board, the girls decide on the planned meetings and activities of their own Assembly, trying to schedule times not in conflict with other planned state Rainbow or community or school events.
Q. What makes Rainbow Different from other Organizations?
A. Rainbow is a unique inclusive girl-run, philanthropic social organization, that is building the leaders of tomorrow. They are taught the skills needed to succeed, including communication, mentorship, confidence and self-esteem building, leadership, public speaking, project management, budget oversight, given scholarship opportunities, and so much more.
Q. What are the Lessons and Values of Rainbow?
A. We have 10 lessons that we teach: Love, Religion, Nature, Immortality, Fidelity, Patriotism, Service, Faith, Hope and Charity. These 10 lessons teach us how to treat each other, our family, and our community.
Q. Is Rainbow a part of Masons or Shriners?
A. Yes and no. Originally the Rainbow Girls were created for the daughters of Masons. While Rainbow is supported by the Masonic Fraternity, it is not required to be related to a Mason, Shriner, Eastern Star or Amaranth member to join.
Q. Is Rainbow a Religious Organization?
A. No! While the teachings and ceremonies of Rainbow use Christian scripture, and often quote Jesus’ words from the New Testament, Rainbow is open to young women of all faiths. Membership requires only the belief in a Supreme Being, and prospective members can be assured that there is no pressure to become Christian during the Initiation ceremony, or as an active member. The Christian lessons are simply used to show basic values of many religions such as love, kindness, and forgiveness. We welcome members with very diverse religious backgrounds, such as Christian, Jewish, Catholic, Mormon, Muslim, to name a few.
Q. What is Ritual?
A. The Ritual for The International Order of Rainbow for Girls is the book of ceremonies containing the spoken word and accompanying floorwork. The Ritual was written by ordained minister, Rev. W. Mark Sexson and is primarily used for the opening and closing of business meetings, and the initiation of new members. Every Rainbow Assembly throughout the world uses the same Ritual to ensure that meetings are uniform across all assemblies.
When a member holds an office in the Assembly, she learns her station’s lecture from the Ritual. By presenting a memorized lecture, Rainbow Girls learn about public speaking, leadership, vocabulary, and study skills. The Ritual contains Rainbow’s teachings based on right living and thinking. The performance of floor work demonstrates each girl’s attention to detail and ability move with poise and grace. Girls who become officers in their local assemblies assume the responsibility to learn and recite their ritual parts from memory. Sometimes friendly competitions are held for Ritual and floor work, providing a motivation and incentive for the girls to perform well in a supportive environment.
Q. Does being involved in Rainbow cost money?
A. Yes, but not a lot! The Masons support our Assembly by covering the Initiation Fee and Annual dues for our Rainbow members. Other things, like Rainbow Camp, Grand Assembly, or fun trips do cost money. We do try to defray these costs for girls and their families by holding fundraisers throughout the year. If you cannot afford a fee, please inform the Mother Advisor who will help you apply for financial assistance.
Q. Are there any awards or other benefits offered through association with Rainbow?
Q. Is Rainbow associated with the LGBTQ+ Community?
A. No, we are not associated with the LGBTQ+ community, but are inclusive and accepting regardless of sexual orientation. When we were founded in 1922, it was named Rainbow, as a symbol of God’s promise.
Q. Why is it called Rainbow?
A. In the book of Genesis, after the flood, God made a covenant with people that He would never again destroy the earth and placed a Rainbow in the heavens as a symbol of that covenant. The Reverend Mark Sexson, our Founder, believed that this symbol of God’s love was an appropriate symbol for the Order, so the Rainbow and its colors provided the inspiration for both the International Order of the Rainbow for Girls and for the lessons that are taught in the ceremonies of the Order through these colors of the Rainbow.
