The
International Order Of The Rainbow for Girls is
a character building organization for girls between 11 and
20 years old. It also offers a "Pledge" Group for younger girls. 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 30 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.
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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. |
