People ask many times, "What is Rainbow, what do you do?" Well, rainbow is all the following, and as you read, you will learn so much about a great thing, and that is something I can gaurantee.
-ELIGIBILITY-
To be a Rainbow Girl, you must be between the ages of 11 and 21 years of age. You may be a daughter of a Master Mason, Eastern Star, an Amaranth member, a majority member, or you may be a friend of a Rainbow Girl. All applicants must be, sponsored by a Master Mason, Eastern Star, or Amaranth member. Most importantly, you must be of good moral character, and profess an abiding faith in God.
-THE TEACHINGS OF RAINBOW-
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 Homes.
-OPPORTUNITIES FOR LEADERSHIP-
Any member willing to accept responsibility can serve as an officer. 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. There are also Grand Officers who lead all Rainbow Girls in the jurisdiction.
-ACTIVITIES AND COMPETITION-
The Rainbow program includes an active competition 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, fundraising, 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 other appending Masonic bodies. They are awarded for scholastic ability, financial need and Rainbow service.
-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 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 teaching of Rainbow, you will become a better person.
-RAINBOWS ARE REAL-
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 idea of the Order of Rainbow was conceived by the Reverend W. Mark Sexon, a prominent Master Mason who was a Past Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Oklahoma, and a Past Grand Patron of the Order of the Eastern Star. 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, headquarters in McAlester, Oklahoma, is the central office of record and promotion, and is the final authority in all matters concerning Rainbow. 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.
If you would like more information about Rainbow and how you can become a member, or get your daughter involved email us at Cindy_Kennard@hotmail.com, and we will help you out.
