What is Rainbow?

The International Order of the Rainbow for Girls (called IORG, or Rainbow) is a non-profit, fraternal youth service organization for girls between the ages of 11 and 20. Rainbow provides an environment where teenage girls gain self-confidence and self-respect while practicing reverence, patriotism, love and service. Rainbow teaches leadership skills, service to the community, patriotism to our country and respect for all. It is not a religion, cult or secret order. Nor is it connected with any other group using "rainbow" in their name or logo. Rainbow is a character-building service organization that is open to all girls regardless of their religious belief.

The IORG has an active membership of 275,000 girls worldwide with over one million majority members (At age 20, or upon marriage, whichever occurs first, a girl who is a member in good standing is eligible to receive her majority membership). Over one million teenage girls have been initiated into the Order since its founding on April 6, 1922. It is represented in 45 states and in nine foreign countries. Girls from Queensland and New South Wales, Australia, Brazil, Bolivia, Aruba, Japan, the Philippine Islands, Canada and Germany enjoy the same privileges of the Order as the girls in the United States, where it originated. The organization started in the city of McAlester, Oklahoma where it spread rapidly throughout Oklahoma and the surrounding states, then throughout the nation and into foreign countries.

The colors of Rainbow

The seven colors of the Rainbow are represented by seven stations, strategically placed in the shape of a bow.  Each station is represented by a color, and each color teaches one of the seven lessons of Rainbow.  The stations and lessons of the rainbow are as follows:
 

Red is the first color station and represents Love. It emphasizes the importance of love of home and family.

Orange is the second color station and represents Religion. It emphasizes the importance of membership and active participation in the church of your choice.

Yellow is the third color station and represents Nature. It emphasizes the importance of spending time in the out-of-doors.

Green is the fourth color station and represents Immortality. It emphasizes that even though our body dies, our souls live on forever.

Blue is the fifth color station and represents Fidelity. It emphasizes the importance of loyalty to the Order and to the Rainbow Girl’s family and friends.

Indigo is the sixth color station and represents Patriotism. It emphasizes the importance of respecting the laws of our country and its flag.

Violet is the seventh color station and represents Service. Service is the foundation of Rainbow and emphasizes the importance of providing unselfish acts of service to our home, community and sponsoring orders of Rainbow.

How to Join Rainbow – Very Simple

Rainbow membership applications, called petitions, are readily available. Any active Rainbow girl, Mason, Eastern Star, Amaranth, or majority member can    obtain a petition for an interested girl. Advisory Board Members can assist in completing the form. A prospective candidate must be sponsored by another girl who is a active member in good standing, and at least one adult who must be a member in good standing of either the Masonic Lodge, Order of the Eastern Star, White Shrine, or Order of the Amaranth (again, an Advisory Board member can help in this measure).  See our List of Assemblies to find an Assembly near you or contact texiorg@texasrainbow.org
 

 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

 

Who are Members of Rainbow?

Rainbow is open to girls between the ages of 11 and 20, regardless of race, creed, color or national origin. You do not have to be Christian to be a member. You can be assured that the values promoted by Rainbow are strong and basic to many religions.

 Is Rainbow a Secret Organization?

In today's world, people are apprehensive about any activity that may be considered "secret."  Rainbow is different!

* Rainbow does have some closed meetings that only members attend. This is similar to sororities that bring groups of women together, but also have closed meetings. Rainbow is different - it allows not only members, but also members' parents, grandparents and legal guardians to attend those meetings. These individuals are welcomed and encouraged to participate in meetings and in other activities. They are also encouraged to serve on Advisory Boards.

* Nothing in Rainbow - meetings or activities - will ever be contrary to basic Christian teachings. You do not have to be Christian to be a member, but you can be assured that the values promoted by Rainbow are strong and basic to many religions.

* No actions will ever be required of members that would be against their personal beliefs or the instructions of church or home. In fact, members are encouraged to be loyal to their church and home. Members are never asked to make pledges or participate in activities that would be contrary to their moral values or make them feel uncomfortable.

 What is Rainbow Heritage?

The International Order of the Rainbow for Girls has been a vital part of the lives of young women since its founding in 1922 by Reverend W. Mark Sexson. Rainbow is an active organization throughout the United States and in Aruba, Queensland and New South Wales in Australia, Bolivia, Brazil, Canada, Germany, Italy, Japan, and the Philippines.

 Do Rainbow Girls have a Uniform?

Rainbow does have a "dress code" that applies to all Members and adults whether attending a local Assembly, Grand Assembly or Supreme Assembly, or when representing Rainbow elsewhere.

The Rainbow dress code specifies formal dresses for certain meetings and professional attire for other meetings. Rainbow Girls learn how to present themselves with grace and poise by wearing such a uniform.

When representing Rainbow in a group the dress should be tasteful and appropriate for the event.

 What is the "Book of Ceremonies?"

The script for the formal meetings and open ceremonies of Rainbow can be found in a book called the "Ritual." When a member holds an office in the Assembly, she learns her station's lecture from the Ritual, or as sometimes called, the book of ceremonies. By presenting a memorized lecture, Rainbow Girls learn about public speaking and leadership. The Ritual contains Rainbow's teachings based on right living and thinking.