The International Order of the Rainbow for Girls has been a vital part of the lives of young women since its founding in 1922. Members hail from 46 states and 8 foreign countries. Rainbow is open to all girls ages 11 to 20.
By participating in the many planned activities, Rainbow Girls begin to practice the values taught in Rainbow. They participate in service projects and learn, first-hand, the pleasure of helping others. Through money-making projects, they learn the importance of generating revenue and helping their Assembly meet its expenses. Fun activities provide the members an opportunity to relax, experience something new, and make friends. Rainbow history has proven that the fellowship experienced by members result in life-long friendships.
Rainbow Girls belong to an "Assembly." An Assembly is led by an officer, the Worthy Advisor, who serves a six month term. Every girl elected by her Assembly to serve as Worthy Advisor has come up through the ranks and returns to the ranks after her term is over. Girls may be appointed to offices by the Worthy Advisor or elected as line officers by the girls of the Assembly. The girls in the Assembly are responsible for conducting all business and planning activities of the Assembly. Top quality adults are always available to provide guidance, stability, and interpret rules. However, Rainbow believes a girl benefits most when she is given as much "hands-on" experience as possible.
Meetings begin with an entry march and short opening ceremony. Visiting dignitaries are escorted and welcomed, after which the members conduct their business affairs. After the business is concluded, it is followed by a short closing ceremony and ending march. After the meetings, members are then free to share refreshments and have social time together.
Once a year, a state meeting, Grand Assembly, is held. Every year a team of girls from Assemblies throughout the state are selected to serve as Grand Officers based on character and meritorious performance. Girls that attend Grand Assembly participate in many fun and learning activities and make life-long friends from all around the state.
When a girl joins Rainbow, she is conducted through an inspired, colorful initiation ceremony during which the meanings of our colors are explained to her. This ceremony is provided for in the Rainbow Ritual which contains beautiful, timeless and time-honored ceremonies used at Rainbow meetings.
Rainbow will change girls' lives and help prepare them for a positive and rewarding future. As Rainbow Girls, they will have a tremendous amount of fun, learn many important things, and become better people. Rainbow Girls, simply stated, bring joy to others less fortunate and, by so doing, learn to be better people themselves. Along the way, they learn many important life skills including public speaking, parliamentary procedure, proper etiquette and posture, and how to interact well with others.