Who are members of Rainbow?
Rainbow members are between the ages of 11 and 20 years old. Rainbow welcomes everyone, regardless of race, creed, color or national origin. You do not have to be Christian to join, but parents can be assured that the values promoted by Rainbow are positive and uplifting. The lessons encourage members to be strong in spirit and kind in heart, respectful toward nature, and giving toward all humanity.
Is Rainbow a secret organization?
In today's world, parents are apprehensive about any activity that may be considered "secret." But Rainbow is different. Here are a few facts to keep in mind:
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 to attend closed meetings.
Families are welcomed and encouraged to participate in many activities and, if they choose, can become involved with Advisory Boards.
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.
Do Rainbow Girls have a uniform?
Rainbow does have a dress code policy that applies to members and adults, whether attending a local Assembly, Grand Assembly or Supreme Assembly, or when representing Rainbow elsewhere.
The dress code specifies formal dresses for special meetings and semi-formal attire for other meetings. Surprisingly, Rainbow Girls enjoy the chance to “dress up” and discover the difference it makes when presenting themselves with grace and self-respect.
What is the Ritual?
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 this book. By presenting a memorized lecture, Rainbow Girls learn about public speaking and leadership.
Are Rainbow Girls part of the Shriners or the Masons?
Yes and no. Originally the Rainbow Girls were created for Masonic daughters and their friends, but today any girl who is interested in joining Rainbow Girls is welcome.
There is a connection between Masons and Shriners. All Shriners have a Masonic heritage, but not all Masons choose to become a Shriner.
Today there are over 411,000 Shriners in the world who work to keep the 22 Shriners Hospitals running. To date, Shriners have helped more than 800,000 children facing serious medical problems at no cost to the parent or the child.
What organizations sponsor Rainbow?
Rainbow assemblies are sponsored by the adult Masonic organizations: the Free and Accepted Masons, the Order of the Eastern Star, the Order of the Amaranth, and the White Shrine of Jerusalem.
Each assembly has an adult advisory board of seven to fifteen members comprised of members of these organizations as well as majority Rainbow members over age 21, parents, grandparents, and legal guardians of Rainbow girls, who oversee and assist with the meetings and activities of the assemblies.