Daylite Assembly #22 - Information

Information

What is Rainbow? History of Rainbow Lessons of Rainbow

Religion of Rainbow Structure of Rainbow Daylite Assembly #22

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.

Rainbow girls enjoy many fun activities and have many opportunities to make lifelong friendships. Rainbow girls raise money for various charities through bake sales, dinners and car washes, and they extend themselves through service to their communities, churches and their sponsoring organizations. The activities in the life of a Rainbow girl are varied and numerous. The girls take part in community drives, some Assemblies work to decorate rooms in hospitals, adopt an family during holidays, make blankets for the needy, serve dinners, and participate in events and help fundraise for foundations such as Make-A-Wish, Children's Miracle Network, Breast Cancer Awareness, Muscular Dystrophy Association, Candlelighters and so on.

Rainbow girls earn merit awards for their activities and participation, and many scholarships are available for those seeking higher education. Rainbow girls develop important life skills through their involvement, such as public speaking, poise and maturity. Rainbow promotes personal growth, fellowship, and charity.

In addition to learning valuable character building lessons, Rainbow affords excellent leadership experience, public speaking opportunities, study skills, and organizational techniques. For example, each Worthy Advisor (the girl who serves as the head of her Assembly) is responsible for selecting her officers, planning her term, choosing service and charity projects, planning social events, preparing greetings and speeches for guests, and presiding during meetings.

Rainbow girls go on to become successful leaders in all fields of employment, such as doctors, lawyers, teachers, Supreme court justices, judges, actresses, nurses, and engineers, to name just a few. Some former Rainbow girls you might recognize are Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O'Connor, comedians Ruth Buzzi and Lily Tomlin, actress Lee Meriweather, and former Miss Americas Jane Jaroe and Chantelle Smith.

Most Rainbow Assemblies meet twice a month. Under the direction of the Worthy Advisor (a girl elected to serve as the assembly leader for a four to six month period), all the girls in the Assembly attend to business and perform memorized ceremonies, including opening, closing and initiation. The girls themselves are responsible for the financial management, correspondence and organization of their Assembly, with guidance from adult advisors. Assembly activities are always chaperoned by responsible adults.

Active and Majority Rainbow girls in good standing may attend any Rainbow meeting or function. As well, any member of the Masons, Eastern Star, White Shrine of Jerusalem, or Amaranth in good standing, and any parent, grandparent or legal guardian of an active or majority Rainbow Girl are also welcome to attend. Rainbow Parents are always invited and encouraged to attend all meetings and events. Many Rainbow parents feel their participation has provided an opportunity to establish a unique relationship with their daughters and her Rainbow friends.

History of Rainbow

The International Order of the Rainbow for Girls was founded in 1922, by William Mark Sexson, a Christian minister and active member of the Masonic Lodge. The Rev. Sexson had spent his life dedicated to both fraternal organizations, and his ministry, and became aware of the need for a youth organization for young women who were from a Masonic or Eastern Star home.

The teachings that Rev. Sexson wrote in the Rainbow Ritual are based on Christian scriptures and teachings, as his experience in the ministry gave him insight into the lessons that would be most meaningful and important to youth.

In the book of Genesis, after the flood, God made a covenant with people that He would never again destroy the earth, and placed a Rainbow in the heavens as a symbol of that covenant. The Rev. Sexson believed that this symbol of God's love was an appropriate symbol for the Order, so the Rainbow and its colors provided the inspirations for both The International Order of Rainbow for Girls and for the lessons that are taught in the ceremonies of the Order.

On April 6, 1922, the degrees of the International Order of the Rainbow for Girls were first exemplified on a class of 171 girls in the auditorium of the Scottish Rite Temple in McAlester, Oklahoma. If you would like to know more about the history of the Order, the Supreme Temple or its founder, visit the Supreme Assembly website at www.iorg.org .

Lessons of Rainbow

Rainbow is an organization that teaches girls three basic virtues: Faith in a Supreme Being and other people, having Hope in all that they do, and Charity toward others.

The seven colors of the Rainbow represent seven teachings that each member receives on her journey toward the pot of gold:

Red: Love

The lecture of the Sister of Love is about love in all of its forms. It reminds us that we must love everyone--our God, our families, our friends, and even our enemies.

It is fitting that the Sister of Love's color is red, because love is like having the ultimate in rose-colored glasses. Love helps us see the good behind the bad things in life. It allows us to love people in spite of knowing their faults. Even when someone is gone from our lives, it is the love that remains.

Orange: Religion

The lecture of the Sister of Religion uses examples based on Christianity. This is because the founder of the International Order of Rainbow for Girls was a Christian minister. However, we should not interpret this lecture as telling us that Christianity is the only way. The principle message is that some sort of organized religion should be a part of all of our lives. The lecture uses examples from Chrisitianity to teach the general truths applicable to all organized religions. An example of such a universal truth is: "Do unto others as you would have them unto you."

This lecture emphasizes the importance of a Religion based on love and forgiveness. It does not require any conversion to the Christian religion.

Yellow: Nature

The lecture of the Sister of Nature is that nature and its lessons should always be present in our lives. In our increasingly technological world, nature can get lost. We each need to spend time marveling at the way the elements of our natural world fit together, each part of that world supporting another.

The Sister of Nature reminds us that the environment is not just a "cause," it is where we all live, an atmosphere from which we can gain inspiration. We must do our best to protect our environment so that we may continue to take lessons from it.

Green: Immortality

The lecture of the Sister of Immortality teaches us that death is a part of life. We must each learn to cope with the idea that eventually death will come to each of us. In addition, we must learn to grieve and go on after those we love pass away.

The Sister of Immortality relies on the teachings of Christianity to explain the concept of an afterlife. Like the lecture of the Sister Religion, these teachings are only examples of the afterlife that is a part of many, if not most, organized religions.

Blue: Fidelity

The lecture of the Sister of Fidelity teaches us to be honest. When we make a promise, we must keep it. When we say we will do something, we must do it. When a friend trusts us with a secret, we must keep it.

The Sister of Fidelity teaches us to show others by our actions that we are honest and reliable.

Indigo: Patriotism

The lecture of the Sister of Patriotism teaches us to be true to our country. Sometimes we think of service to our country as military service, but this is not the only way we can serve. The Sister of Patriotism's lecture has a place in all of our lives and is demonstrated when we vote, when we serve in elected office, when we participate in electoral campaigns, or work in the public service.

In short, the Sister of Patriotism teaches us to be a proud citizen of our country, to respect its flag, and to defend it through military service when called to do so.

Violet: Service

One could say that the Sister of Service presents the lesson that ties all of the others together. We serve our loved ones and our Supreme Being. By working to preserve the environment, we learn its importance. Our service to others lives on, even when we are gone. We show our patriotism by serving our country.

This lecture teaches us that service does not have to be a big thing. It can be as simple as helping with family chores or visiting a shut-in. It is important to do things for others, not just when it's convenient or organized by your Assembly. Service to others should be an everyday part of each of our lives.

Religion of Rainbow

While the teachings and ceremonies of the International Order of Rainbow for Girls use Christian scripture, and often quote Jesus’ words from the New Testament, Rainbow is open to young women of all faiths. Membership requires only the belief in a Supreme Being, and prospective members can be assured that there is no pressure to become Christian during the Initiation ceremony, or as an active member. The Christian lessons are simply used to show basic values that are integral to many religions.

Structure of Rainbow

Local Assembly

Rainbow Assemblies are sponsored by fraternal organizations such as the Masonic Lodge, Order of the Eastern Star, Order of the Amaranth, White Shrine of Jerusalem, or Clubs comprised of members of these organizations and Majority Members of Rainbow (our Alumni).

The Sponsoring Body selects those who will serve for one year on the Advisory Board. The Advisory Board is comprised of Majority Members, Master Masons, Eastern Stars, Amaranth, White Shrine of Jerusalem, and member’s Parents, Grandparents, and Legal Guardians. These adults have a deep interest in helping young people, are respected leaders, and provide the core of the directly involved adult leadership.

A Mother Advisor is selected from among the members of the Advisory Board. This is a woman chosen because she can inspire the girls of her Assembly. She works hand-in-hand with the girls and allows them to preside over the affairs of the Assembly with her direction.

The Assembly is comprised of 20 offices, which are occupied by the Rainbow Girls. An Installation of these offices occurs every four to six months and is open for all to attend. Therefore, girls are given the opportunity to fill many different positions in a short period of time.

Within these 20 offices are 7 that are elected by the girls and 13 that are appointed by the Worthy Advisor with the assistance of the Mother Advisor. The youth leader is called the “Worthy Advisor” who presides over the meetings and workings of the Assembly. A girl may wish to advance through the elected offices and eventually become the Worthy Advisor.

Grand Assembly

Each Jurisdiction (a state or geographic region) has its own business to conduct. These affairs are under the direction of a Chief Executive Officer, the Supreme Inspector or Deputy of that Jurisdiction, who works with the Grand Executive Committee of that Jurisdiction to conduct all business including preparations for the annual Grand Assembly Sessions. Grand Assembly meetings are led by a corps of Grand Officers who are selected according to the By-Laws of each Jurisdiction.

Supreme Assembly

Internationally, Rainbow is guided by a group of ladies and gentlemen who make up the House of Gold. This prestigious group of inspirational leaders is directed by the Supreme Worthy Advisor. Every two years a Supreme Assembly is held. All Jurisdictions are encouraged to attend this international convention.

The Rainbow Supreme Temple is located in McAlester, Oklahoma. This lovely building houses the offices of the Supreme Assembly, and contains Rainbow treasures from around the world. Any Assembly paraphernalia or supplies can be ordered from the Supreme Temple.

Daylite Assembly #22

Daylite Assembly #22 meets on the second and fourth wednesday of every month. They meet in the Masonic Memorial Temple located at 2200 West Mesquite Avenue, Las Vegas, Nevada 89106.

For further information about Daylite Assembly #22, please contact our Mother Advisor, Joelle Snook, or our Grand Deputy, Julie Buckman.

What is Rainbow?	History of Rainbow	Lessons of Rainbow
Religion of Rainbow	Structure of Rainbow	Daylite Assembly #22