How Do I Know If Rainbow Is Right For My Daughter?

As parents, we don't always know what's best for our children. But if there were a way to fast-forward time, to see if the choices we made for our young daughter turned out to make a difference in her life as an adult, wouldn't that be a remarkable tool?

While we can't predict the future, we can learn from the past. The testimony of one former Rainbow Girl should help. Joan Smith is now a successful owner of a research and marketing firm. She was a member of Rainbow Girls for many years and has fond memories of the friends she made and the fun they experienced. More importantly, Joan applauds Rainbow for teaching her specific lessons that have carried her through life.

If you want your daughter to be the best that she can be, make new friends, develop an interest in her community and become a public speaker, then Rainbow is right for her! Massachusetts Rainbow invites your daughter and you to join us at a fun event near you. As a parent, you are invited and welcome at all Rainbow events - from meetings to charity projects to fun bowling nights!

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.