Rainbow Girls parents... questions for you.

[m&m's mom]

We did not have to wear white dresses either.
I was from a long long of Eastern Star, Masons and Rainbow Girls. My sister was Worthy Advisor when I was initiated.
I never took it as seriously as my sister so I never went as far.
Is anyone still have a HUGE fear they will accidently in a drunken stupor say the secret word or show someone the secret handshake.
To this day I have NEVER told anyone any of the secret rituals. Again, there is nothing but good wholesome rituals but secret non the less.

 

[pirateofthecarolinas]

I was a Grand Officer back in 1980. Oh yeah, I remember the Demolays.

I had a closet full of long dresses. My father was a mason and my older sister was also a RG.

I met my very best friend in RG. Good times!

 

[pleefy]

I had a friend in high school who was into this. Rainbow and Deemolay (sp?) stuff. The boys were the kid group for the masons and the girls were their girls.

I found out pretty quickly that they really, really hated black people and weren't at all shy about saying so. She'd kept that part of her personality back until she was with those friends.

It was sickening to be there around all these people dressed up in formal attire, attending an event that was supposed to have some sort of religious tie-in and hear them saying the things they said. And, as usual with racists, they assume the folks around them agree. I hardly knew what to make of it, or what to do. I was fifteen, I'd been taught to behave myself...and her mom had taken us there.

So I was polite and quiet (and totally freaked) and when it was over, I went home and told my parents what had happened. Mom said I should have called her and that it would be just fine to never talk to her again. I could tell her why or not tell her, either way wouldn't be rude. That's when I learned about snubbing people.

I dropped her like a hot potato.

I don't know if they're still like that. But they were 20 years ago, at least around here.

Met a guy who was a mason maybe 10 years ago. Told him of my limited experience with them and he said they were forced to allow black people in maybe 10 years prior to that conversation. But it was segregated - the black folks had their own "chapter" or whatever he called it. He was all kinds of pissed off about that. But it has been 10 years even since that.

I'd sooner poke my eye out than put my kid into that group if they're still like that.

 

[pleefy]

Ask them if they have black girls in the group. Ask it in a way that lets them know that is something you really don't want for your child.

See what they say, how they say and what action(s) they take or don't take after you do that.

My guess is they'll say they do and that they're open to that, but they'll work in how few of them there are...and they'll continue to want your kid in their group. I hope I'm wrong.

 

[fairykin]

I was a Rainbow girl and a Girl Scout.

Also my Father, who was a Master in the Masonic Lodge, and my mother, who was in Eastern Star, sponsored my best friend, who was very catholic and hispanic, into Rainbow girls.

We had no discrimination.
I learned love of nature, life and so many good traits in rainbow girls.

Wearing formal colored gowns are relevant to the color station she is at.
And this was done for installation events.

This is a good group of girls.

 

[Eeyores Butterfly]

I don't know how it used to be or what it's like in other states, but I never once heard any racist remarks from any of the assemblies in my state. My best friend is of mixed heritage (looks black) and she was one of the most active members in our assembly. We had another black girl in my assembly as well, and several of our Grand Line Officers (some of the highest state offices you can hold) were held by black girls. It was a complete non issue for us. This was a little less than 10 years ago in Missouri.

 

[mjkacmom]

Ask them if they have black girls in the group. Ask it in a way that lets them know that is something you really don't want for your child.

See what they say, how they say and what action(s) they take or don't take after you do that.

My guess is they'll say they do and that they're open to that, but they'll work in how few of them there are...and they'll continue to want your kid in their group. I hope I'm wrong.

I'm not doubting your story, but I never experienced anything like that. Granted, we only had white girls, but my town, especially back then, didn't have many black people living here (there was only one family in our elementary school). I wouldn't call an entire organization racist because of one particular group.

 

[pjlla]

I am not sure how you can let your daughter join a group you have not idea about. Most of the girls will have fathers who are Masons and mothers who are in the womens group.

I'm sorry if I gave the impression that I "have no idea" about this group... maybe I even said those words. But I was mostly looking for information about things like time committment and such like that. And I am feeling a bit confused about the formal wear requirements. I was really looking for feedback from parents who have experience with this organization.

I know about the connection to the Masons. My grandfather was a Mason, but my daughter's petition for application didn't even ask about any family connection. She was referred by a school friend, so maybe that was enough?

My daughter swims competitively and practices 5+ days a week from September through June, so I am not sure how RG is going to fit in.

It was mentioned to me by another parent that parents are always allowed into meetings. Of course, I never had any reasons to suspect that there would be any "super secrets" that I wouldn't be privy to, so I wasn't terribly concerned about it.

I guess the main questions I need to ask now concern dress codes and meetings.

Thanks so much to all of you for taking the time to respond. I didn't have to chance to check my email at all today, so imagine my surprise tonight to see that I had 4 pages of responses! I knew I could count on the DIS!.......P

 

[AKpooh]

i am a life long member of rainbow and let me tell you it was the best time. there are two meetings a month. they do fund raising, they do fun things and she will have the best experienc.

it teaches poise, how to be a lady and everything like that. when i was in it parents were not involved but they are now. get involved it will be the best esperience for the both of you. if you have any questions pm me!

 

[Eeyores Butterfly]

I'm sorry if I gave the impression that I "have no idea" about this group... maybe I even said those words. But I was mostly looking for information about things like time committment and such like that. And I am feeling a bit confused about the formal wear requirements. I was really looking for feedback from parents who have experience with this organization.

I know about the connection to the Masons. My grandfather was a Mason, but my daughter's petition for application didn't even ask about any family connection. She was referred by a school friend, so maybe that was enough?

My daughter swims competitively and practices 5+ days a week from September through June, so I am not sure how RG is going to fit in.

It was mentioned to me by another parent that parents are always allowed into meetings. Of course, I never had any reasons to suspect that there would be any "super secrets" that I wouldn't be privy to, so I wasn't terribly concerned about it.

I guess the main questions I need to ask now concern dress codes and meetings.

Thanks so much to all of you for taking the time to respond. I didn't have to chance to check my email at all today, so imagine my surprise tonight to see that I had 4 pages of responses! I knew I could count on the DIS!.......P

When I was a Worthy Advisor I was also a competitive dancer. I danced for two to three hours M-Th and had copmany rehearsals half days on Saturdays. This was a year long thing and it was never a problem for me. A friend of mine was Worthy Advisor when she was in our high school's very competetitive marching band. Again, she was able to make it work quite well and was later Grand Worthy Advisor. It is possible to do Rainbows and be involved in other things.

As far as dress codes:

Formal wear is typically required for initiations and installations. Formal wear is considered floor length. Depending on the assembly there may be specific dresses or colors required.

For regular meetings casual skirt/top ensembles or dresses are fine. Nothing too slinky or inappropriate. No pants, shorts, etc.

That is the general dress code for the organization, but as you have seen here individual assemblies may have slightly different requirements, so that is a question that is best asked of that assembly.

 

[themarquis]

Okay, no offense -- I don't know much about this and I've been reading all the posts ...

But what is the point?

Do rainbow girls actually do anything (other than wearing white dresses and memorizing bible verses and doing bizarre rituals )? Like ... why would you put your child in Rainbow girls as opposed to, say, Girl Scouts (where they actually earn badges, learn specific skills, go camping, etc.)? Like ... what do they actually DO?

I'm sure lots of folks had good experiences in this organization, but I just don't understand why you would put your child in it when there are so many other groups where they might actually learn some skills or new hobbies?

 

[Eeyores Butterfly]

Rainbows is a service oriented organization. I did more service with them than I ever did in girl scouts. I also learned public speaking, poise, commitment, leadership, etc. It is a very worthwhile organzation. So yes, I did "actually learn something." A lot of things. I don't understand why you are criticizing an organizaion it appears you know nothing about.

 

[aprilgail2]

You're kidding, right? I thought that was a gay pride symbol.

LOL- well when I hear the term "rainbow girls" I thought it was a club for gay girls.

 

[piglet too]

Rainbows is a service oriented organization. I did more service with them than I ever did in girl scouts. I also learned public speaking, poise, commitment, leadership, etc. It is a very worthwhile organzation. So yes, I did "actually learn something." A lot of things. I don't understand why you are criticizing an organizaion it appears you know nothing about.

Ditto!

I was very involved, during my Rainbow years, in many charities. If not for Rainbow, I would not have been.

I overcame my fear of public speaking. This helped me greatly in school.

I learned how to be a role model and leader for those around me. Not saying I was a "bad" kid before joining, but Rainbow taught me to be more aware of how others looked at me.

 

[eatatmidnight]

I don't know how it used to be or what it's like in other states, but I never once heard any racist remarks from any of the assemblies in my state. My best friend is of mixed heritage (looks black) and she was one of the most active members in our assembly. We had another black girl in my assembly as well, and several of our Grand Line Officers (some of the highest state offices you can hold) were held by black girls. It was a complete non issue for us. This was a little less than 10 years ago in Missouri.

Thank you for sharing that. It is good to know things have changed. I was fairly naive as a teen. My parents did not express racial views. We were allowed to have any one of any race as friends. I had been in Rainbow girls for a couple of years and while I was Worthy Advisor, suggested a friend of mine as a member. She was not white. I was told, as kindly as possible of course, that we did not have "those" kinds of people in Rainbow Girls. I was speechless and did not finish my term as WA. It did not seem right that all the Bible scripture we memorized would only be for white people. I could not be a part of a group like that.

 

[themarquis]

Rainbows is a service oriented organization. I did more service with them than I ever did in girl scouts. I also learned public speaking, poise, commitment, leadership, etc. It is a very worthwhile organzation. So yes, I did "actually learn something." A lot of things. I don't understand why you are criticizing an organizaion it appears you know nothing about.

Lol, sorry. I was really sleepy and about to go to bed when I wrote that. I think I am just confused about the whole organization, because everything I have read seems to say very little about um ... anything other than ritual, offices, and memorization. I haven't really read anything about *specific* opportunities the organization offers for girls in terms of service or learning.

But you are right that I know nothing about it. To be honest, I don't really get the Masonic thing either, but I'm sure a lot of people enjoy it.

 

[Master Mason]

Lol, sorry. I was really sleepy and about to go to bed when I wrote that. I think I am just confused about the whole organization, because everything I have read seems to say very little about um ... anything other than ritual, offices, and memorization. I haven't really read anything about *specific* opportunities the organization offers for girls in terms of service or learning.

But you are right that I know nothing about it. To be honest, I don't really get the Masonic thing either, but I'm sure a lot of people enjoy it.

http://www.shrinershq.org/Hospitals/Main/

http://www.knightstemplarindiana.com/eye.htm

http://www.scottishrite.org/what/phil/ritecare.html

http://www.yorkrite.org/chapter/rara/AKF3.pdf

http://www.hfgrotto.org/

First take a look at the links above to show some of the National Activites.

Locally, Lodges give out youth scholarships, run homes for elderly and orphans, provide free training to local teachers in conflict identification and intervention.

Personally it is a road of growth in spirituality, leadership, civic responsiblity, and brotherhood.

A listing of people that were/are masons, you might know a few of them

http://www.masonicinfo.com/famous1.htm
http://www.masonicinfo.com/famous2.htm

 

[Eeyores Butterfly]

LOL- well when I hear the term "rainbow girls" I thought it was a club for gay girls.

The rainbow is based on God's promise to mankind that he will never again destroy the world iwth a flood. It is taken directly from the Bible and is a symbol of hope and God's love. There are seven bow offices (one for each color): love, religion, nature, immortality, fidelity, patriotism, and service. Each one has a lesson that they impart. Much of it is biblically based.

 

[Bethba333]

So my DD is joining Rainbow Girls. She already filled out her "Petition" or whatever it was called. She has been attending RG events with a friend since last fall (Halloween party, sleep-over, etc) and it looks like it is time for her "induction" or "initiation" or whatever the proper word is. Adults who are involved with this keep asking me if I have any questions. The problem is.... I don't! Because I have almost NO idea exactly what is involved in this organization! What are the expectations for the girls? Weekly meeting?? Monthly meetings? Community service projects? Fundraisers? Like I said... I don't even have any really intelligent questions to ask!

Could you share with me your experiences with this?? Maybe I could come up with some intelligent questions based on what you have been through. Did your daughter love it? It is REALLY time consuming? What is expected from the parents? Is this group as "wholesome" as I have come to believe?

Thanks in advance......................P

Rainbow girls meet twice a month for business casual or occasionally themed meetings (musicals, tourist, under the sea, etc) and have several fun events, state events, service events, and leadership nights.
You get out about as much as you put in. If you have volleyball 6 days a week and can only come to 1 thing a month, the girls will still be happy to have you.
There is a lot of cult speculation about it but I have had little to no interaction with any masons or Masonic things during my entire career as a rainbow girl. Just some donations to service projects. All of our memory work is available online and in libraries, so no secrets whatsoever. Family can attend meetings and hear everything that goes on. Real interactions and activities are vlogged on YouTube by thesupertaylor and events and activities are available on facebook and Instagram by searching locations + rainbow or IORG

The calendar is supposed to be filled enough to make it so every girl can attend events. However, this doesn't always happen. So it can vary from not a huge time commitment to a giant one.
Parents are not required to do anything, but it would be nice to drive your daughter to events and maybe some other girls if you wanted. You could also become an official chaperone, meaning you have to take a class on youth protection and a couple other things. You do not have to do this.

I would say that it is as wholesome as you believe. Service projects I have worked on include: the local animal shelter, rehabilitation and assisted living homes, the local homeless shelter, the World Wildlife fund, Alzheimer's Association, and our state service projects have included Hilarity for Charity, Fred Hutch Cancer Research, Treehouse, and Feeding America. We have make blankets, care packages, wrapped presents, done a fireworks booth as a fundraiser, and lots of other things.

I have known tons of girls who loved it and some who didn't think it was for them, but personally it was the best decision I had made in terms of clubs to join. I enjoyed every second of it and would recommend it to anyone.

 

[mousefan73]

Holy vampire thread.