When I was 11 years old, I joined this fraternal organization called International Order of the Rainbow for Girls. December 26, 2006 marked my ten years in the organization. Often, people assume it’s a lesbian cult. They hear the name and judge the book too quickly by its cover. I can’t blame them, I would too.
This organization has a tremendous impact on my life. It has taught me leadership, respect, and responsibility. I have many friends across the state that I talk to every week.
“Rainbow is a non-profit, service-oriented 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 - In all its forms.
Orange: Religion - Though Rainbow is not a religious organization.
Yellow: Nature - Its importance in daily life.
Green: Immortality – An understanding of death as part of life.
Blue: Fidelity – An emphasis on being honest and reliable.
Indigo: Patriotism - Encouraging citizenship.
Violet: Service - The lesson that ties all others together.
“W. Mark Sexson, the founder of the International Order of Rainbow for Girls, was a Christian minister, and active member of the Masonic Lodge. He initally founded Rainbow for young women that were from a Masonic or Eastern Star home. The teachings that he 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.”
“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.”
There are local groups, called Assemblies, state groups called Grand Assembly, and an international group called Supreme Assembly. I have been to all three. My assembly, Athena #24, meets once a month (sometimes more). We have officers that are the same throughout the local, Grand, and Supreme Assemblies. I have held many local and Grand offices. This year, my last year, at Grand Assembly I am the Grand Worthy Associate Advisor. Basically, the vice president of the state. In my local Assembly, I am Hope.
My first time as Worthy Advisor, in 2000.
Over the years, we have done many service projects. We had a clothing drive and donated all the clothes to the Open Door Mission in Omaha. We’ve had a canned food scavenger hunt and donated the food to the Bellevue Food Bank. We’ve cleaned up elderly people’s yards and served in a soup kitchen. During one of my terms as Worthy Advisor (local Assembly’s “president”, I held a Rock-a-Thon. We borrowed rocking chairs and rocked for a couple of hours, the money we raised went to VH-1’s Save the Music Foundation.
On June 10, 2007, I receive my majority. Basically, I’m graduating. I’m considered a woman because I have reached the age of 21. My sister will be getting her majority with me. It will be a bawling fest!!! I owe some of the greatest times of my life to this great group of girls!
Members of Athena Assembly #24
~Sarah~
