Frequently Asked Questions
What is the International Order of the Rainbow for Girls?
The International Order of the Rainbow for Girls (called IORG, or Rainbow) is a 501c3 non-profit service organization for girls between the ages of 11 and 20. Rev. W. Mark Sexson founded our order in McAlester, Oklahoma in April of 1922. The Rev. Sexson sought to develop an organization where young women could build self-confidence, respect, and leadership skills, all while serving their community. The organization promotes community service, as well as love and service to their schools, their homes and to each other.
Why is it often called Rainbow?
In the book of Genesis, after the flood, God made a covenant with people that He would never again destroy the earth by flood and placed a rainbow in the heavens as a symbol of that covenant. The Reverend W. Mark Sexson, our Founder, believed that this symbol of God's love was an appropriate symbol for the Order, so the rainbow and its colors provided the inspiration for both the International Order of the Rainbow for Girls and for the lessons that are taught in the ceremonies of the Order through these colors of the rainbow.
Who are members of the International Order of the Rainbow for Girls/Rainbow?
Members are between the ages of 11and 20 years old. IORG/Rainbow welcomes everyone, regardless of race, creed, color, or national origin. 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.
Can my parents be involved?
Absolutely! We want all parents to enjoy our organization with their daughter(s). Parents and adults can be as involved in the assembly as they want to be. Parents can attend all meetings as well as the many fun activities.
Is IORG a secret organization?
In today's world, parents are apprehensive about any activity that may be considered "secret." However, IORG/Rainbow is different. Here are a few facts to keep in mind:
• Like a sorority that brings groups of women together, we do have some closed meetings that only members attend. However,
parents, grandparents and/or legal guardians are always invited to attend all closed meetings.
• Families are welcomed and encouraged to participate in many activities and, if they choose, can become involved with Advisory Boards of an assembly.
• 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.
What does IORG do?
We primarily work to raise money for worthy causes, especially our State Project. All assemblies meet twice a month to hold meetings, to vote on money to pay bills, sign-up for upcoming activities, and to practice our ceremonies and floor work. We also have fun activities, such as ice cream socials, going to local fairs, visits to water parks, sleepovers, and many others. We also travel all over the state and occasionally to other states visiting other members within the order.
Do Members have a uniform?
There is a dress code policy that applies to members and adults, whether attending a local Assembly, Grand Assembly Session or Supreme Assembly Session, or when representing Rainbow elsewhere. The dress code specifies formal dresses for special meetings and day-time attire for other meetings. Our members 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 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, our girls learn about public speaking and leadership.
What are the lessons and values?
We have 10 lessons that we teach: Love, Religion, Nature, Immortality, Fidelity, Patriotism, Service, Faith, Hope and Charity. These 10 lessons teach us how to treat each other, our family, and our community.
How can I join?
Contact our Supreme Inspector, or you can locate the assembly nearest you and contact the Mother Advisor by using the “locator” on our website. You will be invited to attend upcoming activities so you and your family can meet the other members and adults and be given an application for membership.
Are there any requirements to join?
The only requirement is that you be ready to make friends and have fun getting to know the girls of the assembly and helping others in your community.
Are IORG members part of the Masonic Lodges or the Order of the Eastern Star?
The International Order of the Rainbow for Girls is affiliated with the Masonic Lodges, Order of the Eastern Star Chapters, and Courts of Amaranth. It is not a religion, cult, or secret order. Any girl who is interested in joining our organization is welcome. While many groups and organizations have “rainbow” in their title or organizational name, IORG is NOT connected with any other group.
The International Order of the Rainbow for Girls (called IORG, or Rainbow) is a 501c3 non-profit service organization for girls between the ages of 11 and 20. Rev. W. Mark Sexson founded our order in McAlester, Oklahoma in April of 1922. The Rev. Sexson sought to develop an organization where young women could build self-confidence, respect, and leadership skills, all while serving their community. The organization promotes community service, as well as love and service to their schools, their homes and to each other.
Why is it often called Rainbow?
In the book of Genesis, after the flood, God made a covenant with people that He would never again destroy the earth by flood and placed a rainbow in the heavens as a symbol of that covenant. The Reverend W. Mark Sexson, our Founder, believed that this symbol of God's love was an appropriate symbol for the Order, so the rainbow and its colors provided the inspiration for both the International Order of the Rainbow for Girls and for the lessons that are taught in the ceremonies of the Order through these colors of the rainbow.
Who are members of the International Order of the Rainbow for Girls/Rainbow?
Members are between the ages of 11and 20 years old. IORG/Rainbow welcomes everyone, regardless of race, creed, color, or national origin. 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.
Can my parents be involved?
Absolutely! We want all parents to enjoy our organization with their daughter(s). Parents and adults can be as involved in the assembly as they want to be. Parents can attend all meetings as well as the many fun activities.
Is IORG a secret organization?
In today's world, parents are apprehensive about any activity that may be considered "secret." However, IORG/Rainbow is different. Here are a few facts to keep in mind:
• Like a sorority that brings groups of women together, we do have some closed meetings that only members attend. However,
parents, grandparents and/or legal guardians are always invited to attend all closed meetings.
• Families are welcomed and encouraged to participate in many activities and, if they choose, can become involved with Advisory Boards of an assembly.
• 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.
What does IORG do?
We primarily work to raise money for worthy causes, especially our State Project. All assemblies meet twice a month to hold meetings, to vote on money to pay bills, sign-up for upcoming activities, and to practice our ceremonies and floor work. We also have fun activities, such as ice cream socials, going to local fairs, visits to water parks, sleepovers, and many others. We also travel all over the state and occasionally to other states visiting other members within the order.
Do Members have a uniform?
There is a dress code policy that applies to members and adults, whether attending a local Assembly, Grand Assembly Session or Supreme Assembly Session, or when representing Rainbow elsewhere. The dress code specifies formal dresses for special meetings and day-time attire for other meetings. Our members 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 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, our girls learn about public speaking and leadership.
What are the lessons and values?
We have 10 lessons that we teach: Love, Religion, Nature, Immortality, Fidelity, Patriotism, Service, Faith, Hope and Charity. These 10 lessons teach us how to treat each other, our family, and our community.
How can I join?
Contact our Supreme Inspector, or you can locate the assembly nearest you and contact the Mother Advisor by using the “locator” on our website. You will be invited to attend upcoming activities so you and your family can meet the other members and adults and be given an application for membership.
Are there any requirements to join?
The only requirement is that you be ready to make friends and have fun getting to know the girls of the assembly and helping others in your community.
Are IORG members part of the Masonic Lodges or the Order of the Eastern Star?
The International Order of the Rainbow for Girls is affiliated with the Masonic Lodges, Order of the Eastern Star Chapters, and Courts of Amaranth. It is not a religion, cult, or secret order. Any girl who is interested in joining our organization is welcome. While many groups and organizations have “rainbow” in their title or organizational name, IORG is NOT connected with any other group.