Founded in 1922, The International Order of the Rainbow for Girls is a service organization for girls ages 11 to 20. There are currently 26 chapters, known as “assemblies,” in Massachusetts. They hold bi-monthly meetings where the girls get to interact with their peers. Girls also have an opportunity to hold different offices at both the local and state level. In addition, various service projects are conducted throughout the year, giving the girls an opportunity to learn the importance of helping others. Here are ten benefits to becoming a Rainbow Girl:
The cornerstone of Rainbow is service to others. Through opportunities of service, girls learn that no matter their age they too can help make the world a better place.
Rainbow girls can choose to hold different positions with varying degrees of responsibility. These positions provide an opportunity for the girls to learn how to manage projects and lead others.
3. Public Speaking
In today's working world, effective communication skills are essential to career success. Rainbow teaches girls how to conduct themselves in meetings with poise and grace. Girls build confidence in speaking to people of all ages through interactions with their peers and adult advisors. They also get the opportunity to speak with members of their communities through charitable deeds.
Older girls mentor younger girls and provide positive examples to help the girls stay on the right path.
The girls learn that they are sisters in spirit and their Rainbow “family” is always there to encourage and support them. There are opportunities for travel and friendship with other Rainbow girls both in the United States and abroad.
In Rainbow we have a saying – “Sisters by chance, friends by choice.” The number of years the girls will spend working together and having fun helps them to develop strong bonds with each other that will last a lifetime.
7. Life lessons
In Rainbow there are seven colors representing seven lessons that are an integral part of leading a successful life. The older girls demonstrate these lessons by example and in turn help the younger girls to see the importance of these virtues in our lives.
Rainbow helps to develop confidence and self esteem by giving girls the opportunity to assume a leadership role among their peers. When girls are given the chance to express ideas and opinions, work as a team with both their peers and adult advisors, and see those ideas become reality, their confidence in themselves and their abilities will grow.
9. Higher education
Rainbow girls are encouraged to pursue their dreams and scholarships are offered to help assist them. Also many colleges today want to know about participation in activities outside of school. Membership in a service organization is a good addition to their college application.
Stacey Arsenault is an Advisory Board member for Oxford Assembly #89 of the International Order of the Rainbow for Girls as well as the mother of a Rainbow girl. For more information please visit www.gorainbow.org and www.massiorg.net. To contact the Oxford Assembly please send an email to firstname.lastname@example.org.