International Order of the Rainbow for Girls

The International Order of the Rainbow for Girls (IORG) is a youth service organization which teaches leadership training through community service. Girls (ages 11-21) learn about the value of charity and service through their work and involvement with their annual local and Grand (state or country) service projects.

Related Topics:
Youth - Service organization

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The order was created in 1922 when the Reverend W. Mark Sexson was asked to make an address before South McAlester Chapter #149, O.E.S., in McAlester, Oklahoma. As the Order of DeMolay had come under his close study and observation during his Masonic activities, he decided that another Order for girls, setting forth some of the principles of Freemasonry, would be welcomed if it did not have to have a Masonic parent or grandparent as a requirement, as the Job's Daughters did. The first class of girls that was initiated into the Order consisted of a class of 171 girls, on April 6, 1922, in the auditorium of the Scottish Rite Temple in McAlester.

Related Topics:
W. Mark Sexson - O.E.S. - McAlester, Oklahoma - Order of DeMolay - Masonic - Job's Daughters - April 6 - 1922 - Scottish Rite

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The highest office that can be bestowed on a Rainbow girl is that of Grand Worthy Advisor of her particular state. Majority is reached upon the 20 or 21st birthday of a member. The Grand Cross of Color is the highest award given to a member or adult leader for outstanding service.

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The International Order of the Rainbow for Girls has Assemblies in 46 states in the United States in addition to Assemblies in 7 other countries. States which currently do not have Assemblies are: South Dakota, Delaware, Utah, and Wyoming. The countries outside the United States which have assemblies are: Australia (in both Queensland and New South Wales), Brazil, Canada, Japan, Panama, the Philippines, Guam, Italy and Germany. The governing body of Rainbow is Supreme Assembly, which meets formally every two years.

Related Topics:
United States - South Dakota - Delaware - Utah - Wyoming - Australia - Queensland - New South Wales - Brazil - Canada - Japan - Panama - Philippines - Guam - Italy - Germany

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No relation to a Master Mason is required for membership in the Order. A few years ago, the rules for Eastern Star were changed so that majority members of Rainbow were eligible for membership in that order.

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