The Red Hat Society is a group for women to get out of the house and have fun. They have chapters located all across the globe and each one is dedicated to the sisterhood. My grandmother, Queen TooToo, serves as the leader of her local chapter and was the very first Red Hatter of the Year. After years of watching my grandmother, mother, and their friends go to monthly events, I can't wait to be a part of the fun. Here's six reasons why every woman should join the Red Hat Society at some point in her life.

1. The Red Hat Society is simply fun. The society's theme this year is "simply fun" and it could not be a better fit. Most chapters hold monthly events, and they always ensure a good time. From cross-town scavenger hunts, to movie nights to slumber parties, these ladies do it all. There is a chapter that fits every woman's likes, some groups simply do a monthly dinner while others prefer a monthly bingo night. No matter the event, it is always guaranteed good time filled with laughs and good times.
2. The chance to be royalty, and have a silly name. Each chapter of the Red Hat Society is lead by a "queen". The members of each chapter are called "lady" (if you're over 50) or "princess" (if you're under 50) and get to choose a fun name to be called while out hatting. My grandmother goes by Queen TooToo, my mother Princess OohLaLa, and other members include Lady FruFru and Lady Sass-A-Frass.
3. The hats and outfits are over the top. Every Red Hat member over fifty wears the society's colors of purple and red, while the younger members wear lavender and pink. Every outfit is encouraged to be outrageous and over the top. The more bling, the better the outfit. Of course the best part of every good hatter's outfit is her hat. Hats can be huge, feathered, made from a bra, or all of the above. Anything goes, as long there's a hat on your head.

4. The opportunity to travel. While every Red Hat Society chapter is a local group formed by women in the community, the society is far reaching. There is a yearly convention held in various cities across the country such as Las Vegas and New Orleans. There are state-wide conventions held by the Queens of each state, and the society even participates a parade in London (yes, London in England). Every Red Hat Society member is invited and encouraged to attend these events.

5. Staying busy, even at an older age. Many Red Hat Society members are older women. Being a part of a local chapter opens the door for them to remain active, have fun with old friends, make new friends, and keep a group of close friends in times when one needs support. Even if you can't leave the house to attend an event, the society's official website hosts virtual events. It also allows women to connect with other Red Hatters through online chats and Facebook. If a monthly event isn't enough, there are online cooking classes, illegal "hoots", and more than likely a second local chapter to join! There is always a way to stay active and busy with Red Hat sisters.

6. Sisterhood. Many girls in a sorority appreciate the sisterhood that their sorority offers them. The Red Hat Society also offers a type of sisterhood. It promotes strong bonds of friendship and helping other members when they need a little encouragement and assistance, a shoulder to cry on, or an opportunity to have fun when they need it most. Red Hatters support each other and create many wonderful friendships.

It doesn't matter if you're 25 or 90, the Red Hat Society has a chapter for you. Its a group filled with great women who love to have a good time and spend time with each other. Its about fun and friendship, and these women are really good at both. I personally cannot wait to be a member of my grandmother's Red Hat Jambalaya Mamas, and I hope every woman gets to experience the fun of Red Hatting at least once.