“The International Order of the Rainbow for Girls (IORG) is a non-profit organization for girls ages 11 to 20 with a focus on community service, public speaking and sisterhood.” Since March of 2005, I have repeated those words countless times, trying to explain IORG to anyone and everyone who asks why I'm in a gown and crown in so many of my Facebook photos. But those words don't do this organization justice. I can honestly say that I would not be the woman I am today without this organization. I know, I know, everyone says this about their respective organizations -- but it's true.
To be honest, after my first year as an initiated member, I wanted to quit. I thought I was just doing it because my big sister did it too. As the year went on, IORG wasn't what I thought it was, but I never quit halfway through, so I waited until Grand Assembly (our annual convention). That was when I learned the true meaning of being a Rainbow Girl. I watched as the older girls marched in their gowns and crowns, poised in their movements and presentation of the ritual. They glided effortlessly around the room during formal sessions, then danced in pajama pants at night, laughing over the simplest of things. Grand Assembly was, and still is, a time when Rainbow Girls from all over the state, country, and even the world come together for a weekend of sisterhood and fun. I quickly learned what it meant to be a Rainbow Girl, but 11-year-old me never could have guessed the impact this organization would have on my life.
I sit here now, having just graduated college, reflecting on my life and how I got to where I am today. A few things come to mind: Obviously my family and friends come first, but a close second is New Hampshire IORG. These amazing young women, and the adults that dedicate their time to helping run this organization, have been my support system since the age of 8, when I started following along as a Pledge after my sister was initiated. I have learned the lessons of Love, Religion, Nature, Immortality, Fidelity, Patriotism, and Service, and found my way through Faith, Hope, and Charity. Each of these lessons are held near and dear to my heart, and they helped me to branch out of my comfort zone, knowing that, no matter where I go, a Rainbow Girl, or a member of any of the many Masonic-based organizations, will be there for me.
With this knowledge, I felt comfortable leaving New Hampshire and going to college all the way in Pennsylvania. Unfortunately, there was no local assembly in my area, but that didn't mean I wouldn't meet anyone. As fate would have it, a member of PA Rainbow came to Lycoming College not long after I did, and we were able to create an instant bond. Sisterhood travels with you wherever you go, and no matter the distance, my girls from Goffstown Assembly #22 and NH Rainbow will always be by my side and in my heart. I would not be who I am today without these wonderful girls cheering me along and pushing me toward my dreams, even though they didn't want me to go so far away. They have been my rocks through the ups and downs, and I know that whenever I go back to New Hampshire, I can always go to a meeting and be welcomed with warm smiles and hugs. When I am with my sisters, I know that I am home.
If you know of any girls between the ages of 11 and 20, please visit www.gorainbow.org and look into getting involved. Rainbow truly does prepare girls for life.
