It is a service and social organization for girls ages 8 to 12 that are willing to pledge themselves to a life of love and service. It is hoped that, on their 11th birthday, or during their 11th year, they will be eager to petition for membership in the International Order of the Rainbow for Girls.

2. What will each girl gain from this program?

She will learn the importance of being of service to others, to accept responsibility, and to develop her own leadership abilities. She will also have the opportunity to meet and develop friendships among girls her own age.

3. Is it a Religion?

NO! The program does, however, require the belief in the existence of a Supreme Being and encourages each Pledge to attend the place of worship of her choice.

4. Is it expensive?

NO! There are no initiation fees or dues. Pledge Groups may have a coin march at their meetings, but donations are strictly voluntary.

5. How many girls does it take to start?

It only takes two girls to start a Pledge Club and eight girls to institute a Pledge Group.

6. Who is in charge of the local Pledge Group?

This program is sponsored by the local Rainbow Assembly, whose Advisory Board appoints a Pledge Mother and Assistant Pledge Mother. The Advisory Board has no other responsibilities for the Pledge Group. These ladies are responsible for the operation of the Pledge Group and report directly to the State Pledge Director and the Supreme Officer in California. As a courtesy, it is important for the Pledge Mother to keep the Rainbow Advisory Board or Mother Advisor informed of the Pledge activities. She should also coordinate joint activities between the Rainbow Girls and Pledges with the Mother Advisor.

7. How does an Assembly become a sponsor?

The Assembly votes to sponsor a Pledge Group and then sends a completed "Sponsorship Application" (available from the State Pledge Director) to the Supreme Officer for approval. Upon approval, the Supreme Officer will forward the application to the State Pledge Director, who will notify the Assembly. The Assembly may then proceed with the formation of the Pledge Group.

8. When and where do the Pledges meet?

Most groups meet twice a month in the Rainbow Assembly room, usually an hour or so before the regular Rainbow Meeting. This then covers them under the Rainbow Insurance umbrella.

9. When does a Pledge Group Institute?

To institute a Pledge Group, eight girls are required. An institution consists of Initiation, followed by Installation. Rainbow Girls may do the Institution or another Pledge Group may be invited to perform the ceremonies. You need to complete the "Institution" form (available form the State Pledge Director) and mail it to the State Pledge Director in ample time (at least two weeks) in order to receive your Charter before your Institution.

10. How does a girl become a member?

Any girl between the ages of 8 and 11 may become a Pledge to the International Order of the Rainbow for Girls upon being recommended by one girl and one adult from the following list:

Pledge  -  Rainbow Girl  -  Mason  -  Eastern Star   -  Amaranth Member  -  Majority Member

11. What activities are involved in addition to meetings?

Every group should have at least one service project per term. Most service projects involve service hours and are not fund-raisers. Because the Pledges are future Rainbow Girls at least one fun activity per term should be planned with the Rainbow Girls. It is also important that the girls have at least two fun activities during their term of office.

12. Who may attend Pledge meetings?

The meetings are open to the Pledge members' family and invited guests. There are no restrictions due to fraternal affiliation. Prospective members and their parents are welcome to come and observe.

13. What do they do at a Business Meeting?

They have a very short opening ceremony, read minutes, report on activities, put on Initiations, and special ceremonies. They have a short closing ceremony and minimal floor work. A regular meeting without initiation is only 20 minutes long or less. Then they usually retire for crafts and refreshments.

14. Finances

When a Rainbow Assembly elects to sponsor a Pledge Group, they are accepting the responsibilities of finance as well as including Pledges in at least one fun activity per term. A specific dollar amount should be included in the Assembly Budget and credited to the Pledge Group funds each term.