The Pledge Group
What is a Rainbow Pledge Program?
How does a girl become a member?
What will each girl gain from this program?
When and where do the Pledges meet?
Who may attend Pledge meetings?
What do they do at a Business Meeting?
What activities are involved in addition to meetings?
Who is in charge of the local Pledge Group?
What is a Rainbow Pledge Program?
It is a service and social organization for girls ages 8 to 11 who 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.
The Pledge Program can open the door to experiences and friendships that will stay with young girls throughout their lives.
Being a Rainbow Pledge girl is not a religion, but the program
does require the belief
in the existence of a Supreme Being and encourages
each Pledge to be active in the church of her choice.
The Rainbow Pledge Program has no membership fees or dues. However, we may ask occasionally for assistance with an activity to act as a chaperone or to provide transportation or refreshments. Parents, grandparents, and legal guardians are welcome and encouraged to attend all Rainbow Pledge meetings.
Rainbow Pledge girls are required to wear dresses or skirts to the meetings, and adult leaders and women guests who assist are requested to wear dresses or skirts also.
The Rainbow Pledge Program allows girls to be of service to others, which will bring the girls a genuine feeling of accomplishment, that they will discover the meaning of true happiness by helping others.
The Rainbow Pledge Program is designed to be a confidence builder. A Rainbow Pledge will learn how to accept responsibility and how to be both an effective leader and a dependable follower. She will have the opportunity learn how to speak effectively and to listen carefully.
Several activities during the year will be held with the Rainbow Girls with the hope that, on her eleventh birthday, a Rainbow Pledge will decide to continue her service activities by becoming a Rainbow Girl.
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
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. top
When and where do the Pledges meet?
Most Pledge Groups meet once a month in the Rainbow Assembly room, at a date and time set by the Rainbow Assembly and the Advisory Board. top
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. top
What do they do at a Business Meeting?
They have a very short opening ceremony, read minutes, report on activities, perform 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.
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. top
Who is in charge of the local Pledge Group?
The Rainbow Pledge 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. The Pledge Mother and Assistant Pledge Mother are responsible for the operation of the Pledge Group and report directly to the State Pledge Director and the Supreme Deputy in New Hampshire. 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. top
No! The Rainbow Pledge program, however, does require the belief in the existence of a Supreme Being and encourages each Pledge to attend the place of worship of her choice. top
There are no initiation fees or dues and any donations are strictly voluntary. top
