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Tips for Taking Your “Behind the Wheel” Exam

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By Hannah

1. Book your DMV Appointment in Advance.

You can book your DMV appointment right from your couch! It’s normally best to pick the DMV closest to where you live. If you’d like to schedule an appointment click this link: https://www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/make-an-appointment/

2. Make Sure to Study.

Even though you’ve already passed your written exam, you should still set aside some time each day to study your driver handbook.  You never know what might pop up during your Behind the Wheel exam!

 Here is a link to the handbook: https://www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/file/california-driver-handbook-pdf/

3. Practice, Practice, Practice

Put your permit to good use and make sure that you are following driving laws to the best of your ability at all times. If you are always adhering to the laws then it will be a piece of cake the day of. If the thought of an exam or test makes you squeamish, try going for a practice test with a parent or guardian.

4. Which Car Are You Taking For A Spin?

Make sure you let your parents know the date and time of your exam beforehand so that they can set the time aside. It is also vital to remember to ask to borrow someone’s car for the exam; and remember, they must have registration and insurance.

5. Keep it Cool

Remember to get a good night’s rest and eat a good meal the day of the exam. Don’t be afraid to ask questions during the test but also stay focused and take deep breaths if you feel nervous.

Good luck!  For more test information, you can visit: https://www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/driver-education-and-safety/educational-materials/fast-facts/preparing-for-your-driving-test-ffdl-22/

Winter Membership Event Ideas

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Is your Assembly looking for fun, new ideas for Membership events to host this winter? Not sure what virtual events to host that may interest your girls and new potential members? Check out this list of fun virtual events for the season brought to you by the CAIORG State Membership Team. Unlock your Assembly’s potential for growth with one of these wonderful winter-themed events!

Download the Idea Flyer here!

Scholarship Tips and Tricks

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By Kamryn M.

When applying for any kind of scholarship, I have a little checklist of items that I need to have done before I can submit my application- knowing that I have done my best work. In this blog, I will be going over tips and tricks that I always keep in mind when filling out any application. Keep in mind that what works for one person might not always work for you! If something does not work for you, you can always change it!

Start the Process Sooner:

The first tip I have is to start by looking and making a list of scholarships that interest you. It is best to begin looking before your senior year of high school; the sooner you start looking the better. That way, you are able to have an extensive list of scholarships that you can apply for. The earlier you start looking, the earlier you can begin compiling all of the needed items required for each scholarship. This will also help for items that might take a while to get to you, for instance, mailed transcripts or letters of recommendation, which are difficult to obtain at the last minute. When it is time to start applying, begin to check back to the list you have made to check if their requirements have changed; you still have time to collect any last-minute requirements before the application becomes available.

Always Have a Letter of Recommendation:

One of my biggest tips for scholarship applications is to make sure that you have multiple letters of recommendation. Letters of recommendation could be from anyone: professors, employers, youth group leaders, co-workers, and even counselors. Always make sure that you have at least three recent letters of recommendation at all times- you never know when you will ever need one. It would be best to continue to gather letters of recommendation to help build your collection. The more you have, the better. Some letters work better for different things. Use letters from teachers or academia that showcase your academics when applying for a academic scholarship, and use letters from volunteer leaders when applying to a community service scholarship.

Stay Organized:

One of the most prominent struggles people have with applying for scholarships is that they are not organized. Applying for scholarships is so much easier and hassle-free if everything is kept in one safe and well-known spot. For me, I find it is the easiest to keep everything surrounding scholarships in one binder. That way, I can keep all of my letters of recommendation, transcripts, essays, and personal statements together in one safe spot where if I need it, I can grab it and go. For example, having a binder separated with categories and clear sheet protectors is one of the easiest ways to keep yourself organized and ensure everything is safe and protected. If you are more of a computer person, you could do something similar with organized folders on your laptop. Always make sure to keep items that are alike together in their categories.

Make a Schedule:

Another way to stay organized while applying for scholarships is to make yourself a schedule. List all of the deadlines for the scholarships you’re interested in the inside of a planner, notebook, or calendar. This way, you know when everything is due and when the last day to submit your applications or have them postmarked by is. These are dates that you do not want to miss- colleges will not extend the deadline just because you forgot to turn yours in. You should also make sure that you are applying often. The sooner you submit all of your scholarships, the sooner you can relax. I always say to fill out and finish at least three applications a week if possible. You don’t want to wait until the last week and have to fill out all of your applications within just a few days- it is not worth the stress.

Don’t Be Afraid to Ask for Help:

Possibly the most important tip I have when it comes to applying for scholarships is not to be afraid to ask for help. You don’t have to work through this process alone. You can ask for help from teachers, councilors, youth group advisors,  your parents, and your peers. There is usually someone who has already gone through the process and understands how it works, and they will help you. Whether they’re just reading your essay or helping you find the words for your statement, there is always a helping hand who can make sure that you are representing your best self.

Look Beyond Your Grades:

For many scholarship applications, they want to know about more than your grades. Colleges want to know about your extracurricular activities, jobs, and volunteer work. Scholarship boards tend to look for the most well-rounded student to give a scholarship out to. Of course, they still care about your grades, but not all scholarships are based solely on academics. While reading through applications, most readers are looking for applicants who put their whole heart into their application. They are looking for applicants who are not afraid to be themselves and talk about their life struggles, growth, and personal hardships. All in all, make sure that you are sincere and you are reflecting on yourself on a deeper and more personal level.

Apply for Any and All Scholarships:

My final tip is to apply for any and all scholarships; even if you think you will not qualify – apply anyway. Even if you might not be eligible, it’s possible that you could still get the scholarship. Occasionally there are scholarships that no one who applied actually qualifies for, so the scholarship committee will give them out to the next best applicant. Just because you might not qualify, according to an application’s qualifications list, does not always mean that you will not get the scholarship. Apply for as many scholarships as possible, whether it is a $100 scholarship or even a $10,000.  Apply, apply, apply! You can never succeed if you do not ever try. The worst thing that could happen is being told no. And even then, you still got your foot in the door for many other scholarships and materials ready to go.

These are all tips and tricks that I use while filling out scholarship applications. Following these steps helps ensure that I have done everything to the best of my ability and that I will be able to apply for as many scholarships as possible before their deadlines.

Happy Applying and Good Luck! 🙂

Rainbow Spirit

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By: Abigail R., Chico Assembly

The girls of Chico-Paradise Assembly stayed active during the shutdown. Our Worthy Advisor planned different themes for virtual business meetings such as pajamas, Disney©, Hawaiian, and camping. We also did fun activities each month. A few of the activities included All About Me collages, and a Netflix© Party where we watched Chicken Little and ate popcorn/snacks.

We had the opportunity to work with the girls of Red Bluff Assembly to plan our virtual Official Visit. Our theme was “Welcome to Jumanji” which included costumes, music, a video skit, and a Kahoot game. Over 200 people attended our Official Visit! Chico-Paradise made a Grand Service donation to The Painted Turtle.

We welcomed our newest member, London Victorino, on August 15th at the state Virtual Initiation. She loved her yard sign and welcome gifts from our Assembly. The shutdown gave us a chance to get to know Alyssa Kiffer, Grand Representative to California, Washington, and Idaho and Grand Christian Flag Bearer in Virginia. She participated in our meetings and
activities and our assembly participated in her virtual 5K fundraiser.

Our largest Grand Service project fundraiser is the Paradise Chocolate Fest. This year, it was held virtually on September 12th. Our Worthy Associate Advisor created a Facebook© post about our organization and how we support the Paradise community. The post was shared with hundreds of people on social media. We were honored to receive a grant as a youth beneficiary. The grant money will go towards the Grand Service Project.

We look forward to a Beauty and the Beast© themed virtual Installation on October 4th. We enjoy seeing each other online, but can’t wait to get back together in person soon!

3 Steps to Balancing Family, Friends, and School

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By: Elise S.

Being a teenager can be challenging, especially when it comes to balancing your life. Finding a proper balance between school, friends, and family takes practice and time while adding extracurricular activities, personal well-being, and possibly a part-time job can seem monumental. Here are a few things you can do to help you not only survive, but thrive as you attempt to balance your life as a teen:

1. Prioritize. One of the first things to do is to set your priorities. This not only gets you started on the right path, but once you have a solid sense of your priorities, making decisions about how you spend your time will be easier, and everything will fall into place.

Make a list of the commitments in your life and group them into categories. For example: work, school (classes, SAT Prep), extracurricular (sports, IORG, student council), family, faith (youth group, church, daily devotionals), friends (social activities, book club). 

Next put them in order of importance. This is one of the most difficult steps because it feels like you’re saying some things don’t matter. That’s not what prioritizing does; it’s really all about putting things in order of importance. While that might sound like an easy task, it is something that should be done with intentionality and probably some help from a wise family member or friend. 

There are some critical questions to ask yourself when taking on this task. When you are looking at what you want your future to be, who and what will get you there? Will your family help and encourage you? Will your education be important to your career? Will your friends contribute to getting you to where you want to go? Will the extracurricular club or group help further you as a person or look good on a resume? Should you take on an internship or job so you have some experience in your field? By looking at what you want to do in the future and analyzing what is going to get you there, you can prioritize and balance the things that are going on in your life.

Using the example above, prioritization in a teenager’s life could look something like this:

1. Faith (For strength and foundation)
2. Family (For support)
3. School (For learning & exploring)
4. Extracurricular activities (For application building and growth)
5. Friends (For fun and support)
6. Work (For experience and money)

Of course, everyone will have a different set of activities to prioritize, but the most important things to remember are to tailor it to yourself and understand why you are prioritizing it the way you are. For a great way to approach prioritizing, take a look at this video by author and educator, Steven Covey: https://tinyurl.com/y9h599c3

2. Have a Schedule. Another important step to balancing life is to keep a schedule. Not just a school schedule but also for things like family nights, work, events, and calls with friends. Making a schedule doesn’t have to be limiting and rigid. In fact, every schedule should include down-time and time for self-care. The schedule should be in writing, and in a place you can access it. There are many online tools for scheduling that you can access right from your smartphone, like ZenDay – Calendar + Reminders, Any.do, and Fantastical – Calendar & Tasks, or you could just use a simple appointment calendar.

Whatever you do, keep it close and respect it.

3. Be Flexible. Finally, you should remember to allow for flexibility in your scheduling and be willing to revisit your priorities. There will be times when family has to be your top priority, and times when school is going to take the top spot. As long as you remember priorities, your schedule will align with what’s most important. 

Remember the wise person who helped you come up with your priorities in the first place? Keep in touch and meet up to discuss how everything is going. Sometimes priorities shift in importance. Don’t be afraid to change your priorities if needed.

Taking these three steps will make a big difference in balancing your life. And maybe, having broken them down into steps, this task is not as challenging as it may have seemed in the beginning. Once you go through the process of prioritizing things, making a schedule, and keeping flexibility in mind, you will be that much closer to achieving balance in your life and succeeding in whatever comes your way.

Thoughts From A Teenager During A Pandemic

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By: Sara O., Sunshine Assembly

As I think back over the past six or seven months, I am trying to remember and put into words some of my thoughts and feelings. A worldwide pandemic had hit and it seemed to be spreading fast. We are only in our teen years, but most of us understood what this meant, however, we could never have realized the effect it would have for many months to come.

In March, suddenly our schools were closed and we were finishing the school year at home. OK, so maybe this wasn’t so bad. I was just finishing my freshman year, so things like prom and graduation didn’t affect me. I know it did many of my Rainbow friends, and although I felt bad for them, it wasn’t as personal for me. We could still see and talk to our friends on social media for a little while. I’m pretty sure I thought that most of life would still go on as normal, but when even Grand Assembly was canceled, I
was shocked. At first, it was possibly just postponed, so we went on with plans for Ritual Competition, making our dresses, doing our usual things to prepare for our annual convention – but it didn’t happen.

Summer came, and that too seemed ok for a while. We could talk to our friends all night and into the morning because we could sleep all day. I don’t know about everyone else, but I was kind of ok with that. Maybe it got old after a while, but now that I’m back getting up every day for virtual school, I might want those days back.

The next thing to be canceled as an in-person event was Supreme Assembly. This one was harder since I had never been to one and was really looking forward to it. It was now July, and the pandemic was still going strong. Everything was still closed down, and going places with friends was not allowed. Wow! It had already been four months! I never could have imagined something like this could happen.

Rainbow girls were all meeting virtually – on zoom calls through our phones, tablets or computers. A zoom call? Something so many had never even heard of or realized would become a very real part of our lives – for even longer than we imagined. As we try to navigate this virtual world, and try to figure out things we could still do, to not only see our friends, but we also wanted to find ways to help others and to be of service. We have found that little things like calling people who were alone, sending cards, and writing letters, all became a part of our everyday life. Even helping siblings
with their school work, and taking on extra chores at home while our parents also struggled through a virtual world – while considered acts of service, were just part of our ‘new normal’ – at least for the time being.

Sunshine Assembly was very happy to have one of the girls who were virtually initiated during the summer as our new member. We welcome Ngaire and look forward to seeing her again in person, hopefully in the near future. We also hope we can continue to grow.

While doing everything from home, or social distancing and wearing a mask hasn’t always been easy, it has also taught us about our own strengths, creativity, and our ability to accept challenges as they come our way. Sunshine Assembly thanks you, California Rainbow for helping us to find ways to be together, to have fun, and to serve – until we meet again.

13 Apps and Sites to Help You Conquer This School Year

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This year has been full of challenges, but luckily there are many resources to help students and educators through it. We have compiled a list of 13 sites and smartphone applications that can help with organizing, editing, and studying.

Forest

Having trouble focusing? Forest helps you stay off your phone while doing schoolwork. When you set a designated amount of time, the app plants a tree to help you stay on task. If you exit the app to go on social media or play a mobile game before the designated time is reached, the tree will die. While there are no real-life repercussions for that tree’s demise, it is still effective in guilt-tripping the user into concentrating on their work. Plus, the virtual coins earned in-app go towards planting trees in real life! You can download it here: www.forestapp.cc/

Any.do

Any.do is an app that helps people stay organized, in or out of school. Sometimes, to get started on a project, it really helps to see all of your tasks organized in a big to-do list. This app allows tasks to be sorted by priority, organized into smaller subgroups, and shared with others. The sharing feature can be particularly useful in a group project. It includes a calendar that can display scheduled reminders as well. This app can be downloaded at www.any.do/.

Calendly

If you ever have trouble scheduling a meeting time for a group project, Calendy is the app for you. It offers a free plan that allows you to compare the gaps in your schedule with the rest of your group easily, without the back and forth emails or text messages. Organizing a time for a Zoom meeting has never been easier! This site is found at calendly.com/.

Kanban Flow

Similarly to Any.do, Kanban Flow helps users create to-do lists and visualize tasks. The difference is that Kanban Flow is much more group-oriented. The multi-user oriented to-do lists help greatly with keeping your group on schedule and productive. Kanban flow also allows you to limit the number of tasks you have in progress to help prevent burnout or procrastinating on assignments. Tasks can also be sorted into subtasks, allowing everyone in the group to closely track the progress made. This can be accessed through the app or site and is found here: kanbanflow.com/.

Hemingway Editor

If you ever need an editor in a crunch, Hemingway Editor is the site or you. This site grades your writing for readability and shows how you can improve it. Among other features, it displays the amount of time it takes to read the inputted text, which can be useful when giving a presentation or speech. Hemingway Editor also suggests simpler words or phrases in the place of more complex ones for ease of readability. It also displays the amount of adverbs and phrases in the passive voice inputted. You can try it here: www.hemingwayapp.com/.

Quizlet

 Quizlet is a site made up of user-made flashcards on almost any topic. You can create your own flashcards or browse their selection for any you find useful. Quizlet allows users to create folders of related flashcards, so if you’re studying for a unit test, the feature can come in handy. Teachers can also create classes with flashcard sets that they want to share with the class. This makes it easy to share study resources and materials. Within sets, there are different ways to learn. You can study with classic flashcards, write them out, test for spelling accuracy, and take a test. If you’re looking for a more fun-based approach, there are two minigames you can use to study! The first is a simple matching game where you drag topics onto their definitions. The other is an asteroid game where you must type in the term or definition before an asteroid with the corresponding term hits a planet. Quizlet has both an app and a site, which can be found here: quizlet.com/.

GoConqr

If you are a visual learner, GoConqr can help you. It provides many tools, such as mind maps, flash cards, slides, notes, flowcharts, and quizzes for a multitude of classes. It boasts a library of 25 million learning resources created by over 8 million users. GoConqr also allows users to create private study groups to share materials within. You can also join a public group to share topics and engage with other students and educators. You can access GoConqr at www.goconqr.com/.

Evernote

Evernote is an organizational app that allows you to take notes, make lists, and create reminders. The app allows you to type notes, add attachments, clip web pages, or record memos, all in one place. All of your notes can be organized by tags, and searched for based on content. It also allows the user to scan in documents or handwritten notes. You can download the app here: evernote.com/.

Offtime

Do you have a difficult time preventing procrastination? Offtime tracks usage of your phone and apps so you can see just how long you spend procrastinating throughout the day. It also allows you to block incoming calls, texts and notifications for set periods of time to prevent needless distraction, and can restrict you from accessing certain apps to distract yourself. The app is accessible through offtime.app/.

OverDrive

This app allows users to access millions of books– and all you need is a library card! The app includes free ebooks, audiobooks, and magazines, all accessible from a free app. Some of the notable authors in their collection include Emily Brontë, William Shakespeare, Jane Austen, and Ernest Hemmingway. Not only can this help find resources for your AP Lit class, but you can also accomplish some reading in your free time! You can download the app here: www.overdrive.com/. 

Photomath

Stumped on your algebra homework? Photomath allows users to snap a picture of any math problem and provides step-by-step instructions on how to solve it. The instructions are easy to read and help you understand the process. Some problems even have multiple methods to solving a problem, so you’re free to pick the method most comprehensible to you. The app also has a calculator and graphing function for ease of access. The app is accessible here: www.overdrive.com/.

Desmos

Like Photomath, Desmos offers a calculator and graphing utility. Unlike Photomath, Desmos doesn’t provide all of the solutions to your math problems, so you might want to use it if you don’t want to succumb to the temptation of the answers at your fingertips. In addition, Desmos also offers a matrix calculator, a geometry tool, and test practice. Teachers can also utilize it in the classroom through fun and interactive activities. Desmos’ graphing calculator is truly a thing of beauty. Not only can you graph those pesky trig functions, but you can also create art by limiting your functions. There are countless examples on their website, so be sure to check them out! There is both a site and an app, and you can find them at www.desmos.com/.

Todoist

Todoist is an organizational app that helps you prioritize and categorize your to-do list. There is a feature that allows you to earn karma and streaks for completed tasks, so if your productivity is reward-based, this is the app for you! Todoist can also be synched with your Google Calendar and you can share your tasks with others. Plus you can look back and see where you are spending the most of your time! More information on Todoist can be found at todoist.com/.

We hope that these apps and sites help you stay on track for this school year!

How To Be Of Service During COVID-19

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By Hope C.

COVID-19 has created an unusual atmosphere for everyone. Many of our usual activities aren’t safe to participate in right now, but social distancing does not have to stop us from giving back to our communities! Whether you’re just looking for a productive way to kill time, want to do good in the world, or need service hours for your college applications, virtual volunteering will be perfect for you.

Work Around Your Schedule

In typical times, it can be hard to find the time to volunteer while being busy with school, work, or other activities. The idea of adding yet another venture into your schedule can feel overwhelming. While in this pandemic, most people have been able to find more free time, making this the perfect opportunity for acts of service. Pull out your calendar and think about how much time you are able and willing to give. Are you planning to take lead on a brand new project or help others who have already started?

Reach Out to Senior Citizens

Quarantine and social distancing have resulted in feelings of isolation and loneliness for countless people. Some of those affected most by this are the eldest members of our communities. They are at a higher risk for COVID and are likely yearning for connection in these uncertain times. Make phone/facetime calls, send cards, or make small gifts/care packages to send to senior citizens. You could also reach out to a local care home or nursing facility and ask how you can help. It can be as simple as playing virtual chess, checkers, or bingo. These are all simple and take little effort, but can bring such joy to others

Cheer Up Essential Workers

Along with senior citizens, essential workers will be touched by your kindness. Many are making cards, signs, care packages, and posters to thank the health care workers who are working to keep us safe. Similarly to this, you can do these things for other essential workers. Think about the people in your community that are putting their health at risk while going to work each day. Choose any one, whether it is a firefighter, nurse, or grocery clerk.

Join a Service Organization

There are plenty of service groups that are still meeting virtually! Look into what you have near you. The International Order of the Rainbow for Girls is an amazing youth group centering around leadership, service, and sisterhood. More information can be found at https://gocarainbow.org. There are other groups as well such as Girl Scouts, 4H, and church youth groups. See what is right for you and available in your community

Be a Tutor

Try out virtually tutoring younger students. Is there a class or subject that you excel at and enjoy? Chances are, there’s someone who would love your help with their learning. Schools are reopening and your academic skills could boost someone’s grades as well as their confidence. If you know younger students, you can reach out to them personally or go straight to local schools and teachers who can set you up with the students that will benefit from your help.

Make Blankets or Teddy Bears

Many hospitals and fire stations have the option to pick up teddy bears that are pre-sewn to be stuffed and donated. You can sew, crochet, or knit your own as well! Donate them and bring a smile to a child’s face. In addition, you could make blankets to donate. If you’re not great at needlework, there’s nothing to worry about. Tie blankets are just as comfy and they couldn’t be easier to make! You can donate these to somewhere local like a hospital, animal shelter, or to the homeless. You can also send them to organizations such as the Painted Turtle: a free camp for children with serious medical conditions. They even have easy to understand directions here: https://www.thepaintedturtle.org/sites/main/files/file-attachments/fleece_blanket_flyer.pdf?1556639876.

Donate Extra Items

With the extra time COVID has gifted to you, you can get organized while giving back! Clean out your closet and dresser drawers. You probably have plenty that you have outgrown or no longer wear. Throw them in the wash and donate them to someone in need! There are plenty of well-known options such as the Salvation Army and Goodwill, but there are also local nonprofits in every community. Do your research and donate your clothing, toys, books, etc. to whatever you see as the best fit.

Make A Change

Create or sign petitions for changes that you believe in. Take on issues that are global or local and use sites such as https://www.change.org. You can also make calls and send emails to communicate with mayors, governors, and other leaders. Spread the word and fight for what you believe in!

Acts of Service

People now are in need of service and kindness more than ever, and as simple as these things seem, you can truly make an impact on the world. This is just a small list including only a few of the numerous ways you can make a difference. Think outside of the box and don’t give yourself limits when it comes to acts of service. No matter the reason that you have decided to volunteer, you are about to make people’s lives a little brighter!

Why I Rainbow.

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By: Kenneth Quick, Lemon Grove Assembly Adult

Hello friends, brace yourself, this has the potential of being a long read, but I wanted to share a part of me with you all, please take the time to read it ….

So many girls and adult ladies have shared their “Rainbow Story” and #whytheyrainbow with you. I do not often hear the dads sharing their #whyirainbow. Well, I have my “Rainbow Story,” which a few within Rainbow have had the opportunity to learn, and yet, so many have not, including many of my friends and family who are not associated directly with Rainbow, CAIORG. I promise to do my best to keep it brief, however, that is a hard task when you become passionate about something, or an organization, and the work they do. . . .

Once upon a time, a man meets a lady; they giggle together, and smile at one another for seven months and decide to get married. In their search for a reception venue, the El Cajon Masonic Lodge is discovered and secured for the event. Immediately, the young groom begins to be told stories of Rainbow Girls (Girls Youth Group), DeMolay (Boys Youth Group), and their Sponsoring Head called the Masons. The groom inquiries, “Are these the Masons I have heard about that perform occult rituals, secret meetings, and mysterious acts?”

Sure enough, the groom learns this is that very group that he had been told about, however, they were rumors, and lies, and could not have been further from the truth. As you have probably figured out, that groom was me, and my beautiful bride is Lisa.

After our marriage, as we began to build a life together, her twin sister Pam, continued to discuss this group called the “International Order of the Rainbow for Girls” (IORG). Which she and her husband, Tim, were members of the executive board. I also learned, she and Lisa were members of the youth order, as teenagers.

Still a bit unfamiliar, you can imagine my intrigue and curiosity to learn what this was about, what they stand for, why it was important to her, etc. After all, until now, all I had heard were rumors. The longer we were married the more this organization crept into daily conversations.

As soon as we found out Lisa was pregnant with a girl, Pam made it clear that our daughter would be eligible to join on her 11th birthday, and the planning to have her initiated was put into motion. Many of you have stated your memories of her being carried to events as an infant, carrying the bible for Installations, being present at events and functions long before becoming a member, etc. All of this, giving me more exposure to the group, their adult supporters, and what they really stood for.

The time came for TaylorAnn to be initiated in the summer of 2010, and I still did not know much of the Rainbow practices, rituals, traditions, etc, all I knew is that the girls loved to have fun, and often participated in community service projects. I have a vivid memory of a non-Rainbow event in our home that many Rainbow Girls just happened to be at, as friends, I noted a comradery and sense of belonging among the girls, and
when clean up time came, it was done in a flash. I looked at Lisa and said, “These Rainbow Girls are invited to any and all events in the future.” What dad would not want his shy, timid, daughter involved in something like that, right?

It was now Initiation, and I had no idea what to expect, I was nervous, excited, and curious all at the same time. As the meeting went on, the lessons and traditions were made known. I was at the edge of my seat with excitement of the journey our daughter, and inherently, we, as her parents were about to embark on.

I mentioned that TaylorAnn was shy and timid, characteristics that some of you, meeting her more recently, may not have seen in her. Why, you ask? Because of her journey. As she slowly (very slowly) but surely began to open up, embrace the lessons taught to her in Rainbow, Girl Scouts, Church, school and home, and being exposed to new opportunities, she became more confident, aware, and mature, leaving her shyness behind, so that she could put others first, time and time again.

So yes, this dad, reluctant to allow his shy and timid daughter join a group because of rumors I had been told, could not be more proud of her and this organization. And let me say this . . .like any group of humans, it is not always about rainbows, butterflies and unicorns. There are difficult times and situations, there are adults both in and of the organization that will spread rumors like what I had been told about untruths. I can tell you, they are just that … Untruths! CA IORG stands for love and service, while
promoting business management, public speaking, event planning, and more.

We are not a religious group; however we do teach lessons of free public education, religion, nature, immortality, fidelity, and patriotism, and the importance they hold while answering the call of love and service. Notice the shift, as I spoke about a third-party organization, to including myself in first person! Remember what I said above? What father would not want their shy daughter involved in such a group? Well, I am here to testify, and shout it from the mountain tops, I am glad I did not listen to the rumors. I am blessed to be a part of this organization and have made so many of my friends here.

Thank you for letting me share my story, and our journey, this is #whyirainbow. Our journey includes a “how” we got here and “why” we stayed. I got here in spite of the lies, and stayed because of the truth!