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The International Order of the Rainbow for Girls in California

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Hurricane of Thoughts

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By: Zoee S., Assistant Grand Editor, Eden

Zoee S., Assistant Grand Editor, Eden

How many hours a day do you spend thinking about what you’re going to do? For me, I think about it every hour. I am constantly reminding myself of things I need to do daily. Many people might think this is a good thing, that I’m only planning ahead. However, most of the time it doesn’t end up that way. My daily thoughts of homework assignments, chores around the house, and Rainbow events swirl my mind. They get overwhelming and when I try to stop and take a breather I find my mind wandering again. Helpless to my own mind, I knew I needed a distraction. So, I started to read. Taking up a passion such as reading helped me temporarily lose the thoughts that were causing me stress. When I am reading I feel relaxed and in a world of my own without any worries. It’s ok to let go and distract yourself every once in a while. I even encourage you rather than going to social media pick up a book or go outside, do something you love. Find your passion, your “other world.” Let yourself drift away, free of constant thoughts. Trust me you won’t regret it. Just a friendly reminder, don’t forget even though it’s nice to get away occasionally, everyone has to return to the hurricane of thoughts eventually. Acknowledge that despite the many things you have to do, all you need to do is take it one step at a time so you don’t overwhelm yourself.

Meet the MeerKats – Assistant Grand Editor

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Investigating a Golden Girl

By: Zoee S., Assistant Grand Editor, Eden

Zoee S., Assistant Grand Editor, Eden

Good day California Rainbow, [Hat Tip].

My name is Jonas Watcher a friendly neighborhood private investigator. I’m here to tell you about a girl named Zoee S., the Assistant Grand Editor for the Milestone Making Meerkats of 2022. She recently became a witness in one of my ongoing investigations. The reason for the investigation is Grand Assembly 2021. My telephone has been ringing all week from people wanting to know more about this mysterious lady. 

Here’s what I found out from the start of my investigations: She was born March 7th, 2002 in Walnut Creek California. She started as a small girl with the biggest ambitions. She grew up in a small area called Castro Valley, a place too big to be called a town and too small to be called a city. Her life was filled with smiles and lots of friends and family. When she turned 11 her world was flipped around. She was initiated into an amazing organization, International Order of Rainbow for Girls, and throughout her Rainbow career, she has received many achievements, including the Assistant Grand Editors Award, there’s irony in that one. I found out from an eyewitness report, her Mother Advisor, that she was a Worthy Advisor for her assembly over seven times! Upon further investigation, I discovered her assembly was on the smaller side but they kept their heads held high as they were a small but mighty assembly. 

Continuing with my investigations I found out she wanted to be a Forensic Scientist. A passion that first started as wanting to become a police officer and do crime scene investigation. She is now a student at San Jose State University, studying Forensic Science with a focus in Chemistry, and from the look of these charts, it’s a lot of work. Despite her never-ending schedule she still finds time to talk with her friends online. She plays a lot of video games and is always up to date on anything Marvel-related. There’s overwhelming evidence that she’s quite the nerd, Marvel©, DC©, Doctor Who©, Supernatural©, Harry Potter©, anime, you name it she has probably geeked out over it. She also has a passion for listening to music and is fluent in American Sign Language (ASL)

Examining all this evidence was tiring work but worth it if it means you got to know a bit about Zoee. I can tell she is looking forward to this Milestone Making year and meeting more people along her Grand Officer journey. P.S. if you ever see her in person don’t be afraid to approach her she’s really friendly.

End Report,

Jonas Watcher

Catching Up With Livermore Assembly

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By: Priel W., Livermore Assembly

Livermore Assembly

In 2021, the Livermore Assembly held multiple events. Our events have included a Rock Painting Service Project, a Sugar Scrub activity, and our Church Sunday get-together. These activities brought our assembly closer together, during our time apart. 

In our rock painting project (commenced by yours truly), we painted about 13 rocks. The rocks were painted with pretty pictures and positive messages. Mrs. Frye, Livermore Assembly’s Mother Advisor, delivered the painted rocks to our local Police Department’s receptionist. The receptionist was rather touched and had the police officers pick which rock to keep with them on patrol.

For the Sugar Scrub activity, Olivia, Livermore Assembly’s Nature Bow Girl, instructed the attendants on how to create their own sugar scrubs. The ingredients used were cane sugar, essential oils, and coconut and/or olive oil. Each attendant made about three jars full to enjoy personally or share amongst family. On Sunday, April 11th, 2021, we had a Church Sunday service. Church Sunday is an event where we as an assembly select one of the girl’s church to attend together. We met at Discovery Church of the Nazarene, outdoors in the parking lot, with our own chairs, socially distanced. This meeting coincided with the church’s youth group set up activity. It was good recognition for our assembly and it was the first time we met face-to-face (technically mask-to-mask) in over a year. It was great to gather together and feel like a family again.

The next event Livermore Assembly had was an Among Us night, which was collaborated by all of our girls. Our Assembly looks forward to even more events to do together in the future. We wish everyone to stay healthy, safe, and be socially responsible.

Dream. Lead. Believe.

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By: Abigail F., Grand Editor

Abigail F., Editor, Livermore Assembly

For Grand Assembly this year our theme was Dream~Lead~Believe. I truly believe that these are the foundational guidelines to success. 

Dream. You can’t be afraid to dream. Dreams make the world go round. They give us purpose and motivation. Dreams are priceless things that are so very precious. They need to be fed and nurtured. Dreams have sparked revolutions and fueled innovation. Without dreams, we would be stagnant. 

Lead. Leading by example is such a simple thing to say and such a difficult thing in practice. Others will often look to you for support and direction without you noticing. You can affect those around you in so many ways without realizing it. Your reach is larger and stronger than you think it is. It can be tiring and a little scary, but it is one of the most important things that you can do in life. Without leaders, we would be lost.

Believe. In order for you to accomplish anything, you need to believe in yourself. You need to believe that you can do whatever you want because the truth is you can. If you truly believe in yourself others will believe in you too, but you need to take the first step. Be confident in your skills and that what you are doing is right. Believe that your friends and family are there to help you and support you through it. Believe in the world around you and the world will believe in you. Without belief, the world would be dark. Believing makes it light, leading makes it clear, and dreaming pushes us through. Dreaming, Leading and Believing are the foundations to success.

Meet the MeerKats – Grand Editor

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Dancing Through the Pages of the POG

By: Abigail F., Grand Editor

Abigail F., Grand Editor, Livermore

Hello California Rainbow! My name is Abigail F. and I am the Grand Editor for the 2022 Milestone Making Meerkats. I am so excited for this year! Being selected for this office has had me reflecting back on my life and how I was able to get here. I was initiated into Livermore Assembly in November of 2017. I joined because I had heard my mom talking about her time in Rainbow and about her wild adventures as a Grand Officer. I wanted to see what all the excitement was about, so I decided to join. Never in a million years did I think that I would be where I am today. I always liked the message of Rainbow and enjoyed the lessons behind it. It wasn’t until my first Grand Assembly in 2018 when I finally got to see all of the magical craziness that is Rainbow, did I fully understand what it was all about.  After that, I was hooked. I became Worthy Advisor in February of 2019 and was able to be Grand Page to the Grand Directors for the years 2020 and 2021. Although I have only been in Rainbow for a short period of time, I still feel like it has taught me a lot.

Growing up I have always had a passion for performing. It all started when I was two years old and my mom bribed me through potty training with the promise of a dance class. I did dance for 15 years at a studio and spent ten of those years competing. I started with the classics, ballet and tap, and later added on other styles such as jazz, lyrical, contemporary, and even hip hop. However even as the years went on I have still been drawn back to the classics. As I was getting older I found myself wanting to try other avenues of performing. In middle school, I started getting more involved by playing flute in the band. I was able to continue to perform while making new friends who shared similar interests as me. I kept on playing through high school and was in the advanced band for three years. However, in high school, most of my time was spent with the color guard. I was able to combine my favorite form of expression with my favorite group of people while tossing flags, rifles, and sabers. I got so involved that I was captain all four years of high school. In college, it has become harder for me to express that side of myself but I still have a strong passion for music. In Rainbow, I have found a new way for me to perform by practicing ritual, and writing speeches. I have found a voice in Rainbow that I can use to express my thoughts and feelings that I could only previously do through other means of performance. The voice that Rainbow has given me allows me to verbalize these ideas. 

Another major facet of my personality is that I love to travel. I have always loved going to new places and meeting new people. I found some of my favorite memories in car rides or walking around a new city. There is too much to see and do in the world for one to stay stationary. Screaming along to the radio with my family on a long drive to a campsite, walking around an airport and people watching, experiencing new cultures and environments; these are the best parts of life. Some of my favorite places that I have been to so far have been Chicago, Seattle, Costa Rica, and the Philippines. They have all been so different and I learned so much from each trip. I firmly believe that traveling is the most important thing that anyone can do. It forces you out of your comfort zone, educates you about the world around you, and allows you to gain a new perspective. 

My educational accomplishments include graduating from Tracy High School in 2018 with a diploma from the Agricultural and Sciences Academy as well as a certificate from the Performing Arts Magnet. I then chose to begin my higher education at Las Positas College where I received an Associate’s degree in Liberal Arts and Sciences: Mathematics and Science. I will now be continuing my education at the University of Nevada, Reno where I will be studying nature and the environment. I have always had a strong love for nature and a drive to do right by it. I remember yelling at my classmates in Elementary School to recycle and preserve resources because the Amazon was dying, I had no idea what I was talking about, but I knew that it was important. I do not yet know exactly what my major will be, but I do know that I want to spend my life bettering the world around me and making sure that it is a cleaner, healthier, and happier place for generations to come.

In Rainbow, I have found a colorful combination of all the things that I believe in. Rainbow has given me the opportunity to travel and meet people who I wouldn’t have otherwise met. I have learned a new way to express myself and have been given the ability to not only write about things that I care about but also speak about them as well. The International Order of the Rainbow for Girls is a beautiful organization that is doing important things by giving young women the power to change the world and I am proud to be a part of it. I am so excited to work with my fellow meerkats to make this year great. I hope to see you all at our centennial 2022 Grand Assembly!!

Behind the Scenes of Virtual Grand Assembly

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By: Isabella L., Jr. Past Grand Worthy Advisor 2020 & 2021

Each Grand Assembly is unique by design, and boy was that true for Grand Assembly 2021. The journey of the Leading Lemurs’ began when we were appointed as Grand Officers in Ontario CA in 2019. Fast forward through a phenomenal year to March of 2020, where right before heading to Fresno for sessions, the COVID pandemic changed everything and we needed to establish a new normal. From zoom calls, fun videos, and much more, California Rainbow worked hard to stay connected as we faced unprecedented times. Our hope was to reunite in Ontario, CA for Grand Assembly 2021 but we soon realized that this simply was not the safest choice for our members. However, ready or not, two incredible grand years were going to come to a close for the Leading Lemurs. It was finally time to enter The Enchanted Forest: Dream ~ Lead ~ Believe on March 27th through the 29th. 

After a thorough COVID-19 training, we were prepared to move forward as a team. The attention to detail ensured our continual safety by taking precautions like getting tested prior to arrival, wearing masks, socially distancing, daily health questionnaires, temperature checks, and many already being vaccinated. I arrived on-site at Heart of the Valley’s lodge in Fresno CA on March 26th, 2021, and was ushered straight into the dining hall, which was the viewing room for our onsite team so they could watch on a projection screen. I was extremely eager to see the lodge room because that’s where all filming for the live stream would take place which meant…decorations!! It’s an understatement to say that I was blown away! Mrs. Regier guided me into the lodge room with my eyes closed and I opened them to see a breathtaking castle tower. There was even a floating lantern! Tears instantly began to stream from my eyes as I was surrounded by beautiful backdrops, an enormous sparkly blue moon, to a dreamy lantern-guided canoe. 

The next day, it was finally time to enter The Enchanted Forest! What an exciting day that was. My parents and our viewers finally saw the beautiful light blue Grand Officer dresses for the first time as the Leading Lemurs passed a lantern to one another during our informal opening. Meanwhile, I was crouching down behind the tower ready to pop up and catch and release my lantern! In addition to the decorations, the technology was incredible. What we experienced was very different from what everyone else saw at home. Next to the video camera and lights was a TV monitor that showed those who were backstage virtually, my video feed, and the pre-edited videos that you all saw. Miss Rosenthal was at the Recorder’s desk watching the live feed and keeping us in touch with the tech team in Chicago, plus she monitored the chat to make sure you were all having a wonderful experience. Larry was one of the awesome tech people in Chicago who would cue me in by saying “Back to Bella in 5…4…3…2…” and thanks to Mr. Zahlis and others, anytime there were “technical difficulties” he would ensure that they would be quickly resolved. 

It was amazing to have our wonderful state parents by my side and my grandie Hannah there to support me and to help out as our unofficial onsite page. She was nicknamed the “Lady in the Lake” after lying on her stomach behind my canoe having only her hand pop into camera view to hand me props during my GWA report. Thankfully, my new grandie Katie lived close enough that we were able to arrange a safe meeting so I could congratulate her before installing her and the new corps of Grand Officers on Monday. It was amazing to hand her the gavel and to give her the Grand Worthy Advisor pin… you know… after I found it! While Katie was onscreen, I was offscreen jumping up and down trying to find it as Miss Rosenthal belly-crawled and Hannah frantically searched for it. There were definitely a handful of behind-the-scenes moments like these that made the weekend truly memorable. 

“Dream, Lead, Believe” was a phrase that I created quickly after being appointed in 2019 because I was inspired by individuals who conquer their circumstances with passion and determination. Little did I know that our theme would be the very instructions on how to make our virtual sessions come to life. Virtual Grand Assembly came with its share of challenges both in preparation and in execution, as would an in-person Grand, but rather than focusing on what we couldn’t do, we made the choice to fix our eyes on all that was possible. The time, labor, and the love that was invested into every fiber of creating a memorable Grand Assembly was a success because we all worked together to dream, lead, and believe.

With all of my Leading Mickey Love,

Isabella L., Jr. Past Grand Worthy Advisor 2020 & 2021

You’re a New Teen – Here’s How to Vote

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By Audrey M.

Are you a teen who’s interested in learning how to register for voting? Then you’re in the right place! Keep reading to learn about the pre-registration process.

Once a girl becomes 16, she is then eligible to pre-register to vote. Being pre-registered, once that girl turns 18, she is registered to vote in the next election. This service is useful for girls who turn 18 right before the elections. For example, I turn 18 on October 15th, 2020. This means that I was eligible to vote in that year’s presidential election. While Rainbow is not about politics, the voter turnout for adults ages 18-24 is only 36% according to the US Census Bureau. By going to this simple website, a girl can register or pre-register to vote. The Fourteenth Amendment guarantees the right to vote, the 26th amendment further guarantees the right to vote to anyone over the age of 18. This Amendment was ratified in 1971. This means that citizens ages 18-21 have only had the right to vote for 49 years and this year was the 100th anniversary of women getting the right to vote!! Voting is patriotic and if you want to influence policy choices then it is your duty to vote. We can register to vote by going to https://registertovote.ca.gov/.

Meet the MeerKats – Grand Worthy Advisor

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By: Katie S., Grand Worthy Advisor

Katie S., Grand Worthy Advisor, Visalia

Greetings California Rainbow! Many people have been asking me, “Where exactly is Visalia?” It is easiest to explain that it is between Fresno and Bakersfield on Highway 99, but I just know it as home. By now I am sure you have heard me talk about my pride in Visalia. My experiences growing up in Visalia Assembly provided opportunities for me to develop a better understanding of service and sisterhood. While in Rainbow, I have had the opportunity to be on the Membership Team, State Service Court, Public Relations Team, Leadership Team, and was a part of the Youth Supreme Training and Development Team. Now, I am a proud Milestone Making Meerkat! 

Since I was six, I have enjoyed swimming competitively. From swimming at my local swim club, four-year varsity swimmer in high school, and now at College of the Sequoias, I can proudly say I have chlorine in my blood. My all-time favorite swim memories have to be the time when I qualified for a swim meet in Seattle and Texas! While in High School, I held WYL Champion titles all four years, competed at Valley, and even got to swim at the CIF State Championship with my relay. And when I’m not competing… I’m still in the water. The ocean, lake, river, swimming pool, if there is water count me in. I’m your girl! Needless to say, the water is my happy place. 

Because of Rainbow and swim, I’ve had the opportunity to experience so many new places while discovering my passion for travel. The best vacations are when the destination includes visiting new places, trying new and different foods, and being adventurous. One vacation that sticks out to me was in Hawaii. We canoed upstream for two miles, hiked for another mile, and then Emily and I were able to swim under a waterfall. Way cool! Even though I love to travel to new places, my all-time favorite place to be is Disneyland©. I love the food, the rides, and most of all the feeling you get when you are there. It truly is my “happy place”. If you can’t find me on the rides, try Mainstreet USA or Salt and Straw in Downtown Disney, because I’m an ice cream connoisseur, you’ll be sure to find me there! When I’m not getting to travel, one of my favorite activities at home to do with my sister, Emily, is Carpool Karaoke. Highschool Musical is our main act, but don’t be surprised if Hannah Montana makes an appearance! I love to sing but just know I am not “the” singer! Emily has those genes! 

I am beyond excited to travel this year. I can’t wait to visit new places, try new foods with Mr. Regier (and Mrs. Regier too), and expand our Carpool Karaoke band! I can’t wait to see all of the great things California Rainbow has been doing and most of all I can’t wait to travel with the Milestone Making Meerkats and meet all the girls throughout California. To quote one of my favorite songs, “Together, together, come on let’s have some fun!” Let’s make 100 milestones to celebrate 100 years of service and leadership and show the world what California Rainbow is all about.

Five Tips for Finding the Right Volunteer Opportunity

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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.

By Hope C.

There is no doubt that giving back is important, but it can be difficult when deciding how to do so. There are countless volunteer opportunities in every community, so it may feel overwhelming to try and find the right cause for you. Here are some tips and tricks that will help you find the best fit when it comes to volunteering opportunities!

1. Find Your Passion

While all volunteer work is good, your experience will be immensely better if you choose a cause that you are genuinely interested in. You shouldn’t choose a specific organization just because you think it will look impressive or is the most popular. Volunteering is about a lot more than checking off a box on your resume or trying to stand out in the college application process. It will be more beneficial for both you and the organization that you are working with if you truly care about the cause. Ask yourself what it is that you are passionate about. For example, if your passion is teaching others, you could try out tutoring or volunteering at a museum. If you’re passionate about physically building things, try working with an organization such as Habitat for Humanity. If you love animals, try a pet shelter. The options are limitless when it comes to worthy organizations, so look for a cause that is important to you!

2. Know Your Time Commitment

Make sure that you are realistic about how much time you have to give. Depending on the organization that you choose, there will be differing levels of commitment expected. Pull out your calendar and check your availability. Keep this in mind when considering volunteer opportunities and the positions within them. It’s okay to start small!

3. Identify Your Skills

When choosing a cause to volunteer for, it is important that you consider what you have to offer. What will you bring to the team or organization that you are volunteering for? Some nonprofits have specific areas where they are looking for help. Look for some that apply to you! These can include skills such as marketing, fundraising, planning, building, or public relations. These may sound like daunting tasks but organizations are also looking for people who have connections in the community, are good at working with kids, enjoy outdoor projects, and so on. Similar to finding your passion, identifying your skills will help you and your cause! Once you know what you’re looking for, it may be easier to narrow down your top choices.

4. Do Research

Make sure to do research and try out different places! You can research in many different ways; you can look around your community for local charities, talk to friends or family, and search on the internet. Many sites such as volunteermatch.org allow you to type in your interests and generate organizations where you can volunteer. Directories in your local community centers, school bulletins, and counseling offices also have similar resources. Take your time so that you pick the cause where you will be the most impactful! 

5. Start Small

It’s okay to start with baby steps rather than quickly jumping into a huge commitment. Many organizations will even let you try helping at smaller events to find out if you are a good fit! Try it out and see what you enjoy before making a decision. Even after you have decided on the cause where you will be volunteering, there is no need to overload yourself too quickly. It’s best to get to know your organization and become comfortable with what you are doing. This way, you’ll also help avoid the dreaded volunteer burnout. As you feel more confident with your tasks, you can step it up and begin to work on bigger projects! Work with your level of comfort and the timeline that is best for you and your organization.

It can be challenging to decide where you are going to volunteer. These are some things to consider so that you can help make a change in the best way possible. Remember that no act of service is too small, and you have already taken the first steps towards making a difference! Rather than choosing the first opportunity that you come across, make an informed decision and find the right fit. Don’t forget to have fun in the process!