Youth Protection Position Statement

International Order of the Rainbow for Girls

The International Order of the Rainbow for Girls (IORG) has a long and proud history of providing girls with an environment of safety and encouragement, where they can develop skills and confidence in the areas of leadership and citizenship while also enjoying themselves and having fun. With a focus of getting girls ready for life, IORG was at the forefront in implementing protective policies to prevent harm to our youth, and to provide them with guidelines about setting and keeping appropriate boundaries, respecting themselves and others, recognizing inappropriate behaviors, and knowing when to take action.

The Supreme Executive Board of IORG has adopted the position that no child should ever come to harm at the hands of another person. The consequences of abuse and other forms of maltreatment are contrary to the philosophies and teachings of Rainbow, and we maintain our commitment to safeguarding the wellbeing of Rainbow Girls around the world. Recognizing that maintaining up-to-date procedural detail and training content is an evolutionary process, IORG is committed to ensuring the safety of our members by establishing this over-arching policy stating that child maltreatment in all its forms is unacceptable and will not, under any circumstances, be condoned within our organization.

To that end, IORG prohibits child maltreatment in our programs and activities, and will take decisive action against offenders. Offenders will be removed from leadership positions, and prohibited from future participation in IORG activities. IORG will not tolerate any behavior or activity (individually, in group or via electronic medium) which threatens the safety and wellbeing of its members, including but not limited to physical abuse, emotional abuse, sexual abuse, harassment, or bullying. Additionally, consumption or distribution of alcohol or illegal drugs, or misuse of prescription drugs is prohibited during Rainbow activities or with Rainbow youth. Violations will be cause for immediate disciplinary action and removal, and reports will be made to appropriate child welfare agencies in keeping with applicable state laws. Further, IORG will not tolerate attempts to hide incidents of maltreatment, to interfere or discourage appropriate and timely reporting of an incident, or to delay reporting any occurrences of abuse that may be disclosed by a member or other person knowledgeable of such an event.

Realizing the necessity of vigilance to safeguard the wellbeing of the youth of our organization, and in recognition of April as Child Abuse Prevention Month, the Supreme Executive Board of the International Order of the Rainbow for Girls hereby reaffirms our commitment:

·         To maintain and enforce a no-tolerance policy against all forms of maltreatment, and to promote positive interactions throughout all levels of the organization

·         To develop and maintain a comprehensive program of training to inform and educate girls, their leaders and parents about youth protection issues, and to provide them with knowledge and resources for prevention and protection

·         To implement stringent screening processes for leaders, and maintain vigorous disciplinary procedures for anyone who violates this policy

·         To establish and require strong reporting protocols consistent with applicable local laws

·         To continue to develop policy and practice which assures the safety and wellbeing of our girls, and creates an environment in which they may thrive

Accepted by the Supreme Executive Board of The International Order of the Rainbow for Girls on April 10, 2014.