Return to flip book view

Dress for Success Oregon Dress Code Revised and Approved Aug 24, 2024 for use in the Jurisdiction of Oregon

Dress for Success Introduction How important are clothes in expressing yourself in Rainbow? We always hear first impressions matter, and this is what is instilled in us early on to always look our best for work, school, Rainbow, etc. but we also need to feel great in what we are wearing to help us have the confidence in ourselves. This is invaluable! Whether we are attending a class, giving a speech, or presiding in a meeting of Rainbow, we need to have confidence in ourselves. Unfortunately, people can make judgments about us based on our attire. It is important for our members to look and feel good with properly fitting attire, to remove any insecurities or judgments. The goal of this document is to boost our members’ confidence allowing them to focus on leading rather than being concerned with their attire. This resource was authored by the 2022 Junior Executives of the Grand Executive Committee as your go-to guide for how to dress at different events and updated by the 2024 Junior Executives of the Grand Executive Committee. Oregon Rainbow is committed to creating a culture of inclusivity. We are proud to foster an environment that encourages respect, tolerance, and acceptance.

Dress for Success Policy Statement .......................................................................................... 5 Procedure Supporting the Oregon Rainbow Dress Code ............................. 5 Roles & Responsibilities ............................................................................... 7 Formal Attire ................................................................................................ 8 Examples of Formal Attire ............................................................................ 9 What Not to Wear for Formal Attire .............................................................. 9 Semi-Formal/Short Dress Attire .................................................................. 10 Business Casual Attire ............................................................................... 11 Casual Attire .............................................................................................. 12 Examples of Casual Attire .......................................................................... 12 What Not to Wear for Casual Attire ............................................................ 13 Swimwear .................................................................................................. 13 Sleepwear .................................................................................................. 14 Shoes for Formalwear ................................................................................ 14 Standard of Dress ...................................................................................... 14 General Appearance .................................................................................. 16 Dress Code Tiers ....................................................................................... 17 Table of Contents

5 Dress for Success Policy Statement Oregon Rainbow’s top priority is the safety, both physical and emotional, of all its members. Advisors, chaperones, and parents should ensure that Oregon Rainbow members understand appropriate clothing choices relevant to a trip, event, or experience. This guidance is for use in the Jurisdiction of Oregon. If traveling outside of Oregon, please refer to the Universal Dress Guidelines for proper appearance and attire. Active members must adhere to the Oregon Rainbow Dress Code. Adults are encouraged to adhere to the appearance requirements to the extent possible and expected to adhere to attire policy. Procedure Supporting the Oregon Rainbow Dress Code Acceptable dress should be shared at the assembly level at minimum once a year and discussed even before a new member/family joins the Order so they can prepare. The more thorough the explanation of acceptable dress, the easier it will be to follow and for peers and supportive adults to correct if discrepancies crop up. Supportive adults include Mother Advisor, Assistant Mother Advisor, Advisory Board, District Deputy, and Parents. Be Consistent with the Policy If we enforce the dress code with some members and not others, it may be perceived as discrimination. Being consistent with the policy can help to avoid problems with relationships within the assembly and throughout the state. Members will often feel more comfortable knowing that everyone must abide by the same guidelines, as well.

6 Dress for Success Send Out Reminders or Updates If Oregon Rainbow decides that certain aspects of the dress code policy are no longer necessary or it institutes new policies, it’s important to make sure that those updates are sent out to existing members as soon as possible. If changes aren’t made to policy, but some members and/or assemblies begin to violate existing dress code policies, a request can be made by a Grand Deputy to have assemblies in their district review the policy. Meet with the Members Privately If a member continuously violates the dress code despite subtle reminders from peers or wears clothing that’s highly inappropriate, the Mother Advisor and Grand Deputy may meet with them privately to help resolve the problem. During the meeting, it’s important to make the member feel comfortable, address the specific dress code violations, and offer solutions and assistance. The totality of the circumstance shall be considered, including but not limited to the following factors: the member’s family, home, or community situation; the member’s age and maturity; whether there have been prior incidents regarding the dress code and what steps were previously taken to address them; and the social emotional status and needs of the member. It’s important to prevent dress code violations as quickly as possible, but it’s equally as important to be tactful and compassionate. Some members may inadvertently violate policies and may be open to correcting problems, but not understand how. Use a friendly and helpful approach. Many assemblies have acceptable dresses and shrugs available in their dress closets. There are additional specifics regarding Dress Code expectations as our members advance in the ranks of leadership in the State. Be sure to review the Dress Code Tiers for more information.

7 Dress for Success Roles & Responsibilities Roles Responsibilities Member to Oneself Members are first and foremost in charge of monitoring themselves and how they conduct themselves. Member to Peer Youth members oversee keeping each other accountable to upholding our dress code. To avoid discomfort for all involved, it is of utmost importance that all discussions regarding dress code violations between peers are respectful and kind. Mother Advisors, Associate Mother Advisor, Advisory Board Members Educate and supervise the members of their Assembly on the dress code. The dress code should be reviewed at the beginning of each year. When new members join, the dress code should be explained to both the new member and the parents. Each year the adult leaders and members, should read and discuss the dress code to ensure all are leading by example. Grand Deputy Superintend their district ensuring they understand and follow the dress code. Overall: If anyone feels that there is a problem with the way a member is dressed, they should address the issue with them in private. Remember to keep their feelings in mind and consider how they might feel if roles were reversed in that situation. One should not challenge the member's taste or fashion sense. Rather, explain what is unacceptable about the attire according to the policy standard and determine how to correct the situation so they are appropriate for the event. Make it an informative discussion, not a critical one. Members should only receive feedback by peers and adult advisors of their assembly or their Grand Deputy of their District.

8 Dress for Success Formal Attire Formal Occasions include Installations, Initiations, Official Visits, and Receptions. General Long dresses, long skirts & blouses, pantsuits/jumpsuits, suits Length Ankle length or lower (not dragging on floor) Color Skirts or suit pants may be black. “Color-blocked” dresses may have some black, but this should be limited to approx. 50% of the dress and not have black next to the face. Suit jackets, sweaters, shrugs and dress shirts can be any color other than black. Straps Minimum of 1”; not more than 1” off shoulder. Any neckline must stay above the bra line and not reveal cleavage. Sheer panels above the bra line are okay. One shoulder may be bare if the other is covered. Single strap with a high neckline, to stay covered while bowing, is allowed. Halters are appropriate so long as they are not backless. Back No lower than the natural bra line. Slits No higher than 2” above the knee. Shoes Dress shoes must have a back or a heel strap; wedge heels are okay. Please avoid very high heels. Shoes may be black. No flip flops or athletic slides or tennis shoes. Initiation Candidate Should adhere to general FORMAL attire and flat comfortable shoes are recommended.

9 Dress for Success Examples of Formal Attire What Not to Wear for Formal Attire

10 Dress for Success Semi-Formal/Short Dress Attire Semi-Formal/Short Dress Occasions include Fraternal or civic activities, community events, and some dances. General Tea length dresses, knee length skirts, split skirts or slacks & blouses, pantsuits/jumpsuits Length Skirt length may vary, depending on a member’s height and figure type, but dresses and skirts should not ride up when they sit or move. Knee, tea or ankle length are all fine. Individuals need to consider if they are seated in an elevated chair like the East or West and what the line of sight is for others sitting on the sidelines. Color, Straps, Shoes, Back and Slits See Formal Attire

11 Dress for Success Business Casual Attire Business Casual Occasions include regular stated meetings, Fraternal or civic activities, community events, fundraising and hotel common areas. General Dress pants, skirts, polos, dressy blouses, button-ups, capris, slacks, short dresses Professional-looking dress pants and tops, skirts and tops, or dresses. Clothes should be clean and neat in appearance, with nothing tattered or torn. Leggings with a dress or long tunic are allowed. No black next to the face. Other guidelines from the Short Dress Attire category apply. No athletic shoes or flip flops.

12 Dress for Success Casual Attire Casual Occasions include practices, service projects, and socials. Shirts Minimum 1” straps, polos, non-offensive or non-controversial t-shirts, no backless halter-tops, no midriff showing. Pants Worn at the waistline. Lightly distressed jeans, i.e. no skin should be showing through holes. Shorts no shorter than mid-thigh. Dark solid opaque (non-see-through) leggings can be paired with a long shirt, dress, or tunic. Sweatpants if deemed appropriate by MA. Shoes Comfy and safe shoes for your event. Examples of Casual Attire

13 Dress for Success Swimwear What Not to Wear for Casual Attire One-piece or two-piece swimsuits. Providing the suit is in good taste and not revealing. Cover up and footwear mandatory; flip-flops may be worn poolside and while traveling to and from the pool. Example of Swimwear What Not to Wear for Swimwear

14 Dress for Success Sleepwear Shoes for Formalwear Comfortable but appropriately covering attire Example of Sleepwear What Not to wear for Sleepwear Examples of acceptable footwear

15 Dress for Success Standard of Dress Both members and adult leaders are expected to adhere to standards of dress and appearance that are compatible with an effective learning environment. Presenting a bodily appearance or wearing clothing which is disruptive, revealing, offensive or which endangers the health and safety of the member or others is prohibited. Do wear appropriate undergarments that provide adequate support. Clothing must cover undergarments including bra straps. For our members to feel confident in themselves we highly recommend they maintain good personal hygiene habits. Black Black is a symbol of despair or mourning and is the absence of color; therefore, it is not found in our Rainbow so use it sparingly. Black is also a “shadowing” color that tends to make a person blend in rather than stand out. The colors of the Rainbow in our attire helps us stand out as the leaders we are as well as boost our confidence and inspire others to find their own confidence. Merit Bars and Pins Members may wear their merit bars at the waist on the left side in proper color order to all Masonic functions. The Pot of Gold and Wreath may not be worn until all color bars are earned. Pins such as Member and Past Worthy Advisor are worn over one’s heart. Crowns A crown may be worn by the Worthy Advisor and Grand Worthy Advisor when conducting their duties in the East but never when wearing pants or a pantsuit. When wearing a pantsuit, the WA/GWA may wear their pin.

16 Dress for Success General Appearance Grand Cross and Service to Rainbow Medallion The Medallion may be worn to all Masonic functions. When worn, the ribbon shall not have other charms, bars, etc., attached in any manner. It is not worn in public. Hair Hairstyles should be neat, off the face and not something to play with. Once an individual has styled their hair, they should be able to forget their hair and focus 100% on the business at hand. No touching, no smoothing, no combing — no thoughts of “ow, when can I get these bobbypins out”. During formal events Grand Officers that have hair longer than the nape of the neck, must wear their hair up and secured neatly in a bun, twist, french roll or any type of braid(s). Bangs should not fall below the brow line. Hair should not be loose in a claw clip or comb. Wiglets do not need to be worn. If you choose to wear a wiglet, rosette and modified rosette wiglets are preferred.

17 Dress for Success Dress Code Tiers Piercings No visible piercing other than the ears and a single stud in the nostril are permitted (no septum). Earrings are to be studs or hoops/dangles of no larger than the size of a 25¢ coin. Tattoos Members who are 18 years old or older may have visible tattoos within the Jurisdiction of Oregon below the collar bone that are non-offensive, non-controversial tattoos and do not bring attention to cleavage. If members travel outside the Jurisdiction, they will need to cover tattoos and utilize clear spacers in the nose per the Universal Dress Code. Oregon Rainbow’s organizational structure can be broken into three tiers to view our various leadership levels. As leaders grow and climb to the next role there are more expectations of them when it comes to dress uniform. Level 3: Grand Officer Level 1 Member Level 2: Ambassador

18 Dress for Success Level 1 General Member General membership has no specific uniform beyond the Oregon Dress Code. This means they have the option to wear a floor length dress, floor length skirt & blouse, jumpsuit or suit at any formal event. A hoop skirt may be worn at the local level per the Assembly’s traditions outlined in the Addendum. As a reminder, members do not wear hats, gloves or trains at Masonic functions. Coaching on dress code for local events for Level 1 leaders comes from the Worthy Advisor, peers, the Mother Advisor, the Assistant Mother Advisor and the Grand Deputy. Level 1 Member

19 Dress for Success Level 2 Jurisdictional Ambassador / Junior SEC Jurisdictional Ambassadors and Junior State Executive Committee members have more responsibilities, and they will have different expectations of them within their role. Their uniform is a floor length dress, jumpsuit or suit in the color options selected by the GWA and the sashes provided by the Grand Assembly. In offering the pantsuits and suits, it should be reminded that when traveling out of state we will revert to the Universal Dress Guidelines. Coaching on dress code for local events for Level 2 leaders comes from the Worthy Advisor, peers, the Mother Advisor, the Assistant Mother Advisor and the Grand Deputy. Coaching for statewide events and out of jurisdiction events comes from the Grand Worthy Advisor, Grand Worthy Associate Advisor, and Director of Sisters Without Borders. Level 2: Ambassador

20 Dress for Success Level 3 Grand Officers Grand Officers apply for their position and the extra responsibilities that go along with the office. The branded uniform of a Grand Officer includes hair off the nape of the neck. The GWA will define the uniform for the year with the consultation of the Supreme Deputy to include a dress and suit option thereby honoring diversity. It should be reminded that when traveling out of state we revert to the Universal Dress Guidelines. Coaching on dress code for local events for Level 3 leaders comes from the Worthy Advisor, peers, the Mother Advisor, the Assistant Mother Advisor and the Grand Deputy. Coaching for statewide events and out of jurisdiction events comes from the Grand Worthy Advisor, Grand Worthy Associate Advisor, and the Director of Grand Officers Team. Level 3: Grand Officer

Special thank you to all the members and adults that contributed to this work product.