RAINBOW FAMILY

The 'Rainbow Family of Living Light', also known as ''The Rainbow Nation'', ''The Rainbow Family'', or the ''Rainbow Tribe'', is committed to principals of non-violence and non-hierarchical egalitarianism. It has been holding large non-commercial Rainbow Gatherings since 1972. They gather to pray for world peace and to demonstrate the viability of a cooperative utopian community living in harmony with the Earth. They govern themselves using a Council whose membership is open to all interested parties. Money is not used in their societies and all necessities are provided for free at their Gatherings.

Contents

Goals

Gatherings

External links

Usenet

Goals

The organisation is a loose international affiliation of individuals who have a common goal of trying to achieve peace and love on Earth. Those who participate in, or sympathize with, the activities of this group sometimes refer to their group simply as the "Phamily". The words ''Rainbow Family'' in the longer title are both a reference to the group's inclusiveness of all people and to "living lightly," an awareness of the great effect one can have on his or her environment. Rainbow Family participants make the claim that their group is the "largest non-organization of non-members in the world". In addition to referring to itself as a non-organization, the group's "non-members" also even playfully call the group a "disorganization". There are no official leaders or structure, no official spokespersons, and no formalized membership. Instead, the Rainbow Family form communities through shared "traditions" of love for the Earth, and gatherings to pray for peace. It is maintained by councils that consist of any "non-member" who wishes to be part of the council.

Gatherings

Main articles: Rainbow Gathering

All Rainbow Gatherings are held with an open invitation to people of all walks of life, and of all beliefs, to share experiences, love, dance, songs, food and learning.
The first Gathering occurred in San Francisco, California in 1969, but was not widely known as "the Rainbow Gathering" until 1972. The Rainbow Family is most widely known for its large annual American Gatherings (or U.S. "Nationals" and/or "Annuals") which are held on U.S. Forest Service lands. These U.S. Annual Gatherings usually attract between 10,000 and 25,000 participants and appear to be a constant source of concern for the U.S. Forest Service. They are held in the summer around the time of the Fourth of July and are highlighted by a prayer for peace reverberating through the land as an awe inspiring Aum (Om) of thousands.
In addition to these larger U.S. Annuals, the Rainbow Family also holds gatherings throughout the year in dozens of other countries. "World Gatherings" are also held from time to time in various countries. Other Rainbow Family activities include regional gatherings (or Regionals) and retreats. There are also small, local activities such as local drum circles, potlucks, music related events and campouts.

External links

★ Welcomehere.org Rainbow Family of the Living Light "Unofficial" Homepage (Current Gathering Information / Links)]

★ Welcomehome.org Rainbow Family of the Living Light "Unofficial Homepage"; photos, music

★ People of the Rainbow: A Nomadic Utopia — an ethnographic study of the Rainbow Family

★ Star's Rainbow Ride Board

★ The Kind Ride Share

Usenet

★ alt.gathering.rainbow