Rainbow Gatherings

The Rainbow Family of Living Light, sometimes known as the "Rainbow Tribe", is an international loose 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 movement sometimes refer to the circle simply as the "Family". The words: Rainbow Family in the longer title are a reference to the families inclusiveness of all colors, classes, races and creeds.

The use of the phrase: Living Light in the longer title is a reference to "living lightly", or living with little mass or impact on the environment. Here's another daffy-nition: A rainbow gathering is called "rainbow" because it takes the full spectrum of hue-manity to make it happen; it literally 'takes all kinds' ... IOW, many hands make light work. :^) -or- Ya' know (the Rainbow) "it's made up of light". Living Light that is.

Some rainbow family participants make the claim that the family is the "largest non-organization of non-members in the world". In addition to referring to itself as a non-organization, the Rainbow Family of Living Light's "non-members" also playfully call the movement a "disorganization".

There are no official leaders, no formal structure, no official spokespersons, and no membership. Instead, the Rainbow Family forms community through passivly shared "traditions" of love for the Earth and gatherings to pray for peace. Most gatherings are loosely maintained by open, free form counsels consisting of any "non-member" who wishes to be part of a counsel. There is no formal organization or leadership. It is felt by many to be contrary to the spirit of the gatherings.

It is said that any one with a belly button may consider themselves part of the rainbow family, and that even a belly button is not really needed. We are welcome home as one family.

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Note to newbees: Keep your gathering Karma clean (or at least natural)
by coming self sufficient with some to share, picking up litter if you
see it, dissappearing your campsite and taking at least one bag of
trash far far away with you when you leave; please and thank you.  Oh
yeah, AND the real fun at gatherings is helping out at least a couple
of hours a day!  Do da Buddha.