Some say we're the largest non-organization of non-members in the world. We have no leaders, and no organization. To be honest, the Rainbow Family means different things to different people. I think it's safe to say we're into intentional community building, non-violence, and alternative lifestyles. We also believe that Peace and Love are a great thing, and there isn't enough of that in this world. Many of our traditions are based on Native American traditions, and we have a strong orientation to take care of the the Earth. We gather in the National Forests yearly to pray for peace on this planet.

The interesting thing is that we all consider ourselves to be part of a huge, extended family, no matter what our reason for gathering, no matter what our spiritual or religious or political or economic or social views may be. And many people who have not yet had an opportunity to attend a gathering also feel they are part of this family.

Another interesting thing is that there is no formal organizational structure. There are no membership qualifications, no fees or dues, no leaders, and virtually no rules other than the one of ''peaceful respect.'' Each year, individuals take personal responsibility and work together with others on whatever they are inspired to do, from office work, to scouting, to building the kitchens at the gatherings, to hauling in food and first-aid supplies, to peacekeeping, etc. Every project undertaken operates essentially on a consensus basis. Participation, communication, and cooperation are how things get done.

The Rainbow Family philosophy has its roots in 1960s hippie culture, the peace movement, the back-to-the-land movement and Native American traditions. Rainbow people draw their beliefs from anarchism, feminism, Christianity, Eastern mysticism and environmentalism.

Some are teenage runaways. Some are professionals. Some draw Social Security.

''We really are a cross-section of America in all of its good and all of its bad implications,'' said a longtime Rainbow from California.

The man, who asked not to be identified, runs one of the makeshift kitchens that will feed thousands during the annual gatherings. He and other Rainbows consider themselves harassed by the Forest Service and law enforcement agencies.

The summer gatherings are always on public lands but never at developed campgrounds. The gatherings are the first week in July, but hundreds of campers show up weeks early and some stay afterward for cleanup.

The true believers come to worship Mother Earth, human brotherhood and the power of love. They ask that attendees treat the woods as gently as possible. Hangers-on come for the party, for drugs and for easy sex.

Mosquitoes and weather willing, many campers shun clothing.

"People of the Rainbow" is a comprehensive ethnographic study of the Rainbow Family of Living Light. The book begins with ethnographic fiction: A day in the life of Sunflower, a composit character based on real Rainbow experiences. The ensuing 9 chapters provide a readable description of the Family and places the Family within an historical context of American utopian experiments. For more info see my website: http://www.acsu.buffalo.edu/~niman/rainbow.html

The HIPPIE CHRISTIAN web site is dedicated to all those who want to leave Babylon and get back to the Garden. It is for all who desire to know the Creator.

Being a Hippie Christian isn't how you dress or what you say as much as it is a total life style. To be a Hippie Christian requires an attitude of the heart that grows out of a personal encounter with the living Christ which overflows into your whole life.

Jesus taught about peace and love. Jesus chose the outcasts, He loved the unlovely, He reached out to the rejects. Jesus taught about getting back to the Garden, about having a personal relationship with the Creator of the universe...

For some ancient wisdom on how to live the Hippie Christian life please read Jesus' Sermon on the Mount.

Some Christians have heard the Lord say, ''This is my end time army. These are my end time warriors. They can live on pennies, eat anything, live anywhere and call each other, 'Brother' and 'Sister. They will preach around the earth when the glory of God falls for an end time army and end time harvest.''
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Redemption of the whole people group is also taking place. It is God's purpose to disciple the Rainbow nation, a hidden, invisible people group. They will then be able to take their place as part of God's end-time army.

It is longstanding Rainbow Family consensus that nobody has ever, or ever will represent the Rainbow Family. This is an unofficial collection of information on the Rainbow Family and the Rainbow Gatherings, and in no way should anyone who works on this web site be considered to be representing the Rainbow Family. For the rest of the disclaimer, Go to the Bottom.

Since various Law Enforcement agencies and the Forest Service can't seem to understand the preceeding paragraph, go to this link for a more verbose and simplified version especially for you.