Red Hat Society Day: The Red Hat Society celebrates its birthday on April 25th, the anniversary of the very first Red Hat Society gathering in 1998. It is up to each chapter to decide how they want to observe our official birthday.

Reduations: When a Pink Hatter reaches the magic birthday of 50, her chapter may choose to put on a "reduation" - a ceremony of whatever kind the members come up with. During this ceremony she will finally attain her first red hat, an event much to be anticipated. Until a member is old enough, she will continue to be "reducated" by her chapter on the types of behavior that will be expected of her when she achieves full Red Hat status.

The Red Hat Society Mascot: The official mascot of the RHS is Ruby Red Hat, a full- figured little lady about a foot tall, and cleverly disguised as an adult. She represents the spirt of the little girl who is alive and well inside each of us.

Titles: Each chapter structures itself according to the wishes and whims of its members, and the women choose "offices" for themselves as they see fit. The founder of the chapter is referred to as its "Queen Mother."

In the spirit of play, every Red Hatter is encouraged to dream up a title for herself. Royal titles are particularly encouraged (i.e. Empress, Baroness, Lady, Duchess), but titles other than the Queen's are fine too (i.e. Hysterian - the keeper of the scrapbook, Red Snapper - the chapter photographer, Mistress of Anxiety - the one who does everyone else's worrying). Perhaps your title will refer to a particular hobby or interest like Lady Runamuck - a Red Hatter on the go, or Canine Countess - the one who loves dogs or, if you love to shop, why not Baroness of Bargains? A playful title can be the first step toward personal liberation and self-permission to play.

Some other suggestions: Duchess of DoLittle, Duchess of Do Nothing, Lady Know-it-All, Lady Money Bag, Dame Paparazza, The Royal Sexytary, Ac-Countess Receivable.

Current R.O.B.I.N.S. titles include Queen Mum (Karen Hay), Vice Queen aka Queen of Vices (Sally Loetell), and Princess Giki, Webmistress (Karen Woys).

Official Instrument: The Kazoo, of Course! Why?

• It is an equal-opportunity instrument. Anyone can hum and play one.
• It is eminently portable.
• It is affordable.
• Group concerts are easily arranged.

The Wave: The Queenly wave, which comprises the official RHS greeting, is performed by cupping the hand, fingers together, and ever-so-gently swiveling the wrist back and forth in the dirction of the adoring throngs (or other Red Hatters).

Brim Brushing: Red Hatters enjoy gestures of affection when bidding each other hello or goodbye, but hugs tend to knock hats to the ground. Therefore, when in our regalia, we often content ourselves with mutual shoulder touching and gentle brushing of hat brims. Full hugs are gest given by those who are hatless.

Birthday Suit: A Red Hatter gains special attention by wearing the Red Hat colors in a unique way during her birthday month. She wears a red outfit with a purple hat. We call this tradition "Au Contraire" (French for "to the contrary"). Why do we do this? Because we feel like it and because we can. We are always on the lookout for ways to make life fun.

Decorum: Since we are all adults, and royalty as well, very little needs to be said regarding public manners. However, even though we are a disorganization without rules, we do wish to remind our ladies that we are highly visible when we are out in public in our colors. The public reaction is very favorable because of our good spirits and our bright colors. The RHS asks that each member keep in mind that she is representing the Red Hat Society to the public. We strive to be quite the ladies, don't you know! Light- hearted fun is good. Raucous, rude behavior is SO not Red Hat!

Charities: If an individual chapter wishes to participate in charitable events, the RHS encourages them to do so in their chapter name. The RHS as a whole does not see itself as an appropriate forum for fund raising. The RHS is a play group for women - we're into FUNraising, not fund-raising.

Member's Oath: "I [state your name] do solemnly swear on my red hat that I will do my best to uphold the spirit of the Red Hat Society. I will greet middle age with verve, humor and elan. I will take my silliness seriously, knowing that it is the comedic relief of life. I agree to join red-gloved hands with my red hatted sisters and go for the gusto together. I will strive to help create new bonds and strengthen existing bonds among my sisters as we move forward to wherever life may take us."

Welcome to the sisterhood of the Red Hat Society.

The Queen's Proclamation: It may only be mid January but, as your Queen, I proclaim this day, January 14th, 2005, to be the beginning of the eternal season of Spring evidenced by this very gathering of the R.O.B.I.N.S. of Glen Arm.