Ever consider being a Queen of the Red Hat Society and having a Chapter of your own?

Someone clever once said that it's easy to be Queen and in the RHS, that's so true. Many ladies start with the RHS as a Supporting Member but once they get into the swing of things, quickly choose to upgrade to Queen.

The responsibilities of the Queen are designed to be minimal. It's right there in the handbook so it must be so! A Queen registers her chapter, signs up her ladies and gathers to have fun together! It's that easy. (The crown and waving to the adoring crowd is just an extra benefit!)

If you are not yet a Supporting Member of the Red Hat Society, we suggest that you start a Chapter in your area and help us grow. (We fondly call it the Red Spread!)

If you are a Supporting Member now and you have ever had that little urge to be a Queen, we say, "Hello, Your Majesty. It's good to know you! Click here to get started!

Whether you begin as a Queen or upgrade to one, know that it's wonderful to be Queen!

The creation of spin-off chapters is a natural phenomenon of RHS growth. It's how so many of our chapters got started! At any time and for any reason, some of a chapter's Members - with or without the support of their current Queen - may choose to start another chapter. More often than not, the current Queen recognizes the need for a new chapter and guides the new Queen in starting the new group. Many groups find that a spin off into new chapters can actually increase the fun had by all! It can seem a little sad at first to create a new group, but it may well be for the best - and the sister chapters can always get together for a party or two!

One of our long time Members, Queen Carol of the Beaded Babes, Fullerton, CA started her chapter in May 2001, and if ever a woman has earned the title of the Spin-Off Queen, it's Carol. Carol has been invited to countless first chapter gatherings where she is known for arriving in colorful Fairy Godmother regalia complete with wings, ever ready to dub the chapter into existence and start the fun. With much laughter, a swirl of her wand, and a cloud of glitter, she brings new meaning to the phrase, "Let's get this party started!" Nicely done, Carol!

Now the point of this message is not to suggest that our current Queens break apart their chapters, slip on wings (Although that does sound fun, doesn't it?!) or for Supporting Members to leave their chapters for greener pastures. This is a message to explain our options as Queens and Supporting Members of the RHS. We do encourage that every Member become aware of what is going on in her chapter. Do your chapterettes fuss or fade off? Spin-offs make complete sense when a chapter finds that some of its Members want to have fun in different ways, at a different pace, at a different price point or time.

Our Queen Carol points out that throughout the years that her small chapter has enjoyed each other company, every single one of her chapterettes eventually became a Queen of her own chapter. Although these Queens are not listed anymore on Carol's roster - remember you are linked to only one chapter in our records whether you are a Queen or Supporting Member - they still are close friends.

Let's also consider that hatter who wants more hatting. She's the one who although she loves her chapter and what they do together, wants to participate in additional activities. She may be drawn to a specialty chapter such as a Victorian or swashbuckling pirate chapter or want to start her own. The Spin Off option is perfect for her too.