Hattitude" is attitude with a hat on - a RED one of course!

The Red Hat Society is proud to call itself a dis-organization. We are a connected group of thousands of chapters worldwide - a society with no rules! Except one. .. or maybe two ... hmm, or three ... or ...

We are not a fund raising or charitable group - we are just gathering of ladies getting together now and then for fun, friendship and laughs!

Hattitude is about having fun - but making sure that it is fun for everyone! Here are a few simple rules and guidelines to help smooth the way and to try to make our gatherings as enjoyable as possible for all!

To be a Red Hatter, ladies over fifty are to wear a RED HAT and PURPLE CLOTHING to all gatherings and events.

Ladies under 50 are to wear a PINK HAT and LAVENDER ATTIRE until THE birthday!

You must be a lady - meaning, not only must you be female, but also you must behave as a lady at all times when wearing your Red Hat Society colors. In addition to the Red Hat Society Rules, we have some chapter guidelines - designed to help make things run smoothly and simply for all...

R.S.V.P ... Reply ... Are You Coming? ... Please let me know!!This is the biggie! If you've ever organized any event - you'll understand just how much it helps to know who is really going to come along - and the sooner you know, the easier it makes it. So ladies, please remember to RSVP to the organizer of each event as soon as you can. Remembering of course, to RSVP even if you can't come! That helps to avoid running up a big phone bill chasing up all the stragglers.

REGALIA

Wear your colors proudly to all Red Hat outings. Donning a Red Hat might feel a bit silly, but then again, it's supposed to be a bit silly! After all, this IS the Red Hat Society! Accessorize as much as you like - glamour, glitz and sparkle are very Red Hat. Gloves and feather boas are never too much!For casual outings like bowling, a BBQ or beach walk, then normal jeans plus a purple top and Red Cap are perfect! But if you'd like to dye your jeans purple and wear them for our outings, then go for it! Some ladies have even been known to dye their undies purple too! (A gal can never have too much purple)

CHILDREN & MENFOLK

We love them dearly, but as a rule, our Red Hat outings are to be a child-free and partner-free zone. However, there may be one or two events during the year when partners and/or children will be specially invited to come along.

MEMBERSHIP FEES

We do not have membership fees in our chapter. When we have an outing, gathering or event, each member pays for her own meal, drinks, fares, tickets, etc.However, we will pass the hat at events to take up a donation for the kitty, whatever you can give will be fine if only a dollar or two. The reserve will be used for any additional expenses.

CHAPTER REGISTRATION

We are an officially registered chapter of the Red Hat Society, Chapter ID #52693 . Chapter registration costs $35 per year. When registration becomes due each year, we will pass the hat around for contributions towards the cost.

NEWSLETTERS

There will be a newsletter at least once per month, to keep you in touch with all that is going on. The newsletters will be emailed to all members. If you do not have access to email, and would like receive a hard copy of the newsletter, then let the Queen know.

MAKING HATTENINGS HAPPEN!

Events and gatherings do not just happen by themselves. Someone has to plan them! In our chapter, all members are actively encouraged to plan their own gatherings! That way, we are all very much involved, we get to try many different things, and it does not end up being lots of work for just a few people.Here's what to do... · Decide what activity YOU would like to do. · Choose and date and time - it is impossible to find a date that will suit everyone, so simply choose a date and time that suits YOU. · How much it will cost and do we need to pay a deposit? · How will we get there - carpool, public transport, hire a bus? · Set your RSVP date. Remind the group as the date draws near, but do not chase us up about it. We'll soon learn to RSVP nicely! · Let the girls know at the next get together, and also give the info to Countess of Computer so that it can be put into the newsletter and onto our website.Come to the ones that you can, and don't fret about the ones that you can't get to.The more involved each of us get in planning fun things to do, the better and happier our group will become. Remember that help is always available if needed.

HOW MANY MEMBERS?

We aim to have a maximum of 15 ACTIVE members.What do you mean by "ACTIVE"? Other chapters have found that a membership base of around 60 - 70 ladies generally gives you an active membership of about 25. Active meaning the average number of ladies turning up to events.A large group can become too impersonal, and the sheer size would limit the venues that we would comfortably fit in! If a member does not attend any meeting or event for three months, without prior notification to the Queen Mum or Countess of Computer, then they will be removed from the member list to make room for new ladies. If you want to remain an active member you must RSVP for each event coming up – even if you are unable to attend. If you are placed on the inactive roster, you will not receive monthly website notices, event notices, e-mails and/or follow up telephone calls. If you would like to become active again you may be reinstated as soon as an opening is available.If and when we start to reach our maximum size, we will close our chapter to new members.

HOW NEW MEMBERS WILL BE SELECTED

If you would like to invite someone into the group, you must first discuss it with the Queen or Vice Queen. After which they will decide on a causal gathering to have the guest come to. It would be best to include the guest in a gathering that is in someone’s home and is not considered a special event like Christmas, Anniversary, or Reduation. After that person attends the gathering they will then be voted on by the group before being inducted. Once they are accepted we will then have an induction ceremony!!! It was decided to use this procedure to help keep our group from getting too large, and to eliminate any surprise guest that or not planned for.

KAZOOS

The kazoo is the official musical instrument of the Red Hat Society.All Sheldon Sugar Canes must promise to try their utmost to learn to play Happy Birthday on the Kazoo (no matter how long it takes) ... because on your birthday you will be treated to a Happy Birthday Kazoo Chorus!

Remember... we are just a bunch of friends getting together for a few laughs and some good times!