- What is the Red Hat Society and how did it get started?
- How do I join?
- How do I renew?
- How can I find a chapter in my area?
- What do I need to do to start my own chapter?
- Are there any rules?
- Are there any responsibilities?
- Who is the Exalted Queen Mother?
- Is the Red Hat Society a non-profit organization?
- Where can I find a red or pink hat or official Red Hat Society merchandise?
- Where can I find a copy of the poem "Warning" by Jenny Joseph?
- What is the weekly broadcast?
- Who is that little character on the home page wiggling?
- What are chapter and Purple Perks membership fees used for?
- What do the members "get" for their chapter dues?
- What do I get as a Chapter Queen?
- Are Chapter Queens required to sign up all of their chapter members?
- How do we handle Co-Queens or Vice Queen?
- What if we want to change our Chapter Queen?
- Do Individual chapters charge dues?
Q. What is the Red Hat Society and how did it get started?
A. The Red Hat Society is often referred to fondly as a "dis-organization," though we have been forced to impart a degree of order to our operations. It was inadvertently begun by Sue Ellen Cooper of Fullerton, California when she and a few friends took inspiration from a popular poem entitled "Warning" by Jenny Joseph, which begins "When I am an old woman..." Since the poem mentions wearing a red hat and purple attire, she and her friends formed a group that met on a regular basis for tea in their red hats and purple dresses�in public, of course.
When Sue Ellen and her friends were featured in Romantic Homes magazine in July 2000, they began fielding inquiries from other women who wanted to start their own chapters. For a more detailed account of the origins of the Red Hat Society, please read the page entitled, "How It All Started".
Back to the Top »Q. How do I join?
A. Red Hat Society membership includes the bragging rights of belonging to the fastest growing women�s dis-organization in the world, which is changing the way we view aging. There is only One!
You must be a woman of 50 or over (or you may be a Pink Hatter under 50), and you must attend functions in full regalia, (red hat, purple outfit for women 50 and over, or pink hat and lavender outfit for women under 50).
- Start A Chapter
A Red-gloved hand in invitation and welcome. You are doing your first duty as Queen, starting your chapter. Once you register, Hatquarters will send you a New Queen Membership Kit to get you started. As Queen you receive a complimentary Purple Perks membership. Chapter Membership is $39 per year. Happy Hatting! Click here to start your own chapter - Purple Perks Membership
Like you, we all like to have fun or find the next great bargain. As part of the Society you are able to take advantage of a growing number of discounts and benefits with the Purple Perk Membership card. Anyone can have fun or shop but only Purple Perks Members can enjoy special member only discounts, priority event registration, plus special amenities reserved for royalty. And now we have over 50,000+ discounts in the United States and Canada. Click here to learn more » All RHS members are invited to take advantage of all the great Purple Perks Membership benefits for only $20 per year. Click here to become a Purple Perks member - General Membership / Join a local chapter
Join a local Red Hat Society chapter for fun, activities and partial access to the Red Hat Society online community / website. Using the Chapter Search feature on this website, you can send an inquiry email message to chapters marked as "open to new members." The queen will receive your message by email and contact you either by phone or email as requested. Click here to join an existing chapter
Q. How do I find a chapter in my area?
- On a zip code search, there may be more than one page of chapters listed, so if you don't see your city right away, you may want to click the "Next" link at the top of the page.
- If a chapter is open to new members, please contact that chapter directly through our system. The chapter Queen will respond to you. If there is not an open chapter in your area or you do not receive a response in a timely manner, you may wish to expand your search to other open chapters, or you may want to start your own chapter.
Q. What do I need to do to start my own chapter?
A. Basic info on how to get started is on our page entitled "Starting a Red Hat Society Chapter"
- Register your Chapter and establish a username/password for yourself as chapter queen, in order to make full use of the Red Hat Society website. (Queens are automatically Purple Perks members with their chapter registration / annual renewal fees). Register your chapter now »
- Dress up! Buy a red / pink hat for yourself and/or for someone else. Ladies are strongly encouraged to follow the age/color guidelines, and to not wear purple/red until they have reached THE BIRTHDAY.
- Reach out. Invite other women into your chapter.
- List your chapter as open to new members on the Red Hat Society website and meet new women from all walks of life right in your immediate neighborhood.
- Use this web site to meet and get to know other Red Hatters around the world. There is a special bulletin board (The Queen Mother Board) and chat room (Red Hat Chat) accessible to all chapter Queens and Purple Perks members for this very purpose.
- HAVE FUN! (Did we need to say it?) Plan fun events and go out with your chapter in your ensembles (also known as "full regalia"). And watch the magic that ensues!
- Create your chapter roster online and use the features of this website to send emails to your members. If you don�t want to do it yourself, have your members sign themselves up online, by phone or by mail, using the Chapter ID# that is on your chapter charter certificate.
Q. Are there any rules?
- You must be a woman of 50 or over (or you may be a Pink Hatter under 50), and you must attend functions in full regalia, (red hat, purple outfit for women 50 and over, or pink hat and lavender outfit for women under 50).
- And, although we try not to concentrate on it too much, we do have some policies and legalese you need to agree to in order to become a member. (Probably no more than any other group out there and unfortunately necessary.) Click here for more information »
Q. Are there any responsibilities?
A. The main responsibility is to have fun! We see this group as an opportunity for those who have shouldered various responsibilities at home and in the community their whole lives, to take time-out from to burdensome responsibilities. This is a place to have fun and enjoy ourselves. Of course, someone needs to plan the events or they would never happen, but oftentimes members take turns at these things so that they do not become "jobs" for anyone.
If an individual chapter wishes to participate in a charitable cause, events or any such things, we encourage them to do so, but the Red Hat Society as a whole does not support charities.
Back to the Top »Q. Who is the Exalted Queen Mother?
A. As mentioned above and in the "start my own chapter" question on this page, members of the Red Hat Society often give themselves titles. "Queen Mother" is the title Sue Ellen Cooper gave herself, tongue in cheek, when she and her friends started the first group. Other titles were: "Vice-Mother," the Queen Mother's right-hand woman and the mother of vices, so to speak; "Anti-parliamentarian" for the one who enforces the rule that there are no rules; "Barristress" for the lawyer in the group; "Mistress of Anxiety" who worries about other members' problems for them so they don't have to; and on it goes.
As the group began to grow, others called themselves Queen Mothers, or Queens, of their chapters. So Sue Ellen gave herself a promotion to "Exalted Queen Mother" (EQM). We whole-heartedly believe in self-promotion, so to speak, so titles may continue to get grander as time goes on. One woman elected herself president�of herself.
The sillier and grander the title, the better it is.
Back to the Top »Q. Is the Red Hat Society a non-profit organization?
A. The Red Hat Society is NOT a non-profit organization. Registration fees are considered taxable income. Chapter/membership fees go to pay office expenses and employee salaries.
The Red Hat Society online store is a place to find items bearing the Red Hat Society name and logo, as well as other fun Red Hat Society-related items. Profits from this store also go into growing and strengthening the Red Hat Society by covering operating costs and by helping to spread the fun through unique, RHS exclusive items.
The Red Hat Society, Inc. abides by all tax laws and files quarterly income tax returns with the IRS. It does not have non-profit tax exemption status.
Back to the Top »Q. Where can I find a red or pink hat or official Red Hat Society merchandise?
A. If you are interested in finding a hat, we have many to choose from, from simple to quite fancy, in the Red Hat Society Store. In the Red Hat Society Store, we also have a variety of other ornamentation for hats or clothing. We are always adding new stuff, so take a look.
Back to the Top »Q. Where can I find a copy of the poem "Warning" by Jenny Joseph?
A. We and our members are not permitted to publish the poem. Bookmarks bearing the poem are on sale in the Red Hat Society Store.
Back to the Top »Q. What is the weekly broadcast?
A. Every Friday, EQM (short for "Exalted Queen Mother") Sue Ellen and friends send out an email to our active member list. We call this email the Friday Broadcast. It is just a basic communication for the purpose of uniting and informing members of the Red Hat Society. Occasionally, the EQM will send other broadcasts for the purpose of updating everyone on significant upcoming events or supplying time-sensitive information.
Archives of all previous broadcasts are available to Purple Perks members with a web site login and password.
Back to the Top »Q. Who is that little character on the home page wiggling?
A. That is Ruby RedHat™. She is the embodiment of the Red Hat Society spirit. She is fun, playful, intelligent and sassy! To learn even more about how she came to be and what she stands for, click here. |
 |
Q. What are chapter and Purple Perks membership fees used for?
A. Membership fees are used to give back to you, our members and to grow and maintain our Society. The yearly fees that we collect are used to run our office "hub", or Hatquarters.
- Tools for members: Queen kit to get you started, Newsletters to keep you connected.
- Rental of office space
- Utilities
- Office furniture: filing cabinets, chairs, desks, shelving, fax, etc.
- Office computers and printers
- Computer programming�ongoing programming, weekly updates, and changes
- Web server collocation, server maintenance and web site hosting fees (monthly)
- Telephones�equipment, multiple lines
- Employees' salaries. Duties include:
- Answering phones. Providing answers to questions, giving information and help.
- Processing registrations. Create hand written charters, mail information packages, and filing.
- Answering e-mails
- Convention & special event planning
- Outside Professional Services
- Bookkeeping & Accounting
- Legal Services
- Creative Services
- Postage
- Worker's Compensation Insurance
- Taxes
- Liability Insurance
Some Red Hatters have suggested that we use volunteer help. We tried to do that initially, but this has grown far, far too labor-intensive and complicated for that to be possible.
Back to the Top »Q. What do the members "get" for their chapter dues?
A. We provide the staff and necessary equipment, as detailed above, to be able to answer your e-mails and phone calls in a friendly and timely manner. We provide help to those having a challenge finding or starting chapters or requiring other assistance, and to send out charters and cards, etc. But there is much more to it than that... Please click here to access our member benefits listings.
Back to the Top »Q. What do I get as a Chapter Queen?
A. Please click here for a list of Chapter Queen benefits »
Back to the Top »Q. Are Chapter Queens required to sign up all of their chapter members?
A. It is important that all members register, but the Chapter Queen does not have to do the job herself. Members can add their own names on the RHS website by clicking on General Member Registration. They will need to have their chapter ID number, which they can get from their Queen. The chapter ID number is also located on the Charter Membership certificate.
Back to the Top »Q. How do we handle Co-Queens or Vice Queen?
A. Co-Queens and Vice Queens do not receive automatic special status the same way that Chapter Queens do. They may, however, access many of the benefits of the Queen by becoming Purple Perks members.
Back to the Top »Q. What if we want to change our Chapter Queen?
A. If you wish to change the Queen of the chapter, the best time to do so is at the chapter renewal time. Please call Hatquarters and we will be happy to help you. We will need the permission of the outgoing Queen to make the change so it is best to have current Queen call with the new Queen�s information to complete the transition smoothly. As the outgoing Queen retains her own Purple Perks membership, the new Queen, if she does not have one already, is invited to purchase a Purple Perks membership of her own in order to have access to manage her chapter. The new Queen will receive a new card at the time of the chapter�s next renewal.
Back to the Top »Q. Do Individual chapters charge dues?
A. Some Chapter Queens charge a nominal amount to participate in their chapters. If so, the Queens must make it clear to their members that the Red Hat Society is not collecting the fees � the Queens are. Please remember that the Red Hat Society is a social club and membership is not to be seen as opportunity for profit or business networking. Red Hat Society Chapters must not use the Red Hat Society name to sell or promote any commercial product or service. The Red Hat Society does not allow the promotion of each other's businesses or other commercial enterprises for the profit of any individual or business. Any money derived from an event put on by an individual chapter of the Red Hat Society must be accounted for to the chapter and be used for the benefit of the chapter as a whole in covering future chapter costs.
Back to the Top »Q. How do I renew?
A. LOGIN to your Member account with your username and password on the homepage (upper left lavender box), then click on "Renew Your Chapter" or "Renew Your Membership" (as applicable).
Back to the Top »- What is Purple Perks?
- What benefits do Purple Perks Members receive?
- Do Chapter Queens have to pay an extra $20 for their Purple Perks?
- Is the Purple Perks card required to be a Red Hat Society member?
- What does the card look like?
- How do I sign up for Purple Perks Membership?
- Will my personal information remain private or will it be shared or sold?
- Do I have to be a member of a Red Hat Society chapter in order to carry a Purple Perks Card?
Q. What is Purple Perks?
A. As part of the Society you are able to take advantage of a growing number of discounts and benefits with the Purple Perk Membership card. Anyone can have fun or shop but only Purple Perks Members can enjoy special member only discounts, priority event registration, plus special amenities reserved for royalty. All RHS members are invited to take advantage of all the great Purple Perks Membership for only $20 per year. This card belongs to you as the cardholder and remains valid even if you move your membership to a different chapter. Annual cost is only $20 (U.S. dollars).
Back to the Top » Back to the Purple Perk Questions »Q. What benefits do Purple Perks Members receive?
A. For a current list of Purple Perks benefits, click here.
Back to the Top » Back to the Purple Perk Questions »Q. Do Chapter Queens have to pay an extra $20 for their Purple Perks cards?
A. No. A Purple Perks Membership is included in the chapter registration.
Back to the Top » Back to the Purple Perk Questions »Q. Is Purple Perks Membership required in order to be a Red Hat Society member?
A. Purple Perks membership is an added benefit offered to those members who are interested in receiving the extra values and discounts it offers. It is not a requirement. We will continue to add to the benefits of Purple Perks membership. Our hope is that all Red Hat Society members will see the value in having a Purple Perks Membership, and support the Society.
Back to the Top » Back to the Purple Perk Questions »
Q. How do I sign up for a Purple Perks Membership?
Back to the Top » Back to the Purple Perk Questions »Q. Will my personal information remain private or will it be shared or sold?
A. We do not rent, sell, or share personal information about you with other people or non-affiliated companies without your prior consent except (i) to offer you co-branded Red Hat Society products and services, (ii) as necessary to complete a transaction you have requested, (iii) as necessary to perform intenal analysis and business functions, or (iv) when permitted by law or to protect our rights or property.
Please click here to read our privacy policy »
Back to the Top » Back to the Purple Perk Questions »Q. Do I have to be a member of a Red Hat Society chapter in order to carry a Purple Perks Membership card?
A. No. If you cannot find a chapter in your area and/or are unable to get out and play with a Red Hat Society chapter, you may join Ruby RedHat's Ramblers (Chapter ID#1), a virtual online-only chapter. Since Ruby RedHat herself is never in one place for very long, she decided to become Queen of her own virtual on-line chapter.
Back to the Top » Back to the Purple Perk Questions »- I'm not fifty yet, but I like to play dress-up too. How can I be involved?
- Does my outfit have to be entirely purple?
- What kinds of events do chapters usually have?
- How often should the chapter meet?
- How many members may I have in my chapter?
- How should I plan chapter events?
- Should we choose officers?
Q. I'm not fifty yet, but I like to play dress-up too. How can I be involved?
A. We allow junior postulates membership if they will agree to wear pink hats and lavender clothing, exchanging them for red and purple only after having THE birthday. We like to refer to this ceremony as a RED-uation!
The spirit of the Society forbids that we make rules per se, but we strongly suggest that you not wear the full red and purple until you are fifty. Younger members are invited to wear all types of pink hats and all shades of lavender clothing and to otherwise participate fully in all that the Red Hat Society has to offer.
Some Pink Hatters may even opt to start chapters of their own. But, they need not keep to themselves. Many chapters contain members of a wide age range. The younger are simply "ladies in waiting" so to speak, among older friends. So what's wrong with that? Whoever thought women would be looking FORWARD to their fiftieth birthdays? Nevertheless, anticipate your RED-uations without reservation and enjoy the pink and lavender days to the fullest!
Back to the Top » Back to the Other Questions »Q. Does my outfit have to be entirely purple?
A. A majority of purple/lavender is desired, of course! While many chapters insist on all purple/lavender, some chapters may be more lenient. In some chapters, a purple/lavender blouse with a black or red skirt or pair of pants can work. Some wear purple/lavender T-shirts with jeans while others wear purple/lavender dresses with purple/lavender nylons, purple/lavender boas and purple/lavender shoes, or even red/pink accessories, etc., etc. Do what you think is the most fun.
Back to the Top » Back to the Other Questions »Q. What kinds of events do chapters usually have?
A. Lunches and tea parties are quite popular. Some chapters like to go to the movies or to a play. Some also attend home tours and/or charity events in full regalia (that is, red/pink hats and purple/lavender clothing). You can plan any activity you wish. Groups have sleepovers, swim parties, spa days... one group chartered a bus and went to see an Elvis impersonator!
Back to the Top » Back to the Other Questions »Q. How often should the chapter meet?
A. Most chapters meet monthly. But, again, as Queen of your own chapter, you determine the frequency of your meetings. Some chapters schedule their outings on weekends, and nights, and some during the day.
Back to the Top » Back to the Other Questions »Q. How many members may I have in my chapter?
A. Suggested chapter size is somewhere around 20 women. We find that chapters larger than 20 frequently have trouble making reservations at restaurants and organizing events. However, you may include as many women in your chapter as you wish.
If your chapter gets too big, encourage the overflow to start another group. This is called a spin-off chapter and it�s a natural way of growth in the Red Hat Society. You can still get the chapters together for larger events.
Back to the Top » Back to the Other Questions »Q. How should I plan chapter events?
A. However you desire. In many chapters, each member takes her turn to plan an event and sends out invitations, and makes the reservation. In planning chapter events, Red Hat Society Chapter event policies must be followed.
Back to the Top » Back to the Other Questions »Q. Should we choose officers?
- Queen Mother (Hey, it was her idea)
- Vice-Mother
- Hysterian � (yes, we know it's historian) keeps a scrapbook of group functions. Various members bring cameras to help with documentation.
- Sergeant-in-gloves � would ensure proper behavior if she could decide what that would be.
- Anti-Parliamentarian � makes sure no one makes any rules.
- Barristress � the resident attorney.
- E-mail female � handles chapter online communications.