Some rainbow family participants make the claim that the family is the "largest non-organization of non-members in the world". In addition to referring to itself as a non-organization, the Rainbow Family of Living Light's "non-members" also playfully call the movement a "disorganization".

There are no official leaders, no structure, no official spokespersons, and no membership. Instead, the Rainbow Family forms community through shared "traditions" of love for the Earth and gatherings to pray for peace. It is maintained by counsels consisting of any "non-member" who wishes to be part of a counsel.

The rainbow family of living light is said to be made up of tribes and families and people from all walks of life coming together as one human family gathering together on the land. Rainbow gathering are different for every one. You may find people actively creating positive community with one another, learning and teaching ways we can live in harmony with nature, our mother earth, and each other and celebrating life together.

There is no formal organization or leadership. It is felt by many to be contrary to the spirit of the gatherings. It is said that any one with a belly button may consider themselves part of the rainbow family, and that even a belly button is not really needed. We are welcome home as one family.

There have been gatherings called Rainbow Gatherings since at least 1972, and there has been at least one large gathering of the tribes every year in the United States on public land around the 4th of July since then. Many gather then to pray for peace and healing in the world. There are also gatherings in many parts of the world, in different countries and on various continents, there are even world gatherings as well as many local and regional gatherings throughout the year. Some are timed with the solstice or equinox and at other special times and seasons throughout the year. It may be that there have been gatherings before or since the "first" rainbow gathering in 1972 that may not have called themselves rainbow gatherings but where of the same spirit.

The gatherings are called rainbow because they are for all the peoples of the earth, from many families, tribes, and nations. Some say that the Hopi people native to North America tell a vision of a time when mother earth, the land, air, waters, and creatures of all kinds were sick with poisons and ill treatment by people, the children of the white races, or more specifically the people who lived the cultures of those who displaced the native peoples of the Americas - not just Caucasians, would grow their hair long, wear beads, and come together with the children of all the nations to heal the earth.

Intentional community, respect for indigenous peoples and culture, ecology, and spirituality are common themes with peoples of the rainbow.

Rainbow Gatherings have always celebrated freedom of choice, encourage diversity and have helped inform generations of people about various cultural ideologies and Spiritual beliefs. Over the years these inclusive and freeform gatherings have spawned several and various same type gatherings to include what might be termed "Alternative Rainbow Gatherings". While many of these newer Rainbow Gatherings are still in their infancy, they do share much of the same Spirit, energy and sense of communal reverence.

Alternative Rainbow Gatherings may have had their start early on, subsequent gatherings beyond the original invitation in 1972 might well be viewed as alternatives manifested to recreate the love shared at the first gathering, certainly there where many people who wanted the gatherings to continue. While all Rainbow Gatherings share some traditions, it is only proper that different "tribes" celebrate these blessings in different manners. Not all Rainbow Gatherings have the same focuses nor do all gatherings enjoy the same focalizers.

It is in this celebration of diversity that in 2003 the "A Gathering of the Tribes" was consent to on the land by individuals who wanted to preserve and continue certain aspects and traditions of the rainbow.