Most of the national sororities in the United States are social sororities. Omega Phi Alpha is a service sorority. The two types have a lot in common, but there are a few distinct differences. Like social sororities, O Phi A has a ‘pledge’ period where new members learn about the sorority’s history and policies. O Phi A has big sisters, social outings, formals, etc. And we recognize that social sororities do service projects, just like we do.

The distinguishing feature is the day to day emphasis of each group. Although social sororities have an important role to play on campus, their main emphasis is on fellowship. In contrast, O Phi A chapters have an ongoing commitment to community service, not just one or two big fundraisers per year. In addition to helping worthwhile charities raise money, OPA sisters get down in the trenches and get their hands dirty working on less glamorous service projects. We swing hammers with Habitat for Humanity. We help the local Girl Scouts earn their first aid badge. We help sort out donated food at the food bank. We answer the phones at the pledge drive for the local PBS station. We pick up trash on the beach or by the highway. It goes on and on, and the projects we undertake are selected by the members themselves.

A chapter is a recognized local unit of the sorority. It’s a group of student members who carry on the traditions of O Phi A at their school and interact with the national organization and with the other chapters as a group.

As you work to earn your membership, your group will be known as a ‘colony’. This indicates a temporary affiliation with Omega Phi Alpha while the national VP of Expansion guides you through the colonization process. Once you complete the requirements to earn a charter, each of the founding members will gain lifetime membership into Omega Phi Alpha.

You have up to a year to complete all of the requirements, but technically it could be done in as little as three months. The national VP of Expansion will be guiding you each step of the way. When all of the requirements are met, the colony applies for chapter status. National officers fly in from all over the country for the formal induction ceremony.

Membership is open to any student in good standing with their university. We have had pledges who were juniors, seniors, and even graduate students. Our membership is open to members of social sororities, too. We feel we have something different to offer them in addition to what their social sorority might offer.

Our members represent all races and ethnic groups. They are white, black, Latina, Asian, Jewish, Christian, etc. They live on campus, in apartments, and at home. Some are married. Some are in wheelchairs. Some are international students. Basically, our sisters are a diverse cross-section of campus life. This melding of perspectives, which would not have come together in most other organizations, is one of our greatest strengths!

First evaluate your campus. Is there a need on your campus for a service organization like Omega Phi Alpha? Talk to your friends. Are they excited about the possibility of bringing OPA to your campus? You must have at least 15 full-time students who are committed to this process before you can petition the national organization for colony status. It’s better that the initial group represents a broad cross-section of the student body rather than just one or two tight knit groups of pre-existing friends.