New Member Education
Our new member education period is a time for you to learn more about Omega Phi Alpha and for the sorority to learn more about you. During this time you ‘pledge’ your time and energy toward learning the skills that will help you become an active sister who can contribute her talents to the success of the chapter. The length of the new member education period, also called a pledge period, varies from chapter to chapter but typically takes about 10 weeks.
You’ll get to know all of the active sisters in your chapter, but you’ll form a special relationship with your big sister, a member who will serve as your mentor and special advocate as you travel on your membership journey. The pledges going through the new member education period at the same time will also have a special relationship, sharing experiences and learning together. You’ll have meetings separate from the active chapter, and you’ll elect a group of pledge officers to lead you successfully through the pledge requirements.
During the pledge period, you’ll learn about OPhiA’s history and policy, and you’ll demonstrate that knowledge by taking a series of easy quizzes. These cover information like the location of other active chapters, the possible membership statuses of members, the duties of the national and district officers, the words to our national song, etc. Near the end of your pledge period, you’ll take the National Pledge Test --- kind of like a final exam of all Omega Phi Alpha policies and history. We expect all of our new members to score an 85% on the national test. Don’t worry, though. The active sisters will help you, especially your big sister.
But the most important skill you’ll demonstrate during your pledge period is related to our program of service. As a pledge class, you will plan and execute a series of service projects, at least one in each of our areas of service: to the campus, to the community at large, to the members of the sorority, and to the nations of the world. The active chapter’s membership director will be on hand to give you advice and guide you along the way. You’ll also be invited to participate in most of the chapter’s service projects, too. Service is a central part of our sorority, and you will get a lot of opportunities to help out!
