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Most of the national sororities in the United States are social sororities.

However, Omega Phi Alpha is a service sorority. The two types have much in common, but there are a few distinct differences.

Like social sororities, OPhiA has a “new member” period, where prospective members learn about the sorority’s history and policies. OPhiA has bigs, social outings, formals, etc., and recognizes that social sororities also participate in service projects.

The distinguishing feature is the day-to-day emphasis of each group. Although social sororities have an important role to play on campus, the main emphasis is on fellowship.

In contrast, OPhiA chapters have an ongoing commitment to community service, not just one or two big philanthropic events per year, but national programs where service hours are tracked. Omega Phi Alpha members participate in all kinds of hands-on service projects. Without hesitation, they swing hammers with Habitat for Humanity. They help local Girl Scouts earn badges. OPhiA members help sort out donated food at the food bank and answer the phones at the pledge drive for the local PBS station. They pick up trash on the beach or by the highway.

It goes on and on, and the members of each chapter select their own projects.

• We are a service-first organization
• A larger focus on community service
• A more diverse service program
  • We do not focus service on a single philanthropy or cause
  • Higher service impact and broad reach across six areas of service
  • Our chapters get to choose their projects in these areas of service
  • Chapters build partnerships with local and national organizations they want to serve and support
  • Service is encouraged to be hands-on, not fundraising
• All-inclusive organization – we extend membership to individuals of all backgrounds and identities (we are not a single-gender organization)
• No formalized selection process
• Lower national dues – $75 per semester

Membership in Omega Phi Alpha is open to:

• Any full-time undergraduate (or graduate) student in good standing with their university
• Members of social sororities and fraternities
• Members of other service and student organizations

All are welcome in Omega Phi Alpha.

Omega Phi Alpha does not deny membership to any person on the basis of sex, racial identity, ethnicity, national origin, disability (physical, mental, emotional), marital status, age, socioeconomic status, immigration status, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, or religious affiliation.

OPhiA members represent all races and ethnic groups. They live on campus, in apartments, and at home. Some are married. Some are in wheelchairs. Some are international students.

Basically, OPhiA members are a diverse cross-section of campus life. This melding of perspectives is one of our greatest strengths.

• National dues are $90 per semester, which is significantly lower than traditional Greek-letter organizations.
• There is also a one-time activation fee for all new members ($50) which covers administrative costs at the national level.
• Collegiate chapters set their own local dues which correspond to their chapter budget and operational needs.

National membership dues fund the national organization’s operations which includes things like:

• Insurance
• National staff and contractors
• Operational database
• Technology services and tools
• Website and communications
• National programming
• Trainings and workshops – educational, leadership, diversity & inclusion