As a national organization, we are branding ourselves to be recognized and become household name everywhere. As an individual chapter, we might see the brand identity and standards of the brand as a challenge, because sometimes the designs we have in mind for apparel may not be approved. However, we need to learn why this is important to meet these standards and guidelines. We have been licensed with GreekLicensing.com for three years now, which means OPA receives royalties from products using our name properly. This is a great step for our sorority, because not only does OPA get the money it should be for use of our name, etc., “We ensure the development of a positive and consistent brand. We want the visual brand identity for apparel to feature OPA’s logo, official letters, etc., plus have a homegrown, local feel,” says Kasey Stevens, former national merchandise coordinator.
DO—use a licensed vendor for all apparel using Omega Phi Alpha’s name. At the moment, we have more than 80 vendors!
DON’T—use the coat of arms on any apparel. Use the coat of arms on official documents such as invitations, bids, certificates, and awards. Use the crest for formal occasions such as anniversaries or alumni events or products such as leather portfolios or high-end desk accessories.
DO—give yourself time to create a design and follow licensing rules. Allow AT LEAST 30 days before the delivery for the full process. Ask your vendor for an approval email.
DON’T—be discouraged if a design fails! Look over the branding and licensing rules and see how you can easily incorporate these into your designs!
DO—use the logos correctly.
DON’T—comprise the logos in any way. The national team worked hard on creating this brand.
DO—know that a lot of hard work and research went into creating our brand.
DON’T—use an unlicensed vendor.
DO—know our sorority’s symbols and national colors.
DON’T—be afraid to use them in your chapter’s merchandise, social media, and website!
For a history of the bee, click to check out this video.
Morgan Mills (Alpha Gamma), OPA writer