The purpose of this broadcast is to clarify the difference between the Department of State Great Seal (5 FAH-7 Exhibit H-122), which private sector sponsors may not use on their websites and in print material, and the Exchange Visitor Program BridgeUSA brand identity logo and tagline, which sponsors are encouraged to use.
The U.S. Department of State is the official custodian of the Great Seal. The Department uses all appropriate measures to see that its integrity is maintained at all times. The U.S. Great Seal, logos, and other official insignia may not be used or reproduced without written permission. Use of the Great Seal of the United States is governed by Public Law 91-651, Title 18 of the United States Code. This is a criminal statute with penal provisions, prohibiting certain uses of the Great Seal that would convey or reasonably be perceived to convey a false impression of sponsorship or approval by the Government of the United States. Having said this, the Department’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs’ U.S. government-funded programs and events allow the use of the Great Seal.
On October 27, 2020, the Office of Private Sector Exchange launched its new BridgeUSA brand identity to its designated sponsors, including a new logo, tagline, and mission-driven language. Sponsors are encouraged to integrate the BridgeUSA brand into their communications, when and where possible.
Online brand-related resources can be found at https://app.box.com/s/w26lhhbcqtkpq8py1vvwe95vgxp94xl5, including a brand guide and logo files, a mission-driven language guide, a brand FAQ, a brand launch video, one-pagers, and a social media toolkit.
We hope this information and resources are helpful in the administration of your exchange programs.