wptw,
As a GLO member, I would assume you know that most National GLOs have policies which state that their badges do not belong to any individual, but to the organization itself. The sorority/fraternity is the rightful owner of the badge and it, according to written regulations, is to be returned to Headquarters if the wearer is deceased or is no longer a member of the organization.
For that reason, I strongly disagree with a GLO member who collects badges because I consider it to be extremely disrespectful (to the organizations that the badges belong to as well as the entire Greek system) to knowingly ignore a policy that is followed by so many groups. I can, to a point, understand a non-Greek collector who doesn't understand why a badge is so symbolic and keeps it only for its outward beauty or monetary value, but I simply cannot comprehend how a Greek, with his/her inside knowledge, can collect badges of other organizations for his/her personal gratification. (Please know that I am not trying to insult you, wptw. I am only trying to give my point of view on this issue.)
As a GLO member myself, I would immediately return a badge to Headquarters if I happened across one in a pawn shop, on E-Bay, at an estate sale, etc., EVEN IF it was not a badge that belonged to my organization. If I didn't have the money to purchase the badge outright, I would make it a point to contact the organization's National Headquarters so that a member has the opportunity to rescue the badge.
I have over the years sent several e-mails to various groups about badges for sale, and have always gotten heartfelt thanks from each one. I think it's a great way to keep positive relations flowing in the Greek system and is a wonderful courtesy to extend to our fellow Greek sisters and brothers.
In the Greek Bond,
Carrie