Well, I am a member of two non Pan-Hell orgs on my campus
Tau Beta Sigma and Gamma Sigma Sigma have provided me with life lessons that I do not think I would have obtained to the same extent had I joined a Pan-Hell undergraduate sorority chapter. Both of my chapters are smaller (and unlike at some of the schools mentioned throughout this post) HU has fairly decent sized D9 Sorority chapters (to say the least).
Tau Beta Sigma was a great decision for me because it was formal recognition of outstanding work in the HU bands, and I wanted to continue that excellence via organized service to the bands that I contributed to. I wanted to be that example to the girl (or guy) who was in a band here and just wasn't feeling they could or should do their best....
Gamma Sigma Sigma, I served as the first rechartering President...and TRUST I learned the rules of HU red tape and double standards when my RAC would constantly get d*cked over by various school offices and officials for other orgs. More than anything Gamma Sig (and the rechartering process) taught me persistence and patience, as well as validated and supported my leadership skills and abilities. It also made me look at certain orgs with the crooked eye, due to the silliness that their membership presented my RAC with. (dumb stuff about colors and calls, the stuff that means little in the great scheme of Greek-life)
With both orgs (as well as other orgs on campus I am not a part of, but have close working relationships with) I could see the membership for not only letter-wearing icons...but as REAL students doign REAL work (in the case of Gamma Sig, our alumni and sorors from Tuskegee and FAMU provided that imagery). It wasn't just a flyer that more than likely would be ripped down in an hour by some random prospect, it wasn't a fear of saying hello, or having the wrong color on, or even not knowing how to approach them and ask a sincere question. It wasn't taking credit for work done by prospects.... Now, work was put in to become a part of both, don't get me wrong
....but I just felt more of a personality with TBS and GSS....whereas with some of the larger orgs on campus (D9 and otherwise) it's like a mini army of colors and no true passion behind the letters....if that makes sense. I feel as if on my campus, especially being alpha chapter for the majority of the D9...most people don't join because of what the active memebership is doing, but because of "images" that they feel each org represents....
I read earlier that if you don't get along with the active membership then why join in a graduate chapter....because those same people will be your brothers and sisters regardless. It is different having the same ideals and values as someone than actually liking them. We are all HUMAN before we are Greek...and I actually can respect that person better than the one who says either they will join because they fit the "image" of that org, or that the entire national org is whack because of such and such chapter on their campus...
that and to be honest...I'm a little maxed out on the undergrad level for memberships....3 bands, two sororities and a State Club are enough for 4 years! I don't think I would serve any other org justice while still active in the undergarduate sense to everything else.....why join a chapter you won't signifigantly contriubute to?
also...let's keep it real...not every chapter is doign what they are supposed to do....and not EVERY sorority sister is your soror....but because you are in the org together, you respect the fact that they follow the same creed as you....even if you think they can do better