[ladygreek]

I can only talk about DST, I think what makes us and the other the NPHC orgs appear more standardized is the national infrastucture. We are governed by a national executive board some of which are elected at out national conventions or regional conferences, and others appointed by the elected national president. We also have a headquarters staff and a facility that occupies four adjoining addresses in DC.

We are very clear about protocol and traditions, and the difference between the two, i.e. what is official and what isn't. We have a national code of conduct that spell out what violates our constitutions, bylaws, and policies and procedures, and the penalties for chapters and individuals for doing so.

For example, our protocol states that our official colors are crimson and cream--red and white are the only acceptable substitutes, and black may be used as an anchoring color. Thus a chapter cannot decide to have blue shirts made with pink letters. That would be a violation that could lead to a disciplinary action.

And all of our rules apply to collegiate and alumnae chapters. Even the membership intake process is the same for both.

So we basically function with our Grand Chapter having ultimate decision making authority. And no local chapter can set policies or procedures that conflict with Grand Chapter's. This leads to greater standardization.