I would just like to say that the 2 local sororities and 1 local fraternity at the school that I went to always participated in more activities than the nationals. All of the locals participate in formal rush, greek week, and any other greek event. There are 11 fraternities and 5 sororities at another school in town that our entire greek system is close with and my sorority does mixers regularly with about 8 of those organizations. My sorority is very close to the other fraternities and sororities on campus, with the exception of one, and we try plan a mixer with each organization at least one every sememster.
I joined my sorority because the other sororities were either snotty to me during rush or because I didn't seem to fit in with them. Rush/recruitment is about getting to know people and forming possible new friendships...it's not about showing off. The people in the organization is what makes it successful. If you have a bunch of slackers, give them a swift kick in the a$$
I know that there are major structural differences between locals and nationals but to me it never made a difference. People need to join groups based on where they feel like they fit in.
Ok, I'll shut up now
Have a nice day