I'm going with my gut, and it thinks this is a wonderful idea. I can see many people's concerns, But I agree with Pinkangel and JustAMom and say you should do it, no matter how others may feel. I think its positive that you even asked people what they think about it to begin with. Another person might have just went and did whatever anyways.
I would by the book for me or my daughter when/if I have one. I like hearing reminiscing over my sorority memories and hearing about the memories of other girls. $10-15 is actually pretty inexpensive for a book anyways. I will contact my IHQ and see what they say, and if its all good (and im about 90% sure it will be)Id be more than happy to lend stories and photos (of course with the permission of the girls in the pics). If we are one the ones handing in the stories, they only was I can see it back firing is if one of us sent in something that was uncalled for. And if people are worried about you tamering with the stories here is what I would do.....
Make a contract simply implying that you agree not to change the CONTENT/MEANING of the story. The only thing that gets changed is spelling or grammar, etc.. If anything is change that makes it negative, you will be held responsible for it. Also a certain percentage of the proceeds will go to XYZ charities or the NPC/NPHC/whoever elses Headquarters. You could also put a disclaimer in the book stating that this book is solely for the purpose of making ppl aware of the POSITIVE that comes from being greek from the work to the memories that they have.
You would send a copy to any not only any conference that wants to participate but also to any orgs. headquarters and also to individuals who share photos and/or stories. This could all be one contract so that you will not have to make up like 18 different ones. All you have to do is copy a bunch of one. You keep copies for yourself and those involved should keep a copy also.You send it to them with your sig., they sign theres and copy it and send it back to you. They should also keep a copy of the work they sent you. Or you after you have done what you needed to do to it, you could send it back with your signature stating that THAT was the story you used and not something you tampered with or something else.You could either make the contract yourself (you dont need it to be drawn up by a lawyer to hold it in a court of law) or have someone who is in an org draw it up, but that you also agree one. This not only keeps your butt protected, but ours too . But I seriously think you have good intentions on this.
I think most orgs have rules for the media for the bad press, however if it was worthy I dont think most would mind. Then there is also a suggestion where you do not mention the org names and jsut leave it as so and so's memory or being in a sorority. (can anyone else see the lawyer that in me?)