In a nutshell, these type of auxilary groups were founded by NPHC-member orgs (I'm trying not to use BGLO in light of the other forum, but in using only NPHC, that implies that other predominately "African" GLOs didn't also use auxilary groups) to assist "pledges" in their pledging activites. Additionally, these groups also assisted the fraternity (or sorority less often) with service events and fundraisers. All fratnities and sororities had one, but each indiviual chapter subsequently created the infrustructure around it, which is why some auxilaries looked more like fraternities/sororities than the helpers they were originally intended to be.
These groups were banned in 1990 when pledging was banned and MIP instituted. I do not believe these groups are formally recognized any longer by the individual organziations, although they seem to never completely die on collegiate campuses.
Everyone you will talk to will have a different opinion on these auxilary groups, from tolerance to dislike to genuine affection. From my perspective, I would not join one at this time because they ARE NOT recognized and if I'm going to dedicate my time and talent for an organziation, I want to be recognized for my accomplishemnts: therefore I joined a SORORITY. At any rate, I would NEVER be "pledged" by men (period) to earn one of THEIR letters, when I could "pledge" to earn three of my own.
Keep in mind, however, that most of these same organziations have youth and adult auxilaries that ARE legal. Zeta Phi Beta, for example has Zeta Amicae (adult women without college degrees since 1948), Zeta Archonettes, Amicettes and Pearlettes (young women and girls) and Zeta Male Network (men in the lives of Zetas)--all of which are legally sactioned.
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