If you have read many of my other posts, you probably know that I attended a small school where Greek Life revolved around local GLO's! Which definately made for a unique greek experience for all of us there.
(The few nationals on campus were service an/or professional organizations, so their social involvement, especially with each other, wasn't their main priority typically).
I think most who have posted have basically said that the GLO's who are secure in their own house/numbers/etc. are supportive, while those that are insecure have tried to badmouth the locals. I would guess this is for a couple reasons:
- Lack of understanding (often the biggest source of problems for any situation)-- they don't get why you would join a local over a national, in their eyes, the national is more prestigious, has better networking opportunities, a larger brother/sisterhood, etc. They don't get that you joined that particular chapter because it's where you want to be and fit the best.
- They may feel threatened by you, particularly if you are a local who is looking to go national. Even if you intend to stay local, you're still all pulling from the same base of rushee's, so everyone's numbers will be affected by another chapter.
- From my own experiences and observations, it seems like the 'big picture' is easier to lose for local groups. I think this is partially because there are naturally fewer alumni (and therefore "big brothers/sisters" to keep an eye on things). Also, there isn't a national philanthropy or project to keep them connected and focused with other groups, they are doing it all on their own. They have fewer resources, so there are fewer people pouring more energy into the events, etc. Also, because it's not national and there are fewer alumni, there isn't as strong of a sense of that life-long commitment, so some members are there mainly for the social life.
Obviously, every chapter, every school, every region, etc. is going to be different. I didn't "get" why anyone would want to belong to a local GLO until after I pledged
my GLO (which is national, BTW). Then I started to see the brothers and sisters in action, and they work their butts off. They take all of the heat (unlike many nationals where responsibility is displaced on older members) for any unfortunate incidents. In my situation, locals are what kept the greek life going.
So I think the previous observations are pretty accurate:
If you belong to a chapter that knows what it's about and that it has a lot going for it, you can see a local GLO as just more brothers/sisters to help out (community service, etc.), party with, and share in your experiences.
If your chapter isn't so strong, you will naturally be threatened by a new (and improved, in some cases) group.
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SilverTurtle@greekchat.com
Phi Beta Fraternity
Phi chapter