well it really depends on which pre-alumni council you join. i'm from MD, and i WOULD be a part of the DC-MD pre alumni council, but there is just not enough interest, and very few meetings are actually held because nobody knows what's going on.
the illinois pre-alumni is always pretty active, though. same with georgia, texas, new jersey; they have a LOT of parties and events: movie nights and things like that.
as for community service, you'd be better off joining a greek org; the pre-alumni councils aren't real big on community service in general.
PAC's are basically social organizations - get to know some people from your area and chill. Some of the more active ones sponsor activities, like chartering buses back to your hometown for holidays etc. Open to the public, and an easy way to meet people.
