Our chapter used a point system for optional events that encouraged people to participate to earn little Tri Sigma prizes at the end of the semester or become like a "top sister."

Aside from recruitment, philanthropy and rituals, I've never been a fan of making things mandatory when it comes along with a fine. I know some chapters struggle with attendance, but a lot of my sisters were juggling jobs and studying super hard on top of sorority activities, and I think if they have a legitimate excuse like a class or a work shift they can't get out of, they should NOT be fined. I've seen this happen in other chapters and it did really bother me :/

I totally agree with you. When I first joined my chapter a lot more things were mandatory and I started to hate that word haha. But we changed the rules to make things more lax and I think everyone had a better time overall as a result (and there was less drama :D)