We always had it where you could only miss two chapter meetings a semester. If you go home for some reason other than something excusable you had to be back and work was not an excuse as well since chapter meetings are held at the same time every sunday night.
sometimes after meetings we would have surprise cookie shines after the meetings in honor of someone or group of people(since thats a pi phi thing you can have a cake or some other snack). We also had dinners before chapter all together sometimes. Its hard for me to say though bc i liked going to chapter to see everyone.. and i felt lost that week if i didnt. we also had smile awards and a special sister jar. make sure people always know they are appreciated.
to stop chatter sit alphabetically (we did this for a while) and also make sure that your meetings run smoothly. I know anytime there are long pauses or disarray this can lead to chatter. Our exec meets wednesday night before chapter to prepare and have their reportsall ready for the meeting. Plus any discussions or planning is talked about here so that the meetings are to the point and dont run extra long. I know everyone appreciates quick and effiecient meetings.
our chapter was amazing at this.. i go to meetings for other things i am in and always get frustrated bc its such a waste a time and i love how formal, effiecient, and nonwasteful our meetings are (its always interesting to me when people in other chapters say how much better those meetings run than their own chapter meetings-- i know if it was me and i had to go to a meeting like that every week i would stop)..
hope some of this long ramble helps
