Faintly Artistic

It's not about being a celebrity, but I think people are important. A new person feels out of place, a little unsure of what to expect, etc. It's nice to notice someone new and make them feel a little more at ease in an unfamiliar situation.

SusieQOH

I don't belong to a guild. I think for me it's just too large. I would like it if it were smaller maybe.

Faintly Artistic

My preference would be for a small group of friends who get together to see and enjoy each other without meetings, bylaws, or officers...anybody in Arizona game?

Pagzz

Perhaps people who visit a guild should see it as a public lecture and take responsibility for their own engagement.

I have a prejudice against people posting about "one time, in my 50, 60 years of life, I went somewhere and I was basically ignored!" every time someone posts about guilds here.

I have belong to three different guilds since 2003-only changing when I moved to a new area. All 3 of those guilds had a membership table to sign in at when you enter. Visitors are greeted and given a door prize ticket. 2 of those guilds announce the number and name of visitors and new members when the Membership people give a report during the business portion of the meeting. At different times the guilds have tried more "outreach" to the visitors. We have a brochure about the guild sitting right there at the table as you enter. There is a beekeeper who will help you find a small group to join at the two Texas guilds I have belonged to.

So, what exactly do you expect when you visit my group? Am I supposed to question you at length about your background what kind of quilting you like etc? Am I supposed to know whether you are a person who can find their own seat or must I hover over you and escort you to an area?

Rest assured that questions get answered and we have friendly people at the membership table! But there are only two people there. At my table which anyone can bravely walk up to at their own I am showing samples of workshops and signing people up for workshops and keeping track of the paperwork and money. Those people you see at the guild as you walk in are volunteers. We are supporting the guild, we aren't trying to sell you something.

So my take:

Guilds - opportunity to meet people, listen to interesting speakers, take classes, do community service

Small groups or bees in guilds - opportunity to engage in conversations, work on projects together or separately. May have to try more than one group before one clicks. Good friendships possibilities.

Guild sew days - some conversation but may not be as good a possibility for friendships forming unless you attend multiple times.

Chem

I wouldn't want to be part of a guild that wasn't friendly and would have no problem saying goodbye to a group that didn't seem interested in welcoming me as a member.

I suppose some of these groups don't actually want new members? Sad to read that many have had bad experiences...

SusieQOH

That's exactly what I'm looking for. Too bad you're a bit far away

wbfrog

Hi there, I visited the guild that I was interested in they charged $5 for visit they met once a month and if you become a member they take the visit fee off membership. So during the meeting they asked were their any visitors stand give your name, and everyone welcome you the meeting. I did join membership fee was $35; I received membership card and package with committees and upcoming social community events. We also have facebook page for members. Hope this helps.

cindyb

Wow You nailed it. I kind of appreciate to be left alone until I know the lay of the land. Too much to comprehend and I appreciate going at my own pace. Guilds have to click at a fairly fast pace to get everything accomplished in a very limited time. I also made my friends through the small bees through the Guild. And what great friends they have become. Quilters around here are definitely not known to be snooty.

gramma nancy

I had joined a guild more than a dozen years ago; I was very active in the monthly charity sewing group. I met a few lovely people, but most of the group was very clique-ish and didn't even say hello if you sat next to them. I quit.

Recently, I rejoined the same group -- and wow, was the culture different. I was taken to meet the membership chairperson, the "resident" long armer, and had several things explained to me. I had very pleasant conversations with the people I sat next to and, when I brought a quilt to "show and tell" at my second meeting, I had fun discussing it with various members. I do not hold other responsible for me, but I do appreciate it when someone acknowledges your presence when you are new.

skothing

Peggy, thankfully gave my answer to this question. I offen think people who come to our meetings are looking for a church atmosphere. We are very much like a class in high school, bell will ring and you have 5 minutes to get to the next class. Time is a premium, need to touch with my committee group, them help set up the library's table, sign up for the weekend retreat, turn in choices donations, turn in blocks for current group quilt and greet new comers. Oh, and people i haven't seen for awhile only to find surgery happened, new job, retired, accident, husband died, etc. If new comers want to get acquainted, please be patient and come to a retreat or service day, that's when we have more time.