I am in a guild and dues are $35/year. The money is used for expenses, like community center rental, postage, newletter printing, insurance, speakers, supplies for charity quilts, and the like. Decisions are made at board meetings and they are open to all members to attend. There is a constitution and bylaws I guess that indicate what needs to be voted on by the members which is done at the monthly meeting.
I was surprised how much a speaker costs and will try to avoid being in that board position.
The meeting format is short business, introductions of guests, show and tell, speaker and drawing for BOM and door prizes. I really enjoy it and when I don't figure it was just the attitude I choose that night and try to forget about it.