I have joined the local guild this year -- very large, very active -- there are many charitable activities to participate in, as one wishes, and bees to join for weekly or so sewing -- I love the monthly speakers and the show-and-tell part -- I also get to visit with my quilting buddy and meet new quilters -- my experience has been positivie as it is a participate-as-much-as-you-wish organization -- hope you will enjoy your guild -- give it a try!