I have had good times with both of the guilds I belong to. One is in a small rural town about 40 minutes away, the other in a large northern city about 1 hour away.
They are both full of wonderful quilters who really do care if you come. Both have friendly people who love to sew/quilt and teach the craft.
BellaBoo said "Don't be a wall flower at your first meeting."
I agree. The guild can only welcome someone who is happy to be there, and willing to learn the group.
Quiltinvaca said "When you want to be part of a group- put yourself out there- ask what you can do."
It is a give and take in a new group. They need to know you as well as you knowing them. They can't if you sit and wait for things to come to you.
That said, the groups are as different as any group can be.