Several years ago, a bunch of quilters (I think there were around 15 of us) who were all members of a large guild decided to start a small guild. We didn't want to copy the large guild, which had a large operating budget and funding which could bring in nationally known teachers, but something small where we could plan meetings around sharing our skills with others by having mini-classes and demonstrations by the members, we planned to have local teachers come in, and we decided to include non-quilting speakers on subjects which were of importance to women, like breast and cervical cancer, heart health, diabetes, personal safety, etc. We had our 4th birthday last August and our membership stays around 55, with about 35-40 who come to the meetings every month. There are only 5 of the founding members still active in this guild, and none of us are officers, but we watch to make sure that the guild doesn't stray too far from the original purpose, which was for quilters to share their expertise with other quilters.
We had a very loose organization for a while, but after about 2 years, we approved by-laws and an organizational structure with officers and committees. We charge $25 a year dues, which helps to pay for the PO Box, the refreshment supplies (paper/plastic goods, bottled water, flavorings, etc.), banking supplies, etc. We distribute a monthly newsletter via email, so there are no printing or postage costs. We have 2 major fundraisers a year -- a raffle quilt and a silent auction -- to pay for the 4-5 local speakers. Since we are in the greater Houston area, the November meeting is always "Look What I Found at the Quilt Festival" meeting, which is always a lot of fun. One monthly meeting is a challenge of sorts but is also a "runway event", where we make an item, then show it. So far, we have done aprons and tote bags. We have a Saturday sew-in at one of the local libraries once a month; we have 3-4 road trips where we visit quilt shops and go to other guilds' quilt shows; and we have a retreat once a year.
Putting