people who already know each other are more likely to hang around together. I wouldn't call that a clique
.
Of course they do, that's natural and has no intent to snub new members.
Most new members come in sit down in back and never say a word unless it's to the person next to them. When they are ackowledged as a guest in the meeting (and all guests should be acknowledged at every guild meeting) they usually just say Hi or thank you. Their name is said one time and most forget it by the end of the meeting. When I go to a new guild I stand up and tell something about my quilting life. I express excitement and interest in getting to know people and all the projects I can help with or join in. I wear a big name tag so everyone can see my name. I bring a show and tell item and stand up and tell the story of it during Show and Tell. I get involved the very first meeting.