mpspeedy is right, lots of it, just runs itself.
My hubby is a real ppl person, and when they asked him, if he would take the position, he said, "I'm not sure I know how. You guys let me know what to do, and I'll get it done."
There usually is no shortage of suggestions, but he is ok with that, and, they are 'really' ok, with it, cause they just wanted somebody to be the...fill the slot, so to speak. He is not a bit shy, though. When he doesn't like something, he'll just say so.
I am the only person he doesn't say "so" to very often. :wink:

I recently became guild president (I was vice pres. but the president quit because we did not have by-laws and things weren't moving along like she wanted them to be). We are an informal group and that's how they wanted it to stay. So, I joined to have fun and learn from the others and that's my atmosphere to operate under. I have implemented segments to get people talking and joining in. I do not want a business meeting that is dry and no fun. We all have good ideas on fun things to do, so as president I will go the extra mile to make them happen, then say, I put in my time for my ideas now it's someone else's turn.

A comfortable atmosphere equals more people talking, equals making friends, equals a fun quild that does things together. Show them how easy it is to contribute and be a part of the group instead of a wall flower. I have a segment "for what it's worth" and we openly mention things we have learned, new products, websites, those hints are why we get together...to learn form one another.

I also have the show and tell quilts left out on display, so during refreshments we walk around and talk about the quilts etc and get talking to people we might not have met before. It's a nice ice breaker.

We also wear nametags, which really helps in getting to know everyone

My opinion is that quilting groups are friendship groups, and it help us grow. Everyone is welcome, just like this site!

Good luck