quilt guild question.
 

I am wanting to join a local guild and was wondering if it is considered okay to just show-up to the meeting on Monday or should i contact them and get and "invitation" of sorts to join. I don't want to insult them by not going about "joining" in a proper way.

I just showed up by myself.

is it a generally accepted thing to just show up for a meeting?

I think it depends on the guild - some seem to be open to whoever wants to join and pay the dues -

I emailed first so I would be expected and so I would know if I should bring anything.

I waited for an invitation that never came so I just showed up. I went to a couple of meetings, felt welcomed, paid dues, then felt snubbed so I quit going. There were so many quilt police telling me what I should be doing. I found so much more acceptance and encouragement here.

You would be most welcome to just show up at our meeting but not every guild operates the same. We have a member posted at the door to meet and greet any guests and show them around. Our greeter then sits with the guest or finds them a friend to sit with at the meeting. If you're not sure how this guild operates try calling the membership chair or president and introduce yourself.

Not all guilds are open to new members, and some actually have a "application". One guild in my area is closed to new members, and only allow a new member if someone leaves. I would call or e- mail first.

Our guild is always looking for new members, as I think most are. There are a few out there that have
"quilt snobs" as members. My suggestion, if you know someone that is a member, call them, tell them you are interested in joining, and would like to go with them to the meeting as their guest for the day. Then you can see if it the group you would like to join.

I just showed up at a meeting. It never occurred to me that new people might not be welcome. It turns out, our guild welcomes all newcomers. I think our guild expects one to pay dues after two or so meetings, however. The dues are low, and you get much value for your $$.