I've belong to a guild for about 8 years. You can learn so much by attending lectures, workshops and trunk shows given by guest speakers and guild members, not to mention viewing quilts each meeting during Show and Tell. Best of all, you get to talk about quilting to people who understand what you're talking about, not like your family and friends whose eyes roll when you talk quilting. Exception would be when that family member or friend wants you to make them a quilt.
Give it a try as most guild allow you to attend their meetings as guests before you decide whether or not to join. If you do join the best way to get to know other members is join a small group. I belong to 2 in my Guild, Crazy 8's (that's because we very rarely have 8 members) who decide upon projects we do individually and Story Weavers, who read books and get inspiration for quilts. My Guild also has several applique groups and an art quilt group. I say, Go For It.
May in Jersey