[jbk]

> I'm terrified of working with you guys but am starting to feel like maybe I should get over that and lend a hand.

You shouldn't be terrified.

My advice: start with a small open source team (not small project) on a project you like. Maybe do not start with your real name (it will be easy to change aftewards). Come on one IRC channel of a project ( like #videolan on freenode) and propose your services. See how people react. If you like them, go on, if you don't, move along.