What kind of group is this? Is it a formalised situation run and modified by a therapist or other professional? Or is this more loosely knit, informal and self-driven? Is it self-moderated?

I find this all quite questionable regarding the appropriateness. I belong to a self-moderated group and, if anything, a prospective newbie screens us as to whether they ought to attend. I am scratching my head at trying to understand this screening thing so as to allow you to attend. Just doesn't seem quite right to me.