A group can call itself open while making newcomers earn the right to be ordinary.

Openness is often stated at the door and withheld inside. A group can genuinely welcome new people while still requiring them to be impressive, useful or grateful for a year before they are allowed to be unremarkable, which is what belonging actually feels like. Nobody writes this rule down. It shows up in who gets to have an off day without their commitment being questioned.

If you are established somewhere, notice whether a newcomer is allowed to be quiet, tired or wrong without consequence. Extending that permission early is more welcoming than any amount of enthusiasm at the introduction.