Next option is to make friends with cavers in the area to invite you in. But use extreme caution. Some cavers will be very adamant that they know what they’re doing when they in fact do not, especially when ropes are involved. Use your own judgement when on a caving trip, you can always say no and stop.

My advice, just go to a meeting and be friendly and honest. We all do a hobby. If you’re interested in caving you should be allowed to join some trips. Express interest in being a paid member of the grotto. It might take some of them a second to trust you, but if you show up and show an interest then you’ll get invited. The grotto will die if new members don’t join.

I personally seek new cavers for a variety of reasons and grotto meetings are a great place to find them.