About us
Do you want to overcome shyness and/or social anxiety? Do you want to practice social skills? Do you want to make good friends? Do you want to improve your life? Join this group!
This is a safe place with nonjudgemental people in a relaxed setting. There is nothing to hide or feel ashamed about. We all understand each other and can sympathize. This group is to help people make friends, practice social skills, and have fun while doing events.
We walk around parks, explore local events, chat over coffee/tea, go to restaurants, and do anything else that looks fun.
It’s okay if you don’t speak. It’s ok if you are nervous. Take the step forward to overcome it! Looking forward to sharing our stories and having a good time.
All events are governed by the official Meetup conduct policy:
https://meetu.ps/3kzYxt
Disclaimer
These events are for entertainment purposes only and we do not give out any medical or professional advice. Please do not make any medical decisions without consulting a licensed health care professional.
Upcoming events
1
The Oasis - Shy and Neurodivergent Friendly Hangout
Schuler's Books and Music, 2660 28th St SE, Grand Rapids, MI, USYou've spent enough time explaining yourself to people who don't get it.
This is a hangout built for shy, socially anxious, and neurodivergent adults: autism, ADHD, and similar. No scripts. No performing. No weird looks when you need a break or go off on a tangent.
Everyone belongs here regardless of who you vote for, what you believe, or how you identify.
This is The Oasis. Think of it like a desert oasis: a place where travelers from all walks of life set down their weapons and rest together. No politics, no debates, no recruiting for causes or religions. Not because those things don't matter. This is just the one place where none of that is the point.
This is not a mental health support group, but it is a safe place to practice making friends and being around people again.
Bring something to focus on if that helps you settle in. Coloring, Legos, a small craft, a book. Whatever makes it easier to be here.
What you'll find:
- Genuine acceptance, not just tolerance
- Conversations that go wherever they go
- Room to be exactly who you are
This group is for adults with low support needs who can attend independently. People who repeatedly disrupt the group or disrespect our boundaries will be asked to leave.
Attendance is free. Buying something from the venue is appreciated. Look for our Meetup sign when you arrive.
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TLDR: Calm, welcoming hangout for shy and neurodivergent adults. No politics, no pressure, no performing. Bring a small activity if it helps. Free to attend.
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Free leadership and communication skills classes: https://youtube.com/@friendmagnet?sub_confirmation=1
Brought to you by International Friend Connection Meetup Groups in partnership with The Octopus Movement. https://davidgood.org | https://www.theoctopusmovement.org/
We enforce the Meetup conduct policy: https://meetu.ps/3kzYxt
Each event represents about 6 hours of work and thousands of dollars a month in services across the International Friend Connection network. We keep these events free and public because we believe everyone deserves access to real community.
That only works if everyone respects the space.
If this group isn't the right fit, that's genuinely okay. Our YouTube channel has free community organizing classes if you'd like to start your own.
What we're building here has attracted international attention. In March, I spoke at a United Nations parallel event in New York City. This model has real potential to scale, and we're working on that.
6 attendees
Past events
977
