About us
Welcome to our safe space in Sarasota where neurodivergent and shy people can connect authentically.
This group is part of and paid for by the International Friend Connection. We partner with The Octopus Movement Think Tank in Europe. We believe that everyone is important to the future of humanity. It doesn't matter what your past or present looks like.
What We Offer
This is an oasis from the outside world where you can be yourself without judgment. We create a peaceful environment where meaningful connections happen naturally.
Whether you're:
- Navigating social situations differently
- Processing the world in your own unique way
- Preferring deeper conversations over small talk
- Looking for genuine understanding and acceptance
You belong here.
Our Values
Acceptance - Everyone's way of being is valid
Peace - We maintain a calm, respectful atmosphere
Authenticity - No masks or pretending required
Connection - Building real relationships at your own pace
Who's Welcome
Everyone who comes in peace is welcome. We're here to support each other and create the kind of community we wish existed everywhere.
Come as you are. Leave feeling understood.
Find out more about the International Friend Connection at:
https://internationalfriendconnection.com/
Find out more about The Octopus Movement at:
https://www.theoctopusmovement.org/
Nobody under the age of 18 is allowed to attend without a parent present.
Upcoming events
3
Cuppa Connection: ☕ A Cozy Morning Meetup
Coastal Grind Coffee, 2661 Mall Dr, Sarasota, FL, US🎟️ RSVP Required 🎟️ (20 Spots)
Join us for a morning of low-pressure conversation and kind company. This is a comfortable, laid-back space to enjoy a cuppa (your drink of choice) and connect with some really great people. Whether you want to chat with the group, or just quietly listen—your presence is welcome, just as you are!☺️What to Expect:
☕ Cafe Purchase: Cafe tables are for patrons—we don't charge an event fee, but a cafe purchase is required to attend. Please, no outside food or drinks.
🪪 Adults Only Please: This event is designed for adults 21 and over with low-support needs who can attend independently.👩🏿🤝👨🏼👨🏾🤝👨🏻👫👩🏿🤝👨🏼👭👩🏻🤝👨🏾👫👨🏻🤝👨🏿👩🏿🤝👨🏼👩🏼🤝👨🏻👩🏻🤝👨🏾👩🏼🤝👩🏿
Tired of masking? Need a break from explaining yourself? This meetup is for adults with Social Anxiety, ADHD, or Autism who want to connect with others who "get it."
As Always:
- No pressure to be "on" or perform to social norms.
- Conversations that can jump topics (we love tangents!)
- Acceptance of stimming, room to be your authentic self
✅ One Rule:
Our group is about light-hearted stress-free (platonic) socializing; Let's focus on uplifting, casual topics! 🪷🧘🏻♀️🧘🏾🧘🧘🏻🪷💡 IMPORTANT: This is a social meetup—we're not a mental health support group. Just a comfy place to connect. 😃
✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨
🔍 The Fine Print (Our Attendance Policy):- To keep things fair for everyone and protect spots for those eager to show up, hosts review event attendance.
- Removal from events and waitlists for no-shows and chronic or last-minute cancellations will be at the host's discretion.
- While we may consider certain circumstances, our focus is preserving open spots for those eager and able to attend, ensuring fairness for the entire group.
Attendance Rules: No-show offenses can move your account to Standby Status, and any future RSVPs you make will be removed. You may direct message the Co-host, Janna A, two hours before an event to check for unbooked seats.
If a spot is open, you will be manually added to the event. If no spot is open, there will be no reply, and you should not attend the event.
This gives members a clear path to still attend future events by filling late cancellations or unbooked seats, without risking another empty spot on our roster. We genuinely want everyone to be able to attend.
✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨Do you have social anxiety? Are you struggling with having conversations? Please feel welcome to see our original FREE classes here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pVhrbTYkCPs&list=PL7dZ0pbrV6fTSANlyWr58fqm-Wejf0OjTThis group is brought to you by the International Friend Connection in partnership with The Octopus Movement Think Tank.
Find out more here:
https://davidgood.org16 attendees
Shy & Neurodivergent Friendly Hangout
Barnes & Noble (Cafe), 4010 S Tamiami Trl, Sarasota, FL, US🎟️ RSVP Required 🎟️
(EVENT FULL & Waitlist Capped—Read Discussion below 👇🏻 for more info)
A judgment-free zone for shy & neurodivergent adults to connect authentically.
Tired of masking? Need a break from explaining yourself? This meetup is for adults with Social Anxiety, ADHD, or Autism who want to be around others who "get it."## What to Expect:
- No pressure to be "on" or perform to social norms
- Conversations that can jump topics (we love tangents!)
- Acceptance of stimming, room to be your authentic self
☕ Cafe Purchase: Cafe tables are for patrons—we don't charge an event fee, but a cafe purchase is required to attend. Please, no outside food or drinks.
🪪 Adults Only Please: This event is designed for adults 21 and over with low-support needs who can attend independently.👩🏿🤝👨🏼👨🏾🤝👨🏻👫👩🏿🤝👨🏼👭👩🏻🤝👨🏾👫👨🏻🤝👨🏿👩🏿🤝👨🏼👩🏼🤝👨🏻👩🏻🤝👨🏾👩🏼🤝👩🏿
As Always:
- No pressure to be "on" or perform to social norms.
- Conversations that can jump topics (we love tangents!)
- Acceptance of stimming, room to be your authentic self
✅ One Rule:
Our group is about light-hearted stress-free (platonic) socializing; Let's focus on uplifting, casual topics! 🪷🧘🏻♀️🧘🏾🧘🧘🏻🪷💡 IMPORTANT: This is a social meetup—we're not a mental health support group. Just a comfy place to connect. 😃
✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨
🔍 The Fine Print (Our Attendance Policy):- To keep things fair for everyone and protect spots for those eager to show up, hosts review event attendance.
- Removal from events and waitlists for no-shows and chronic or last-minute cancellations will be at the host's discretion.
- While we may consider certain circumstances, our focus is preserving open spots for those eager and able to attend, ensuring fairness for the entire group.
Attendance Rules: No-show offenses can move your account to Standby Status, and any future RSVPs you make will be removed. You may direct message the Co-host, Janna A, two hours before an event to check for unbooked seats.
If a spot is open, you will be manually added to the event. If no spot is open, there will be no reply, and you should not attend the event.
This gives members a clear path to still attend future events by filling late cancellations or unbooked seats, without risking another empty spot on our roster. We genuinely want everyone to be able to attend.
✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨Do you have social anxiety? Are you struggling with having conversations? Please feel welcome to see our original FREE classes here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pVhrbTYkCPs&list=PL7dZ0pbrV6fTSANlyWr58fqm-Wejf0OjTThis group is brought to you by the International Friend Connection in partnership with The Octopus Movement Think Tank.
Find out more here:
https://davidgood.org31 attendees
Let's Dish @ Panera! 🥐
Panera Bread (SR-64 E), 7815 SR-64, Unit 1, Bradenton, FL, US🎟️ RSVP Required 🎟️ (24 Sopts)
Bradenton Alert! Let's bring Good Vibes & Chat at Panera. Looking for a comfortable space to unwind and meet great people? Join us for an evening dedicated entirely to low-key socializing and positive, welcoming vibes.This is a completely judgment-free zone where everyone belongs. Whether you want to chat with the group, or just quietly listen—it's all good! Pull up a chair, relax, and let's dish!
What to Expect:
☕ Cafe Purchase: Cafe tables are for patrons—we don't charge an event fee, but a cafe purchase is required to attend. Please, no outside food or drinks.
🪪 Adults Only Please: This event is designed for adults 21 and over with low-support needs who can attend independently.👩🏿🤝👨🏼👨🏾🤝👨🏻👫👩🏿🤝👨🏼👭👩🏻🤝👨🏾👫👨🏻🤝👨🏿👩🏿🤝👨🏼👩🏼🤝👨🏻👩🏻🤝👨🏾👩🏼🤝👩🏿
Tired of masking? Need a break from explaining yourself? This meetup is for adults with Social Anxiety, ADHD, or Autism who want to connect with others who "get it."
As Always:
- No pressure to be "on" or perform to social norms
- Conversations that can jump topics (we love tangents!)
- Acceptance of stimming, room to be your authentic self
✅ One Rule:
Our group is about light-hearted stress-free (platonic) socializing; Let's focus on uplifting, casual topics! 🪷🧘🏻♀️🧘🏾🧘🧘🏻🪷💡 IMPORTANT: This is a social meetup—we're not a mental health support group. Just a comfy place to connect. 😃
✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨
🔍 The Fine Print (Our Attendance Policy):- To keep things fair for everyone and protect spots for those eager to show up, hosts review event attendance.
- Removal from events and waitlists for no-shows and chronic or last-minute cancellations will be at the host's discretion.
- While we may consider certain circumstances, our focus is preserving open spots for those eager and able to attend, ensuring fairness for the entire group.
Attendance Rules: No-show offenses can move your account to Standby Status, and any future RSVPs you make will be removed. You may direct message the Co-host, Janna A, two hours before an event to check for unbooked seats.
If a spot is open, you will be manually added to the event. If no spot is open, there will be no reply, and you should not attend the event.
This gives members a clear path to still attend future events by filling late cancellations or unbooked seats, without risking another empty spot on our roster. We genuinely want everyone to be able to attend.
✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨Do you have social anxiety? Are you struggling with having conversations? Please feel welcome to see our original FREE classes here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pVhrbTYkCPs&list=PL7dZ0pbrV6fTSANlyWr58fqm-Wejf0OjTThis group is brought to you by the International Friend Connection in partnership with The Octopus Movement Think Tank.
Find out more here:
https://davidgood.org18 attendees
Past events
49
