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
52
The Oasis - Shy and Neurodivergent Friendly Hangout
Schuler's Books and Music, 2660 28th St SE, Grand Rapids, MI, USIf you’ve spent a lifetime feeling misunderstood, overexplaining yourself, or trying to fit in, this space was built with you in mind.
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 debates or 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.
Attendance is free. Buying something from the venue is appreciated. Look for our Meetup sign when you arrive.
***
TLDR: Calm, welcoming hangout for shy and neurodivergent adults. No pressure, no performing. Bring a small activity if it helps. Free to attend.
***
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
Attendance is free, but events like this still require many hours of planning, hosting, moderation, and follow-up, along with thousands of dollars each month in tools, platform costs, and support across the network. We keep them free because we believe people need places like this.
That only works if everyone respects the space.
Our YouTube channel has free community organizing classes if you'd like to start your own community space.
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.
1 attendee
Shy and Neurodivergent Friendly Hangout
Schuler's Books and Music, 2660 28th St SE, Grand Rapids, MI, USA judgment-free zone for shy and neurodivergent adults to connect authentically.
When you arrive, look for our Meetup sign. Check in at the main table and grab a name tag.
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 just "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
- Understanding when you need breaks or to fidget
(This group is designed for individuals who can attend independently without outside support)
IMPORTANT: While we're not a mental health support group, it is a safe place to make new friends. 🙂
☕ While our Meetup is free, we ask that you please support the venue by making a purchase if you're able. This helps to keep us being invited back.
Come as you are, you belong here. Hope to see you soon! 👋🏼
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.orghttps://www.theoctopusmovement.org/
Here are our group guidelines:
- We follow the Meetup conduct policy. If you're not familiar with it, it's worth a quick read.
- Please no using our group for advertising, promoting, or recruitment.
3 attendeesThe Oasis - Shy and Neurodivergent Friendly Hangout
Schuler's Books and Music, 2660 28th St SE, Grand Rapids, MI, USIf you’ve spent a lifetime feeling misunderstood, overexplaining yourself, or trying to fit in, this space was built with you in mind.
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 debates or 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.
Attendance is free. Buying something from the venue is appreciated. Look for our Meetup sign when you arrive.
***
TLDR: Calm, welcoming hangout for shy and neurodivergent adults. No pressure, no performing. Bring a small activity if it helps. Free to attend.
***
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
Attendance is free, but events like this still require many hours of planning, hosting, moderation, and follow-up, along with thousands of dollars each month in tools, platform costs, and support across the network. We keep them free because we believe people need places like this.
That only works if everyone respects the space.
Our YouTube channel has free community organizing classes if you'd like to start your own community space.
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.
2 attendeesShy and Neurodivergent Friendly Hangout
Schuler's Books and Music, 2660 28th St SE, Grand Rapids, MI, USA judgment-free zone for shy and neurodivergent adults to connect authentically.
When you arrive, look for our Meetup sign. Check in at the main table and grab a name tag.
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 just "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
- Understanding when you need breaks or to fidget
(This group is designed for individuals who can attend independently without outside support)
IMPORTANT: While we're not a mental health support group, it is a safe place to make new friends. 🙂
☕ While our Meetup is free, we ask that you please support the venue by making a purchase if you're able. This helps to keep us being invited back.
Come as you are, you belong here. Hope to see you soon! 👋🏼
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.orghttps://www.theoctopusmovement.org/
Here are our group guidelines:
- We follow the Meetup conduct policy. If you're not familiar with it, it's worth a quick read.
- Please no using our group for advertising, promoting, or recruitment.
1 attendee
Past events
980
