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International Friend Connection
Local and global events to help people make friends in a low-pressure social setting.
Free events, online and in person, where shy, introverted, socially anxious and neurodivergent adults can show up without pretending to be someone else.
Founded in 2014 · Presidential Volunteer Service Award · Featured on ABC, FOX, NBC and CBS
Recognized, featured and trusted
Public proof around the work.
Serious visitors should not have to take our word for it. These are the public signals behind our work.
Recognized by
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Presidential Volunteer Service Award -
Daily Point of Light AwardPoints of Light -
Global Human-Centered Organization Award2026 Nominee
Featured on
40,000+ members reached
5,000+ events hosted
50 chapters at peak
20+ countries
Community in action
A safer room, in practice.
Cideries, beaches, bookstores, coffee shops: the setting changes, but the low-pressure, come-as-you-are feeling stays the same.
As seen on FOX 17
Combatting the loneliness epidemic.
Loneliness is a global health crisis. Watch the FOX 17 segment on how we answer it, one safer room at a time.
TV FOX 17 News: Combatting the Loneliness Epidemic
Watch David Good talk about connection, community and the need for real-world belonging.
Recognized across the political spectrum
Bi-Partisan recognition for non-partisan volunteer leadership.
A letter from a Democratic president. An honor from the foundation started by a Republican president. The same volunteer work.
“On behalf of the American People, I extend my heartfelt appreciation to you for your volunteer leadership, and I encourage you to continue to answer the call to serve. The country is counting on you.”
From a letter sent by President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. to the founder, David Good
How it works
Simple rooms. Clear norms. Real practice.
Show up as you are
We're built for adults who may need a gentler way into connection. No one has to be impressive to belong.
Build familiarity
Friendship usually grows through repeated contact, shared interests and enough safety to try again.
International Friend Connection is a non-partisan, peer-led community. It is not therapy, crisis support or medical care. Read our event guidelines.
The network
Local roots and global reach.
International Friend Connection began in Michigan, but the need was never only local. The network includes in-person chapters and online groups that give people different ways to find a room that fits their location, capacity and season of life.
Map based on the chapter list provided for this page. Current group availability may change. Visit the Meetup Pro network for the latest active listings.
What professionals say
Therapists, psychiatrists and academics on our impact.
“I've seen firsthand the impact these meet-ups have on my clients' lives. As neurodivergent people, we so often suffer from isolation, judgment and being othered. These groups provide a space where we can safely connect and grow a real sense of community.”
“David's work stands out with its simplicity and ingenuity. Resting on common sense, lived experience and clinical theory, 'The Tribe' facilitates genuine human connection and creates a nurturing psychological environment where skills can truly flourish.”
“David was unlike most presenters we've had at Cultural Autism Studies at Yale. His different way of thinking, infectious enthusiasm and touching humility make him a truly unique kind of advocate. He has become an important, permanent part of our group.”
For serious supporters
International Friend Connection is ready for people who understand why this matters.
The loneliness problem is bigger than one founder, one platform or one volunteer network.
We need serious people who care about community, mental health, neurodivergent adults, civic health and practical belonging: sponsors, clinicians, civic leaders, executives and volunteers.