Since 2014
Community-building work that began in Grand Rapids, Michigan.
International Friend Connection
A global community network built for people who need a safer way to connect.
The non-partisan International Friend Connection began with one Meetup group in Grand Rapids, Michigan. David Good created a room where shy, introverted, socially anxious and neurodivergent adults could show up without pretending to be someone else.
Founded from David Good's community-building work in 2014, beginning with West Michigan Geeks.
A real community, not a theory
Community proof
International Friend Connection shows David's work in public: people meeting, returning, volunteering and helping the next person through the door.
Evidence, not theory
This is one of the clearest proof points behind David's work.
International Friend Connection matters because it shows the principles outside a keynote, a book or a mentoring room. It shows the work under real conditions, with real people.
One group first
West Michigan Geeks became the starting point for what came later.
Global reach
Our communities have operated across countries, cultures, time zones and neurotypes.
Volunteer-led
Members and organizers help create the rooms they once needed.
Online and in person
The network includes local chapters and virtual groups.
Practical belonging
Peer-led community with a clear boundary: it does not replace therapy or medical care.
The mission
Helping people find the right room.
Some people are not missing ambition. They are missing a place where the first step feels possible.
International Friend Connection creates safer social spaces for adults who may be shy, introverted, socially anxious, neurodivergent, isolated or tired of rooms where connection feels forced.
The work is simple on purpose. People meet. They talk. They play games, share interests, attend online events, join local gatherings and slowly build the kind of familiarity that makes life feel less alone.
International Friend Connection is a non-partisan, peer-led community. It is not clinical care, crisis support or a replacement for therapy. That boundary matters, especially for clinicians and referral partners who need to know where David's work begins and ends.
People usually do not need a louder room. They need a safer one.
Why this belongs on davidgood.org
David built the kind of community he once needed.
David's story gives International Friend Connection its shape. Before he became a speaker, author and self-leadership mentor, he was a person trying to rebuild a life marked by chronic pain, autism, isolation and the loss of the career he had trained for.
In 2014, he started West Michigan Geeks. The idea was modest: create a place where people could come together without the pressure of a loud bar, a networking room or a social performance.
That small beginning became the foundation for International Friend Connection.
This is why David's speaking and mentoring work has weight. He teaches self-leadership because he has had to practice it. He speaks about belonging because he has built it. He talks about difficult things because he has spent years helping people take one practical step toward connection.
Recognized, featured and trusted
Public proof around the work.
These signals belong on the page because they help serious visitors understand that International Friend Connection is part of David's authority, not a side note.
Highest trust
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.
Declared a Point of Light honoree by the foundation started by President George HW Bush.
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 International Friend Connection chapter list provided for this page. Current group availability may change. Visit the Meetup Pro network for the latest active listings.
How our communities work
Simple rooms. Clear norms. Real practice.
Find a group
People can start with a local chapter or an online event, depending on what feels possible.
Show up as you are
International Friend Connection is 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.
Practice self-leadership
The work connects naturally to David's framework: act when fear shows up, learn from experience, connect with people and choose what is good for you.
Help the next person
Many volunteer leaders begin as participants. That is part of the strength of the model.
Keep the boundary clear
International Friend Connection is a peer-led community. It is not therapy, crisis support or medical care.
Global relevance
A practical contribution to well-being and community life.
David wants International Friend Connection to support the spirit of three United Nations Sustainable Development Goals: Goal 3, Good Health and Well-Being, Goal 11, Sustainable Cities and Communities and Goal 16, Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions.
Goal 3: Good Health and Well-Being
International Friend Connection supports social connection, belonging and peer community as practical contributors to well-being.
Goal 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
International Friend Connection helps create local and online community spaces where people can meet, participate and build trust.
Goal 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions
International Friend Connection is non-partisan by design. It helps different kinds of people sit down together with simple ground rules. The work is small on purpose: safer rooms, respectful conversation and real practice with people someone might not normally meet. That is one practical way to lower polarization and build trust.
This is an alignment statement, not a claim of United Nations sponsorship, certification, endorsement or formal partnership.
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.
International Friend Connection needs serious people who care about community, mental health, neurodivergent adults, civic health and practical belonging.
Civic leaders and community buildersClinicians and referral partnersConference organizers and media hostsCompany owners and executivesSponsors and supportersVolunteers who can help build safer rooms
If you are exploring a partnership, sponsorship, referral relationship, media conversation or community opportunity, start with a conversation. The right next step depends on what you are trying to build.
Next step
Start with a thoughtful conversation.
Whether you are exploring International Friend Connection, planning an event, considering sponsorship, looking for a referral option, or trying to understand David's work, tell David what you are trying to accomplish.