Choosing Survival Companions: The Company We Keep

Strength in Moral Character, not in Numbers, Skills or Stuff

Far into my teenage years, my parents always wanted to meet my friends to size them up and either encourage or dissuade my continuance of the relationship. The decision was mine but, ultimately, I would find that my parents were correct in their assessments. Over time, I developed that sense my parents had of knowing if a person was good or bad for me. Friendships will either inspire us to better our lives or bring us down or cause our personal growth and happiness to stagnate. How are your friendships affecting you? Will they be there during the lowest times in your life; when you have nothing to offer them except your friendship? Do you trust them to "have your back" when the rest of the world seems to be against you? An Emergency Plan should include working with trusted members to prepare. For most, this will be a spouse, other family members or close friends. For others, reaching outside their circle of friends/family may be desired.

In the case of Seniors and the disabled, there is little difference in the way they should prepare for an emergency than anyone else. Unfortunately, they are the most affected given their situation and physical condition. Everyone should be honest about, and consider, their physical, medical and emotional condition and limitations in their emergency planning. No offense intended; many Seniors and those with Special Needs may not be as capable of saving themselves from disaster as younger, more physically abled citizens. But with proper planning, senior and special needs citizens can increase their chances of survival by bonding and planning with someone younger or a Caregiver. Read more about Emergency Preparedness Tactics For Seniors, How Family Caregivers Can Keep Loved Ones Safe and Prepping Tips For The Mobility Challenged.

Volunteering broadens your horizons for finding like-minded individuals. Join or form a local CIG organization and/or online Forum or Blog to find like-minded people, gather ideas and get advice. Monitor the verbal and written "conversations" and dynamics (between members) within the CIGs. During these conversations, participant personalities, values and skills will emerge to help identify those who are compatible with you, your values and goals. Knowing how to read a person or situation is hugely beneficial in day to day life and in survival situations, and body language is one of the best ways to do this. Learn how to read, and pay attention to Body Language. Non-verbal communication is as important as verbal and written conversations to building trust within the group. [Video] Also Read: Body Language in Bartering and Self-Defense. At a high level, and without exposing personal information and plans, begin communicating directly with those who have piqued your interest as a potential team member. At the appropriate times, slowly build your relationship with emails, phone calls and, eventually, a brief, face-to-face meeting at a public place for a quick drink or meal. Treat your first meeting as a blind date where you may find that you don't want to stay long with this person.

HELPING OTHERS UNDERSTAND THE NEED TO PREPARE:

Do you feel like Noah (in the Bible) when trying to talk with others about prepping? For me, it's like having conversations about politics or religion; they're either on the same page with you or on another planet. For whatever reason, it seems to stike a chord at the very core of the soul. Maybe it's because many people don't want to think about bad things happening and if we don't think that way, it won't happen. I have, personally, experienced this; told not to talk to them about this anymore. So, though I still occasionally make the mistake of talking or sending out topic information, I just do my own private prepping. Unfortunately, I realize that those who do not prep could likely be my biggest problems when a "bad event" happens; so I have to prep for that as well. I encourage those who believe in preparing to have those conversations with family and friends (without giving them a lot of details about your specific preps). But, if they aren't receptive, let it go quickly. If they ever do acquire the intelligence to understand why to prepare, they have a resource in you. Otherwise, put them on your list of those to watch out for; now they know where to come when (not if) the SHTF. Unfortunately, many people don't comprehend their need until they are faced with it, like a "no atheists in foxholes" moment; then it's usually too late. Why Plan for an Emergency How to Prep When Your Spouse is Against It Prepping Your Significant Other For Prepping Building a Preparedness Community Are 'Preppers' Whack Jobs or is the World? [Blog Link]

RULE #1:

Strong Leadership, Strong Men: In the fight for survival; be it life or rights, the enemy will try to beat down the strong because strength is harder to control and defeat. Weak, submissive, "nice" personalities are easy to control and defeat. From the beginning of time, men have been expected to protect family, culture, history, society and country but today's society has weakened men and men have given in. The eradication of masculinity from our society will ultimately result in the elimination of all resistance to tyranny. Freedom-loving males know this, and women who believe in individual capability rather than dependence on the government also know it. Remember: subjugation of all to a collectivist regime is the ultimate goal, and branding masculinity as toxic is one of many pieces in the game.
When forming a survival community, seek strong men to lead. View this Video.

Good Leaders Must First Be Good Servants: The terms servant and leader are considered opposites of each other but the term "Servant Leadership", coined by Robert K. Greenleaf, means that one must first have a desire to serve others which then pushes to want to lead others. Matthew 20:25 To become a good servant leader, there are ten tenets that are integral. A person must have these qualities and habits deeply rooted in them first. They include: Listening: This is a way to include everyone. It helps people feel that their input is worth something. Empathy: Be able to understand what people are feeling or going through and relate to them. Healing: Be able to play a role in helping people solve their problems and issues to help them become better. Awareness: Knows the values and ethics the leader holds and how they are applicable in a situation. Conceptualization: Know how to dream and be able to see the potential in a situation or an individual. Foresight: See beyond the present and look into the future to be able to assess different outcomes from various actions that can be taken. Persuasion: Does not bark orders or coerce but convinces. Aims at persuading and convincing people to go in a certain direction. Stewardship: Overwhelming commitment to catering to the needs of others first. Thinks about the people and their needs. Commitment to People's Growth: Has the personal and professional development of the people been improved? Building Community: Looks beyond their own goals and dreams and to the goals of others as well as the organization's.

PREPARING WITH COMPANIONS:

Committing to help one another, as a couple, family or team of like-minded individuals to stay safe, gather supplies, plan and prepare physically and emotionally is a vital skill to learn. Neighborhood Watch is an organized effort by concerned residents to look out for each others safety, and to help law enforcement officers protect people and their homes against criminals. If your neighborhood has not yet become a crime statistic, consider crime preventive measures by starting a Neighborhood Watch Program. At the very least, call the police any time something looks suspicious or out of place. If your neighborhood has already become a crime statistic, a Neighborhood Watch Program can tackle this problem. Ignoring the problem will not fix it. In some cases and situations, it may be appropriate to form a local militia group. Community and Neighborhood Prepping Tips Things to Consider When Forming a Prepper Community Community Response to an Emergency Group Organization: When planning for a long-term emergency or a full-blown survival scenario, a well-organized survival group is necessary. The group must include trustworthy, moral people that possess diverse skills and a strong work ethic. Having a well-rounded collection of skills represented in the group will provide a better chance of surviving and make the whole ordeal much less difficult. With the exception of infancy or extreme incapacitation, ALL members of the group MUST actively participate in one or more group activities in the following areas; there is no room for charity, handouts, entitlements or laziness. Scrounger - Scavenger - Acquisition - Negotiator - Bartering for, and acquiring, supplies Quartermaster Accountant/Finances Doctor/Medic Shelter/Facilities Carpenter Plumber/Water Cook/Meals Gardener Livestockman Hunter/Angler Seamstress - Make and mend clothing Security/Soldier Mechanic - equipment/vehicle repair Communications Trainer/Teacher/Educator Recruiter Blacksmith Electrician Gunsmith Bush Crafter Preacher Planner/Scheduler Child/Elder care Mediator/Counseling (usually handled by leadership) Leadership (an odd number group, not an individual) How to Organize A Survival Mutual Assistance Team Building a Survival Group Key Roles and Team Dynamics Within the Survival Group The Community Survival Plan

FAMILY:

Strengthening Family Values and The Power of Family and its Impact on Society

BUDDY SYSTEM:

TEAM PETS / ANIMALS:

For some, a pet may be the only Survival Companion they will want or will be included as a valued member of the team. A pet, specifically a dog, will not only be very loyal but may be trained to perform many tasks that may help in an emergency. They may alert to "visitors" and dogs with a "big dog bark" may deter a [human or other] predator. A dog that has been trained to attack is a formidable defense weapon. Unlike humans, pets are not likely to turn against you and are not lazy if treated well. Here are some other animals and things to consider:

Our right to "keep and bear arms" is supposed to be protected by the Second Amendment with the exercise of that right protected by the First Amendment (freedom of Religion, Speech, Press, Assembly, Petition)! The ultimate protection of our rights, however, come from you! The people of this nation armed, trained and prepared to fight any foreign or domestic enemy is our best weapon against tyranny and usurpation of our liberties. The U.S. Constitution, Article I, Section 8, Clauses 15 and 16, provides for States to organize and train their Militias according to standards established by the U.S. Congress, and to appoint the officers, but it was not the intention of that clause to authorize states to forbid local organization and training of Militia units, but to require that they be organized and trained. Here are some Steps to take: Establish an Identity Identify the Goals and Intentions of the Group. Reinforce them often to group members. Organize a Recruiting Strategy which could start with an existing Neighborhood Watch Program. Train Members (The Art of Guerilla Warfare: General Principles) Practice - Run Missions Follow all jurisdiction laws, rules and regulations. Be aware that the group may be monitored by the government. As numbers grow, create a large number of small, independent units with many leaders. Never a central leadership. Central Headquarters should only be responsible to facilitate communications, not command. Militia Organizations & Resources: American Militia Association WHYU FM - 102.3 MHz [or listen online] in Meyersdale, PA (American Militia Association - Radio Station) Militia News My Militia News Should I Join a Militia? Patriot or Traitor

CONSIDER IF/HOW GOVERNANCE WILL BE HANDLED AFTER A SHTF EVENT: