Grouping together

[NorthernRaider]

LS I look at OUR needs in a similar light to the way the Amish help each other out when neccecssary and mutually beneficial, IE Raising new barns and getting the crops in is labour intensive so then all the local Amish come together to help each other, but apart from that they get on with theirown private lives. Obligatory groups with rules, leaders, pecking order, fees, requirements are a sure fire route to failure.

Mutual support given willingly when needed is just common sense, Its basically local survivalists in any area get to know each other better, if they get on all right and share common values then they can offer each other a promise of mutual support if there is a crisis.
If could be something as simple as if your colleague is passing through your area or bugging out through your area, or stopping overnight in your area he can call on you for say

A local sit rep report
A local intel report
A Fresh map
A place to park up overnight in relative safety
A place to refill his water tanks
A place they can wash and clean up before moving on
A place they know they can access first aid and a hot meal
Perhaps they can find a friendly local prepper to help guide them through the area
A chance to access the hosts longer range radio equipment.

In Time they may build up enough trust etc to cross train together but without obligation
They may end up sharing bulk purchases
They may become friends ??
They MAY agree that each members home / BOL will be willing to allow the other family to stop for a couple of nights in a disaster.

But ALL agreement are mutual and given freely and are not membership requirements.





This is what I wrote some years ago, but I think is still valid

SURVIVALISM IN THE U.K & ACROSS THE WORLD

In all the four corners of the world you will find survivalism and preparedness flourishing, more people than ever before are trying to retake control over their own destinies and lifestyles. The United Kingdom is no different in that respect but it does have its own set of unusual circumstances for the modern survivalist to overcome.

Apart from the very obvious problems of the right to own firearms and the right to protect yourselves from criminals there is a strong public objection to people who are not mainstream in their lifestyle choices, If you don't socialise in the accepted manner like enjoying soccer, going to the pub etc you are seen as an oddball. You compound this with the British survivalist’s natural conservatism and an inbred fear of others with whom they are not familiar you end up with a difficult environment in which to develop your skills and plans without being ridiculed by your neighbours or workmates.

Survivalism is a serious undertaking that is usually a very private matter for you and your family and not one you would choose to broadcast in any way, this in itself causes problems to overcome.

How do you gain the expertise you need in so many subjects without contacting others, how do you source the logistics and kit you require in the larger than normal quantities than Joe Public would buy, how do you gather the intelligence about current affairs, possible hazards, retreat locations etc without giving away your reasons, how do you overcome your natural curiosity as to what other survivalists are up to and are they doing something better than you are?

Some survivalists form "GROUPS" sharing costs, bulk buying, developing a communal retreat, having group "STANDARDS", setting criteria for "MEMBERSHIP" etc these "GROUPS" tend to have a very strong willed "LEADER" controlling things and persuading the others to follow his way of doing things. Sometimes this becomes elitist and at other times it becomes a "CULT" with the ruling elite controlling the ordinary members by intimidation, fear etc this is not a path that I would advocate that anyone follows for good reason.

The only things that survivalists should have to standardise upon are a set of communication frequencies and protocols for getting in touch with each other as and when THEY CHOOSE. Survivalists by their very natures are very intelligent, free thinking, broadminded individuals each with their own agendas to follow. This is why they became survivalists in the first place, because the wish to be in control over their own lives and destinies without external forces controlling their freedom of personal choice.

Yes it would be nice and easy if we all had the same equipment fuel and ammunition calibres, but for the reasons shown above individuals have their own preferences and reasons for choosing their own kit.
Insisting that everyone uses petrol power cookers or generators or vehicles as part of being a "MEMBER" of the group is stupid if one of the group lives on a farm that is totally diesel powered and has 10,000 gallons of the stuff stored on site. It’s the same principle if everyone has to have weapons available only in 7.62 rimless NATO calibre and one of the guys lives in a very heavily forested area that would be better served by a 12 gauge pump action shotgun. Individuality must be encouraged not stifled by diktat from government or the leaders of your local group. Communism and a single plan of development has been proven not to work where as freedom of choice and flexibility has been shown to flourish, this is especially true for survivalists.

It has been said "No man is an Island" this also holds true for survivalists. A way to share our skills and knowledge and to find others of a similar outlook to ourselves is part of human nature, we must balance the survivalists need for privacy and security against the need to gather information and develop contacts with others like ourselves.

The way ahead for us I feel is something I saw when in America a few years ago where like minded people came together twice a year for what they called a RENDEZVOUS, At these events people got to meet each other on neutral ground to socialise, barter, get the latest gossip, share ideas, find out what's new etc. These events have been very successful at bridging the gap amongst people of similar beliefs without putting any restrictions upon them. What was not acceptable there was anyone trying to force upon the others their ideals and beliefs.