Forming a Prepper Group

So, you've ID'd some folks who have similar goals as you and you all would like to form a benificial group to prepare against whatever it is you feel the need to prepare for.  I suggest starting with only one or two other initial members.  That way, after you've hammered out what the group will be, you can each then recruit more members with a goal in mind.  (easier to get group concensus with fewer members)

Step 1- Research and plan your group type.  Figure out what you want to get out of your group.  This can change over time and may have phases built in.  Do you just want a group to bounce ideas off of?  Do you want a group that all chips in money to buy a retreat in Idaho?  Do you want your group to pool resources in times of emergency (one person buys the nice reloader another buys the big flour mill, another buys the diesel generator)?  Try to define what it is you want to join.  Everyone's idea may be different- and you will have to compromise.  As cheezey as it sounds, a mission statement may help give direction- a one sentence statement that defines the purpose of your group.  Everyone needs to know what the group is for.  Otherwise your just hanging out.  After you agree on what it is you are going to do, it's time to plan.

Step 2- Get organized. Give the group a name.  Try to keep notes on what was discussed.  Decide where and how often the group will meet.  What will happen at these meetings will largely depend on the group's mission statement.  If you are primarily a weapons and tactics group- you may meet at the range on a regular basis.  Others may meet in the home of a member- or a public location.  Decide on membership requirements or limits.  Be curtious of others and don't exclude potential members simply because they have a busy work load and can't meet every other Tuesday.  Decide who the leader is.  Every group needs a leader- though it may not be you.  Be prepared to be a follower if a better leader is present. Decide early on if decisions are going to be democratic in nature or not.  You can create an agenda of activities or goals.  For instance, one month may be get CPR certified month (you could host a CPR instructor for the group or maybe a member is already qualified to instruct).  Another month you could talk about food storage- or cooking techniques, or knife sharpening or gun cleaning, or gardening... Be sure to decide about new members- what it takes to let a new member into the group. Respect the privacy of other members.

Step 3- Stay Active.  Whether you are the group leader or not, if you want the group to continue you have to be supportive of everyone.  Be encouraging to others.  If you value their membership, make them feel wanted and important.  Do fun things- not just discussion meetings.  Go for hikes, to HAM radio club events, to the gun range, to gun shows, help other members dig in their gardens...

Question- is it alright to join multiple groups?  I think so.  Each group may have different goals and offer different benifits of membership.  I also think in terms of circles.  I have a circle of friends that believes strongly in food storage, yet abhors guns.  Another circle that loves guns, yet places little emphasis on anything else.  Eventually, I hope to get enough people who have similar goals, circumstances and perspectives as me and we can form a real tight-nit group.

Next post I will define I want out of my ideal survival group.