I came across a post on Survival Prepper’s Facebook Group asking why there aren’t more Prepper Communities. The short answer is a lack of trust. Many preppers are low profile because of the stigma that society and media have placed on us, i.e., “Doomsday Preppers” on the History Channel. Movies and shows like “The Road,” “Book of Eli, “The Last of Us,” “The Walking Dead, and “Mad Max.” have taught us that keeping our knowledge and preps to ourselves will keep us alive longer.
A lot of us want to be left alone. I don’t know if this is a product of the connected world leading to the disconnect many people felt after the 2020 lockdowns were lifted. However, in books like “The Patriot” or “One Second After,” we find that only having the support of a community will allow us to thrive.
In today’s ever-changing world, where uncertainty seems to be the norm rather than the exception, many individuals are turning to prepping to safeguard themselves and their loved ones. or “We mocked preppers and survivalists – until the pandemic hit.” by J Oliver Conroy, The Guardian.
What exactly is a prepper community?
A prepper community is a group of like-minded individuals who come together to prepare for and survive various emergencies or catastrophes. These communities typically consist of people who believe in self-reliance, preparedness, and taking proactive measures to protect themselves during times of crisis.
Stick around to the end were I will share my thoughts on how I would create a Prepper Community.
Dr. Chris Ellis, an expert in disaster preparedness trained at Cornell University and the US Army, utilizes data from the FEMA National Household Survey to calculate the number of what he terms “Resilient Citizens.” Americans who can stand tall amidst adversity, surviving for an impressive 31 days or more without the lifelines of water, power, fuel, or food.
His latest research journey has led him to some fascinating discoveries. The tribe of these Resilient Citizens has grown from a modest 3.8% to a more robust 5.8% between 2017 and 2020.
The “Ultra High Resilient Citizens” ranks – the survival superstars who can weather 97 days or more in self-sufficiency – have made an even more dramatic leap. They’ve doubled their numbers, jumping from 1.1% to 2.6% over the same period.
“In the face of looming threats and uncertainty, it’s clear that more and more people are stepping up to the plate, taking the prospect of large-scale disasters head-on,” Ellis observes. It seems that when the going gets tough, the tough truly does get going! (Ellis, Are you ready for it? examining security in contemporary disaster … 2021)
The Importance of Community Support in Times of Crisis
When facing life’s abundance of challenges, it becomes evident that relying solely on oneself may not always suffice. This is where prepper communities truly shine – they emphasize the significance of collective strength and mutual support during times of crisis.
In such situations, having a network of trusted individuals to rely on can make all the difference between survival and despair. By joining forces within a thriving prepper community, members gain access to valuable knowledge, expertise, and resources that can significantly enhance their chances of survival.
Whether learning essential survival skills from experienced preppers or sharing supplies and equipment during an emergency, these communities foster an environment conducive to resilience and adaptability. Moreover, being part of a prepper community offers emotional support beyond camaraderie.
Building relationships with like-minded individuals equally invested in preparedness provides invaluable reassurance during challenging times. Discussing concerns or fears openly with others facing similar circumstances helps alleviate anxiety and fosters mental well-being.
In essence, joining a prepper community allows individuals to prepare more effectively and provides a robust support system when the going gets tough – truly highlighting these communities’ importance in our ever-changing world. So, let’s dive deeper into the benefits of joining a prepper community and explore how to build and thrive within such a community.
Benefits of Joining a Prepper Community
Shared Knowledge and Skills
Joining a prepper community provides an invaluable opportunity to tap into a vast reservoir of shared knowledge and skills. This collective wisdom is a significant asset in enhancing your survival preparedness and resilience in the face of potential challenges.
These communities are often home to experienced preppers who have dedicated countless hours to refining their expertise in various survival areas. They have accumulated a wealth of knowledge in diverse fields, ranging from wilderness survival techniques to food preservation methods, emergency medical care, security, and even the construction of makeshift shelters.
This abundant wisdom is readily available for you to learn from, offering a unique educational resource that is both practical and immediately applicable.
Learning from those who have faced and successfully navigated challenging survival situations can provide invaluable insights. Having tested their skills and strategies in real-life scenarios, these seasoned preppers are often eager to share their experiences, tips, and tricks with newcomers. They can offer advice on what works, what doesn’t, and how to adapt to changing circumstances.
By engaging with these communities and listening to their stories and advice, you can better understand how to prepare for different survival scenarios. You might find yourself mastering the art of building a fire in the wilderness, preserving food without refrigeration, or acquiring essential first aid skills. These are all practical skills that can significantly enhance your survival capabilities.
Moreover, being part of a prepper community provides a platform for continuous learning and growth. As new challenges arise and new solutions are discovered, you can stay updated and continue to expand your survival skillset.
This ongoing exchange of knowledge and skills is one of the key benefits of being part of a prepper community, making it a worthwhile endeavor for anyone serious about survival preparedness.
Resource Pooling and Sharing
Resource pooling and sharing is a fundamental aspect of prepper communities, which is crucial in enhancing survival strategies and fostering a sense of unity and interdependence among members. This practice involves collectively sharing supplies and equipment, ensuring everyone within the community can access the essential tools needed for survival and protection.
In a prepper community, members often have diverse resources at their disposal. These include food and water supplies, medical equipment, tools, and shelter facilities. By pooling these resources together, the community ensures everyone can access what they need, particularly during emergencies.
Imagine being short on water, food, or vital medications during a crisis. In a well-organized prepper community, you can rely on your fellow members for support, knowing that resources are shared, and everyone’s needs are considered.
This collective approach to resource management significantly enhances the community’s overall resilience. For instance, shared resources such as water filtration systems, power generators, or medical supplies can be life-saving during emergencies. By ensuring everyone has access to these essential tools, the community can better withstand crises and recover quickly.
Furthermore, many prepper communities establish bartering systems among members. This is an alternative means of acquiring necessities when traditional methods are unavailable or fail.
For example, an individual with a surplus of food supplies can trade with another with medical expertise. This arrangement ensures that everyone’s needs are met and fosters a sense of community and mutual support.
Resource pooling and sharing within a prepper community is a testament to the adage that there is strength in numbers. It ensures the availability of essential supplies and services and strengthens the bonds among members, fostering a sense of unity, mutual support, and collective resilience.
Emotional Support and Camaraderie
Being part of a prepper community goes beyond sharing resources and survival skills; it also provides a network of emotional support and camaraderie. This aspect of community membership is often overlooked but equally crucial for survival and resilience in adversity.
In a prepper community, you are surrounded by like-minded individuals who understand your concerns and share your commitment to preparedness. This shared understanding creates a strong bond among members, fostering a sense of belonging and mutual support. You are not alone in your journey; you are part of a group that shares your values and goals.
These communities are characterized by relationships that thrive on mutual encouragement and support. Members are there for each other, providing emotional support in times of stress or crisis. This camaraderie can be a powerful motivator, helping members stay focused and resilient in challenging situations.
Building strong connections with fellow preppers also creates an environment where emotional well-being is prioritized. In times of crisis or when faced with adversity, having someone by your side who understands the intricacies of preparedness can be invaluable.
These connections provide comfort and reassurance, helping you navigate complex situations and find solace in knowing you are not alone.
Whether discussing survival strategies, sharing personal experiences, or simply lending an empathetic ear, the emotional support within prepper communities is vital to their strength.
It reinforces resilience, strengthens bonds, and provides a sense of belonging and understanding that can be a powerful antidote to the stresses and uncertainties of survival situations.
Types of Prepper Communities
Urban Prepper Communities: Strategies for Surviving in Densely Populated Areas
While stationed in Seoul, South Korea (population 35.5 million people), my family and I practiced Urban Prepping. Most of it was water and food. Firearms are illegal in South Korea. Living on the 18th floor of a high-rise presented many challenges.
As I was stationed there as a Federal employee with the Department of Defence (DOD), we also had to prepare for War. I would have stayed, and my family participated in Noncombatant Evacuation Operations (NEO), practicing twice a year. They got to fly on Black Hawks, which was pretty cool!
Urban prepper communities have developed innovative strategies to survive in densely populated areas, often called “concrete jungles.” These strategies are designed to navigate the unique challenges of urban living, particularly during times of crisis. One of the critical strategies revolves around efficiently utilizing limited space, a common issue in urban environments.
In cities where space is a premium commodity, every square foot counts. Urban preppers have become adept at ingeniously repurposing small spaces to maximize their utility. Balconies, rooftops, and even window sills are transformed into productive spaces, hosting container gardens or hydroponic systems.
These vertical gardens provide a source of fresh produce and add a touch of greenery to the otherwise concrete-dominated landscape, contributing to both physical and mental well-being.
Another critical aspect of survival in urban settings is reducing reliance on external resources and fostering self-sufficiency. Urban prepper communities often teach members essential food preservation and canning skills. These skills enable members to make the most of locally sourced produce and ensure food supply even during extended periods of scarcity.
By learning how to preserve food correctly, urban preppers can enjoy their organic preserves’ taste and nutritional benefits, even when fresh food is hard to come by. This provides security and promotes a healthier, more sustainable lifestyle.
Moreover, these communities often emphasize the importance of building strong local networks. In densely populated areas, having a supportive community can be a significant advantage during times of crisis. These networks can facilitate sharing of resources, skills, and information, further enhancing the community’s resilience.
In conclusion, urban prepper communities have developed a range of strategies to survive in densely populated areas. By efficiently utilizing limited space, promoting self-sufficiency, and fostering strong local networks, they have managed to crack the code of surviving in the concrete jungle.
Suburban Prepper Communities: Adapting to the Challenges of Suburban Living
Don’t let the manicured lawns and white picket fences fool you; suburban living comes with its own challenges, especially when prepping. However, suburban prepper communities have found ingenious solutions to ensure resilience amidst these unique circumstances.
One vital aspect is fostering good relationships with neighbors and encouraging cooperation for security measures. In times of crisis, having a tight-knit group of neighbors who look out for one another can be invaluable.
From setting up a neighborhood watch system to coordinating evacuation plans, suburban preppers understand the importance of community cohesion. Additionally, suburban prepper communities use small-scale gardening techniques to sustain themselves in limited spaces.
Container gardens on balconies or even windowsill herb gardens are familiar sights in these neighborhoods. By growing their fresh produce, suburban preppers reduce their dependence on grocery stores and ensure a steady supply of nutritious food.
Prepper communities thrive in various settings – urban jungles, rural landscapes, and even tidy suburbs. Each environment presents its distinct challenges and opportunities.
The key lies in adapting strategies that suit the surroundings while fostering camaraderie among members facing similar circumstances. Whether utilizing limited space efficiently, embracing off-grid living, or creating strong bonds within neighborhoods—prepper communities know how to overcome obstacles and thrive together in uncertain times.
Rural Prepper Communities: Advantages of Rural Living
Rural prepper communities offer many advantages, particularly for those who yearn for the tranquility of wide-open spaces and the peace of living away from the urban hustle. One of the most significant benefits is the opportunity to live off-grid, a lifestyle that is both liberating and sustainable.
Living off-grid means generating your own power, and rural preppers excel at this. They harness renewable energy sources such as solar panels or wind turbines, minimizing their dependence on traditional power grids.
This not only provides a reliable source of energy but also significantly reduces their ecological footprint. It’s a way of life that aligns with sustainability principles and respect for the environment.
Another critical advantage of rural prepper communities is their commitment to sustainable farming practices. Members of these communities deeply understand organic farming techniques, allowing them to cultivate rich, bountiful harvests.
They know how to work with nature, not against it, preserving soil health and avoiding harmful chemical pesticides or fertilizers. This knowledge ensures they can produce their own food, a critical aspect of self-sufficiency and survival preparedness.
Access to natural resources is another significant advantage of rural living. Rural prepper communities are often surrounded by nature’s bounty, from clean water sources to forests providing timber for construction or firewood. These resources are essential for survival and contribute to a higher quality of life.
Being able to drink from a clean stream, build a shelter from nearby timber, or heat your home with firewood you’ve gathered yourself brings a sense of accomplishment and connection with nature that is hard to replicate in urban environments.
Creating a Thriving Prepper Community
Establishing Clear Goals and Guidelines for the Community
Building a thriving prepper community requires a solid foundation that begins with establishing clear goals and guidelines. These serve as the community’s roadmap, guiding its actions and decisions.
Engaging in open discussions with members is crucial to determine what the community aims to achieve regarding sustainability, self-sufficiency, and preparedness.
These shared objectives could range from creating a safe haven during emergencies and effectively sharing resources to collectively learning and mastering new survival skills. By articulating these goals clearly, all members gain a shared understanding of the community’s purpose and can work collaboratively towards these shared objectives.
However, setting goals is just one part of the equation. It’s equally important to establish guidelines that govern behavior within the community. These guidelines serve as the community’s rulebook, outlining acceptable behavior and setting expectations for all members.
Guidelines could cover many areas, including resource management, conflict resolution strategies, and security measures. For instance, there could be rules about how community resources are shared, how disagreements are resolved, or how the community protects itself from potential threats.
Additionally, guidelines could also outline the responsibilities of each member. This could involve assigning specific roles or tasks to each person, ensuring everyone contributes to the community’s well-being and success.
The community can maintain harmony and cohesion by setting clear expectations upfront and ensuring everyone follows these guidelines. It creates an environment where each member feels secure, supported, and valued. This sense of belonging and mutual respect is crucial for the community’s long-term survival and success.
Communication Methods Within the Community
Effective communication is the lifeblood of any prepper community. It allows for the efficient exchange of information, fosters a sense of unity, and keeps everyone connected. There are several methods that prepper communities can use to facilitate communication among members.
Online platforms dedicated to prepping discussions are one such method. These platforms, which can be forums, social media groups, or dedicated websites, provide a space where members can share ideas, ask questions, and provide updates on their progress.
They offer the convenience of being accessible anytime and from various devices, making it easy for members to stay connected and informed.
Regular meetings or gatherings are another crucial communication method. These gatherings, whether held in person or virtually, allow face-to-face interaction. Members can discuss plans, assess progress toward shared goals, and address any concerns or issues that may have arisen.
These meetings also serve to strengthen the bonds between community members, fostering a sense of camaraderie and mutual support.
In addition to regular meetings, holding drills or practice scenarios that simulate crisis situations can be beneficial. These exercises help members prepare for potential emergencies but also provide an opportunity to test and improve the community’s communication strategies.
They can reveal gaps or weaknesses in the communication process, allowing the community to make necessary adjustments.
Moreover, it’s crucial to establish clear communication protocols for emergencies. This could involve setting up a dedicated emergency communication system, such as a ham radio network, or establishing a phone tree for rapid information dissemination.
Diversifying Skill Sets Within the Community
Diversifying skill sets within a prepper community is a strategic move that enhances the group’s overall resilience and adaptability. A community where each member brings a unique skill is better equipped to handle various challenges and scenarios.
For instance, some members might have expertise in medical care, providing crucial first aid skills and knowledge about handling health emergencies.
Others might be skilled in farming or gardening, contributing to the community’s food security by growing and preserving food. Some might have a background in engineering or mechanics, able to repair equipment or build necessary structures.
Encouraging members to share their skills and knowledge with others is also crucial. Regular workshops or training sessions can be organized where members teach others about their areas of expertise.
This helps spread valuable skills throughout the community and strengthens bonds between members as they learn from each other.
Moreover, it’s essential to identify gaps in the community’s collective skill set and work to fill them. This might involve bringing in new members with the needed skills or providing training opportunities for existing members to learn new skills.
In addition, fostering a culture of continuous learning and curiosity can help ensure the community stays adaptable and prepared for new challenges. Encouraging members to learn new skills, stay informed about the latest survival strategies, and adapt to changing circumstances can help the community stay resilient in the face of uncertainty.
Building Trust and Fostering Strong Relationships Among Members
Building trust and fostering strong relationships among members is a cornerstone of a thriving prepper community. Trust is the glue that holds the community together, especially during times of crisis. It’s built over time through consistent actions, open communication, and shared experiences.
One way to build trust is through transparency. This involves open and honest communication about the community’s goals, guidelines, and decisions. When members feel informed and involved, they are more likely to trust the community’s leadership and each other.
Regular meetings and gatherings, both in-person and virtual, also play a crucial role in fostering strong relationships. These gatherings allow members to interact, share experiences, and work together towards common goals. They also allow members to get to know each other on a personal level, which can strengthen bonds and build trust.
Team-building activities can also be beneficial. These could include survival drills, group projects, or even social events. Such activities help members work together effectively and create shared memories and experiences that can strengthen relationships.
Conflict resolution is another important aspect of building trust. Disagreements are inevitable in any group, but handling them can strengthen or weaken trust. It’s essential to have clear guidelines for conflict resolution that promote fairness, respect, and understanding. When conflicts are handled constructively, it can lead to increased trust and stronger relationships.
Finally, it’s essential to recognize and celebrate the community’s and its members’ achievements. This boosts morale and reinforces members’ sense of belonging and mutual respect.
How I Would Structure a Prepper Community
Let’s assume that we already know our neighbors, and they are on board. That most are financially stable (they have disposable income).
Option One: I would use a Military type structure like that of a company-sized element 60 – 200 people. With this structure, one Company has 3 – 4 Platoons and places people into roles such as S1 – Personal, S2 – Intelligence, S3 – Operations, S4 – Supply, and S6 – Communications. (I know that “S” Shops are Battalion and Brigade elements. We are just bringing them down a level.)
If you do not have 60+ people, the way the Special Forces structure thier teams maybe better.
CHRISTINA KNIGHT
Roles and Responsabilities
- S1 – would ensure everyone’s paperwork and finance (Yes, even in Shit Hits The Fan (SHTF), you will need paperwork). In Iraq, we needed to know who was trained on what, what needed maintenance, and who was performing to standard and who was not. A big responsibility would be the Finances of the group.
- S2 – handles the processing of intelligence and tactical information. They must also know what is happening inside and outside the group. Insider threats are a problem in any group.
- S3 – handles plans, operations, and training. They will be handing out work details, training requirements and are looking at the big picture.
- S4 – handles all aspects of logistics—transportation, supply, ammunition, rations, and so forth.
- S6 – handles communications, IT, and Technology.
Resources
- Commanders Handbook
- Noncommissioned Officer Guide
- Ranger Handbook
- FM 3-90 Tactics
- Small-Unit OPS In Afghanistan Handbook
Option Two: This one is my “Big Hairy Idea.” I plan on creating a Platform. Technology in a Prepper Community is crazy! Right? No, we use Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and many more. However, most of this is just a waste of time.
I want a space that can be used to level up our lives. Here is the big picture, you have this app on your phone and computer. There are several sections for Learning (like LinkedIn, DataCamp, or EdX), Social but better(FB, IG, and LI), Events (MeetUp), Insurance (Life, Health, and Kidnap), Peer-to-Peer lending (Lending Tree), Quick Reaction Force (QRF) and much more.
- Learning: You can get classes on everything from “How to Start a Fire with Shoe Strings” to “Quantum Network Security.” I love Gamification, so there is some element to this. You just finished a class in Primitive First Aid. You get a Badge and Level for that accomplishment on your bio. Another learning feature would be receiving class discounts on in-person training, such as medical or firearms.
- Social: Yes, you can still share Memes and Cat pictures. But you can also find the subsequent work of experts in your area or areas that you are going. We were on the homebound leg of a 4,000-mile road trip to Colorado. In Arkansas, we hit a pothole in a thunderstorm, and our tire went flat. Thankfully the gas station we stopped at was right next to the tire shop, and we only had to wait 2 hours for it to open. We were lucky and blessed. I want the app to have the ability to send a distress alert and have members in a one-hour radius be able to respond.
- Events: Local, National, or Global events that get the community together to share knowledge and fellowship are critical to fostering Esprit De Corps.
- Insurance: It can be so much more than “in case shit happens,” and most of the time, it doesn’t even do that.
- Peer-to-Peer Lending: As the community grows, we can have the power to cut out the middleman (Banks) and lend to people that we know and are in need.
- QRF: Teams with the training and skills to be game changers in an emergency. With the support of other teams not in affected areas, the QRF can set up food, logistics, casualty collection points & first aid, clean up, and security in many disaster zones.
Conclusion
In survival and preparedness, the power of unity cannot be overstated. Prepper communities embody this principle, demonstrating that collective strength can significantly enhance individual resilience. These communities offer a robust framework for survival in an uncertain world by pooling resources, sharing knowledge, and providing emotional support.
The benefits of joining one of the many prepper communities extend beyond mere survival. They provide a sense of belonging, a space for shared learning, and a platform for mutual support. In a prepper community, every member brings unique skills and experiences, contributing to a more prosperous collective knowledge base than any individual could accumulate alone.
Moreover, the emotional support and camaraderie found within these communities are invaluable. In times of crisis, the psychological strain can be as challenging as the physical hardships. A network of like-minded individuals who understand and share your concerns can provide much-needed reassurance and emotional strength.
Building a prepper community, while requiring effort and commitment, can be a rewarding endeavor. It allows for pooling resources and skills, fostering a sense of security and preparedness that is difficult to achieve alone. It also allows you to form meaningful connections with others who share your commitment to survival and self-reliance.
In essence, prepper communities represent a beacon of resilience and unity in adversity. They remind us that while individual preparedness is crucial, our collective strength fortifies the future. As we navigate the uncertainties of our world, these communities stand as a testament to the power of collective preparedness and the enduring human spirit.
So, whether you’re an experienced prepper or just starting on your preparedness journey, consider the power and promise of prepper communities. We can face challenges, weather storms and fortifying our futures. Because in unity, we find strength. And in strength, we find survival.
