Finding Community

“How do I find like-minded people to build a community with?” is probably one of the biggest questions I get, but I’m going to have preface this with some tough love. I’m going to tell you how, but you all need to “man-up” (or woman-up or Zhe-up) in this area. What I mean is, when I tell you how, don’t be leaving me a comment (or replying to my email/text/post) about how you can’t do THAT, because “muh OPSEC” or “muh Feds”. Seriously, literally every time…”But, I can’t do that because then people will know where I live” or “But I’ve heard Feds go there” or “I don’t want anyone to know my real name”. Sorry, Bucko, you can’t have both.

The closest friends I have today, I met ONLINE. That’s right. I met them here, or on Twitter, and I took the chance to go to a REAL LIFE event and actually meet them in real life. My plans are more solid, I have a nationwide netwrok, and (more importantly) my life is RICHER because of it.

There is even a piece of Tactical Wisdom on this very topic:

And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.

Hebrews 10:24-25

That’s it; that’s the big secret. Like most things in life, the answer is in the Bible.

Our problem is that we have let the world push us into our homes and in front of our keyboards, when we should be out meeting together. The ONLY way you can find like minded folks and build trust with them is to get out and meet them. There is no other way.

This morning, I did 3 miles on the trail with a man I met here on this site. He took the first step of emailing me, and we met for breakfast a few weeks ago. We decided to go rucking today, and it’s now part of the schedule.

This weekend, we went over and spent the day with 3 other couples. We had lunch, the ladies chatted, the men played with radios and walked the farm, then we all just hung out chatting. I met the host online in a Bible Study I hosted. He told me that he did Viking Preparedness Meet-ups, and I started coming to them. We now talk every day and do things together as often as our schedules allow.

A couple of starting points appear here. Check out Bible studies, your church, or local community events like first aid/CPR classes. Get to know the people at them and ask them about preparedness. You will be surprised at how many people feel like you do, but were afraid to start that conversation. Be bold.

The second starting point is the great work that Pastor Joe Fox of Viking Preaparedness is doing. He has built a community that is building other communities via his Patreon membership. Yes, it might cost you $1-$5 a month, but if you are truly desperate to find like minded folks, his Patreon lists Viking Meet Ups all over the country in a secure manner. It’s worth it.

The man most people associate me with is NC Scout. We met doing a podcast and when he held a local course I went. I met a few like minded people in that Michigan radio class, one of whom I’ve done a bunch more with and I talk to him nearly every day. A few months went by, and I invested in going to a longer and more in-depth class with NC Scout down at his facility, and there I met a bunch of people from my local area who also traveled down there and were looking for like minded people. Now, I don’t miss a class and NC Scout & I have committed to building this community nationally and being facilitators of community-building. The biggest value in preparedness skill classes isn’t always the content, it’s the COMMUNITY. Invest in your skills, go to a class, and meet people.

This is where people say “but aren’t you worried about feds”? First, relax, none of us are really that important. Second, no, we don’t sweat it, because we don’t advocate for silly things or teach anything illegal. If someone starts talking about doing silly things, we tell them to stop. It’s that easy. They can’t entrap you if you just say no. If you still refuse to meet people because of your fear of Feds, congratulations – you’re doing exactly what they want. Well done.

Another big area is in that chat section of online shows/podcasts. We’ve seen at the CFC show, groups form from folks in the chat telling each other where they live and then agreeing to meet for lunch or something. Just don’t invite them directly to your house or invite them along on your trip to kidnap a governor and you’ll be fine. On that note, if anyone ever even hints at kidnapping a governor, tell them NO clearly and move on. ”But, then people will know what town I live in”….relax, chief, no one is hunting you down. It’s like the guys who want encrypted radios…you’re not talking about anything that interesting over the radio, so relax, super-taci-cool-guy, it’s going to be OK. Just don’t post your front door (Let Shadz and Kron do that stuff).

Look for preparedness festivals and weekend events. I know, you have actually work hard to find them, but I can’t do that part for you. There are entire online forums dedicated to this. I met a lot of great folks at the Self Reliance Festival (and one sketchy dude who goes by Risky Chrisky, but he makes good hot dogs & burgers). There are regional events all over, you just have to find them. I was surprised at how many there and you will be too. Get outside your comfort zone and go to event. Shake hands, talk to the other attendees, and make connections.

On that note, I will be at the Self Reliance Festival again April 6-7th in Camden, Tennessee. Its 2 days of classes, information booths, and fellowship on the campus of Special Operations Equipment. Hopefully, some of you can make it. I met Wanda and Jim, fans of the CFC show, members of my Locals community, and Bible study attendees at the last one and it was a highlight of last year. George from Suburban Homesteading Solutions, whom I also met online, well be joining me there and have a booth right next to mine again. It’s a good starting point.

In closing, the only way to find like minded people is just to get out there and do it. You’ll have to do some research and maybe invest a few dollars, but there are no short cuts. Yes, you will have to accept a small degree of personal risk, but if you are too afraid to meet other people, what good would you be in a preparedness group anyway? 

Defy them. Get out and organize. Come to a class. I’ll be at the Brushbeater Scout and Recce courses next week. I how to see some of you at my Fieldcraft in Montana in a couple of months. Watch for more dates to be announced in the coming days.

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