By Cade Shadowlight
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If you’re stuck in the city or suburbs — whether due to family, finances, or other ties — and can’t relocate to a rural area, here’s my best advice: connect with trustworthy, like-minded people nearby and start prepping together for tough times. This survival network, often called a mutual assistance group (MAG), can be as structured or laid-back as you want.
Why a Survival Network?
- Keeps you motivated and accountable.
- Pools diverse skills and experiences.
- Splits tasks and responsibilities.
- Shares costs for bulk buys or single-use gear like a ham radio.
- Could lead to joint investments, like a rural bug-out spot.
Dividing Roles
Everyone should learn core skills like first aid, CPR, and self-defense. Beyond that, assign specialized roles based on strengths:
- Sam and Emily: Medics (advanced first aid training).
- John: Comms expert (ham radio operator).
- Bill: Logistics (owns a pick-up, gets a hand truck).
- Mary: Seamstress (stocks sewing supplies for post-SHTF repairs).
Solo, you’re juggling everything. In a group, you divide and conquer.
Planning for Disaster
Plan for mutual aid during and after crises — natural or man-made. Write down detailed plans to avoid confusion, covering roles, resources, and expectations. Review them regularly.
Who’s In Your Network?
Seek trustworthy, like-minded folks nearby. Shared worldviews and goals trump specific skills (those can be learned). Start with people you know — family, friends, neighbors, church members, or coworkers. Prioritize proximity: ideal is someone within eyesight, next best is walking distance. Long-distance allies are less practical when fuel and infrastructure fail.
Finding Like-Minded People
You’ll need to talk to people IRL, not just online. Don’t lead with “I’m a prepper.” Start with those you know, then branch out to gun shows, prepper expos, gun shops, outdoor stores, or farmers’ markets. Look for mindset clues: bumper stickers may reveal a lot about values and priorities. Test the waters by mentioning a hunting show or survival topic. Positive reactions? Keep talking. Negative? Move on. Discuss religion and politics early — opposing views can tank group cohesion. Probably not in the very first meeting, but soon after. You don't want to find out a year into the relationship that you're incompatible.
Red Flags
- Addictions: Avoid anyone with active substance or behavioral issues until they’re fully clean.
- Mental Instability: Steer clear of those with serious, untreated mental health problems — meds may run out in a crisis.
- Weird Requests: Early asks for big money, major commitments, or shady actions are bad signs.
- Dishonesty: Guardedness is fine, but outright lies about major things are a dealbreaker.
Green Lights
- Stability: Steady job, relationships, or living situation? Good sign. Chronic instability? Warning flag.
- Friendship: Can you vibe with them? Enjoy their company? If they annoy you now, it’ll be worse in a crisis.
- Trust: Can you confide in them without judgment or gossip? Do they prioritize the group over self-interest?
- Reciprocity: Do they give as much as they take? Are they willing to invest time, money, and effort like you?
Final Note
Building a MAG takes time and effort, but it’s worth it. You’re not just prepping for yourself—you’re creating a team to face whatever comes. Start small, stay sharp, and keep talking.
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