PREP Collapse Survival Will Be Tribal: Begin Recruiting Now

Joann

Deceased
Good article at the heart of this forum. Good points made to start the process of finding and establishing your tribe now, which makes a lot of sense. Embedded links in the story at the source site.

Collapse Survival Will Be Tribal: Begin Recruiting Now
Human World Order
Activist Post
August 27, 2010

Everyone on earth knows how fragile the economy is. It has pushed first-world countries to the brink of revolution. The pushing can’t withstand much more before the pillars of civilization begin to fall. And once they begin falling, there may be no stopping them from collapsing society altogether. Unfortunately, the signs of further economic erosion are disturbingly obvious to the onlookers, and the remaining pillars are hanging on by a thread.

What’s more, the controllers are orchestrating the collapse of the American economy and society right now, albeit in slow motion, but it is already crumbling. The economy and the environment have surpassed their critical tipping points, where dollars will inevitably be worthless and resources will be out-of-reach expensive for most of humanity. We are likely to see astronomically-high gas prices ultimately causing food and medicine to be quickly wiped out of the box stores — first by nesters, then by desperate looters. One only has to witness the panic buying before predicted snow storms to imagine what a sustained blizzard would do. It’s well past the 11th hour and survival and real solutions must rule the day.

The collapse will surely be a desperate time for many, especially those who live in major cities. Even some suburbs will not be immune for those who didn’t see it coming and plan accordingly. Jobs will be far scarcer, money will not go nearly as far for essentials like food and energy, and what will be left of the cities will be roving gangs desperate for resources. The poor helpless citizens will most likely be taken to FEMA “dormitories” as is already being proposed.

If there is one bright spot about the Elite engineering the collapse, it is the fact that they will lose central control of vast areas of the country where control will be in the hands of local tribes, gangs, and clans. There will be communties that planned, adapted through cooperation, as well as armored “Green Zones” that maintain some semblance of normalcy. Paul Craig Roberts wrote that local territories will be run by clans, probably headed by police or a band of armed citizens. Just as these gangs and clans will likely rule over a certain territory, you must begin to create your tribe in order to survive and flourish.

Obviously, you will have to find like-minded folks who may offer skills, resources, and loyalty to your tribe. Friends and family should be the first place to start. If they are still asleep to what is coming, call meetings and have movie parties with wake-up material. Do what you can to get them on board. Remember what Arthur Schopenhauer said about truth:

All truth passes through three stages. First, it is ridiculed. Second, it is violently opposed. Third, it is accepted as being self-evident.

Luckily for us, many activists have already done the heavy lifting of ridicule for us. Now, as we surpass the 11th hour, we must march forward with the truth, because we are rapidly approaching the “violently opposed” stage. Sadly, it will only become self-evident to many once it is too late . . . when they are in a FEMA dorm watching their children be dragged off to war.

A good place to begin finding tribe members that are already building local self-sufficient survival infrastructure are organic food cooperatives. These cooperatives usually encourage trade amongst members and may have a variety of local producers of food and other goods and services. If you live in a city, or congested suburbs when a dramatic collapse takes place, your tribe better have an escape plan, route, and sustainable destination. You will have to prepare go-bags with well-organized resources and tools.

In many early civilizations, there was no hierarchical governance; the tribe members simply had different job titles according to their skills and passions. The natural leader had the burden of final decision making; the person most skilled in medicine kept the tribe healthy; and skilled hunters provided food — in these communities no one acquired more material wealth for their efforts than did another. Most importantly, the well-being of each individual was recognized as essential to the overall survival, health, and happiness of the tribe. For those who have a natural aversion to community concepts and equality (Socialism, or Communism), it should be understood that this tribal egalitarianism is based on individual skill contribution — not individual sacrifice to a government structure of ruling Elites.

Preparing for the collapse with a good tribe will be essential for survival — recruiting season is here.
Fair use for discussion see details here
 

Delta

Has No Life - Lives on TB
Trouble is, most of our friends live in widely scattered places. While there may be some way to travel, most people will want to stay in their familiar surroundings. Like it or not, our tribes to a large measure will be geographically defined.
 

Great Northwet

Veteran Member
Interesting reading Joann, thanks for posting. The idea of putting together a group has come up recently with a friend. And I have been thinking of putting up my own thread about how to organize it, and to what degree do we take it to.

It could be similar to the MAG's here within TB2K, but with people that I already know thoroughly, and can trust with my life, if it came down to it.

We're still in the early stages of discussing it, but it's definatly on the table.

Does anyone know of a website that details parameters of setting something like this up? My guess is that Jim Rawles over at survivalblog has something about it.
 

Joann

Deceased
Trouble is, most of our friends live in widely scattered places. While there may be some way to travel, most people will want to stay in their familiar surroundings. Like it or not, our tribes to a large measure will be geographically defined.

I think that was one of the points of the article, with such mobile families scattered throughout, one needs to consolidate local family, friends, acquaintances, neighbors, vendors, etc., this is easier to do than say a year or two ago when many were still asleep, wakeup is a bitch, but a quick learn once you can see the handwriting on the wall.

Great Northwet
It could be similar to the MAG's here within TB2K, but with people that I already know thoroughly, and can trust with my life, if it came down to it.
Don't know any site other than the one you mentioned. Just use your keen sense and logic setting interconnected groups that mean we get away from the computers and start visiting neighbors, strike up conversations and slowly introduce your concerns during conversations. Time to get gregarious and start networking, can even be fun.
 

Seeker

3 Bombs for Hawkins
How many of us even know our neighbors? Most PD's will send out an officer to help form a "block watch" . . . even if its just your street, its a start. Get everybody together in someone's livingroom, meet each other, watch and learn their strengths and weaknesses. Elders? Small children? Hunters/fishermen? Who bakes bread? Who has a garden? Medical experience? Woodworking/machine shop skills? Repairmen? Sewing/canning knowledge? Be discreet about yourself but watch and learn about the others! And who, among them, has extended family that can give to -- or would take from your tribe? And . . . how could your street be closed off? Protected from access by others?
 
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sssarawolf

Has No Life - Lives on TB
We are up in the boonies lol our nearest neighbor can't take it and is trying to sell his place, he is 1/4 mile away as the crow flies. (His wife left him 2 months after moving in there, we were surprised he stuck it out this long. he works down int he valley.)
Next one is 1/2 mile. Everyone one else is around 3 to 5 miles from us.
Dh says if things get to expensive he will have to stay with one of the kids in the valley and only come home on weekends :(.
Doesn't make me feel very comfortable not having a tribe around me.
 

Great Northwet

Veteran Member
In a perfect world everyone in the tribe/clan whatever, would be self sufficient, fully prepped, firearms expert, etc. However, in reality, that's just not going to be the case.

Everyone will have a different skill-set, hopefully overlapping each others skills in some way.

In the context of "group forming", the potential members would need to let everyone else in the group know about their skill-set so that they could all take advantage of it.
 

blueberry

Inactive
The only like minded people I know are the good folks here at TB2K - and we are scattered all over the country, and even the world. Don't get me wrong, the fact that we are in every part of the country is a good thing. One of the best things about TB2K are the eyes and ears over the whole country who let everyone know what is really going on.

In real life, I do not know any like minded people. Having a tribe of trusted people, who could band together when things got bad, would be ideal. But, they have to be people you can trust 100%, and trust takes time.
 

Txkstew

Veteran Member
We are up in the boonies lol our nearest neighbor can't take it and is trying to sell his place, he is 1/4 mile away as the crow flies. (His wife left him 2 months after moving in there, we were surprised he stuck it out this long. he works down int he valley.)
Next one is 1/2 mile. Everyone one else is around 3 to 5 miles from us.
Dh says if things get to expensive he will have to stay with one of the kids in the valley and only come home on weekends :(.
Doesn't make me feel very comfortable not having a tribe around me.

Build it, and they will come.

Really, get ready with extra accommodations and food. A bunk house, or barn will be a start.
 
The only like minded people I know are the good folks here at TB2K - and we are scattered all over the country, and even the world. Don't get me wrong, the fact that we are in every part of the country is a good thing. One of the best things about TB2K are the eyes and ears over the whole country who let everyone know what is really going on.

In real life, I do not know any like minded people. Having a tribe of trusted people, who could band together when things got bad, would be ideal. But, they have to be people you can trust 100%, and trust takes time.

There are a fair number of TB2K'ers in Texas...get to know your neighbors. Then, really get to know them. :D
 

Jake Grey

Veteran Member
"In many early civilizations, there was no hierarchical governance; the tribe members simply had different job titles according to their skills and passions. The natural leader had the burden of final decision making; the person most skilled in medicine kept the tribe healthy; and skilled hunters provided food — in these communities no one acquired more material wealth for their efforts than did another. Most importantly, the well-being of each individual was recognized as essential to the overall survival, health, and happiness of the tribe. For those who have a natural aversion to community concepts and equality (Socialism, or Communism), it should be understood that this tribal egalitarianism is based on individual skill contribution — not individual sacrifice to a government structure of ruling Elites."


The problem with "total equality" of everyone in the tribe occured during the first couple of years of the Pilgrims' settlement. Governor Bradford later wrote in Of Plimoth Plantation that before they changed systems, their "work was retarded." He said that the reason they nearly starved those first couple of years was because young men who were the most efficient and able to work had no incentive to produce, because they knew they would not be rewarded any more than the lazy or inefficient men in the colony.

Can you imagine being in a survival group working your butt off farming, hunting, preserving food, standing watch, etc. etc and some who show up want to sit on their rear ends and do nothing? Somehow there needs to be some reward system for hard work (ie. free enterprise), yet charitable to those who can't pitch in as much (ie elderly, badly injured, etc.). A tough balancing act while the world is falling apart.
 

Warthog

Black Out
The problem now days, no one can keep their mouth, texter, or facebooker in quiet mode, and your preps would be in constant jeopardy.:ld:
 

Seeker

3 Bombs for Hawkins
LW, you give BEFORE you get! Even sick and elderly can be of some value, if so willing. Set up a value-barter exchange system. Unconditional "condition for tribal membership". Not sure that banishment would be an answer if they "know" too much about the tribe and are willing to sell it out, however.
 

Jake Grey

Veteran Member
LW, I read of your health problems on another thread, but I'd rather have someone like you with real and useful knowledge at a BOL than a clueless, healthy 20 year old with no knowledge or skills. Gardening, cooking, cleaning, and security details need to be scheduled. Bullets, beans, and band-aids need to be rationed, so a skilled logistics person is needed. Scheduler, logistician, chief counsel to the head of the retreat, etc. Lots of useful things for a person with knowledge to do even if unable to do much physical labor. I almost forgot, you can teach the young & clueless skills, so teacher is another important job around the old retreat.
 

Joann

Deceased
Most importantly, the well-being of each individual was recognized as essential to the overall survival, health, and happiness of the tribe. For those who have a natural aversion to community concepts and equality (Socialism, or Communism), it should be understood that this tribal egalitarianism is based on individual skill contribution — not individual sacrifice to a government structure of ruling Elites."

Outstanding statement Jake.
 

MDINMT

Veteran Member
LW, I read of your health problems on another thread, but I'd rather have someone like you with real and useful knowledge at a BOL than a clueless, healthy 20 year old with no knowledge or skills. Gardening, cooking, cleaning, and security details need to be scheduled. Bullets, beans, and band-aids need to be rationed, so a skilled logistics person is needed. Scheduler, logistician, chief counsel to the head of the retreat, etc. Lots of useful things for a person with knowledge to do even if unable to do much physical labor. I almost forgot, you can teach the young & clueless skills, so teacher is another important job around the old retreat.

LW would be welcome at my fire anytime as well:ld:
 

RJC

Has No Life - Lives on TB
Jobs will be far scarcer, money will not go nearly as far for essentials like food and energy, and what will be left of the cities will be roving gangs desperate for resources
OK, who was the mental giant that wrote this?

A tribe mentality will not work, there will be no functioning systems when the real disaster hits, there will not be scarce jobs and expensive items to buy if there are roving gangs.

Survival will be primitive, (an extremely basic level of existence). Someone will be boss and the rest will lie in wait for their opportunity to overthrow the boss. Please the boss and get to eat, or go it alone. A very nuclear family would work but that is all.

What most people will do when the government stops supporting them, is they will go out on the curb and sit and wait, thinking maybe someone will help. Then they die.
 

Dredge

Veteran Member
One big problem I have run into is that the people that get it are the independent thinkers and they just are not followers. So getting these types of individuals to work together for what is now just speculation is like herding cats. Ownership, trust, and everyone thinking they should be in charge are just some of the problems.
 

Lone Wolf

Lives on TB
Yup, sure there will be problems, but I don't think they will be so bad that they cant be overcome.

Folks in a survivel mode will think twice before bucking the tribal system.

Native Americans lived under that system for thousands of years.

What's different is that some folks will have skills great then the tribes had.

Thats good. It insures the survivability of the whole.

As time goes on rules and regs will filter down, and when it can be afforded there will be advances made. ( Mayflower Pact) Rudimentery forms of government.

Thing is to NOT make the same mistakes all over again.

lw
 

Old Gray Mare

TB Fanatic
Jake Grey I agree with you. A clueless teen or 20 year old could be less than useless especially if they have an attitude and no work ethic. I've talked to store managers who are at a loss to find help with a decent work ethic. Lone Wolf and people like him are unappreciated national treasures. This board is blessed to have such a collection of them; their knowledge and firsthand experience.

The tribe or clan model has worked for humans for millions of years. Right now we are living in a aberration caused by the industrial revolution and acerbated by cheap oil. IMO when the oil starts running out the demand for people capable of doing physical labor will soar. The demand for trained small farmers will be astronomical. An Amish farm and Amish community is a good real world example of how this works and works successfully. Amish are successfully competing against modern commercial agriculture and thriving. Whenever someone says "We can't go back to the old ways! There is no way we could possibly feed everyone!" I think of the Amish. Of course their way requires an honest day's work, no insurance, a resilience on God, acceptances of the world as it is, taking active responsibility for the old, injured and infirm in the community, the ability to tolerate and enjoy working and playing with extended family and careful monitoring on the modern advances allowed to influence the community. They are doing this today. They don't have to wait for the collapes to build their communities.

I'm not suggesting we all convert to their religion but I do believe we could learn and adapt somethings from their way of life. Shortly we may have to.
 
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Freeholder

This too shall pass.
Jake Grey I agree with you. A clueless teen or 20 year old could be less than useless especially if they have an attitude and no work ethic. I've talked to store managers who are at a loss to find help with a decent work ethic. Lone Wolf and people like him are unappreciated national treasures. This board is blessed to have such a collection of them; their knowledge and firsthand experience.

The tribe or clan model has worked for humans for millions of years. Right now we are living in a aberration caused by the industrial revolution and acerbated by cheap oil. IMO when the oil starts running out the demand for people capable of doing physical labor will soar. The demand for trained small farmers will be astronomical. An Amish farm and Amish community is a good real world example of how this works and works successfully. Amish are successfully competing against modern commercial agriculture and thriving. Whenever someone says "We can't go back to the old ways! There is no way we could possibly feed everyone!" I think of the Amish. Of course their way requires an honest day's work, no insurance, a resilience on God, acceptances of the world as it is, taking active responsibility for the old, injured and infirm in the community, the ability to tolerate and enjoy working and playing with extended family and careful monitoring on the modern advances allowed to influence the community. They are doing this today. They don't have to wait for the collapes to build their communities.

I'm not suggesting we all convert to their religion but I do believe we could learn and adapt somethings from their way of life. Shortly we may have to.

Good post -- I've thought the same thing about the Amish way of life -- it would be possible to copy that without adopting their religion. Problem is, not very many people any more know anything at all about living that way, without electricity, farming with draft animals, raising all their own food, and so on. The skills can be learned, but can they be learned quickly enough??

Even though we don't have much in the way of bio family here locally (just my mother and step-father, and they live over an hour's drive away), we do have an extensive network of church family and other friends. We know some of our neighbors fairly well. And some of our neighbors are at least on the path to being like-minded (we now have at least two neighbors with goats, though they are either pets or meat goats, not the dairy goats that I have; there are more chickens in the neighborhood than there were a couple of years ago; and a couple of our neighbors have steers in their back yards instead of the horses they used to have). Seems like every time I have a chance to talk to anyone, they are voicing concerns about where this country is going, both economically and politically (this is, for the most part, a very conservative area of Oregon, a ranching and farming community).

And, I recently heard from someone who is a member at TTOL and lives not too far from me! That was nice!

Kathleen
 

Old Gray Mare

TB Fanatic
Good post -- I've thought the same thing about the Amish way of life -- it would be possible to copy that without adopting their religion. Problem is, not very many people any more know anything at all about living that way, without electricity, farming with draft animals, raising all their own food, and so on. The skills can be learned, but can they be learned quickly enough??

Kathleen
During WWII the government and commercial agriculture turned most of their effort to the effort to win the war. The resources just were not available to do that and provide for the people so the government encouraged the people to provide for themselves and they did. Some estimates are that up to 42% of the produce consumed in those years was raised in small victory gardens. Zoning laws were not what they are today. My great grandparents kept chickens in their tiny back yard in an east coast city. What has been done before can be done again.

Hungry children can be an incredible incentive to become self sufficient. Unfortunately the other side of the coin is many may just walk away from their responsibilities like they did during the Great Depression. The good news is it may become much easier to find kitchen and farm help and adopting a child may be as easy as saying I will be responsible for them. This happened in my own family during the earlier part of the last century. A family we were not related had a child they could not take care of. Relatives of mine agreed to raise him. They did. There was no paperwork, no government agencies involved and no back ground checks.
 

Joann

Deceased
Will relate how I brought this unpleasant subject up at a small neighborhood gathering earlier this year, when one of our neighbors just finished a new patio and invited a handful of close neighbors over have drinks and see their new developments.

We started talking about security of our street, we live on a very short road with only two cul de sacs, only one entry and exit which is the same road. The discussion arose that perhaps we should start thinking of placing a gate on the entry/exit road., which was in the master plan when this semi-custom community was built 10 years ago.

As the conversation grew to increased security threats due to economy, unemployment, breakdown in supply side markets, banker's fraud, and living within 80 miles of the border w/MX ... everyone was more willing to talk about possibilities otherwise unheard of only five years ago, this was a major step forward because usually this type of small community golf group lives in a bubble, and such talk of social breakdown was historically uncivil discourse for gentile gatherings.

Believe me, all of that nonsense has changed. Nobody really wanted to talk about, but they knew they should. So I threw the first ball out there and said, you know we have been storing up supplies in case there is a breakdown in supply deliveries to stores, and reminded everyone how fast the stores empty before a hurricane is about to hit on the east coast/gulf areas. I also suggested everyone start thinking about it as well. Then one neighbor said, "oh now I know where to come for food" as he smiled (I really think he was trying to teach me a lesson to keep my mouth shut as I suspect he is a prepper too).

I looked him square in the eyes and said, if TSHF, like it or not ... we are a tribe on this small cul de sac, and if we are a tribe and I only have two cans of spam, one is yours. Instant bonding moment for this small group, everyone knew without having to say anything.

I could go on about the conversation, but wanted to relay this experience as a tool on how to bring a small group together as a tiny local tribe. The important point is we should start now to break the restraints on unpleasant topics during small gathering of neighbors, friends, and family. Do it slowly with plenty of research and backup, plant seeds for questions and solution.
 
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RJC

Has No Life - Lives on TB
I would like to play the “devil’s advocate” here, not to hijack the thread, rather to stimulate certain considerations.

Tribe is defined as “social group comprising people united by a common denominator.” Of course, we could list a thousand common denominators to bind groups together as a “tribe.”

Joann gave an excellent example of a geographical bond binding this group into a potential coherent “tribe.”

Now I have questions, rather lengthy. How old are all those residents in the group? Do they have grandchildren, parents, cousins, or close friends of the family that really, desperately will need to join in some group for food, shelter and strength of numbers? Do these family members coming in have additional relatives through marriage needing the same help? How about close friends? Where do you draw the line and who gets the final say.

What if it is decided absolutely no outsiders, but your old parents down the street will certainly die if they get no help? Where will you draw the line?

In a different scenario than economic collapse, what if all the houses were damaged, then also no power, water, sewer and most of the residents have little or no provisions? How will the tribe hold together, who gets to say?

We see the degree of collapse or disaster is a significant factor in how a tribe would or could evolve.

What happened in NOLA with Katrina shows how many people react; they sat down and waited for government to save them. Same thing in Haiti, many had to have someone come, save them, and provide for the normal functions of life. What would have happened if the Cavalry had not come?

And more importantly what will your tribe do if the Cavalry does not come, whether economic or any other type of collapse?
 

Y2kO

Inactive
What happened in NOLA with Katrina shows how many people react; they sat down and waited for government to save them. Same thing in Haiti, many had to have someone come, save them, and provide for the normal functions of life. What would have happened if the Cavalry had not come?

And more importantly what will your tribe do if the Cavalry does not come, whether economic or any other type of collapse?

People who have spent their entire lives dependent on the government react by waiting for the government. This is largely an inner-city response. It is not the normal response of people who live in rural areas. People in my rural area (who have never been dependent on the government) will be doing everything to take care of themselves. That will be the normal response; it's how they handle situations on a daily basis. They have a 'can do' attitude and don't expect any help from the 'cavalry.' The problem will be when the 'cavalry' arrives - which I do not expect to occur in a very large area. When the 'cavalry' provides warm 'housing' during a winter power outage, no one shows up. Many would prefer to freeze.
 

colonel holman

Veteran Member
Every tribe will differ. A few will succeed. Most will not... depending on the type of collapse we encounter. We live on rural country road, each neighbor about 1/4 mile apart. Most on that road are from the same colonial family roots. My neighbors are two brothers and a sister; next layers of neighbors are nephews and cousins. Most of us have discussed, at varying levels of seriousness and specificity how we could hold together very well, with complimentary equipment, tools, preps, firewood, easy water access, farm equipment and tillable land, welding supplies, and specialized skills (medical, carpentry, repairs, agriculture, electronics), a rather comprehensive battery, and (most importantly) likeminded politics-morals-maturity-ethics-drive. We are well-set. But I doubt most tribes will be. Our biggest prep is we have actually talked about it. That is the key, along with the insight displayed by LW
 

Joann

Deceased
I would like to play the “devil’s advocate” here, not to hijack the thread, rather to stimulate certain considerations.
Good point to expand on obvious and hidden varibles.

Tribe is defined as “social group comprising people united by a common denominator.” Of course, we could list a thousand common denominators to bind groups together as a “tribe.”

Joann gave an excellent example of a geographical bond binding this group into a potential coherent “tribe.”
Geographic will be the primary prerequisite IMHO. Depends on what kind of crisis happens, and where you are at the moment. If it's slow and one is able to reach home then it is your neighborhood. If it's sudden and your at work then leaders need to be established immediately and resources gathered.

Now I have questions, rather lengthy. How old are all those residents in the group? Do they have grandchildren, parents, cousins, or close friends of the family that really, desperately will need to join in some group for food, shelter and strength of numbers? Do these family members coming in have additional relatives through marriage needing the same help? How about close friends? Where do you draw the line and who gets the final say.
Excellent question. All are empty nester here with children/grandchildren out of state, and two households who are here only during winter.

But you're right, children will be coming back to the nest most probably.

I would like to set up ground rules from the beginning once we had a first meeting of the crisis condition. limitations to number of "must have relatives" would need to be established.

Just off the top of my head, I would not offer that we have a food co-op, rather everyone keeps their own food and when supplies are need by one family, everyone pitches in. That is why I spend $250. a month in long term prep food for the past couple of years, have more than enough for us and now I'm buying for others, and keeping my mouth shut until it's needed. But like I said when a tribe is established and rules are made then we all share and lend as needed.

Pie in the sky, I hope not, people change yes, sometimes for the better and sometimes for the worse, be prepared for both with mature outlook and expectations.

What if it is decided absolutely no outsiders, but your old parents down the street will certainly die if they get no help? Where will you draw the line?

In a different scenario than economic collapse, what if all the houses were damaged, then also no power, water, sewer and most of the residents have little or no provisions? How will the tribe hold together, who gets to say?

We see the degree of collapse or disaster is a significant factor in how a tribe would or could evolve.

What happened in NOLA with Katrina shows how many people react; they sat down and waited for government to save them. Same thing in Haiti, many had to have someone come, save them, and provide for the normal functions of life. What would have happened if the Cavalry had not come?

And more importantly what will your tribe do if the Cavalry does not come, whether economic or any other type of collapse?

Who gets the say? The one with a clear vision and leadership skills, and they would allow everyone to voice their opinion if they have the skills/talent mentioned. Or, whoever has the biggest gun and most ammo. :spns:
 

Wise Owl

Deceased
Been working towards similar goals since we moved here 11 years ago. And that's as much as I will say on an open board with millions of hits a month.
 

jed turtle

a brother in the Lord
i know i've stated similar things (about tribes) years ago. however, looking around myself and seeing that even those very few i had goaded into prepping for Y2K have long since ditched their preps and prepping, and even more clueless city folk have migrated out to my country road (not a single gardener among the 34 or so families that have moved out here in the last 40 years) i no longer believe that forming a tribe is likely. oh, i may get surprised at the last moment by certain christian families that know me who may show up at the last minute, but they will all be like an anchor for awhile, rather than an asset. i am thinking the only thing that can save preppers from their clueless and ultimately dangerous neighbors when the collapse starts (quite suddenly i am sure) is if it is followed quite closely by some tremendously intimidating event (mass quarantine, 20' deep blizzard, etc) that just forces everyone everywhere to stay inside for weeks or months.

America has lost its sense of "community" within neighborhoods from about the time of the arrival of television. as far as i can see, it is the "image that speaks" described in the Book of Revelation.
 

Old Gray Mare

TB Fanatic
timing could be critical

A lot may depend on the time of year. If a collapse were to happen at the end of October like it did back in 1929 or later in the winter it would probably not be good. Back then people put by more food for winter and local area warehouses provided a fall back for those who could afford the price. With JIT deliveries of food and other supplies there would not be as much in local storage to fall back on. There would be no chance to put in a garden to survive on or preserve the harvest. If a collapse were to hit in late spring there might be a better chance for a lot of people. It would give them an opportunity to put in a garden and raise some chickens, maybe even a pig for the freezer. I believe most people would adapt quickly out of necessity.

A potentially big hurtle would be preserving the food for later use. Canning jars are expensive now and it is getting harder and harder to find used ones at garage sales and flea markets. Canning is not that hard but there is a learning curve. There are a lot of ... "Oh by the ways..." canning books forget to mention. It would not be hard to envision an increase in food bore illness due to improperly preserved foods.

The mere thought of some of the fashion conscious soccer moms in my area with their manicured nails and freshly styled hair trying to butcher a chicken brings a smile. If it meant a good dinner for their kids with no other option I'd bet they would do it in a New York second and not look back. IMHO more than a few on this board are selling a lot of folk short. My bet is yes they may not see a collapse coming but after the fact they will be realistic enough to come up to speed fast. How well any of us can survive a collapse may depend not only on how we have prepared but on what we know and how well and how fast we can adapt.

We can help out in our local communities in ways that do not involve giving away our hard earned preps. I have taught a free course at my church in putting food by for those who wanted to learn. There is additional information at the local library, night school classes and online. One area church sponsored a garden club and I gave a talk on raising common edible berries and passed out some strawberry plants from runners that had escaped the patch. These thing are not going to save the world but they hopefully will help a few families in my area live better and access to better quality foods. Right now I'm trying to get my church to sponsor a buyers coop so that the members can purchase shelf stable bulk foods tax free at whole sale prices and a small donation to the church.
 
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