We Must Connect With Others Who Strengthen Us

Having like-minded local connections increases resilience. Going it alone can leave you isolated, stressed, and without needed help.

The increasing social disconnection we’ve seen over the decades is a big factor in the problems our society is experiencing. Building connections in your community is an important thing in itself.

One of the key resources we each need is like-minded people who also want to get better situated for whatever the future holds. Don’t just assume regular friends and family will be good connections when things get difficult. Talk with people, find out where their heads are, and open up discussion where there’s a match.

It’s important that we also take a note from survivalists: be mindful about what you reveal to who. If things go off the rails, do you want to be known as the house that has all the stored food and essentials? That could result in anything from emotionally gutting confrontations to fending off coordinated criminal behavior. What you reveal, to whom, and when, is a whole topic of its own.

It’s good to make online connections for information sharing. Again - be mindful about revealing things. But while online connections can get you info, nearby real life connections provide a help network that online never can.

Connect With People Who Are Properly Aligned

We need to be choosy about who we build connections with. Select people who agree that now is a time for sober concern and readiness. But it would be a bad idea to head to a local meetup and uncritically forge relationships with people because they see the same storm on the horizon that you do. We need to make sure that we sift people and engage the ones who have similar values to ours. Keep an eye out for character - not just what skills or knowledge people have.

Another helpful thing to keep in mind is common interests. If you are interested in vegetable gardening, or natural health, someone with a matching focus can make for an easy connection. They may be a great resource for other facets of your interest that you haven’t worked out yet. The common interest also provides a bridge to helping and encouraging each other in areas where either person lacks understanding. One helps the other select a new bike, while the friend teaches some technology wisdom. We need to keep an eye out for these knowledge sharing opportunities.

How do we find people who are aligned? Look for networks of local people who exhibit independent-mindedness in other ways. We’ve seen that homeschoolers often have the necessary self-reliant traits. Many are used to thinking outside-the-box, and are looking ahead. Do you have local people who are doing some sort of micro-agriculture? Goats or chickens in a residential setting could signal what you’re looking for. Has anyone in your area ripped out traditional lawn and replaced it with a food-growing garden? Talk to that person.

Once you have started finding people, work that network (even if it’s just one person) to find others. Ask if your connections know anyone who... X. Grows vegetables indoors. Is knowledgeable about firearms. Makes their own herbal remedies. If you are fortunate, you will locate someone along the way who finds enjoyment in connecting people and situations. These folks are gold.

Connect With People Who Are Available

Everyone is busy. Find folks who have time, and want to make it a priority to work on this kind of networking. If we want to see benefit beyond just knowledge sharing/skill trading, it’s important to connect with people who can show up when you need help. It’s also important to spend time doing things together, to forge the kind of relational trust/connection that can’t be flipped on like a switch. Healthy relationships with people you may look to in seasons of difficulty deserve the investment.

Another practical consideration is having these kinds of networked connections with people who are very nearby. It’s even better if they are in your neighborhood. We have worked at finding out who within a short walk’s distance is on the same page as us. In the age of far-flung connectedness, that kind of local can’t be forgotten. Some communities will make this much easier than others. If you live in an area where no one is thinking like this, being surrounded by those folks in the day of trouble may cause you issues beyond just a lack of help.

Assuming you find neighbors who are on the same page, open doors with other neighbors as well. For those who are not in your “network,” it’s still good to have at least brought the general topic up, to see if some kind of awareness/agreement is there. Not everyone has to be as plugged in, but taking your neighbors temperature on this is a good idea. They may not have thought much of this through, but by opening a door, you could make it possible for you to help them if they face troubles (or they could help you!).

Invest In and Grow the Connections You’ve Made

Think like an entrepreneur... or a farmer. Always look for opportunities to make things grow. Don’t just connect with the right people, but make sure you’re putting time in to weave the relationship together. You can teach/learn skills, gain experience, and uncover new things that are worth looking into.

We need to be mindful that preparation is not just about information and supplies. If things get hard, it’s much better to rely on well-tested, proven skills than to crack open the manual for the first time. Same with relationships. One of the best ways to foster this growth-mindedness is to pay it forward. Offer to help someone. If you don’t know how to do what’s needed, you may be able to learn while lending a hand. This is a win/win. You could also team up with some of your network to help someone else in the neighborhood. Gain knowledge and experience, and create good will with more locals.

Look for other ways your network can meaningfully connect. Keeping your head and heart sorted out in troubled times is critical. Healthy relationships provide multiple ways to foster that. Enjoyable social connection (a beer with the guys), or someone to help if you get sick (we have delivered meals to multiple friends who were down with Covid) can keep everyone in a better state. If you are a person who prays, praying with and for people in difficult circumstances is always a good thing.