War Proofing Your Community: Local Support Group

“If you want peace, prepare for war” –Latin phrase

It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to understand that the increase in gas prices often results in the increase in consumer goods, sometimes even services. This common supply chain disruptor can be a snare to many of us because too often we prepare a little too late. Sometimes, catching up is inevitable, especially if war has erupted or on the horizon. This is why a community support group may be the way to go. There is strength in numbers and behind this strength often lies strategy, sustenance and sustainability. 

Three (3) easy steps to have you building your support group with minimum effort in no time: 

1.  Strategy

• Startup checklist
  1. Gather dependable volunteers
     • Include a diversity of skilled individuals, e.g. medical, financial, spiritual, trades (electrical, plumbing, etc.)
  2. Create contact list of all occupants in the neighborhood
  3. Set up points of contact 

• Define scope and roles
  1. Define the mission and its importance
  2. Designate roles and responsibilities based on skills/interest
     • e.g., president, secretary, treasurer, communicators 

2.  Sustenance

• Take inventory and pool resources
  1. Decide what you have and what you need
     • Research emergency supply lists
     • Create a budget based on needs and financial capacity
  2. Designate who will supply what
     • Distribute equally if possible, unless someone is willing to do more (and consider those who can’t) 

3.  Sustainability

• Forge external partnerships
  1. Governmental organizations tend to have more resources
  2. They also have more insight and foreknowledge
• Start a mental support meet
  1. Most battles are won spiritually and mentally before anything else

During times of war and chaos, two (or three or more) is always better than going at it alone. Community support can alleviate stress, confusion, and financial strain. This is also a great time to build camaraderie with constituents and forge lifelong partnerships. There is strength in numbers. As I said, your scoop… in 30.

 --fa/tp