Networking for Survival
We are all well versed in networking for survival. When a catastrophe occurs, however, neither I nor anyone else on 
this site will be of any further use to you, or me - unless one of us manages to show up on the others' doorstep. 
Now is the time to get to know like-minded individuals in your immediate area.
I know, I know - survivalists tend to be of suspicious nature and somewhat socially distant. With reason, 
considering the abuse various media outlets have heaped upon the self-reliant/survivalist community over the 
years. But think about it: there is nothing illegal, nothing shameful, nothing ridiculous about planing for the worst 
while hoping for the best. If you are planning something illegal, then you deserve to be paranoid and, in fact, to be 
caught - and I would do everything in my power to see that you are caught. This assumes that the powers that 
be do not outlaw knowledge and preparedness. Our Constitution guarantees our right to do what we will, provided it 
does not infringe upon the right of others to do the same. Preparing for the worst hurts no one, and should TSHTF, 
your preparations will suddenly take on the aura of wisdom and foresight.
Should such a time arise, all those who mocked you will suddenly try to convince you that you are their best friend. 
Some of those who mock you may even be your best friends. Often times, those who mock us the loudest are 
secretly avid "preppers" (a term I despise as indicative of half-assed committal), who have themselves stockpiles of 
what they consider to be the "necessities" in some hidden cubbyhole. They mock us because they haven't the 
personal integrity to stand up for what they believe in. In short, they are afraid of being mocked themselves, and 
so, tend to mock others the loudest.
I am not a prepper, though I do prepare. I am a survivalist. My goal is to survive, not to prepare. I can lose all of 
my preparations and I will still survive - or die trying. [grin] And I don't give a damn what anyone says about me. If 
others cannot see the value in what we do, why should we validate their opinion of us?
Now, I know why they call themselves "preppers"- it's more "acceptable," more "respectable." Easier on the ear. 
What it really is, is an invitation to the closet survivalists (who previously mocked us) to "come out of the closet." 
So good for them. A few less mockers and a few more somewhat prepared to weather most storms. And that, I 
suppose, is a good thing.  If it brings those who would formerly "not be caught dead" being outed as a "survivalist" 
- the scientists, engineers, doctors, teachers and other techno-geeks - then by all means, prep away. If we are to 
rebuild society after an event, we are going to need these people to keep themselves alive until we can get in to 
rescue them, either from the truly bad guys or from themselves.
To survive in the city you will need both brains and brawn, and when the lights go out, those who "command the 
lightning and call the thunder" - and can protect their right and ability to do so - will be the founders of the next 
civilization. And so we come back around (finally) to building a network.
Do we really want the thugs with guns and muscle to determine the fate of survivors? Not me - and I don't believe 
you want that either. So how do we keep that from happening? It's going to take muscle. It will probably require 
guns. But more important than either of these is preparation. You cannot keep a city alive without the people who 
run the things we take for granted. Those who operate and maintain the water, power, and gas systems. Doctors, 
nurses, EMTs, firefighters, police. Pharmacists and lab technicians. Scientists and research technicians. 
Mechanics and builders. Heavy equipment operators. Railroad engineers and truck drivers. These are the people 
you need to recruit - and most will resist any active, pre-event participation because of the media "image" of 
"survivalist groups" swallowed whole by their employers, peers, and the general hands-out populace. But that does 
not mean they do not want to survive should TSHTF. They just don't want to lose their job, don't want to miss a 
promotion, don't want to be ostracized by association with those who are prepared to save their neck. That's okay. 
WE don't want that, either. We just want THEM when the time comes.
So, how do we get them?
Some may actually be happy to join your group. That is fine, if they want to - so much the better. But they must be 
protected from ridicule. They must be in a place of immediate action and, if possible, authority, when things go 
bad. That's why we want to recruit them - to minimize damage to the infrastructure and maximize the possibility of 
maintaining some semblance of civilization in order to rebuild. I believe that the best way to go about this 
recruitment is to use a hands-off approach. All carrot and no stick. Better to have to support a skilled person after 
TSHTF than not have their skills available.
I have designed a card - just a basic format, as an illustration, which you may use to develop your own "invitation." 
It doesn't matter what you say on the card as long as it comes across as personal, EXCLUSIVE and 
non-transferable. Psychologically, this is important. Whether or not your intended "target" recruit is concerned 
about the future, this will automatically instill the possibility of something happening and the realization that they 
may need help surviving it - help that you have just offered to provide for them and their family without precondition.

The more stylish the card - professional printing, design, and good card stock - the more effective the message. 
When handing it to a recipient, I would suggest something like the following script:
"Excuse me, (smile) I'd like to give you this card. (hand it to them, and keep talking) It is an invitation to an event 
we sincerely hope you never need to attend. This is not a joke, and requires no commitment on your behalf, 
except to keep this card at hand at all times. We are not a political group, religious group or radical organization. 
There is nothing to sign, nothing to buy, no one will contact you again until and unless the event we strive to 
avert come to pass. Think of it as an insurance policy for which you need never pay a premium for. If you lose 
this card, the offer may be withdrawn. For more information, you may access the web page on the back of the 
card. Thank you for your time. "
Now just walk away.
If they are hooked, they may call you back and ask questions. It is not wise to give details to strangers - even 
potential recruits. Keep it simple. Simply tell them that you are part of a group concerned about the future who 
work to ensure that any emergency or catastrophe is as limited in scope and effect as possible. Explain to 
them that you have others in the group who are medical professionals, law enforcement professionals, 
science and engineering professionals, technicians, builders and regular concerned citizens. That you plan and 
prepare for contingencies that others often refuse to consider. That they have been selected to receive this 
non-binding invitation by merit of their knowledge, experience or perceived qualities.
"We know that your position may be such that open affiliation with a group such as ours may be misconstrued, so 
we do not require anything more of you other than that you keep this card. If you want to become more involved, 
you may visit the web page listed on the card for more information, including a point of contact."
If they are not hooked, or appear unconvinced, your simply walking away after presentation of the card may be too 
much for them to resist. The soft sell is best with this type. Make it seem like you value their participation, but that it 
matters not if they accept or decline. Professionals LOVE exclusivity, and flock to it like ants on piece of dropped 
candy.
If they are amused, angered, or abusive - simply apologize for wasting their time and walk away. Do not accept 
return of the card. If they try to hand it back or force it on you, you have a choice - accept the return and forever 
lose that prospect, or simply tell them they may do what they wish with the card, but if it ever comes to pass that 
they need it, it would be a shame not to have it in their possession.
"It's just a card. It cannot hurt you and may never be needed. Are you absolutely certain that you do not want to 
hold on to it? You can always throw it away at a later time."
If they still insist on returning the card, smile, take it and walk away.
People are weird. You can never really know how an individual will act. Though it is possible to predict mass or 
group trends, loosely and in the long term, it is almost impossible to predict what an individual will do with 100% 
certainty. Nor am I always right in the way I view things. I write with conviction because I believe in what I write - 
but I could be wrong. If any of you think I'm mad as a hatter, speak up!
To any social scientists or psychologists monitoring this group (I know you're out there, guys!) your input on this 
would be most appreciated and interesting.
BTW - This can also be used for "normal" folks - if you notice someone performing their work in an exceptional 
manner, or someone who expresses an interest in survival and preparedness. These types, however, may be 
convinced to take a more active, participatory role in your organization.

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