Mutual Assistance Groups: Defining Values, by Crusoe

Values are ethical beliefs that guide personal action and shape how you see the world around you.  It is easy to see the results of misplace or nonexistent values by watching the destruction of our country by a valueless society.  The one thing that gives me a hope for a better future is that a solid section of America still believes in the fundamental concepts of both right and wrong.  Humans are tribal by nature and seek to build community.  It is through the promotion of your established values that will be the next steppingstone in establishing your mutual assistance group.

At this point you have brainstormed what your group is trying to achieve.  You have taken the time to thoughtfully build both mission and vision statements, now it is time to start thinking about what characteristics you deem important to be a member of your group.  Not only does this help to guide your own belief systems, it also is what you expect of everyone else.  Think of it as a code of ethical behavior to guide how you want to live your life.  Survivalism is a lifestyle and to be good at it you must embrace it all.

The founding members of our group were each given the assignment of writing down their values and defining the “why” behind them.  We then scheduled a meeting and put all those individual values up on the white board.  The next step was to identify commonalities and then whittle away the chaff until we collectively defined the value set for the group.   Take the time to get the wording right because specific word usage is important.

These are ours:

Values

  1. Integrity- Adherence to moral and ethical principles as stated by the Christian faith
  2. Honesty- To be truthful, upright, and fair
  3. Dependable- Worth of trust and reliable
  4. Forgiving- Disposed to forgive
  5. Excellence- Striving to be the best you can be at any given task
  6. Service- Servant leadership to your family, community, and team

Nothing cosmic but in the end, these are  the expectations we have individually and with each other.


EDITORS NOTE: This may seem like obvious stuff, but it isn’t. In spending a bunch of time with Crusoe over the course of the Partisan Life Saver course, it made me realize that I can count one one hand the number of groups who have these things clearly defined and agreed upon. If you are forming a MAG, please take heed and follow these steps so that when the bad times start, you are all on the same page – Patriotman

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About the Author: Patriotman

Patriotman currently ekes out a survivalist lifestyle in a suburban northeastern state as best as he can. He has varied experience in political science, public policy, biological sciences, and higher education. Proudly Catholic and an Eagle Scout, he has no military experience and thus offers a relatable perspective for the average suburban prepper who is preparing for troubled times on the horizon with less than ideal teams and in less than ideal locations. Brushbeater Store Page: http://bit.ly/BrushbeaterStore

14 Comments

  1. Chris December 22, 2021 at 10:39

    Common Sense has become Uncommon

    • Crusoe December 22, 2021 at 18:11

      Chris, very true. Most groups are centered around just shooting guns and this is a very loose method of common assistance. I argue that there has to be more to your group than just shooting.

      • Quietus December 22, 2021 at 20:49

        There has to be more. Beer drinking, maybe?

        Seriously, that is a short and concise list that encompasses ‘most all good qualities that a person would look for in another. Knowing as you said, that this was done on a whiteboard with group inputs, makes it more impressive.

        What you’ve done so far brings up the question: do you plan to emplace (as in a whiteboard drill) a set of negative qualities in order to weed out the prospects who will cause harm to your group?

        • Crusoe December 22, 2021 at 23:42

          Stay tuned…that is coming

  2. Mas Casa December 22, 2021 at 19:38

    Crusoe, simply said, well done. I thought it interesting your MAG specifically mentioned “servant leadership”, which not only affects group dynamics, but also affects whether or not others see your MAG as a positive thing. My experience is that not many people, not even in the military, understand the concept of servant leadership. I characterize it as the difference between leading and commanding.

    • Crusoe December 22, 2021 at 23:46

      Well said and I agree. In order to lead you must have a servant’s heart. It took me a long time to learn that lesson.

  3. Paulo December 22, 2021 at 22:34

    Good short and on point instructions there.
    It takes peculiar characteristics to live, love
    and lead this way. Not just in a leading role,
    but too, following and doing in kind.

    One example which comes to mind, and there
    are many mind you, was when Jesus washed
    feet. The reason He did that was as an example,
    and He was the Rightful King.
    You know, faith, hope and charity, without force.

    These ways are still being done today daily, with many
    involved. Just need/want to step it up a notch.

    I think I learned a good virtue one time I heard that
    “to for give, was/is to be for given”.

    Then there is that old saying – “If you want to lead,
    you must know how to follow.”
    But follow which WAY?

    Stay strong and persevere…

    • Crusoe December 23, 2021 at 17:05

      Great reply. Yes…you learn how to follow first.

  4. David December 23, 2021 at 08:51

    Nice job. I also believe that in hard times groups that share values and principles set down for us by the father will prevail.

  5. Rooster December 23, 2021 at 12:11

    Great list and many essential qualities that are a must. Im thinking about a weekly accounting on the BB forum detailing some activities, trials and positives of group activities. A blueprint, if you will, of whats going on and maybe some things others can consider in forming a group or continuing with their own. These relationships will be incredibly important if there is some type of disaster, natural or other.
    Too many chiefs and not enough indians has never been said in the Patriot community. Lead on brother!

    R

  6. Mosaic Wolf December 23, 2021 at 13:23

    To all Groups and Preppers: Resolve to be better next year…Better informed – Better prepared – Better equipped.

  7. Big Mike December 23, 2021 at 22:17

    Thank you for your comment about “stating the obvious stuff”. Many times people just wait and watch. Not a good way to do it.

  8. Saber 7 December 24, 2021 at 05:43

    That list will change when you have been at it for weeks on end with little to no sleep, little food, hours daily of hard patrolling, work etc. then you will see your true inner self and those of others. I have seen the degradation of those around me through my own broken down self. Some of your buddies get better most do not. Most turn to shit, and shit will be the common denominator. (You will be surprised who steps up under these conditions, its not who you think).

    Must be nice to have such a large pool of people clamoring to join your MAG that you can try and weed out the shit early on. Hoping its your good neighbors, the ones that will not get a 0330 visit when the shooting starts.

    This is some good stuff you are putting out. Its hard hearts, dedicated hard hearts that will see us through this mess.

    Saber 7

  9. OkieHokie December 25, 2021 at 08:56

    Have to admit, LOVE seeing two weapons in the picture: the revolver and the Rosary! Merry Christmas to you all

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