Building Community

Today I’m going to talk about the importance of building a community. The process I went through to build my community and some of the benefits you can get some building an amazing community. I’ll share my pitfalls with you so you avoid making the same mistakes.

Almost four years ago when I became interested in survival and preparedness I had not friends remotely interested in it. My new obsession had no one to support me. I didn’t have anyone to talk to about philosophies or gear. I also had no mentor to share their experience with me. So mostly I talked on internet forums about it and talked at my friends to their blank stares and criticism that I had gone crazy.

 

I used the forums to make an attempt  to reach out to locals interested in getting together. After some failed attempts and poor planning we finally nailed down the historical first meeting of what would become Zombie Squad Chapter 24 Nashville. The first time there was four of us. Strangers who had only said a few words before haphazardly throwing together a meeting at a Mexican restaurant. But that broke the ice and set the stage for what was to come.

 

After that the four of us stayed in touch and had a few more meetings some with decent turnouts. Some with just the original four of us. Our determination kept us going. We eventually managed to throw a charity event and become an official chapter. We picked up a few more regular members who added their passion and we continued to grow.

After a History Channel Zombie special aired our numbers jumped pretty quickly. That added with the support of a few well connected and awesome local guys, John Willis of SOE tactical being the biggest help, we really started getting traction. Which led of to have our biggest meeting with over 30 attendees. We pretty much took over the pub we met at.

Now that we had a good size group it was time to put our numbers to use. I contacted YouTube video maker Patriot Nurse to ask if she would give our group a class on Survival/ Disaster medical needs. Things for that worked out great and we ended up hosting our first class event. Since then we have had Paul Gomez teach a traumatic injuries class, a hand gun training class and A CPR class with many many more in the works.

 

I now have a wealth of experienced friends in my community. I’m constantly motivated by seeing what everyone is learning and doing. In three years I have managed to meet some truly switched on people. Everyone brings a wealth of skills and knowledge to the group.

I would definitely say to anyone looking to build community to be patient. There were many times I wasn’t sure that this would go anywhere. early on we had so many meetings where only the founders showed up. Don’t get discouraged it takes time to build the trust and bonds that form a great community.

The internet is your friend here. I posted our meetings on all the forums in our niche in the regional boards. Make sure you follow the forum rules and don’t spam. No one wants to be friends with a spammer. I was already a member of the forums I posted on even if I hardly posted.

Don’t worry about one timmers. People that show up once and never again. Not everyone is a good fit in every group. Usually people who don’t fit in usually don’t last long. But don’t be afraid the set rules and let someone know that they are not a good fit. So far we have not ever had to ask someone to leave but have had a few that I’m not sad that never came back.

Do fun stuff with each other! Grab a beer, go see zombie movies or hit a trail. I got to know my good friends James and Mike from Skills and Gear by hiking some good trails with them. I’ve been to conventions, haunted houses and a burlesque show with various members of the group. I have many great memories with my ZS friends I wouldn’t trade for anything.

If you feel isolated by your hobbies start building your own community. I guarantee that there are many people in your area that like the same stuff. With a little dedication, passion and patience you can grow amazing bonds. Everyone get out there and start growing your community now.