Today as we celebrate Martin Luther King Day our thoughts turn to Dr. King’s life and legacy. I wanted to focus on what Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. once said, “Life’s most persistent and urgent question is: ‘What are you doing for others?'”
Unlike other holidays, the King holiday is celebrated as a day of service. Not just a day off from work to sleep late and go shopping, it is a time to remember King’s dream for all people and his life of service.
What’s this got to do with prepping?
Well, negative publicity and comments in the media have implied that preppers are selfish in only looking out for themselves and their own families. This mistaken idea that prepared people don’t care about others is far from the truth. Many preparedness and survival experts recommend setting aside some of one’s own supplies to give to others who may be in need. You may do it without fanfare, and anonymously, but it is giving nonetheless. Many preppers who have stockpiles choose to donate to to food banks and other charities and share the bounty.
Other preppers get involved in groups that help their communities be more prepared, or actually get involved in disaster relief efforts.
At the same time, many individuals choose to give of their time and knowledge by showing others how to be more self-sufficient and prepared for the next disaster. Free information on how to prepare for disasters or acquire skills is freely given. You don’t need to spend money to be charitable. Just the simple act of showing someone who is willing to learn how to do things is helpful enough.
As we remember Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and his legacy, let’s consider using this day to do some something for others. To all the preppers out there doing service to others, not just today, but everyday: thank you and please keep up your great work.
Quick Update:
Promising new additions to Blog Links:
I was contacted by Dennis Evers about his new resource for “hands-on” preppers. Below is a description of his new site:
Preppers are typically “hands-on” kind of people, and with that in mind, a new website; “Preparedness is Fundamental”, has just been launched that features articles and short how-to videos on prepping for anyone that doesn’t mind getting their hands dirty. One video shows you how you can secure as many perfectly good batteries as you want for free while another walks you through the easy construction of a super bright, rugged 12 Volt LED prepper light for around $6.00.
Other information includes how to build a solar generator, gardening, free prepper materials and discount codes, while upcoming videos and how-to articles deal with a serious homemade smoker for under ten bucks, LED security lighting, long term food storage, seed preservation and more.
To the first 50 visitors “Preparedness is Fundamental” is offering a free eBook; “How to Handle a Crisis” (a $4.99 value) which deals with all types of disasters, terrorism, CBRNE, medical crises and survival.
To visit, go to https://proficientprepping.wordpress.com/
I’ve also added a link to Prepper Next Door, the blog companion to one of my favorite preparedness books: The Prepper Next Door: A Practical Guide For Disaster And Emergency Planning.
For beginning preppers
Thank you so much for showing how much preppers do give back to their communities. Many, like myself, are members of their local CERTs (Community Emergency Response Team) where they learn about assisting their neighbors in an emergency and are taught how to talk to their neighbors about being prepared.
I’m always amazed at the willingness of people to share their knowledge. It does make sense, though. The more people are prepared, the better off the entire community is.
Hi Tammy, Good to hear from someone who’s involved with CERT-thanks for all you do. I appreciate the comment.
It isn’t even necessarily the mass media dissing preppers that most wrecks their reputations…I just got off the Preparedness Prop site on FB and I have to say that many preppers dig their own holes in terms of reputation. The anti-government rhetoric, the indiscriminate labelling as “evil” of anything that they disagree with, the blanket statements about those taking disability benefits…it does not paint a pretty picture of the prepper community. I am grateful that your site doesn’t highlight the same hateful comments.
Hi Diana, you are right about that, the hateful remarks that are made in some sites certainly don’t help the cause. Preparedness is for everyone, regardless of income, religion, politics etc – I just hope these unfortunate comments by some don’t turn people off from being prepared. Thanks for the comment!
Preparation is for everyone. I’m happy that there are so many preppers in the word. I think they help the communities in all kinds of emergency situations.
Thanks!