The goal is to share ideas, skills, knowledge and form a mutual assistance group if the need arises.
There are no fees, no affiliate links and nothing to sell you here. We are just an organization of people who can count on each other in a crisis.
Everyone in the prepping communities agree the lone wolf and single families will not survive a long term crisis.
Security to protect your preps and manpower for survival tasks will require a team.
West Michigan Preppers is a Kent and Ottawa County, Michigan based group of like-minded people
who are preparing to survive if a crisis takes place.
There are no ranks, no hierarchy and no CEO or President. Currently there is one organizer.
We are ethical, moral, and have Christian values. We believe in the Constitution, law and order and hold conservative views.
If you are triggered by the American flag, woke or require special pronouns this group is probably not for you. We are pro-law enforcement and pro-military.
This is not a militia. However, while firearms are not the primary focus, they are a component.
Therefore no felons will be admitted to the group as we need everyone to be legally armed or at least comfortable around firearms.
People who are veterans, law enforcement and people with medical skills are encouraged to apply. Gardening, construction and bushcraft skills also desired.
Wondering if the West Michigan Preppers MAG is right for you? Check out the FAQ to learn more about us.
The world and our country is facing a myriad of tough circumstances right now. Major countries are on a war footing. Russia has invaded Ukraine and is threatening other countries as well.
China is openly threatening Tawain and The Phillipines. The USA is allied with many countries under threat. There is a real possibility of a world war looming.
If you are thinking "yea, but it was similar in WWII" here is where you are wrong: In the 30's and 40's the USA and most countries were not so reliant on other countries for food and materials.
Yes, imports existed. But not to the extent they do now. The "global supply chain" we have now was not in place.
Food in particular was sourced locally mostly.
Due to Covid19 and the war in Eastern Europe the supply chain is under threat.
Food in particular is under a lot of pressure now.
Russia is the world's largest supplier of fertilizer. It has stopped all exports of that now. The lack of fertilizer has driven the price of it sky-high. Some farmers did not plant as yields
would be too small without it and too expensive with it. Food prices will remain under pressure. And the Fed raising interest rates to qwell inflation will not help here since people must eat.
Here in the USA the social and political divide is the worst in decades. Probably as bad as during and shortly after the civil war.
Inflation is out of control and the push for green energy has driven fossil fuels through the roof.
Our national debt is out of control and the government keeps spending as if its flush with cash.
All these factors combined leave a lot of risk for meltdown on a grand scale. A SHTF (Shit hit the fan) event.
While some of the above conditions have existed in the past all of them at the same time have not.
If food becomes scarce people who are unpreppared are going to panic. Civil breakdown could occur. Fantasy dooms day sayers? Maybe.
Go read about what happened when Argentina collapsed in 2002.
Did the riots in 2020 get your attention? Imagine what that looks like when people are without food or basic services!
It may not be time right now to go run to the hills with your supplies. At this moment that would indeed be paranoia. But to be reasonably prepared just in case is not.
You may be thinking: "well, if civil unrest occurs I'll just packup and move to the forest" Experts all agree you and your family will die with this plan.
Hunting, gathering and fishing will not go like you think it will. You will lack water, shelter and safety.
To survive through a crisis you need a team of people with prepared supplies and a bug out location if required.
At the September meeting our HAM experts discussed comms and how to get started.
The group decided to set a fixed day each month to meet.
By vote the majority agreed to meeting the 2nd Saturday of each month at noon.
At the October meeting everyone brought their bugout bags and explained why they chose their items.
Upcoming meeting subjects:
November 2024: We will discuss items for bartering in a SHTF scenario..
December 2024: TBA.
January 2025: Firearms for prepping. Considerations of calibers, ammo supplies and parts.
Want to learn more? Contact us:
Long term food storage.
Water filtration and storage.
Grid down power alternatives.
Vegetable gardening.
We encourage anyone interested in applying to the group to read the FAQs below.
There are 3 columns. If you are on mobile click the dots at the bottom to scroll left and right.
I'm just starting out and I have no prep started. Can I join?
At this time we may invite you to a meeting but being a "member" requires agreement from the current members and you meet the requirements listed in this FAQ under "What is expected of me if I join?".
What is the cost?
There are no fees to be in the group. You are however responsible for your own preparedness. The group will not feed or supply you and your family.
I live xx miles away. Can I join?
We prefer all members live at least within an hour driving distance of Kent county. Living further out makes it very hard to communicate and get together regularly.
Are there meetings? How often?
Yes. Our group tries to meet about once a month for about an hour. If you are too busy to make most meetings you may not retain membership. The current standard is only missing 1 out of 3 meetings.
If society breaks down will the group provide food to my family?
No. Each member is responsible for their own food and supplies in a crisis.
What is expected of me if I join?
1. You have 6+ months of food to feed your family unit. The group will not feed your family. This is a cardinal rule.
2. Attend monthly meetings missing no more than one out of 3. (only one adult family member need attend).
3. Be willing to share your knowledge and teach others.
4. In a crisis you commit to coming to the group's aid which may entail meeting the group at a pre-specified bugout location.
5. Be willing to work as team. If building, farming, water gathering, sentry duty or other tasks arise, all members must actively perform tasks for the community.
6. Commit to being open minded. No group will ever be a perfect fit for everyone. Keep expectations realistic.
I am a current or retired law enforcement officer or military veteran. Can I join?
Yes. Our group does nothing illegal and we encourage law enforcement and military membership.
I have a felony record. Can I join?
No. While we believe in redemption, we need all members to be able to legally own a firearm. Also some members may be uncomfortable around felons.
I have kids. Can I join?
Yes. Families with kids can join.
I am under 18. Can I join?
No. Only adults can join.
I have a pet. Can I join?
Yes, but your animal must be friendly around other people and other animals.
I have a severe medical condition. Can I join?
Maybe. That would have to be discussed and agreed upon by the rest of the members. Severe medical conditions could make it rather hard on the whole team during a crisis situation. At least one family member must be able bodied to assist the group with physical tasks and defense if needed.
Is this a Michigan militia?
No. Our group is about preparing to survive a crisis. We are not training to fight a war or enforce any policital view. We do respect the rights of people to form militias under the constitution though.
Is this a group like I see on TV that have all these concrete bunkers underground?
No. This is a working class income prepping group. While we'd love to all have $150,000 underground bunkers most of us cannot afford that.
I don't own a firearm. Can I join?
Yes, but we strongly encourage all members to possess at least one firearm. Training in handling firearms can be provided by the group. If you are uncomfortable around weapons this group is not for you. While firearms are not the main focus of our group, in a severe crisis situation our group will possibly be forced to defend the supplies we have gathered against those who are unprepared.
Do I need a lot of money to prep?
No. It does help though. Most people slowly aquire food and materials for a crisis.