Mutual Assistance Groups (And Why You Need One)

In the journey toward preparedness, there’s one element that rises above the rest: community. Though preparedness may begin as a solitary effort, the further you go, the clearer it becomes that no amount of solo effort can truly replace the power of a united mutual assistance group. No one has to go this alone; there are like-minded people everywhere who share the same concerns and aspirations for resilience. Across the globe, diverse communities of preppers come together, united by one common goal: to foster knowledge, share experience, and ready themselves for what life may throw at them. It’s this shared purpose that keeps us learning, growing, and working together.

Wasteland By Wednesday was founded with this spirit in mind. My belief in humanity’s resilience is strong. We thrive not only because we prepare for crises but because we rely on each other for strength, growth, and survival. We’re like wolves in a pack, stronger and more effective together than we could ever be alone. I recently made a video that is a sort of companion for this article, something of a commentary of my own experiences and opinions, and I encourage you to check it out.

I’m a big advocate for community—whether it’s one I’ve helped create or another that shares this vision of a prepared, resourceful society. Knowledge, after all, is one of the most universally accessible resources. I encourage you to connect with as many groups as you can, whether online or locally, and to be open to finding and sharing information with them. Joining an established group or forming your own MAG (Mutual Assistance Group) with others you trust is a critical step toward building a reliable support network. 

Building a mutual assistance group may seem intimidating when you’re just starting out. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed, but forming or joining one of these groups typically evolves naturally over time. Often, it starts with family, close friends, or trusted partners, gradually growing as bonds deepen. From my experience, both with my MAG and in other team-oriented work, there are a few key principles for building any lasting group. These principles—acceptance, communication, and transparency—are the lifeblood of what’s called unit cohesion, which is foundational for any effective team.

Acceptance: We’re all unique in our backgrounds, beliefs, and ideas. Expecting everyone in a MAG to think, act, or understand the same way won’t get you far. Instead, respecting each other’s differences—whether cultural, political, or religious—is critical. A team thrives on its diversity and becomes more adaptable when members feel valued for who they truly are. Each individual brings unique perspectives and skills to the group; the goal is harmony, not uniformity. 

Communication: In any team, open communication is vital. This goes double for MAGs, where clear and honest communication can mean the difference between life and death in a crisis. When tension mounts, the ability to communicate quickly, even under stress, is essential. Building this skill now, through regular practice and open channels, can solidify trust and make interactions instinctive when it matters most.

Transparency: Transparency is the glue that binds any team together for the long haul. Be honest and straightforward with each other, trusting that every member is acting in the best interests of the group. Secrets erode trust, and while perfection isn’t required, a foundation of transparency can help your group weather the hardest storms. 

The last place anyone wants to be alone is during the collapse of civilization. No matter their individual experience or preparedness level, trying to make it through collapse by yourself gives you a big disadvantage right from the start. The time to begin including others in your journey is as early as possible; when the time comes, you’ll be grateful to have a solid support network. 

So, what exactly is a MAG, and why is it so essential?

A MAG, or Mutual Assistance Group, is a concept that’s been honed by those serious about preparedness and survival. MAGs can be quite complex, so I’ll do my best to break them down and help set you up for success. Whether you’re just looking to join an existing MAG, or plan to start a new one, the goal here is to help shed some light on what all is required for a group to thrive in an SHTF situation and what potential skill sets you should expect to bring to the table and/or find within your group.

To start, I am somewhat knowledgeable about preparedness-related MAGs specifically focused on surviving an SHTF scenario. It’s hard to claim such knowledge unless you’ve created and lived within one. My knowledge of MAGs comes from firsthand experience—years of creating, refining, and living within one with a core team of individuals committed to the process. My group has been together for over five years, and friends for decades before that, continuously practicing, testing, and learning as we go. Recently, we even spent a year isolated from society, a final test to solidify our readiness. The insights I share here come from that real-world experience, and while each MAG will be unique, certain principles are universally valuable.

One of the most surprising lessons I’ve learned in life is that, while we may pride ourselves on our independence, humans are predictable creatures, especially under pressure. In times of safety, we’re more open and outwardly supportive of each other. However, when survival instincts kick in—when we feel cornered or threatened—we tend to focus inward. This response is natural; it’s how humans are wired. And, when solitary in our lives, this mindset can become very deeply ingrained. However, a MAG can shift this perspective from “I need to survive” to “we need to survive.” Over time, members develop a bond often as deep as family, a bond built on trust, shared purpose, and mutual reliance.

Imagine for a moment that you’re part of a group where you trust every member as deeply as your own family. A group where you don’t just look out for your own survival but the survival of each member as if they were your closest kin. It may seem idealistic, but this is precisely the kind of connection that can develop within a well-functioning MAG.

The key to a successful MAG lies in shifting away from a purely individualistic mindset. My hope is to inspire you to evolve from a “me-centered” approach to a “we-centered” philosophy. Recognize that the strength of a MAG comes from every member’s dedication to the well-being of the group as a whole. Each member’s life becomes deeply interconnected with those around them, fostering a level of commitment that can overcome nearly any adversity. This sense of collective responsibility fuels the culture of the group, creating resilience from within. Now, keep in mind that while I do advocate for this “we-centered” ideal, I mean it only as the “we” encompasses your own family, group, and tribe. Humans are social creatures, to be sure, but that social leaning is more similar to a wolf pack than anything else. And while a pack of wolves will do anything for each other and to keep the pack safe, that same feeling doesn’t extend outward to other packs of other wolves. Sometimes other packs represent a drain on limited resources. other times they can be a direct threat to the safety of the pack. Not all people are the same, and in a collapse scenario, the safety of you and yours must remain paramount. Community is a key factor for survival, but in a post-collapse world, just like in the natural wilds, too many people eventually become a liability, both in terms of management and resources. So, while the “we” is incredibly important, it doesn’t extend out beyond its functionality.

A MAG is essentially a chosen family. Unlike blood relatives, members of a MAG earn their place in the group. This dynamic adds another layer of reliability and purpose, as each person is there because they want to be. It’s a relationship built on choice, trust, and shared values, not just biology. Being selective in who you invite into your MAG is vital—your survival, in many ways, will depend on it. Take your time in building the group that feels right. And once you have that feeling, guard it against dissolution.

Once a MAG is formed, it’s essential to establish a mission or oath to unite the group’s goals. A shared purpose helps every member understand the “why” behind their commitment, keeping the focus clear. This may be a short mission statement or even a verbal oath that solidifies each member’s dedication. The intent is to forge a lasting accountability that extends beyond any single crisis. This foundation not only guides the group through the challenges but also keeps its purpose alive. Everyone being of “like mind” in outlook is critical.

Leadership is another crucial aspect. The role of a leader in a MAG is unique; it’s less about commanding and more about guiding and protecting. True leadership is demonstrated through action, empathy, and courage. In a MAG, a leader understands the value of every member and prioritizes the collective welfare over personal comfort. Leadership isn’t always about making everyone happy; it’s about making the right choices, often the difficult ones, with the group’s survival and well-being at heart. 

In addition to the primary leadership role, other roles emerge within a MAG to support its needs. These can include a communications lead, an asset lead, a security coordinator, and others based on the group’s specific environment and goals. Defined roles help distribute responsibility and ensure every member has a part to play in the MAG’s success. Clear role assignments prevent the chaos that can arise from shared, unclear duties, allowing each person to focus on their specific tasks, especially under stress.

Ultimately, the goal is to foster a culture within your MAG that promotes resilience, mutual support, and trust. This culture is the heartbeat of any successful group and reflects the collective intent and integrity of its members. A MAG can be a powerful force, but its success rests on the genuine commitment of each individual to the group’s mission.

This journey is one of growth, patience, and persistence. Start small, build with intention, and trust the process. Over time, you’ll develop a support network that’s as vital as any material preparation. Take it one day at a time, using the resources, knowledge, and connections available to you. A well-prepared MAG may not look exactly as you envisioned, but that’s part of the journey—growing, adapting, and ultimately creating something that serves you and your community in the most resilient way possible. You very well may spend the rest of your life with the people in this group, so don’t hesitate to be extremely selective and intentional, whether you’re picking a group to join or interviewing members to join a group of your own.

It’s impossible to include everything you need to consider when creating or joining a MAG, but these following areas will at least give you a good start.

Joining a Group Versus Building A New team

When it comes to joining an established mutual assistance group versus creating one from scratch, there’s no right or wrong choice. Each has its strengths and challenges. However, it’s worth noting that joining an existing MAG, especially one that’s been together for years, can offer a head start in preparedness that’s hard to replicate on your own. Long-established MAGs often function like well-tuned machines, having ironed out the wrinkles through experience and teamwork. If you can meet their entry requirements—a process that’s often rigorous for good reason—you’ll likely find your place within their operational flow relatively quickly.

What I’m getting at here is the power of momentum. In an established MAG, that momentum is often a byproduct of experience and passion—qualities that keep the group focused and moving forward, even as time passes. If you’re new to preparedness, you might recognize this feeling: the initial drive to soak up every piece of information, gather supplies, build a plan, and absorb as much as possible while the fire is fresh. At the beginning, there’s a spark that keeps preparedness front and center in your life, pushing you to learn and organize without letting other priorities interfere.

But that initial fire is tough to keep blazing indefinitely. For those who’ve been preparing for some time, you may have noticed that life has a way of shifting your focus elsewhere, as other priorities creep in and take up mental space. Sustaining that momentum on your own can feel like an uphill battle. And this is precisely where being part of a group can make all the difference. Within a MAG, accountability and shared purpose fuel the fire when individual motivation begins to wane. The collective structure provides a level of consistency that’s hard to maintain alone, keeping preparedness front and center and reinforcing the group’s dedication to the mission.

When I said that an existing group likely has their kinks worked out and they have an “operational flow”, I’m talking about the fundamental structure that must exist within a team in order to be successful and cohesive. I’ll talk about the most important aspects in depth here shortly, but just to list a few:

Organization and Formation

1. Location and intel
2. Establishing goals
3. Leadership model
4. Roles and Responsibilities
5. Communication plan
6. Meetings and group gatherings
7. New member acquisition

Planning and Focus

1. Plan creation and dissemination requirements
2. Emergency/non-emergency activation
3. OPSEC requirements

Operational Guidelines

1. Scheduling and organizing gatherings
2. Training and education
3. Readiness drills
4. Team building operations
5. Resource gathering and maintenance
6. Risk mitigation activities
7. Logistical organization

Leadership and Roles within the group

Not everyone is born a natural leader. In fact, most people aren’t, and that’s perfectly okay. If you’re considering stepping into a leadership role, a good place to start is by asking how you lead yourself. Do you follow through on your own commitments? Are you disciplined in managing areas like health, finances, and personal growth? Just as importantly, what does your self-talk sound like—do you encourage and uplift yourself, or are you weighed down by criticism and regret? While these questions don’t define leadership, they reveal a lot about how others may perceive you. And if these reflections bring up areas you’d like to change, take it as an invitation to strengthen your inner narrative. People often sense who you are more from how you act than from anything you say. The great leaders of history weren’t born complete; they honed themselves over time, learning through experience as much as through books or teachings.

Humans, being the tribal sort of pack animals that we are, crave leadership, especially when times get tough. In nearly every situation, I’ve found that the likelihood of success is far greater when someone is willing to lead. But it’s important to clarify what real leadership is—and, maybe more importantly, what it’s not. A true leader doesn’t simply give orders, assert control, or wield authority over others. Instead, a leader recognizes the unique value each individual brings and often prioritizes the group’s welfare above their own. They’re the person who encourages others to step up, who leads by example, who inspires hope even when times are tough, and who makes thoughtful, timely decisions with everyone’s best interest in mind. If you see yourself in this description, fantastic. If not, be honest with yourself. Leadership doesn’t suit everyone, and there’s great strength in accepting the role that best aligns with who you are.

A leader’s role in a group is one of significant responsibility—and it’s often a thankless job. For instance, if you’ve ever seen Rick Grimes in *The Walking Dead*, you’ll know the type: constantly making difficult calls, facing risks at every turn, and rarely receiving thanks other than seeing the group survive another day. It’s the sort of role that invites hostility from all sides, as decisions won’t always sit well with everyone, and the leader frequently bears the brunt of dissent. Leaders often carry the largest target on their back, which makes it one of the riskiest roles in any group.

Leadership can take various forms, especially in MAGs. Small groups of fewer than ten may operate well with a single leader. As a group grows, leadership might shift to a council or committee, where responsibility is divided. A full democracy is another option, with the group voting on major decisions. Of course, democracy requires unbiased facilitation and coordination—no small feat in itself. Elected leaders in roles like Resource Management, Security, and Morale can keep larger groups functioning smoothly, provided there’s a foundation of trust. As the group’s culture expands, so too will its cohesion, or lack thereof.

No matter what structure you choose, I believe every leader should embody a few essential qualities:

– Integrity – A good leader sticks to their word and does what’s needed, regardless of difficulty.

– Courage – Doing the right thing isn’t always easy, and true courage is the ability to take action despite the risks and challenges.

– Pragmatism – Ability to put results above means and hold the group above all else.

– Empathy – Leading a group means understanding and feeling what others experience. Empathy can be a leader’s greatest asset, especially in the darkest times.

– Decisiveness – A leader isn’t idle. They act, and they act decisively. Inaction and leadership are worlds apart.

A leader is always under observation, which is why integrity is so vital. The group will only engage to the level of commitment their leader displays, so a leader’s example sets the tone for everyone.

Leadership isn’t the only vital role within a group; survival requires a broader team effort. Up until now, you may have been carrying the weight of preparedness alone. But as soon as possible, it’s essential to share responsibilities with loved ones or trusted friends. Assigning clear roles and tasks spreads the load and boosts group efficiency.

In an emergency, executing a plan is no easy feat. As stress and adrenaline skyrocket, our ability to think clearly can become compromised. To prepare for this, simplify each role and task within the group. Make the steps as straightforward as possible—imagine explaining each to a young child. This might sound overly cautious, but it’s crucial to plan with the expectation that thinking straight will be a struggle under pressure.

Having spent quite a few years as the member of a group I helped form, I’ve learned that shared responsibility often leads to overlooked tasks. People work best when they know exactly what they’re responsible for, with clear accountability built in. So, don’t hesitate to delegate roles in your MAG as broadly as possible. This reinforces everyone’s sense of contribution and keeps people working on the tasks they are best suited to or most skilled at. You don’t need the farmers trying to repair the truck, and the mechanic is better suited to managing that than trying to irrigate fields.

The roles that should be considered as part of your MAG, and moreover your overall preparedness plan, can vary based on the individual skill sets of your group, as well as your environment, group mission/goals and the scenario at hand, among many other factors. Here are a couple that I feel are necessary within all groups:

Leader(s): We’ve just reviewed this role in great detail, but here are some of the tasks a leader may have as part of a preparedness plan – yours may have more/less depending on your specific circumstances:

1. Initiate the plan. The leader will be the one who decides when it’s time to enact the plan and will begin the communication protocol. Major drills or an actual mass bug out call will come from the leader.

2. Make swift decisions on behalf of the group. Democracy is imperative amongst a group, and transparency as well. Sometimes though, the immediate situation will demand swift and decisive action. The leader will have the role of making such decisions on behalf of the group in order to ensure safety.

3. Navigate and/or lead the group when traveling. While they can have some help here, it is important for the leader to be “leading the pack” so to speak, and to be aware of any/all routes, variables and ongoing happenings while the plan is in motion.

4. Protect the group. The wellbeing and overall morale of the group lies in the hands of the leader as well. This includes defense measures, food acquisition and rationing when needed, movement tactics, etc.. Basically, the leader will do everything in their power to keep the group alive and out of harm’s way.

Again, you may have a number of other tasks specific to your circumstance. In all honesty though, your leader should be the one to help document these plans and make sure that all aspects are accounted for. If this is you, then press on; if not, consider including him/her in any plan-forming efforts, if at all possible. The following is a short list of other roles which support the leader and the group operations as a whole:

Administration: Also something of an assistant to the leader of the group, this would be the person responsible for handling various administration-type duties, including personnel readiness, personnel services and group management.

The primary purpose of this role is to handle all the day-to-day aspects of carrying out group activities and such. Some tasks may include:

1. Plans, organizes and supervises the execution of events and large group actions. This means, while the leader may decide a drill is necessary, it is the admin lead who will actually oversee the direct implementation of it.
2. Training management. Overseeing the recording of each member’s skills and aptitudes for help in both assigning roles as well as cross training activities.
3. Supervision. Maintaining an overall knowledge of the group members’ individual situations and circumstances, and providing support from the group to the individual members.

Security: This is the person who will be responsible for the security of the group overall, and that means it includes information gathering and reconnaissance activities. Often, this will be the person who does the most activity outside of the group to further the groups goals.

Some primary role responsibilities will include:

1.  Security management. Responsible for developing, executing, and integrating security programs within the group. This includes physical security of locations and assets, as well as informational security through OPSEC.
2. Intelligence preparation of the operational area. Plans and executes reconnaissance and surveillance, and analyzes and interprets possible threats and risks associated with the area in which the group will be operating.
3. Information collection: Manages the collection and processing of information to support the group functions and future activities.

Operations: This would be the person responsible for actually planning and preparing for team operations and activities. To look at our list so far, the leader says “let’s do this,” the admin person organizes that plan, the security person makes sure it is carried out safely and gathers all the information needed to do it, and then the operations person actually pulls the trigger to get the action underway.

Some duties for the Ops role may include:

1. Preparations. Advising, planning, coordinating, and supervising all current and future operations of the group.
2. Training. Preparing training exercises and educational gatherings for the group members to participate in.
3. Tasking. Allocating resources to specific mission needs and also for maintenance of any ongoing operations, such as facilities maintenance.

Logistics: With any preparedness plan, there will be a number of assets that must be gathered, packed, loaded and/or distributed. This person is responsible for knowing the locations of all supplies and materials, potentially delegating responsibilities for who’s gathering what when the time comes, as well as who may need to carry what, depending on circumstance. 

Tasks for this role may include:

1. Supply organization. This person will need to have a clear understanding of all assets needed as part of each specific plan, where they are currently located and who is responsible for getting them from point A to B, should they need to be moved. Keeping an up-to-date inventory list as part of each plan is recommended.
2. Procurement. They will also be responsible for making sure everything needed is acquired prior to the plan being executed. This may mean they need to purchase some items, which from a cost perspective, may need to be split amongst the group in some cases.
3. Finance management. With money being a key item of supply, it is the logistics head that usually oversees the group funds and their allocation. In some cases, this responsibility includes the acquisition of funds as well, but that is something that depends on overall group organization.
4. Logistical knowledge-base. Ideally this person is also very knowledgeable in the use of all items, and in the skills required. While everyone in the group hopefully has some sense of each item being utilized, the logistics lead will usually be the most experienced in the group.

Communications: Once the communications protocol, which should be part of any preparedness plan, has been enacted, you will want someone staying on top of all communication channels. This may include the support of others, and ideally is led by someone well-versed in a variety of communication methods.

The sole purpose of this role is to be sure that all people within the group are up to date at all times, including the leader. Tasks for this role may include:

1. Information Dissemination. Whether a communication tree is used – one person contacts two others, each of which then contacts two more and so on – or this person is solely responsible for communicating with everyone in the group, this is absolutely vital to everyone’s survival.
2. Keep the leader informed. This includes updates about the group and/or any new/incoming information regarding the situation at hand. The better informed the leader is, the more sound his/her decisions will be.
3. Determine protocol, methods and channels. This person should have a thorough understanding of all communication methods to be used within the group, which may require ongoing learning. They will create and share the overall plan, as well as the primary and backup channels to be used while in motion.

With these being the primary roles I feel are most vital to a group’s success overall, you may find that it’s necessary to divide these responsibilities up even further. Remember though, it’s important to keep tasks clearly defined to only one person and not shared amongst several. Some other roles that may come into play are:

Offensive/Defensive Ops (if not performed by the leader)

Food Preparation & storage (and sometimes rationing, if not performed by the logistics)

Scouting & Recon (if well-experienced in bushcraft and is stealthy)

Mediator (high tensions will inevitably lead to confrontations)

Hunter/Gatherer (if in survival scenario)

And so on. There are many roles which can be created and defined within the group to create structure and operational efficiency. And yes, I am sure there are a few of you out there who are going to say, “hey, this seems familiar…” And yeah, the structure is pretty similar to the basic structure of the  U.S. Military staff system. If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.

Mission, Task, and Purpose

When you’re forming a new group, one of the most impactful things you can do from the start is to establish a clear mission or shared oath that everyone can rally behind. This isn’t just a statement; it’s the reason your group exists and a compass for who you all intend to be together. Some groups take this idea even further by creating an oath that each new member recites upon joining. While this may seem like a tradition from another time, there’s a powerful purpose to it. Repeating a mission statement aloud, committing to it as a group, builds an accountability that runs deeper than any set of rules. It’s a way to cement your purpose, to let it settle in your mind, where it will echo and resonate through every decision.

Your mission and values don’t need to be lengthy or complex—they just need to capture your shared “why.” If possible, involve everyone in creating it. The more each person feels that they’re contributing to the group’s foundation, the stronger your cohesion will be. In the long term, your group will need committed, engaged members to thrive, and contributing to a shared mission is one of the best ways to foster that commitment.

Now, I know we’re only scratching the surface here. Starting and sustaining a MAG involves countless moving parts, and we’ve only touched on a few. But my closing advice is this: don’t overcomplicate things. Start small, with people you know, love, and trust. Use the tools, books, and resources you have at your disposal—including those here at Wasteland By Wednesday—and build one day at a time. You’ll be surprised at how things come together, and don’t be thrown off if your final group ends up looking different from what you first imagined. That’s a good thing. It means you’re listening, learning, and adapting—exactly what growth and resilience are all about.