In addition to family and PODS, you will need to address the needs in your community and be ready to assist others. These are some community-based actions that are important to include in any plan.

It is important to have an action plan that orients everyone to checking on everyone else. Groups can form within the community but each group must have a mechanism to communicate special needs to a collective council that overseas the needs of everyone in the community. The first step is to get to know your neighbor. Introduce yourself to as many of your neighbors as possible. Hand them a piece of paper with your contact information on it or start an online blog to keep in touch and informed. Set up a mechanism for checking up on the elderly and the sick. Tell them what they can rely on you for. Lend a hand.

Set up a place and time for the regional community (your county, church community, condo building, etc.) to meet and discuss their needs and their availability to others. This brings down the barriers to asking for help and knowing how to be helpful. And don't forget to use the local talent for plays, dances, working out, book clubs, and outdoor adventures. We will need to keep an order to our days and a purpose in our step. Know yourself as someone with something to give.

Setting up a community blog can facilitate the exchange of ideas with folks in your area. This is the most efficient sharing for exchange of food, transportation, services, and mutual support. An online blog can connect people without requiring all that visiting. This can expedite the process of taking care of the needs of those in the community on a daily basis and can be a great way to connect for movies, games, and entertainment. Get creative and keep in touch!

It never hurts to be prepared for emergencies. I encourage you to join with others to share survival information and practice using emergency care tools. One example is a new group forming in Charlottesville, VA called the Charlottesville Bartering and Survival Group. Their site posts links to resources. You can find them on www.MeetUp.com. Think about setting up your own group and share. Remember, the coming times may not be about survival for everyone, but some may touch these shores. Having a plan and being prepared helps avoid panic in these situations as you already know where you will go, what you will do, and that you have 3 months to make these adjustments.

Remember, the new paradigm is about bringing us together. Being a global citizen starts where you live.