Start them smaller. Baby steps. I am sure that somewhere there is somebody who read a book or went to a website accidentally or watches a movie and went: "Holy cow, I need a bunker, self defense, team of survivors with overlapping skills, and to be self-sustainable with a one-year+ supply of everything." I think most of us started smaller, either from a lifestyle where extras being around or taking advantage of sales was normal and increasing instabilities and experiences pushed us farther, or we started with "reasonable" FEMA/Red Cross supplies.

Avoid terms like "EOTW" and "SHTF".

Try to find something unifying (harder with geographic neighbors, but worked with two different local churches, although with limited spans there - some of the members did start going further). Try to find something they'd rather protect that makes reliance on a government source untenable. For the churches: Wouldn't it be nicer if people could come here, with extended family, instead of go to the bad parts of town or be just one of many with a number during a flood or wildfire (or hurricane, flood in one)? Two of them started as a summertime power's out heat "social" and an overnight power's out sub-freeze cold snap "sleepover." It was pitched basically as a way to extend a helping hand with a localized area where all could gather for a meal and comfort and community in hard times. To skip the "we'll just take them to our house" arguments, we pointed out how much easier it would be if everyone had one gathering spot - conveniently close to a fire department for two types of support - instead of risking that somebody was out of town during an emergency. It was also pointed out that so many more could be helped if a few able-bodied and were centrally located and a few supplies were purchased instead of multiple duplications. One stopped at planning for about half the congregation for three days. When I moved the other was at 10 days for the congregation plus about 50% and plans for food and candle delivery or handout for another 200, with options for ice distribution or opening for the community at large as a summertime "waterpark" with misters and pavilions and swamp coolers and even a couple of slip-n-slide types and baby pools, and some of the carnival type games. They gave it a test run at least two years, asking people to bring in canned food items to then add to the lending basket pantry.

It's not long term, but it's a start and you may get members who seem more open, who are willing to go forward at the inches revealed.

Instead of weapons, start with just an unarmed community watch and motion-sensor lighting for areas that are obscured, with radio contact. You can always upgrade later as security awarenesses increase, to zappers or spray, then some training with batons if they're receptive, then more. It lets you teach Gray Man as well as conduct training to heighten senses and hone reporting and community response.

My current neighbors might briefly talk a good game, but they would commonly either not notice or not bother to spit on somebody who was on fire. They also like to pull the "it's just too expensive" card while playing on the latest ap to come out for their brand new electronic. I've been pushing basic preparedness for years and have only a handful who have taken any step, none more than "trying" to cut debt down and save some cash for a hard time and a couple weeks of groceries. These are by and large the people who run out of oatmeal for their "reindeer" food in the yard and crumble up Kashi bars instead, and who cannot lay their hands on an ice scraper every winter because keeping it in the car goobers up the trunk. Good luck with that. Mum's my word for bigger stuff with them, but I have an escape hatch elsewhere.

You could try to generate conversation using the governments Get Prepared website. I found when I tried to bring up the conversation of emergency kits at work it was not received very well. Funny thing is, at work we are mandated to carry winter survival kits in our trucks, but no one does. No one has ever needed them.

Change how the information is presented to something like, I was surfing web, did you know the government recommends you keep a 72 hour emergency kit which should include food, water, and supplies. With the recent Alberta floods/power outage in eastern Canada I think it might be a good idea. Since we are vulnerable to ...... I think I might store some water and food.

A week or month later ask if they have done. If nothing, just restate what you did. If they did something, then try to move on to a new topic, heat, first aid, whatever.

Try and gather some interest from gadgets, guys love gadgets. Look at my new hand crank radio, I got it because I am worried about the power being out for several days.

I went through the floods last summer. Bottled water disappeared quickly at is was amazing how people were pissed off that the government was supplying more. We were lucky and weren't really affected by it, but it did disrupt our lives a bit. I as well as some others were separated from family due to bridge closures. I use this experience to talk about my vehicle survival kit and how it sucks to sleep in the truck but at least I had my sleeping bag and a few other goodies that made life better.

Thanks very much for your input MrsPrepwPets and Koddie; I truly appreciate every word!

So, if I were to sum-up your suggestions, I believe that "baby steps" would be it. This will be hard for me, as I'm a no-nonsense practical guy that likes things done sooner rather than later, but I'll definitely give it a try. The last thing I want is to 'scare' people away...

Until then... Prep and Stay Safe!

It's frustrating at times, especially when there's general resistance to change and blind spots. Try to think of it as a marathon or week-long back country hunting or backpacking trip. You wouldn't scoop just anybody or an 8 y/o girl off the street and throw them into it. You'd start with training, increasing difficulty levels or lengths of hikes until they can safety compete or make a trip. Too, there's the honey-vinegar theory, and any steps you get them to take - and then any way it was useful to them - make them better prepared, and more willing to listen in the future.

Good luck, brother. It's a big undertaking and not one I'd be willing to stick my neck out on, not here. Good on you for the desire and effort.