Our relationships are the key to preparedness, it's a lifestyle not a stockpile. We build our social connections based upon norms of reciprocity - that people will do good for you, if you've done it for them, as well as trust - you'll do what you say. Those are the foundation of social capital, which is the potential resources that exist within your network of relationships.
In preparedness, we think of the need to be self-sufficient, but we rarely consider the community as a the appropriate unit of measure. The reality is that when significant disruptions occur, think the pandemic, it is the people around you, those you know and care about, that will be the key to success. To thrive in the face of adversity, not survive.
Leverage those and you're golden. Networking is preparedness.
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