"Wartime Homefront Essential Skills" on BrightU: How to build a trusted community in plain sight
By jacobthomas // 2025-05-02
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  • In episode 5 of "Wartime Homefront Essential Skills," aired April 30, Marjory Wildcraft emphasized that humans are tribal by nature; self-reliance requires community, not isolation. Practical needs (bartering, shared labor) and social bonds make interdependence essential.
  • Wildcraft suggested hosting monthly gatherings disguised as gardening clubs, using food as a neutral "Trojan horse" to attract like-minded allies and avoid drawing attention.
  • Wildcraft urged to start with free, public events (e.g., screenings of gardening films) in neutral venues like community centers. Use flyers focused on food production—not prepping—to attract attendees.
  • Wildcraft also encouraged serving refreshments, include family-friendly activities and let a core group emerge naturally. Over time, shift to skill swaps, bulk purchases and emergency training to deepen connections.
In episode 5 of "Wartime Homefront Essential Skills," aired April 30 on Brighteon University, Marjory Wildcraft, renowned homesteading expert and founder of The Grow Network, noted that the myth of the "lone survivor" is dangerously flawed. "Humans were fundamentally tribal by nature," she said. "You really can't do it all on your own." In an era of growing uncertainty, self-reliance requires community — not isolation.  According to Wildcraft, the challenge lies in building a resilient community without raising eyebrows or compromising operational security (OPSEC). Wildcraft's solution is disarmingly simple: host monthly gatherings disguised as gardening clubs, using food as a "Trojan horse" to attract like-minded allies. Wildcraft, a veteran homesteader, recalls the pitfalls of isolationist survival strategies. "Usually, they're guys who say, 'I've got my guns, I've got my family,' and they head to the middle of nowhere," she laughed. "But who are your kids going to marry?" Beyond social needs, practical realities — like bartering, shared labor and emergency support — make community indispensable. Yet, broadcasting your preparedness can be risky. "The first rule of being a prepper is don't let people know the extent of your preparations," Wildcraft warned. So how do you recruit quietly? Wildcraft's battle-tested method? Start with a free movie night.
  • Pick a neutral venue: Avoid private homes (security risk) and religious spaces (too polarizing). Wildcraft used community centers, school cafeterias and even Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) halls. "A known public place makes people comfortable," she noted.
  • Lead with food: "Food is a neutral, safe topic," Wildcraft explained. Her first event featured "Global Gardener," a permaculture film. "Even the grumpiest people soften when talking about gardens."
  • Create a social vibe: "Humans socialize better with cups in their hands," Wildcraft quipped. She served iced tea and snacks, while a supervised kids' area ensured whole families could attend.
Over time, regulars self-select. "Within a year, you'll spot a core group of five to six families," said Wildcraft. Her community included everyone from libertarians to liberals — united by gardening. "We had neighbors with opposing political yard signs, but they set it aside to talk compost." Wildcraft's approach keeps OPSEC tight while fostering interdependence. "You’ll get back tenfold what you invest," she promised. Her final tip is to seed up the timeline. "Host events weekly if you can." For those ready to start, her advice is simple: "Pick a topic you love, invite others and let the community grow itself." As Wildcraft put it: "True wealth isn't money — it's family, community and meaningful work." And sometimes, it begins with a bag of chips and a free film.

Want to learn more?

When the world gets unpredictable, the smartest move is to prepare. That's why "Wartime Homefront Essential Skills" by Marjory Wildcraft is back on BrightU. This is your second chance to catch the series that's changing how families think about self-reliance. If you want to learn at your own pace and get access to 12 additional bonuses, you can purchase the Wartime Homefront Essential Skills Bundle here. Upon purchase, you will get unlimited access to all 10 "Wartime Homefront Essential Skills" videos and 12 bonuses, including 10 eBook guides and two homesteading videos. Sources include: BrighteonUniversity.com 1 BrightU.com BrighteonUniversity.com 2
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