AVDRT is a mutual aid group that caters to its member's emergencies. Emergencies could be as mundane as a member with a flat tire, or it could be more serious as a house burning down and you opening a place of residence for them. We do not rule out other emergencies as well. The great thing about AVDRT is that it can be prepared for any kind of crisis.
AVDRT is relatively new and is still open to its member's influence and suggestions. What we want to build is a totally self-sufficient group of people, who at the very worst, learn a couple of new skills and at the very best become good friends that can rely on each other at all times.
AVDRT is a Multi-Level Association. Some people just want to share information. They don't feel comfortable with the extra responsibility. If this is as involved as you wish to be then that is as involved as we would like you to be. We are built on the power of knowledge, if you have knowledge you want to share, we welcome you as an instructor, and if you have knowledge you would like to gain we hope to have someone who is capable of teaching you what you would like to know. The second division is one of more involvement and responsibility. We will discuss more about that later.
Members don't need to be in tip-top shape, but we do hope that they do try to show improvement. Going camping and hiking usually helps. We have a few members who actively participate in self defense studies as well. It's an excellent exercise to keep in shape and can be used to defend yourself or others.
I would recommend that you drop an email to the Recruiter. From the past, the prospective members who say hi often have a better feeling about things and feel more comfortable.
What We Are Not!
We are not anti-government. While we do not always agree with our politicians and the laws they pass, we respect each and every law passed. We attempt to eliminate or change the laws we disagree with through any legal means available. We are not prejudice, we accept everyone as they are as long as they put forth the effort it requires to be a good team member.
If you are interested in conspiracy theories, taking over the government or doing anything illegal, we do not want anything to do with you. Now is a fine time to STOP reading our material. If you become a member and you demonstrate above behaviors you will be barred from any membership activities and privileges.
Who Are AVDRT Members?
AVDRT members come from every walk of life. There is no average member. The common denominator is members' interest in survival, preparedness and the safety of themselves, their families, and their communities. We do not judge members by their race, nationality, religion or any other stereotype.
AVDRT believes in responsible gun ownership. The best defense is self-defense, and having a way to defend one self with a weapon is a good deterrent against any crime. If it were not the Police or the Army wouldn't have guns. As an AVDRT member, you do not need, nor are you expected to own a firearm. A firearm is a personal choice. We do ask that members who do wish to have firearms standardize to a group standard.
We do advocate training, because being prepared can never be considered a bad thing. You do not automatically go out and play major league sports or fight a fire. First you train, practice until you are good enough to deal with any situation. Then you fight the fire. The same can be said for anything in life that is important to you.
Spirituality and survivalist concepts often go hand in hand. AVDRT has no preconceived notions about any religion and welcomes any and all. However, we do not tolerate any quasi- religious notions and are not interested in conspiracy theories or other paranoia.
Membership
There are currently two types of AVDRT members. Tier One members need not pay any dues but can make donations as they see fit. Consequently, Tier One members and their families may have access to a AVDRT retreat or aid only after all Tier Two members have been considered. Tier Two members may be fielded during any crisis. They pay dues or equivalent contributions and have first access to AVDRT retreats and aid.
Tier One Membership:
� Need not register and can be considered such simply by two or more meetings per year.
� Are allowed to exchange information with all members on topics that are of an interest to AVDRT and its affiliates.
Tier Two Membership:
� Must be 18 years of age or older.
� Must be able to be fielded in times of crisis.
� Must pay dues or equivalent contributions to go into purchases. If a member withdraws, they will not be refunded their contributions. Note: We are not attempting to earn profits! These monies go into equipment that all members may need or have access to in times of crisis. The bulk of this cost will be the recreational retreat which all tier two members will have access to any time of year.
� Members must put in minimum 52 hours year onsite maintenance at the retreat site, once established
� Have a valid email address
� Attend at least six meetings per year.
� Actively participate in team/ building activities including but not limited to:
Attending scheduled campouts hosted by AVDRT or Affiliates within a reasonable driving distance
Participating in FTF meetings with AVDRT or Affiliates within a reasonable driving distance.
� Share maps of your locale
� Members are expected to learn or maintain any skills that are essential to AVDRT or individual survival. This could be as simple as cooking or as complicated as a physician.
� Members are expected to be available for all other members in an emergency, within reason.
� Members are expected to provide their own equipment. Members will be expected to standardize their equipment. A six to twelve-month probationary period is allowed. For those financially unable, exceptions will be allowed on a case by case basis.
� Members are expected to maintain a personal fitness routine (ask a senior member to help you create one).
� Members are expected to attend training events. Missing 25% of the training exercises in any given year without extenuating circumstances and explanation is subject to termination of tier-two membership.
� Members are expected to obey team and group coordinators. Those who don't will be subject to disciplinary action up to dismissal from AVDRT. Any member dismissed will not be refunded any dues or donations.
� All members are expected to behave in a manner that does not reflect badly on AVDRT or any of its members.
� Members are expected to participate in their own food storage program of their own design. However, total preparedness must not be less than 480 hours.
� Members may not use illegal drugs. Alcohol is prohibited at all events as well.
� All members will have a call sign, which can be their Internet nickname.
� And finally provide goods or services of your expertise area to fellow members at a discount.
Can My Family Join?
Any immediate family members under the age of 18 and spouses of tier two members can be part of AVDRT as a Tier 2 member. However, they do not have any of the responsibilities associated with Tier 2 membership. They should be actively invited to participate in these items though. The problem comes when a spouse or member of the immediate family does not want to actively participate in times of crisis. Members should be aware that this moment of indecision could be life threatening.
Immediate members who are over the age of 18 and are not spouses are required to have their own membership; either 1 or 2 at their discretion and will be responsible for their membership.
Goals
1. Establish a support network for its member's emergency preparedness concerns.
2. To offer advice and training for individuals who are interested in preparedness.
3. To be able to effectively deal with and offer aid to members and families in times of crisis.
4. Standardize equipment between members.
5. Purchase and develop 100+ acres of land for AVDRT or Affiliates, to act as an emergency and recreational retreat for members only.
6. Establish and maintain a file transfer area (BBS), web site for members only and web site(s) for public disclosure.
7. Set up and maintain a communication network as an early warning system for members consisting of HAM, CB and FRS radios.
Why Would I Want to Join AVDRT or Affiliates?
It's often said that there is strength in numbers. This is especially true in a crisis. It has been shown in all major disasters that people who are generally alone are the first to succumb. AVDRT is an association of like minded individuals who protect and help each other. While living in a well defended community would be just as beneficial, it would be extremely difficult to find a community that is willing to act together and make active participation in its defense in times of crisis. Citizens are generally complacent because of many years of luxury.
When it comes to the preparation itself, it is hard for people who work, raise families and are trying to make a living, take on the added cost of preparing for an uncertain future. Acting as a group, members can take advantage of discounts and have access to items that may not be available to them otherwise.
Joining AVDRT has other benefits as well. Besides the benefit of meeting new people, who share the same interests, you will get fresh air and exercise. They say 80% of all Americans are overweight. This helps get you and your family off the couch from in front of the TV and outside. You'll learn basic skills like reading a compass and setting up camp. You'll learn how to store food and to have extra water on hand. This is good for simple emergencies as a power outage or as a family campout.
Do I Need Firearms?
You do not need firearms or be a licensed firearm user to be part of AVDRT. What you do need is the knowledge that other members will be using firearms for the ability of hunting and gathering of food, sport and possibly defense in extremely bad times. Any kind of anti gun rhetoric will not be tolerated. Yet, behavior that shuns those who do not want the responsibility of firearm ownership is also not permissible. Owning a firearm is an individual choice.
What Do I Need to Join?
Members should have a valid email address so that we can contact you as well as a Yahoo, or AIM account so that you can participate in chats. For other items, you might want to check out the Member's Responsibilities section. Members do not need to have all required equipment on had before joining. But they are expected to purchase items to bring them up to a level of preparedness to live comfortably for 480 hours. Failure to do so could result in dismissal.
How Much Does Membership Cost?
Right now membership is currently free. We're exploring the use of a dues system or by fundraising. These monies would go to help members who are less fortunate prepare, recover the cost of campouts, provide equipment and go to the purchase of a retreat. The more people involved, the cheaper this cost will be.
Leaving AVDRT
You have no obligation to stay with AVDRT. If you are not happy with AVDRT and its members', or your preparedness requirements change, you can leave at any time. You will NOT be refunded your contributions.
Is AVDRT a militia?
Actually, yes, members of AVDRT are by default members of the militia.
Aren�t militia�s centered around hate of some kind?
Well, gee, I suppose you could say that. Most militias are centered on hate. I would be telling an untruth if I said otherwise. However, the hate is directed at the encroachment of the government into our freedom, and rights to defend and take care of ourselves and our families. Militias by default are individuals who are either learning from or teaching other individuals to better provide for themselves and their families which by default reduce the responsibilities of the government.
Here is the disclaimer. AVDRT is interested in learning from and teaching you. You will not be judged on Race, Religion, Sex, Creed or any other stereotype. There is a line on this. If your religion advocates hate or prejudice against anybody, you're not welcome. If the government ever becomes involved in AVDRT affairs, AVDRT will have to abide by any laws presented in such. To take on an organizations as large as the government that has many resources is next to impossible and only invites personal as well as group destruction.
FOR MORE INFORMATION VISIT www.americanminuteman.net
