2011 Review and 2012 Challenges

   We started 2011 with 3 established chapters and 2 in development.. At the end of the year we have 6 established chapters and at least 4 in development. Our income was just a few hundred dollars below our expenses, but we have adequate reserve funds.  The total income and expenses were double that for the previous year. Membership grew by 150% in 2011.  The website and the national advertising accounted for only a small part of our growth.  The most successful recruiting and organizing methods continue to be person-to-person contacts and community events.  We also gained a number of highly qualified new instructors.  A database of instructors and certifications is being developed so we can service our chapter events.  Live Free conducted five Civilian Preparedness seminars and fairs in the Midwest during September (National Preparedness Month) with the support of community organizations and supplies. This is the third straight year of growth and increased activities for the organization.

   The challenges of 2012 are rooted in the need to manage and survive growth.  Our small and aging staffs are about maxed out.  We absolutely must  get some of the many new and highly qualified members into Directorships at the March 24^th Annual Meeting.  We also need help with the website, newsletter and database.  I am reasonably optimistic that we will get this help.  Our main task will be to support the chapters and their programs, but we will still conduct several national and regional events in 2012.  The Annual Meeting will be conducted at the Hammond Indiana Cabela’s store conference center on Saturday March 25^th at 1:00 PM.  The 42^nd annual Camp Independence weekend survival and self-reliance event will take place at the group camp facilities at Tippecanoe River State Park in north central Indiana between May 4^th and 6^th.  A “hard core” members and guests only survival training camp will be conducted in southern Indian on or about August 10^th.  We will again sponsor multiple local preparedness education programs in September.  Live Free will also participate in many gun shows and survival related exhibitions.  Flyers will be mailed out for these events.  Non members wanting more details can e-mail This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

  Thanks to everyone for their support in 2011.  We look forward to building a self-reliance network and spreading preparedness and survival knowledge in 2012.