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COLUMBIANA COUNTY -- A grassroots movement hopes to join patriotic citizens to build skills while safekeeping integrity, balance, teamwork, courtesy, dignity and respect.
Community of Eight meets weekly inviting residents 18 years and older from Carroll, Columbiana, Mahoning, Portage, Stark, Summit, Trumbull, and Tuscarawas counties.
Meetings are posted on the Community of Eight Facebook page, are open to the public and help members network while learning new skills. There are no membership fees or dues.
According to Community of Eight bylaws, the group considers membership as a way of life rather than a club to join. Community leadership counts on perspective and established members to consider public perception.
"This is to pull groups of people together," Community Vetting Officer Paula Lang explained. "It's all about preparing everyone. We are not trying to segregate anyone."
Community President Bryon Thomas felt the need for a local group after watching events taking place on Jan. 6. Thomas had already been involved with another group but after a change in political climate groups began disbanding.
"A lot of people took a step back and dropped out," Lang said.
Despite the misconceptions surrounding groups planted in patriotism and dedication to the preservation and protection of the United States Constitution's founding principles, Thomas highlighted the need for communities to be prepared for extended power outages, community disasters, political tension and other circumstances.
"It gives a sense of safety. It's why we chose the name community because it gives you that sense of community and safety with your friendships and so forth," Thomas said.
Community of Eight membership is comprised of multiple tiers separated by location and membership roles. Members are required to pass background checks while being held to a strict code of conduct.
Felons with non-violent or non-sexual related charges are eligible to participate but must declare past charges to leadership and are not allowed to participate where firearms are present. Anyone caught lying during the vetting process will will face permanent expulsion from the organization.
Those who believe a leader or member has been inconsistent with the values of the organization, is harmful to the public image of the cause or in violation of bylaws can be placed under disciplinary review.
Members are called to prepare and support defending their families and property, defend their neighborhoods, cities, and counties and support the constitution.
Thomas explained the group aims to become a non-profit organization promoting education on communications, medical training, fire making, shelter building, food preservation, and other skills.
"We recommend that everyone obtain their HAM radio license and do HAM radio," he said.
Thomas and Lang have reached out to the Minerva Police Department and Columbiana County Sheriff's Office to accompany them on group trainings and special outings.
"That's as transparent as it gets. We said 'Hey there is going to be 30 of us out here. This is what we are doing, this is our itinerary,'" Lang said.
Thomas and Lang continue to invite local law enforcement and plan on approaching their local city council regarding community involvement.
Bylaws specify those granted membership are expected to be dependable members of their community, support local law enforcement, volunteer in schools, churches and community centers and assist local authorities when appropriate.
Residents interested in joining Community of Eight are encouraged to apply at www.communityofeight.com.
dgarner@mojonews.com