I find that the biggest problem within MAG's is the differences of preparations and skill levels between members. One of groups that I belong to seems to function more as an educational outlet for newbies, rather than being a functional assistance group. Training consists of a once a month meeting with a speaker. There's limited social interaction, except during the meeting. The size of that group is unwieldy too (70+), and the members are too scattered. Good leadership is a crucial ingredient, and that group is lacking it, and the current leader doesn't want to step down. We'll be leaving that group soon, as I tell my wife, "Not my monkeys, not my circus." I actually met my wife through this group, but we've realized that our skills and knowledge base are beyond the average group member, and they seem to be stagnant. The members don't seem to mature, and don't realize the seriousness of preparations. For example, those that are into communications, the average member will purchase a Baofeng, get it programmed and put it back into its box. They're not interested in getting their ham license, learning how to operate the radio on nets, or spending money on some means of recharging the radio battery when the grid goes down. They don't want to spend money on an AR, or some other defensive weapon. Members of this group are takers, or leeches, rather than producers, and this particularly applies to the leadership. All in all, that group is an excellent example of a bad MAG!
I've found that an effective group needs to have members located within 30 minutes of each other, which helps logistically and it helps with simplex communications. The members need to have similar skill levels, and have basic preparations already acquired. Otherwise the group is carrying the member and his family.
Another group that I'm involved with takes a different route. There are training meetings, but we also have cookouts, and we get together socially. This group also gets together to shoot and develop team skills. Members live closer together and interact on a daily basis. In my estimation, it's a much more effective and dynamic group, and also more intimate. Members share their knowledge and skills, and it's a dynamic group. Needless to say, when TSHTF, I know which group I'll be actively working with.
Jackalope, this is a very appropriate topic, and one I am interested in. Your description of the bigger MAG you mentioned is larger, but somewhat similar to one we have here that I have been meeting with for the past couple of years. Most, but not all, are older folks (aged 40-70) who have been prepping for a while. There is a loose group of about 15-20 active people here who meet monthly at a local business; usually having varied and relevant meeting topics, and also have the occasional pot-luck dinner meeting or weekend range day. Generally, they are a good group of people, some of whom are very knowledgeable in relevant topics and willing to share their knowledge. The skill level varies, but most have multiple skills and are capable in those areas. Most have guns, gear, a small garden; are very dedicated to their version of prepping, almost approaching homesteading for three of them. Some are HAMS, but they do not use their skills or equipment. Most just talk about radios. There was not enough interest in developing a net to make it worthwhile. While they all seem to enjoy each other?s company, they do not appear interested in developing farther as a serious MAG. Lack of leadership is a problem here too, but mainly because those who have that skill set do not seem willing to assume that responsibility.
Perhaps I have a different definition of a MAG than they do. When we talked about training or group bulk-buys of some items, they seemed interested, and many participated. But when we talk about mutual self-support agreements in a general way, most folks are looking at the walls and have little to say. My guess is that they are afraid of making formal commitments or sharing intimate information about what they are doing with others, which is funny since they often talk about it at meetings. I know through conversations that several of the people mentioned have been involved with forming MAGs that have failed in the past, some with others of this group. I have been told that those smaller MAGs failed spectacularly, usually due to people-problems with others who do not participate in these meetings. The end result was that the MAG dissolved.
I am curious. Do any of the MAGs that you mentioned have a formal or written agreement? If not, how do they ensure that all the members have the same goals and values when forming their MAGs? How do they define how members will support each other if it is needed?
It seems common that in some areas there are public prepper meetings where like-minded people get together informally to socialize. From my experience, most seem to know or know of each other. Often these public meetings are used to discreetly screen potential members for another private group or MAG. Would you agree?
BTW, I really like your "Not my monkeys, not my circus" comment. If you don?t mind I think I will add that to my collection of idioms.
I suspect that most of us have read the same books and/or have had similar experiences when it comes to forming and managing MAGs. Let?s have more discussion on what a MAG is, and how to make one successful.
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Oh well, each to their own.
I must admit that there is some of the same going on around here too, although we do not need a CCW permit in Georgia any longer. However, every adult in my family still has one. I am just glad they have an EDC and know how to use it! I have more to say on the subject of MAGs, but I will wait until tomorrow. Great comments and conversation here! 
