The summer of 2020 was filled with protests, unrest, and violence. Racially charged protests and a highly contentious election cycle all led to a very volatile and emotionally charged environment. Americans across the country were digging in their heels yelling at one another that, “My way is the right way!”. In the midst of this chaos, one man, back on home soil after fighting for his country across the globe saw the tell-tale signs of disaster and he decided to take action.

American Contingency was founded on July 4th, 2020 by former Green Beret Mike Glover. Mike had seen first hand how political division could rapidly escalate into full blown conflict and he wanted no part of that for his country. On July 9th Mike posted a video on YouTube entitled Get Off the Bench that encouraged regular everyday Americans to get off the bench and take a stand, to hold on to the values that underpinned the United States and our communities. He also launched an ad hoc social network on Locals.com, where Americans who were concerned for their country could gather and build a virtual community.

The response was overwhelming!

Within days of launching the network, thousands of people were joining each day. The demand quickly outstripped the capacity of the small team Mike had assembled, and the growing pains began. For the next several months, the team worked diligently to pull together the resources and the capabilities required to deliver on the promises made in the Get Off the Bench video. All of this took place while the conflict of the summer and the results of the election carried over into the new year.

Since then we have come a long way. What started in the comments section of a YouTube video transformed into a full-fledged membership platform complete with our own website and phone apps that allow us to connect, build community, share ideas, exchange products and services, and receive analysis on critical information that may affect our daily lives.

We built a nationwide support structure, created local, state and regional organizations, and organized responses to fellow members in need with in-person and financial support. We donated tens of thousands of dollars to help our communities when they were devastated by natural disasters.

We developed a nationwide network of communicators dedicated to standing up and operating an information backbone during emergencies. And through the work of the AmCon Ham Radio Network team we are reaching out to others in the amateur radio community to grow our footprint! The AHRN team aslo developed a new Elmer’s program that leverages the skills of more experienced amateur operators to help new and aspiring operators get on the air!

Our Weather Team set the standard for daily useful information that could affect your location or travel plans. And, our Situational Awareness team has begun to produce reports that ensure you have validated information regarding the events, activities, and threats that you may face each day.

We have members join who were filled with anxiety over “the system” they’d be forced to rely on should the worst happen. Now they possess a quiet confidence that they are prepared for most situations and they have a safety net that stretches to all corners of the country should they need it!

Our vetting program helps establish a baseline trust we have with one another. We are now able to scan QR codes on our dog tags to validate the holder and their status within American Contingency. Without this trust it would be nearly impossible to build the strong, lifetime relationships that make American Contingency.

We see members getting involved in their local communities – some in small ways, others in very big ways – demonstrating leadership and commitment to build American Community into something that we all desire.

And we see a commitment to one another, truly demonstrating that while we are all individuals, we don’t have to face the future alone! With more than 100 individual geographic and interest based groups on the platform, there is truly something for everyone regardless of your location, interests, or level of experience!

And with all this that YOU have accomplished, there is still more to come!