Our Origins
The International Preparedness Network (IPN) began its journey in the heart of Brooklyn, New York, in late autumn 1989. Founded by Aton Edwards, an expert in disaster preparedness, sustainability, outdoor survival, and a dedicated human rights and environmental activist, the organization brought together a group of like-minded individuals. Their mission was clear: to empower vulnerable and underserved urban and rural communities to prepare for, respond to, and recover from disasters, live sustainably, and achieve self-reliance.
Initially named P.R.I.S.M. (People and Resources Integrated to Serve Mankind), the organization quickly gained momentum. By early 1990, in response to its expanding focus and growing membership, it was rebranded as The New York Preparedness Network. As word spread and the member base grew internationally, the name evolved once more to the International Preparedness Network, reflecting the organization’s commitment to a global mission.
A Visionary Approach
Aton Edwards introduced a unique and holistic “life-defense” system he called improvisational adaptation (ia), which became the cornerstone of our program. It draws inspiration from the philosophies and teachings of visionary figures such as architect and inventor R. Buckminster Fuller, architect and inventor Nadir Khalili, Kenyan political activist and environmentalist Wangari Maathai, futurist Jacque Fresco, naturalist and mathematician Benjamin Banneker and Theoretical Physicist Dr. Ronald Mallett to name a few.
Edwards describes ia as “a comprehensive, multi-disciplinary program of life-defense that integrates all aspects of disaster and emergency preparedness, sustainability, self-reliance, STEM (science, technology, engineering & mathematics) health and physical fitness, self-reliance, defense and health” into a single system that equips individuals with the skills and knowledge necessary to survive any emergency.
Our Mission Today
Today, the International Preparedness Network continues to uphold the principles upon which it was founded. We provide education, training, and for some critical resources to communities worldwide, fostering disaster resilience, self-reliance, and sustainability. In addition, the I.P.N. has also introduced a highly advanced, academically and physically challenging form of ia called the SURF-6 protocol. (short for survival from the 6th extinction era) It was created by Edwards to equip I.P.N. members and the general public with the information, academic, technological and physical skills required to as he describes: “surf and ride the tidal wave of mega-disasters and emergencies” that will dominate our century.
Some of those include:
- The threat of nuclear, biological, and chemical warfare.
- Devastating pandemics from emergent “Factor-X” viruses, possibly released from the thawing Arctic permafrost.
- Geophysical Events (GGEs) — including supervolcano eruptions.
- Solar super flares akin to the 1859 Carrington Event, and other catastrophic disasters. All this — underscores the urgency for the SURF-6 protocol
Through workshops, seminars, and hands-on training, the I.P.N. will teach ia and other essential survival skills, ensuring that individuals are well-prepared to face the challenges of tomorrow. Our dedication to serving humanity remains unwavering as we strive to build a world where every person can thrive in the face of adversity and uncertainty. Join us as we continue to expand our reach, embrace new challenges, and empower more communities to become self-reliant and resilient. Together, we can create a safer, more sustainable world for all
A great place to get survival tips and one of the better survival guides around.