DEF is both an organization and a community. We pursue a fundamental balance between 1) our origin a

Goal One: In a practical sense, DEF cannot operate as an organization beyond the grassroots movement without a formal structure that manages funds in service of community activities and operations.

Goal Two: As a community, DEF is an insurgency. We are driven by a mission and mindset, rather than by processes and production.

Goal Three: DEF should do the things we are uniquely suited to do. To make the greatest impact with our limited resources, we adopt the entrepreneurial spirit.

We currently have a partnership with William and Mary. DEF provides Intern opportunities to students who are interested in National Security as a long-term career choice.

Understanding the past and looking ahead to the future require standing upon certain implicit assumptions and perspectives. Though certainly non-exhaustive, the following list highlights several key, fundamental assumptions that shape our common understanding and direction. DEF is both an organization and a community. We pursue a fundamental balance between 1) our origin and identity as a decentralized, grassroots movement focused on people at a local level, and 2) our need for infrastructure and strategic, national-level leadership and decision-making in order to scale effectively and remain viable in the long term. Our mission demands both. The organization is rooted in the community, in alignment with our People-focused value. The community is where this organization came from, and it is the community this organization exists to serve and support. As an organization, DEF requires financial resources to be effective. In a practical sense, DEF cannot operate as an organization beyond the grassroots movement without a formal structure that manages funds in service of community activities and operations. DEF solicits and expends money with the goal of supporting the community and its mission, specifically not for the purpose of making a profit. As such, DEF is incorporated in the District of Columbia as a non-profit, 501(c)(3) corporation. As a community, DEF is an insurgency. We are driven by a mission and mindset, rather than by processes and production. We are composed of members from various populations, who take the spirit of DEF back to their “day jobs” and effect good change from within. DEF should do the things we are uniquely suited to do. To make the greatest impact with our limited resources, we adopt the entrepreneurial spirit of focusing on our unique capabilities in deciding what we do.