Learn more about volunteering
Learn more about Defy's transformative volunteer opportunities! Click the frequently asked questions below to find out more, and read on for descriptions of our different volunteer events.
Why do we have volunteers at Defy?
Volunteers are an integral part of our program. As a volunteer, you are a part of our model to create systemic change and shift mindsets!
What does volunteering look like at Defy?
Volunteering is a mutually transformative and beneficial experience for both Defy Entrepreneurs in Training (EITs) and volunteers. Through Defy’s programs, all participants experience human connection, changing perceptions about human potential, challenging of mindsets, and personal growth.
Defy has in-prison and post-release volunteer opportunities that take place both in-person and virtually.
What does it take to be a Defy volunteer?
Join us if you:
- Are 21+ years old and have at least 2 years of work experience in any field. All educational backgrounds and types of work experience are welcome (see specific volunteer opportunities for additional recommended experience).
- Have an open mind, an open heart, a willingness to suspend judgment, and an interest in learning more about the criminal legal system.
- A willingness to make the minimum time commitment an event requires
What about groups?
Defy welcomes groups for volunteering! If you would like to be a trip leader and bring a group, please let us know. Each event description on our volunteer website includes a local contact to answer questions and help coordinate with groups. Please reach out directly to that person if you’re interested in group volunteering.
Where do Defy volunteer events take place?
Defy event locations:
- Prison-based: These events take place inside prison facilities and are for EITs who are currently incarcerated. Prisons are frequently located well outside of metropolitan areas, and events will often include charter bus transportation to and from the events (check the specific event descriptions for details). We can also help with connecting carpools at time of sign-up.
- Community-based: These events take place in metropolitan areas and are for recently-released EITs, EITs who plan to launch a business and are enrolled in Defy’s entrepreneurship programs, or for EITs who are enrolled at transitional facilities, where they are either still incarcerated or recently released.
- Virtual: These events take place over Zoom and support EITs who are no longer incarcerated and are at different stages of their reentry journeys.
Prison Program Events
Defy Entrepreneurs in Training (EITs) who enroll in Defy’s CEO of Your New Life (CEO YNL) program during their incarceration participate in a 6 - 9 month personal development, career readiness, and entrepreneurship training experience. Volunteers are integral to the success of the program and we have several volunteer events for every program cohort. Prison events are full-day experiences that are instrumental to EITs’ success in CEO YNL, and these days are equally transformative for volunteers. Prison events take place in person and will often include bus transportation to and from the facility.
Kickoff
Kickoffs serve as an introduction to the CEO YNL program. The kickoff event occurs at the start of a new cohort and is an opportunity for new EITs to meet Defy staff and volunteers and learn about Defy's culture firsthand. Through this event and interactions with volunteers, EITs are inspired to join CEO YNL and become a part of the Defy community. They deepen their commitment to the work that lies ahead and see that transformation is truly possible.
Business Coaching Event
At Defy business coaching events, volunteers support the talented, ambitious EITs who are progressing through Defy’s CEO of YNL program, developing employment readiness skills and taking the first steps in their entrepreneurial journeys. Volunteers provide one-on-one coaching on EITs’ resumes and personal statements and serve as early sounding boards for the business concepts that EITs are beginning to develop. In addition to career coaching and business planning activities, these events also include fun icebreakers and powerful empathy-building activities, which encourage conversations and connections that enhance EITs' self-esteem, ambition, and sense of hope that is critical to their transformational journey.
Business Pitch Competition and Graduation
Business pitch competition and graduations are the culminating events for EITs as they complete Defy’s rigorous CEO YNL program. During these events, EITs present their business ideas in several rounds of a Shark Tank-style competition to panels of volunteer judges. Judges ask clarifying questions, provide feedback to strengthen the business concepts and pitches, and evaluate the overall presentations with their fellow judges to select competition winners. The event also includes icebreaker and empathy-building exercises designed to create an inclusive and accepting community. At the end of the day, five winning pitches are selected from the group in an awards ceremony, followed by a cap and gown graduation ceremony in which EITs are awarded a Certificate of Entrepreneurship issued by the Drucker School of Management.
Community-based Transitional Facility Program Events
In addition to our prison-based programs, Defy offers our CEO of Your New Life programs for individuals residing in community-based transitional facilities (also known as half-way houses or work-release facilities). Defy EITs who enroll in CEO YNL while residing at these homes participate in a 6 - 9 month personal development, career readiness, and entrepreneurship training experience. Volunteers are integral to the success of the program and we have several volunteer events for every program cohort. Volunteer events are 3 - 6 hour experiences (depending on the type of event) that are instrumental to EITs’ success in CEO YNL, and these days are equally transformative for volunteers. Transitional facility program events take place in person within metropolitan areas.
Business Coaching Event (Transitional Facility Program)
At Defy business coaching events, volunteers support the talented, ambitious EITs who are progressing through Defy’s CEO of YNL program, developing employment readiness skills and taking the first steps in their entrepreneurial journeys. Volunteers provide one-on-one coaching on EITs’ resumes and personal statements and serve as early sounding boards for the business concepts that EITs are beginning to develop. In addition to career coaching and business planning activities, these events also include fun icebreakers and powerful empathy-building activities, which encourage conversations and connections that enhance EITs' self-esteem, ambition, and sense of hope that is critical to their transformational journey.
Business Deep Dive (Transitional Facility Program)
Deep dive coaching events are coaching sessions that are focused on helping EITs more fully build out their business concepts and pitches as they enter the final weeks of the Defy program. Volunteers provide in-depth feedback and coaching to EITs through multiple 20 - 25 minute coaching rotations.
We are seeking volunteers for deep dive events who have several years of entrepreneurship or business experience and are skilled in some aspect of business (e.g. budgeting, management marketing, pitching, business viability, etc).
Business Pitch Competition and Graduation Event (Transitional Facility Program)
Business pitch competition and graduations are the culminating events for EITs as they complete Defy’s rigorous CEO YNL program. During these events, EITs present their business ideas in several rounds of a Shark Tank-style competition to panels of volunteer judges. Judges ask clarifying questions, provide feedback to strengthen the business concepts and pitches, and evaluate the overall presentations with their fellow judges to select competition winners. The event also includes icebreaker and empathy-building exercises designed to create an inclusive and accepting community. At the end of the day, five winning pitches are selected from the group in an awards ceremony, followed by a cap and gown graduation ceremony in which EITs are awarded a Certificate of Entrepreneurship issued by the Drucker School of Management.
Community-Based Entrepreneurship Programs
Defy offers community-based entrepreneurship programs, including a 14-week Entrepreneurship Bootcamp, a Pre-Accelerator, and Business Accelerator that are open to anyone formerly incarcerated in the states where we serve. Through these programs, EITs can develop a business from concept to launch. Volunteers are integral to the success of the EITs and there are many ways to be involved in the program. The easiest way to get involved in the entrepreneurship program is through one of our regular volunteer events below. These events are typically two-hour, virtual experiences (although some may be organized as in-person events in certain locations).
Entrepreneurship Bootcamp Business Coaching Event
EITs in the Bootcamp program are enrolled in a 14-week course that teaches the basics of launching a business. At this event, volunteers participate in a few rounds of small group business coaching and provide feedback, support, and advice to aspiring entrepreneurs preparing for their pitch showcase and graduation in the coming months. These events support entrepreneurship skills and, through conversations and connections with volunteers, enhance EITs' self-esteem, ambition, and sense of hope that is critical to their transformational journey.
Entrepreneurship Bootcamp Deep Dive Coaching Event
Deep dives are coaching sessions that are focused on helping EITs more fully build out their business concepts and business pitches as they enter the final weeks of the Defy program. Volunteers provide in-depth feedback and coaching to EITs through multiple 20 - 25 minute coaching rotations to help them prepare for their pitch showcase and graduation in the coming weeks.
We are seeking volunteers for deep dive events who have several years of entrepreneurship or business experience and are skilled in some aspect of business (e.g. budgeting, management marketing, pitching, business viability, etc).
Entrepreneurship Bootcamp Pitch Showcase & Graduation
This event is the culmination of the 14-week Entrepreneurship Bootcamp program. After the pitch showcase, EITs will receive their Drucker Certificates of Entrepreneurship and will be eligible to apply to our Business Accelerator program where they will develop a business plan, financial model, pitch deck, and learn how to scale their business. At these events, volunteers have the opportunity to hear EITs present their business pitches followed by Q&A and feedback sessions.
Defy Community Building Events (in person and virtual)
Join us for an opportunity to get to know Defy EITs who have returned home and other volunteers as we learn more about each other’s work, experiences, and challenges and build community together. These events include virtual activities such as book clubs and community gatherings, and in person activities such as hiking, service days, and more. Check the the local volunteer pages for specific events!
“Defy has forever changed my perspective on humanity. We are all more alike than different. I'm blessed to be a part of a small group that is creating an ever-growing ripple effect into the lives of many in a under-reached population.”
