A Movement of Veterans Fighting for Democracy and ALL of Our Communities.
We are a political home for veterans and military families fighting authoritarianism.
Common Defense Education Fund (CDEF) is the largest grassroots organization of military veterans and the only one that invests in its members’ leadership through training, deep coalition work, and engagement in both local and national grassroots advocacy campaigns, leveraging the credibility of their service.
We're standing against MAGA extremism, political and state violence, and all threats to democracy. No matter who you are, there's a place for you in this movement. Join the hundreds of thousands of veterans, military families, and civilians organizing to ensure that liberty and justice truly is for all.
Veteran Stories
Veterans and their families from every walk of life and every era of service have found a political home here at Common Defense. Here’s just a few of those stories.
Issues
Whatever the issue, wherever we're needed, Common Defense members are fighting for the values we swore to uphold and educating our communities on the issues—ensuring that liberty and justice truly are for all.
VA: Not For Sale
VA: Not For Sale is a multi-pronged, national campaign to educate veterans, service members, military families, and the general public about this administration’s ongoing plans to gut the VA.
Halt and reverse staffing and funding cuts to the Department of Veteran Affairs
Educate veterans, the public, and decision makers on the potential harms of underfunding the VA
Launch a tracking tool to shine transparency on the harm the Trump Administration is having on Veteran Healthcare
Ensure Veterans receive the timely and effective care they deserve, no exceptions
Veterans Power America
Veterans Power America (VPA) trains and organizes veterans to build trust and counter opposition to renewable energy projects, while mobilizing them to develop and lead coalitions that advocate for workforce solutions that create and maintain quality jobs.
Create Jobs that empower veterans
Build stronger communities with battle-tested technology
Help our communities build an energy resilient future
Democracy & Military Engagement
We swore an oath to the Constitution, not a wannabe dictator. As the current administration moves to consolidate power and unravel our democracy, CDEF recognizes the pivotal role the U.S. military will play in preserving civil institutions.
Engage service members, military families, and recently discharged veterans to create conditions for aligned civic action
Build durable grassroots power and prepare for potential escalations
Establish regional organizing hubs near key military bases and installations
Utilize Hubs to anchor civic education, rapid response, deep organizing, and leadership development
Making a major impact
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Organizers & Staff across 18 states
About Us
Together, we’re proving that patriotism means service to people—not politicians.
Ways To Get Involved
Ready to make a difference and stand alongside veterans and military families fighting for our communities? Here’s some easy next steps:
Get Involved with us
Whether you’re a civilian, veteran, or military family member, your voice matters in the fight for our democracy. Join us today!
Donate to fund veteran Organizing
Whether you can give $5 or $500, we need your support in our work to save veteran healthcare, push back against authoritarianism and hate, and protect democracy. Help fuel our fight for Liberty and Justice for all.
