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DEFIANT MISSION: TWO DREAMERS’
MOVEMENT TO CHANGE THE LIVES OF MANY IN NEED
TEXT: KEITH WOOD
In a world where everyone wants to make a difference,
and continues to talk about what needs to
happen, without any action or initiative, there stands
Defiant Missions. With their own dreams and the
dreams of the strangers they selflessly serve upon
their shoulders, Stephen Dupuis and Matt Turner
co-founded this 501(c)3 non-profit organization, because,
as Stephen firmly believes, “if its worth talking
about, its worth doing.” In just a year and a half, they
have created measurable change in some of the most
neglected regions of the world, including Ecuador,
Ghana, and Haiti.
Their most notable program underneath Defiant Missions
is Defy Thirst, which seeks to provide drinkable
water to impoverished communities. This involves
the daunting operation of installing water purification
systems.
“The technology is out there,” Stephen states. “You
have UV light filters, carbon activated filters, and
others that people push, but in a lot of situations
you can’t, for example, just use UV light filters. Our
thing is to find out what’s in the water, where is it
going, and what are the changes in the water during
the year. We can go from there to find out what
system needs to be use.” Working out of their garage,
Matt and Stephen managed to forge original water
purification systems to meet the specific needs of
each community.
In some cases an already manufactured product may
be the most cost effective rout for the community
they are working in. In Haiti, Defy Thirst installed
home use gravitational filters, manufactured by
Sawyer, that can filter a gallon of water a minute and
up to one million gallons. Can you imagine what one
million gallons of water means to these places that
presumably has never had even one gallon of purified
water? It’s unfathomable.
Clean, drinkable water is certainly a priority, but
once Defy Thirst has supplied this, their efforts do not
end. Defiant Missions looks to create long lasting
relationships in the communities they work in. Matt
and Stephen believe strongly that by changing the
thought process found within these communities,
real sustainable change can occur, and the only way
to change their way of thought is to change the way
help is provided.
“The goal is to bring them out of poverty,” Stephen
proclaims. “When I was in Haiti it was really hard not
to just give when a child asked for a dollar, food, or
clothes. If you do that, like a lot of non-profits that
just give, and giving is good in some situations, it can
make them dependent.” He adds, “Ownership has to
be involved. If you bring 10 people over and dig a
well, with nobody’s help from the community, there is
no pride or ownership, so they won’t feel inclined to
keep care of it.”
Within the areas Defy Thirst provides clean water,
Matt and Stephen hold meetings with local leaders
to organize community-building programs to promote
productivity. For example, in Haiti, Defiant Missions
has built two homes, two community gardens, four
legally established youth soccer teams (also providing
balls, jerseys, and cleats), medical clinics, English classes,
and classes to promote hygiene and sanitation.
The work being performed under Defiant Missions
is truly inspiring, but in order for them to take more
action, they need more support. Stephen explained
to me that he knows Defiant Missions cannot only
function on volunteerism. He wants to pay talented
individuals to work in these communities. The reality
right now is that the money is not there. Instead
of succumbing to this cruel realization, Matt and
Stephen are thinking outside the box. They are
developing ideas to manufacture products to sell in
stores under the ‘Defiant’ brand, and whose proceeds
would flow into programs under Defiant Missions.
The theory is that people will feel inclined to purchase
a product, like Defiant Soap or Defiant Water, over a
major manufacturer, because it benefits appropriated
programs under Defiant Missions.
Matt and Stephen see their original designs for the
water purification system as effective, cost-efficient
products to be sold as well. Stephen suggests,
“There are ideas that we are working on that aren’t
on the market right now, but there is a need for it.”
Income generated from these designs will help them
progress in their current programs, while developing
new ones.
Also, merchandise is sold from the villages they work
with at defythirst.org in order to raise money that
will be placed back into the villages. “We want to sell
things from what we can grow and make in these
countries to put the money back into the communities.”
Are You Defiant?
Defiant Missions is set apart from other non-profit
initiatives I have researched. They possess a unique
vision and enthusiasm. They are, as their name
states, Defiant. Amongst unwavering odds and ageold
philanthropic mistakes, they stand strong for their
mission to make dreams a reality.
In many fashions, you can become a part of this
‘dreamer’s movement’. From donations, to working
along side Matt and Stephen, everyone has the ability
to help Defiant Missions. Their website is convenient
and user-friendly, so check out the opportunities
available. Maybe you even have an idea of a way you
can help. Whatever the case may be, you can make a
difference. Be defiant.
Learn more at defythirst.org.
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