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Applying for Membership

Thank you for your interest in joining the Truman National Security Project! Membership submissions are now closed. If you submitted an application, we'll be in touch soon. Please follow our social channels and check back here for updates on membership opportunities. Questions or challenges? Contact us at membership@trumanproject.org.

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APPLICATION GUIDE

FEATURED MEMBER

Mia Renna
Security Fellow, Class of 2023, Chicago Chapter

Mia Renna is an Inbound University of Maryland, College Park PhD student with a research focus in disaster mitigation and recovery policy. She has an Expected PhD completion date of Spring 2025. Prior, she served as a United States Army Corps of Engineers Captain.

MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS

What Happens Next?

1. Truman members will review applications in early September. If you're selected for an interview, you can expect to be informed no later than September 25.

2. Interviews will take place throughout October. Successful applicants will be notified no later than November 22.

The questions on the application pages allow us an opportunity to learn more about you. You might find that we ask a bit more than other programs. You'll also find that we try to go above and beyond to create an exceptional community of leaders - and that starts with our attention to detail during the selection process. In this application, you will be asked for:

$50 application fee
Basic demographic information (optional)
Three essay questions (approx. 400 - 450 words each)
Cover Letter
Résumé/CV
Biography (500 Word Max)
Two letters of recommendation
Optional military service records such as a DD 214 form (if applicable and available, sanitized for personally identifiable information)
Links to additional materials (media appearances, publications, Linkedin Page, personal website or project page, etc.)

You will have the option to save and continue your application. Incomplete and/or late applications will not be considered. You will receive a submission receipt by email for this application and your $50 application fee.

Questions may be directed to membership@trumanproject.org.

application Guide

Attachments

Applicants will be asked to submit three essay questions in approximately 400 to 450 words each and to upload your responses together with your application materials in a single doc, docx. or pdf file.
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How to merge your materials in a single pdf file:

Visit the Adobe website and use their merger tool directly on your browser. OR use a reliable third-party merger application such as: PDF Merger & Splitter to merge your document.

You can also use your computer’s “screenshot” or “screen capture” function, then upload the image saved into a word or google document. You can then save the document “File>Save as a PDF”.

Deadline for Applications: Monday, August 22nd, 2022 at 12 midnight Pacific time

Questions may be directed to membership@trumanproject.org.

Open a PDF in Preview.
Choose View > Thumbnails to show page thumbnails in the sidebar.
To indicate where to insert the other document, select a page thumbnail.
Choose Edit > Insert > Page from File.
From the file dialog, select the PDF that you want to add, then click Open.
To save, choose File > Export as PDF. For more information, read here.

You can also use your computer’s “screenshot” or “screen capture” function, then upload the image saved into a word or google document. You can then save the document “File>Save as a PDF”.

Deadline for Applications: Monday, August 22nd, 2022 at 12 midnight Pacific time

Questions may be directed to membership@trumanproject.org.

FEATURED MEMBER

Bali Kumar
Security Fellow, Class of 2019, Michigan Chapter

Bali joined PACE Loan Group in 2021 as the Chief Operating Officer, where he lends capital to real estate owners and developers to make their buildings more sustainable. Formerly, Bali has served as a management consultant at Deloitte.

Membership Cohorts

Cohort membership helps us to ensure that our incoming class includes the ranges of experience that help us to effect change. It also signals to other members of the community where your primary expertise lies. While there is not currently a way to switch Cohorts after joining, all members receive the same rights and privileges regardless of the Cohort through which they join Truman.

Security Fellows

Security Fellows are policy experts, academics and other thought leaders who anticipate and articulate new global challenges and opportunities. Many work within the US national security apparatus and legislative bodies, as well as the international community and an expansive network of nongovernmental and private organizations.

Political Partners

Political Partners are political leaders, advocates, communicators, journalists, and aspiring or actively serving public officials. Fluent in campaign management, media, journalism, organizing, and more, they advance progressive principles and a shared liberal internationalist worldview at all levels of civil society.

Defense Council

Defense Council members include veterans and frontline civilians who have firsthand experience implementing US foreign policy. They have wide-ranging expertise in hard security and an ongoing professional interest in defense and intelligence operations as they continue to serve in government, business, policy, and nonprofit ventures.

First year membership requirements

Truman is more than a loose collection of individuals. We unite as a tight-knit community in order to more effectively build and lead. To that end, we require all members to participate actively in their first year.

Please ensure that you can fulfill these requirements in your first year, if you become a member:

Pay annual membership dues. Introductory dues are $350. After the first year, dues are $250.*
Attend virtual orientation for two days, tentatively scheduled for February 9-10, 2024.
Attend virtual membership training sessions throughout the year.
Attend TruCon, Truman's annual three-day members conference in Washington, D.C. The cost for previous years has been $250 for in-person attendance.
Participate in the new members mentorship program that meets virtually once a month
Participate regularly in chapter events in order to foster a strong and trusted community.
As problem-solvers in a gratitude-powered organization, we ask new members to support community efforts well and/or often enough to earn thanks from three staff or senior members. Additional efforts in this regard may substitute for Chapter meeting attendance.

We work hard to ensure the ability to pay application and membership fees does not affect candidates' or members' participation in Truman. Please contact membership@trumanproject.org about financing options.

Applicant eligibility

Please check your eligibility before you apply. You must:

Submit your complete application by the application deadline
Be a U.S. citizen
Attend the virtual interview if selected
If accepted, attend orientation and the annual Truman Conference, TruCon. Orientation is tentatively scheduled for February 9-10, 2024 and TruCon is typically in early June in Washington D.C.
Please do not apply unless you can commit to attending virtual orientation and TruCon.
Affirm the values of the Truman community (see values statement)

Truman members have many ways of engaging in the public square, some of them partisan. Truman itself is a 501(c)4 advocacy group. For either reason, some organizations may forbid you to participate in Truman. For example, current judicial clerks may not join. On the other hand, we are not aware of any reason why Hatch Act or Active Duty uniformed status would restrict first-year participation in Truman. Nonetheless, we ask that all applicants certify that they are confident they would be able to participate in Truman, if selected. If you have doubts, please reach out to ask or consider whether next year would be a better time.

What are Truman’s values?

Truman Values Statement

The mission of the Truman National Security Project is to unite and equip a diverse community of American leaders to produce timely, innovative, and principled solutions to complex national security challenges.

The vision, in partnership with our sister organization, the Truman Center for National Policy, is an inclusive foreign policy that makes American lives better by advancing democracy, human rights, prosperity and security at home and abroad.

Our work is guided and informed by our commitments to:

1. Do work that matters.

Be ambitious, tackle worthy problems, and have a theory of alignment with our goals for national security, leadership, or both.

2. Protect the torch.

Do your diligence, taking care to work only with people and organizations we can be proud of. Conduct your work as a professional, with the highest standards for content, form, and delivery. Every Truman member is an Ambassador of this organization and its members.

3. Protect the community.

Look within the Truman community for help; it’s here. In return, help when asked if you’re in a position to do so. Treat each other with respect.

4. Lift up and make room for others.

Share the mic, be inclusive, and offer even strong opinions in a way that will leave others comfortable sharing their own.

5. Assume and model good faith.

Engage with the most generous interpretation of others’ speaking and writing. Ask clarifying questions if any other interpretation seems plausible. Think about an issue from the other person’s perspective before you write or speak.

6. Set the standard for professionalism and principle.

Be on your best behavior. Ask what the community would be like if everyone comported themselves honorably. We are what our habits make us.

7. Live gratefully.

Say thanks and give thanks. Let folks know when they did something you appreciate

8. Elevate diverse voices.

Truman National Security Project seeks to expand the diversity of Americans contributing to every level of the U.S. national security and foreign policy community. We are dedicated to advancing Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Justice (DEIJ) as a national security imperative. Truman condemns white nationalism and white supremacy. Racism is a threat to the social fabric of the United States and is an important national security issue that degrades American democracy and the vitality and credibility of U.S. global leadership. Truman strives to be a diverse and inclusive organization in our recruitment of fellows, members, and staff, and in elevating diverse voices in the work we do together.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How long does the application take to complete?

A: Completion time will vary depending on how long it takes to acquire your letters of recommendation and complete your essays. Excluding letters, your Truman application can take between 2-5 hours. Take your time with your application to submit thoughtful essays and robust letters of recommendation. You will have the option to save and continue your application. Incomplete and/or late applications will not be considered. In the application we request:

Basic demographic information
Two letters of recommendations with their contact information
Resume
Three essay questions
Optional military service records DD-214 (if applicable)
Links to additional materials (media appearances and publications)

Q: What if I am qualified to apply to multiple cohort categories?

A: Many applicants find that their strengths fit into more than one membership cohort. When deciding to which cohort you will apply, consider the following:

At a social gathering, what kind of people do you gravitate towards?
What kind of outlets regularly publish work that you find interesting?
What unique perspective do you bring to solving national security and global affairs issues?

If your answers were most tactically focused with an eye towards operations and on-the-ground experience, Defense Council sounds right for you. If you focus more on up-to-the-minute updates on elections inside and outside the beltway and include several social media platforms, the Political Partnership is up your alley. If you enjoy in-the-weeds analysis of policy and history along with pragmatic and well researched points, then the Security Fellowship may be the way to go.

Whichever you choose, know that you may be considered for the others. Know, too, that all members, regardless of cohort, attend the same Orientation and are accorded the same rights and privileges as Truman members.

Q: What do I do if I can’t make my orientation date?

A: Full attendance at orientation is required.

Q: If I am on active duty or in a Hatch or Super Hatch position, can I still apply?

A: The Truman National Security Project is a legal 501(c)(4) and membership dues are considered a donation to a 501(c)(4). Active duty military, Hatch and Super Hatch individuals are welcome to apply, however we recommend that individuals check with their organizations’ legal authority first.

Q: What should I know about membership fees?

A: Membership Dues are $350 during the associate year, and $250 in subsequent years. That fee covers orientation, workshops, onboarding resources, and a host of other forthcoming features in addition to regular membership resources ranging from op-ed writing and support to access to jobs, opportunities, community listservs, and events. We don’t want financial need to hold anyone back from applying to the membership and have payment plans and other resources available. Contact membership@trumanproject.org with any concerns regarding dues.

Q: What are Truman’s values?

A: Truman values statement:

The mission of the Truman National Security Project is to unite and equip a diverse community of American leaders to produce timely, innovative, and principled solutions to complex national security challenges.

The vision, in partnership with our sister organization, the Truman Center for National Policy, is an inclusive foreign policy that makes American lives better by advancing democracy, human rights, prosperity and security at home and abroad.

Our work is guided and informed by our commitments to:

Do work that matters. Be ambitious, tackle worthy problems, and have a theory of alignment with our goals for national security, leadership, or both.
Protect the torch. Do your diligence, taking care to work only with people and organizations we can be proud of. Conduct your work as a professional, with the highest standards for content, form, and delivery. Every Truman member is an Ambassador of this organization and its members.
Protect the community. Look within the Truman community for help; it’s here. In return, help when asked if you’re in a position to do so. Treat each other with respect.
Lift up and make room for others. Share the mic, be inclusive, and offer even strong opinions in a way that will leave others comfortable sharing their own.
Assume and model good faith. Engage with the most generous interpretation of others’ speaking and writing. Ask clarifying questions if any other interpretation seems plausible. Think about an issue from the other person’s perspective before you write or speak.
Set the standard for professionalism and principle. Be on your best behavior. Ask what the community would be like if everyone comported themselves honorably. We are what our habits make us.
Live gratefully. Say thanks and give thanks. Let folks know when they did something you appreciate
Elevate diverse voices. Truman National Security Project seeks to expand the diversity of Americans contributing to every level of the U.S. national security and foreign policy community. We are dedicated to advancing Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Justice (DEIJ) as a national security imperative. Truman condemns white nationalism and white supremacy. Racism is a threat to the social fabric of the United States and is an important national security issue that degrades American democracy and the vitality and credibility of U.S. global leadership. Truman strives to be a diverse and inclusive organization in our recruitment of fellows, members, and staff, and in elevating diverse voices in the work we do together.

Q: What is Truman’s position on Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, Accessibility and Justice?

A: Truman National Security Project seeks to expand the diversity of Americans contributing to every level of the U.S. national security and foreign policy community. We are dedicated to advancing Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, Accessibility and Justice (DEIAJ) as a national security imperative. Truman condemns white nationalism and white supremacy. Racism is a threat to the social fabric of the United States and is an important national security issue that degrades American democracy and the vitality and credibility of U.S. global leadership. Truman strives to be a diverse and inclusive organization in our recruitment of fellows, members, and staff, and in elevating diverse voices in the work we do together.

Q: I submitted my application and realized I have additional information I would like to provide (new job, additional publications etc), What do I do?

A: You can still access your application until the deadline to make changes or additions. Incomplete, late applications, or additional documents will not be considered past the deadline. For any questions - email membership@trumanproject.org.

Q: Am I a competitive applicant?

A: The Truman membership is a nationally competitive program that accepts 100 total new members a year (with no more than 50 per Cohort). We strongly recommend you attend one of our upcoming Virtual Open Houses to learn more and assess whether you’re a good fit this year. Here are a few members from past classes:

Bryce Barros (Expert Group Leader, TruAsia)
Security Fellow, Class of 2020, Los Angeles Chapter

Bryce C. Barros, a 2012 graduate of Norwich University in Vermont, majored in political science with a Chinese minor. He engaged in international diplomacy as his campus’ cadet service exchange officer to the Republic of China Military Academy in Kaohsiung, Taiwan, to train with the Taiwan Army.

Bryce graduated with a Master’s in International Affairs degree from Texas A&M University. He has interned for Long Term Strategy Group and was a graduate assistant for Dr. William Norris, researching Asia-Pacific defense issues. He is currently an analyst at Kharon focused on Northeast Asia-related sanctions issues.

Won Palisoul
Defense Council, Class of 2012, New York Chapter

Won enlisted in the U.S. Navy in 2001 and served as a Gas Turbine Technician (Electrical) aboard guided missile destroyers. She was forward deployed in the Pacific region for Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF). Shortly after separating from the military in 2009, she founded a small business that she ran for four years.

In 2012, Won was named a Veteran Associate at the New York Stock Exchange. Later that year, she became a Mission Continues Fellow, and served as a Local Chapter Coordinator at Student Veterans of America. She was an Office Manager at a retirement fund with over $6 billion AUM, an Examiner at an SRO examining Swap Dealers with OTC Derivatives activities exceeding the $8 billion material swaps exposure threshold, and a Senior Compliance Officer at a hedge fund with $4 billion AUM. Currently, she is a Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE) and an Associate Director in Investment Banking Compliance.

Given her passion for helping veterans, she founded the Women Veterans and Families Network (WVFN). Won is a Tri-State Coordinator for the DNC Veterans and Military Families Council, Sister on the Planet Ambassador at OxFam America, an Alumni Advisory Council Member at Columbia University School of Professional Studies (SPS), Chair of Veterans Roundtable at CFA Society New York (CFANY) and Co-Lead of Women Veterans on Wall Street (wVOWS), a subcommittee of Veterans on Wall Street (VOWS). She holds an M.A. in Information Technology Management from Webster University, and an M.S. in Nonprofit Management from Columbia University SPS, where she is an Adjunct Associate Faculty Member. She resides in Manhattan with her husband, who is also a U.S. Navy veteran, and two children.

Francisco Bencosme
Security Fellow, Class of 2019, Washington DC Chapter

Francisco Bencosme (@bencosmef) is a Senior Advisor in the East Asian and Pacific Affairs Bureau at the Department of State serving as a Political Appointee in the Biden/Harris Administration. Prior to joining the State Department he joined Open Society Foundations in 2020 as the Senior Policy Advisor for Asia and Latin America. Previously, he served as the Asia Pacific Advocacy Manager at Amnesty International USA where he testified multiple times before Congress and provided expert media commentary on multiple issues including East Asia, Southeast Asia and South Asia human rights issues. In 2018, Francisco was named one of The Hill’s Top 2018 Lobbyist for their campaign on Myanmar Rohingya issues. Before joining AIUSA, he served as a Professional Staff Member on the U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee for five years, where he assisted Democratic Senators on issues related to East Asia/Pacific, South Asia, and State Department/USAID oversight. Francisco also served as the President of the Congressional Hispanic Staff Association and as a board member of the Foreign Affairs Congressional Staff Association. Francisco is also a Truman Security Fellow, a Penn-Kemble Fellow, and an International Career Advancement Program alum. Francisco received his Master of Science in Foreign Service from Georgetown University, a graduate certificate from the USAF Air University, and his B.A. from Wake Forest University.

Jessica Morse
Political Partner, Class of 2018, San Francisco Chapter

Jessica Morse is the Deputy Secretary for Forest Resources Management at the California Natural Resources Agency. In her role, she is working to increase the pace and scale of forest restoration and vegetation treatment to make Californians wildfire resilient. Prior to joining Governor Newsom’s administration, Jessica spent nearly ten years in National Security working for the Defense Department, State Department and the US Agency for International Development. Her assignments included a year and a half in Baghdad, Iraq, as well as tours in India, Myanmar, and US Pacific Command. Throughout her career she designed and executed innovative strategies across agencies and governments, including a strategy using renewable energy technology transfer as a catalyst for US defense engagement with India. Morse holds a Masters of Public Affairs from Princeton University and a Bachelor of Arts in economics from Principia College. In 2018, Morse ran for U.S. Congress in California’s 4th Congressional District.

Bunmi Akinnusotu
Security Fellow, Class of 2019, Washington DC Chapter

Bunmi Akinnusotu is a foreign policy enthusiast and organizational management leader. As the Deputy Director of the Rangel Fellowship at Howard University, Bunmi builds the talent pipeline of foreign service officers and international affairs leaders. Prior to Howard, Bunmi was the Chief of Staff at Young Professionals in Foreign Policy which also amplifies the voices of rising global policymakers. She was a political appointee in the Obama Administration where she served as Special Assistant in the Office of Land and Emergency Management at the US Environmental Protection Agency. There, she coordinated international and domestic efforts to advance resource conservation and bring greater visibility to the social and economic benefits of reducing negative environmental impacts. Bunmi’s international journey began at Search for Common Ground in Timor-Leste and she later taught English in Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic. Prior to her career in foreign affairs, Bunmi was a non-profit fundraiser for the YWCA and United Way in Chicago. She’s also an AmeriCorps Alum and a Penn Kemble Democracy Fellow.

Jason Cain (Former Chapter Director, North Carolina)
Defense Council, Class of 2012, North Carolina Chapter

Jason Cain is passionate about making government work for his clients. From his fellow veterans, to state government, to private enterprise, Jason strives to ensure government institutions improve the lives and opportunity for all Americans. Jason previously served as the Director of Intergovernmental Affairs at the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs where he was the Secretary’s strategic advisor for programs and legislation involving state, local, tribal, insular, and international governments. He acted as primary liaison with Governors, Mayors, and state and local officials. Prior to joining VA he spent two years as the Director of Outreach at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund, the organization that built and maintains the Vietnam Veterans Memorial wall in Washington, DC. A ten-year Veteran of the United States Army he served with the 82nd Airborne Division and the U.S. Special Operations Command. He participated in five combat tours to both Iraq and Afghanistan. Jason studied U.S. government between deployments and through night classes while a single parent on active military duty. He has a Masters Degree in Legislative Affairs from George Washington University and a masters in Public Administration from Harvard Kennedy School of Government.