ABOUT SONS OF LIBERTY INTERNATIONAL
SOLI’S FOUNDING
Sons of Liberty International (SOLI) was founded by international security analyst Matthew VanDyke in recognition of the failure of the international community and governments to adequately protect the defenseless and support those struggling for freedom around the world. There was a need for an organization capable of on-the-ground action to help those whom the international system had failed. SOLI was created to enable those abandoned by the international community to take action in defense of themselves and others, and to combat those forces that seek to harm and oppress them.
MISSION STATEMENT
Sons of Liberty International (SOLI) provides free security consulting, training, supplies, and other services to vulnerable populations to enable them to defend themselves against terrorists and insurgents. We provide these services to communities that would otherwise not be able to afford them. SOLI is incorporated as a non-profit and relies on public funding.
SOLI’S CORE PRINCIPLES
Our Operational Ethos Based on 9 Core Principles and Goals
- Provide the training, support, and resources necessary for threatened populations to defend themselves.
- Provide the training, support, and resources necessary for oppressed populations to liberate themselves.
- Take action where the international community and governments have failed to assist at-risk populations facing security crises.
- Combat the rise of extremist militancy by assisting liberation movements before the cycle of violence spawns extremist ideologies and extremist groups motivated by such ideologies.
- Bring conflicts to an end more quickly through targeted, intelligent, carefully executed intervention.
- Assist with the implementation of international aid and development projects in communities affected by conflict to empower them through economic development and help them rebuild both during and after the conflict.
- Serve as a conduit for those around the world who care about those affected by conflict to contribute time, resources, and funding to have a real, tangible effect on the ground to help those in need by helping to end the cause of their suffering instead of only providing temporary fixes (curing the disease that is the conflict, instead of only treating the symptoms which are the effects of the conflict).
- Redefine the security contracting industry by challenging the for-profit model that has dominated it throughout history, by providing services and assistance on a non-profit basis.
- Provide an opportunity for security contractors and those with a variety of skills and talents to contribute their time and services to help those in need.
FAQ
What does SOLI do?
SOLI is a security consulting and training firm that operates on an innovative, revenue-neutral, non-profit model in order to provide security consulting and training to communities threatened by terrorism and insurgency around the world, regardless of their financial capabilities. SOLI specializes in consulting and training local security forces that are on the front lines of the war against terrorism, but which are often overlooked by the international community. For example, our first client was the Nineveh Plain Protection Units (NPU), a Christian army formed in Iraq to fight ISIS. We provided free consulting to NPU leadership for months, and training for the first battalion of NPU soldiers.
What countries does SOLI operate in?
SOLI is currently operational in northern Iraq, and plans to begin operating in additional countries in the coming months.
Who is the founder of SOLI?
SOLI was founded by Matthew VanDyke, an international security expert, former POW, and combat veteran of the 2011 Libyan Revolution who appears regularly as a media analyst and commentator. VanDyke has a master’s degree in Security Studies from the Georgetown University School of Foreign Service and over seven years of experience in North Africa and the Middle East, including experience in numerous conflicts in the region.
Does SOLI offer a newsletter?
SOLI offer a monthly e-mail newsletter featuring photos, video, and updates on our work. We choose not to waste funds or create more waste with mass mailing. You can subscribe for the SOLI Monthly by contacting us to submit a request.
Where does SOLI get funding?
SOLI provides clients with services free of charge. In order to do this, SOLI relies on the generous support of people around the world who are giving financial support to directly fight terrorism and have an impact on world peace and stability.
Is it legal to help fund SOLI?
Yes, giving financial support to SOLI is legal for residents of the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom and most countries in the EU. For residents of all other countries (and for some EU countries), please check the applicable local laws.
Where is SOLI based?
SOLI is headquartered in Washington, D.C. and also has an office in Erbil, Iraq.
Is my contribution tax-deductible?
SOLI is both an LLC and a non-profit that is a 501(c)(3) and is tax-deductible.
Who has SOLI helped?
SOLI is helping Assyrian Christian security forces in northern Iraq that are fighting ISIS. Our first client was the Nineveh Plain Protection Units (NPU). We are currently working with the Nineveh Plain Forces (NPF). We have also had discussions with another Christian force, Dwekh Nawsha, and with a Yazidi force.
Who works for SOLI?
SOLI recruits US military veterans for consulting and training local security forces. SOLI also recruits experts from various fields for speciality consulting depending on the client’s needs.
What are SOLI’s financials?
SOLI is a new company. We do not have any tax returns or audits. In the interest of transparency, we will make our expenses public.
Is my support anonymous?
SOLI does not publish, sell, or post any names or information about its supporters. Support is anonymous and will not be reported.
I’m a foreign military veteran, can I apply?
Yes you can. But SOLI is only accepting applications from SOLI members at the basic level and above, which helps us defray administrative costs associated with vetting trainers. You can become a member here.
I applied for a position and have not heard back. Why?
First off, thank you for your application. We are stronger in numbers and your interest in being involved with Sons of Liberty International is greatly appreciated. Our application process works such that we keep resume’s on file long into the future as needs and opportunities arise with future missions. So if you have not heard back from us, that may change in the future.
If your situation has updated after submitting your application and you want us to know about it, you can write us using our contact form and we’ll make sure take note.