DEF CON Groups roles and titles
Knowing someone's role helps you understand what they can help with and which decisions belong to the department. A local organizing role, a conference volunteer assignment, and department leadership are different responsibilities.
What roles exist?
| Role | What it means | Scope |
|---|---|---|
| DEF CON Groups department leadership | Directs the DCG program and its administration | Department responsibilities and decisions assigned by DEF CON |
| DEF CON Goon assigned to DCG | Serves on DEF CON's volunteer staff in the Groups department | Assigned department and event duties |
| DEF CON Groups Community Coordinator (DCGCC) | Helps operate the DCG Community at DEF CON | Assigned Community activities and volunteer responsibilities |
| DEF CON Group Point of Contact (POC) | Organizes or serves as a recognized contact for a particular local group | That group's communication and local organization |
| Local organizer or volunteer | Helps a group run meetings and activities | Tasks agreed with local organizers |
| Member or attendee | Participates in the community | Participation does not confer authority to represent others |
One person may serve in more than one role. Holding one role does not automatically grant the others. For example, a POC may also be selected as a DCGCC, but being a POC alone does not make someone a DEF CON Goon.
There are no DEF CON Groups ambassadors
DEF CON Groups does not have an ambassador role. Do not use “DEF CON Ambassador,” “DEF CON Groups Ambassador,” or a regional or national variation to imply an appointment through DCG. Supporting a community, speaking at an event, or helping someone start a group does not create that title.
Use the role you actually hold and identify the group or department assignment it relates to. If you encounter an unclear claim of authority, ask the department to verify it rather than relying on a social profile, logo, or title alone.
DEF CON Chapters are not a thing
The program is DEF CON Groups. Local communities are DEF CON Groups or DCGs, not DEF CON chapters. Use the group's confirmed name or identifier when describing it.
“Chapter president,” “country director,” or similar self-created titles do not establish authority within DEF CON Groups. Describe local duties plainly and do not imply a department appointment that has not been made.
How can I verify a role?
Use the department contact route. Include the person's claimed role, relevant group or event, and the public statement you want checked. Share only information relevant to verification.
What is a Goon? · DCG Community Coordinators · Becoming a POC · Back to FAQ