9-12 Project
| Company type | Political movement |
|---|---|
| Industry | Political activism |
| Founded | March 13, 2009 |
| Founder | Glenn Beck |
| Fate | Declined activity after 2014; website inaccessible by mid-2017 |
| Headquarters | United States , United States |
Area served | United States |
Key people | Glenn Beck |
| Products | Social and political activism, local chapters organization |
The 9-12 Project (also known as the 9/12 Project or 912 Project) was initiated by American media figure Glenn Beck and officially introduced on March 13, 2009, during his Fox News Channel program, Glenn Beck. The movement was supported by a dedicated website, and numerous local chapters quickly formed throughout the United States.
Beck framed the initiative’s purpose as a call to recapture the unity felt on September 12, 2001—when Americans put aside partisan differences to embrace common values and shared ideals. The project’s title refers to the day following the September 11 attacks and is grounded in "9 Principles" and "12 Values" inspired by those of the Founding Fathers of the United States.
Certain factions within the Tea Party movement found common cause with the 9-12 Project, which co-hosted the Taxpayer March on Washington on September 12, 2009. Nonetheless, activists associated with the 9-12 Project assert they maintain independence from any established political party.
9 Principles and 12 Values
The term "9-12" symbolizes both September 12—the day after the September 11 attacks—and the project’s foundational "nine principles and twelve values." These guidelines were adapted from an original set of 28 principles attributed to the Founding Fathers, condensed into nine key tenets highlighting patriotism, individual responsibility, and limited government:
- America is fundamentally good.
- I believe in God, who is central to my life.
- I strive daily to become more honest than I was before.
- The family unit is sacred; my spouse and I hold ultimate authority—not the government.
- Those who violate laws must face consequences; justice applies equally to all.
- I possess rights to life, liberty, and pursuit of happiness but not guaranteed equal outcomes.
- I earn what I have through hard work and will share voluntarily; government cannot mandate charity.
- Disagreement with authority or expressing opinions is not un-American.
- Government officials serve me and are accountable to me.
The twelve values underscored qualities such as honesty, reverence, hope, thriftiness, humility, charity, sincerity, moderation, diligence, courage, personal responsibility, and gratitude.
History
The origins of the 9-12 Project trace back to Glenn Beck’s early 2009 "We Surround Them" campaign aired on his television show, which advocated for government transparency and accountability. Audiences were encouraged to embody these principles personally while demanding adherence from their elected representatives. The initiative promoted community involvement through submitted photographs exemplifying shared beliefs.
Momentum increased after the Taxpayer March on Washington held on September 12, 2009. Beck also introduced the "Re-found America" campaign aimed at recruiting 56 members of Congress willing to expose political corruption by acting as whistleblowers.
By 2017, the project’s digital footprint had significantly declined; its website stopped receiving updates after 2014 and was no longer accessible by mid-2017. Prior to the 2016 U.S. presidential election, Beck emphasized that although frequently associated with the Tea Party movement, the 9-12 Project was initially created in opposition to it.
Local organizations
Across the United States, numerous local groups and chapters aligned with the 9-12 Project were formed. These organizations sought to mobilize citizens in ensuring that elected representatives remained answerable to voters and taxpayers. For instance, in Murphy, North Carolina, a gathering held on August 29, 2009, concentrated on strategies to elect members to the U.S. House and diminish federal government intervention. This meeting attracted an audience exceeding 325 participants. Similarly, a significant assembly took place in Salt Lake City, Utah, on September 12, 2009 (9-12-09), where activists and conservative officials convened, drawing a crowd of over 2,000 individuals.
National events
Participants known as "9/12ers" engaged actively in major Tea Party protests, including the Tax Day demonstrations on April 15, 2009, the Independence Day Tea Party rallies on July 4, 2009, and the Taxpayer March on Washington held on September 12, 2009. The movement maintained a presence at various Tea Party events across the country on September 12, 2009, with locations ranging from Tampa to Salt Lake City and Fort Worth.
Some chapters of the 9-12 Project coordinated a nationwide demonstration named "Operation: Can You Hear Us Now" on October 17, 2009. This protest addressed what participants viewed as liberal partiality within the mainstream media and called for greater integrity in journalistic practices. A representative from Long Island emphasized that the news media should serve as a conduit for communication between government entities and citizens within a democratic framework, rather than functioning as an autonomous branch of government.
See also
External links
- The 9-12 Project Network, recognized as the largest social network dedicated specifically to the 9-12 Project