Our Story
"When is the last time you read YOUR Constitution?" It was at that point that Joni Bryan, founder, realized that she had not read it and found that most Americans, including students, had never read the Constitution, viewing it as a "dusty, distant document" rather than a personal, living blueprint of liberty.
Joni found that federal law requires schools receiving federal funds to hold educational programming on Constitution Day (September 17). It shocked her that many schools historically ignored or overlooked this mandate . . . and so began the grassroot beginning of The 917 Society. Listen to Joni as she tells her story.
Our Story
"Why I started the 917 Society and why the Constitution still matters."
"When is the last time you read YOUR Constitution?" It was at that point that Joni Bryan, founder, realized that she had not read it and found that most Americans, including students, had never read the Constitution, viewing it as a "dusty, distant document" rather than a personal, living bludprint of liberty.
Joni found that federal law requires schools receiving federal funds to hold educational programming on Constitution Day (September 17). It shocked her that many schools historically ignored or overlooked this mandate . . . and so she began the grassroot beginning of The 917 Society. Listen to Joni as she tells her story.
Our Mission
The 917 Society is dedicated to enhancing civic literacy by commemorating Constitution Day on September 17. Our mission is to empower 8th grade students across the United States by placing pocket Constitutions directly in their hands. We actively work to ensure schools uphold Federal Public Law 108-447, which mandates educational institutions receiving federal funding host a program on the U.S. Constitution every September 17th. Together, we can inspire the next generation to understand and appreciate the foundational principles of our democracy.
Our goal for 2026 is to distribute 2.5 million special edition, gold-sealed Constitutions to celebrate America's 250th anniversary and ensure the next generation understands their foundational rights and responsibilities.
Celebrating the Constitution and U.S. Citizenship: 250th Anniversary Edition
Providing, free of charge, durable, physical pocket Constitutions to 8th graders—the year most schools teach American history—to make the document personal and tangible, rather than just a digital file.
Students use it during Constitution Week in the Classroom.