The 9-12 Project: Origins and Evolution of Glenn Beck's Movement
The 9-12 Project emerged in 2009 as a grassroots effort centered on the concept of government accountability. Initiated by media personality Glenn Beck, the movement sought to empower individuals who felt isolated in their political beliefs and encouraged them to demand higher standards from their elected officials.
The "We Surround Them" Campaign
The foundation of the 9-12 Project was the "We Surround Them" campaign, a series of television segments and specials aired in early 2009. The campaign urged viewers to adopt values of accountability in their personal lives before expecting the same from the government. As part of this initiative, Beck asked viewers to submit photographs if they adhered to at least seven of nine founding principles but felt alone in those beliefs. These images were eventually compiled into a large collage displayed in Beck's Fox News Channel studio.
The specific catalyst for the 9-12 Project occurred during a late January 2009 broadcast of Beck's nationally syndicated radio show. A caller named "Ed" from New Haven, Connecticut, expressed feeling "outnumbered" as a conservative in the current political climate. In response, Beck vowed to prove that such individuals were not alone, asserting that the American people—rather than the "powers that be"—were the ones who truly surrounded the establishment.
Expansion and the "Re-found America" Initiative
Following the Taxpayer March on Washington held on September 12, 2009, the movement expanded with the launch of "Re-found America." This specific campaign sought to identify 56 "Re-Founders"—members of Congress who were willing to act as whistleblowers (individuals who expose secretive information or activity within an organization) to reveal evidence of corruption and abuses of power.
The Decline and Distinction of the Project
Over time, the digital presence of the movement faded. By 2017, the 9-12 Project website was no longer extant, and its news section had remained stagnant since February 2014. Despite its similarities in timing and ideology to other conservative efforts, Beck clarified in an interview prior to the 2016 US presidential election that the 9-12 Project was actually established in opposition to the Tea Party movement, despite the two often being conflated by the public.
Key Facts
- Origin: Started in early 2009 via the "We Surround Them" campaign.
- Catalyst: A radio call from a listener named "Ed" in New Haven, Connecticut.
- Core Goal: To restore government accountability and support isolated conservatives.
- Re-found America: A campaign seeking 56 Congressional whistleblowers to expose corruption.
- Status: The official website ceased to exist by June 2017.
| Timeline | Event/Initiative | Primary Objective |
|---|---|---|
| Early 2009 | We Surround Them | Promote personal and government accountability |
| Sept 12, 2009 | Taxpayer March on Washington | Public demonstration of taxpayer concerns |
| Post-Sept 2009 | Re-found America | Recruit 56 Congressional whistleblowers |
| June 2017 | Website Closure | End of the project's primary digital presence |
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the primary goal of the 9-12 Project?
The project aimed to bring back government accountability and provide a sense of community for conservatives who felt outnumbered in the political landscape.
Who inspired the creation of the 9-12 Project?
The movement was sparked by a phone call from a listener named "Ed" from New Haven, Connecticut, who told Glenn Beck he felt outnumbered in political battles.
What was the "Re-found America" campaign?
It was an initiative to find 56 members of Congress, known as "Re-Founders," who would stand against corruption and act as whistleblowers to expose abuses of power.
Was the 9-12 Project part of the Tea Party?
No. Although the two were often conflated, Glenn Beck stated in a pre-2016 election interview that the 9-12 Project was actually set up in opposition to the Tea Party movement.
Is the 9-12 Project website still active?
No, the website was no longer extant as of June 2017, and its news section had not been updated since February 2014.