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Putting the Constitution in Every 8th Grader's Hands

The 917 Society is a nonpartisan civic education nonprofit distributing free pocket Constitutions to students across all 50 states. Because democracy starts with knowing the document.

Over 1,000,000 pocket Constitutions distributed * Reached 50 states * Served 3,000 districts* Focused on 8th grade civic education * Established in 2014

Why We Exist

On September 17, 1787, thirty-nine delegates signed the document that became the foundation of American democracy. Today, most students graduate without ever reading it.

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The 917 Society was founded to change that.​

​​Every year, we distribute free pocket Constitutions to 8th-grade classrooms across all 50 states, putting the actual document in students' hands at exactly the right moment. Not a summary. Not a worksheet. The Constitution itself.

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In 2026, the United States' 250th anniversary year, that mission has never mattered more.

Who We Are

The 917 Society, established by Joni Bryan, represents a pioneering educational initiative dedicated to advancing civic literacy among young Americans. With a specific focus on Constitution Day, September 17, our mission is to counter the decline in civic rights awareness by providing pocket Constitutions to 8th-grade students nationwide.

The 917 Society is a nonpartisan organization of volunteers dedicated to the preservation of our Constitution the cultivation of patriotism among youth. We with 8th-grade classrooms nationwide, providing educational materials and personal copies of the Constitution and the Bill of Rights to each student in celebration of Constitution Day (917). Students are further engaged through essay competitions that reflect their appreciation for America, alongside various activities, including classroom contests for Constitution Day. Our aspiration is for these young individuals to value their copies of the Constitution and them as essential guides for exemplary citizenship.

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Join the Mission

For Educators

Obtain complimentary pocket Constitutions, the 250th Anniversary Edition, for students at no charge. Ensure that they are readily available for Constitution Day.

For Donors and Volunteers

Your generous contribution enables students who might not otherwise have access to the Constitution. Your dedication as a volunteer guarantees that these students receive this crucial resource.

Constitution Day 2026 Is September 17

This year celebrates the first Constitution Day in conjunction with America's 250th anniversary. We urge you to request your complimentary classroom copies promptly, as supplies are limited.

All 50 states served * Reached into over 3,000 school districts * Served thousands of schools * Several million Constitutions distributed to 8th grade students

Announcing

"Vote Your Values" Initiative Coming Soon!

Please stay informed for additional updates and resources designed to assist you in aligning your voting decisions with your core beliefs and values. Together, we can make a meaningful impact in our communities.

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Ready to Make a Difference?

The 917 Society community invites teachers in search of free resources, as well as volunteers and donors committed to civic education, to join us in our mission.

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