About The National 9/12 Project
The 9/12 Project is a volunteer based, non-partisan movement focusing on building and uniting our communities back to the place we were on 9/12/2001. The day after America was attacked we were not obsessed with political parties, the color of your skin, or what religion you practiced. We were united as Americans, standing together to protect the greatest nation ever created. Our goal is to bring us back to that same feeling of togetherness again.
Our Mission is to inspire individuals and groups to connect with their communities through education, service and dedication to the 9 Principles and 12 Values to which we have committed.
Our Mission is to inspire individuals and groups to connect with their communities through education, service and dedication to the 9 Principles and 12 Values to which we have committed.
The 9/12 Project was founded on the following 9 Principles and 12 Values:
The 9 Principles
- America Is Good.
- I believe in God and He is the Center of my Life.
God: “The propitious smiles of Heaven can never be expected on a nation that disregards the eternal rules of order and right which Heaven itself has ordained.” from George Washington’s first Inaugural address. - I must always try to be a more honest person than I was yesterday.
Honesty:“I hope that I shall always possess firmness and virtue enough to maintain what I consider to be the most enviable of all titles, the character of an honest man.” George Washington - The family is sacred. My spouse and I are the ultimate authority, not the government.
Marriage/Family: “It is in the love of one’s family only that heartfelt happiness is known. By a law of our nature, we cannot be happy without the endearing connections of a family.” Thomas Jefferson - If you break the law you pay the penalty. Justice is blind and no one is above it.
Justice: “I deem one of the essential principles of our government… equal and exact justice to all men of whatever state or persuasion, religious or political.” Thomas Jefferson - I have a right to life, liberty and pursuit of happiness, but there is no guarantee of equal results.
Life, Liberty, & The Pursuit of Happiness: “Everyone has a natural right to choose that vocation in life which he thinks most likely to give him comfortable subsistence.” Thomas Jefferson - I work hard for what I have and I will share it with who I want to. Government cannot force me to be charitable.
Charity: “It is not everyone who asketh that deserveth charity; all however, are worth of the inquiry or the deserving may suffer.” George Washington - It is not un-American for me to disagree with authority or to share my personal opinion.
On your right to disagree: “In a free and republican government, you cannot restrain the voice of the multitude; every man will speak as he thinks, or more properly without thinking.” George Washington - The government works for me. I do not answer to them, they answer to me.
Who works for whom? “I consider the people who constitute a society or a nation as the source of all authority in that nation.” Thomas Jefferson
The 12 Values
- Honesty
- Reverence
- Hope
- Thrift
- Humility
- Charity
- Sincerity
- Moderation
- Hard Work
- Courage
- Personal Responsibility
- Gratitude
 National Board |
 Florida Group Leaders |
National Advisory Board
Yvonne Donnelly Yvonne Donnelly is the Chair of The 9/12 Project. She took on the responsibility early on to coordinate volunteers and groups across the nation and provide them a way to connect with one another. Little did she know that a little over one year latter she would continue to develop a movement through this venue. With the amount of emails coming in to the original site it was apparent that she needed help. With help from fellow volunteer Mike Opelka, Yvonne answered emails by the hundreds to ensure that people got involved locally. Through those emails other individuals emerged as leaders. You will see listed the names of our Advisory Board members. These individuals are now acting in a capacity of directing, developing and consulting through their experience and great talents.
Maria Acosta Maria Acosta established the Central Texas 9/12 Project on March 13, 2009. Since the group’s first meeting in Cedar Park, they have held over 250 meetings in the Central Texas area. Their primary focus has been educating citizens about The U.S. Constitution and the Founding Principles that make our country great.
Susan Bennett Susan is a 37 year old native of Kentucky, who has always had a passion for politics. She spent her late teen years engaging her peers, reminding them of the importance of their vote. She worked within her surrounding counties on the Brereton Jones for Governor campaign. Governor Jones (D) served the Commonwealth of Kentucky from 1991-1995. Susan quickly saw the disconnect between campaign platforms and the legislation being written and passed. Disheartened that she was not making a difference, she realized that working locally with individuals directly is always more effective than working through Government bureaucracies. She began working with The Ky 912 movement during preparation for The Bluegrass Tax Liberation Day on April 18th, 2009. She served as the Kentucky State Marketing/PR Coordinator until moving to Michigan in February of 2010 where she currently lives with her brilliant Border Collie, Lucy.
Jennifer Bernstone Jennifer Bernstone has been a member of CNY912 since March 8, 2009. Jennifer’s true passion lies in ‘book clubs’ as a means of promoting conversation in our daily lives about the principles and values of religion and politics. We need to/have to/must educate ourselves and practice conversing about these topics. By practicing in a ‘safe’ environment we will be more likely and better prepared to teach and talk to others. If the citizens of America do not educate ourselves, our families and our neighbors, we will become what our forefathers ran from 200 years ago.
Lu Busse Lu Busse has a Master’s degree from Northwestern University in Illinois and worked as an allied medical professional for 30 years. Lu describes her most rewarding professional experience as the two decades she worked with cochlear implant recipients along with their families, surgeons, and audiologists.
As president of a small homeowner’s association, Lu persuaded over 2/3 of the property owners to vote for dissolution when the Colorado General Assembly passed onerous new law – her personal victory in reducing local and state governmental control on individuals. After advocating for some political issues and candidates over the years, introduction of TARP I legislation in fall of 2008 motivated her to work toward restoring our Republic and its Constitution for all generations. Lu joined The 9-12 Project in March 2009 and was elected Chair of its Colorado Leadership Team three months later. Majority of the over twenty-five 9-12 Project groups in the state have joined The 9-12 Project Colorado Coalition, which she chairs. Lu was appointed to the national 9-12 Project Advisory Board in February 2010 and became Chair of its Marketing Sub-committee soon afterwards. Her 5-year-old grandson and 2-year-old granddaughter inspire and motivate her to volunteer over 35 hours per week to The 9-12 Project and its activities.
Michael Jablonski Michael is the National Co-Chair of the 9/12 Project, and for the last year he has been working directly with Yvonne Donnelly as the state coordinator for Ohio. He has recently relinquished that position to focus more time on the National 912 Project. Michael is also the Founder and President of Theforgottenman.Org, a 912 affiliated group, which provides scholarship funds to students via an essay contest focusing on the Founding Fathers and the Constitution. Michael has appeared on the Glenn Beck TV show where he explained his scholarship program, and how it is the direct result of being involved with the 912 Project. He looks forward to working with Yvonne and all of the board members as they continue to develop and grow this quality organization that is based on the 9 principles and 12 values that are The 912 Project.
Mike Opelka Mike is a founding member of the 912 Project. He was one of the architects of the original website and has served as the Editor-At-Large since the project launched on March 13, 2009. Opelka is also a regular contributor to BigJournalism.com and BigPeace.com and operates a think tank and consulting group known as Stuntbrains – (spare brains available 24/7/365).
Lori Parker Lori Parker is a wife and mother of four and the president and co-founder of As a Mom… A Sisterhood of Mommy Patriots. She has been volunteering all her life in schools, Boys Scouts, hospitals, and her church. Her recent odyssey into the patriot movement began with the question, “What can one person do?” Lori has a zeal for the Constitution and urges every American to read it often. Her passion has led to the birth of SaveItReadIt.org as well as www.AsAMom.org.
Barbara Samuells After raising two daughters and celebrating a 40th wedding anniversary, Barbara Samuells was winding down a career as a CPA and college professor and anticipating a peaceful retirement. However, when she heard she would be “allowed” to keep her doctor, she knew this was not politics as usual. When she heard $535 billion was being cut from Medicare, she knew no one would be able to keep their doctor and Seniors would be the first to suffer.
A dinner table conversation with two favorite Super Seniors, her Mom and Dad, about the uncertainties of this healthcare reform ignited that inner voice for action and Barbara founded the 9/12 Super Seniors. The 9 principles and 12 values of the 9/12 Project were familiar lifelong guidelines to the Seniors who came together on April 15, 2009, in the first local Super Seniors group. They shared concerns, questions and information with goals of educating themselves and empowering Seniors to act to preserve the freedoms and prosperity of America.
After Barbara spoke on the Glenn Beck show about the 9/12 Super Seniors, the outpouring of interest pushed the development of www.912SuperSeniors.org and spurred the establishment of other local Super Seniors groups.
Barbara recently joined the Advisory Board of the 9/12 Project and is eager to contribute to the growth of the 9/12 Project while developing shared resources and goals with the 9/12 Super Seniors.
Stephani Scruggs Stephani Scruggs is a Systems Consultant with a 20 year history of sales, marketing, and business management. The skills learned in the free market have helped immensely in the realm of grassroots ideals. She has appeared on the Glenn Beck Television Show as well as numerous regional radio shows to discuss the importance of the American Constitution and the rights it grants its citizens.
While always somewhat interested in politics, it was the Bush years that set Stephani on the course of activism. Realizing the potentially dangerous applications of the Patriot Act, not to mention the unconstitutionality of its provisions; Stephani began paying much closer attention to the growth of the Federal Government. TARP and the General Motors takeover focused that attention; however, a fire was lit when the ACLU attacked Christians in a neighboring school system. She was now ready to take on the establishment and actively work to save liberty. Stephani now serves as the National Co-Chair of The 9/12 Project as well as the acting President of Unite In Action.
Mimi Steel Mimi Steel is a former US Air Force Officer working in the high tech industry in Silicon Valley. She was inspired by Glenn Beck to start a 9/12 organization in the San Francisco Bay Area to let people in this very liberal area know that they were not alone. This gave them the opportunity to meet each other and get actively involved in local issues. There are three groups under the SFBay912 umbrella, Pennisula, South Bay, and East Bay totaling over 1,000 people.
Eric Wilson Eric has become a zealous and motivated patriot working to effect change and promote accountability through education and organization at a truly grassroots level. He has been a guest on the Glenn Beck television program and has made countless appearances and speeches across the Commonwealth of Kentucky. In addition to serving on the national advisory board and being a regional coordinator, Eric is currently a proud state representative for the Kentucky 9/12 Project.
Jason Roberts Jason is owner of NetFUSION Studios Web and Graphic Designs and provides support for the 9/12 project website. In addition to running his design business, he also maintains and writes for the conservative blog The Roberts Report Online and TheForgottenMan.org.
Included in Jason’s beliefs is that the Constitution of the United States is being destroyed by Progressives, extreme far left Liberals, and even some so-called Conservatives who believe that a new Socialist Society is where the United States of America is heading. He is active in his local community bringing awareness to the issues and teaching conservatives that it is OK to become vocal and express their opinions. In addition to local charitable giving, he has recently become active battling progressive social justice that has infected the Catholic Church.
Art Scevola Originally from Florida, Art lived in Lake Oswego for almost 20 years. He is married to Cindy, a career Kindergarten teacher. The Scevolas have 2 children and 4 grandchildren, all living in the North West. Art is a self employed life insurance and planning professional having previously retired in 2001 after 16 years as an estate planning specialist at Merrill Lynch both in Florida and the Pacific NorthWest. He is a member and past president of the Kruseway Lake Oswego Rotary Club, past board member of the Lake Oswego Chamber of Commerce and Lakewood Center for the Arts, and formerly chair of the Planned Giving Committee of the Portland Opera. His political activism includes, founder and President of The Oregon 9/12 Project and and Oregon state coordinator for The 9/12 Project, a member of Americans for Prosperity, and the Oregon Tea Party. Art’s interests in addition to his family, are golf, music, and everything outdoors.
Maria Acosta Maria Acosta established the Central Texas 9/12 Project on March 13, 2009. Since the group’s first meeting in Cedar Park, they have held over 250 meetings in the Central Texas area. Their primary focus has been educating citizens about The U.S. Constitution and the Founding Principles that make our country great.
Susan Bennett Susan is a 37 year old native of Kentucky, who has always had a passion for politics. She spent her late teen years engaging her peers, reminding them of the importance of their vote. She worked within her surrounding counties on the Brereton Jones for Governor campaign. Governor Jones (D) served the Commonwealth of Kentucky from 1991-1995. Susan quickly saw the disconnect between campaign platforms and the legislation being written and passed. Disheartened that she was not making a difference, she realized that working locally with individuals directly is always more effective than working through Government bureaucracies. She began working with The Ky 912 movement during preparation for The Bluegrass Tax Liberation Day on April 18th, 2009. She served as the Kentucky State Marketing/PR Coordinator until moving to Michigan in February of 2010 where she currently lives with her brilliant Border Collie, Lucy.
Jennifer Bernstone Jennifer Bernstone has been a member of CNY912 since March 8, 2009. Jennifer’s true passion lies in ‘book clubs’ as a means of promoting conversation in our daily lives about the principles and values of religion and politics. We need to/have to/must educate ourselves and practice conversing about these topics. By practicing in a ‘safe’ environment we will be more likely and better prepared to teach and talk to others. If the citizens of America do not educate ourselves, our families and our neighbors, we will become what our forefathers ran from 200 years ago.
Lu Busse Lu Busse has a Master’s degree from Northwestern University in Illinois and worked as an allied medical professional for 30 years. Lu describes her most rewarding professional experience as the two decades she worked with cochlear implant recipients along with their families, surgeons, and audiologists.
As president of a small homeowner’s association, Lu persuaded over 2/3 of the property owners to vote for dissolution when the Colorado General Assembly passed onerous new law – her personal victory in reducing local and state governmental control on individuals. After advocating for some political issues and candidates over the years, introduction of TARP I legislation in fall of 2008 motivated her to work toward restoring our Republic and its Constitution for all generations. Lu joined The 9-12 Project in March 2009 and was elected Chair of its Colorado Leadership Team three months later. Majority of the over twenty-five 9-12 Project groups in the state have joined The 9-12 Project Colorado Coalition, which she chairs. Lu was appointed to the national 9-12 Project Advisory Board in February 2010 and became Chair of its Marketing Sub-committee soon afterwards. Her 5-year-old grandson and 2-year-old granddaughter inspire and motivate her to volunteer over 35 hours per week to The 9-12 Project and its activities.
Michael Jablonski Michael is the National Co-Chair of the 9/12 Project, and for the last year he has been working directly with Yvonne Donnelly as the state coordinator for Ohio. He has recently relinquished that position to focus more time on the National 912 Project. Michael is also the Founder and President of Theforgottenman.Org, a 912 affiliated group, which provides scholarship funds to students via an essay contest focusing on the Founding Fathers and the Constitution. Michael has appeared on the Glenn Beck TV show where he explained his scholarship program, and how it is the direct result of being involved with the 912 Project. He looks forward to working with Yvonne and all of the board members as they continue to develop and grow this quality organization that is based on the 9 principles and 12 values that are The 912 Project.
Mike Opelka Mike is a founding member of the 912 Project. He was one of the architects of the original website and has served as the Editor-At-Large since the project launched on March 13, 2009. Opelka is also a regular contributor to BigJournalism.com and BigPeace.com and operates a think tank and consulting group known as Stuntbrains – (spare brains available 24/7/365).
Lori Parker Lori Parker is a wife and mother of four and the president and co-founder of As a Mom… A Sisterhood of Mommy Patriots. She has been volunteering all her life in schools, Boys Scouts, hospitals, and her church. Her recent odyssey into the patriot movement began with the question, “What can one person do?” Lori has a zeal for the Constitution and urges every American to read it often. Her passion has led to the birth of SaveItReadIt.org as well as www.AsAMom.org.
Barbara Samuells After raising two daughters and celebrating a 40th wedding anniversary, Barbara Samuells was winding down a career as a CPA and college professor and anticipating a peaceful retirement. However, when she heard she would be “allowed” to keep her doctor, she knew this was not politics as usual. When she heard $535 billion was being cut from Medicare, she knew no one would be able to keep their doctor and Seniors would be the first to suffer.
A dinner table conversation with two favorite Super Seniors, her Mom and Dad, about the uncertainties of this healthcare reform ignited that inner voice for action and Barbara founded the 9/12 Super Seniors. The 9 principles and 12 values of the 9/12 Project were familiar lifelong guidelines to the Seniors who came together on April 15, 2009, in the first local Super Seniors group. They shared concerns, questions and information with goals of educating themselves and empowering Seniors to act to preserve the freedoms and prosperity of America.
After Barbara spoke on the Glenn Beck show about the 9/12 Super Seniors, the outpouring of interest pushed the development of www.912SuperSeniors.org and spurred the establishment of other local Super Seniors groups.
Barbara recently joined the Advisory Board of the 9/12 Project and is eager to contribute to the growth of the 9/12 Project while developing shared resources and goals with the 9/12 Super Seniors.
Stephani Scruggs Stephani Scruggs is a Systems Consultant with a 20 year history of sales, marketing, and business management. The skills learned in the free market have helped immensely in the realm of grassroots ideals. She has appeared on the Glenn Beck Television Show as well as numerous regional radio shows to discuss the importance of the American Constitution and the rights it grants its citizens.
While always somewhat interested in politics, it was the Bush years that set Stephani on the course of activism. Realizing the potentially dangerous applications of the Patriot Act, not to mention the unconstitutionality of its provisions; Stephani began paying much closer attention to the growth of the Federal Government. TARP and the General Motors takeover focused that attention; however, a fire was lit when the ACLU attacked Christians in a neighboring school system. She was now ready to take on the establishment and actively work to save liberty. Stephani now serves as the National Co-Chair of The 9/12 Project as well as the acting President of Unite In Action.
Mimi Steel Mimi Steel is a former US Air Force Officer working in the high tech industry in Silicon Valley. She was inspired by Glenn Beck to start a 9/12 organization in the San Francisco Bay Area to let people in this very liberal area know that they were not alone. This gave them the opportunity to meet each other and get actively involved in local issues. There are three groups under the SFBay912 umbrella, Pennisula, South Bay, and East Bay totaling over 1,000 people.
Eric Wilson Eric has become a zealous and motivated patriot working to effect change and promote accountability through education and organization at a truly grassroots level. He has been a guest on the Glenn Beck television program and has made countless appearances and speeches across the Commonwealth of Kentucky. In addition to serving on the national advisory board and being a regional coordinator, Eric is currently a proud state representative for the Kentucky 9/12 Project.
Jason Roberts Jason is owner of NetFUSION Studios Web and Graphic Designs and provides support for the 9/12 project website. In addition to running his design business, he also maintains and writes for the conservative blog The Roberts Report Online and TheForgottenMan.org.
Included in Jason’s beliefs is that the Constitution of the United States is being destroyed by Progressives, extreme far left Liberals, and even some so-called Conservatives who believe that a new Socialist Society is where the United States of America is heading. He is active in his local community bringing awareness to the issues and teaching conservatives that it is OK to become vocal and express their opinions. In addition to local charitable giving, he has recently become active battling progressive social justice that has infected the Catholic Church.
Art Scevola Originally from Florida, Art lived in Lake Oswego for almost 20 years. He is married to Cindy, a career Kindergarten teacher. The Scevolas have 2 children and 4 grandchildren, all living in the North West. Art is a self employed life insurance and planning professional having previously retired in 2001 after 16 years as an estate planning specialist at Merrill Lynch both in Florida and the Pacific NorthWest. He is a member and past president of the Kruseway Lake Oswego Rotary Club, past board member of the Lake Oswego Chamber of Commerce and Lakewood Center for the Arts, and formerly chair of the Planned Giving Committee of the Portland Opera. His political activism includes, founder and President of The Oregon 9/12 Project and and Oregon state coordinator for The 9/12 Project, a member of Americans for Prosperity, and the Oregon Tea Party. Art’s interests in addition to his family, are golf, music, and everything outdoors.
