Carrying a personal copy of the US Constitution wherever he goes, Nick Clooney — American journalist — believes 8th grade students must better understand the Constitution’s importance to a strong nation and that’s why he is coming to Nashville to participate in the 917 Society’s short film which is being produced for viewing on Wednesday, September 17, Constitution Day, across Tennessee by 8th grade students studying civics.
Clooney and 917 Society Director Joni Bryan intend to improve students’ appreciation for the role the Constitution plays in American government.
The Constitution begins with “We the people,” allowing all citizens, rich and poor, to have equal freedom and boundaries. Something this vital should be memorized and immortalized by every American, and yet, how many have even read it? One of our forefathers, Thomas Jefferson, said, “Whenever the people are well-informed, they can be trusted with their own government.” If we don’t know what our Constitution says, how can we, the people, still be trusted?
It is with this crisis in mind that 917 Society, a new non-profit, is being launched this month by Bryan, and vice president Jeffrey Humble. The name “917 Society” refers to the actual date of Constitution Day — September 17. The 917 Society is committed to providing the resources public school teachers need to make this one of the most important days and times of the year.
Along with the short film (produced by Rob Cheplicki), the organization will be launching an interactive website and mobile app to continually educate and empower youth, and intends to give a copy of the Constitution to every 8th grader in the country, starting with Tennessee.
The 917 Society is launching into the community with a fundraiser at OZ at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, August 19. Clooney will be in attendance, and will be sharing about why he has joined forces with 917. Due to Clooney’s high profile, tickets are limited, but attendants will be able to socialize with Clooney as well as other Nashville entrepreneurs, educators and visionaries.
The event will feature great food and music, through the generous donations and participation of the Nashville community, including fluff by Lora Miller, Flavor by Jason Crockarell, and music by Teri Reid.
For more information, including tickets, please visit www.facebook.com/917society.
917 Society cocktail party and fundraiser with Nick Clooney
6 p.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 19 at OZ,
located at 3172 Cockrill Bend RoadTickets are $100 per person
All proceeds will benefit the 917 Society
