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History of the Independent American Patriots Private Membership Association

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Founding and Early Years (1993–1998)

In 1993, Will Christensen, Wayne Hill, and John Poulson founded the Independent American Party in Utah, inspired by Ezra Taft Benson’s 1968 speech, The Proper Role of Government, delivered at Brigham Young University. Benson’s 15 Principles of Liberty and Good Government—emphasizing limited government, individual rights, and a Judeo-Christian heritage—formed the bedrock of the party’s mission to restore America’s constitutional foundations. Initially a state party, it became the Utah affiliate of the American Party in 1995. In 1998, members voted overwhelmingly (90%) to establish the National Independent American Party, expanding its advocacy for life, liberty, property, and national sovereignty nationwide.

Political Achievements and Lessons Learned (1998–2021)

For 25 years, the National Independent American Party championed constitutional principles, achieving significant milestones that shaped its legacy and informed its evolution. Throughout this period, the party consistently prioritized principles over party loyalty, advocating for constitutional governance and individual rights. This commitment to principle, rather than partisan gain, was a defining characteristic that set the party apart and laid the foundation for its transformation into the Independent American Patriots Private Membership Association (PMA).

In Utah, the party fielded 19 candidates in the 2014 elections, with Leslie D. Curtis earning 4.2% of the vote in Cache County for the state Attorney General race, demonstrating its ability to influence discourse in a Republican-dominated state (Cache County 2014 General Election Results). By 2023, the Utah affiliate had grown to over 80,000 registered members, reflecting its appeal among voters seeking an alternative to mainstream parties (Utah Independent American Party – Wikipedia).

Nationally, the party gained visibility through presidential campaigns. In 2012, founder Will Christensen ran as a write-in candidate, securing over 4,000 votes, including 4,432 in Oregon (2012 United States Presidential Election – Wikipedia). In 2016, actor Rocky Giordani appeared on ballots in New Mexico, Oregon, and Utah, earning 2,752 votes in Utah (Third-party Candidates 2016 – Wikipedia). These efforts highlighted the party’s dedication to raising awareness of constitutional issues, even in a challenging political landscape.

The Independent American Party of Nevada, a separate entity founded in 1967 and affiliated with the Constitution Party since 1999, operated independently and influenced the veto of 75 bills in 2023, showcasing the broader impact of the Independent American movement (Independent American Party of Nevada – Wikipedia).

The party’s 25-year journey taught critical lessons about resilience, grassroots engagement, and the limitations of party politics. It learned that sustained member involvement and clear communication were essential for growth, while navigating a polarized political system often diluted its message. These insights informed the decision to pursue a new path, focusing on direct community action rather than electoral competition, culminating in the formation of the IAP PMA.

Challenges Post-2021

The passing of founders Will Christensen and Wayne Hill in 2021, within 30 days of each other, marked a turning point for the National Independent American Party (Utah Independent American Party – Wikipedia). The Utah affiliate was out of compliance with state regulations and legally defunct, while state parties in Washington, Texas, Rhode Island, and elsewhere lacked direction (Minutes, April 17, 2025). The national party had not filed accurate required Federal Election Commission (FEC) reports for years, and proper minutes were not maintained, with only agendas preserving the record of Executive Committee activities (Minutes, March 25, 2021). In February 2023, Lonny Ray Williams was elected National Chair, inheriting an organization with significant financial and legal challenges (Minutes, February 18, 2024). Efforts to trademark the “Independent American Party” name were blocked by the Nevada affiliate’s prior claim, which, as the oldest state party, was unwilling to negotiate (Minutes, April 20, 2023). These obstacles, combined with a recognition that party politics often hindered principled action, prompted a reevaluation of the organization’s direction.

The challenges faced after 2021 underscored the limitations of operating within the party system. These difficulties reinforced the organization’s belief that true independence and effective action require moving beyond traditional party structures, leading to the decision to reform into a private membership association.

Decision to Reform (2023)

On July 4, 2023, the remaining members and elected national leadership of the National Independent American Party voted unanimously to dissolve the party’s existing committees and reform into the Independent American Patriots Private Membership Association (PMA) (Minutes, July 4, 2023). This decision was driven by a desire to move beyond the constraints of party politics, inspired by George Washington’s Farewell Address, which warned against the divisive nature of political parties, and the Matrix of Liberty from the National Monument to the Forefathers, symbolizing faith and freedom (Independent American Patriots About). The PMA structure, protected by First Amendment rights as affirmed by Thomas v. Collins (323 U.S. 516, 1945), enabled a focus on community-driven initiatives.

In his Farewell Address, George Washington cautioned, “the alternate domination of one party over another and coinciding efforts to exact revenge upon their opponents have led to horrible atrocities, and is itself a frightful despotism. But this leads at length to a more formal and permanent despotism” (Washington’s Farewell Address). The IAP PMA heeded this warning, choosing to operate outside the party system to avoid such pitfalls and focus on building resilient communities based on shared values.

The reformation was a natural evolution of the organization’s identity as the “anti-party party.” After years of advocating for principled governance outside traditional party structures, members chose to embody these ideals by living as independent American patriots, inspired by the founding fathers—merchants, craftsmen, farmers, homesteaders, artisans, and everyday people. They embraced the belief that true independence means being free from party affiliations and standing firmly on principles of liberty, self-governance, and community resilience. As Lonny Ray Williams stated, “When you are an Independent American Patriot, you can vote for a person of principle and forget about the party” (X Post, December 29, 2024). He further noted, “That’s why we gave up National Party status at the Independent American Party. The game is rigged and Independents running without a party is where we need to be to fix it” (X Post, February 18, 2024).

Transition Process (2023–2025)

The transition to the Independent American Patriots PMA was a carefully planned process, reflecting the organization’s commitment to its principles and its members. Key milestones include:

  • April 20, 2023: The Executive Committee adopted Ad Hoc status, exempting the organization from government control and setting the stage for the PMA structure (Minutes, April 20, 2023).
  • July 4, 2023: Members voted to reform into the IAP PMA and announced the change publicly, marking the start of the transition (Minutes, July 4, 2023).
  • July 25, 2023: The National Independent American Party filed its termination report with the Federal Election Commission (FEC), officially ending its status as a political committee (Committee ID: C00337519). This action, led by Treasurer Hans Andersen, resolved outstanding non-compliance issues, such as unfiled FEC reports, ensuring a clean break from the old structure and paving the way for the PMA (FEC Image 202307259584032882).
  • June 27, 2024: A special meeting formalized the dissociation from the National Independent American Party, with the organization fully committing to the PMA model (Minutes, June 27, 2024).
  • July 4, 2024: The reorganization was completed, and new leadership roles were adopted to support the PMA’s mission (Minutes, July 4, 2024).
  • June 26, 2025: The governing documents—Articles of Association, Membership Agreement, Charter of Rights, Bylaws, Ordinances, & Expectances (CRBOE)—were finalized (Minutes, June 26, 2025).
  • July 10, 2025: Members ratified the governing documents during a special convention, solidifying the PMA’s structure and operational framework (Minutes, July 10, 2025).

The transition was guided by a commitment to transparency, accountability, and member empowerment. The filing of the termination report on July 25, 2023, was a pivotal moment, resolving non-compliance issues and allowing the organization to fully dedicate itself to building resilient communities through private association. This move was both a practical necessity and a strategic choice to align with the organization’s core values of independence and self-sufficiency.

Contributions of Key Members

The reformation was a collective effort, with key members playing vital roles in preserving the organization’s legacy and shaping its future:

  • Lonny Ray Williams: As National Chair and later President, he provided visionary leadership, emphasizing member empowerment and community action. His focus on decentralizing power ensured that the PMA prioritized the contributions of all members (Minutes, May 25, 2023).
  • Leslie Brooke Williams: As Presiding Secretary, she was the administrative cornerstone, meticulously documenting the transition, managing communications, and ensuring transparency through membership and financial reporting (Minutes, April 18, 2023).
  • Leo Lindquist: As Midwest Regional Coordinator and Vice Chairman a key Executive Committee member, he contributed strategic insights, led the Platform/Workgroup to develop educational content, and provided technical support for virtual meetings (Minutes, September 28, 2023).
  • Cathy McDonald: Was Western Regional Coordinator and another critical Vice Chairwoman and Executive Committee member that played a crucial role in the early stages, advocating for community-focused initiatives and seconding key motions before stepping back in June 2024 due to the demanding transition (Minutes, June 27, 2024).
  • Hans Andersen: As Treasurer, he facilitated the closure and final chapter of the national party’s FEC records on July 25, 2023, ensuring compliance and a smooth transition to the PMA (Minutes, July 13, 2023; FEC Image 202307259584032882).

These individuals, alongside countless members, honored the legacy of Will Christensen, whose thumb drive of minutes, notes, and records were provided to us by his family and served as a guiding light for the reformation (Minutes, April 17, 2025).

Vision and Structure of the IAP PMA

The Independent American Patriots PMA is a vibrant, member-driven community dedicated to supporting principled individuals through grassroots outreach, rooted in the belief that “our Eternal Father is in control of all things” (Independent American Patriots – Main Page). At the core of the PMA’s mission is the conviction that true independence means being free from party affiliations and standing firmly on principles of liberty, self-governance, and community resilience. This philosophy is embedded in the organization’s structure, which empowers members to lead initiatives that reflect their values and address local needs, unencumbered by party politics.

The PMA empowers members to embody the founding fathers’ spirit as merchants, craftsmen, farmers, and artisans, living independently while contributing to community resilience. It believes that maintaining inalienable rights requires both personal responsibility and collective action, with grassroots efforts like private town halls addressing local issues (e.g., community clean-ups) and political challenges (e.g., advocating against corruption) (Minutes, Page 93). Leadership supports members by providing tools and educational resources, such as “patriot firesides” on self-sufficiency topics like food storage and gardening (Minutes, November 21, 2024).

The PMA’s structure minimizes bureaucracy, operating as an unincorporated association for IRS compliance (Articles of Association, Article X). Financial transparency is ensured through quarterly reports and annual audits, with dues accepted in gold and silver coins to align with constitutional currency standards (Membership Agreement, Section 3). The Three Patriot Pillars—Calling of Independence, Tenets of Liberty, and Doctrine of Governance—guide its mission, drawing from the National Monument to the Forefathers and H. Verlan Andersen’s principles (Articles of Association, Article IV). The annual Members’ Convention, held the Saturday after July 4, ensures member input in governance (Articles of Association, Article VII).

Acknowledging Diverse Paths

The IAP PMA recognizes that some groups, such as those continuing the Utah Independent American Party, are pursuing political avenues through party structures (Utah Independent American Party – Wikipedia). The PMA respects their efforts and acknowledges the shared history that shaped both paths. However, the national leadership and remaining members of the National Independent American Party chose to forge a new direction, driven by the challenges faced and a vision for direct, community-based action. By focusing on principled, independent action rather than party allegiance, the PMA offers an alternative model for those who believe that true change comes from dedicated doers, not partisan rhetoric (X Post, February 18, 2024). The PMA has no claim on state parties’ efforts and supports their freedom to pursue their own paths, just as it confidently embraces its mission to strengthen communities through private association.

Looking Forward

The Independent American Patriots PMA envisions a future where liberty thrives through the actions of independent, principled individuals. By fostering resilient communities and empowering members to lead, the organization aims to demonstrate that a few dedicated doers can make a profound impact, inspiring others to join this movement of independent American patriots. Initiatives like Patriot Fireside events and partnerships with Freedom Books aim to educate and inspire (Minutes, December 19, 2024). The White Buffalo symbol reflects the PMA’s commitment to endurance and peace (Articles of Association, Article IV). The PMA invites all patriots who share this vision to join in building a nation where liberty and community thrive, free from the divisiveness of party politics.

Key Milestones

YearEvent
1993Independent American Party founded in Utah by Will Christensen, Wayne Hill, and John Poulson.
1995Became Utah affiliate of the American Party.
1998Recognized as National Independent American Party (June 8).
2012Will Christensen ran for president, receiving over 4,000 votes.
2014Fielded 19 candidates in Utah elections, with Leslie D. Curtis earning 4.2% in Cache County for Attorney General.
2016Rocky Giordani ran for president in multiple states.
2021Passing of founders Will Christensen and Wayne Hill.
2023Lonny Ray Williams elected National Chair (February 18); PMA transition announced (July 4); termination report filed with FEC, resolving non-compliance issues (July 25).
2024Reorganization completed; new roles adopted (July 4); Cathy McDonald resigned (June).
2025Governing documents finalized (June 26) and ratified (July 10).

Recommendations for Website Integration

  • Visual Elements: Include images of the 1998 national recognition, the 2024 reorganization, and the White Buffalo symbol to engage visitors.
  • Interactive Timeline: Create a clickable timeline of milestones, highlighting July 25, 2023, and July 10, 2025, to provide a dynamic historical overview.
  • Member Stories: Add testimonials showcasing community-building efforts to inspire involvement.
  • Links to Key Pages: Embed links to the platform, membership, and governing documents, noting their pending address and EIN updates.
  • Video Content: Incorporate links to Ezra Taft Benson’s speeches, such as The Proper Role of Government, to connect visitors with the organization’s ideological roots (Minutes, April 10, 2025).

Key Citations

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