Link with the leaders among leaders in creating change: Join a national society that promotes the importance of community service and personal giving.

The Tocqueville Society is named for the 18th century French explorer Alexis Charles-Henri de Tocqueville. He was just 26 years old when he arrived in America in 1831 and though he only spent nine months in the United States, he made — and recorded — many observations, readings and discussions with eminent Americans that formed the basis of Democracy in America — his book that was published in two volumes (in 1835 and 1840) that detailed American society and politics.

Tocqueville recognized, applauded, and immortalized American voluntary action on behalf of the common good. He wrote: “I must say that I have seen Americans make a great deal of real sacrifices to the public welfare; and have noticed a hundred instances in which they hardly ever failed to lend a faithful support to one another,” eloquently capturing the essence of personal philanthropy that persists, almost three centuries later. The observation on philanthropy made by Alexis de Tocqueville in 1831 is true today; Americans understand that advancing the common good means creating opportunities for a better life for all. The name Tocqueville Society was chosen because of Alexis de Tocqueville’s admiration for the spirit of voluntary association and effort toward its advancement.

The United Way Tocqueville Society was formed in March of 1984 to deepen individual understanding of, commitment to, and support of United Way’s work: advancing the common good by creating opportunities for a better life for all. The Tocqueville Society recognizes local philanthropic leaders and volunteer champions around the world who have devoted time, talent, and funds to create long-lasting changes by tackling our communities’ most serious issues.

When you give $10,000 in one year ($385 per paycheck) through United Way to one of our focus areas or your favorite nonprofit, you are member.

Specifically, the United Way Tocqueville Society aims to:

• Change lives through philanthropic leadership by focusing on the building blocks for a better life: a quality education that leads to a stable job; income that can support a family through retirement, and good health
• Communicate the vital role of personal philanthropic action in creating long-lasting changes by addressing the underlying causes of societal problems
• Enhance local recognition of long-standing service volunteers
• Foster philanthropic action and voluntary community service
• Expand high-level personal giving and United Way Major and Planned Giving programs of a high standard
• Strengthen local leadership development and Major Giving efforts by building upon cross-geographical linkages
• Prominently position the Tocqueville Society name and the United Way brand in an effort to stimulate the exchange of philanthropic ideas while maintaining a positive national quality image

As a member of United Way’s Tocqueville Society you can enjoy:

• Invitations to special events
• Recognition in our annual report and on our Web site
• Quarterly e-newsletters to keep you up to date on United Way Projects

Interested in joining? Contact Andrew Sheehy at andrew.sheehy@uwccr.org or (916) 368-3026