Members of the United Way of Tampa Bay’s Tocqueville Society fulfill the 19th Century writings of Frenchman Alexis de Tocqueville by exhibiting the American philanthropic spirit.
Leaders in Philanthropy
Tocqueville Society members are community champions and committed citizens dedicated to improving lives in Tampa Bay and making it possible for people to achieve their full potential.
Tocqueville Society Membership
United Way of Tampa Bay invites you to join the Tocqueville Society. By supporting the United Way as a Tocqueville member, you recognize that your single contribution will positively affect the greatest number of people in our community.
Membership includes individuals and foundations who contribute $10,000 a year or more to United Way. A $100,000 gift grants a donor membership in the National Tocqueville Society. The Million Dollar Roundtable includes donors who contribute $1,000,000 or more to United Way within any five year period.
Membership has its Benefits
By joining the Tocqueville Society, members become a part of a committed group of civic-minded leaders who help to shape the future of the Tampa Bay community. Tocqueville Society members have the opportunity to network with area business leaders, colleagues and friends by attending year-round Tocqueville Society special events. Throughout the year, United Way of Tampa Bay recognizes its esteemed Tocqueville Society members in United Way and community publications.
History
Only 26 years old when he came to America in 1831, Alexis Charles-Henri Clerel de Tocqueville traveled all over the young nation. Though he only spent nine months in the United States, he gleaned an insightful view of American Society. His observations, readings, and discussions with eminent Americans formed the basis of Democracy in America, a detailed study of American society and politics, published in two volumes, in 1835 and 1840.
Perhaps his most important observation was that Americans helped each other in times of need. He recognized, applauded and immortalized the voluntary spirit that lives in America's heart. He wrote: "I must say that I have seen Americans make a great and real sacrifices to the public welfare; and have noticed a hundred instances in which they hardly ever failed to lend faithful support to one another."
The name Tocqueville Society was chosen because of Alexis de Tocqueville's admiration for the spirit of voluntary association and voluntary effort for the common good.
