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The fleur-de-lis, the symbol of the Society
Alexis Charles-Henri Clerel de Tocqueville, a French political writer and statesman, visited the United States in 1831. Traveling throughout the country, he made a number of observations on American society that he published in Democracy in America in 1835. He described a common characteristic of American communities: a willingness of its citizens to come together to accomplish what matters most to them--lending faithful support to neighbors and countrymen, especially in times of need.
United Way of America created the United Way Tocqueville Society in 1984. It named the Society after Tocqueville as a tribute to him and his admiration for the spirit of voluntarism in America.
United Way of Central New Mexico established its own Tocqueville Society in 1996. Currently in its twelfth year, its members donated $8.9 Million in our community. The record breaking 426 members, giving $10,000 and more annually, includes bankers, carpenters, doctors, lawyers, police officers....people from many walks of life.
For the fourth year in a row, the extroadinary philanthropy of central New Mexicans was recognized by the National Alexis de Tocqueville Society. In the 2007 Campaign, the Society received five national awards.
United Way of America National Fleur-de-Lis Awards presented to United Way of Central New Mexico are:
• Most Tocqueville Members
• Most National Society Members
• Most Net Increase in Tocqueville Members
• Most Tocqueville Society Women
• Most New Tocqueville Legacy Commitments
The Tocqueville coat-of-arms,
a symbol for the United Way
Million Dollar Roundtable | 
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Founding
United Way of Central New Mexico Alexis de Tocqueville Society Members:
Doug and Sarah Brown
Wilson and Rosalyn Hurley
Jan Friedrich
Ray and Catherine Ziler |
Tocqueville's Chateau
"In towns it is impossible to prevent men from assembling, getting excited together and forming sudden passionate resolves. Towns are like great meeting houses with all the inhabitants as members. In them the people wield immense influence over their magistrates and often carry their desires into execution without intermediaries."
"As soon as individuals with a cause have found one another out, they combine. From that moment, they are no longer isolated people, but a power seen from afar, whose actions serve as an example, and whose language is listened to."
"When an American asks for the cooperation of his fellow citizens, it is seldom refused; and I have often seen it afforded spontaneously, and with great good will."
"Feelings and ideas are renewed, the heart enlarged, and the understanding developed only by reciprocal action of men one upon another."
"I have often admired the extreme skill they use in proposing a common object for the exertions of very many and in inducing them voluntarily to pursue it."
"Americans are so enamored of equality that theywould rather be equal in slavery than unequal in freedom."
"The greatness of America lies not in being more enlightened than any other nation, but rather in her ability to repair her faults."
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