Who Was Alexis de Tocqueville?
“I have seen Americans make 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.”
– ALEXIS de TOCQUEVILLE
From politicians to students to journalists, the words of French author and aristocrat Alexis de Tocqueville have engaged many for decades. Tocqueville’s “Democracy in America” was a two-volume study of the American people and their political institutions. His musings on America’s approach to religion, the press, money, class structure, racism and the role of government remain relevant today in every corner of the country as well as internationally.
United Way Worldwide chose the name Tocqueville Society because of Tocqueville’s admiration for the spirit of American volunteerism and its effect on the common good. Tocqueville Society members exemplify that spirit of good and of philanthropy in its most generous form.
Benefits of Belonging
United Way Tocqueville Society began in 1984 to honor those individuals who have demonstrated an extraordinary commitment to philanthropy through their passion for investing in the community and making a difference – personally and collectively. The Tocqueville Society was named in celebration of the vision of French historian Alexis de Tocqueville, who was recognized as a symbol of the true spirit of volunteerism that lives in America’s heart.
Members of the United Way Tocqueville Society give $10,000 or more annually. Currently, we have more than 27,000 Tocqueville members nationally that contribute approximately $570 million on an annual basis.
When you join the Tocqueville Society you are affirming your leadership and deep level of commitment to the betterment of our community. These are several giving levels within the Tocqueville Society.
| Giving Level | Individual Contribution |
| Membres de la Société | $10,000 – $24,999 |
| Ordre d’ Liberté | $25,000 – $49,999 |
| Ordre d’ Egalité | $50,000 – $74,999 |
| Ordre de Fraternité | $75,000 – $99,999 |
| La Société Nationale | $100,000 – $999,999 |
| La Table Ronde d’un Million de Dollars | $1,000,000 or more |
| La Table Ronde de Cinq Millions de Dollars | $5,000,000 or more |
United Way Tocqueville Society Benefits
Specific local Tocqueville Society benefits differ by location; however, all Tocqueville Society members benefit from:
- Joining a national network of philanthropic leaders who are engaged locally to create long-lasting, positive changes.
- Partnering with a quality organization and dedicated staff; ensuring that gifts, voice, and time are efficiently invested in local communities to maximize impact.
- The unique position of United Way as one of the world’s premier philanthropic organizations which can be used to convene community business and civic leaders focused on the building blocks of a good life: a quality education that leads to a stable job; income that can support a family through retirement; and good health.
- Local Tocqueville Society leaders along with National Society and Million Dollar Roundtable members are invited to attend national and worldwide gatherings of Tocqueville and Million Dollar Roundtable Members.
United Way of Southern West Virginia Membership
| William E. Massey |
2010, 2011, 2012. 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022 |
| Gerald & Deb Swanson | 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015 |
| Shawn & Angela Ball | 2014, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022 |
| David Darden | 2015, 2016 |
| Dr. Ed & Linda Eckley | 2016 |
| Richard & Beth Jarrell | 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022 |
| Dr. Brett & Melanie Eckley | 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022 |
| Dr. Mike & Terry Muscari | 2017, 2018, 2019 |
| Dr. Tom Jarrett | 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022 |
| Donnie & Linda Holcomb | 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022 |
| Dr. Raj & Dr. Jamie Patel | 2017, 2018, 2020 |
| Dr. Kyle Muscari | 2018, 2019 |
| Chris Cline | 2018, 2019 |
| Michael Quesenberry | 2018 |
| Austin Caperton | 2018 |
| Devonna West | 2018 |
| Dr. Stuart & Amy Cornett |
2019 |
| Elmer Coppoolse & The Resort at Glade Springs | 2019 |
| Bill & Teresa McClanahan | 2019 |
| Mike & Bonnie Jarrell | 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022 |
| Randolph McGraw | 2019 |
| The Cornett Family – Jan-Care Ambulance | 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022 |
| Corey Beasley & Greg Darby – The Little General Family | 2019 |
| Ernie & Lori Davis | 2019 |
| James Songer II | 2019, 2020, 2021 |
| Dr. Tony and Joanne Kelly | 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022 |
| Randy Snuffer | 2020 |