Noted historian and French Aristocrat Alexis de Tocqueville toured the young United States in 1831, observing and recording the American spirit of voluntary action for the common good, which formed the basis for his book, Democracy in America. Today, this essence of volunteerism remains alive through United Way and the society that bears his name.

The Alexis de Tocqueville Society was created to acknowledge and honor those individuals whose leadership and commitment to helping others has been uncommon in its generosity. On behalf of the thousands of lives who are touched each year by one of our member agencies, the United Way of Central Oklahoma is proud to thank and salute these visionary leaders for their outstanding annual support.

Three elements of democracy, which de Tocqueville so admired in American society, were liberty, equality and the spirit of neighbor helping neighbor. These same elements are embraced in the French phrase “Liberté, Egalité, Fraternité.” Tocqueville hoped that by achieving these elements of democracy, all people would choose to pursue freedom, knowledge and prosperity-indépendance, connaissance, and prospérité.