Tocqueville Society

What is the Tocqueville Society?

The Tocqueville Society of the Louisiana Capital Area was founded to deepen the understanding, commitment and support of United Way’s most generous and community minded individuals. Membership is comprised of men and women who exemplify generosity by investing $10,000 or more annually in our community through Capital Area United Way. Their commitment to service for the public good in the community in which they live and work is the distinguishing feature of members of the Society.

Who was Alexis de Tocqueville?

Only twenty-six years old when he came to the United States in 1831, Alexis Charles-Henri Clerel de Tocqueville traveled all over the young nation. He spent nine months touring the country, gleaning an insightful view of American society. In 1835 he published the first volume of a detailed study called Democracy in America, followed by a second volume in 1840.

His most important observation, perhaps, was the fact that Americans helped each other in times of need. He recognized and applauded the spirit of voluntarism and generosity that pervaded the country: “I must say that I have seen Americans make great and real sacrifices to the public welfare; and I have noticed a hundred instances in which they hardly ever failed to lend faithful support to one another.”

It is in this spirit that United Way of America created the Tocqueville Society in 1984. Today, the society is one of the most prestigious institutions for individuals who are passionate about improving people’s lives and strengthening communities.

What is the Tocqueville Society Award?

This award is given annually to an individual in recognition of his or her exemplary volunteerism on behalf of our community and Capital Area United Way. Members of the Tocqueville Society of the Louisiana Capital Area, CAUW Board of Directors and the executives of CAUW Member Agencies nominate individuals for this award. The Tocqueville Society Cabinet selects the winner.

Who are previous Tocqueville Award Winners? 

Myron Falk (1997)
Shiles McCord (1998)
Huey Wilson (1998)
Milton J. Womack (1998)
Douglas L. Manship Sr. (1999)
John W. Barton Sr. (2000)
Jensen Holliday (2001)
Charles W. “Chuck” McCoy (2002)
Sue and Bert Turner (2003)
Dee Dee and Kevin Reilly Sr. (2004)
Virginia and John Noland (2005)
Mary Frey Eaton (2006)

What are the benefits of membership in the Tocqueville Society?

Members of the Tocqueville Society are recognized for their generosity in the following ways:

  •   Inclusion in the national Tocqueville Society membership registry 
  •    Invitation to the annual Tocqueville recognition event honoring all Tocqueville donors.
  •   Updates on the impact of your gift

For more information about the Tocqueville Society of the Louisiana Capital Area,
please contact Gail Gaienne at 225-382-3384 or by email at gailg@cauw.org. 

Please click here for a Tocqueville Society Pledge Form.

Click here for a message from Jason Green, 2007 Tocqueville Society Chair