Women's Initiative

Alexis de Tocqueville Society

United Way of America created the national Alexis de Tocqueville Society in 1972 to recognize persons who have rendered outstanding service in their own community or on a national level by their annual contribution of $10,000 or more. The name, Alexis de Tocqueville Society, was chosen because of Tocqueville’s admiration for the spirit of voluntary effort for the common good – a spirit he had observed in America and about which he wrote so enthusiastically. Today there are 305 societies that raised nearly $400 million from over 16,000 members nationwide.

The Alexis de Tocqueville Society of Southwest Alabama was chartered in 1991 by Ann Delchamps. Today the society comprises thirty-two philanthropic community leaders.

The Women’s Initiative of the Alexis de Tocqueville Society of Southwest Alabama was begun by Sarah Damson in the year 2000 with 5 charter members. As of 2004, 9 women are contributing at Alexis de Tocqueville level.

The purpose of the Women’s Initiative is to recognize and promote philanthropic giving to United Way among women.

One Thousand United

A second Women’s Initiative effort was created after the 2002 Women’s Alexis de Tocqueville Luncheon. This new initiative is named One Thousand United and its purpose is to recruit and recognize women leadership givers contributing $1,000 or more annually to United Way.

In its first year, One Thousand United’s goal was to recruit 100 women to each contribute $1,000 or more to the 2002 Campaign. Led by Lulu Crawford and a committee of volunteers, their efforts resulted in more than 100 women contributing at or above the $1,000 level. Today,One Thousand United has successfully grown to 175 members.

The hope of the One Thousand United effort within the Women’s Initiative is to continue to build off the tremendous success of its first two years. By recruiting and recognizing an increased number of women leadership givers each year, the initiative can achieve its goal of reaching 1,000 women leaders.

Women's Initiative Pledge Card