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SOCIETY Membership Guide

GIVE. ADVOCATE. VOLUNTEER. UNITEDWAYSEM.ORG

For more information, please contact us at [email protected] ALEXIS DE TOCQUEVILLE SOCIETY MEMBERSHIP GUIDE Creating Change With the Alexis de Tocqueville Society

t has been a pleasure to serve I as Alexis de Tocqueville Initiative chairs over the last five years. In that , society membership increased enough to make us a Top 10 chapter – up from 37th in the country. Last fall, we celebrated moving up one more notch to rank ninth in the . We are grateful for members who made this possible! e are so honored to serve emergency referrals to families in As we look to the future, we W as the new chairs of the need; programs for parents that recognize how important our Alexis de Tocqueville Society, and help them prepare their children society members are to our to work with all of you to move for kindergarten; and access to and to United Way. our region forward. healthy foods all year long for We are pleased to hand the reigns children. Donors make all of that Under the stewardship of Lisa over to Mark Davidoff and Margie and more possible. Dunn, who have agreed to lead the and Bill Ford, we launched the society for the next two years. Mark Alexis de Tocqueville Society We are working with President and Margie will create exciting ways Initiative with the goal of and CEO Dr. Darienne Driver and to build upon our past success and increasing participation in this the United Way team to continue carry forward the important most important segment of to enhance our society with a our members play in supporting the philanthropic . focus on both growth and the experience for our members. mission of United Way. The record-setting generosity of Thank you for joining our efforts the Alexis de Tocqueville Society Your ideas and are to make a difference in our has provided resources for critically important, so we community. United Way to help thousands of encourage you to share with us at Southeastern Michigan children [email protected]. With much gratitude, and families in so many ways. With our highest appreciation, Lisa and Bill Ford The Alexis de Tocqueville Society funds projects like the 2-1-1 Mark Davidoff resource center, which provides and Margie Dunn 2 3 ALEXIS DE TOCQUEVILLE SOCIETY MEMBERSHIP GUIDE

Affinity groups such as the Alexis de Tocqueville Society are vital in supporting our mission and transforming our . Darienne B. Driver, Ed.D. United Way for Southeastern Michigan, President and CEO

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We Live United for universal success and prosperity in Southeastern Michigan.

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I support United Way because I was excited about their focus on , basic needs and financial stability, and moving the needle with high school turnaround work. Leadership was bold and took a risk to drive meaningful impact. Srikant Inampudi Member of United Way for Southeastern Michigan’s board and the Alexis de Tocqueville Society

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United Way is a perfect philanthropic match for us. It coincides with our passion for education, early intervention and helping those in need. From supporting the Bib to Backpack program to volunteering to assemble literacy kits, we feel our financial and hands-on contributions make a significant difference in Detroit and beyond. As a society member, Christine and Pat Scoggin Alexis de Tocqueville Society members your gift makes the greatest impact, and you'll get exclusive benefits.

›› Invitations to exclusive events hosted by corporate and community leaders. ›› Recognition on our elite donor wall as an Alexis de Tocqueville Society member and initiation into our Honor Roll of Donors. ›› Access to member volunteer activities. ›› Networking opportunities and receptions with and civic leaders. ›› A dedicated relationship manager to help you manage and reach your philanthropic goals. ›› Quarterly membership newsletters and donor profiles. ›› Mentorship opportunities with Emerging Philanthropists, a Leadership Giving group for young professionals.

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Members enjoy exclusive events

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How to join

The minimum annual contribution to join the Alexis de Tocqueville Society is $10,000 per year. However, United Way offers a unique way for new members to enjoy the society as they step up their pledge over the course of three years. By participating in this three-year pledge program, you will be recognized as an Alexis de Tocqueville Society member upon enrollment and will be immediately eligible for full benefits, opportunities and events. See pledge card for full details.

Year 1...... $6,000

Year 2...... $8,000 Membership Year 3...... $10,000 Commitment

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United Way plays an important role in making our community a better place. Through our Alexis de Tocqueville membership, Your gift changes lives our family ensures that this work can continue to help children Here are some ways your gift can make and families thrive. Tim Manganello an impact in the community. Alexis de Tocqueville Society member

$10,000 $25,000 $50,000 $100,000 connects parents with a can support 5,000 2-1-1 calls, can support enrolling 57 can support 200 Meet Up and program navigator which helps which offer service referrals on into our Eat Up summer meal sites, place 2,000 local children in shelter, food, health services assistance program, which which serve more than 425,000 high-quality summer learning and more. offers shut-off protection and meals. opportunities. self-sufficiency services.

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There are more ways to join the Alexis de Tocqueville Society outside of a cash or step-up gift program. Donors who endow a minimum gift of $200,000 to United Way through their estate plan The Tocqueville join our elite Tocqueville Legacy Circle. Through their Tocqueville Legacy Circle membership, these generous supporters extend their impact on the community for Legacy Circle generations to come and are nationally recognized. There are several options to make a planned gift, including a United Way life insurance policy. Learn more about all planned giving options by visiting UnitedWaySEM.org/Legacy.

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A legacy of giving back Origins of the Alexis de Tocqueville Society

Alexis Charles-Henri de Tocqueville was only 26 years old when he came to the United States and Canada in 1831, recording his observations of life in the young . Though he only spent nine months in North America, he gleaned many profound insights about American society. His observations, readings and discussions with eminent Americans formed the basis of Democracy in America, a detailed study of American society and , published in two volumes in 1835 and 1840. Tocqueville recognized, applauded and immortalized North American voluntary action on behalf of the . He wrote: “I must say that I have seen Americans make a great deal of real sacrifices to the public welfare; and have noticed a hundred instances in which they hardly ever failed to lend a faithful support to one another,” eloquently capturing the essence of personal philanthropy that persists almost two centuries later. The Alexis de Tocqueville Society today The observations on philanthropy Alexis de Tocqueville made in 1831 remain true today: advancing the common good means creating opportunities for a better life for all. The society’s name was chosen Founded in 1984, the United Way Tocqueville Society is an because of Alexis de Tocqueville’s admiration for the spirit of voluntary opportunity for passionate individuals to become more deeply association and effort toward its advancement. involved in our mission. The Alexis de Tocqueville Society recognizes local philanthropic leaders and volunteer champions in the United States, France and Romania who have devoted time, talent and funds to create long-lasting changes by tackling our communities’ most serious issues. 20 ALEXIS DE TOCQUEVILLE SOCIETY MEMBERSHIP GUIDE

We support United Way as a part of Caresoft's mission to socially engage and give back to the community in Detroit. Our involvement in the Alexis de Tocqueville Society makes us feel like we're part of a larger cause along with like-minded folks who are great role models for our family and employees. Mathew Vachaparampil and Dr. Anna Mathew Alexis de Tocqueville Society members

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