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TOCQUEVILLE SOCIETY​

The Tocqueville Society lets passionate individuals deepen their involvement in our mission. The Society celebrates philanthropic leaders and volunteer champions who devote their time, talents, and resources to solving our communities’ most pressing challenges.

WHAT IS TOCQUEVILLE SOCIETY?

The Tocqueville Society, founded in 1984, was inspired by Alexis de Tocqueville’s observations of civic engagement and generosity during his travels in North America. These reflections, captured in his book “Democracy in America,” praised Americans’ spirit of volunteerism and community building. That became the foundation of the Society’s mission. Dr. Thomas F. Frist Jr. launched the first chapter in Nashville, and Atlanta, Boston, Cincinnati, and Des Moines quickly followed. These founding communities helped shape the Society into a national movement of leaders dedicated to collective giving and philanthropy. 

The Tocqueville Society now has 400 chapters globally, and its nearly 25,000 members raise more than $529 million annually. The heirs of the spirit Alexis de Tocqueville described remain active, continuing to promote philanthropy and host events in partnership with United Way. The Society’s mission is echoed around the world. Together we are driving positive change in communities worldwide.

With deep roots in communities across Southeast Louisiana, United Way and the Tocqueville Society have the local expertise and global reach to help you create community impact at scale. Alongside local partners, we bring a comprehensive approach to every challenge, listening to communities and mobilizing people behind solutions with the greatest potential to move us all forward. Together, we are opening pathways for every person and every community to thrive.

“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.” -Alexis de Tocqueville

MEMBERSHIP

Joining the Tocqueville Society means more than making a donation. It’s about partnering with a community of leaders who believe in the power of giving. Your membership is a commitment to transforming lives by advancing health, youth opportunity, financial security, and community resiliency. Your contribution, whether you give $10,000 or $1 million, helps strengthen the future for families everywhere.

BENEFITS OF MEMBERSHIP INCLUDE:

Joining a global network of philanthropic leaders who are engaged locally to create long-lasting, positive changes

The ability to partner with one of the world’s premier charitable organizations, ensuring your time, voice, and money are making a measurable impact

The opportunity to influence local and national change by leveraging United Way’s broad network and resources

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 Member

Special recognition at the Alexis De Tocqueville Celebration

Special recognition at the Alexis De Tocqueville Celebration

Contact Michelle by email or 504-827-9258 to learn how you can become involved in the United Way Tocqueville Society and inquire about local membership benefits.

TOCQUEVILLE SOCIETY RECOGNITION LEVELS

Your level of giving reflects your dedication to building stronger communities. The Tocqueville Society honors members through special recognition orders tied to their financial contributions.

La Table Ronde de Millions de Dollars

$1,000,000+

Ordre de Prospérité

$1,000,000+

Ordre de Connaissance

$1,000,000+

Ordre d’Indépendance

$500,000 - $749,999

La Société Nationale

$100,000 - $249,999

Ordre d’Egalité

$50,000 - $74,999

Ordre de Liberté

$25,000 - $49,999

Ordre de Générosité

$15,000- $24,999

Membres de la Société

$10,000-$14,999

TOCQUEVILLE AWARD

Each year, the Alexis de Tocqueville Society of United Way of Southeast Louisiana presents its highest award for exemplary leadership in community, volunteerism, and philanthropy. These outstanding philanthropists serve as inspiration for all of us who endeavor to create a better community for our citizens.

  • 2025 José S. Suquet
  • 2024 United Way Centennial Recognition
    2023 Robert W. Merrick
  • 2022 Demario Davis
  • 2021 Marcus V. Brown
  • 2019 Roger Ogden
  • 2018 Mary Keller Zervigon
  • 2017 J. Wayne Leonard
  • 2016 Alexis Hocevar
  • 2015 David Fennelly
  • 2014 John Hollowell
  • 2013 Gary & Mary Ann Ostroske
  • 2012 Carol Wise
  • 2011 Karen & Henry Coaxum
  • 2010 William Goldring
    2009 Phyllis M. Taylor
  • 2008 Chef Emeril Lagasse
  • 2007 New Orleans Saints
  • 2006 Kim Sport
  • 2004 Robert W. Merrick
  • 2002 Harry J. Blumenthal, Jr.
  • 2001 Hans A.B. Jonassen
  • 2000 Frank B. Stewart, Jr.
  • 1999 Gerard A. Brechtel
  • 1998 Florence W. Schornstein
  • 1997 Hope and Michael Read
  • 1996 Edwin Lupberger
  • 1995 James R. Moffett
  • 1994 Sr. Anthony Barczykowski, D.C.
  • 1993 William F. Wallace, III
  • 1992 John K. Roberts, Jr
  • 1991 Diana Lewis
  • 1990 Charles Teamer, Sr.
  • 1989 Leon Sarpy
  • 1988 A. Louis Read
  • 1987 C. Allen Favrot
  • 1986 Charles Keller

2025 Tocqueville Gala sponsors

Visionary
Prosperity Pioneers
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Your community needs your participation. Volunteer now.

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OUR GROUPS

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Young Leaders United

Young Leaders United (YLU), formerly Young Leaders Movement, builds socially conscious leaders who fight for change. YLU unites passionate people to create more equitable communities through advocacy, volunteerism, and giving. Learn More
Mission Ignition

Retire United

Retire United mobilizes the experience, expertise, and resources of individuals who are retired or soon-to-retire to strengthen our community through volunteerism and philanthropy. Learn More
Mission Ignition

Tocqueville Society

Tocqueville Society members unite to increase United Way’s capacity to stabilize families, help children succeed, and empower healthy living. An annual gift of $10,000 places you among this uniquely engaged group of philanthropists. Learn More
Mission Ignition

Mission Ignition

The mission of the program and of the student board is to make service fun and engaging for high school students by turning it into a competition and encouraging a sense of community while inspiring philanthropic lifestyles that transcend graduation requirements. Learn More
Mission Ignition

OUR GROUPS​

Within United Way, groups of like-minded people are inspiring their peers to make a difference. Together, we are more than the sum of our parts. Together, we can change the world.
ALL GROUPS
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Helena Moreno

Campaign Email:  letsgo@helenamorenola.com
Contact Phone Number:  (504) 655-2878


Campaign Website and Social Media Handles
www.helenamorenola.com
@HelenamorenoHQ  |  @helenamorenola

Commitment: If elected, would you dedicate additional funding in the City budget for early care and education?

Yes.

If so, how would you prioritize it in the budget?

Both in the state legislature and city council, I’ve been a strong supporter of bringing early childhood education to New Orleans. In 2018, we allocated the first $1.5M in city funds for additional seats. As Council President, we doubled that to $3M. I was the lead author to put the pre-k millage on the ballot, providing millions more. I will continue this work as mayor. As for additional funding for pre-k, is there anything more important? We have demonstrated to the public that local government can make progress on this issue with increased resources. There are competing priorities, especially when it comes to drainage, but our kids desperately need pre-k, and so do our parents, who are under pressure to be both caregiver and financial provider.

Commitment:  If elected, will you use your power and platform to advocate at the state and federal levels for sustained early childhood funding? If yes, please describe the specific actions you will take to do this.

Yes.

Every leader at the local, state, and federal levels should be working together to provide high-quality early childhood education to our young people. I will always shout from the rooftops about the enormous benefits of Head Start and pre-k, along with Medicaid, SNAP, public housing, and kids’ programming on PBS. As mayor, I will lead a broad intergovernmental relations effort with constant coordination between city leadership, the legislative delegation, and advocates. I don’t think anyone is listening, for now, but that can change. More broadly, this is why the mayoral election is so important. New Orleans needs to stand on its own two feet. No one is coming to rescue us, so we must be strong in the face of unprecedented economic, environmental, and political headwinds.

Commitment: If elected, will you commit to ensuring our early care and education providers can keep their doors open, grow their business, pay a living wage to their teachers, and help ensure families and educators can continue to afford to live in the city? If yes, please describe the specific actions you will take to do this.

Yes.

Child care providers will have a strong supporter in the mayor’s office when I am elected. Our city hall will serve as a hub, connecting needs and resources, with a focus on streamlining red tape for critical service providers, such as those offering child care. It is not enough to have more early childhood seats; we need quality. Even at current levels of local and state funding, pre-K early education programs exist in an environment where low wages are the norm and facilities are often in disrepair. The current climate at the state and federal levels may preclude additional funds. Yet, at the local level, as I mentioned earlier, is there anything more important than pre-k? We have demonstrated to the public that local government can make progress on this issue with increased resources.

Commitment: If elected, would you commit to ensuring essential local workers – including those in city government – can access childcare through local providers, and that private sector employers do their part in ensuring their employees can access the childcare they need to work, be productive, and grow our economy? If yes, please elaborate on how you would fulfill this commitment.

Yes.

I will always advocate amongst employers and at the state level for a real-living wage that can provide for a family. In workplaces across New Orleans and at city hall, I see parents working double time, struggling to keep up due to a lack of child care. Part of the answer is more public school seats for children aged 6 months to 4 years old. For older kids, I want NORD to do more. A lot more. I have been a leader in expanding NORD’s budget to record highs. Now the goal is to maximize services during non-school hours. Summer enrichment is especially crucial to prevent any backslide. In short, I want to usher in a NORD Renaissance, especially after school. This would go a long way, especially for working parents who need a few more critical hours of support before they can leave work.

Commitment: If elected, will you commit to maintaining this office and protecting these investments?

Yes.

How will you ensure these efforts are sustained beyond your term and are prioritized in future budgets?

Yes. I helped lead the effort for early childhood education with Agenda for Children, and I will commit to maintaining and protecting these early childhood investments. They were hard won, and we cannot lose them. If anything, we need an expansion, which will be the key subject of future budgets, which must balance ALL the city’s needs. The bottom line: we must support families, or else they will simply leave, and New Orleans will not have a future.