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Tocqueville Society Involvement

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Advocate
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GIVE

Tocqueville Society members’ investments lead the United Way system in creating opportunities for people to have better lives. There are several ways to give your Tocqueville Society gift to United Way, including cash, stocks and securities, and/or payroll deductions. The giving of assets, rather than income, has become an increasingly common strategy among United Way investors. For an example of the benefits a gift of appreciated securities may provide, see the stock calculator. For other examples of how planned giving techniques may enhance your capacity to create long-lasting change, visit the Planned Giving page. Contact your local United Way for additional information on giving options specific to your community.

ADVOCATE

With nearly 27,000 members across the United Way system, Tocqueville Society members are strong champions for change. While the causes for which Tocqueville members advocate vary from community to community, all aim to advance the common good by creating long-lasting positive change – local, national or global. For more information on the issues important to Tocqueville Society members in your community, contact your local United Way. United Way advocates both locally and nationally on behalf of opportunities in education, income and health. For information on United Way’s championship of issues in your community, contact your local United Way. For information on United Way of America’s national public policy agenda, please visit Public Policy.

VOLUNTEER

Volunteers are a critical resource in United Way’s strategy to advance the common good. There are many volunteer opportunities at your local United Way. Each local Tocqueville Society appoints a chair or lead volunteer. The responsibilities of the chair(s) vary from community to community; however, every current and incoming Tocqueville Society Chair is invited to attend national learning and networking opportunities.  For more resources, Tocqueville Society Chairs encouraged to visit the Tocqueville Chair's Corner.

Linda Robinson Rutz is LIVING UNITED in Lincoln, Nebraska

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Linda Robinson Rutz
Chair, United Way of Lincoln and Lancaster County Tocqueville Society

Q: How long have you been involved with United Way?
A: 33 Years. I gave to my first United Way campaign in 1975 and have been involved as a donor, committee and board member as well as serving as board president, and now chairing our Tocqueville Society.

Q: Why do you choose the United Way Tocqueville Society as your vehicle for personal philanthropy?
A: Primarily because I was asked to become a member. Another Tocqueville Society member shared the vision and mission for Tocqueville and its growing role in providing financial support for United Way. Tocqueville provides one-stop philanthropic giving, and I have the confidence that the dollars are going to support the primary initiatives our United Way and community leaders have identified.

Q: What initiative does the Tocqueville Society in Lincoln, Nebraska, support and how do you think this is meaningful to Society members?
A: Undesignated Tocqueville dollars in Lincoln support, in large part, our number one initiative: “Investing in Lincoln’s future: our children”. This includes a heavy emphasis on early learning, mentoring, and youth development programs. Our Society members tend to be community leaders who are very interested in Lincoln’s future and want to see everyone have the best chance to be productive citizens. In terms of a fundraising initiative, I would be remiss in not mentioning Barry Griswell. Barry’s keynote address at a leadership event last May, coupled with his generous matching grant to start a step-up program, has been monumental in helping us move to the next level. In addition to five new Tocqueville members, we also secured our first-ever Tocqueville Legacy Circle Member ($250k) and Million Dollar Roundtable Member ($2 million gift)!

Q: What is your inspiration for personal Philanthropic Action?
A: I believe that I have a responsibility to take a leadership role in giving back to my community. I have been very blessed and absolutely subscribe to and practice the philosophy that more is expected of those to whom much has been given.