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The Leadership Giving Society
In the early 1930's, many Community Chests, the forerunners of the United Way system,
adopted the red feather as a symbol of service to the community. In recent years, the
Red Feather has become a symbol for community leaders who give at higher levels than the
average citizen. During the 1980's, the formal societies were established throughout Alabama
to recognize these leaders. Pioneered by United Way of Central Alabama (Birmingham),
membership in leadership giving societies has been expanded to include five levels of
recognition:
Red Feather ($1,000-$1,999),
Silver Feather ($2,000-$3,499),
Gold Feather ($3,500-$4,999),
Platinum Feather ($5,000-$9,999) and
de Tocqueville ($10,000 and up).
The de Tocqueville Society is a nationally recognized level of giving, named after Alexis
de Tocqueville, a historian from France who visited the United States in the early 1900's.
Mr. de Tocqueville found a unique spirit of community volunteerism in the developing American
democracy, and concluded this factor to be the major reason for its enormous energy and
sense of purpose.
For the Wiregrass United Way, Leadership Giving was first recognized as the Red Feather
Association in 1989. Today all five levels of giving are available, and the name has been
changed to the Leadership Giving Society. Individuals may participate
through their place of work or independently. Married couples may combine their gifts to be
eligible. Those participating may agree to be listed in the Leadership
Society brochure, or remain anonymous.
Individuals who contribute amounts from $500 to $999 are just on the edge of the Leadership
Society, and their contributions are often recognized by giving them the title of Committed
Giver.
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