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01-07-2021 · Tocqueville Society · Tocqueville Women United

Reset and Reflection

As we embark upon a new year, I would like to take a moment to reflect on some of our experiences over the past year. Needless to say, 2020 has been a year like no other. Between a global pandemic, an economic slowdown, social unrest, and a contentious election cycle, we are indeed living in extraordinary times. It’s hard to think back to a time when we have had so many people collectively struggling and exhausted—physically, financially, and emotionally. And it is in the midst of these circumstances that United Way of Greater Atlanta has continued to step up and deliver for people in need.

The events that occurred in 2020 taught us all about the importance of supporting the community while underscoring the need to pivot and transition. The coronavirus pandemic ushered in a “perfect storm” of health care and economic crises that have not been seen in our lifetime. The Greater Atlanta COVID-19 Response and Recovery Fund (COVID-19 Fund) was created to get emergency funding to nonprofits working on the frontlines to support our region’s most vulnerable workers and families. As the situation in our community evolved, the Fund pivoted to address rapidly changing needs and the disproportionate impact of the pandemic on the Black, Indigenous and People of Color (BIPOC) population.

We then created The United for Racial Equity and Healing Fund that supports our work to improve areas of low and very-low Child Well-Being. Ending disparities has been the guidepost for our Child Well-Being agenda, which has focused on addressing the systemic issues that put Atlanta at the bottom of the list of U.S. cities in terms of opportunity and mobility for low-income children and make a child’s zip code of birth their destiny.

As the impact of these challenges continues to be felt, your support has never been more critical. Now more than ever I thank you for your support as a Tocqueville Society member. We have been, and will continue to be, all in this together. You help underwrite our Child Well-Being Movement and our work would not be possible without you.

I ask you to read our 2020 Timeline and the Tocqueville Society 2020 Recap below to remember all we have accomplished together. Thank you all for showing up (virtually!) to support the Atlanta community.

United is the way forward. I am proud to serve as your chair and I look forward to what we can accomplish in 2021.

Chris Peck

Tocqueville Society Chair

Vice President, UPS (ret.)

February 2020 African America Partnership Leadership Luncheon

11x NBA All-Star and 2x NBA Champion Chris Bosh alongside actor and budding filmmaker Kofi Siriboe, joined African-American Partnership (AAP) for its fifth-annual Leadership Luncheon at the Hyatt Regency in Downtown Atlanta in February 2020. View photos from the event here!

Cole Women United A Toast to Her

Our inaugural A Toast to Her recognized everyday “sheroes” in our communities in celebration of Women’s History Month. Meet the sheroes honored at the event in March!

Greater Atlanta COVID-19 Response & Recovery Fund

Michael Klump, founder and chairman of the Argonne Capital Group, formed his family foundation over a decade ago. In a normal year, the Klump Family Foundation supports education, health and U.S. Military related causes. While 2020 was far from normal, this community leader stepped up in an incredible way. Read about how Michael responded to the COVID-19 crisis.

United Way of Greater Atlanta’s Virtual Town Hall Series

Subject matter expects from around Atlanta inspired, educated and uplifted viewers during a series of virtual town halls throughout 2020.

May – Protecting Ourselves and Our Community During COVID-19

June – Will Summer Offer Relief for Students and Families?

August – Talking Recovery: Looking Through the Economic Lens at COVID-19 Response and Recovery in the Atlanta Region

June Tocqueville Society Coffee & Conversation

On Thursday, June 18th, United Way of Greater Atlanta was pleased to host its first virtual Tocqueville Society event. A frank, honest conversation was led by Chris Peck, Tocqueville Society Chair, as our panelists discussed issues of race, social injustice, business leadership and community response. Special thanks to our speakers, Kevin Kelly, Milton J. Little, Jr. and Meghan Magruder, for their guidance now and always. Watch the conversation!

Virtual Engagement Roundtable

What are the benefits to being a part of the Tocqueville Society, African American Partnership, Women United, Cole United and our Young Professional Leaders?  Listen to our key volunteers tell you in their own words! 

Building Back Better

United Way of Greater Atlanta’s President and CEO, Milton J. Little, Jr. sat down with Federal Reserve Bank President Dr. Raphael Bostic, to talk about the intersection of economic priorities and philanthropy. Dr. Bostic shared that “diverse participation, complete participation, gets us to a larger, more innovative, more dynamic and more resilient economy for the region, and that’s in all of our interests.” To build back better, we need to galvanize systemic change. Watch their full conversation and share with your networks.

September Tocqueville Society Coffee & Conversation

What should ethical response and recovery look like in the wake of the ongoing pandemic? How do we ensure that the needs of historically marginalized communities are not only heard, but addressed in ways that stoke systemic change? How do we ensure that more leaders of color are seated at the table and positioned to guide community improvement efforts of the future? Tocqueville Society members Aiko Bethea, Shan Cooper, Milton J. Little, Jr., Glenn Mitchell and Chris Peck discussed these important questions during the recent Coffee & Conversation.

“We’ve got the same world to live in. We’ve got to shape our collective future.” Click here to read a recap and watch the conversation!

Women’s Leadership Breakfast

There were many words of wisdom shared at the 13th Annual Women’s Leadership Breakfast by keynote speaker Robin Roberts and moderator Monica Kaufman Pearson! We were also thrilled to honor Tocqueville Society member Meghan Magruder with the Women of Purpose award. Watch Meghan share her reasons for being involved with the community. The only way forward is united. Let’s keep pushing forward - learn more about Women United!