"There is nothing wrong with America that cannot be cured by what is right with America." Bill Clinton's observation captures an enduring truth about our democracy—that its greatest strength lies not in perfect institutions, but in engaged citizens willing to address our challenges. Ronald Reagan echoed this sentiment when he said, "America is great because America is good, and if America ever ceases to be good, America will cease to be great." Both leaders understood that our nation's character flows from its people, not its government.
Nearly two centuries earlier, Alexis de Tocqueville marveled at this same quality during his travels through America. What impressed the French observer most wasn't our laws or leaders, but our civic associations. He saw Americans constantly forming voluntary groups to tackle problems, improve communities, and strengthen democracy from the ground up. These associations, he wrote, were the "schools of democracy" where citizens learned to work together for the common good.
Yet de Tocqueville also warned of democracy's vulnerabilities—the risk that individualism could weaken community bonds and that citizens might retreat from public life into private concerns. His insight remains relevant: democracy depends on citizen participation to thrive.
Here in Fayette County, we see de Tocqueville's vision alive and thriving. Our community's remarkable culture of volunteering— from food pantries and volunteer fire departments to arts organizations, historical groups, and youth programs—perfectly exemplifies the civic spirit he admired. This tradition of neighbors helping neighbors strengthens our democratic fabric every day.
The League of Women Voters represents this same American civic tradition. For more than a hundred years, League members have worked to defend voting rights, boost civic participation, and promote informed engagement in democracy. Our annual Women Making History event honors local women whose actions exemplify this spirit of civic leadership and community service.
We're now accepting nominations for women to be honored at our 2026 Women Making History event. Who in your life exemplifies the best of America? Maybe she's organized community efforts, mentored young people, advocated for important causes, or strengthened our community in big or small ways. These aren't distant political figures but neighbors who saw needs and took action.
Their work reminds us that democracy isn't a spectator sport. It requires what de Tocqueville called "the art of association"—citizens working together to solve problems rather than waiting for someone else to act. Each woman we honor shows that one person's commitment, multiplied by others, creates meaningful change.
This matters especially now, when cynicism about civic institutions is high. Recognizing these women shows that local action still works and that ordinary citizens can make extraordinary differences. They exemplify the best of America: the belief that we can and should work together to improve our communities.
Join us in honoring women making a difference in Fayette County by nominating a woman for recognition at our 2026 Women Making History celebration. Visit lwvsouthcentraltx.org to submit your nomination by midnight on January 25, 2026. Share the story of a woman whose service and leadership deserve acknowledgment.
Then join us at 3:00 PM on March 8 at La Grange's Historic Casino Hall to celebrate the remarkable women our community has chosen to honor.
De Tocqueville and others across generations understood that the future of democracy depends on us, not on distant powers. The women we honor—and those we invite you to nominate—prove him right. They are the good that repairs what needs fixing, one community contribution at a time.