For Kirk and Tate Forrester, community involvement has become a family commitment rooted in giving, volunteering and creating a stronger Central Alabama for future generations.
As the 2026 co-chairs of United Way of Central Alabama’s (UWCA) Tocqueville Society, the Forresters are helping lead a network of philanthropic and volunteer leaders committed to creating long-lasting change across our region.
The couple joined the Tocqueville Society in 2015, but their involvement with United Way extends beyond charitable giving. Kirk and Tate have served in several volunteer roles at UWCA, including on the Visiting Allocation Team, which gives community members an opportunity to visit the nonprofit organizations that United Way supports and help make thoughtful, informed funding decisions.
Both grew up in families that valued giving back to community. Their experience with United Way has reinforced the belief that everyone has something to contribute and we all benefit when we come together to serve a cause greater than ourselves.
“United Way excels at bringing in volunteers from all over the community and giving them a sense of ownership,” said Kirk. “It becomes a ‘we’ project instead of a ‘me’ project.”
Creating a Culture of Giving Back
For the Forresters, civic service is also something to pass along to the next generation.
Their family has participated in volunteer opportunities such as packing Christmas gifts for the Salvation Army Angel Tree and delivering meals through Meals on Wheels. Those experiences provide a hands-on way to serve while showing their four children what it means to take an active role in their community.
“Birmingham is unique for its civic-minded spirit, a legacy which has been passed down over the generations, and we’re fortunate stewards of that inheritance. But that muscle memory of engagement, volunteerism and giving has to be constantly renewed,” said Kirk. “It’s up to all of us to educate [younger people] about the importance of giving back and why it’s critical to the success of our community.”
The Forresters view that involvement as an investment not only in people who need support today but also in the future of Central Alabama.
“This is an investment for our children,” said Kirk. “We want them to live in a community that is thriving, and a strong United Way is key part of a strong, thriving community.
Through its network of partner agencies and direct services, UWCA addresses needs ranging from financial stability and senior support to crisis intervention and homelessness prevention. For Tate, supporting that work is part of accepting responsibility for the community they call home.
“It’s our time to step up as civic leaders and carry the torch for the community we live in,” Tate said.
Leading the Tocqueville Society
Founded in 1986, UWCA’s Tocqueville Society brings together individuals and families who invest $10,000 or more annually in United Way’s work. In 2025, Tocqueville Society members contributed a combined $15.7 million, accounting for approximately 40% of funds raised through UWCA’s Annual Campaign.
The society also emphasizes volunteer leadership, giving members opportunities to contribute their time and expertise in addition to their financial support.
“United Way makes it easy to find ways to plug in and volunteer.” she said. “They make sure you have everything you need to make it a rewarding, meaningful experience.”
For Kirk and Tate, that combination of giving, volunteering and leadership demonstrates how individual involvement can become collective action and how one generation can help inspire the next.
To learn more about United Way of Central Alabama’s Tocqueville Society, click here.