Nearly 200 years ago, a French visitor traveled across America trying to understand what made this young nation different. Alexis de Tocqueville concluded that one of our greatest strengths was the willingness of ordinary citizens to come together and help one another.

As he traveled throughout the United States, de Tocqueville observed that Americans had an unusual habit. When there was a problem to solve or a need to meet, neighbors didn’t wait for someone else to step in. They formed associations, volunteered their time, raised resources and worked together to improve their communities. He believed this spirit of civic engagement was one of the great strengths of the American experiment.

If de Tocqueville were to visit Utah County today, I believe he would see the same spirit that impressed him nearly two centuries ago.

Every day, I have the privilege of seeing examples of neighbors helping neighbors. Whether it is volunteers reading with children, mentoring young parents, serving meals or supporting local nonprofits, people throughout our community consistently step forward to help. I see businesses that generously invest in the well-being of our community. I see retirees sharing decades of wisdom and experience. I see young people discovering that one of life’s greatest rewards comes from serving someone else.

Courtesy of United Way of Utah County

Recently, I was reminded of this while watching volunteers work with families in one of our community programs. The volunteers came from different backgrounds and different walks of life. Some were students. Some were professionals. Some were retired. They had little in common except a desire to help someone else succeed. As I watched them interact with children and families, I couldn’t help but think of de Tocqueville’s observations. Nearly two centuries later, the same spirit he admired is alive and well here.

At United Way, we often talk about helping children succeed, strengthening families and building connections that reduce loneliness and isolation. While those goals are important, they are really the result of something even more fundamental. They happen because thousands of people in this community care enough to become involved.

Every donation, volunteer hour and act of kindness tells a story. Taken individually, they may seem small. Together, however, they create something remarkable. They create a community where people know they are not alone and where challenges are met by people willing to help.

In a world that often feels increasingly divided, busy and disconnected, I am grateful that so many people continue to make time for others. There are countless demands on our schedules and attention. Yet, every day, people throughout Utah County choose to serve, give and care.

Most will never receive public recognition for what they do. The volunteer who spends an hour helping a child learn to read probably won’t make the front page of the newspaper. The donor who faithfully contributes month after month may never be publicly acknowledged. The neighbor who quietly checks on an elderly friend may never receive an award.

Courtesy of United Way of Utah County

But our community is stronger because of them.

As we celebrate America’s 250th birthday, perhaps the best way to honor our history is not simply by looking back. Perhaps it is by continuing the tradition that has defined our nation from the beginning. We can choose to notice one another, become involved and strengthen the communities where we live.

The good news is that I see evidence of that spirit every day. It is alive in our schools, our neighborhoods, our businesses, our faith communities and our nonprofit organizations. It is alive in the thousands of people who volunteer and donate through United Way and countless other organizations throughout our community.

As we celebrate 250 years of America, I am reminded that our greatest strength has never been found solely in our institutions or our achievements. It is found in ordinary people who choose to watch out for one another.

If Alexis de Tocqueville were to visit Utah County today, I believe he would leave with the same impression he recorded nearly two centuries ago: when neighbors care for one another, communities flourish. It is a quality that has helped define America for 250 years and one that continues to make Utah County a remarkable place to call home.

Courtesy of United Way of Utah County

To learn more about how you can get involved, please visit unitedwayuc.org.

Bill Hulterstrom is president and CEO of United Way of Utah County.