Tocqueville, a nineteenth century French philosopher, defined citizenship as “self-interest rightly understood.” Through his work in Democracy in America he found that through the common purpose of people, a more active and aware political and civil society occurred. The coming together of Vancouver Board of Trade members, education and community partners through The Rix Center puts aside any selfish desires by working together to making a difference in society. This relates to Tocqueville’s findings on balancing the concerns of the individual and the community.