If you can care and can do something, now is a good time to act.

All the news coming out of Washington, DC these days not only fills the newspapers and the news channels on TV and radio - but in all the news clutter, a message that is getting lost is how much the colleges & universities, charities, churches, and other causes in our lives need the support of folks who care.  Economist Arthur Brooks has asked - and answered - the question, "Who Really Cares?" - and, the overwhelming conclusion he discovered in the course of his painstaking research is that the folks who care the most are the folks we all know - and, us. Sure, there are the big-time philanthropists who can make mega-gifts of $50 or $100 million (or more), but there's not a lot of Vanderbilts, Carnegies, Buffetts, and Gates around.  In truth, the lion's share of charitable giving comes from folks of modest means - billions of dollars in charitable gifts come from millions of donors every year.  And, all the causes we care about are able to help make our lives and society better thanks to this support.

So, right now it's easy to be concerned about a lot of things - many of which are quite beyond our capacity to affect the ultimate outcomes - but, well within our control is the chance - right now - to do something that makes a difference.  Whether it's a gift to your alma mater to help with scholarship needs (and, you can be sure that such needs are great at every college & university in the country!), or a pledge at work for United Way, or adding a special gift in the plate at church for a mission trip or the pastor's discretionary fund - whatever it may be, it will be greatly appreciated.  

I suppose it comes down to this:  If you care, this is a terrific time to act on your caring nature. Not only will the beneficiary of your generosity be appreciative, but you'll be glad you did it, too.