Anyone – of modest means or greater wealth - can get involved. It starts with your passion. Select any charitable cause that excites you. Then decide to make a difference. This can be a school you attended. It can be your religious institution. Many people get motivated by events that impact their family or community. It’s as simple as setting aside $12 a month and getting 12 friends to join you. Or you can work with any school, non-profit or cause and set up a long-term endowment fund.

Rationale

Only in the past 25 to30 years have we seen the tremendous growth and power of financial assets. This is an important new source for good and opportunity to solve problems. In 1975, there were 29 international stock exchanges. The domestic market capitalization was $1.4 trillion. In 2006, there are 57 international stock exchanges. The domestic market capitalization is $43.6 trillion.

In the past, wealth and the ability to make a difference financially was concentrated in the hands of a few. Today, millions of action agents have the assets and tools to truly address the multiple issues that face the world. As the world gets smaller, we see the increasing need for individual, citizen action. We also see the multiplication of our ability to act. We have a new tool – individually-owned financial assets and the power of compound interest. These can be amazing forces for good, and it starts with you.

 

Alternative Action Plans