It is practically common knowledge at this point in our Western society that the minority of the population owns the majority of the wealth. This, then, directly influences all the structures of power and control. Those who hold the wealth are therefore “response-able” for the community that they inhabit.
We know as common sense that the infrastructure of an ecosystem’s well-being is directly and indirectly derived from the healthy diversity of the life inherit in the total sum population of the community. When one species is threatened or endangered, then so are the other species—until the interconnected strains of the entire ecosystem drop out and this entwined fabric teeters on possible collapse unless action is taken.
Our civilized social community is likened to that of the wild ecosystems such as forests, coral reefs and volcanic vents because we—you and I—are part of a bigger community that is made of many parts. Through our economy, we are put into caste systems and daily life moves along. Yet, through major changes in funding sources in the last decade, many nonprofits have been suffering debt and even closure. Some have been innovative, downsized and cut corners, yet these depend heavily upon the good will of the government—particularly so for health care and social services.
Not-for-profits do not offer a high rate of pay to employees, and the costs of living have increased but not the wages. Due to this economic caste system, not only do the agencies suffer—many workers qualify for poverty-level status.
At this point, the community does have the response-ability to support itself by donating to local agencies, especially those in need. A donation to a 501(C)3 [tax-exempt nonprofit] is a tax write-off for the donor, which [works] just as well as paying those taxes to the federal government—yet [exercises] the good-will principle.
With freedom comes responsibility. Now is the opportune time to give back. Donating to a nonprofit of your choice gives back to the community and makes a public economic statement. Some companies with profits in the multi-millions pay no taxes because of budgeted planned giving to charities. This would be wealthy America’s chance to play its part in maintaining America’s social fabric by mitigating the impact of global economic downturn.
— Troy Hornberger
Asheville
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