With that said,I hope the super wealthy will consider how the middle class in America could benefit from their pledges, since middle-class citizens are not likely to benefit from donations to charities that generally only serve those indire poverty.
My simple recommendations to the rich who are pledging are:
1) Give onlya percentage to charity and SPEND at least 50% on enterprise over time -- by supporting American entrepreneurs and small businesses. Whatever is purchased from entrepreneurs and small business owners can then be donated to charitable organizations that serve the poor, in order to benefit the very poor directly. This is a win-win for everyone.
2) If the rich are looking for 2010 holiday purchases, they might consider buying bulk from relatively new inventors with worthwhile products on the market.Since inventors like myself are also Social Entrepreneurs who promote mutual benefit for others, it would make amajor difference with a positive trickle-down effect.
One reason I propose not just donating everything to charity is because many people served by charitable organizations do not reap direct benefits --the charitable organizations and their executives often get the greatest boost.
Investing in promising entrepreneurs offers a greater chance to directly benefit low- and moderate-income people who need liveable-wage jobs. Opportunities for small businesssustainability make it more possible for those interested in upper mobility for themselves and their families to have a shot at economic independence. The interplay of all of this promotespersonal and collective/community empowerment.
All kinds of possibilities exist when one considers giving from the perspective of a hand-up for those willing to work and contribute to society in different ways, rather than justproviding hand-outs.
