Creating a Nation of Philanthropists, One Pledge at a Time

When I graduated from high school, I had three opportunities -- go to college, get a job, or join the service. Although I considered putting my eight years of Boy Scout experience and love for our nation to the test by joining the military, I did not want to put myself in a position where I might be commanded to take the life of another, and quickly ended my flirtation with military service. Today, serving our country no longer simply means drop and give me 20, this is your rifle, defend this land we call home. National service is becoming a term used to define a much broader and equally passionate category of patriotism. This brand of patriotism is inclusive of a pure humanitarian effort guided by the simple virtue of the giving of oneself for the benefit of another in the name of the United States of America. Americans are on the brink of the Newer Deal where we will join hands in an effort to resurrect the pride in a government that supports us in supporting ourselves. Our new leader understands the value of our collective voices, he believes in our ability to create a greater good, and knows that as a nation we are willing to sacrifice selfishness for a more robust happiness.

Four years ago I sat in a hotel room with Israel's Head of State, then former Prime Minister Shimon Peres, where he proceeded to tell me what he felt made America a great country. He said that throughout history America, more than any other nation, has supported itself and consistently extended itself to other countries in need without looking for anything in return. I bit my lip as I thought about our national pursuit of Middle Eastern oil and how much more we could be doing as a country for so many resource depleted nations. I kept my retort to this gracious offering to myself and accepted it as a political offering of good will. Later I dissected his semantics, justifying the statement as truth based on the use of the word "history," as opposed to "recent history." I considered the support we have shown for so many countries in crisis throughout history, including outreach during the tsunami, and China's earthquake, and thought that most certainly from Israel's perspective we have been extraordinarily supportive. However, I couldn't help but feel we are falling short of this measure of greatness, both domestically and abroad. Following my meeting with Prime Minister Peres, I was filled with an overwhelming sense of desire -- desire to live in a country of philanthropists and to have the world recognize Americans as citizens dedicated to selfless goodwill. With that as my lofty goal, I observed the state of our greatness and became determined to make this goal a reality.

Two years after this meeting, I stood in my agent's living room (who happens to be the brother of our nine and a half fingered future chief of staff) where I met a man who was contemplating throwing his hat in the ring for the hardest job in the world. I had met a few presidential candidates before in my life and heard many speak but I had never seen one with more audacity, not of hope, just audacity. Barack Obama stood in front of a room of Los Angeles liberals and told us that everyone could have the American dream... but we were going to have to work for it. He said that every kid will get assistance for college but they were going to have to work for it. He explained that our nation could become independent of foreign oil but that we were going to have to give up a bit of our current comfortable existence. Now, from the mouth of an average straight-shooting American that may not sound audacious at all, but for a politician seeking endorsements to tell people that they are going to have to make sacrifices for the greater good, that he is not going to wave his magic legislative wand and fix it, that's audacity. That audacity is what gave me hope.

Maybe following Barack Obama's speech on Tuesday we will be inspired to do more for our country, or to fear less, but today we have been asked to serve not just for a day but to make it part of our lifestyle. A wise friend once told me that every time you serve someone else you take on all of their good traits. Maybe this explains the outstanding character of Barack Obama. He is a servant to this country and he has inspired me to adopt his spirit and to serve him with that dream of a great America in tow.

A year ago my wife and I looked one another in the eye and promised to dedicate ourselves to finding a cause to champion. After sifting through the wreckage of issues that our world faces, we were continually confronted with one issue that pulled at our heartstrings and haunted our thoughts: the abolition of 21st century slavery. We've spent the last four months studying human trafficking and the sexual exploitation of children and are shocked and offended by every story we hear. In our pursuit we have been confronted with finding a tangible, quantifiable solution to the crisis that has become the second most profitable illicit trade in the world, only bested by the drug trade. When faced with such a huge issue with very ambiguous tactical solutions, one can become paralyzed by the data and horrific stories. We found ourselves in such a place and realized that the only way to create effective change is to first state your intention. Thus the Presidential Pledge was born. Making a pledge forces you to be accountable not only to others but also to yourself. Establishing a pledge also offers an opportunity to create community and unity around the cause, thus accelerating one's pursuit. Once you are on record, your community and your peers can and will hold you accountable for results. Therefore, we as individuals will be forced to deliver. This may be one of the only positive attributes of our egos. So let us put our egos to work.

We call it a Presidential Pledge. We have gathered a group of individuals who share the courage to pledge to our president, and the world at large, what it is that they are willing to do, give, or sacrifice, in an effort to help their fellow man. Our hope is that this effort will inspire others to do the same, with individuals posting their initiatives within their communities. This is not a selfless utopian action. In fact it is a very selfish one. By improving the lives of those who surround us we will in effect improve our own. At the very least. if these pledges allow someone a moment of contemplation as to what they could do, say, or pledge to do for someone else's benefit, we will strengthen the state of our union. If we can build a collective consciousness of service for one another, the echo of these actions will reach beyond our borders. We will stand truer in the resolve that this country is in fact a great one, and we will be one step closer to achieving the goal of creating a nation of philanthropists. I encourage everyone to take a few moments to reflect on how they can serve our great nation and to create their own Presidential Pledge at http://www.myspace.com/presidentialpledge.

Comments

[idiotfreezone]

Grandstanding. How boring.
If Ashton really cared, why did he wait until Obama was elected and took office? The President may be the face of America, but the President IS NOT AMERICA. The people of this country make it great and do not require a new President to do great things. Great Amercians ignore the political climate and do what they feel is right. They aspire to do great things for themselves and their families, not for some figurehead that sits in the White House or some joker sitting in a multi-million dollar mansion. Yes, lip service is given to "living green"...posted to a blog from a cell phone while in your private jet or sitting in your 20,000 square foot mansion. Just because you bought a Prius, doesn't mean you are a Greenie, it just adds to your already bloated ego and is another reason to shout, "Look at me!!!"
Come back and post a video when you have actually accomplished something that is worthwhile. I know, I know, Punk'd is a very important and socially concious show, but maybe a little more substance? Maybe? Nahhh, too much to ask from the Hollywood elite. Better you should make your little videos, give us some small-minded quotes and head back to your trailer to stare in the mirror and wait for your next scene. Tell your press agent that your article was well written, if self serving.

[msmrinc]

Here's my pledge: "I swear by my life and my love of it that I will never live for the sake of another man, nor ask another man to live for mine."

Very short, simple and to the point. This is, without a doubt, the philsophy that made America the greatest nation the world has ever known. Some people would call this selfishness, however, they'd be mistaken. This is called "self-interest" and "self-reliance". The distinctly American right to be left alone. If you want to give yourself to others, go for it, but don't force others to do what you believe is important (socialism).

Remember what de Tocqueville said so long ago "The American Republic will endure until the day Congress discovers that it can bribe the public with the public's money".

[steveinboston]

Hey Ashton--

We pledge our allegiance to the U.S. Constitution in this country...not to individuals! Service you say? I am on active duty in our U.S. military...and we know that we are sworn to protect a glorious set of ideas embodied in the U.S. Constitution...and not an individual, not a king, not a politician, not a people group, not a geographic boundary. Sorry that you just don't understand that...or what it means!

[hopeforbestexpectworst]

It is great that so many of you are thinking of doing things to make the world a better place. If everyone would do something to help just one person it would result in a huge, positive differences everywhere. My only question is this.

Why now?
What's been holding you back all this time?
Have you been to busy to contribute "anything" in the last 8 years?

I just don't understand where all this goodwill towards other has been hiding. I'd really like to know what you've all been waiting for.

[caligirl73]

The parade of celebrities self righteously proclaiming their pledges to serve humanity is growing tiresome. I am grateful that Mr. Kutcher feels burdened to share his resources and talent for the benefit of mankind. He should feel that burden, as should everyone. Many of us already serve our communties without any accolades from the media or photo spreads in People or Us. That is not what motivates us. I certainly didn't need to wait for Pres. Obama to inspire me to care about humanity, and neither did Mr. Kutcher.

[moAb]

Bravo to you caligirl73, Bravo!

[gadsen]

I find it interesting Ashton you'll now take a pledge to support your president, since he is of you party. I find this exceptionally shallow. It shows that your heart is all about power, if your guys in power you'll support him, too bad you couldn't serve your country during the last 8 years by providing any modicum of support. As for me, I've proudly worn a uniform for this nation since 1985, and I supported my President regardless of his party and while I didn't vote for him I'll support President Obama just as I have the others. You see Ashton I support my President because I support the USA. BTW my friend serving in the military has never, ever, been just about drop and give me 20. So please do us all us veterans a favor and edit out that remark from your post. And please in the future one day when your party is not in power continue to support your President (no that does not mean you have to agree with him or her).

Regards//

John

[DCortez]

This may come as a shock to a lot of people. Most of us adults do not have to pledge anything. We have been living the life. We did not need anyone to make us wish it, talking about it, and certainly not pledge it. I couldn't imagine a living a life that did not include loving my wife, kids, my work, or my country.

I must say, it does make me wonder how many people out there live meaningless and pointless lives.

[tonysmith]

Amen!

[DavidCaddock]

I pledge that I will do my best to better my life and those of who I love. I don't need the hulking federal government and it's fetid fingers in my life, telling me to "do better", and even better yet, I don't want that same rotting mass of a bureaucracy of tell you to do me any favors.

The greatness of America is its people, not its government. The people do great things, if they are allowed to. The government just mucks up the whole process and makes everything more difficult for everyone.

I repeat my pledge: I will do my best to better my life and those who I love. I make no pledges to this country, in the abstract, just the people in it.

[Pennsanic]

Presumably you are aware of the fact that 'George W. Bush presided over the largest expansion of government since Lyndon Johnson, who grew it pretty big himself. Spending under Bush doubled the national debt to $10 trillion. All kinds of spending soared. “Entitlements” are out of control, helped along by Bush’s prescription-drug add-on to Medicare. Of course his occupation of Iraq cost $10 billion month, not to mention the billions being sunk into Afghanistan. It should go without saying that Bush’s myriad taxpayer bailouts of investment bankers and automakers are further proof that he has no commitment to limited government. Bush also presided over a dramatic and ominous expansion of executive power in the name of national security.' So those, my friend, are the most fetid federal fingers I've seen in my lifetime.
.

[LMPE]

"Ask not what your country can do for you. Ask what you can do for your country" has become a jaw-dropping "WTF?"

[julesr1818]

I very much disagree. I believe that our country has completely turned itself around by choosing Obama to be our president, and by making the statement that you did, you seem not to stand behind our president's strong beliefs. If you ask yourself "what you can do for your country", and opposed to the opposite, maybe we can all learn to help each other which will further help the individual. Therefore, no, this statement has not become a "jaw-dropping "WTF?""

[learnsomething]

I am so proud of my fellow Americans. The closer we get to the inauguration, the more choked-up I get.

On November 4, 2008, Americans went to the voting booth and chose a president, according to the content of his vison and character, and NOT the color of his skin.

I am so proud of my country.
We have finally grown up.

[CanadaStan]

Good grief, Obama was elected BECAUSE he is black, not despite being black.
His resume is the thinnest for any president in recent memory.
The media gave him a pass because he's black and tore apart the lives of anyone they thought might reduce the chances of him being elected..
Racism is alive and well, but in this case it's reverse racism.

[tonysmith]

that's nothing something to be proud of. i think it's a sad story about america that people are happy that a president was chosen who is black. that fact that this makes up proud shows me that racism is more powerful than i imagined. this is not a rightwing post. i'm a black progressive. but if our society actually embraced equality, then his election would be mundane.

[DanteLabon]

Let's hope that the new era approaching gives us all the opportunity to do just that. Everyone must excuse the guarded optimism by those of us who have been hurt greatly by the exiting administration. Much like a dog that has been beaten for 8 years, It's gonna take a calm and understanding hand to bring MOST of the American people back into the patriotic fold. The ceremonies today at the Lincoln memorial made me feel truly GLAD to be an American again for the first time in years...and I'M not afraid to say it. So here's to (at least) 8 years of peace and prosperity for ALL. God help us again after that.

[rubinoff]

Hear, hear......
I was choked up today and its been quite a while since I've felt proud; however, today, I felt sooo Proud....How on earth did the last 8 years happend to our once upon a time, great country...Who are all of these people who are trying to destroy it, right here in our country under our noses. Surely, we have the smartest people in the world here....so what happened....were we all dumped down out of fear????

I don't care what they say, the guilty ones can Not convince me that they 'love' this country....no way, no how....and that includes, the tr0lls here on HuffPo. :(

[learnsomething]

We are traumatized by the last 8 years. I feel like I have been in a war.

[MyThought]

Hey there fella - your rich - do something!

[melpol]

Most people are good to their families but many will not give a dime or shelter to strangers. Things will soon change because plans are being made to train a million unfortunate souls to knock on doors across the U.S. begging for food and shelter. Have no fear because they will not demand sex--- that is your choice. Do not close your heart when you hear that knock but open the door wide it might lead to a new friend and a big tax deduction.

[BushBites]

Been telling people that alot lately.

Obama would say "You're the change."

Just do it.

[lulubird]

Unfortunately, pieces like this have not been published as often as they should be. We read about social issues ranging from local problems to international atrocities, but people tend to talk about them rather than proactively fixing the problems.

Last December, Nick Kristof published an op-ed piece in support of "philanthr­ocapitalis­m", a recently coined term that refers to venture philanthropy. In his piece, Kristof cites a Google study that found "...[the] average annual contributions [to charities] reported by conservatives were almost double those of liberals."

As some posters suggested, philanthropy isn't just about donating money. Many NGOs run rampant with internal issues and corruption, and those who donate significant sums to some of these organizations may be likely to see their money disappear. But not all NGOs are corrupt machines; in fact, many have done excellent work both within America and abroad. Not to mention, many governmental organizations have also made great strides.

So for those of you who believe that philanthropy isn't financially based, it's worth considering some of the successful work so-called "philanthr­ocapitalis­ts" have done. These organizations need money to function, so if you can't donate your own time to the cause of your choice, and if you have the means, please consider donating to a reputable organization.

Whatever route you decide to follow, take what Mr. Kutcher calls the Presidential Pledge, and contribute in some way to our global community.

[schatsie]

'reported by conservatives'' that is the operative words...Look what is really SCARY is that the same fat cat Wall Street types (who have taken this country to the edge of fascism) are running the charities..

Check out who is on the board of directors of the RED CROSS and the UNITED WAY... we are country run by the corporations and for the corporations....

Before Barack gives any tax cuts to BUSINESS, he needs to cap the business writeoffs, like the corporate jets, etc and no deferrals on the payment of taxes without interest and PERSONAL LIABILITY for the taxes.... See how fast Berkshire Hathaway pays up their deferred taxes if we charge interest and make Buffett personally responsible for the taxes...(probably won't matter to him, but it would matter to a lot of people)....