Do what you can, with what you have, where you are.

During the past two decades philanthropy has become a subject of increasing interest — addressing human challenges and strengthening ties between global communites.  A powerful thought movement has led individuals and organizations to take action and improve the social and economic quality of living worldwide. When the bigger picture is in view, the inspired may seek to immediately change the world, or at least the lives of those across it.  Serving the global community is a noble and worthwhile mission but don’t forget those in need right in your own neighborhood.

The proverb “Charity begins at home,” doesn’t end with family and friends. Rather than (or in addition to) participating in global efforts, consider the individuals and groups in your own community who can benefit from your support “right here, right now.”

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One of the first things that come to mind when we think of summer is a trip to the beach or lake for a day spent in the cool water. I grew up within an hour’s drive from the Pacific Ocean and have so many wonderful memories of paddling around in the ocean and playing on the beach. I have taken more trips to the local beach in Santa Cruz, CA than I can count and it wouldn’t seem like a summer without it.

One of the most troubling parts of many recent summers is beach closures. My own home state of California has some of the best water quality testing programs of the coastal states but also has by far the most beach closures and advisories of those same states. If a state with the best testing has this kind of difficulty, just imagine what it must be like in the other coastal states.

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