I was pleased to see Obama's inaugural call to service highlighted in yesterday's NYTimes editorial section.  The article outlines how the Service America Act (with its $5 billion price tag for the next 5 years) will expand jobs for the public good and I agree that this Act is a step in the right direction.  Starting a nonprofit, I know how challenging it is to support one's self while doing good and, as a Teach For America/AmeriCorps alumna, I am excited that more people will now be able to afford to take a few years to serve.  My hope, however, is that this is just the beginning.  To borrow from President Obama, as a nation we've had to do a lot of growing up as of late.  The time of overspending and the focus on self has quickly waned into the historical horizon and, as such, it is time to focus on making a difference with what we have, putting ourselves to work for others.  As Americans, we have proven time and again that when times are tough we have the fortitude to step-up.  If more of us spend time and money to help our fellow citizens, it goes without saying that lives will improve (for both recipients and givers). 

So whose responsibility is it to make sure that the momentum doesn't stagnate and that the "call to service" is heard and acted upon?  Obviously President Obama can do a lot to maintain the messaging.  But it falls to those of us in the "public good" sector to make sure that we spread the message, especially to those among us who are looking for a way to make a difference but aren't quite sure how to start.  Service (paid or unpaid) and philanthropy (even in small amounts) are good for you and good for the nation--tag, you're it.