In our specialized yet pluralistic world, where the interests and needs of people from many walks of life overlap in surprising ways, the number and range of activities of nonprofit organizations continues to grow. In addition to charities such as the United Way or Red Cross, health delivery groups run as nonprofits, disease or disorder dedicated information and advocacy groups, religious organizations, educational and charitable foundations. There also are homeowners' and condominium association boards, charity sports leagues, and community action groups.

On the one hand, organizations are filling in the gaps to meet needs neighborhoods or extended families once did, while a more sophisticated American populace seems to have more interests or causes to embrace than ever before. On the other hand, there is a sincere desire for people, professionals, and business executives to give back to society in the form of volunteer activities in order to have a say in areas that impact their lives.

My Home and My Hearth