Words matter. Actions matter. Words without actions are either vanity, sham or tragedy. Actions unsupported by apt, honest words risk being isolated and fragmentary efforts, thus minimizing potential achievements.

How should we act to engage the planet’s many problems? Charity does begin at home. It should not end there. Sharing expertise, abilities, and enthusiasm shouldn’t end there, either.

The track record of large-scale developmental aid programs in developing nations is at best mixed. In many cases it is, in fact, abysmal. Micro-development aid and micro-finance projects are "highly targeted" programs designed to spur grass roots initiative and directly empower people in developing nations.

Link to column on micro-development projects

Mr. Bay has been directly involved in fielding a prototype micro-development program for the Episcopal Church’s Diocese of Texas. The Hundred Buck Initiative of the Episcopal Diocese of Texas is about sharing information and experience as well as small but timely and well-placed infusions of capital to help people in developing nations help themselves. Digital communications allow Americans with special interest or expertise to connect with entrepreneurs or mission projects in developing nations.