PLATFORM : Big Dividends

There is no question that priority has to be on domestic needs, and that’s the focus of the United Way of America. In 1991, the United Way in this country raised $3.1 billion.

We spent half a million dollars in all our overseas work. If you figure out that percentage, it’s an incredibly low number. Yet it’s an enormously effective number. With a very small investment we can help build the human volunteer service systems in other parts of the world. There are about 300 charities in Moscow. We help staff those volunteer activities for the Russian citizens to help themselves.

The issue is, how do we help create an environment for world peace? This world is one planet, and as we help our own immediate interests, which is a priority, it is important that we not be blind to the fact that the democratic forces in Eastern Europe need to be encouraged and developed. For a small investment, an investment of our hearts more than money, you can make an enormous contribution to the world.