I was reading today that since the beginning of civilization, that life has been a steady upward climb connecting with peaks of human achievement over the centuries. CSR—corporate social responsibility—makes you believe that is possible. Give or take the odd recessionary thought, that is the sort of thing that adds wings to your spirit.

CSR, if you think about it, is as old as the hills. I personally believe that it is rooted in a principle of life that every living being or entity thrives only when it contributes to its ecosystems. Our new era offers us a privileged look at this vital space of our lives. And, the fact that you are reading this shows that tells me that you already have a commitment, in one form or the other, to these focus areas: Communities, Environment, Heritage.

Again, the litmus test of your commitment to CSR lies in a single choice: Did you pick the biggest problem? Because that is where you will make the biggest difference. And so, here’s my take on how you can make our world a better place and create a legacy through it:

- Align your CSR  with your Organization’s ‘Purpose Statement’ (the combination of its mission and vision).
- Make long term, realistic commitments that will yield slow, but lasting change. Plant a tree. Or, a Forest.
- Reach out to your Community’s most vulnerable groups. Orphanages, old age homes, challenged and indigenous groups ache for your presence.
- Ensure that your Environment initiatives benefit land, water and air. Remember, they sustain you.
- Celebrate your Heritage. Preserve its customs, traditions, architecture, history, literature and performing arts.
- Measure your CSR through meaningful business case studies that capture their impact, reach and return.

Communities. Environment.  Heritage. Time for these ideas to take wing. Make your World a Better Place.