The term “entrepreneur” usually invokes images of Thomas Edison, Henry Ford, or Bill Gates. Such individuals mobilize ideas and arrange resources to bring new products to market. They have clearly made huge contributions to our wealth and well-being. They have, in fact, democratized luxury. However, the commercial sector has no monopoly on entrepreneurial talent. Consider those who mobilize good intentions through constructive voluntary action. As America grows ever wealthier, these “social entrepreneurs” become relatively more important and commercial entrepreneurs less so.

One measure of a society is how well it cares for those unable to care for themselves. Social entrepreneurs mobilize ideals and marshal resources to achieve these ends, often not met in the commercial market. They recognize that individual action will not suffice. Coordination is required. Hence, they create organizations that address the unfortunate, the neglected, and the plain unlucky.

Consider the Salvation Army. It has served our nation well for generations. Habitat for Humanity (Gallatin Valley affiliate 1991) and Heart of the Valley Humane Society (2004) are two of my favorite examples of social entrepreneurship.

Here are their mission statements; first Habitat for Humanity. It “seeks to eliminate poverty housing and homelessness ... and to make decent shelter a matter of conscience and action.” This international organization was founded in 1976.

Working with several hundred volunteers and a staff of four, our local affiliate of Habitat has completed 30 Gallatin Valley homes since its founding in 1991. It takes about 2400 volunteer hours to build a Habitat home. The cost of home no. 29 in 2003 was $62,000. The recipient family assumes a 20- to 30-year no-interest mortgage. There have been no defaults and payments go into Habitat’s building fund. The goal is to complete five homes per year over the next three years.

Upon completion, houses are transferred to families who have lived here for at least a year, have modest incomes, and are ineligible for conventional bank financing. The recipient family must contribute at least 500 hours of “sweat equity” to the program and demonstrate an ability to meet financial obligations.

Habitat is not a government agency and it does not accept government funds. Consider supporting this organization with your time, material, or money. For information on how to do so please call 388-8225. (Dave and Dick, their wish list includes used pickup trucks.)

Heart of the Valley Humane Society is the creation of Gallatin Valley social entrepreneurs. These citizens recognized the plight of unwanted and neglected companion animals in the Gallatin Valley and took action.

They created the Heart of the Valley Orphan Fund to pay for the veterinary care required by many stray and abandoned animals. All animals are “vet checked” before adoption with necessary shots administered. The animals adopted out are first spayed or neutered.

Here’s another great opportunity. The animals at HOVHS desperately need a new facility. The organization has received a gift of 58 acres upon which to build such a facility, contingent upon sufficient funds being raised to construct a new shelter. I recently spoke with a board member who said, “The major need is to build a decent, new shelter for these animals who cannot help themselves. We need to encourage folks to visit the current shelter at 2125 N. Rouse. They should ask themselves if they are proud of the shelter and, if they are not, consider making a donation or pledge to the capital campaign of Heart of the Valley Humane Society. We need to give the animals the opportunity for a quality life that all adoptable animals deserve.” Tax-deductible donations may be sent to HOVHS Capital Campaign at PO Box 11390, Bozeman, MT 59719.

Visit their web site (which needs to be updated -- help from a webmaster would be great) to see pictures and descriptions of the animals who need good homes. If you would like to adopt an animal, foster their fund drive, or volunteer, or if you have any questions call HOVHS at 587-0456.

America is the most successful social experiment in world history -- and not only in money and material stuff. Satisfaction and a sense of well-being come from helping others, not self-indulgence. Let’s celebrate social entrepreneurs and contribute to the worthy causes they identify.