Although I cannot help every person in need single-handed, I have found that there are plenty others willing to help. It would be great if we had a network of like-minded individuals, collaborating and moving forward in a concerted effort to create opportunity.

On Jan. 16, 2012, we will celebrate the life and teachings of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. with a national holiday. Dr. King sought to unify people to support each other, speak out against wrongs and lend a hand when needed.

The Economic Security Centers are just one initiative of the National Council on Aging (NCOA), a nonprofit service and advocacy organization headquartered in Washington, DC. NCOA works to improve the health and economic security of millions of older adults, especially those who are vulnerable and disadvantaged.

Today I’m thrilled that we’re launching Opportunity Nation, a national campaign to enhance economic opportunity and mobility in America.

ERS Executive Director Karen Hawley Miles joins the Opportunity Nation Campaign today in NYC. ERS is a supporter of Opportunity Nation, a broad-based, cross-partisan coalition of nearly 200 public, private, non-profit, civilian and military organizations.

More than five hundred local leaders, activists, entertainers, and political luminaries gathered today at Columbia University as part of the Opportunity Nation Summit.

"A nation that’s broken cannot hold up a person. One person that’s strong is all it takes,” Suze Orman proclaimed.

Highlighting new research - delivered today - that demonstrated that there is less mobility in the United States today than there is in Germany, Sweden, and France, guests also discussed that children born into the lowest 20% of the income distribution are five times more likely to find themselves there are adults as are children born into the top 20% of income distribution (Haskins and Sawhill, 2010).

This panel, moderated by Bob Herbert, Demos - Distinguished Fellow, concerned early childhood education and staying in school. Welcoming the guests, Mr. Herbert first discussed what a difference a few generations make.

This afternoon, we had the chance to interview businessman and promoter of hip-hop culture Russell Simmons about what opportunity really meant to him. The conversation started in an important place - with what is broken in our system.