On the Issue of Trust

This essay on the issue of trust is based on the premise that trust in society as a whole is in decline and philanthropic organizations, among many others, are facing a crisis of trust. The erosion of trust within the American society has been well documented long before today's corporate, and investment scandals, but public outrage and loss of confidence is at an all time high. While there are many implications to this dilemma, one pervasive result is that no person, no organization, and no institution, no established leadership, no community of interest - no matter how distinguished or revered - is beyond examination.