Initial Thought

How much responsibility do I think individuals have to make things better for society?

I think there is a lot of responsibility on our parts to make things better. From a Christian and Biblical perspective, the Bible teaches me to take care of the orphans, the poor, and the widowed. God places huge emphasis on helping others and making that the focus of our life. I agree with this beyond just an obligation to believe it because I am a Christian. Thinking about my church in particular, Eastside Foursquare, we have been a part of building churches and schools in Manila, Philippines for over 20 years now. The church has taken it upon themselves to help out this impoverished community. I think the church, because of what we believe to be true in the Bible should be at the forefront of helping society.
Schools and other organizations should help in their own ways too with financial needs etc. The schools already have grants and help for those who are in need or have disabilities. I think this is important.
My only problem with taking full responsibility for others well being is the risk of enabling them to continue in something harmful to them or others. Take welfare for instance, there are lots of people on welfare, and also with food stamps, who use drugs. I know this because I used to be one of them. When I went to apply for this there was no way for them to tell if I was a addict or not. I know first hand that food stamps are traded on the streets for drugs, and free money given to someone each month can prolong the pain needed for change and can provide for more drug use. There is a place where I draw a line at helping others, when I think that helping them may actually hinder them. I have been on the streets, addicted to drugs and in need of things, but sometimes the more "help" I was given, the more comfortable it made it for me to stay in the mess I was in.