What's the 3rd sector for?

What do we have a third sector for? 
By third sector I mean that group of activities that are done not by elected governments and not by privately owned enterprise. The sector sometimes called the voluntary sector, the civil sector or the non-profit sector.

Let's think of some of the things that this sector is doing today.

• At great risk to their lives humanitarian aid workers are attempting to bring relief to the hundreds of thousands of innocent men and women and children trapped in the maelstrom of Syria Iraq.

• Again, risking their lives, medical workers are dealing with the nightmare of Ebola in central and west Africa

• Scientists and researchers working in our universities and research institutes are discovering new mechanisms for combating and curing life destroying disease.

• Activists of all sorts are putting themselves in dangerous and uncomfortable situations, often defying governments and large corporations in order to promote a vital discourse around the delicate balance between the natural and man-made orders.

• Other activists are fighting for freedom from oppression, torture, executions and shining lights into some of those dark corners of our geo-political world where our governments and commercial enterprises are constrained, or afraid to intervene.

• Organizations are providing support, counseling and practical assistance to a range of minority groups whose votes or dollars are insufficient to trigger the interest of the other two sectors – minority groups such as but not limited to children at risk, disabled of all sorts, minorities of many kinds, refugees, homeless and so on.

• Artistic and cultural artefacts and practices are being preserved and promoted through museums, galleries, theatres, opera houses and concert halls as well as a myriad performing groups and talented individuals.

In all these cases, these activities are happening not because they win votes toward political power or generate financial revenue and private wealth. These activities are happening because thankfully in the circuitry of human existence there are links and conductors of empathy and moral imagination. We are able to see, feel and hear the plight of others then imagine, articulate and execute ways to make a difference.

This, it seems to me, is what the third sector is for. I have nothing but respect for those of my friends and colleagues who have chosen to work in government or private sector. However, I am very comfortable being part of this vital other partner in the success of humankind and the preservation of our globe.