Responsibility for Social Responsibility?

A survey commissioned by Tiller, a consulting company that specializes in what it calls "cause commerce," found a gaping leadership void when it comes to social responsibility.

People want to do more good, get more involved in their communities, but they don't know how, the survey concludes. And according to Tiller, business is uniquely positioned to fill the leadership void.

Or is it? Isn't that what government is for? Don't local government leaders have the responsibility to enable citizen participation in government, and to make government and community if not one and the same, then close and cooperative?

Well, those surveyed think so. Here's some of the bad news:

87% of those surveyed believe average citizens care more about the country than politicians

18% think politicians do a good job of encouraging community service

69% think government should educate individuals on how to get involved

Isn't providing leadership in making our democracy work an ethical issue, although certainly not one that can be enforced except through elections (and how often is there a choice between politicians who disagree on this issue?)?