Corporate America cannot afford to remain silent or passive about the downward spiral we are undergoing. It cannot turn a blind eye to how difficult the experience of life is for so many of their customers.

It is time for corporate America to become 'the third pillar' of social change in our society, complementing the first two pillars of government and philanthropy. We need the entire private sector to begin committing itself not just to making profits, but to fulfilling higher and larger purposes by contributing to building a better world.

The new dynamics between brands and consumers, driven by social media, are proving to be a powerful impetus for change.

As more people use social media to tell the story of the future, the wants and needs of more people will be reflected.

Consumers want a better world, not just better widgets.

If capitalism is to remain a healthy, vibrant economic system, corporations must participate in taking care of the society and the environment in which they live.

The question remains: which brands will commit to creating a private sector pillar of social change, and which will become casualties of their own outdated thinking?