Debtors receive scant mercy in America today. Congress made sweeping changes to bankruptcy laws this past March, setting strict rules that block individuals from wiping out their debt.

Chapter 7 long has been a refuge for people who are so deep in debt they have no prayer of repaying what they owe. Under Chapter 7 standards, debtors turn over to the courts all but their essential assets (their shelter, for example, is off limits) in exchange for a clean start. But the new legislation dramatically narrows the gate to Chapter 7 protection, and pushes many debtors into Chapter 13 bankruptcy instead. In Chapter 13, debtors pay off their debt under a stringent schedule, and typically their wages are garnished well into the future.

Two weeks ago I spoke at the annual conference of the Cause Marketing Forum in New York City. The event is a meeting ground for businesses and non-profits to connect on projects for mutual benefit. It was very encouraging to meet personally a growing movement of entrepreneurs who are using their acumen in finance and marketing for the sake of a better world. Doing so, they are pioneering new ways for companies to engage their customers.

Rob Anderson, executive vice president of the ad agency GolinHarris, delivered one of the more intriguing keynotes at the event. He highlighted the drivers that determine public recognition of a company as a good corporate citizen.

Workers in their 20s are giving their employers fits.

Managers frequently vent to me their frustration with a new generation entering the workforce. A hospital director in the Midwest put it this way: "I give my young workers instructions how to complete a task, and they have no qualms telling me that they don't want to do it that way."

Don't be offended. I'd like to be your friend, truly. In some cases, we may even find the opportunity to work on a project together. But please, don't invite me to join your Linked-In network.

I had to stop the other day and ponder why I have so steadfastly refused the latest of umpteen invitations I receive to join an online relationship tree. I suppose I am flattered, on one level, to be a trusted and valued candidate. Ostensibly, no one would want to expose their colleagues and friends to an exploitative operator. So I take each invite as a vote of confidence.