Certainly in the last three years we have seen an increase in interest.

There is a delicate balance with ease of donation. People really need to feel something from the organizations they give to. Even if a lot of your giving is done online, it's going to be because there was a personal contact or connection made at some point.

With United Way our main way of fundraising, by far, is payroll deduction where a company's employees pledge a portion of their paycheck to us.

We have often waited months before any action is taken. It is less than satisfactory.

I think there are a number of factors that have led (to the growth), including the low interest rates giving people the opportunity to get into the home market.

Our interest today is to ensure that this energy and concern will be harnessed towards convincing negotiators and leaders of Afghan factions alike of the benefits of including Afghan women as full partners in the decision-making process around the peace table, in humanitarian efforts and in reconstruction of the country.