Michael Seltzer, a philanthropy consultant, wants to start a public journal where people in the charitable world can record their hopes for what he calls “the dawning of this new era” following Barack Obama’s inauguration.

Mr. Seltzer has recorded his own thoughts on the Foundation Center’s blog, PhilanTopic, and invites others to contribute.

“Barack Obama hit a number of high notes in his sober but stirring inaugural address,” he writes. “For those of us who were drawn to a life of service in the 1960s, however, the phrase ‘reimagining America’s solutions’ had particular resonance.”

President Obama’s speech in effect serves “to reestablish the partnership between the nonprofit and public sectors,” Mr. Seltzer writes.

“In calling for a ‘new era of responsibility,’ President Obama is asking us—nonprofits, foundations, and faith-based organizations—to find new ways to engage the public in the continuing struggle for peace, social justice, and equal opportunity, and to communicate our efforts more broadly and effectively to our fellow citizens.”

What did you think of Mr. Obama’s inaugural address? Do you agree it heralded a new era? Share your thoughts by clicking on the comment button below or under Mr. Seltzer’s post on PhilanTopic.