Those who have retired have already made huge contributions to our society and are already the largest group of charity and community volunteers.

BBC: Lord Bichard: Retired people could do work for pensions

Second, and more compelling, are the contributions women entrepreneurs make to society.

FORBES: How Women Entrepreneurs are Transforming Economies and Communities

He is a co-author of three books on teams, including the best-selling, Self-Directed Work Teams: The New American Challenge In 2011 he was given the Lifetime Achievement Award from the American Society of Training and Development, their highest recognition for contributions to the workforce learning and development profession.

FORBES: Strengths-based Leadership Development Expert

When he talked about "political prejudice" or "personal prejudice, " he was referring to the indignities that beleaguered gun owners suffer in a society that has failed to appreciate their civic contributions.

CNN: NRA's vision of 'genuine monsters'

According to the aforementioned studies, the CLRC programme has made significant contributions to individual and community development in Nepal in general and more specifically, to the socially disadvantaged and marginalised members of society.

UNESCO: Community Library and Resource Centres

The conference also recognized organizations for past philanthropic contributions to society.

FORBES: 2011 National Conference on Volunteering Ignites Social Entrepreneurship

Winners were chosen for their significant contributions to technology innovation and dedication to making positive changes to the way technology serves society.

BBC: Prof Vicki Hanson

The award is given to people from all walks of life who have made exceptional contributions to society.

BBC: Obama honours 13 with Medal of Freedom at White House

The shape of our week is religious - the seven-day cycle with a day of rest being one of Judaism's contributions to our society.

BBC: How much Christianity is hidden in British society?