Yep that's pretty much about the size of it. You stay informed, do what you can, and try and make good decisions. Cooperation is desirable, sacrifice sometimes inevitable, and dealing with the ignorance of others is nearly always unavoidable.

I think that by far, the greatest aid you can render others is pre-emptive. You enlighten their views, point them in the right direction, and hopefully they will be ready. It helps them become more responsible for their own existence, which I think all of us want. We all need the help of others sooner or later, but it is by far preferable to know that we first done all we could for ourselves. That's one trait that ought to distinguish us from our children and pets, neither of which are meant to be self-reliant.