Getting What You Give: Finding Purpose and Community in Service

On the latest episode of my podcast, Range of Change, I had the true pleasure of sitting down with a family (Tunc, Alara and Ceylin) whose story embodies something we often talk about in change coaching, but don’t always see so clearly in action: the power of shared purpose and the deep bonds that grow from serving together.

Tunc, and his two daughters volunteer with CISV, a global organization dedicated to educating and inspiring action for a more just and peaceful world. We are active global citizens building intercultural friendship, cooperation and understanding, with chapters in over 60 countries worldwide. Available to kids as young as 10, CISV is non-political and non-denominational, evolving from a firm conviction that lasting peace is possible.

Tunc first joined CISV as a child, and credits that experience with opening his eyes to the world and his own values. I think about the experiences from my own childhood that were pivotal to who I became. My deep connection to, and young employment with my martial arts studio was formative for me. Hard work, perseverance, respect for self and others are lessons I hold dear to this day. 

While I foolishly moved away from martial arts as I transitioned to adulthood, Tunc was able to stay connected – leading his first group abroad at 21 all the way to board presidency of the New York chapter in his recent years.  Tunc recognized work that kept him connected to his values, purpose and a strong community, and he maintained ties throughout his life. 

But perhaps most moving: he didn’t just keep this work for himself. He invited his own daughters in. Both now volunteer as youth leaders, traveling, building friendships across cultures, and seeing themselves as citizens of a bigger, shared world. It was, frankly, beautiful to hear them talk together: how volunteering as a family has deepened their relationships, built empathy, and given them a shared mission that transcends daily routines.

Why We All Need Purpose That Extends Beyond Ourselves

Look, life can get complicated and we can easily get distracted or overwhelmed and shed the very things that nourish us. I have made this mistake in times in my own life, being so focused on the few things I thought were most important that I lost sight of the forest for the trees. 

One of the core principles I use in change coaching is this:

Meaningful change is rarely just about what you do. It’s about who you are, where you’ve been and who you are becoming. 

Critical to this evolution is how you connect to others in the process. Research backs this up. When we engage in work or service that aligns with our values, we experience greater motivation, fulfillment, and even well-being. But there's another layer: giving back creates community. It links us to others who share our vision of a better world, offering both accountability and support. Prosocial behavior like this creates another highly motivating layer to this work, almost a positive feedback loop of helping and feeling really good about it, so you want to help more. 

For this family, volunteering wasn't only a personal journey. It was a shared commitment, a reason to keep learning together, and a way to pass down values not through lectures, but through lived experience.

Finding Your Own Community of Purpose

There are many reputable organizations that can help you to make your mark in the world in a bigger, more meaningful way, and I encourage you to explore the ones that resonate with you. And, we don’t all need to travel overseas or join a formal organization to find this. But we do need to be intentional about seeking or building communities where we feel:

• Seen and valued

• Supported in our growth

• Able to make a meaningful contribution

These are the same principles behind the group coaching experiences I offer. Participants don't just work on personal goals in isolation; they support each other, share wisdom, and hold space for one another to grow and deepen their connections to this collective in the

process.

If you're longing for greater purpose, consider asking yourself:

• Where do I want to make a difference?

• What cause, community, or need speaks to me?

• Who could I partner with to make that contribution sustainable?

Tools to Help You Clarify Your Purpose

On my site, you’ll find resources designed to help you explore these questions:

• The Values Clarity Worksheet – Get clear on what truly matters to you, so you can choose commitments that feel aligned.

• The Life Wheel Exercise – Identify areas where you want to grow, contribute, or rebalance.

• Group Coaching Programs – Join a supportive, expert-facilitated cohort where you can define and pursue meaningful change with others.

Ready to Go Deeper?

If listening to this family's story sparked something in you—a desire to find your own community of purpose, to give back, or to feel more anchored in what matters—I’d love to talk.

This is exactly the kind of transformation change coaching is designed to support.

Book a discovery call or explore my coaching programs to start your journey toward more purpose, connection, and meaningful impact.

Because in the end, it’s not just about the goals we hit—it’s about the lives we touch, and the community we build along the way.