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11.18.25
Leading with Purpose: Personal Values and Community Engagement
By Roxanne Mullenberg, Leadership FMWF 2025 Vice Chair
Patrick Kirby, Founder of Do Good Better Consulting, sharing guidance on nonprofit board development with 2026 Leadership FMWF cohort at the Nov. session.
Discover how personal values and leadership connect in Leadership FMWF to strengthen authenticity and community impact.
In today’s world, the lines between personal values, community involvement and professional life are increasingly intertwined. Aligning these areas can help you create a consistent picture of who you are and what you stand for, both to yourself and to others. When you understand your values and put them into action, you position yourself to lead with integrity, make a meaningful impact in your community and show up authentically.Â
At the most recent Leadership FMWF session, participants explored how living their personal values can influence not only their careers but also their contributions to the community. The session encouraged reflection on how values shape decisions, relationships and overall leadership impact.Â
Keep reading to discover the key takeaways and learn how to apply them to your own leadership journey.Â
Defining Your Personal Values
At the core of who we are, personal values define what we stand for and guide how we engage with the world. Whether it’s integrity, honesty, empathy or social justice, values influence the decisions we make and the relationships we build.Â
When your personal values align with your goals, they create a sense of fulfillment and authenticity. For example:Â
- If environmental sustainability is central to you, supporting eco-friendly initiatives or businesses reflects that commitment.Â
- If helping others drives your worldview, you may gravitate toward projects or roles that directly impact your community.Â
At the November Leadership FMWF session, participants discussed how authentic actions communicate integrity and build trust. Living your values isn’t just a private endeavor—it influences how you show up in the world.Â
Tip: Take a few minutes to list your top 3–5 personal values. Reflect on whether your current actions and commitments align with them. Â
Putting Values Into Action
Community involvement provides an opportunity to put your values into practice. Volunteering, donating or participating in local initiatives demonstrates a commitment to something larger than yourself. Nonprofits, in particular, offer a platform to turn values into tangible action, addressing issues and contributing to causes such as poverty, education, health and equality.Â
At the session, Patrick Kirby, Founder of Do Good Better Consulting, shared practical guidance on nonprofit board development. If you’re considering joining a board, or are looking for a nonprofit to get involved with, the first step is defining your values and theirs. Shared values strengthen engagement and effectiveness, and clarifying expectations ensures contributions are meaningful for both members and the organization. Â
Tip: Identify one nonprofit or community initiative that aligns with your values and consider how you can contribute through volunteering, joining a board or offering your skills.Â
Making a Difference Through Values-Based Leadership
Just as nonprofits provide a platform for individual impact, businesses also have a unique opportunity to model values-driven leadership. At the session, JT Froning (Legacy Plumbing & Heating), Julie Whitney (Gate City Bank) and Emily Jones (Dakota Medical Foundation) shared how their organizations engage with nonprofits, from donations to employee time or partnerships.Â
Tip: Leadership isn’t limited to your personal actions. Model values-driven engagement in your business or organization to inspire employees and strengthen community ties. Â
Spotlighting Fargo-Moorhead-West Fargo Nonprofits
Representatives from Creative Care for Reaching Independence (CCRI), Healthcare Equipment Recycling Organization (HERO), Rape and Abuse Crisis Center and FM Coalition to End Homelessness joined the Leadership FMWF session to share how their organizations operate and ways to get involved. Participants explored leadership opportunities through volunteering, advocacy and financial contributions.Â
Tip: Visit any of these nonprofits, or explore others in The Chamber’s Member Directory, to find the best fit for your passions and skills.Â
Next Steps: Leading with Purpose
Leadership FMWF reinforces a simple idea: effective leadership begins with understanding what you value and how to translate those values into action. By reflecting on your personal values, engaging with causes that matter to you and modeling values-driven leadership, you can make a tangible difference in your community while growing as a leader.Â
Whether it’s volunteering, joining a nonprofit board or supporting initiatives through your workplace, even small steps matter. The key is consistency and intentionality—showing up authentically for the values you hold dear.Â
And if this inspires you to take your leadership to the next level, Leadership FMWF applications will be opening before we know it. This program offers an incredible opportunity to explore your values, strengthen your leadership skills and connect with others committed to making a difference in our community. Don’t miss your chance to be part of the next cohort.Â
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