Great leaders always seem to exude purpose. No matter what their field, whether they are politicians, doctors, or religious figures, their actions, indeed, their very beings seem to inspire others. Trying to elucidate what it is that makes certain people (Mother Teresa, Martin Luther King Jr. or your fourth-grade teacher) exemplars of a purpose-driven life can be a difficult task, but when done effectively, it can help others to find and work toward their own purpose.

Essays in this category may also focus on a particular organization. Anything from a worldwide humanitarian group like Habitat for Humanity to a soup kitchen in the church basement would be an appropriate subject. The goal of the essay might be to show how effective the organization has become in recruiting volunteers and in serving a specific population.

The topic for a journalistic report could also focus on public policy. Efforts to gain equal funding for faith-based initiatives or to reform the foster care system would both be examples of fruitful topics. A public-policy-oriented essay might include recommendations for how to insert purpose into our public dialogue. How can we teach purpose to our children and how can the elderly rediscover purpose once their children are grown and they have retired? What can be done to spread the benefits and joys of purposeful living to others?

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