Purposeful Living Certificate Connects Participants Across Four Countries
May 7, 2026
Canadore College’s first virtual delivery of the Purposeful Living Certificate brought together participants from Canada, Mexico, Costa Rica, and the United States for a shared learning experience focused on well-being, hope, and meaningful action.
The 20-hour certificate explores how personal well-being is related to a sense of community. Chris Adam, who facilitated this international group, reflected on the following: “Long-term happiness is connected to helping others and helping our environment. Implementing action projects that contribute to healthy and vibrant world is a key objective.”
At the heart of the certificate is a simple but powerful idea. Purposeful living is not only about individual growth. It is also about how people use their strengths, choices, and actions to support well-being for all. The virtual format created space for a diverse international learning community, allowing participants from different countries, sectors, and lived experiences to connect around shared goals.
Through interactive sessions, participants examine topics such as positive psychology & neurobiology, learning about the difference between emotions, feelings and state of mind. Also reviewed are the health benefits of nature, how to cultivate hope, guided reflection, the importance personal leadership traits, and applying sustainability principles. Jesse Russell, Canadore’s project lead, Living Sustainability Centre, states that “The program is designed to help learners build practical tools they can apply in their personal lives, workplaces, classrooms, and communities. I am always impressed with what motivated people accomplish to create positive change!”
To obtain the certificate, participants implement a completion project, giving them an opportunity to turn learning into action. Projects from this cohort included:
Forest Bathing: One participant plans to introduce a group to the practice of forest bathing, a mindful way to slow down, engage the senses, and build a deeper connection with the natural world.
Primary School in rural Guatemala: Helping with fundraising to finish the first school in a farming community.
One story from the first cohort stood out. Brian Buntz, Executive Director of Dream Volunteers from Mountain View, California, travelled overnight from California to North Bay, Ontario, so he could meet members of the group in person. His visit reflected the strong sense of connection created through the virtual cohort and the program’s ability to build meaningful relationships across borders.
"When it occurred to me that it was logistically feasible for me to experience the last session in person with more than half our cohort, I didn't question the instinct to go. This course inspired me to nurture my various communities. My visit to North Bay was simply acting on that inspiration." Brian Buntz, California, USA.
Participants who complete the program earn a Purposeful Living Certificate and a LinkedIn badge.
The Purposeful Living Certificate supports learners of all backgrounds, including students, educators, professionals, and community changemakers who are interested in practical tools for living and leading with purpose.
The next Purposeful Living Certificate cohorts will be available in English and Spanish in June 2026.
Those interested can join the waitlist or register now to reserve their spot.
Live with Purpose. Build Resilience. Create Change.