Let's talk politics!
During one of our peacebuilding workshops, a heated political debate erupted during a discussion on fake news. Some participants felt personally attacked, and tensions rose quickly. We responded immediately by creating a safe space to address the conflict and let everyone express their concerns.
Recognizing the depth of the issue, we then asked the participants if they would like to go further—by engaging in a dedicated workshop focused purely on politics, where they could debate openly, honestly, and respectfully. They all agreed.
So, we organized a follow-up workshop based on their needs. It aimed to explore the role of values in politics, help participants understand themselves as leaders, and reflect on how to make decisions grounded in those values. This self-awareness is key to effective leadership, group dynamics, and political engagement.
The outcome was incredible—just four days of deep work, and the impact was clear. Don’t miss the trainers’ unique approach and the powerful testimonies from the participants!
These kinds of projects are made possible thanks to the generous unrestricted grants FDCD receives from MCC. These funds support peacebuilding and dialogue efforts and allow us to respond quickly to urgent needs that arise in the field—whether flagged by volunteers, staff, or community members. We’ve used this support to launch several short-term initiatives directly addressing sudden conflicts or emerging issues.
Key takeaways and why they matter
Personal development and character are essential in politics because emotionally intelligent, self-aware leaders make better decisions, build trust, and foster meaningful dialogue. Research shows that leadership rooted in empathy, integrity, and reflection not only enhances individual effectiveness but also shapes healthier, more sustainable political cultures.
The article explores how moral values differ from other types of values and how disagreements over them can intensify political and social polarization. Through a survey and experiment, researchers Jae-Hee Jung and Scott Clifford found that people moralize cooperative values (like fairness and care) more than self-oriented ones (like power or hedonism), and that disagreements over these moralized values lead to stronger negative reactions, such as distrust or discomfort toward others. This helps explain why certain political or social disagreements feel deeply personal and divisive.
Listen to the inspiring testimonials
I learned to embrace political discussion over provocation on social media
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Erika Abou Nasr
Law graduate, political activist
This workshop helped me realize that true political leadership requires constant self-reflection. Too often, people make excuses for their parties instead of acknowledging mistakes and seeking solutions. I’m usually the one raising concerns and voicing criticism in my party— and it hasn’t always been welcomed. But in this space, I felt safe to share honest criticism, and my point of views even with people from different political parties. The respectful dialogue and openness were truly empowering.
Jhonny Yammine
Student Affairs Lead for Private Universities in his political party
My key takeaway from this workshop is the importance of self-awareness and constant reflection as a leader. I also learned how to separate personal feelings from political meetings to be more effective. In my work at universities, I encourage students to focus on political values and debates—not just services—when engaging politically. Early political awareness at university shapes how they participate in society later on.
Maya Jizziny
Law graduate, political and social activist
This workshop and the trainers rekindled my love for politics. I'm now enrolling in political science next year to pursue a career in the field. I used to be confused about how to vote, but I’ve learned to focus on what candidates offer the community—not just personal bias. I also realized that emotional intelligence is key to good leadership; it fosters empathy, better listening, and the ability to unite different views for the common good. I hope to embody that in my future political work.
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