Values in 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. Emphasizing inclusive values, empathy, and reflection equips youth leaders to make decisions that strengthen society, reduce conflict, and create more collaborative governance.
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.
Political leadership & personal development
Disagreements often arise around moral values, leading to distrust or discomfort toward others. This is why certain political or social conflicts feel deeply personal and divisive. Understanding values—especially how personal and moral values shape people’s perspectives—helps political leaders grasp the complexity of these issues. This deeper understanding enables leaders to approach conflicts with empathy and find more inclusive, fair solutions. Michel Daccache, political leadership trainer, focused on value systems during the workshop to help leaders navigate these challenges more effectively.
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. Rami Daccache, personal development trainer, tells us about the importance of personality awareness and goal setting in political leadership.
Inspiring leader, Aspiring communities
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.
I've stopped being impulsive on social media
Rim Khateeb, a media professional and political activist, never imagined befriending people with opposing political views—she had firm red lines and avoided crossing them. Known for her impulsiveness on political issues, especially on social media, she surprised herself in this workshop by connecting with those she once avoided. She resisted the urge to react online, instead choosing to put down her phone and engage in more thoughtful, constructive political discussions.
They said politics isn’t for the youth — But I believe in our potential, so I ran
This workshop deeply impacted me—one sentence in particular, “It’s not about what you know, it’s about who you are,” made me feel like I could do anything, and I kept reflecting on that throughout my campaign. When I actually won, it was both empowering and humbling, and I chose unity over pride, calling on everyone to work together for a better Tarchich.
We should include political parties in community work even if we disagree
Through a hands-on workshop and personal experiences, I learned the importance of understanding values different from my own and finding common ground instead of rejecting others. Reflecting on my early activism, I now see the value in engaging even with those I oppose - and especially political parties - to create more inclusive and impactful community change.
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