FDCD, established in Beirut, Lebanon, in 2004, is a non-governmental organization which works on a national as well as regional and international level. It has no political or religious affiliation but works independently across the confessional and political spectrum, aiming to involve a broad range of stakeholders and a wide target group. FDCD mainly focuses its work on women and youth , seeking to empower these groups of society to have a greater stake in the shaping of the socio-political society in their own country.

Part of FDCD’s mission is to offer support to the most vulnerable and marginalized sectors of society. This is one of the main reasons why FDCD has defined women and youth as its primary target group, both for local/national projects and for those conducted regionally or internationally. However, there is also another importance of working with youth and women in particular. FDCD is interested in propagating positive change for the future. With this purpose, FDCD has identified women and youth as catalysts of society: women often work “behind the scenes” while youth represent the dynamic of what is yet to come. 

Over the years FDCD has established a number of partners, both local and international. Some of these are faith based, others are national representatives (such as embassies), and yet other partners are neither faith based nor government-run. FDCD’s fundraising strategy works on a project or program basis. Potential donors and groups/individuals interested in supporting FDCD financially can specify which aspect of FDCD’s work they would like to fund.

The Forum for Development Culture and Dialogue strongly believes in dialogue as a fundamental approach to humanity and peaceful coexistence as well as the foundation of any positive change. In applying dialogue, we respect human rights and empower people to be active citizens working towards a long term peacebuilding strategy. FDCD is of the conviction that one of the root causes of conflict lies in a lack of understanding which in turn can lead to scepticism and mistrust among persons belonging to different groups of society (be they national, religious, political or other lines of identity). It therefore follows that the most fundamental step towards stable and peaceful coexistence lies in getting an opportunity to listen and understand the “other” and in turn to be able to express one’s own thoughts. It is on this basis that a form of mutual understanding can emerge which will form the basis of the best possible future for all.

Volunteering is an opportunity which can have a benefit for all: the target group (beneficiaries), the organization (FDCD) and the volunteer (you). There are many reasons you may consider volunteering with FDCD. Firstly, the time and knowledge you apply will inspire you to see your own life in a different view. Moreover, you will soon discover that what you receive as a result of sharing your expertise and innovation is much bigger than the sum of what you give. In addition to all this you will be helping FDCD implement its work and you will leave a lasting footprint in the organization which will stay with you and with FDCD for the years to come. You can choose to volunteer as an individual or as part of the FDCD Youth Committee. Whichever path you choose, there is a good chance that as a result of volunteering you may discover some hidden talents that you never knew you had. Application forms for volunteers are available under the “Volunteers” section of our website.  

Every summer FDCD hosts an event with youth from all over the world called the International Work and Study Camp (IWSC), during which young people from all parts of the world meet in Lebanon to take part in lectures, trainings and activities on a certain theme/topic. FDCD’s volunteers can benefit from the large network of committed young people in FDCD’s field of work by getting in touch with previous participants from around the world. Beside this, FDCD designs and implements projects not only in Lebanon but also in the region. Most FDCD staff members are involved in at least one international activity so you can benefit from their knowledge, expertise and contacts particularly in Syria, Egypt, Iraq and Palestine.
In addition FDCD has a long list of partners outside of Lebanon, based in countries such as Canada, Denmark, Germany, Sweden, Italy, Norway to name a few. Through the FDCD team, volunteers can also be put in contact with these international partners if they have specific ideas/questions/plans.
  

FDCD’s Youth Committee is made up of young, motivated and qualified individuals who are active members of Lebanon’s diverse civil society. There is a clear division of roles and responsibilities among them, which enables them to create, design and implement full scale projects under the guidance of FDCD’s Youth Coordinator. The Youth Committee also keeps in contact with FDCD’s Youth Network – made up of Lebanese and international participants of past FDCD events. FDCD and some of FDCD’s partners have committed themselves to offering financial support to the Youth Committee in order to enable the implementation of the YC’s work. Tying them even closer into FDCD’s structures, Youth Committee members are involved in several of FDCD’s events and meetings, where they play the role of facilitators, organizers and offer general support. They meet on a monthly basis at varying locations. 

If you are between the ages of 18-30 you too could be involved in this active network of Lebanese agents for peace. You can join the network by taking part in any of FDCD’s youth events or you can contact the FDCD Youth Coordinator Linda Macktaby (linda.macktaby@fdcd.org) for any further information. 

FDCD works in a targeted approach, addressing matters which are currently relevant in the country and the region. All projects designed and implemented by FDCD are based on a detailed conflict and context analysis and tackle the fundamental issues found to be relevant within FDCD’s sectors of activity. In order to respond to major needs in society, FDCD invests is expertise in various fields and draws on its wide and strong network of local, national and regional partners. The two major components of FDCD (citizenship & human rights and peacebuildling & conflict resolution) contribute brick by brick towards building a more conscious, aware and active civil society in Lebanon and the region.

Some of FDCD’s most recent publications are available directly through the website (www.fdcd.org).  If you would like any further information or are interested in older publications, please contact our offices at info@fdcd.org or pay us a visit in Badaro. We are located at 170 Al-Alam Street, just opposite Ogero. We look forward to welcoming you here.