Building Strong Communities: Civic Values and Conflict Resolution

The Essence of Community: Aristotle's View

In the fourth century BC, the Greek philosopher Aristotle defined man as a "political animal." Aristotle did not mean that man should necessarily participate in politics; he was referring to the fact that man, by nature, has to live with other men, and that means living in community. For Aristotle, the community best for the individual should be self-sufficient and autonomous.

Fostering Citizenship in the European Union

The European Union includes the objective of promoting school community learning, valuing democratic participation, and preparing people for citizenship.

Cultivating Responsible Global Citizens

This course is intended to help young people learn to live in a pluralistic and global society, respecting human rights. It aims to encourage the free and full development of individuals through the consolidation of self-esteem, personal dignity, freedom, and responsibility.

Key Qualities of Future Citizens

The education of future citizens should foster individuals with their own criteria, who are respectful, participatory, and supportive, who know their rights, fulfill their duties, and develop civic habits.

Understanding and Internalizing Core Values

Values are principles that serve to guide our lives. The learning of values begins in childhood when what is right or wrong is internalized through the family.

Developing Practical Civic Skills

Civic skills are learned when put into practice. Being responsible means demonstrating knowledge in practical, real-life situations where decisions are made.

Facets of Civic Responsibility

Expressing our opinions, thoughts, and viewpoints in a reasoned manner while controlling emotions; assuming the consequences of our actions; finding non-violent solutions to conflicts through dialogue and negotiation; and participating democratically in the decisions of groups we belong to, are some aspects of civic responsibility.

Navigating Coexistence Conflicts

Coexistence conflicts, generated daily, even if they seem minor, can deteriorate communication and relationships with people. Sometimes we disagree on simple things or try to convince others of our opinions. Dialogue is important, and we must find facts and reasons to explain our views.

Understanding the Roots of Conflict

Conflict arises when a situation occurs that threatens our value system.

Effective Conflict Resolution Strategies

Any conflict occurs as a result of a change that either improves or worsens the situation. That the conflict is resolved depends on the strategies that are positively utilized and our ability to manage these conflicts.

Approaches for Constructive Conflict Resolution

We must:

• Identify the problem or address it as soon as possible.
• Attack the problem and not the person.
• Listen without interrupting.
• Make open questions that allow first-person dialogue.
• Worry about the feelings of the other.
• Maintain an open attitude to find creative solutions.
• Specify the points of agreement and follow up.
• Be responsible for what we say and do.

Actions to Avoid in Conflict Resolution

We should avoid:

• Escalating conflict.
• Making assumptions, judgments, or assigning blame.
• Ignoring the interests of each party.
• Attacking the person or interrupting.
• Allowing emotions to dominate the dialogue.
• Assuming others' values and personal convictions.
• Assuming the message you wanted to transmit was understood.
• Assuming agreement without confirmation.