The strength of civil society in Lebanon, including volunteer organizations, has consistently served as a safety valve against the crises that Lebanon and its people have faced since independence. It is also a window to a future where citizenship is the essence of belonging to the nation. Successive governments in Lebanon, from independence in 1943 to the present day, have not succeeded in building a just and capable state that can ensure the social integration of the Lebanese people. The distinct identity of each of Lebanon's sects has emerged (with schisms occurring even within a single sect), including their volunteer organizations, with civil society being the biggest loser. Lebanese democracy has become based on the division of resources among sects, without regard for citizens and their social classes.

The progressive growth in the role of volunteer organizations, under the policy of a market economy, the increasing importance given to the private sector, and the reduction of the service role of governments, has resulted in social disparities and the impoverishment of a large segment of society. Consequently, the concept of volunteering has begun to take on a new dimension, linked to emergencies or community development. The electronic revolution has opened new doors for volunteer work, offering models for effective volunteer movements.

The Amel Association, as a non-sectarian civil volunteer organization, in cooperation with other civil society organizations, has chosen the following work strategy in light of the lack of planning in our country, the spread of a culture of division and destructive criticism, the dominance of the 'individual,' and the 'all or nothing' approach:

• 1 – The slogan "Positive Thinking and Continuous Optimism."
• 2 – The 'Three P's' approach: "Principle, Position, Practice."
• 3 – "Strengthening relationships with friends, turning neutral parties into friends, and neutralizing adversaries."

Book Details:

• Publishing House: Dar Al-Farabi for Publishing and Distribution
• Author: Kamel Mohanna
• ISBN: 9789953719146
• Number of Pages: 224
• Year of Publication: 2013
• Cover Type: Paperback