Rethinking How We Think: Rational Thinking Workshop

This shift in mindset empowered participants to break free from subjective thinking and strengthen their mental resilience—key tools for community leadership and sustainable action.

Masis Community, Ararat region: On November 16–17, 2024, participants of the Rapid Social Inclusion through Asset-Based Community Development program took part in a transformative Rational Thinking Workshop, led by expert Marina Mkhitaryan.

The workshop challenged participants to rethink how they process information, question assumptions, and build conclusions based on evidence—not emotion. Through guided exercises, they sharpened their analytical skills, practiced making sound decisions under pressure, and learned to differentiate facts from opinions.

This shift in mindset empowered participants to break free from subjective thinking and strengthen their mental resilience—key tools for community leadership and sustainable action.

“The workshop changed my perspective,” said participant Shushanna Baghdasaryan. “Rational thinking is about building conclusions on facts, not feelings. I also discovered the importance of flexible, open-minded thinking and the power of listening.”

At ArmeniaCorps, we believe that changing how we think is the first step to changing what’s possible. With each phase of this program, we’re equipping participants not only to think differently—but to build the future differently.

Armenia Corps Development Initiative designed the Rapid Social Inclusion through Asset-Based Community Development Program to promote social inclusion in the Masis community, which includes 26 villages and Masis city. The program brings together 36 local and displaced youth to create localized solutions that foster social inclusion and generate community-level recommendations for better integration.

The program is funded through a Department of State Public Diplomacy Section grant, and supported by the Masis Community Administration. The opinions, findings and conclusions or recommendations expressed herein are those of the ArmeniaCorps and do not necessarily reflect those of the Department of State.