My Nonprofit Reviews
adreiman
Review for Operation Understanding DC, Washington, DC, USA
OUDC was one of the single most meaningful experiences of my life. I could not wait to join OUDC after my brother graduated from Class 10. I was constantly in awe of the stories he told, the friends he made, and the impact that the program had on his life. Just as the experience changed my brother, it made me into the person I am today. Not only did I learn a tremendous amount about both African American and Jewish culture, but I learned about the ways in which our two communities have worked together in the past to accomplish something that lives on today. I learned about Jewish movements, and the Civil Rights Movement. I listened to incredible speakers, many of whom were unsung heroes. They amazed me with their courage, and inspired me to stand up for what is right and what I believe in. Joanne Bland, from Selma, Alabama, is one of the most amazing women I've ever met in my life. She has been with the program since Class 1 and continues to affect each participant with her stories from Bloody Sunday when they arrive in the historically vibrant town. In addition to the educational part of the program, I grew so much as a human being and a global citizen. I expanded the lens with which I view the world, and I have become much more aware of my own judgments, opinions, and actions. I don't know exactly who I am, but OUDC helped me to understand who I ultimately want to become. I turned 19 three days ago. I had a small birthday party at my house to celebrate the end of summer and going back to college. I invited only five friends from my high school. However, I invited the 29 people who I graduated from OUDC with. They are my true friends. They are the people I want to share exciting news with, or lean on when its just been one of those days. They are the people who challenge me politically, spiritually, and emotionally. They are my family.
More Feedback
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
my interactions with other students, not only African American and Jewish, at my university. I honestly experience the results every single day of my life when I engage with other people on issues ranging from religion, to politics, to spirituality.
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
create a program during the Spring where participants would be able to do a school exchange and see how other participants learn. I think this would be extremely interesting considering the various socio-economic levels of participants in the program.
What I've enjoyed the most about my experience with this nonprofit is...
meeting amazing people who have challenged me to think beyond my own opinions, as well as the places that I've gone and the experiences I've had in retracing the Freedom Rides through the South.
The kinds of staff and volunteers that I met were...
deeply committed to furthering the program's ultimate goal of connecting African American and Jewish high school students.
If this organization had 10 million bucks, it could...
involve even more participants in the program, organize school exchanges between participants, and even send participants to Senegal and Israel.
Ways to make it better...
there were more retreats with the other participants before the summer journey. The retreats were a great way to bond with the other participants, as well as learn about various subjects in an intensive setting.
In my opinion, the biggest challenges facing this organization are...
the lack of funding.
One thing I'd also say is that...
OUDC is an amazing organization and anyone that has the opportunity to participate will be forever changed in the way that they look at the world and interact with others.
How frequently have you been involved with the organization?
About once a year
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2009
