Leading change.
Strengthening identity.
Exploring history.
Create Change With Us
Mission: Operation Understanding DC’s mission is to cultivate youth leaders dedicated to advancing equality and combating discrimination through compassionate leadership, bridge-building across differences, and facilitating meaningful dialogue in support of the ongoing quest for justice.
Vision: OUDC envisions a world where all people are able to experience dignity, safety, and belonging. In pursuit of that vision, OUDC seeks to create generations of youth empowered with the skills and knowledge needed to be effective leaders and advocates for social justice, helping to build a future where freedom and inclusion are accessible to all.
Operation Understanding DC is currently accepting applications for Social Justice Fellows from rising sophomores and juniors for the 2026-2027 academic year!
The Social Justice Fellowship Program is...
A year-long, tuition-free program grounded in:
- Human rights history, U.S. civil rights movement, and contemporary social justice issues
- Fellows participate in: biweekly sessions with civil rights leaders, organizers, artists, journalists, and elected officials
- Educational retreats, workshops, and visits to key historical sites
- Training in public speaking, writing, conflict resolution, and facilitation
The Summer Journey:
- A FREE two-week immersive trip through the American South, engaging directly with individuals and communities connected to the Civil Rights Era.
Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.
History
OUDC was founded in 1993 by Karen Kalish. Karen was inspired by a similar program in Philadelphia started by The Honorable William H. Gray III, then a U.S. Congressman representing Philadelphia, and George M. Ross. Since then, Operation Understanding has worked with 30 groups of young people and empowered more than 700 leaders.
Who we are
OUDC's staff, board and alumni network is a group of diverse, committed change-makers who seek to empower the next generation of social justice leaders to promote respect, understanding and cooperation while fighting to eradicate racism, anti-Semitism and all forms of discrimination.
What we do
OUDC serves as a thought leader and facilitates dialogue to advance social justice. OUDC's signature program is the Social Justice Fellowship, a transformational yearlong program for high school juniors. Our Fellows are dedicated to learning how to challenge racism, anti-Semitism and discrimination and to educating their communities on how to do the same.
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Operation Understanding DC does not charge students for their participation in its yearlong, cross-cultural education program. Students’ experiences are made possible entirely by the generous support of individuals, foundations, corporations and congregations. Thank you for your investment in our young social justice leaders.
