Operation Understanding

and they are back. the 2016 summer experience has returned and we are so proud of these great students.

It has been nearly a week since the tragedy in Orlando. Since that time, we have heard sensationalized news reports about the motivations behind the attack, we have seen criticism of the entire Muslim religion, we have seen preachers condemn the LGBTQ community, but most importantly, we have seen people come together. We have seen Muslim, Christian and Jewish groups reach out to show their support for the LGBTQ community. We have seen people reach out to their LGBTQ neighbors..., friends, family and community members to say that I am here if you need me. Our work with Operation Understanding has taught us a few things. In times of crisis, we have options for how to respond. We can move into a narrative of blame or we can come together to lift each other up and provide support for each other. This has truly been the light after Orlando. It is incumbent on all of us to keep reaching out and keep saying "I am here for you" and to keep doing this in public so that people know we are one family.

You are cordially invited to join JARED SOLOMON for a Happy Hour in Support of Operation Understanding... When: Tuesday | June 21, 2016 | 6:30-8:00pm Where: : PENNSYLVANIA 6 PHILLY 114 S. 12th St., Philadelphia, PA 19107 Platinum| Gold | Young Professional $250 | $100 | $50 Checks made out to: Operation Understanding PO BOX 7765 Philadelphia, PA 19101 or you can donate online at: http://operationunderstanding.org/donate RSVP to Zack Arnold at 484-764-9268 or [email protected]

Today is Ben and Jerry's free cone day in Philadelphia (locations near Rittenhouse Square and UPenn) from 12 - 8:30pm. All donations go to the organization we love, Operation Understanding. So come on out and say hi, make a donation (remember, ice cream is free) and get some great ice cream!

This Tuesday, April 12 from 12 - 8:30pm, Operation Understanding is volunteering at and receiving funds from Free Cone Day at Ben and Jerry's. Help support us by volunteering to work in the store or just stopping by to get a cone! http://www.signupgenius.com/go/30e0a48aca82ba1f85-benand