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Frequently Asked Questions

How much does VISIONS charge for its services?
VISIONS rates are competitive with other multicultural consultancy organizations. They are determined based on the specific contract that is developed for your organization. We offer a reduced rate for non-profit, educational, community based, or financially challenged organizations. When you are speaking with a VISIONS consultant, let them know your status and budget.

Can I talk with someone at VISIONS?
To connect with VISIONS staff or consultants call the main VISIONS office at 617-541-4100. To reach the North Carolina office call 252-442-4022. You can e-mail us at office@visions-inc.org.

What does the VISIONS acronym stand for?
VigorouS Interventions in On-going Natural Settings.

How many consultants does VISIONS have and who are they?
Over the years, VISIONS has developed an impressive core group of consultants from a wide range of cultural backgrounds and professional experience. Presently, there are over 30 individuals with expertise in numerous fields - psychology, education, law, business, organizational development, communications, and health. Several consultants have extensive experience in grassroots community organizing and advocacy related to various social concerns and issues. To learn more about the consultants, click here.

How does someone become a VISIONS consultant?
VISIONS has between 8-12 Prospective Consultants engaged in a multi-year "train-the-trainers" program towards becoming VISIONS consultants. This process is not like a traditional academic program in that the focus of our training is on both the completion of content as well as on the development of a process approach to multicultural, anti-oppression work. As space and resources allow, VISIONS will welcome other people into this training process.

If you are interested in becoming a VISIONS consultant, the first step is to attend two of the "Personal Approach to Multiculturalism" workshops. Whether you have extensive experience concerning multiculturalism and racism, or you are just beginning this ongoing learning process, these four-day workshops will be a useful tool in developing the necessary skills to identify and challenge "isms" in yourself, in others, and in organizations. They will also give you the opportunity to observe the VISIONS model in action. We understand that our approach is not compatible with every person that expresses an interest in becoming a consultant. Attending the workshop will give you a sense for how VISIONS fits your experience and expectations. After attending the workshop, contact the VISIONS office and let us know of your interest.

Are there international VISIONS consultants?
VISIONS and VISIONS consultants have considerable international experience applying multicultural approaches to organizational development and change efforts. Many of our consultants were born outside of the United States and/or have 5 to 35 years of professional experience living and working internationally. These consultants work on a regular basis with our U.S. based group as well, and have influenced all of our perspectives. Some of our consultants are based overseas.

How does the VISIONS model apply globally?
VISIONS' first international work was in Holland. We have maintained a presence there since l988. We have worked in a variety of settings in South Africa since l991 and have trained over 500 people in our approaches, with appropriate adaptations for the context. In recent years we have done consultation and training in Zimbabwe, Latin America, and England. Shortly we will be doing work in Japan and China for one of our clients. In addition, our U.S. based work has steadily grown within Asian populations throughout the United States, as well as in other communities of color. Participants from all cultural groups and all over the world come to our regular public 4-day workshops which are offered 10 times yearly across all regions of the U.S.

In the context of this work, we have spent literally thousands of hours helping ourselves and our clients apply our model to the power imbalances that are most relevant for them and their organizations. We have been successful in helping clients see the links of these issues to global racism, sexism, and classism. We have gained the process skills necessary to go into a new country or cultural group through private or public sector consultations and understand how its people view issues of oppression, and to make a bridge with our views. We have stayed open to growing, learning and altering our views as indicated by the context. Further, many of our consultants also gain such skills in the process of teaching classes at colleges and universities and/or presenting at international conferences. It has been exciting through the years to watch students from around the world take the model and adapt it to their country or ethnic group's issues. We are proud of our work in this arena and look forward to continued dialog. Please do not hesitate to contact our offices for additional information as needed.

What is your connection to Rocky Mount, NC?
Among our founders were three African American women from Rocky Mount, North Carolina, USA. They were raised and nurtured by a cohesive community in the midst of an ongoing struggle for civil, cultural, and economic rights. As they entered various professions, these founders and their colleagues developed VISIONS as a way to pass on what they had learned from their elders in this small southern town. In particular, they sought to honor a legacy of respect for group and individual differences and faith in the potential for creating just and equitable institutions. To learn about who we are, our core values and mission, click here.

Does VISIONS do community development work?
Yes. In a variety of settings, VISIONS provides targets of inequality (e.g., people of color, women, low wealth communities, elders, and youth) with improved strategies for community support, personal development, employment, coalition building, and sharing of power/resources within and across groups.

For example, as part of a commitment to their hometown, in 1984 the founders of VISIONS initiated a community development project that evolved into The Wright's Center, a day-care facility for frail and disabled elders and adults. Located in a building that originally housed Rocky Mount's oldest African American business, the center uniquely services participants from all racial and class backgrounds. In November of 1998, the Wright's Center because an independent 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation. To find out more about the Wright's Center, click here.

Our community development work has continued with programs like Arts for Action. This is a leadership, advocacy training project that uses facilitated discussions and theater techniques within which participants learn to better understand and name issues of race, gender, class, and language enabling them to advocate for systemic change within their local schools.

Also, VISIONS, in partnership with the W. K. Kellogg Foundation's Capitalizing on Diversity Initiative, implemented the YES! Program (Youth Engagement Strategies). This involved anti-racism training and consultantion to youth and adults in youth development programs.

VISIONS provides workshops, technical assistance, and training for youth, and the adults who support them, in the context of their on-going community activities.

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