Our Impact
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VISIONS has an answer and offers real tools for lasting change and continued engagement.
We bring all parties to the table, regardless of where they are in their understanding of diversity and inclusion. We keep them there through the challenging and energizing process of professional and personal growth by creating a positive, guilt-free environment in which to do the work. Our customized training and consulting leaves people more open to hearing different perspectives and more aware of where changes need to be made—at all levels— institutional, cultural, personal and interpersonal. Our work is designed to provide customized, action-oriented tools that improve mission effectiveness. |
Co-Founder & Executive Director Valerie Batts introduces VISIONS theory around various differences. |
We do this by helping clients:
- Communicate more honestly and effectively across differences.
- Examine current practices and culture, identify barriers, and improve the effectiveness of their inclusion efforts.
- Attract, retain, and inspire diverse talent.
- Improve morale, collaboration, and problem-solving among team members.
- Create a climate where a dissenting point of view is valued and where challenges and accountability are encouraged, unaccompanied by accusations or blame.
Our Theory
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We look at all variables at all levels.
VISIONS’ theory challenges all participants to look at the pervasive impact of unconscious assumptions, biases, and power imbalances on their personal behavior as well as their organization’s behavior. It clearly defines the traps and strategies used, often unconsciously, to erect barriers to inclusion at all levels—personal, interpersonal, institutional and cultural. Based on research in modern racism done by Dr. Valerie Batts, Executive Director and co-founder, VISIONS theory also powerfully addresses other areas of difference, such as gender, class, ethnicity, religion, education, language, and sexual orientation. We feel it is critical to look at the complex interrelationship of the many variables that affect diversity and inclusion. |
VISIONS Co-Founder John Capitman explains VISIONS theory and process. |
We create a positive guilt-free environment.
Our theory includes specific guidelines that affect cognitive, behavioral and affective understanding. The guidelines promote openness and prevent feelings of guilt or shame, allowing for learning and accountability. Clients tell us these guidelines have become pivotal in their daily personal and professional lives and stay with them long after VISIONS has completed onsite training and consultation.
Change—not just awareness—is the goal.
We are in business to create impact for our clients. We define impact as identifiable changes at the personal, institutional and cultural level. Through our theory, we provide clients with a set of customized, actionable tools to achieve this goal. We work by their side until the desired shifts in behavior and institutional practice occur.
Our theory includes specific guidelines that affect cognitive, behavioral and affective understanding. The guidelines promote openness and prevent feelings of guilt or shame, allowing for learning and accountability. Clients tell us these guidelines have become pivotal in their daily personal and professional lives and stay with them long after VISIONS has completed onsite training and consultation.
Change—not just awareness—is the goal.
We are in business to create impact for our clients. We define impact as identifiable changes at the personal, institutional and cultural level. Through our theory, we provide clients with a set of customized, actionable tools to achieve this goal. We work by their side until the desired shifts in behavior and institutional practice occur.
Our Process
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We pay attention not only to what is said, but what is unsaid.
We believe that the process greatly affects the outcome of any initiative. VISIONS considers equally both content and process. Our consultants are trained to observe and respond to what is spoken and unspoken and to the varying levels of participation and engagement during each client work session. |
Intra-cultural group sharing at a PACE workshop.
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Our process considers both intent and outcome.
Often work output or group dynamics are derailed by a miss between what was intended by an action, statement or plan and how it was actually perceived by those whom it impacts. VISIONS consultants observe when these misses happen and follow up with targeted questions designed to directly address any fears, concerns, and misunderstandings that may exist. We train clients to see the link between process and outcome.
We practice what we preach.
Our focus on process and content does not begin or end with our client work sessions. At VISIONS, we implement the same model in our own interactions, allowing our team to be aware of, and accountable to, our words, behaviors, actions and each other.
Often work output or group dynamics are derailed by a miss between what was intended by an action, statement or plan and how it was actually perceived by those whom it impacts. VISIONS consultants observe when these misses happen and follow up with targeted questions designed to directly address any fears, concerns, and misunderstandings that may exist. We train clients to see the link between process and outcome.
We practice what we preach.
Our focus on process and content does not begin or end with our client work sessions. At VISIONS, we implement the same model in our own interactions, allowing our team to be aware of, and accountable to, our words, behaviors, actions and each other.
Our Diversity
VISIONS’ commitment to diversity and inclusion holds true not only for our clients, but for ourselves.
The VISIONS team consists of over 30 expert consultants from a wide range of personal, cultural, and professional backgrounds who work and live throughout the United States and abroad. Our diversity and multicultural effectiveness come through not only in our professional expertise, but also in how we engage and embrace the similarities and differences of our gender, race, ethnicity, region, class, religion, sexual orientation, and age.
In building cross-difference teams, we are able to serve organizations of all types effectively, knowing that our consultants hold expertise in every area. We can also ensure a diversity of perspectives and opinions in each client interaction, which is essential to achieving the best outcomes for everyone that we serve.
VISIONS practices ongoing internal staff and consultant development to keep our own journey authentic, fresh and relevant.
The VISIONS team consists of over 30 expert consultants from a wide range of personal, cultural, and professional backgrounds who work and live throughout the United States and abroad. Our diversity and multicultural effectiveness come through not only in our professional expertise, but also in how we engage and embrace the similarities and differences of our gender, race, ethnicity, region, class, religion, sexual orientation, and age.
In building cross-difference teams, we are able to serve organizations of all types effectively, knowing that our consultants hold expertise in every area. We can also ensure a diversity of perspectives and opinions in each client interaction, which is essential to achieving the best outcomes for everyone that we serve.
VISIONS practices ongoing internal staff and consultant development to keep our own journey authentic, fresh and relevant.
“When I am unclear about a situation that involves differences, whether it be race, gender, class or anything else, I use VISIONS’ theory and it helps me make sense of it, gives me the language to talk about it, and empowers me to then act more effectively.” |
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