Mission Statement
Our mission is to empower the creation of environments where differences are recognized, understood, appreciated, and utilized for the benefit of all through both time-tested and innovative training and tools, public advocacy, and consulting models addressing the personal, interpersonal, cultural, and institutional levels.
We envision a more equitable world where: ● Differences are valued and used for the benefit of all ● There is a common awareness of and language for addressing issues of difference among all sectors ● Communities listen more, always seek to understand each other first, grow in their curiosity of each other's perspective, and accept that multiple perspectives are the pathway towards equity and liberation. ● Our justice, health care, education, and other systems are more equitable ●Intersectionality is recognized, understood, and acted upon |
Founding Director Valerie Batts, VP, Training and Development, explains VISIONS approach to language and how it enhances our effectiveness. |
It started with a question…
In 1984, the founders of VISIONS—three black women who grew up in legalized segregation and a white Jewish man who grew up in the civil rights movement—brought together change agents in the fields of education, law, psychology, public health, business and religion, all of whom were asking the question, “How do we include people who have been historically excluded from white, mostly male institutions?” The challenge was to understand and pioneer ways that everyone could prosper. Following the first wave of affirmative action in the U.S., the common practice had been to add more diversity without paying attention to how to best prepare the workplace, community, or church for success. Organizations failed to recognize the elements that needed to change to ensure that those being brought in would stay and thrive. |
Founding Director Valerie Batts, VP, Training and Development, on VISIONS’ humble beginnings and powerful impact. |
Co-Founder Angela Bryant shares her experience of VISIONS’ history. |
Co-Founder John Capitman shares his experience of VISIONS’ history. |
Working with the next generation…
In 2003, in collaboration with W.K. Kellogg Foundation, VISIONS began to actively look at how these issues are the same and different for young people, and developed a version of our model geared toward those ages 15 to 30. Our engagement with this age group, including developing a cadre of youth consultants, has allowed us to stay fresh in our thinking and our perspectives and join with youth to continue our work to increase opportunity and equity for all people.
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