Who We Are

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.

What we do

VISIONS is celebrated for its change-oriented approach to diversity and inclusion work.

We offer clients the tools and skills to:
  • Communicate more effectively across difference.
  • Create a non-judgmental atmosphere which allows for challenges and accountability without accusation and blame.
  • Analyze complex issues regarding race, class, gender and other differences at the personal, interpersonal, institutional and cultural levels.
  • Create strategies for inclusion that allow for engagement of all participants, so they can perform to their full potential.

VISIONS has a highly trained team of consultants around the United States and abroad. Since 1984, VISIONS has trained more than 115,000 people and, in the last decade, worked with over 500 organizations. Moving forward, we are developing the next generation of youth leaders through our Youth Empowerment Workshops and the Legacy Project.

VISIONS developed a model that stood up to real world challenges

Our model is built on the understanding that change to any system must occur at multiple levels and address multiple variables of difference, including race and ethnicity, gender, class, sexual preference, and others. VISIONS recognized it was not enough to open doors to diversity at the institutional level alone. Instead, one must also address barriers to inclusion at the personal, interpersonal, and cultural levels as well. This approach revealed the attitudes, unconscious biases, and behaviors that prevent people from succeeding in organizations and pointed out what needed to change to make success for everyone a possibility.

VISIONS is a certified Minority Non-Profit (M/NPO)

VISIONS Inc. has met the requirements to be certified as a minority non-profit  (M/NPO certified) with the Supplier Diversity Office (SDO) by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.

VISIONS is a public nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization (Tax ID# is: 52-1378064.) Therefore, donors may deduct contributions as provided in Section 170 of the IRS Code. We are grateful for monetary donations in all amounts.

​VISIONS, Inc. just earned the 2020 Gold Seal of Transparency on GuideStar. Now our community members can find in-depth information about our goals, strategies, capabilities, and progress. We’re shining a spotlight on the difference we help make.