Dear VISIONS Community,

Earlier this year, I attended Notes to Humanity, a powerful gathering hosted by an organization called Life Calling. The experience was deeply moving—an intentional, multisensory reflection on what it means to stay human in an age increasingly shaped by technology, disconnection, and fear.

What struck me most was not just the emotion in the room, but also the clarity: preserving our shared humanity requires more than awareness. It requires action—rooted in empathy, story, and courageous dialogue…and together.

At VISIONS, we believe healing and justice are relational. For over 40 years, we’ve supported organizations, leaders, and communities in building the skills needed to transform conflict, navigate identity, and foster true belonging. As dehumanizing language and polarizing rhetoric rise in public discourse—often echoing dangerous historical patterns—we’re reminded that systems don’t change unless people do. And people can’t change in isolation.

That’s why we’re doubling down on what we do best: creating space for dialogue, emotional literacy, and behavior change across lines of difference. This moment calls for more than statements. It calls for relationships. For community. For everyday peacemaking.

These turbulent times remind us why VISIONS exists. As we witness what many call a whitelash — a backlash against equity, inclusion, and truth-telling — our work is more urgent than ever. We often celebrate liberation as the goal, yet in truth, it marks the start of the deeper work ahead. The hard work and struggle don’t end.

At VISIONS, we know that justice and liberation are not just destinations. They are choices we make every day in how we lead, teach, and build communities. In moments when it feels easier to retreat or normalize harm, we remain committed to creating spaces where people can speak truth, navigate complexity with courage, and find solidarity beyond fear.

We’re grateful to be in this work with you—and excited to share more below about what’s ahead this summer, including workshops, leadership initiatives, and new ways to engage with our learning community.

One of those ways is through our new VISIONS Membership Circle—an opportunity to connect more deeply, access exclusive tools and learning spaces, and join a growing community of every day changemakers committed to healing, equity, and transformation. 

If you haven’t already, we invite you to join us. Together, we can build something powerful—rooted in relationship, resilience, and the shared work of change.

Additionally, democracy is not something we have; it is something we do. And we need to ALL keep at it. Together. As we continue this critical work, we need your support to get through this time. By investing in VISIONS now, you are helping ensure we can keep building the courageous, inclusive future our communities deserve.

Thank you for refusing passivity, staying grounded in love, and believing that a better world is possible when we build it together.

With heart and hope,

Elika