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I want to reflect on the unique opportunities (and challenges) that VISIONS faced over the last fiscal year, which closed in July.  We saw an unprecedented demand for our diversity, equity and inclusion work, while juggling the constantly-evolving realities of operating during a global pandemic. VISIONS needed to move swiftly yet be mindful. Be responsive,…

My tears burn My hearts on fire We try to answer this wicked question With a simple answer So much anger Underneath all sadness All shame We cannot talk about We will not talk about Because those moments our opposing opinions Bring too much pain Where is the line When do I stand And say…

September 11, 2001 changed the US  forever. A total of 2,977 lives were lost in New York City, Washington, DC, and outside of Shanksville, Pennsylvania, and thousands more were injured.  Many more first responders and civilians alike battled illnesses believed to stem from the contaminated air at or around the site, as well as post-traumatic…

  Two VISIONS consultants share their insights about Critical Race Theory and how our broader community may be able to redirect this important discussion. Jen Rose Heifferon (JRH) is a Learning Specialist and Multicultural Leadership Team Co-Facilitator at the Presidio Hill School and an Associate Consultant at VISIONS. Alec MacCleod (AM) is a teacher at…

Talking about Critical Race Theory (CRT) can be challenging. Outside of academia, a wide array of definitions and biases exist. Perceptions become widespread and we find ourselves having a discussion that is built upon some significant misperceptions. Consider Encyclopedia Britannica’s definition: an intellectual movement and loosely organized framework of legal analysis based on the premise…

As we celebrate Independence Day this year, we invite you to think about what the phrase “Liberty & justice for all” means to you. In this country there are so many voices to hear from. And so many that have yet to be heard. This country’s historic day of independence and freedom in some ways…

Juneteenth marks an important milestone in the U.S.’ ongoing pursuit of “liberty for all.” June 19, now celebrated as Juneteenth, honors the day in 1865 when the last of the enslaved in Galveston, TX were told they were free.  Long acknowledged and celebrated by African Americans, the poignancy of this day has become more widely-acknowledged…

It has been exactly one year since George Floyd was killed by police officer Derek Chauvin. The world reacted to his needless death through an outpouring of emotions and actions, an awakening to the racism and social injustices that still exist today and the work that still needs to be done by every single one…

Yesterday, we learned the jury found former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin guilty on all charges – second degree murder, third degree murder, and second degree manslaughter, for the death of George Floyd. He faces up to 40 years in prison, and we eagerly await what his sentence will actually be. Will it be the…

忍 the character commonly translated to mean “to persevere”. But it also means to endure, tolerate, and conceal. It is considered a virtue in Chinese & Japanese cultures. 忍者 – a person who perseveres – also means ninja. I am angry. I don’t get angry very often. In fact, I almost never get angry because…