It’s Not the Cow, It’s the How
VISIONS partner Meagan Lannan, of Barney Creek Livestock, teaches VISIONS students about the importance of regenerative agriculture. Learn more!
Values & Philosophies
Our Mission: To live in harmony with ourselves, each other and the natural world.
VISIONS programs are built on the foundation of three fundamental values:
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- Connection. Forge connections with the self, others and that natural world in ways that build empathy and make us whole.
- Communication. Foster clear and honest communication that becomes the bedrock for meaningful relationships.
- Engagement. Actively and fearlessly strive to make a positive difference for other people, living creatures and the earth.
Read the following stories to see how our programs embody these values.
Why the VISIONS Dress Code?
Our decisions about dress code are quite simple—we are guests in our host communities, not tourists. We work with elders, nonprofit leaders in their professional settings, indigenous communities that abide by conservative attire, members of religious and spiritual groups, and others whose cultural and professional beliefs abide by conservative and appropriate attire.
Community Service Programs Include Work with Children
Working with children in our host communities is often one of the most rewarding parts of VISIONS programs. Driven by powerful inquisitiveness, chidren bypass language and cultural barriers to get to the objects of their curiosity, and teenagers are compellingly curious objects to these little children.
CELEBRATING INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY
VISIONS has a long history of female leadership. We also honor the many women who have directed our programs, female project partners who make a difference in their communities, and thousands of girls who have attended programs and worked hard while honing leadership skills.
Teen Summer Programs and VISIONS Tech Free Policy
VISIONS has always run tech-free summer programs for high school students (no cell phones or other electronic gadgets other than 30 minutes set aside once a week to connect with home).
Keeping the Dream Alive
Keeping the dream alive by honoring MLK. Our Montana Teen Summer Programs foster a deeper understanding of cultural diversity and humanitarianism. Learn more about Dr. King and VISIONS Montana programs.
Growing the Nonprofit VISIONS Foundation
The VISIONS Foundation was established in 2016 and promotes cross cultural exchange by supporting service-learning opportunities for students around the world. The Foundation also partners with international organizations to respond to their community’s most pressing needs. Building on the Foundation’s past success, we are focusing additional effort in growing its capacity this summer.
Spotlight: Summer Search (Partner Organization)
For the past 25 years individual students from Summer Search have joined our programs, but last year this relationship grew in a special way. We are proud of this connection. Here’s why . . .
Wes Hedden Returns to VISIONS as Dominican Republic Program Director
“We are seeing generational shifts as young people step into their potential as leaders… We have a lot to learn from young people. I look forward to learning from the participants in our DR programs in the summer of 2020, and I hope to help them recognize leadership qualities within themselves.”
How to take a Holiday Digital Detox
Traditionally, the holidays are a time to gather, give thanks, reflect on the past and plan for the future. But what if it was also a time to unplug from technology?
My Dream Job in the Dominican Republic
Stacey Neve was a seasoned traveler and overseas educator in search of a community that shared her passions for meaningful service and cultural immersion. Living abroad had positively impacted her life, but her desire to help others find this type of life-changing experience needed a path forward. Stacey found what she was looking for when she joined VISIONS as a leader in the Dominican Republic this past summer. Read Stacey’s story to find out how this adventure changed her life and motivated her to move to Montana to join the VISIONS office full time.
VISIONS Leaders From Around the World
VISIONS leaders from around the world trained together in preparation for teen summer service trips. In the process, they forged deep connections.