The visions blog

Dig deeper into stories of friendships, community and projects.

Spotlights: Alum, Leaders & Partners

Our community has grown with each passing year, beginning in rural Pennsylvania and quickly extending across the globe. In this series, we glimpse into the lives of some of the people who make up the diverse VISIONS community and hear how VISIONS fits into their bigger picture.

Do you have a VISIONS story that you would like to share? Our international community would love to hear from you! Click here to share your story!

Tiger Song, 2023 & 2024 VISIONS Alum

Tiger Song, 2023 & 2024 VISIONS Alum

Meet Tiger, a two-time Montana Blackfeet VISIONS alum whose teenage volunteering experience changed his goals for his future. After two teen service trips, he is now refocusing on travel and minority language preservation.

Nolan & Barry, A VISIONS Love Story

Nolan & Barry, A VISIONS Love Story

Nolan & Barry met during Leader Training in Bozeman before heading out to separate summer program locations. They were married just two years later. Now with two kids in Austin, they reflect on their journey with VISIONS, sharing insights on love, leadership and the impact of meaningful experiences.

Spotlight: Greg Rolland, VISIONS Leader Alum

Spotlight: Greg Rolland, VISIONS Leader Alum

Greg’s passion for the outdoors and cross-cultural service culminated in becoming a leader on our first Alaska summer program in 1995. He looks back on the early days, projects they completed and people he met.

Your Impact Lives On

Your Impact Lives On

Since our inception in 1988, VISIONS continues to offer some of the best volunteer opportunities for high school students there are. Projects are ambitious and real, and have an impact that lasts on the community. And you—our alum—are part of that legacy.

Spotlight: Heather Smarick, VISIONS alum

Spotlight: Heather Smarick, VISIONS alum

Heather Smarick finished a VISIONS program in the Dominican Republic last summer, and recalls learning to mix and pour cement for two classroom’s foundations, playing cards with local kids, and making wonderful friends.

Spotlight: Tim Parsons, Former VISIONS Leader and Office Staff

Spotlight: Tim Parsons, Former VISIONS Leader and Office Staff

Tim has led VISIONS programs all over the world—Mississippi, Australia, South Carolina, Dominica, Alaska, Montana Blackfeet Indian Reservation and Montana Northern Cheyenne. Today he uses the skills that he developed as a VISIONS team member to enhance his life and others’ around him.