Virginia Center for Inclusive Communities

I had the opportunity to sit in on the large group session of a Diversity Day event for high school students. The VCIC staff members facilitating the event did a masterful job engaging the students on the topic of economic inequality by using a variety of interactive activities to create discussion and reflection. Very impressive!

Excellent programs for institutions, governments and businesses conducted by dedicated staff. Strong Board support for the mission of the organization.

Virginia Center for Inclusive Communities has been my number one resource in my decades long teaching career. Whether it's working with students to promote a positive school culture, or working with other staff to strategize how to provide an inclusive learning community, the VCIC has always been there for me!

The Virginia Center for Inclusive Communities (VCIC) provides countless professional learning opportunities, events for students, and engaging opportunities for communities across Virginia. In each case, the programming is informative and important to advancing its goals and mission.

VCIC serves as a model across the state and beyond. It is a pleasure to have the opportunity to work and serve with such great leaders in the field.

Every year, the Virginia Center for Inclusive Communities (VCIC) helps hundreds of schools, businesses, and organizations to maximize their potential by facilitating mutual understanding and alignment around shared goals. The VCIC helps us to recognize and eliminate the friction that is commonly a bottleneck to collectively performing at our highest levels of achievement.

The VCIC continues to have a vital impact on the communities they serve. The outreach is still growing at a brisk pace with many groups and organizations requesting our assistance on issues of inclusion. During this past year, the VCIC did an outstanding job addressing the needs of the community. In light of the growing divisions around the nation, our services are needed now as much as ever. I will continue to serve and support the organization as much as possible. I still maintain that the VCIC is the best non-profit organization that I have ever worked with.

VCIC has been such a wonderful resource supporting our community for many decades.

I am so proud to vote for VCIC in the Great Nonprofits program! Every interaction, program, presentation is handled with intentionality, strategic thought and professionalism!

VCIC is doing some of the most important work in the world. By sharing inclusive principles in academic and occupational settings, it has allowed students and employees to reach their full potential, free of barriers.

Virginia Center for Inclusive Communities is a great organization. There learning sessions are thorough and very helpful for any organization, school or community. They are a great asset to the state of Virginia. I appreciate all the work they do to advance inclusion in our region.

Over many decades, the Virginia Center for Inclusive Communities (VCIC) has had a significant, sustained impact on how inclusion is approached at organizations across Virginia. VCIC is sought out as a trusted partner by corporations, nonprofits, universities, and schools. It continues to take innovative approaches and to work in ways that are specifically tailored to each organization. VCIC also sponsors workshops for young people that allow students to connect with peers across the state as they learn about issues tied diversity, equity, justice, and inclusion. I am a teacher at a school in Norfolk, Virginia, and I have seen the positive outcome of VCIC workshops at our school, and I also serve on the Tidewater chapter board.

I have served on the State Board of VCIC for six years. The work that the Virginia Center for Inclusive Communities does is invaluable. The team is extremely knowledgeable and professional. They provide thought provoking and useful information. Every school system and employer in the Commonwealth can benefit from the programs they provide.

I'm proud to support the work and mission of the Virginia Center for Inclusive Communities (VCIC). I'm grateful for the work that this organization has done through the years to support education, community, and business institutions as they achieve success through inclusion. VCIC is led by a great team of committed professionals who are doing important work across the Commonwealth. I recently attended the Lynchburg Humanitarian Awards Dinner and it was so gratifying and good for the soul to be in a space with so many individuals who have benefited from and support the work of VCIC. VCIC has done great work this year to look ahead to the future by implementing a a strategic plan that will allow us to spread this work further.

The Virginia Center for Inclusive Communities is by far the best resource that people, schools, communities and the world could have available to them. When schools are more diverse, when students are taught and aware of the rich diversity that surrounds them, when people can see how they can help, support and advocate for those around them - then communities are much stronger, have more trust, people respect each other for what they bring to the community and fairness and equity is simply what one does. VCIC has the resources to help communities become the best they can been. That is why I give VCIC 5+ stars and why I want to be involved.

Building peace and understanding through inclusion, a never ending task that people at VCIC are dedicate to. Their efforts gives hope that we all be stronger together and make a positive difference in our world.

The annual confernce provides great training and insights on how to develop a more inclusive workplace.

VCIC is very responsive to our DEI&B needs as a client and partner Non-profit. They have provided countless hours of training and consultation and expertise to better the work environment for our employees here at VHBG, which ultimately helps our community and the greater world around us. Charm, Jacquie, Jessica, Jonathan, and others on the team are experts in the field of DEI&B and they each give of themselves in a unique and inspired way. They really know how to make their client feel seen, heard, and valued.

I have attended VCIC Project Inclusion programs for high school students as an observer and corporate training as a participant, and because, like all of us, I see the great need for the kind of mediation and diversity training that the VCIC provides, I serve on our local VCIC chapter board. No other nonprofit organization in our state provides this expertise and capability. Its reach, though, is national, because the programs and materials it has developed are models for other organizations. At a time of great polarization and the reemergence of overt discrimination based on race, religion, and other factors, the need has never been greater.

The work of VCIC critical in today's climate. With segregation and discord being witnessed currently, VCIC is doing a great job in breaking down barrier and enhancing understanding and acceptance.

VCIC is a well-respected organization in the communities in which it serves across the Commonwealth of Virginia.

Virginia Center for Inclusive Communities (VCIC) is such a great organization! VCIC is willing to help pave, mend, and guide Virginia's communities to a greater well-being. The organization achieves this by utilizing their established internal/external network, experience and passion to bridge gaps, offer guidance to others/organizations and respectfully engage in dialogue to foster understanding. They approach every endeavor with kindness & respect - opening the doors to growth in Virginia's communities!

The Virginia Center for Inclusive Communities is an exceptional organization that serves as a "role model" for organizations across Virginia and beyond!

VCIC works quietly and effectively with individuals of all ages and with diverse groups. Perhaps the work done with teens is the most important of all in the long term, but no matter the age of participants, the message doesn't change: recognition and acceptance of diversity makes our Commonwealth of Virginia a better place in which to live.

I believe that the work of VCIC has never been more important that today and that they excel in everything they undertake.

My first exposure with VCIC was a session they led as part of my participation in a 10-month leadership program in late 2016. Then I was in a VCIC-led DEI workshop at my job. I learned my employer was a donor; a colleague/friend served on its state board; and VCIC's President & CEO, Jonathan Zur, was serving as an advisor for the Governor's office as I was serving on one of its state advisory boards.

Given so many touchpoints with VCIC, I wanted to learn more so I started to volunteer, first as a facilitator. I was then invited to join one of its chapters in 2019. Three years later, I'm starting a second term on the chapter and my first term on its state board of directors.

VCIC embodies its mission to help drive inclusion in businesses, schools and communities proactively, and even reactively in times of crisis. VCIC has often taken the lead in bringing diverse communities together in solidarity after tragic events.

I am a very proud supporter of VCIC's staff and programs and believe many individuals and organizations could benefit from engaging with them.

VCIC plays a vital role in our community. It scope of mission and reach into our community is amazing.

I have been connected to The Virginia Center for Inclusive Communities (VCIC) in two ways. First, as the head of an independent school in Virginia, I have witnessed VCIC's support of my school's efforts to create a more inclusive and belonging community. Their work seeks to connect people from all walks of life who are committed to being inclusive and supportive of one another. Second, as a Board member, I have seen the scope and span of their work increase as they have been called upon by so many businesses and organizations to assist in creating a greater sense of belonging throughout the state.

This is an incredible organization that provides many opportunities for communities to learn, grow, and create change together! I am so grateful for the time I have spent as part of VCIC!

VCIC provided a leader for "Advocates for Racial Justice" a non partisan group which discusses and monitors racial initiatives in the Tidewater area. With the help of jonathan Zur we were able to organize a group which met, until the Pandemic , monthly and included many community leaders.

We had VCIC provide a series of trainings for our full-time staff and tutors, and I would highly recommend! The staff worked with us to learn about our needs and tailored presentations accordingly. The workshops included a great balance of teaching concepts and practice with applying them to our staff's work in the real world. It is a gift to have access to these educators!

VCIC is a gem to the community. The staff is knowledgeable about diversity, equity and inclusion and offer some great comprehensive training and resources that can be utilized in any organizational setting and for personal growth. I recommend VCIC to any person looking to broaden their knowledge or create a more inclusive organization in Virginia. Please contact them today!!!

VCIC carries the torch for greater understanding and voice for the many diverse groups that make up our communities across Virginia. Where some might draw boundaries, VCIC builds bridges and promotes consideration and collaboration that lead to the benefits of true inclusivity. The organization's staff have significant experience and training to accomplish their mission, and the Commonwealth is truly fortunate to have VCIC!

The Virginia Center for Inclusive Communities is a perfectly needed organization during these times of unrest, change and hopefully improvement. The VCIC focuses on conversation and understanding, information and discussing along difficult topics - race, gender, religion, varying abilities and more. VCIC works with students, teachers, non-profits, state and local organizations, and for-profit entities.

thank goodness for this organization!

VCIC's mission of achieving success through inclusion is more important than ever in today's world. The organization conducts incredibly impactful programs for students, educators and businesses on issues of diversity, inclusion, respect and race relations. I have observed VCIC programs which provided insight into the effectiveness of the presentations to encourage inclusive behavior in schools and work places. I am proud to have been a board member for over 10 years.

Virginia Center for Includive Communities is Always on the cutting edge in training and educating schools ,businesses and individuals how to change systems and attitudes .I refer everyone to VCIC

VCIC had assumed a leadership role during this period of racial reckoning. The programming had transitioned to virtual and met more needs than ever.

I have been involved with this great nonprofit for 16 years. It is an extraordinary organization that advocates inclusion, decries bullying and racism and through its many programs engages with schools, businesses and communities to promote these values. I am proud to have been a volunteer and board member both on the Peninsula and state level for this organization and the wonderful staff that carry its mission.

Chris Zambas

This outstanding organization focuses on diversity, inclusion, and equity, and I am consistently amazed and impressed at the top-notch programming, leadership, and engagement of VCIC in the community.

I have been involved with VCIC as a participant, volunteer &/or chapter member since I was a teenager. VCIC continues to evolve & grow to provide services to make our community a more inclusive place for all.

The Virginia Center for Inclusive Communities continues to provide excellent educational and practical resources for schools, businesses, and individuals in order to foster a more equitable society. I have thoroughly enjoyed my work with them over the years. Even more importantly, I enjoy hearing about the amazing work that many of the students and faculty members are doing after taking part in their programs over the years.

VCIC is an amazing nonprofit which serves the entire Commonwealth of Virginia. Under the direction of Jonathan Zur, the staff provides outstanding and much needed programs across the state to promote inclusiveness and diversity in schools, businesses and communities in general. This work is never ending and the amazing staff at VCIC brings fresh perspectives and ideas to keep the programming current and engaging for the participants.

I have learned so much from VCIC. The organization has helped me grow personally and professionally.

This nonprofit is informative, bold and necessary in today's world. I love how it teaches that everyone has value and helps others see things from different perspectives! Great work with companies, schools and communities. It is a nonprofit that is transforming and improving our communities.

VCIC helps the community through a variety of channels, events, and partnerships; through training and educational events/activities, special events, community forums, and many other avenues as needed. Individuals of all faiths, ages, abilities, and backgrounds are supported by VCIC and the community is able to gain a new/deeper understanding of diversity and inclusion because of VCIC.

Having been associated with this organization for as long as I can remember, due to directorship excellence we are at the top of our game.

Suffice it to say in a disconnected world, VCIC has been, is currently, and will remain an honest purveyor of truth through excellent leadership from the CEO, committed board members and sorely needed mission.

Delivery of the message of inclusion is through multiple programs honed and improved over many years since the founding many generations ago.

Virginia Center for Inclusive Communities leads the way in working to make Virginia a more welcoming and inclusive place. They're diversity, equity, and inclusion training is thoughtfully and brilliantly done.

VCIC's work to make our community an inclusive place is priceless! They continue to open up minds and eyes, young and old. The lives they touch will impact generations to come. Thank you VCIC!!

Outstanding management insuring outstanding service to the community across the state.

I have been a part of many boards and non-profits. VCIC is superbly run and focused on today's critical need: for our communities to respect all citizens, learn and work on bias that we all have, and equip our young people to be me open and accepting of all types. Current times create a real need for this work and VCIC is doing it!

This organization is committed to addressing all forms of biases and prejudices where ever they exist.

I have never seen a more dedicated or hard working Executive Director. The work done by VCIC over the years in schools and workplaces may have prevented some real tragedies in Virginia.

VCIC assists schools with issues of equality. In today’s world, with staff and students balancing tweets, news and the school world, VCIC brings tools to assist.

I find VCIC courageously entering difficult “spaces” and doing the things most needed to build real community: holding the hard conversations and helping to construct diverse relationships; building bridges across ethnic communities, across socio-economic levels, across religions, across races, across genders! --- Those are the spaces where I find VCIC in our region! Besides training middle school students and high school students and regional corporations on diversity and inclusion, VCIC is leading the RVA table talk series, bringing multiple communities and cultures to the table to discuss diversity and inclusion. VCIC is collaborating with the Greater Richmond Age Wave Coalition to help our communities understand the impact and health crisis of “ageism”. VCIC has taught tutors and teachers at the READ Center, helping tutors to understand implicit bias and to think about how to be inclusive when teaching adult students from multiple cultures who struggle with low-level literacy. Because I’ve met new friends and know existing friends in all these spaces who say VCIC’s efforts make a difference in their lives, then I want to be in these spaces, too. So, I eagerly volunteer with VCIC! I know that giving time and resources to VCIC contributes to increased inclusion for all in our region.

I have been working with this nonprofit in a volunteer capacity for nearly a decade, and don't have enough good things to say about them. The CEO and all of the staff care intensely about the mission of inclusiveness, and work tirelessly to create new programs and improve already existing ones. I was a delegate at one of their programs when I was a student myself, and was inspired by my personal experience to return to the same camp. I continue to volunteer because I see the students changed from what they experience at these events each time that I participate. The world is a more thoughtful, generous, and caring place because of this organization.

The Virginia Center for Inclusive Communities came to my institution, changed the way we thought, and created a phenomenal action plan for us to follow once they conducted their workshops. It was impactful, timely, and relevant. Our institution has become a more inclusive place because of them.

Tremendous team of people doing outstanding work in a very important area - diversity and inclusion. They cover a lot of ground with limited resources and make the absolute most of every dollar available for their programming. They offer life-changing perspectives on achieving success through inclusion - something that is in high demand in these days of increasing divisiveness in our society.

I have collaborated with VCIC across three school systems as a teacher and administrator. They have facilitated staff training and development and student workshops and awareness with tremendous results! Bringing teams of students to the Diversity Dialogue Day and Prejudice Awareness Summit should be mandatory for all schools! I have seen first hand the changes in students that result from these experiences and the most powerful aspect is that VCIC encourages student lead initiatives by having the students create action plans to implement at their schools. There is no way to leave a session with VCIC without understanding a new perspective and growing in empathy.

This organization is truly committed to education and equality. I am a donor, a participant and a life-long supporter of their great work in the community.

VCIC works non-stop in the greater Richmond area (and throughout the state of Virginia) with a vast variety of groups (youth, schools, corporations, non-profits, public sector, etc.) to educate and build inclusivity. Jonathan Zur is a wonderful leader for this organization and the staff are all dedicated and committed to their mission and to helping others. THANK YOU VCIC!

VCIC does what few or perhaps no other organization does in our State.... It is on the front lines to actively educate the community, especially youth, to become aware and to confront and combat racism, religious intolerance, and any other forms of discrimination which tear down the fabric of society. We are grateful for tireless dedication of the leadership and staff of the Virginia Center for Inclusive Communities.

As a school counselor I took a group of 8th graders to the prejudice awareness summit. It was an awesome experience -- well run and through provoking!

I started as a counselor and am now serving as a board member. I have had the opportunity to see this organization grow and become the outstanding leader in opening minds and hearts of all individuals who have had the pleasure of participating in any of the workshops, seminars, etc. I have observed teens arrive for said programs with little enthusiasm and leave excitedly enriched and wanting to continue to share their experiences with others. This organization knows how to "reach" participants like no other!

VCIC is an incredible organization. We've had the opportunity to work with them during workshops with our faculty and staff and our students. All programs are facilitated in a professional, respectful manner which allows for sharing and growth. Each member of their staff is compassionate and gives 110% to the people with whom they are working. The topics addressed can be very personal and revealing, but thru their facilitation it is done in a non-judgmental, reflective way that allows for personal and organizational growth.

Incredibly great resources, information, and advocacy for the "little man"

Eight years ago, I had my first experience with VCIC as an elementary principal. The school division mandated that all instructional leaders attend a workshop on educational equity and inclusive practices. I was pleased that the county recognized the need for such training, but was pessimistic that a one day workshop would do justice to such a robust topic. To my surprise, VCIC superseded my expectations. The facilitators, content, materials and activities were highly useful and very engaging. I was so impressed that I took Jonathan Zur up on his offer to bring the training to my elementary school. The entire staff embraced the training and realized that we just did not know, what we did not know to really have an impact on ALL of our students. Throughout the workshop, teachers felt empowered in ways that reminded us all why we got into education. Jonathan and the team from VCIC provided ongoing training throughout the school year that motivated, educated and inspired the entire school community. Our school experienced increased student performance, decreased discipline, and a culture emerged that made our school a great place to learn and a rewarding place to teach.

This organization has helped my students and I develop knowledge on a variety of issues related to diversity. Without this organization Newport News Public Schools would miss out on a great opportunity for our youth. VCIC is helping shape the future of our students and future citizens.

Incredible support, organized and expert staff!

VCIC is a priceless resource for the Virginia community. Particular to my experience, their engagement with schools public and private means a consistent, professional and up-to-the-moment cultural competency message for youth around the region -- and (maybe more importantly) for faculty and administrators who MUST toe the mark on equity, empathy and inclusion in schools to give our students the 21st century skills we promise as educators. VCIC can make an educator's job easy in this respect. They are so willing to collaborate, meet groups where they are, invent paths in previously untrod areas of professional development, and be a real partner in education. I am so grateful for their work and look forward to years of partnership to come. THANK YOU.

VCIC is one of the best run nonprofits I've experienced. The executive director oversees a very professional staff that conducts programs and provides consulting services that are prepared to best practices standards, well organized, and yield effective outcomes. The Commonwealth of Virginia is a better place for all of its citizens due to the important and outstanding work of this organization to create a path for inclusiveness for all.

VCIC is an outstanding organization that promotes inclusion and understanding around topics of diversity. I first got involved with the organization when I went on a 5-day retreat with high school students. We spent time getting to know each other and discussing topics like race, gender, religion, and sexual identity. These can be challenging topics to talk about, yet VCIC facilitators provided a safe environment in which student delegates and facilitators could learn from one another. I have become a better person and better community member from being a part of this organization and I have witnessed positive change in my students and the high school in which I teach. VCIC has an important vision and they excel at the work that they do.

As a serial volunteer, I haven't worked with any organization non-profit or otherwise who is as dedicated to their mission. VCIC spends time not only providing challenging and life changing work through out the state of Virginia but they spend equal time empowering their volunteers to celebrate and champion inclusion and diversity in their communities, and work places. LOVE LOVE LOVE VCIC

Best experience of my life!!! So eye opening and educational! I met wonderful life long friends and I wish everyone could have the same great experience I did!! Everyone deserves to learn what this non profit teaches.

VCIC changed my life! I went to connections when I was 15 and I completely found myself there. I discovered that I wasn't alone, and that I was valid. I don't know what my life would be like if I hadn't gone to connections.

I am continually impressed with the ability of The Virginia Center For Inclusive Communities (VCIC) to effectively and efficiently carry out the mission of bridging the human divides that exist throughout our Commonwealth. The benefits created by the VCIC reach into our schools and work places, and bring peace to and among our citizens.

VCIC is about getting people together to address issues that hold them back - religion, race, gender. VCIC teaches teachers, helps student learn free from bullying and gives a chance for communities to heal. The people who work for and with the organization truly care about their neighbors and their surroundings and it has been a pleasure to be associated with them and the good work of the programs.

Not only am I a VCIC board member, but I have also benefited from the services of the VCIC in both my current position at the Center for the Study of Religious Freedom at Virginia Wesleyan College, and as the director of Community Engagement at WHRO Public Media. The VCIC has delivered programming at both institutions that ranged from an anti-bullying workshop for public school guidance counselors to facilitation training for college students.

One of my most meaningful experiences was when, at WHRO, I coordinated a community town hall event to address the high school dropout problem. Two very articulate young men who attended the town hall separately, reunited as graduates of VCIC's "Emerging Leaders Institute" for high school students. Each had gone on to separate colleges and were at WHRO in their respective adult roles as mentors to vulnerable youth. One was running for city council and was working with youth in Newport News VA. The other, as a student at Norfolk State University, had started a mentoring program for vulnerable male elementary school students. Both are shining examples of emerging leaders who are giving back to their community.

Wonderful, dedicate staff. Excellent and impactful programming.

VCIC has been around for many years and has continued to be flexible to meet the changing needs of the community. During the past year, the fantastic staff (led by Jonathan Zur) & volunteers reached over 20,000 people in a year. The programs reach secondary schools, universities, businesses & the community at large.

In pursuit of its motto of "success through inclusion", VCIC offers programs that are highly effective in addressing issues of diversity and inclusion. Management cover a lot of ground with limited resources, so it is a very efficient operation making the absolute most of all resources available. And in an area where results tend to be hard to measure, they focus on producing measurable results from their programs, and have hard data to show their impact in all sorts of schools, communities and organizations.

It is a real pleasure to once again be a part of the VCIC Connections Institute staff. Each year, I travel from New Jersey to volunteer my time as I believe very strongly in the mission of the organization and am confident the program has an impact on the participants.

VCIC is an organization near and dear to my heart. I have worked with this group, students and other teachers in the Lynchburg area for ten years and have been part of many workshops and retreats conducted by VCIC. The students and teachers that I have worked with have come away from these programs with a better understanding of their peers and themselves and a desire to make their schools, communities and the world around them a better, more compassionate and inclusive place for all individuals. I am amazed, with each different experience, at the work this organization does.

The Virginia Center for Inclusive Communities (VCIC) has been extremely successful in working with middle schools, high schools, colleges and businesses in helping students and employees become more understanding of the beliefs of others. It provides individuals with the strategies to work with individuals and groups on both sides of issues to provide a more harmonious school and workplace regardless of whether the issue is racial, cultural, religious, or ethnic misunderstanding. One principal told me that VCIC "had a greater impact on the culture of his high school than any other activity since he had been working at that school."

I have been affiliated with VCIC for about 10 years, first as part of my job at another non profit and after my retirement as a volunteer. As an educator I have seen VCIC bring about great and greatly needed change in several Virginia schools and school systems. The change can be seen in the administration, teachers and students in both academic and social issues. I am very proud to be part of this organization.

I have been involved with VCIC for over 10 years. Serving in the capacity of board member, philanthropic supporter, and program participant if have witnessed exponential program growth and community recognition as a voice for fairness, diversity, collaboration, and protecting the values that are woven through the fabric of our society. Whether issues of bullying, racism, workplace inclusion, preventive programming for middle school, high school, or workplace, VCIC has the community recognition as the "go to" organization through the able leadership of Jonathan Zur. I am honored to have been and still be a part of this organization.

They have a great program to work on inclusive communities not only in the greater Richmond area, but through out the state. They will work with schools, communities and even the government to make a place more inclusive for everyone. The achieve this through educating everyone within the community. I went to a program by them entitled the connection institute. I learned so much about myself in such a small amount of time. Also, learned a lot about injustices in my community and how I can make a difference.

I participated in Connections when I was in high school, and it was an extremely eye opening experience! I have since attended a few VCIC events, and I have kept in touch with many of the people I met there. I am very grateful to have had this opportunity, and I would highly recommend VCIC programs to friends!

I went to this camp the summer of 2014 and I came back not someone different, but changed, a better version of myself.

I knew vaguely of what the camp was about but never would I have guessed everything it would come to mean to me. With a week long camp you expect to learn a few things, do camp-y things that a school would send you to, but this was life changing.

The minute you got off the vans you were no longer just some kids that were sent to camp you were delegates sent to change your school, your community, your world view. Treated with respect, every opinion was valued and even put on the "Wall of Learning", the mentors there were some of the most amazing people I have had the opportunity to meet and I wish I could do justice to all that was taught to me.

I use in my everyday life the tools and information learned at camp, taking time to educate others and stop myself from making the uneducated choices I would have made. Minds change and so do people and I have seen a difference in the people I have been able to talk to and learn from.

I made friends that I still talk to now and I feel are in it for the long haul.

I could never properly express for how much this camp did for me. I cried so much while I was there and just thinking of it makes me want to cry. It was reality, being broken out of your bubble, and I can never sing enough praises. I could never repay how much I have gained from what I was taught and how much it has impacted my life. Brilliant. And I hope I can help even one person the way this camp helped me.

My experience volunteering with VCIC has been life transforming. Their different workshops, forums and immersive activities provide the perfect platform for discussion about diversity and inclusion among youth and adults.
I believe this approach is effective at getting participants to be open to discuss topics that otherwise they would not talk about. The impact that the organization has in the community is unmeasurable. I look forward to volunteering with them for many more years to come.

Outstanding leadership in programming, community involvement and strategy in addressing timely issues.

As a high school teacher, I felt bad for my high school students having to tolerate their presentation. I can't help but wonder if they mistakenly planned for elementary students and accidentally then gave that presentation to high schoolers.

Virginia Center for Inclusive communities provides valuable services to the entire range of citizens in Virginia. From youth programs which teach tolerance, understanding and fairness to antibullying to programs for adults in the workplace that combat racism ,gender bias and economic inequality.
This is all done with a very small and dedicated staff who performs at the highest level of. professionalism.

I've seen this organization's positive impact on young people time and time again. I've never seen another organization conduct programming that so successfully engages youth in conversations about difficult topics.

I have spoken with both E.C. Glass High School and Lynchburg College students who have been in VCIC-sponsored programs. All of them have told me what a difference the programming made in how they perceive people who are "different" from themselves. Without exception, they view their VCIC program experience life-changing.

VCIC has truly mad a difference in my community!

VCIC is an amazing organization that illuminates the diversity in our lives (at schools, in the workplace etc.) and guides us all to embrace that diversity for more successful and positive experiences. I have had the pleasure of volunteering at both their Prejudice Awareness Summit and Diversity Dialogue Day and was amazed at the issues young people face today and their capacity to make change if they have the right support from adults. VCIC truly touches and changes lives for the better!

VCIC is a wonderful organization, dedicated to really impacting the community through amazing programs. I personally attended a program as a child and now to be able to be a part of the board is such an honor. Achieving success through inclusion is something very near and dear to me with ensuring that our programs reach schools and also that we are able to impact the workplace too. I know that this organization is making a difference and I can't think of a better non-profit organization!!

This organization truly makes a difference enabling people to take a stand, be more inclusive and accepting of the other. Their involvement trickles down to their organization or their school with real results showing - a more caring and considerate populace!

This organization changed my life in one of the most intense programs I have participated in. I learned so much through their work about the world around me and how to solve real problems. The lessons learned and the emotions I experienced were truly eye opening and ever-lasting. I made new relationships that will benefit me for years to come and I would participate in the program again and again given the opportunity. VCIC is a leader in educating people about the world and I encourage as many people as possible to participate in their programs.

This organization is a leader in educating all people throughout the community in diversity and tolerance on a person-to-person basis. Jonathan Zur, the Executive Director, is unparalleled in his extraordinary leadership, vision, and attainment of goals. The growth of the breadth of the organization over the past half century has risen steadily.

It was a great gift to see the impact that VCIC's Project Inclusion had on our older daughter when she participated in the program through Lynchburg City Schools. Her experience empowered her to become more involved in student groups working for greater tolerance and inclusivity within the school and community. Now studying abroad, she carries with her the increased awareness and sensitivity that such excellent VCIC programs offer to participants. The good work that VCIC does here in the Commonwealth can make our world a better place for all.

The Virginia Center for Inclusive Communities is run by an incredibly professional and caring staff. Through its numerous programs and commitment to inclusivenes it inspires and touhes our youth in such positive and life changing ways.

I came to Connections with an inner moral conflict. I knew that I would consider the experience something new with a positive mentality, but I was conflicted with the possibility that it might just be a social experience reminding me of my "lack of a better word" strangeness. Through simple activities and mind-opening workshops, my perspective on life changed. Connections will always be considered one of the happiest moments of my life, and I consider Connections in high regard. I love what they did for me and my happiness.

VCIC is doing a wonderful job to help students understand and respect each other regardless of their ethnic or religious background. They teach leadership skills to them to deal with bullying. They also work with teachers and administrators to help them build curriculums and class rooms to not be discriminatory.

I had an opportunity to participate in a program created for people at my college. I had doubts that I would learn anything new about diversity, but I was very surprised. I bonded with people that I would have typically assumed I shared nothing in common with me. Years after participating, those people are my closest friends.

The mission of this organization is to promote understanding and respect on ALL issues of diversity, for ALL age groups, ALL across Virginia- To not only notice differences, but also to respect variety in race, religion and culture. It does a fabulous job of implementing these programs and making them effective-

I began serving on the Board of VCIC roughly 12 years ago as a non paid volunteer. I devote a lot of time and other resources to this organization, and would not do so if I didn't believe in it. VCIC has improved drastically in the years that I have been a part of it, and I would attribute this to three things: 1. the leadership of our CEO and the staff 2. the diverse and dynamic group of people we have on our board 3. the mission and nature of the work that VCIC is involved in throughout the community. The number of lives that this organization touches keeps me committed to it, and I intend to remain so as long as I am able!

VCIC is a valuable organization that is doing such important work related to respect and civility, particularly in an educational setting. The "Break the Cycle: Be the Change" program was very well-received by Sweet Briar students--it both promoted thinking and conversations and helped us to further develop programs and efforts to continue and deepen the conversation. We are in the process of exploring other program possibilities for student staff training and for faculty/staff development. Jonathan and Alison are also a delight to work with!

The VCIC is such a wonderful organization with which to be affiliated. I participated in a program run by this organization under a previous name in 1996 and have been PROUDLY affiliated with them ever since. The day I was old enough to sign up to volunteer, I submitted my application. I have volunteered for numerous camps and workshops and it was an honor just to be a part of the events. More often than not, there was an immediate and visible change in the participants. And in all cases there have been eventual positive effects to their participation. It's hard to really put into words or to capture what this organization does because of the experiential nature of the work, but it's clear when you go back to the communities who have worked with VCIC that VCIC is doing great things.

When I went to project I was lost as what I was going for. When I got there the teachers were full of excitement and ready to create a bond with us. During the time I was there I learned many problems that we face in everyday life. Some that I didn't notice. I met new people and built relationships with them. We had fun but at the same time we learned. We grew not obly as friends but as a family of all different kinds of shapes,races,colors and personalities . No one felt left alone or left behind. There were moments where we laugh but also cried together. Learning others backgrounds about what they have been through was amazing. Some people you can't even tell what they've been through until they said it. We learned about sexuality ,faces,bullying,suicide & understanding. Project inclusion was a very helpful and wonderful learning experience. Made me look at life,people and things different. I loves it

Outstanding statewide inclusion work through the sessions held with Middle, High School and College youth. Very well regarded for their work throughout the state. I am pleased to be a part of such an outstanding organization who really makes a difference for all who participate.

I have worked with VCIC for 4 years now doing workshops with my students. I have seen how my students have learned that they have been treating others in a prejudicial way - sometimes not even realizing it. VCIC has encouraged me to start a "Use Another Word" campaign at my high school where my club and I reduced the use of derogatory words and cursing. The work that VCIC does is so important to the world, they are fighting the battles that need to be fought and standing up for what is right. They truly are the "Being the change {I} wish to see in the world"

The Virginia center for inclusive communities made a tremendous difference in my daughter's life! I can not begin to say thank you! They DO matter!!

I have been associated with this non profit for the past 10 years. Having served in the capacity as local board chair and then state board chair, I have observed our growth from a NATIONAL organization to one of the strongest and most respected STATE organizations in Virginia. Now we handle our own finances and we have been able to exponentially increase the work that we do . We have parleyed the "best kept secret" to the "go-to" organization for programs about anti-bullying, racial inequality, and social justice, to name a few, while promoting optimistic messages through the population that we serve. In our last fiscal year we serviced 7,500 individuals. Organizations served include secondary school systems, universities, and businesses alike. Our number of programs has increased 370% since 2006. In our 77 year history, we have made a difference in our communities, developing leaders who work together statewide to achieve success through inclusion.

This is a terrific organization which is very well run and tackles very difficult issues in trying to teach mutual respect and compassion for all people- I feel very proud to be involved as a volunteer to try to help their causes-

At a progeam called Connections that is run by VCIC. I felt like I was always safe and a sence of comunity. I made a lot of friends that will last a life time.

My first experience with VCIC was in January of 2011 where I was a delegate in the Allies institute with Lynchburg College. I had an amazingly rewarding and eye-opening experience during my five days at the retreat and decided then that I did not want my time with VCIC to come to an end after those five days. I immediately asked to be placed on the volunteer list and started participating in facilitating shorter VCIC events and ultimately facilitating at Connections, the week long high school version of the retreat I participated in as a delegate. As a facilitator I experienced the effect of the retreat from a completely different perspective. One thing that Jonathan Zur and the staff at VCIC truly do well is ask for constant feedback and actually implement suggestions for improvement. Personally, I feel as though they are constantly growing and evolving into an organization that has a positive impact on making a difference in the lives of children, college students, faculty and staff at these schools, and the families and friends that receive the messages taken home from VCIC programs. VCIC has a wonderful set of programs and I look forward to continuing my volunteer time with them!

This Community expands your sphere of involvement. I mean that when I arrived for the week I expected to learn about racism and that it is bad, and such things as that. Instead what I learned was even though I could recognize racism I didn't recognize that it happened in my sphere. All the people I've known and will ever know I learned to take them into account and especially take people I didn't know into my sphere. To say the least my eyes were opened.

The Virginia Center for Inclusive Communities has served as an invaluable consultant in helping us as a school with our diversity and inclusion efforts around policy, admissions, faculty recruitment and retention, professional development, curriculum, and programs. In addition, for years our students have benefited from attending the Prejudice Awareness Summit and bringing back a plan to eliminate discrimination and to promote understanding of multiple perspectives.

I started with VCIC as an undergraduate participating in one of their programs. The organization combined many of my passions and I've been hooked ever since. I have fallen in love with the types of transformation that occur in individuals who participate in these programs. I can't help but come back to see more light bulbs come on inside people's heads. I truly think that VCIC's work is making our community and world a better place by teaching generations of individuals to respect and love the differences in each other.

In February, some of my classmates and I went to a retreat that the vcic hosted, and all of learned so much and are still applying it all in our daily lives!

VCIC specializes in substantive, thoughtful and transformative diversity and inclusivity training, programming and events. Their offerings include a consistent focus on measurable outcomes, whether that is marked changes in perceptions and attitudes in participants who are impacted by dialogue and engagement across lines of human difference or in measuring the indicators of progress in educational equity that result from professional development initiatives with K-12 teachers and dialogue and encounter sessions with students. Clients looking for diversity and inclusivity programming simply won't find a more intelligent, thoughtful, creative and dedicated staff than VCIC offers.

Our school system hired VCIC to teach the staff the importance of understanding others. The idea that echoed was "You don't know what you don't know." At first many of us were frustrated and said, "Just tell us what we need to know." As the VCIC continued their program, we realized that we can only find out what we don't know by being patient and communicating with others--faculty and students alike. The VCIC's program catapulted our countywide coalition for inclusive communities, which focuses on bridging the gap by making all students feel included. Our coalition facilitated religious tolerance education, an anti-bullying campaign, and a behavior modification program. The VCIC taught us to convey inclusiveness and tolerance in out-of-the-box, creative activities.

I have volunteered with the VIrginia Center for Inclusive Communities in multiple capacities for 12 years. I served on one of their local boards until my career and family committments interfered with my ability to be an active and committed member. Participating in Connections and Project Inclusion are life changing events for the adult volunteer like myself as well as the students. People ask me why do I continue to volunteer and even go to multiple programs in one year, and I say that each program is it's own unique experience and everytime we are finished I am confident that we are sending out new agents of change and social justice that will make an impact in their world.

VCIC has excelled in programmatic excellent over the years. Due to the passionate leadership of Jonathan Zur we have had a positive impact on youth, teachers, professors, and business people. Our program presentations, camps, and trainings are considered useful and dynamic. As we continue our quest for social justice and equality, our scope has grown to include anti bullying in schools as well as promoting religious understanding, racial inclusion, and a true humanitarian approach to daily living.

In January 2012, the Virginia Center for Inclusive Communities launched a major campaign to inform citizens of Central Virginia about the latest trends in poverty, the history that led to concentrated poverty, and the public policy interventions needed to address poverty. I provided all of the data, historical context, and policy recommendations. The Virginia Center for Inclusive Communities, however, developed a DVD with this information and then helped to train forty facilitators to lead discussions about the information. Thanks to their excellent work, over sixty organizations including faith communities, civic organizations, public agencies, and business associations have seen the DVD and been engaged in conversations about poverty and what metropolitan Richmond must do to address this crisis. The Virginia Center is an exemplary organization with superb leadership and a record of outstanding work in the field of social justice. (John V. Moeser, Senior Fellow, Bonner Center for Civic Engagement, University of Richmond)

My daughter got the chance to participate in Project Inclusion, and I have to say that she has truly become more positive and she came back everyday with a big smile on her face. She was extremely excited to go and learn more. She told me that program changed her views on life and how she wants to make the world void of prejudice and i believe her.

Before I joined Project Inclusion I was blinded to the problems faced in the world. It was brought clear to me that these problems were so closely dealt with that the main setting was rite in my high school. It gave me great amount of information on problems like prejudice, bias, and the cycle that creates it. Being in Project Inclusion it made me aware of everyday problems that I can help prevent or stop at the core. Everyone in my community should be apart of Project Inclusion because it will bring a drastic change to the community and our schools. I am extremely blessed that I was apart of Project Inclusion and can truthfully say that it has changed me to become a better person.

I attended Allies Institute through my Lynchburg College, sponsored and run by VCIC. It was a completely life changing experience. I learned and experienced things I never would have thought of. This organization helps spread knowledge and awareness and they do an amazing job.

Virginia Center for Inclusive Communities hosted a camp last summer called Connections which brought high school students of all different races, backgrounds and cultures together to learn about each other. I met people from different parts of Virginia and had a chance to interact with each person individually to learn more about them and their life experiences. Going into this camp I expected to meet new people and learn a little about lifestyles that I did not understand, but when i came out of this week journey not only had I learned so much from my counselors but now have amazing friends that I probably would have never spoken to because of different beliefs. I was able to bring everything I learned back to my school and keep in touch with the people who changed my life. I see myself as a better person who met people who saw more to me than what people usually see and I learned how to see others in that same way.

Its a program to help dismiss all forms of prejudice within yourself and others around you.It is lifechanging and eye-opening i recomend it to everyone of all ages and it is very relevant and i believe it will stay relevant for a long time to come.

VCIC provides amazing services to the community. I volunteer with the high school age Connections Institute and the programming given is extremely important, relevant, and powerful. I am proud to be a part of the experience for the students and am always touched to see them grow in their acceptance and understanding of diverse groups of people, religions, cultures, and communities.

I've had the privilege of working with the Virginia Center for Inclusive Communities for the past several years and have been nothing but impressed by their services and deep dedication to progressive social change. As a professional in the field of global studies and diversity education, I have been witness to extraordinary growth and awareness development in my students, colleagues and administrators as a result of workshops and facilitation services offered by Jonathan Zur and his team. In my own work, I have found VCIC to be an invaluable resource, providing a complete toolkit for multicultural education - professional development training, curricular development, consultation services, print/media/internet resources, event notices and invitations, etc. Margaret Mead's quote about a "small group of thoughtful, committed people" making change in this world is embodied by the VCIC. I cannot recommend them highly enough and encourage anyone in need of support in the area of social justice and diversity education to contact them.

VCIC is a great nonprofit organization. As a teacher from Newport News I try and help with this organization whenever I can. My students that attend leave with a new outlook on life and greater respect for others and themselves. I know I have also left as an adult with a greater appreciation of everyone around me and my personal struggles. This organization is what every great nonprofit should be modeled after. Organization, training, planning, etc for the time I was helping them was superb! I can't wait for my next opportunity to help VCIC!