From 1992 to 1995, teachers Joe Fontana, Chris Fontana and their students set out to bring the youth of the world together for the environment, justice and peace. "YES", the youth-organized Global Youth Environmental Summits of 1993 and 1995 did just that. The 1995 Summit, sponsored by the United Nations Environmental Program, brought together over 300 high school students from 32 countries and 40 States for one week of education in environmental and peace issues, social action and leadership skills, and direct environmental service.

Jason Foster, one of the lead youth organizers, went on to travel the world for a year visiting over 33 nations. He returned with the realization that true education and learning is outside the classroom and in the real world. In June 1997, Jason Foster and Joe Fontana, the teacher and student duo, led the first Global Visionaries trips to Guatemala and Costa Rica. Global Visionaries (GV) has been growing ever since. GV was incorporated as a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization in the state of Washington in 2002.

Jason went on to get his law degree from University of Michigan and now works for the United Nations writing multilateral treaties to expedite emergency aid to nations in need. Joe continues with Global Visionaries as Colorado/California Program Manager. Chris Fontana began as Executive Director in 1999 and continues in that position today.