Diversity is a great strength of our society, and currently there is a significantdisparity between the diversity of our communities and the people who visit, work in, and lead our cultural institutions. The Museums and Diversity Initiative strives for greater inclusiveness of individuals and communities that are diverse with regard to their national origin, gender, race, culture, economic status, religion, sexual orientation, physical or cognitive ability, age, and/or family structure.
This national initiative is supported by a consortium of museums, cultural institutions, associations, funders, and related professionals dedicated to honoring, practicing and promoting diversity and inclusive practices.
The consortium is committed to:
Fostering diversity through programs, services, and facilities that are welcoming, engaging, and relevant to our diverse communities.
Practicing diversity in our organizations through recruiting, retaining, and valuing diverse, committed staff and leadership, using responsible and smart business practices, and setting high standards for excellence and innovation.
Promoting diversity to ensure that our field addresses the needs and interests of the public and plays an active role in building more inclusive and civically engaged communities.
We have come together with the following common assumptions about how a broad based initiative will strengthen the entire field:
The national initiative will provide a greater awareness that diversity and inclusive practices are key factors in our sustainability and relevance.
The consortium will bring together a critical mass needed to advance innovation and the pace of change through the collection and dissemination of strategies and best practices.
A field-wide effort will open opportunities for recruitment, funding, professional development, and leadership across the cultural arena.
The consortium members will identify common goals, support collaborative projects, set measurable objectives, and monitor progress across the field.
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The American Association of Museums (AAM) endorses the goals of the Museums and Diversity National Initiative. AAM has also developed more specific goals and plans to support diversity. Our organization’s diversity statement follows:
Museums should strive to achieve diversity among boards, staff, and museum volunteers and reflect the diversity in the community that surrounds them.*
*Approved by the AAM Board of Directors, December, 2002. In November 2003 AAM's Board made Diversity one of its eight strategic issues.
