Emma, Thank you from coming out of the dark and posing such interesting, timely and provocative questions. I was encouraged to see that someone is doing research into this topic. It has been part of my job here at AAM for the past two years. We are struggling with these questions, too. I was interested in reading the responses you might get over the weekend and expected at least a few. But I am disappointed to see that no one has initiated a discussion around the topic. I have been involved in the Smithsonian Center for Education and Museum Studies' Diversity Seminar for two consecutive years and have learned about many programs that are flourishing in culturally specific museums and several that are struggling in "mainstream" institutions. I would encourage you to look at AAM's annual meeting program for May 14-18 in Baltimore this year. There are over 30 sessions on multicultural issues, many of which address the issues you raise about community outreach programs and diversity initiatives. Also, there is an issues luncheon on Thursday, May 18 on Diversity which is sponsored by the AAM Council of Standing Professional Committees and features Ray Suarez (NPR, PBS) as a keynote and a facilitated discussion around this very issue. Please also refer to the AAM Web page and the link to the AAM Diversity Coalition. This ad hoc committee has moved diversity initiatives forward at AAM in the past 12 months and will establish a strategic agenda for diversity issues at the AAM in July of 2000. They have also planned a number of activities for the annual meeting including the Second Annual Diversity Coalition Silent Auction. The funds from this auction go toward a scholarship fund to encourage and support museum professionals from diverse backgrounds to attend AAM annual meetings and professional education seminars. You will also find many useful links to other web sites on diversity from the Diversity Coalition's homepage (http://www.homestead.com/aamdiversitycoalition/homepage.html) I know there are museums out there strategizing about diversity initiatives. I hope the individuals on this list-server who may be "lurking" like you were come out, speak up and raise the issues and problems they have encountered when addressing the needs of the entire community. Please don't hesitate to contact me if you want more information about AAM and diversity initiatives. Good luck! John T. Suau Meetings and Diversity Coordinator AMERICAN ASSOCIATION OF MUSEUMS 1575 Eye Street NW, Suite 400 Washington DC 20005 Direct: 202.218.7676 Fax: 202.289.6578 [log in to unmask] -----Original Message----- From: Emma Heald [mailto:[log in to unmask]] Sent: Friday, March 31, 2000 12:50 PM To: [log in to unmask] Subject: Diversity in Museum Constituencies Hi, I'm one of those "lurkers" I see mentioned a lot :) The list is enjoyable and informative for me, and as a Museum Studies student it's proving an invaluable extracurricular tool!! Finals have brought me out of the Museum-L shadows to ask you all a question: I'm writing a final paper on the challenges and strategies associated with museums trying to broaden the diversity of their visitor, volunteer and employee constituencies. I would be very interested to hear about individual museums' experiences with this issue. Does your institution have a Diversity policy, or strategy/initiative? Are diversity issues common to all museums (regardless of type and/or geographical location)? Are museums finding successful strategies to broaden their visitor/volunteer/employee base, or are there other external issues that serve to make this a problem with no solution? Come to that, do all museums consider there is a "problem" in the first place? I would also be very keen to hear about individual programs museums are running to attract new social/racial/gender groups to their institutions; I can think of the 'Artful Adventures' program at the Boston MFA, for example. Thankyou very much in advance for your thoughts. Emma Heald Certificate Candidate, Harvard University Extension School [log in to unmask] ______________________________________________________ Get Your Private, Free Email at http://www.hotmail.com ========================================================= Important Subscriber Information: The Museum-L FAQ file is located at http://www.finalchapter.com/museum-l-faq/ . 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