For the past several years, the Texas Association of Museums (TAM) has been working to foster and encourage diversity in the museum field. In 1989 the TAM Council adopted a resolution committing TAM to the principles of multiculturalism. A committee was formed to study the issue and develop appropriate projects and programs. A significant part of the 1992 TAM Annual Meeting was a symposium entitled "Museums and Multiculturalism". TAM also developed a multicultural internship program which is now in its 5th year. A publication produced in 1995--Multicultural Initiatives in Texas Museums-- offers strategies for developing a multicultural action plan and addresses such topics as: Institutional Self Study Institutional Goals and Practices Tools for Surveying Diversity Case Studies Glossary Community Resources Hiring Practices Bibliography Copies of the publication available for $5 from: Texas Association of Museums 3939 Bee Caves Rd., Bldg. A, Suite 1-B Austin, TX 78746 (512) 328-6812 The publication is not the end of the project. The TAM Multicultural Initiatives Committee is now working on an evaluation of the effectiveness and use of the publication/action plan in the field (and by outside entities such as the Funding Information Center in San Antonio) and developing a database of additional case studies. If you would like more information about any of this please contact: Elisa Phelps Houston Museum of Natural Science One Hermann Circle Drive Houston, TX 77030 (713) 639-4674 [log in to unmask] >"Since I am new to CWAM, I was wondering if the issue of Diversity has >ever been discussed, either as a theme for annual meetings, or >elsewhere. Have other museum associations that cater to small museums >addressed this issue? Or has anyone else observed what I have? I would >be interested to hear what anyone has to say on the issue." > >Shannon Pelot Valerio > > >As a young afro-latina museum professional, I to noticed the lack of >diversity in the field. >In an effort to do something, I decided to join MAAM and I submitted a >proposal for a session for the annual meeting to discuss issues pertaining to >minority musuem professionals and lack of them. To my delight this was an >issue the organization was thouroughly interested and supportive with. So I >encourage you to take action with any issue you may have and participate in >your regional organization to foster changes in the field. > >Vivian C.R. James >El Museo del Barrio