Introduction
The CAM Equity Toolkit was developed with the intention of bringing together a number of resources that are currently out in the museum field. The toolkit is meant to be flexible in that it will continue to be evaluated and updated - both in terms of topics, content, and resource links. We recognize that the gathering of information is a process and that this is one of the avenues through which everyone can support change. We encourage individuals who delve into the CAM Equity Toolkit to keep in mind the ever-changing nature of this work; and we hope that individuals will contribute to the toolkit’s continued shaping as we move forward as a community of practice.
CAM Racial Equity Statement
As an alliance of museums and individuals, the California Association of Museums (CAM) is committed to realizing our vision of Stronger Museums for a Stronger California. We recognize that museums have been and continue to be complicit in promoting stories, individuals, and values that reinforce white supremacy and dominant cultures while marginalizing and oppressing others. To accurately represent the people of California, yesterday and today, strong and resilient museums must center equity in their practices and work to intentionally disrupt racism and practices of exclusion.
We believe equity is essential in fulfilling our mission to “unify and strengthen museums to expand their collective impact.” We are committed to helping our field reveal underlying structures of privilege and cultures of bias to interrupt racism and oppression. This work must start by acknowledging our organization’s complicity in perpetuating these oppressive systems and proclaiming our moral obligation to listen, learn, and transform. We will continue this process by implementing a work plan (below) that measures our actions and accountable steps to foster a culture of anti-racism and inclusion.