Diversity without Intersectionality is a Cart without a Horse
There are a lot of museums and heritage organizations hiring Black leaders at the moment, and that's a good thing, but questions remain: Do organizations do the kind of soul searching they need to do during the hiring process so BIPOC leaders aren't tokenized or hired to check a box?
What Then Must Be Done?
In this time of crisis, what have our museums actually done to make things better for our communities? According to Smithsonian social scientist Zahava Doering, who has been tracking the actions museums have taken in response to the pandemic and social justice protests, not all museums have risen to the occasion. "With the shadow of museum history hovering, I fear that museums will hold fast to the status quo and fail the public. We are already beginning to see the signs of 'business as usual' in reopening rituals, fundraising galas, employment notices, and forthcoming exhibitions."
What the arts can learn from social work: A conversation with Tom O'Connor
Cory Garfin interviews Tom O'Connor, a marketing and audience development consultant for the arts and culture field, about a piece he had written called "Engaging Arts Audiences in a Time of Trauma." In it, he lists the six principles of trauma-informed care and suggests how each might lend itself to the arts in a post-Covid world.
Amid the Monument Wars, a Rally for 'More History'
Historians recently gathered at Civil War sites across the country in an effort to highlight distortions, omissions and the erasure of Black contributions.
Black Curators Reimagine Future Of Museums During Pandemic, Protests
After months of being closed due to the pandemic, museums around the country are slowly starting to welcome back visitors. The world they are opening their doors to, however, has changed markedly. Curators are now thinking deeply about how to reflect reality amid the coronavirus crisis and renewed calls for racial equality — and the roles museums play in society.
How Nonprofits Can Stop Trump's Effort to Roll Back Diversity Training
An Executive Order from President Trump seeks to eliminate diversity training, roll back progress on inclusivity and equity, and stifle free speech - with a possible impact on federal funding to boot. Here's how to stop it.
Indigenous Canada Online Course Attracts 64,000
When Canadian actor Dan Levy of the TV show Schitt's Creek suggested his fans learn about indigenous history through an online university course, more than 64,000 of them showed up. Levy and the professors, Tracy Bear and Paul Gareau, then took it a step further, engaging in weekly study groups that attracted thousands more. As Bear said in an email to the New York Times, "The facts are these: Due to Dan Levy, more people than ever are engaging with this difficult history, learning not only about Indigenous people's challenges, but our resiliency and strength."
We Are All on Native Land: A Conversation about Land Acknowledgments
Celebrate Indigenous Peoples' Day with an online panel of Native speakers and experts. Indigenous Peoples' Day honors the Native American community, their vibrant culture, and deep ties to land.
When You Worked At A Museum
Hear from Danielle Carter, a former museum educator and docent, on her experience in the museum field and why she chose to leave it. Part 3 of a series by The Incluseum interviewing museum workers who make the shift from museums to another field (and thrive!).
Reflexive Cartography: Or, A Ritual for the Dying Museum Landscape – The Socio-Political Impact of Change in Museums
Dr. Porchia Moore, Department Head and Assistant Professor of Museum Studies at the University of Florida and regular contributing writer to The Incluseum, has written a second post in a 3-part series.
Masking my Autistic Traits as a Museum Professional
Sam Theriault's recent blog post about Masking my Autistic Traits as a Museum Professional gives insight into autistic experiences in the museum workplace. It makes the reader reflect on how their museum workplaces most likely have a "neurodivergent or invisibly disabled colleague on staff who hasn't disclosed this information."
Project READY: Reimagining Equity & Access for Diverse Youth
Faculty at UNC-Chapel Hill's School of Information and Library Science recently launched Project READY, a curriculum of free, open-access professional development modules about race and racism, racial equity, and culturally sustaining pedagogy. The primary focus of the Project READY is on improving relationships with, services to, and resources for youth of color and Native youth. Project READY hosts a series of free, online professional development modules for school and public youth services librarians, library administrators, and others interested in improving their knowledge about race and racism, racial equity, and culturally sustaining pedagogy.
artEquity Resources
artEquity provides tools, resources, and training at the intersection of art and activism. They offer a range of programming, including programs like BIPOC Surviving Predominantly White Institutions.
Map Showing Native Communities and Cultural Centers
The Association of Tribal Archives, Libraries, and Museums is developing a map showing the locations of Native communities and cultural centers. It is also developing a map of non-Native collecting institutions holding Native materials, which will be released later.
The Burden of Bias in the Bay State: The Nonprofit Racial Leadership Gap in Massachusetts
A recent report, The Burden of Bias in the Bay State: The Nonprofit Racial Leadership Gap in Massachusetts, found that Massachusetts nonprofits fail to promote, retain, and support nonprofit leaders of color. The report includes survey data and opportunities for change in nonprofits.
Banned Books: Museums and Libraries Respond
The Museum Education Roundtable explores censorship and banned books in this recent blog post.
Fostering Civil Discourse: How Do We Talk About Issues That Matter
This resource guide from Facing History and Ourselves was first published in 2016 and updated in 2020 to support teachers and students in remote learning communities. While geared towards young people, the resource is useful for all audiences and centers on the core elements of conducting difficult dialogues: Starting with yourself, Building community and trust, Facilitating reflective conversations, and what to do following a conversation.
Helping to Ensure Diversity and Inclusion on Nonprofit Boards
Boards that have made a commitment to become more diverse and inclusive should first take the time to assess their board culture and their readiness to create a different vision and space.
