2006 ACM Diversity Survey Report
Data collected from 100 ACM member museums regarding diversity issues. Learn what members perceive as
diversity levels, challenges, and strategies and much more. The complete report is 61 pages in length. We have
divided the report into smaller sections for quicker download. Please Note: This FREE download is for ACM Members
only; additionally ACM retains sole copyrights for all three downloads.

ACM Diversity Survey Report: Executive Summary

ACM Diversity Survey Report: Findings

ACM Diversity Survey Report: Appendix A-C

Diversity Suggested Readings

While not a comprehensive list of readings, the following books and articles for children, parents, educators and museum professionals are provided for consideration. If you have a suggestion for this list, please email ACM.

The Skin You Live In
Whimsical Picture Book Teaches Children Acceptance At An Early Age

What began as a whimsical way for author Michael Tyler to convey to his young son that skin color does not define a person's value is now a lyrical tool for caregivers to share with children. The rhyming picture book The Skin You Live In (published by Chicago Children's Museum), by Michael Tyler with illustrations by David Lee Csicsko, can help parents and teachers tackle tough topics-differences, friendship, acceptance, self-esteem and diversity-in a fun, accessible way. This publication is available on Amazon.com

Crucial Conversations: Tools for Talking When Stakes Are High

A how-to book for handling "life's most difficult and important conversations." Topics include preparation, transformation of anger into dialogue, cultivation of a "safe" conversation culture, and the art of persuasion. Written by Kerry Patterson, Joseph Grenny, Ron McMillan, Al Switzler and Stephen Covey. This publication is available on Amazon.com

Translation Nation: Defining a New American Identity in the Spanish-Speaking United States

Pulitzer Prize-winning Guatemalan-American journalist Hector Tobar finds a "parallel nation" in his cross-country trips from "futbol" leagues in Alabama to a rapidly growing Spanish-language newspaper in Kansas. A quick, interesting look at what one reviewer calls "redefining the experience of the American immigrant." This publication is available through Penguin Publishing.

Volunteer Recruitment (& Membership Development) Book, The 3rd edition

This book is filled with recruitment ideas on where to look for volunteers, why people do or do not volunteer, how to select the right recruitment technique, what diversity means to your organization, and an appendix on how to recruit via the Internet. Written by Susan J. Ellis. This publication is available through the Energize, Inc. bookstore.

Leisure Decisions Influencing African American Use of Museums

Based on two recent research studies, this report explores variables that could account for current patterns of museum use by African Americans: socio-economic, institutional, cultural/ethnic, and regional factors. This characterization of leisure patterns attempts to capture the range of African-American museum-going attitudes and behaviors. Survey instruments and tables included. Written by John H. Falk, the publication is available through the American Association of Museums bookstore.

Museum News “Flies in the Buttermilk: Museums, Diversity & the Will to Change”

Lonnie G. Bunch wrote this article in the July/August 2000 issue of Museum News. The Smithsonian Institution has named Bunch as the first director of the National Museum of African American History and Culture, effective July 2005. AAM's award-winning magazine has been covering trends in the field and issues facing the museum community for the past 85 years. The publication is available through the American Association of Museums bookstore.

Museum News (July/August 2005) “In Search of the American Museum”

Tuliza Fleming wrote this article in the July/August 2005 issue of Museum News. She is the Curator for American Art at The Dayton Art Institute. Fleming has served in numerous professional research and curatorial positions including that of guest curator for Breaking Racial Barriers: African Americans in the Harmon Foundation Collection at the National Portrait Gallery in Washington, D.C. The publication is available through the American Association of Museums bookstore.

Tempered Radicals How People Use Difference to Inspire Change at Work

Author Debra E. Meyerson calls them "tempered radicals": people who want to become valued and successful members of their organizations without compromising who they are and what they believe. Meyerson further argues that these "everyday leaders" act as crucial sources of new ideas, alternative perspectives, and organizational learning and change. Drawing from 15 years of research and the compelling stories of tempered radicals in a variety of organizations, Meyerson illustrates a spectrum of innovative ways - from cautious to increasingly bold - that individuals "rock the boat" from inside the corporate ship and steer a course for powerful, positive change. This publication is available through Harvard Business School Publishing.

Museums in the Life of a City Strategies for Community Partnerships

This final report describes the goals, pilot partnerships, and results of the Museums in the Life of a City Initiative. This project was established to enhance the appreciation of cultural diversity by building partnerships between museums and communities. Portia Hamilton-Sperr, Project Director American Association of Museums. The publication is available through the American Association of Museums bookstore.

Cultivating Diversity in Fundraising

Raising money in today's diverse communities is a growing challenge for fund raisers and philanthropists, requiring thoughtful strategies, successful collaborations, and a respectful understanding of people's differences. This book examines the ways in which fund raisers can use an understanding of ethnic differences to create a vibrant and balanced nonprofit center through individual and collaborative efforts, taking into account location, population served, and community demographics. Written by Janice Gow Pettey. This publication is available through John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

Building Museum & School Partnerships

Museum educators and school teachers met for three workshops on establishing closer working relations between schools and museums. Each partner's expectations of the other, learning theories in museums, field trips, outreach projects, community as classroom, and cultural diversity constitute the core contents of the book. An appendix includes an array of successful program materials used by museums in Pennsylvania. Edited by Beverly Sheppard. American Association of Museums / Pennsylvania Federation of Museums & Historical Organizations. The publication is available through the American Association of Museums bookstore.

Race, Ethnicity and Self: Identity in Multicultural Perspective

This collection of articles examines the impact of race and ethnicity on individual identity development in the United States. Theory and research is presented about African Americans, Asian Americans, Native American Indians, Whites, Puerto Ricans, and Vietnamese Americans. Articles by a multicultural group of authors provide a theoretical framework through which to discuss the concept of self across cultures, and address such issues as the relationship of power and dominance to attitudes of race, and the challenge of a biracial heritage.
Written by Elizabeth P. Salett and Diane R. Koslow. This publication is available through the National MultiCultural Institute bookstore.

Giraffe & Elephant: A Diversity Fable

This book captures with stunning simplicity the complex issues that we face daily throughout the course of the 21st Century. It goes straight to the core of the matter — difference — and provides a jumping-off place for true conversation to finally take place. Written by R. Roosevelt Thomas, Jr. This publication is available through Diversity Inc. bookstore.

Positive Trends in Learning: Meeting the Needs of a Rapidly Changing World

The report avoids discussion of fads or trends that many would consider negative. It is set in the context of lifelong learning in order to reinforce its value for the education of students at any age and in any setting. The report has many relevant chapters including, The Growing Diversity of Students Is Affecting Educational Planning and Practice in All Settings. Written by by Dee Dickerson is also an interesting read available on line at New Horizons.

back to top