This document presents a shared vocabulary and a set of basic principles to guide museum professionals toward incorporating DEAI into the heart of our work. It is meant to be a starting place, not an endpoint. The working group’s findings are presented here as food for thought to jump-start the long-term processes that effective DEAI work requires.

Our five insights summarize key takeaways from the working group’s conversations about big-picture ideas and specific examples from members’ experiences. Selected responses to questions the group posed at the 2017 AAM Annual Meeting and on social media are meant to highlight feedback and inspire action. Several ideas reappear across sections, since many of the issues we discussed are interconnected. The report also outlines the working group’s process to model how museum staffs, leadership, boards, and other stakeholders can launch similar convenings.

Overall, the report explores challenges faced and lessons learned by a few of those who have taken on the effort to expand DEAI in museums. We invite you to take note of which insights resonate with you and share those notes with others. Continue to visit the Alliance website to join the conversation through blog posts and other interactive opportunities.