SEMC Equity and Inclusion Action Team
Statement of Purpose

Southeastern Museums Conference (SEMC)’s Equity and Inclusion Action Team recognizes that inclusivity on all levels of operation is essential for museum effectiveness and sustainability. We seek to break down actual and perceived barriers that inhibit access to our institutions, and guide our museums toward equitable practices for traditionally marginalized communities. To approach our goals, we will work to:

​

• Conduct research among SEMC’s membership to learn more about our strengths and shortcomings within the areas of diversity, equity, accessibility, and inclusion (DEAI). This research will also contribute toward American Alliance of Museum’s call to action for accurate bench marking about DEAI in the museum field.

• Champion employment practices that welcome and seek to retain employees who identify as non-majority.

• Guide museums toward greater accessibility through universal design, and modifications of physical spaces,to create a more welcoming environment for everyone.

• Encourage the diversification of boards and volunteers to address the historic and current impacts of majority privilege.

• Maintain a professional-development track focused on equity and inclusion at SEMC’s annual conference.

• Pursue strategic partnerships on SEMC’s behalf with other professional museum organizations conducting similar work.

We believe that all museums should be safe spaces for constructive dialogue through relevant, scholarly, and impactful interpretation and programming.With the full support of SEMC, the Equity and Inclusion Action Team promotes museums' positive and productive engagement with our intersectional communities. Museums thrive when we work with and on behalf of the diverse communities that we serve.