California Association of Museums

CAM fosters a collaborative, interconnected network of museum professionals; brings new ideas into the conversation to challenge assumptions and thinking; and, provides resources, information, and programs that help professionals make museums more robust, more relevant, and more sustainable in service to California communities. To fulfill this role, CAM hosts an annual conference to bring museum professionals together for an exchange of ideas, perspectives, and resources.

In addition to the annual conference and regional workshops (see Line 4b) and its advocacy program (see Line 4c), CAM supports the success of California museums through these key programs and services:ELECTRONIC NEWSLETTERS: CAM e-News and CAM Updates, bi-weekly newsletters, have over 5,000 subscribers and are the industrys best sources for relevant information. SPECIAL INITIATIVES: INNOVATIVE EFFORTS SEEK TO MEET THE NEEDS OF AND PROVIDE LEADERSHIP FOR THE MUSEUM FIELD. A STRATEGIC ACTION COMMITTEE LEVERAGES FORESIGHT RESEARCH TO DETERMINE PRIORITIES TO PUSH THE CALIFORNIA MUSEUM FIELD FORWARD AND WORKS TO ACTIVATE THOSE PRIORITIES. THE COMMITTEE INFLUENCES THE ASSOCIATION'S WORK IN THE AREAS OF MUSEUM RELEVANCE AND SUSTAINABILITY, EMERGING PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT, FORESIGHT RESEARCH, AND DIVERSITY, EQUITY, ACCESSIBILITY, AND INCLUSION. SPECIAL INTEREST LICENSE PLATE: A major initiative of the association was the establishment of a new, official California special interest license plate with the image of Snoopy. The license plate is now available for purchase through the Department of Motor Vehicles. A new grant program is being established to support California museums from the proceeds of the plate.

CAM has an active advocacy program that monitors legislation, keeps members and constituents informed and involved, and fosters strategic initiatives to support funding sources for museums. CAM communicates with legislators regarding the impact of museums on California communities and their interests. CAM takes positions on specific bills of interest to the museum community, such as funding for arts and culture, and was a supporter of the American Association of Museums 2021 Virtual Museums Advocacy Day. Furthermore, electronic Legislative Updates highlight important matters affecting State government as well as key issues of concern for museums.