This Strategic Framework articulates CAM’s mission, values, priorities, and initiatives. This living document is adaptable and actionable, with supporting metrics and milestones stewarded by CAM’s Strategic Action Committee, Board and staff. The aim of this framework is increased sector-wide clarity and cohesion around CAM’s role, identity, and commitments within the state’s sector, as well as stronger member engagement, broader representation, and measurable progress on equity and inclusion.
Core Values
CAM’s guiding principles about what is important.
Goals
CAM’s primary achievable outcomes.
Strategies
The approaches we take to achieve our goals.
Who We Are & How We Work
CAM recognizes the importance of the California museum ecosystem and aims to support museums, their people, and their partners. Through intentional work with our colleagues across the state, we collectively advocate for and on behalf of museums and museum professionals.
As a non-profit membership organization, in a unique state with diverse voices, experiences, and landscapes, CAM aims to propel museums forward while simultaneously remembering and honoring the state’s complicated history, present, and future.
How We Got Here
For over a decade, CAM has embarked on an intentional and focused journey of clarifying our Strategic Framework to better serve our community. Below are some of the key steps that were taken along the path that brought us to this living document, with clearly articulated values, goals, and strategies.
2011
CAM’s Board of Directors approved a five-year strategic plan, Leading California Museums into the Future, that presented future directions as a 21st century association responding to the evolving external environment for museums. This plan was part of CAM's ongoing commitment to leadership and collaborative efforts to strengthen California's museums.
2015
CAM’s Board of Directors renewed the organization’s commitment to collaboration and collective action through the adoption of a revised strategic framework. The organization’s current mission is CAM unifies and strengthens California museums for collective impact with the vision of Stronger museums for a stronger California.
2021
CAM's Board of Directors approved a Racial Equity Statement and an Equity Action Plan to outline our commitment and actions to foster a culture of anti-racism and inclusion. The purpose of the plan is to better serve underrepresented groups within the museum sector and to support museums in their efforts to become equitable.
2024
CAM’s Strategic Action Committee began the process to create a new strategic framework to ensure CAM’s resources and offerings are responsive to the needs of individual and institutional CAM members, in alignment with California's diverse and unique state. Collaborators included CAM’s committees, CAM members, and Balboa Park Online Collaborative.
2026
This Strategic Framework was adopted by the CAM Board of Directors.
Commitment to Process
