Strategic Framework

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.

Collaboration

Advocacy

Inclusive Leadership

Empowerment

Knowledge Sharing

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.

About CAM

Centering Equity

Programs & Services

Members & Partners

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.

Commitment to Process

How did CAM organize and co-create this Strategic Framework?

We engaged in a transparent and inclusive planning process led by the Strategic Advisory Committee (SAC).
Input was gathered from CAM Board, staff, members, committees, partners, and the broader museum field.
Structured phases included discovery, synthesis, prioritization, and framework development, with regular check-ins.
Meetings, workshops, and asynchronous tools (e.g., surveys, shared documents) support widespread and ongoing participation.
Our process is guided by facilitation support and aligned with CAM’s mission, vision, and DEAI commitments.

How did CAM consider language in this process?

Words, and our interpretation of them, can bring us together, separate us, create mutual understanding, clarity, and respect. Through language, CAM is committed to growing cultural sensitivity and awareness with diversity, equity, accessibility, and inclusion. The language and terminology written in this Strategic Framework are intentional, reflect our core values, our identity, and align with our vision, mission, and equity practices. In addition, the language and terminology in this Strategic Framework are meant to be a guide for California museums.

The language present in this framework embodies our freedom of speech and does not violate any laws.

What are CAM’s goals with this Strategic Framework?

To clarify CAM’s organizational identity, purpose, and value proposition.
To establish shared priorities and focus areas for the next 3–5 years.
To provide a unifying vision that reflects the needs of California’s museum field.
To offer direction for programmatic, operational, and advocacy efforts.
To create accountability structures that ensure alignment with CAM’s equity values.

What collaboration model did CAM use? The RACI model:

What are CAM’s projected outcomes?