Diversity, Equity, Accessibility, and Inclusion Statement
Since its inception, MCN has been a group of professionals that looks forward, using the latest technologies to transform cultural institutions. As we continue to imagine the future of museums, MCN is committed to fostering a diverse, equitable, accessible, and inclusive culture that welcomes and values a wide spectrum of perspectives and backgrounds. By doing so, we build a stronger professional community that can critically examine the role of technology in opening access to diverse museum audiences.
Conscious of our organization’s gaps in this area, in 2017, the MCN Board created a DEAI Working Group dedicated to weaving inclusive practices into the organization’s fabric. We are committed to updating our existing policies, practices, resources, and website, and to developing new policies and practices where necessary. We are dedicated to making this an ongoing, responsive, participatory, and transparent process which will lead to concrete changes to:
- The annual conference
- Recruitment and support/compensation for all those who contribute to MCN including but not limited to MCN Board Members, Conference Program Chairs, SIG Chairs, conference presenters and attendees, scholarship recipients, volunteers, and many other stakeholders
- Supporting DEAI organizing in the museum technology community
- Professional development opportunities and programming related to diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility in museum technology
We recognize that diversity, equity, accessibility, and inclusion is a work in progress that is never complete. We welcome input from our community as we examine how we can diversify the museum technology profession, create inclusive spaces for professionals to connect and grow, and weave equitable practices into all of our work.
To learn how you can be involved, or to share any questions or concerns regarding diversity, equity, accessibility, and inclusion at MCN, please contact [email protected].
Definitions
Diversity
The variety of personal experiences, identities, and perspectives that arise from difference. Diversity can have many dimensions, including but not limited to race and ethnicity, national origin, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, disability, age, and socio-economic status.
At MCN, we believe diversity among our members contributes to a more vibrant and effective professional community. Furthermore, we recognize that digital platforms can enable museums to reach more diverse audiences and represent a wide range of stories and experiences.
Equity
Refers to access to opportunities and fair treatment for all individuals. An equitable approach recognizes that systemic privileges and barriers exist for different groups and proactively works to address these existing imbalances.
MCN aims to foster equity through initiatives—such as the mentorship program and scholarships—designed to help individuals from traditionally underrepresented or marginalized groups to gain access to important resources and experiences.
Inclusion
Refers to the welcoming, valuing, and supporting a diversity of identities and perspectives within a given space or setting. An environment that is inclusive considers the needs and experiences of a wide spectrum of populations.
MCN is committed to creating inclusive, safe spaces—whether online or at events—for community members to connect and develop their careers.
Accessibility
When we refer to accessibility, we mean being inclusive of and making accommodations for people with disabilities, including but not limited to visual impairment, deafness and hearing loss, autism spectrum disorder, physical disability, cognitive and developmental disability, and mental health issues.
As technology opens opportunities for increasing access for visitors with disabilities, MCN is committed to advocating for accessibility in museum technology, as well as demonstrating accessibility in our own work.
Culture
The values, practices, customs, and structures of a particular group.
MCN acknowledges that within professional communities specific habits, language, and assumptions emerge. We are committed to fostering an open and inclusive culture that is welcoming of new members while celebrating the unique insights and perspectives that all members have to offer.