AAM 2009 Annual Conference Proposal Submissions

In an email sent out by the American Association of Museums ("AAM") to all EMPs, they discuss some great opportunities to submit proposals for the 2009 AAM Annual Conference in Philadelphia. The email reads, "AAM is looking for innovative and engaging educational opportunities to offer EMPs. We encourage you to work with a Standing Professional Committee (SPC) or Professional Interest Committee (PIC) to create, develop and submit session proposals. Seeking the guidance of an SPC or PIC will definitely put your ideas on the fast track! There is no better time to contribute breakthrough ideas that inspire, energize and impact the future of your peers."

Session proposal deadline (with SPC endorsement) is July 11th. The At-large proposal deadline is August 29th.

It could be interesting to do a proposal about museums going "green". The topic of museums going "green" has been brought up in the EMP Google Group and it seems like an issue that EMPs will face more and more as businesses and other corporations make more of an effort to be environmentally friendly. Going "green" can be a major challenge for non-profits because it's costly. How can museums work to leave less of a carbon footprint? Where would the money come from to do this? Are there grants and other types of federal assistance available to help museums achieve this goal? Also, would museum donors and friends be willing to help Seattle area museums do this?

Some interesting thoughts!