Value Spotlight: Trust
Value Spotlight: Trust
CMTM has 5 core values: belonging, play, community, curiosity, and trust.
Each month, we are shining a light on a different core value and the how and why behind its significance to our organization and the people that make up our CMTM community.
This month, we are taking a closer look at Trust.
How do we define Trust as a value?
We provide safe, inclusive spaces and experiences to earn and uphold the community’s trust in all that we do.
Why trust?
At the Children’s Museum & Theatre of Maine (CMTM), we believe that fostering trust is essential to creating a safe and nurturing environment where children and families can learn, grow, and thrive. Trust within physical spaces means ensuring that every family feels secure and supported when they walk through the bright yellow doorway. Our staff prioritizes clean facilities, safe spaces, and a welcoming atmosphere. Most importantly, each team member is deeply committed to the well-being of all children. CMTM’s age-appropriate learning environments and experiences are carefully designed to meet the developmental needs of young minds. Caregivers and the community at large count on CMTM to be a safe, reliable resource that upholds high standards of health and safety for all.
Trust is also at the heart of the relationships CMTM builds between visitors, staff, and members. It goes beyond the physical space —it is rooted in the confidence caregivers, educators, and partners place in CMTM to care for their children. CMTM’s commitment to trust is intertwined with a dedication to belonging as the organization honors the diverse perspectives, identities, and experiences of those who work and play at CMTM. By creating environments that are safe, welcoming, and well-vetted for everyone who walks through those doors, CMTM is a safe and caring space for all
Trust within our strategic plan + the path ahead
As part of an ongoing dedication to trust, CMTM continually evaluates and improves facilities, staff training, policies, and practices to ensure that the organization maintains the highest safety and cleanliness standards. CMTM is committed to listening to feedback from the community and integrating that learning into tangible practices to remain a trusted resource for families.
Looking ahead, CMTM is developing long-term strategies to advance early childhood education while fostering the growth and well-being of children. This includes forming partnerships with funders equally dedicated to creating safe, enriching environments for families and participating in local and national dialogues to drive innovations in play-based learning, belonging, and social-emotional development. As a part of this process, CMTM is providing opportunities for deep listening and gathering feedback from groups and individuals who have historically felt unseen, uncomfortable, or uncertain about their place within museum & theatre settings, including at CMTM. The Children’s Museum & Theatre of Maine staff is deeply committed to this work and looks forward to the learning and progress that lies ahead, instilling a sense of optimism and hope for the future.
