Board Self-Assessment

This evaluation process is designed to elicit your feedback in two areas:

1) How well does the Board carry out our roles and responsibilities in certain key areas related to our stewardship of Bartram’s Garden? 2) How well prepared are you to participate meaningfully in your Board service?

In responding, please consider the Board as a whole and your own individual participation. Feedback from this assessment will provide the basis for discussion that reflects on our past performance and allows for proactive planning for the year ahead. Results will be compiled anonymously.

This evaluation was revised in Summer 2021 and reviewed in Summer 2023.

If you have any questions about this survey, please contact Bob Raymond, Chair of the Nominating and Governance Committee.

Board Self-Assessment

Name(Required)
For tracking purposes only. Responses will be compiled anonymously.

Mission, Vision & Strategy

Please respond to the statements below by rating the Board as a whole.
We understand, respect and uphold JBA’s mission, devoting sufficient time and attention to its consideration in critical decision-making.(Required)
We are appropriately involved in the development of JBA’s vision and long-term planning.(Required)
JBA’s strategic plan is current and guides our board deliberations and decisions.(Required)
We are knowledgeable about JBA’s services and programs, and we evaluate how well they fit JBA’s mission.(Required)

Governance

Please respond to the statements below by rating the Board as a whole.
Our nomination process functions appropriately and yields highly qualified, well-prepared Board members.(Required)
Expectations for Board members are high, well-defined, and adequately communicated.(Required)
Diversity on the Board reflects a broad base of backgrounds and expertise and reflects our community.(Required)
Board and staff effectively orient and educate new members to maximize and enhance leadership potential.(Required)
Board officers are dynamic leaders and work effectively with staff leadership.(Required)
Our committee structure provides ample opportunities for Board members’ involvement in advancing key strategic priorities.(Required)
We commit sufficient time and money to JBA’s fundraising goals and consistently meet or exceed donation goals.(Required)
We adopt and/or revise policies as legally required, including conflict of interest.(Required)
We have procedures for addressing lack of attendance and/or support by Board members.(Required)
Our process for assessing overall Board performance is efficient and effective.(Required)

Oversight

Please respond to the statements below by rating the Board as a whole.
We receive adequate and timely information in advance of Board meetings to prepare for analysis and discussion of critical issues and for meaningful participation in decision-making.(Required)
We exercise appropriate fiscal oversight; monitor investments, financial statements and insurance coverage regularly; and ensure timely independent audits.(Required)
We work with staff leadership to develop financial plans based on achieving key strategic objectives.(Required)
Board meetings are of sufficient frequency and duration to keep pace with major initiatives.(Required)
We have ample opportunity to participate in open discussion at Board meetings, and divergent points of view are welcomed and respected.(Required)
There is an efficient and effective process in place for an annual performance review and salary evaluation of the Executive Director by the Board.(Required)
Succession plans for Board and staff leadership are current and in place.(Required)

Communications & Relationships

Please respond to the statements below by rating the Board as a whole.
We are well-informed regarding JBA’s progress in achieving key strategic priorities and regarding major challenges and opportunities as they arise.(Required)
There is a climate of mutual trust and respect between the Board and the Executive Director, based on a clear understanding and periodic review of our respective roles and responsibilities.(Required)
We enjoy productive working relationships with other Board members and have appropriate opportunities for social interactions.(Required)
We receive sufficient communications from the Executive Director to remain well-informed between Board meetings.(Required)
We take advantage of an easy-to-use online portal for access to Board materials in between meetings.(Required)

Personal Involvement

Please respond to the questions below by rating your own participation.
I attend Board and committee meetings regularly.(Required)
I am well-prepared and have appropriate support to fulfill my responsibility to advocate on behalf of JBA.(Required)
I attend events and expand JBA’s base of support through introductions to my networks.(Required)
I am fulfilling my responsibilities for support to the Board Annual Fund through personal giving at a level that is meaningful to me.(Required)
Serving on the JBA Board is meaningful, productive, and enjoyable.(Required)

 

I'm interested in:

Biking & Walking

Birds

Boating & Fishing

Flowers, Plants & Trees

Gardening

History

Kids' Activities

Sankofa Community Farm

Southwest Philadelphia

Water Quality

Workshops, Wellness & Culture

Youth Internships

I'm interested in:

Biking & Walking

Birds

Look up! More than 100 species of birds rely on this ecosystem.

Boating & Fishing

Enjoy all that the Tidal Schuylkill River has to offer.

Flowers, Plants & Trees

See what’s blooming, find a favorite tree, and stroll the gardens and natural lands.

Gardening

Bring the Garden home! Shop for plants or grow food, trees, and more.

History

Uncover the interconnected stories of this historic site.

Kids' Activities

Join us year-round to learn, make, share, and wonder.

Sankofa Community Farm

“Go back and get it!” Growing food sovereignty with an African Diaspora focus.

Southwest Philadelphia

Resources and opportunities especially for neighbors in Southwest Philly.

Water Quality

View our latest data on current river conditions.

Workshops, Wellness & Culture

Enjoy upcoming workshops, self-care, and events. Are you a Southwest artist? Let’s partner!

Youth Internships

Calling Southwest students: paid internships available with the river, the farm, and the trees.