Board Self-Assessment

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

1) How well does the board as a whole carry out our roles and responsibilities in certain key areas related to our stewardship of Bartram’s Garden? These areas are defined as follows:

  • Mission, Vision, and Strategy
  • Governance
  • Oversight
  • Communications & Relationships

2) How well supported are you personally to participate meaningfully in your board service?

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. Comments and suggestions in each section are welcome but not required.

Results will be compiled anonymously. If you have any questions about this survey, please contact Francesca Fiamingo or Rob Pugliese, Co-Chairs of the Nominating and Governance Committee.

This evaluation was revised in Winter 2026.

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 John Bartram Association Board of Directors as a whole.
We understand, respect and uphold JBA’s mission, devoting sufficient time and attention to its consideration in critical decision-making.(Required)
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We are appropriately involved in the development of JBA’s vision and long-term planning.
We understand JBA's current strategic plan and use it effectively to guide decisions and long-term planning.(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 appropriate, 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)
Officers and committee chairs are effective leaders within their roles and in board-wide settings.(Required)
The culture of the board is inclusive and welcoming for members with varied perspectives and experiences.(Required)
Our committee structure provides ample opportunities for board members’ involvement in advancing key strategic priorities.(Required)
The board commits sufficient time and money to JBA’s fundraising goals.(Required)
We adopt and/or revise policies as legally required, including conflict of interest.(Required)
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We have procedures for addressing lack of attendance and/or support by Board members.
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, including regular review of financial information (investments, statements, insurance) and ensuring 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, focus, and duration to keep pace with major initiatives.(Required)
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We have ample opportunity to participate in open discussion at Board meetings, and divergent points of view are welcomed and respected.
There is an effective and timely 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 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)
Our working relationships within the board are high-quality, substantive, and lead to effective decision-making.(Required)
We have appropriate, inclusive opportunities for building social relationships with other board members.(Required)
We receive sufficient communications from the board and staff leadership 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 consistently feel well-prepared to participate in board and committee meetings.(Required)
My board responsibilities are a good match for my skills and interests.(Required)
I have opportunities to take on leadership roles that are a good fit for me—such as participating in a committee, serving as a chair or officer, or working directly on a special project—and receive appropriate support from staff and board leadership to do so.(Required)
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I am well-prepared and have appropriate support to fulfill my responsibility to advocate on behalf of JBA.
I expand JBA's base of support through my networks, such as bringing guests to events or proactive outreach to potential donors, partners, and sponsors.(Required)
My financial contributions to the Board Annual Fund represent an amount that is meaningful to me.(Required)
I visit Bartram's Garden outside of my board responsibilities.(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.