Friends of and Trustee Interviews

8/22/2019 Friends of and Trustee Interviews

1/13

Friday, September 28, 2012

Robin Vann Ricca, MPH, JD Facilitator


2/13

Results of Friends ofPhone Interviews


3/13

Correlated with level of waterfront involvement.

Vaguely awarethat TBHA is a

waterfront group;

not sure which one

TBHA involved in Harborwalk

and harbor cleanup

W

aterfront

inv

olvement

Brand awareness


4/13

Individuals become involved for idealistic and pragmaticreasons.

Environmentallyconscious.Believe the

waterfront is

part of whatmakes Boston

unique.

RecognizeTBHAs influence

and want helpgetting things

done. Seeopportunities for

synergy withtheir goals.

MORE PRAGMATIC(Developers, waterfront businesses)

MORE IDEALISTIC(General Public)


5/13

1. Track record of visible successHarbor cleanup and Harborwalk

2. Proven leadership and expertise of staff and board

3. Strong network that provides critical information and access

And, more recently

4. Efforts to collaborate in new ways on the waterfront (SOTW)

5. Willingness to take on big issues like climate change


6/13

1. Original mission complete

2. Small staffcan only carry so much water

3. Need for new blood, new perspective, younger folks

4. People confused by the presence of multiple organizations onthe waterfront, would like us to join forces.


7/13

Save the Harbor/Save the Bay Boston Harbor Islands Alliance

Mission overlap with TBHA, but:

Not as public policy-driven. Better base of recognition with

the general public.

Provides summer programming.

Focuses on the islands.

Legislatively enfranchised tospend capital construction

dollars, have an operating

budget.

TBHA does not have that

authority, but has a greatnetwork and advocacy base


8/13

All Trustees invited to answer survey

5 open-ended questions Purpose/Mission

Vision/Direction Realistic Sense of Urgency

Priorities/Strategic Goals

Hope/Goal for Board Retreat

9 respondents


9/13

Purpose/Mission: What is your understanding ofwhat TBHA does? What value does TBHA provide andfor whom?

Respondents acknowledged TBHA as the experts on theBoston Harbor focusing attention on

TBHA promotes/ protects public access

Majority view TBHA as a major advocacy organization promoting water quality, ensuring waterfront open to allgroups and users, public voice -


10/13

Vision/Direction: Where do you think TBHA isgoing? What are some of the indicators or description

of TBHAs desired future?

Evolving into an advocacy and educational organization Having achieved the goals of a clean harbor, TBHA is expanding

its focus: lead in advancing policy, programs and activities thatenliven the harbor.

Be the climate change experts, Chapter 91 experts; generally

police developer agreements, maintain its turf as guardian

of the Harborwalk


11/13

Realistic Sense of Urgency: What internal andexternal pressures and/or opportunities do you thinkare impacting TBHA?

Fundraising and funding an issue relates to TBHA need forpermanent staff; impact of economy on governmentprotections

Competition for resources and pressure from other nonprofits;TBHA needs resources to engage in Waterfront developmentopportunities

TBHA needs to redefine what it does so it can be at theforefront of celebrating the clean harbor and amenities,embracing diverse community


12/13

Priorities/Strategic Goals: What do you think arethe 2 or 3 major areas of emphasis or focus for TBHAright now? What key things must be done now in

order to move TBHA from where it is currently towardwhere it should be in the next 3-5 years?

Leader/expert on all issues of the impact of climate change -sea level rise

Champion for enhanced Water transportation

Continue new initiatives and activities to bring people to thewaterfront

Fundraising plan/development function


13/13

Retreat Goals: What specific things do you hopethat we accomplish at the TBHA Board StrategicPlanning Retreat?

Strategic direction and goal clarity; establishing milestones tobe accomplished over the next 2-5 years

Contemporary vision w/goal & objectives to keep TBHA inleadership position and as Harbor experts

Board role and engagement; hearing from new (er) Boardmembers

Ideas for significantly ramping up revenue

Friends of and Trustee Interviews

Documents