Friday, September 28, 2012

Robin Vann Ricca, MPH, JD Facilitator

Results of Friends of Phone Interviews

Correlated with level of waterfront involvement.

TBHA involved in Harborwalk and harbor cleanup

Waterfront involvement

Vaguely aware that TBHA is a waterfront group; not sure which one
Brand awareness

Individuals become involved for idealistic and pragmatic reasons.

MORE IDEALISTIC MORE PRAGMATIC (General Public) (Developers, waterfront businesses)

Environmentally conscious. Believe the waterfront is part of what makes Boston unique.

Recognize TBHAs influence and want help getting things done. See opportunities for synergy with their goals.

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2. 3.

Track record of visible successHarbor cleanup and Harborwalk Proven leadership and expertise of staff and board 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

Original mission complete 2. Small staff can only carry so much water 3. Need for new blood, new perspective, younger folks 4. People confused by the presence of multiple organizations on the waterfront, would like us to join forces.
1.

Save the Harbor/Save the Bay

Boston Harbor Islands Alliance

Mission overlap with TBHA, but:

Focuses on the islands.

Not as public policy-driven. Legislatively enfranchised to Better base of recognition with spend capital construction the general public. dollars, have an operating Provides summer programming. budget. TBHA does not have that authority, but has a great network and advocacy base

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

Purpose/Mission: What is your understanding of what TBHA does? What value does TBHA provide and for whom?

Respondents acknowledged TBHA as the experts on the Boston Harbor focusing attention on TBHA promotes/ protects public access Majority view TBHA as a major advocacy organization promoting water quality, ensuring waterfront open to all groups and users, public voice -

Vision/Direction: Where do you think TBHA is going? 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 that enliven the harbor. Be the climate change experts, Chapter 91 experts; generally police developer agreements, maintain its turf as guardian of the Harborwalk

Realistic Sense of Urgency: What internal and external pressures and/or opportunities do you think are impacting TBHA?

Fundraising and funding an issue relates to TBHA need for permanent staff; impact of economy on government protections Competition for resources and pressure from other nonprofits; TBHA needs resources to engage in Waterfront development opportunities TBHA needs to redefine what it does so it can be at the forefront of celebrating the clean harbor and amenities, embracing diverse community

Priorities/Strategic Goals: What do you think are the 2 or 3 major areas of emphasis or focus for TBHA right now? What key things must be done now in order to move TBHA from where it is currently toward where 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 the waterfront Fundraising plan/development function

Retreat Goals: What specific things do you hope that we accomplish at the TBHA Board Strategic Planning Retreat?

Strategic direction and goal clarity; establishing milestones to be accomplished over the next 2-5 years Contemporary vision w/goal & objectives to keep TBHA in leadership position and as Harbor experts Board role and engagement; hearing from new (er) Board members Ideas for significantly ramping up revenue