Board of Directors

Overview

The mission of Friendship Botanic Gardens is to create a nature-filled sanctuary for all people, as we enrich our community through cultural, educational, and social events.

As the highest leadership body of Friendship Botanic Gardens and to satisfy its fiduciary duties, the board is responsible for:

• Determining the mission of the Gardens and understanding its collective purpose
• Selecting, supporting, and evaluating the performance of the Director
• Strategic and organizational planning
• Ensuring strong fiduciary oversight and financial management
• Fundraising and resource development
• Approving and monitoring the Gardens’ programs and services
• Enhancing the Gardens’ public image
• Assessing its own performance as the governing body of the Gardens
• Ensuring legal and ethical integrity

Each individual board member is expected to:

• Know the Gardens’ mission and policies, programs, and needs as well as understand its collective purpose
• Faithfully read and understand the Gardens  financial statements and board materials in advance of meetings
• Serves as active advocates and ambassadors for the Gardens
• Fully engage in identifying and securing the financial resources and partnerships necessary for the Gardens to advance its mission
• Leverage connections, networks, and resources to develop collective action to achieve the Gardens  mission
• Give a meaningful personal financial donation – OR Be a member of the Gardens
• Help identify personal connections that can benefit the Gardens’ fundraising and reputational standing, and influence public policy
• Prepare for, attend, and conscientiously participate in board meetings
• Participate fully in one or more committees or task forces
• Engage in learning opportunities to better understand the community we serve
• Respect the experiences of all who bring their voices and lived experiences into the boardroom and the organization
• Uphold the legal duties and laws regarding nonprofit governance
• Follow the Friendship Botanic Gardens’ bylaws, policies, and board resolutions
• Sign an annual conflict of interest disclosure and update it during the year if necessary as well as disclose potential conflicts before meetings and actual conflicts during meetings
• Maintain confidentiality about all internal matters of the Friendship Botanic Gardens