GOALS FOR GROWTH
From the onset of the American Public Gardens Association’s 2030 Strategic Planning process, we had confidence in our vision and mission. After a year of surveys, interviews, peer benchmarking, data compilation, hundreds of member touchpoints, and countless hours of meetings and discussion, we are celebrating them now more than ever.
Gardens across the globe face similar challenges: impacts to plant collections and physical sites from climate change, loss of plant biodiversity, the need to diversify revenue sources, serving everyone in their communities, and telling their story. Bringing garden professionals together to learn from each other is one of the things our Association does best – we heard that from you loud and clear! Growing that impact by being a convener and voice for public gardens everywhere will help us achieve our vision.
Three focus areas quickly emerged from member feedback: Professional Development, Advocacy, and Networks & Community; with each of them directly related to our mission. Increasing professional development opportunities and enhancing current networking options advances public garden professionals as leaders and innovators. For the first time, advocacy is a primary goal, as we look to advocate for the sector and give you the tools necessary to do it in your own communities. Of course, new efforts towards these goals won’t be possible without Intentional Growth – our final goal.
We want to express our gratitude to the Strategic Planning Committee, Association’s Board and Staff, and Canopy Strategic Partners for their efforts to create the plan. Thank you to the nearly 1,000 members and partners who provided feedback throughout the process.
Bruce Harkey, Board President
Michelle Provaznik, Chief Executive Officer
FOUNDATIONS
We are excited for what the next five years will bring for the Association and public gardens everywhere.
OUR JOURNEY
PLAN PURPOSE
The Association will be a convener and voice for public gardens everywhere.
To achieve this plan purpose, four goals were identified. Each is a critical part of building the Association’s future.
Objectives within each goal will have different resource requirements and timelines. We know that to achieve our highest aspiration, we need to make meaningful progress in all four goals throughout the plan period.
GOALS & OBJECTIVES
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
ADVOCACY
Unite and strengthen the collective voice of our members to advocate effectively on behalf of public gardens.
Elevate and celebrate excellence in public gardens through individual and institutional certification.
Elevate and celebrate excellence in public gardens through individual and institutional certification.
Improve access to Association resources through the refinement of our digital infrastructure.
Ensure the sustainability of public gardens by developing a diverse generation of future leaders.
Develop and launch a recognized governmental advocacy program on behalf of public gardens.
Invest in and develop tools and training needed by member gardens to advocate for themselves and other public gardens at the local, regional, and national levels.
Work with peer organizations to advocate for increased funding for and recognition of the public garden sector at all levels.
NETWORKS & COMMUNITY
Leverage the power of the collective to deliver shared solutions and deepen member relationships.
INTENTIONAL GROWTH
Using existing regional public garden networks as a model, determine best strategies for increasing regional connectivity and the Association’s role in that work.
Utilize the expertise of the Communities to identify future trends and critical issues facing public gardens and develop new ways for members to connect on these topics.
Establish a recognized identity that reflects our new status as a leading association for public gardens everywhere.
Develop a business plan that increases the Association’s efficiency and impact.
Establish and maintain long-term financial stability.
Nurture a collaborative, positive, and inclusive team culture that attracts and retains staff and Board talent.
Launch a communications campaign to ensure members know and take full advantage of their Association benefits.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
Strategic Planning Committee Members in green
| Board | Staff |
|---|---|
| Carrie Rebora Barratt, Ph.D. Marnie Conley, Strategic Planning Chair Bruce Harkey, Board President Charles Hunter Abra Lee MaryLynn Mack, Board Past President Ari Novy, PhD Ennis Anderson, Board Secretary | Katie Brickner Lauren Garcia Chance Tyler Hale Michelle Provaznik, CEO Pamela Allenstein |
| Partners | |
| Jazmin Albarran Autumn Ayers Carmen Boy Andrew Bunting Helen Cortés Carissa Dougherty Lisa Eldred Grace Elton Brian Gibbons Craig Hoover Sharilyn Ingram | Scott Jamieson Stephanie Jutila Patrick Larkin Bill LeFevre Mae Lin Plummer Christofer Nelson Tracy Qiu Brian Russo Adam Schwerner Paul Smith Richard Smith Kathryn Wall |
