Leadership San Juan Islands engages citizens in a learning community, working together from January until May, weaving Whole Systems and experiential learning with opportunities to interface with county leaders to explore areas of governance, economics, environment, health/education and art/history and culture.

Its leadership skill development includes facilitation, group dynamics, communications and conflict resolution.

They have an alumni roster of more than 120 community leaders who live and work on Lopez, Orcas, San Juan, Fidalgo Islands, and beyond.

“Our graduates are entrepreneurs, hold elected offices, work in our schools, on coalitions, and governmental agencies, serve on numerous non-profit boards,  in media, utilities, libraries, healthcare, environmental, solid waste, farming/food and sustainability programs and provide pro-bono facilitation for board retreats and  community meetings,” say organizers.

A handful of Friday Harbor leaders envisioned Leadership San Juan Islands back in 2004. Founded through a collaboration between Skagit Valley College, The United Way and the Economic Development Council, LSJI is now a solid 501(c)(3) and  its successful program is entering its ninth year in January.

Registration is open for Cohort IX, with applications due by Nov. 19.

The calendar of program dates and applications are available at www.lsji.org or by calling program co-directors Liz Illg (378-6104) or Tara Dalton (468-3875).