||| FROM GRETCHEN KRAMPF for LEADERSHIP SAN JUAN ISLANDS |||
It has been a long four years away and we are delighted to announce the return of our Flagship Community Leadership Development Program. Leadership San Juan Islands (LSJI) is recruiting for Class XVII with applications due in late August. Space is LIMITED to twenty, so apply early! We are included in OICF’s GiveOrcas Spring Catalogue, running May 6-15, and your donation supports scholarships and our Orcas programming – the “Use of Self” retreat and Economics Challenge Day.
Since 2004, LSJI has contributed to the vitality of San Juan County by helping community members become better leaders and citizens. Sessions provide an immersive countywide experience, helping participants develop facilitative leadership skills and an improved understanding of how local organizations, both public and private, work together in the islands. Participants in Cohort XVII (2026) will be selected based on the following criteria: commitment to community involvement, evidence of interest in developing and using leadership skills, and demonstrated involvement in the San Juan Islands.
Our six-month program includes 11 Program Days, including Orientation, Skill-building Retreats, Challenge Days, Graduation and Island-focused Service Projects Day when participants deliver a small group project. Upon completion, participants will be able to demonstrate a range of leadership skills and abilities such as inspiring others and applying a basic knowledge of meeting design, facilitation, conflict resolution, and group decision-making processes; exhibit the ability to work effectively with those different from themselves; develop critical, reflective, and systems thinking abilities; and navigate among the key organizations and individuals who, in working together, provide services in San Juan County. In addition, successful candidates can earn six college credits through Skagit Valley College.
Diversity and accessibility are core values of Leadership San Juan Islands. LSJI intends for the Cohort to include participants with varying backgrounds, ages, employment, ethnicity, professions and geography. Tuition is $795, plus a $50 Application Fee. Payment plans and scholarships are available. Find information and an application at www.lsji.org or contact 2026 Program Director Lee Taylor at 253-985-3128 or email at director@lsji.org
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