Leadership San Juan Islands celebrates its 20th year

||| FROM GRETCHEN KRAMPF for LEADERSHIP SAN JUAN ISLANDS |||

The board of Leadership San Juan Islands is recognizing its 20th Year by hosting November Alumni Gatherings and announcing Class XVII will begin in late 2025.

More than 240 alumni have participated in our countywide program, designed to educate and motivate community members interested in developing their professional skills and in learning more about issues affecting San Juan County, and graduates lead many local agencies, nonprofits, island farms and businesses.

LSJI was founded in 2004, in partnership with Skagit Valley College, San Juan County Economic Development Council, and the United Way of San Juan County and became an independent 501(c)(3) in 2008. Since 2017, Skagit Valley College has provided college credits to graduates who successfully complete the program.

Covid-19 and inconsistent ferry service created a “pause” in our traditional six-month program. In 2020, we hosted three virtual Lunch & Learns and in 2021, three Summer Nights on the Orcas Village Green. Since 2023, our Peer-to-Peer Network has been meeting monthly on Zoom.

After three years, we are bringing back our flagship offering. LSJI’s place-based, Whole-systems focus includes a series of Challenge Days, Orcas, Lopez and San Juan Island overnight retreats, three leadership skill-development sessions and small group service projects. Class XVII will begin in late 2025, running from November until April 2026. Potential candidates will find dates, information and the application on our website in December 2024.

Community leadership programs are traditionally “alumni-led” and often associated with local Chambers of Commerce. We look forward to reengaging with our alumni, sponsors and supporters and rebuilding our Curriculum and Development Committees to invigorate our program and identify potential candidates.

The Barnacle is catering our upcoming Alumni Meet & Greets. Join us for light bites & libations on San Juan Island, Tuesday, 11/12; Orcas Island, Wednesday, 11/13; A Zoom Gathering, Thursday, 11/14 and Lopez Island, Friday, 11/15. RSVP information at www.lsji.org.