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.

PEER-TO-PEER

San Juan Islands Leadership network

In February 2024 Leadership San Juan Islands began hosting monthly virtual Peer-to-Peer Network meet-ups. While we look forward to gathering “in real life” soon, at this time (with inconsistent ferry service and time constraints) Zoom gatherings are the opportunity for us to connect, share ideas, and remain accessible to all.

Until then, our morning “Coffee Talk” and afternoon “Tea Time” offer LSJI alumni, community entrepreneurs, and non-profit leaders a space to meet and share information about their organizations/businesses and discuss issues of concern while sharing resources and ideas.

Participating in regular networking events, members of LSJI’s Peer-To-Peer Network benefit from the opportunity to connect with like minds and build engagement for the work their organizations are putting out into the world.

Non-profit organizations (NPOs) are the lifeblood of our islands, providing social and educational support, environmental care, health and welfare services, and food security- essential elements for a thriving community. Small businesses provide jobs and services to meet the needs of locals and tourists, alike. And, Leadership San Juan Islands (LSJI) has been providing leadership development training and facilitation to all since 2004.

Many of our Alumni are business and NPO leaders, board volunteers and community contributors. We know that as leaders you are expected to be adaptable, resourceful and able to communicate your organization’s mission to engage all stakeholders – clients, volunteers, board members and donors.

LSJI’s seasoned team of leadership development professionals are hosting monthly in-person and virtual meet-ups bringing Managers/Directors and Board Leaders together in the Peer-to-Peer Network.

The Future of the Islands will be decided in the Islands

LEADERSHIP SAN JUAN ISLANDS is a countywide program to educate and motivate community members interested in developing their professional skills and in learning more about issues affecting San Juan County. Founded in 2004 in partnership with Skagit Valley College, San Juan County Economic Development Council, and the United Way of San Juan County, Leadership San Juan Islands became an independent 501(c)(3) in 2008.