APPLICATION INFORMATION FOR COHORT XVII (2025/2026)

Thank you for your interest in Leadership San Juan Islands (LSJI). Since 2004, LSJI has contributed to the vitality of San Juan County by helping community members become better leaders and citizens. LSJI sessions help participants develop facilitative leadership skills and an improved understanding of how local organizations, both public and private, work together in the islands. 

To be considered as a member of Cohort XVII (2025/2026) your application is due no later than 5 PM Friday, August 29, 2025. You will be notified of acceptance no later than Friday, September 17, 2025. 

CORE LEARNING OBJECTIVES

Participants will be able to : 

1. 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. 

2. Exhibit the ability to work effectively with those different from themselves. 

3. Develop critical, reflective, and systems thinking abilities. 

4. Navigate among the key organizations and individuals who, in working together, provide services in San Juan County. 

SELECTION CRITERIA

Participants in Cohort XVII (2025/2026) will be selected based on the following criteria: commitment to community involvement, evidence of interest in using leadership skills, demonstrated involvement in the San Juan Islands, and commitment to attend all LSJI 2025 Program Days. 

Diversity is a core value of Leadership San Juan Islands, LSJI intends for the course to include participants with varying backgrounds, ages, employment, ethnicity, professions and geography. LSJI does not discriminate against applicants and participants on the basis of race, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, physical ability or occupation. All applications will be processed in the strictest confidence. 

SKAGIT VALLEY COLLEGE CURRICULUM CREDIT

Participants can optionally receive Skagit Valley College Curriculum Credit at no extra cost, subject to meeting course requirements for a “pass” completion. Participants will receive materials for this optional enrollment at the LSJI Orientation Session.

SCHOLARSHIP ASSISTANCE

Scholarships from LSJI itself may be requested up to a maximum of $400.00. Please complete the information below to be considered for scholarship assistance. If a scholarship is awarded, the applicant is responsible for paying whatever remains on the tuition balance. Sponsorship LSJI encourages applicants to contact employers or other organizations regarding their providing full or partial sponsorships for individuals. Many employers will support enrollment in LSJI for professional development purposes. It is the responsibility of the applicant to arrange for this sponsor support, however, LSJI may assist you in gaining this support. 

TIME COMMITMENT

  • Friday, November 7, 2025 - Orientation

  • Friday, November 14 and Saturday, November 15, 2025 - “Use of Self” Retreat

  • Friday, December 5, 2025 - *Governance Challenge Day  - San Juan Island

  • Friday, January 9, 2026 - *Economics Challenge Day  - Orcas Island

  • Saturday, January 10, 2026  - Leadership Skills / Learning Circles - Home Islands 

  • Friday, January 29, 2026 - *Art, History and Culture Day - San Juan Island

  • Saturday, January 30, 2026- Leadership Skills / Learning Circles - Home Islands

  • Late February 2026 - SJC Agricultural Summit - San Juan Island 

  • March 2026 - Learning Circle Service Projects - Home Islands - Self-organized

  • Late March / Early April 2026 - *Ecology Day - Lopez Island

  • April 17, 2026 - Presentation of Service Projects / Graduation - San Juan Island

  • May 1, 2026 - LSJI Annual Meeting - San Juan Island 

Participants will be required to do homework, including pre-reading, and to be a part of a small group service project, working together in Learning Circles on their home islands for Leadership Skills II and III. Sessions will be held via ZOOM. Learning Circles for Facilitative Leadership Skills Sessions and your Service Projects will be held virtually and participants are expected to attend with members of their Island cohort at the Library on your island. 

Challenge Days are planned for In-Person Attendance, yet the reality of WA State Ferries may result in potential cancellations of scheduled sailings. In the event of a canceled AM sailing, we will pivot to using ZOOM to deliver content. 

GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS FOR A “PASS COMPLETION”

Participants are expected to attend the 1st Retreat (Friday to Saturday) on Orcas in its entirety and may not miss more than 2 of the other scheduled program days for any reason. Participants are expected to be on time to class sessions (leaders set a good example). Participants share in the group service projects and deliver a final presentation at Graduation Day. 

COSTS

Tuition for Leadership San Juan Islands is $795.  This includes refreshments at Orientation and Graduation, “Use of Self” retreat lodging and meals, program supplies and curriculum materials. 

Participants are responsible for their own transportation, are asked to bring personal sack lunches to Challenge Days and may be asked to contribute to potluck meals. 

PAYMENT PLAN

  • Initial Payment of $295 is DUE upon acceptance, no later than October 1, 2025. 

  • Monthly Payments of $125 paid on the 1st day of January, February, March, and April 2026. 

NOTE

No refunds will be made after November 7, 2025. If a participant withdraws from the program after that date, the full tuition is still owed. 

To ensure a high-quality learning experience, a minimum number of participants (12) is required. LSJI reserves the right to cancel in advance the LSJI program for low enrollment or any other reason. If the program were to be canceled, the otherwise nonrefundable application fee will be returned. 

Contact: Lee M. Taylor, Program Coordinator

Email: director@lsji.org |  Phone: 253-985-3128