PROGRAM OVERVIEW

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. 

MORE INFORMATION AND THE APPLICATION FOR COHORT XVIII WILL BE AVAILABLE IN LATE SPRING 2026

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 XVIII (2026/2027) 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 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.

TIME COMMITMENT

Participants will be required to complete 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) in its entirety and may not miss more than two of the other scheduled program days for any reason. Participants are expected to be on time for class sessions (leaders set a good example). Participants share in the group service projects and deliver a final presentation at Graduation Day.