The Leadership San Juan Islands professional development program began its new session on Jan. 9 with its “Orientation Day” held at the Harrison House in Friday Harbor.

Thirteen islanders from San Juan, Orcas and Lopez make up the 11th cohort, who will meet for 12 sessions around the islands during the next five months.  Co-directors Morgan Meadows and Tara Dalton will lead the group, with several of LSJI’s more than 120 alumni participating in specific sessions.  These sessions include presentations and discussions with local leaders in business, government, education, local economics, agriculture, nonprofit, the arts, social welfare and environmental issues.

The second session planned for January 23 and 24 is an overnight retreat in Orcas where participants will discover more about their personal leadership styles and engage in various processes of facilitative learning.

For more information on LSJI  and to learn more about volunteer and donation opportunities, visit www.lsji.org