Local leaders – current and future – invited to Open Houses

Leadership San Juan Islands (LSJI) will hold three open houses in October to recruit current and aspiring leaders for the Class of 2009. LSJI seeks candidates from all sectors of the community, from businesses and non-profits, to education and government. Alumni from LSJI Classes 2005-2008 are also invited to the open houses, as well as graduates of other leadership programs held around the country who now live and/or work in the San Juans.

October 15, 2008 12:00 am

Leadership San Juan Islands (LSJI) will hold three open houses in October to recruit current and aspiring leaders for the Class of 2009. LSJI seeks candidates from all sectors of the community, from businesses and non-profits, to education and government. Alumni from LSJI Classes 2005-2008 are also invited to the open houses, as well as graduates of other leadership programs held around the country who now live and/or work in the San Juans.

The three open houses will take place as follows:

Sunday, Oct. 19, 1 to 3 p.m. at the Heartwood House on Orcas Island (70 Langell Lane near Eastsound);

Tuesday, Oct. 21, 4:30 to 6 p.m. at the Lopez Library, Lopez Island.

Through LSJI, San Juan County, is taking the initiative to develop its own network of home-grown leaders through LSJI. 2009 will mark the fifth year of LSJI seminars designed to educate and motivate the islands’ current and aspiring leaders of today and tomorrow. LSJI is searching for adults who would like to develop their professional leadership skills while learning more about issues facing the San Juan Islands within local systems of governance, education, economics, environment, social/community health and history/culture.

A total of six “challenge days,” held on Fridays, plus two weekend retreats, will be held January through May 2009. Applicants must be capable of communicating via email and be prepared to commit to a significant public service project upon graduation.

Sponsors of the program include Skagit Valley College and the San Juan County Economic Development Council. The deadline for applications is Nov. 7. For further information or to download an application see www.leadershipsanjuanislands.org or call Cynthia Stark-Wickman, Program Coordinator, 378-9683 or 370-5470 (evenings).