09/27/2007: "Leadership SJI Begins Recruitment for Class of 2008"

Leadership San Juan Islands (LSJI) will hold three open houses in October to recruit current and aspiring leaders for the Class of 2008. LSJI seeks candidates from all sectors of the community, from businesses and non-profits, to education and government. Alumni from LSJI Classes 2005-2007 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: Thursday, October 11, 5:00-7:00 p.m. at Skagit Valley College in Friday Harbor; Saturday, October 13, 4:00-6:00 p.m. at the Lopez Island Library; and Sunday, October 14, 2:00-4:00 p.m. at the Heartwood House on Orcas Island, 70 Langell Lane near Eastsound.

San Juan County, like many communities across the country, is taking the initiative to develop its own network of home-grown leaders through LSJI. 2008 will mark its fourth year of 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 our “systems” of governance, education, economics, environment, social/community health and history/culture.

A total of six, Friday “challenge days,” plus two weekend retreats, will be held January through May 2008. Applicants must be capable of communicating via email and be prepared to commit to a significant public service project upon graduation. Sponsors include Skagit Valley College, United Way of San Juan County and San Juan County Economic Development Council. Deadline for applications is November 19. For further information or to download an application see www.leadershipsanjuanislands.org or call Liz Illg, Program Coordinator, 317-4010.