Leadership San Juan Islands

02/27/2026

There is still time to register for our session at Brickworks this afternoon.

02/27/2026

Today is the beginning of San Juan County's Ag Summit here in Friday Harbor. There is still time to register for morning and afternoon workshops.

Anne Schwartz and I will be co-presenting at Brickworks this afternoon from 1:30-4:00 pm.

Our session focuses on leadership development, communication and conflict skills essential to engaging diverse stakeholders to create essential outcomes to protect agricultural land, mitigate the threats to food security and ensuring rural farmers are represented in local, state and federal policy decisions.

Agriculture in SJC encompasses agritourism, farm-to-table experiences, and the production of value -added products that contribute to our local economy.

Our islands Farmers Markets are governed by non-profit boards and the County government needs citizens as advisers on various committees

Many farmers are nearing retirement and younger farmers need guidance and resources to afford land and equipment acquisitions.

Members of LSJI's Cohort XVII will be participating in today's workshop as part of their six month learning experience.

Our LSJI alumni network has numerous farmers and producers in positions of influence and making a real impact on matters of sustainability and community input on resilience

And there is Social Time at the end of tge afternoon at the Grange - hope to see uou there!!!!

01/31/2026

Thanks for the excellent article on our Cohort XVII, Darrell Kirk. Local leaders are making such important decisions in our islands' communities.

We will begin recruiting for Cohort XVIII in late Spring, to begin in Fall 2026.

By Darrell Kirk

11/17/2025

Cohort XVII has launched. These fifteen incredible community leaders, from Lopez, Shaw, Orcas and San Juan Islands will spend six months in immersive learning about the various organizations that interact systemically to support our Island Lives.

10/29/2025

So delighted with our updated homepage at www.lsji.org Orcas musician/photog Burke Mulvany's photograph graces our landing page and brings forth the brilliant light that we love here in the SJI. Leadership San Juan Islands has not hosted its Flagship Program since 2020...and here we are, 20 Years Strong..bring Cohort XVII into being in November.

We still have a few spaces available for those islanders who want to REALLY get to know what's happening in this County we live in. LSJI is an immersive experience-action learning across our many communities with the deep learning that comes from a cohort experience.

As a member of Cohort I (2005) and for 20 years a board member and faculty, I know what incredible relationships can be built through this community leadership development program.

We have more than 240 alumni who are DOING THE WORK here in our non-profit, educational, governmental, environmental and entrepreneurial sectors....yes, the LIFEBLOOD of our resiliency and strong sense of community.

My Whidbey pal, Rick Ingrasci has said "If you want to change the culture, throw a better party." Leadership San Juan Islands is DEFINITELY the "better party" to plug into.

So, if you are ready for a really amazing November 2025-April 2026, got to the website and APPLY. Orientation is on November 7th (San Juan Island) and our "Use of Self" Retreat is November 14-15 (Orcas Island).

The FUTURE of the Islands will be DECIDED in the Islands.

Leadership San Juan Islands (LSJI) has begun recruiting for Class XVII, running from November 2025 through April 2026. Information and the application are available on our website. Candidates from across the Islands will be selected based on the following criteria: commitment to community involvemen...

10/24/2025

Last Call for Leadership SJI Applicants

Leadership San Juan Islands (LSJI) Class XVII begins on Friday, November 7 and runs through April 2026. We have fourteen (14) outstanding participants from Lopez, Shaw, Orcas and San Juan Islands.

We do have room for 2-3 more members, if you are ready for an amazing immersive learning opportunity. Some scholarship support is available.

The application is available on our website. A $50 non-refundable Application Fee is due upon applying.

Community Leadership programs embrace the principles of servant leadership and we develop adaptive leadership competencies through action learning. Sessions provide an immersive countywide experience, helping participants develop facilitative leadership skills and an improved understanding of how local organizations, both public and private, work together in the islands.

Our six-month program includes 11 Program Days, including Orientation, “Use of Self” Retreat, Challenge Days, Skill-building sessions and Island-focused Service Projects Day when participants deliver a small group project.

09/17/2025

We have a few open spots in Cohort XVII so applications are still being accepted. If you need financial support to participate, let us know. www.lsji.org

09/17/2025

Well, ALMOST the full $5000! Thank you to all who donated to provide Scholarships and Program Support for Cohort XVII.

08/16/2025

Find the trivia question on the San Juan Island Community Foundation page!

08/15/2025

Please support our fundraising efforts. Our SJI CARES donation link is at www.lsji.org and www.sjicf.org

08/14/2025

Let the games begin! Our SJI CARES donation link is now active!Please donate at www.lsji.org or www.sjicf.org