Leadership San Juan Islands is preparing for its eleventh year strengthening leadership skills in the community related to governance, economics, social services, history and culture, education, and the environment.

Applications for the county-wide program are now being accepted and are available at island libraries and open houses.

Through a series of challenging days and retreats, participants learn more about their local community systems and themselves.

The course begins in January and finishes in May. Space is limited to 20 students. The public are invited to attend these open houses to learn more about the program. Individuals and organizations willing to offer fiscal support are encouraged to come and ask questions about the significance of the program for our county.

Lopez Island: Wednesday, Oct. 1, 5:30-7 p.m. Lopez Island Library, 2225 Fisherman Bay Road.

Orcas Island: Wednesday, Oct. 8, 5:30-7 p.m. Heartwood House, 70 Langell Lane, Eastsound.

San Juan Island: Wednesday, Oct. 15, 5:30-7 p.m. Hushebeck Residence, 285 Geneste St, Friday Harbor.

Application deadline is no later than 5 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 31. For more information contact Tara Dalton at 468-3875 or Morgan Meadows at 376-9213.