California State Senator Sam Blakeslee, San Luis Obispo Police Chief Deborah Linden and San Luis Obispo Community Foundation Executive Director Barry VanderKelen all have something in common. They are three of more than 700 Leadership San Luis Obispo (LSLO) alumni.

Thirty six community leaders have the opportunity to join this inspirational group next year and stretch themselves by exploring San Luis Obispo County in a way that only participation in LSLO allows.

This unique program is now accepting applications for its 21st class. Celebrating its 20th anniversary, the 10-month program brings participants out of their comfort zones and encourages productive dialogue on important and sometimes difficult issues affecting the community.

“Successful Leadership applicants are curious by nature and motivated to get involved in their community,” said Sandi Sigurdson, executive director of Leadership SLO. “We’re looking for folks who have a commitment to personal and professional growth, who are willing to view community issues from a broad perspective.”

Diversity is important to Leadership San Luis Obispo and each class is created to have representatives from different cultures, sexual orientations, backgrounds, economic conditions and ages, as well as a range of businesses. 

The only prerequisite to apply is a desire to give back to the community. If selected, participants are expected to attend all scheduled sessions, including a three-day retreat in January and a day session held on the second Friday of each month from February through October.
 
The deadline for submitting this year's application is Oct. 3, and each applicant is asked to attend a group interview in mid-October. Tuition for the 10-month program is $1,250, but scholarships are available to those who need it.
 
“We never let financial hardships get in the way of accepting someone into the program,” Sigurdson said. “If you think you can’t afford it, think again. We have a great scholarship program, and we’ve never had to turn anyone away because they couldn’t afford to pay the entire tuition. Don’t let the cost of tuition stop you from applying.”
 
Leadership alumni often encourage people they know to apply, Sigurdson said. Partial scholarships are offered to assist those who otherwise can’t participate. The deadline to apply is Oct. 3.
 
More information can be found at www.leadershipslo.org.