Safety Education and Instruction Council (SEIC)
The Safety Education & Instruction Council is an advisory group to the Board of Directors of the ACA and meets twice a calendar year. This council is made up of volunteers who possess broad experience in the various disciplines of paddling and who are passionate about the sport. All ACA instructors are defacto members of the council.
The Council is coordinated by a chair, vice chair and secretary.
- Chair: Robin Pope
- Vice Chair: Steve Hutton
- Secretary: Elaine Mravetz
- Past Chair: Sam Fowlkes
These persons, along with the immediate past chair form the SEIC Standards Committee. The Standards Committee hears requests for exceptions to policy, approves appointment of Instructor Trainers, and hears challenges and grievances. The Council and its discipline committees are responsible for curriculum development and implementation of ACA programs. Each Division sends an appointed representative to serve as the Division Instructional Facilitator (DIF) on the SEIC.
SEIC
The Safety Education and Instruction Council’s (SEIC) purpose is to develop, establish and implement effective, high quality, safety, education and instructional programs and materials designed to introduce, inform, train and serve the public at all skill levels and aspects of paddlesports, and shall represent the interests of member ACA National Activity Committees to the ACA National Board of Directors.
SEIC Resources:
- SEIC Policy Manual (REVISED 9-16-2009)
- SEIC ByLaws (2-16-2001)
- SEIC & Discipline Committee Rosters (6-16-2009)
Upcoming SEIC & Committee Meetings:
- November 4, 2010 - SEIC - Asheville, NC
- March 4, 2011 - SEIC - Savannah, GA
History:
In 1973, under ACA Commodore Gail Cowart, the Canoe Instruction Certification Committee was formed. In 1977 the name was changed to Training Committee. At some point in the 1980's, under Tom Foster, it was renamed the National Instruction Committee. Under Charlie Wilson's leadership, the name was changed to its current title, Safety Education & Instruction Council.
Past Chairs:
- Robin Pope, 2007 - present
- Sam Fowlkes, 2004 - 2007
- Kent Ford, 2001 - 2003
- Charlie Wilson, 1997 - 2000
- Kim Whitley, 1992 - 1996
- Tom Foster, 1982 - 1991
- Bunny Johns, 1979 - 1981
- Donald Jarrell, 1977 - 1978
- Gail Cowart, 1972 - 1976




