Jennifer Stewart

The meeting provided a project update for America's Boating Channel. Key topics included international industry recognition as a finalist in the Go Global Awards, the adoption of channel videos by the New York State boater education course, and the receipt of a U.S. Coast Guard grant covering production for seasons seven through nine. The report also detailed the progress of original video production for season seven, which focuses on boating safety and education, along with the launch of new drone video services, smart TV offerings, and viewership promotion strategies.

The meeting included an update on the leader pathway rollout, detailing the certification progress for instructor trainers and leader trainer candidates, and proposed a sunset date for existing coastal and river trip leader courses. The council also discussed and voted on motions regarding the reduction of auxiliary discipline prerequisites for the leader program, specifically lowering the prerequisite from level three to level two.

The board meeting focused on the successful roll-out of the new certification pathway, including the training of instructor trainers and educator trainers. The discussion covered the active status of the program in the Content Management System, the publication of workbooks on Amazon, and the creation of a password-protected repository for supporting curriculum materials. Additionally, the committee reviewed the integration of the leader pathway into the existing system, acknowledged the significant volunteer effort involved in the project, and outlined the next phase of onboarding, which targets the integration of instructors.

The board of directors hosted a panel discussion regarding public policy and stewardship. Key topics included the organization's five-year strategic plan, the collaborative role of the ACA with national organizations, state-level policy engagement, and the specific legislative challenges regarding mandatory paddling education and mandatory life jacket wear requirements. The discussion highlighted the need for paddlers to be represented at the table during regulatory discussions to prevent excessive barriers to entry while promoting safety.

The American Canoe Association's Strategic Plan is driven by the theme 'We Are Stronger Together' and outlines a vision to engage millions of paddlers with safe and healthy opportunities for challenge, learning, service, and enjoyment. Its overarching purpose is to promote paddling, foster community, support excellence in instruction and competition, advance stewardship, and save lives. The plan is organized around six crosscutting pathways: Community Leadership and Development, Competition, Diversity Equity and Inclusion, Education, Governance and Organizational Leadership, and Stewardship and Public Policies.