2015 Conference – Summary of Motions – Documents Archive for Cocaine Anonymous

CAWS Conference 2015 Summary of Motions

Disclaimer – This was the first year using electronic voting. A few electronic votes were done to test the system or were initiated in error. This is the reason there appears to be ‘missing’ votes. There are also a couple of places where the vote number was not documented in the Dailies. Please remember, this was a learning process for everyone involved.

Day 1 09-02-2015 Summary of Motions

Motion to establish a new Area called CA Denmark.

Motion made and seconded.

Vote 002 – Motion passes with substantial unanimity.

Motion to suspend the rules to hear a motion out of order.

Vote 004 – Passes with substantial unanimity.

Motion to change the accounting and tax reporting fiscal year for CAWS and CAWSO from July 1 to June 30 to a calendar year of January 1 to December 31, effective January 1, 2016.

Vote 005 – Passes unanimous.

Day 2 09-03-2015 Summary of Motions

Motion: to Approve European Regional Slate Suzanne Veltman , Cathal McCavley Vote 006 carries.

Motion: to Approve Midwest Regional Slate

Jeannette Johnson, Patrice Fitzpatrick, Vanessa Mathews

Vote 007 motion carries.

Motion: to Approve Pacific South Regional Slate

Tom Phelan, Dwight Johnson, Gregory Ashley

Vote 008 fails

Motion: To approve Tom Phelan.

Vote 009 carries

Motion: To approve Dwight Johnson.

Vote 010 carries.

Motion: To approve Gregory Ashley.

Vote 011 carries.

CAWS Conference 2015 Summary of Motions Page 1 of 25

Motion: to Approve Pacific North Regional Slate

Michael Chiki, Scott Parker

Vote 012 fails.

Motion: To approve Michael Chiki.

Vote 013 passes.

Motion: To approve Scott Parker

Vote 014 carries.

Motion: to Approve Atlantic North Regional Slate

Alan Siegel, Cameron Freeman, George Mooney

Vote 015 fails.

Motion: To approve Alan Siegel.

Vote 016 carries.

Motion: To approve Cameron Freeman

Vote 017 carries.

Motion: To approve George Mooney.

Vote 018 carries.

Motion: to Approve Atlantic South Regional Slate

Mike Seden

Vote 019 carries

Motion: to Approve Southwest Regional Slate

Erica Decker, Lori Penrose, Jericho McMillian, John Oskins,

Vote 020 failed

Motion: to approve Erica Decker.

Vote 021 carries

Motion: to approve Lori Penrose.

Vote 022 passes.

Motion: to approve Jericho McMillian

Vote 023 passes.

Motion: to approve John Oskins.

Vote 024 passes.

Motion: to Approve TAL Slate

Vanessa Mathews, Patrice Fitzpatrick, Mike Seden, John Oskins, Jerico McMillon, Tom

Phelan, Gregory Ashley, Cathal McCavley, Cameron Freeman, George Mooney,

Michael Chiki

Vote 025 fails.

Motion: to approve Vanessa Mathews

Vote 026carries

Motion: to approve Patrice Fitzpatrick

CAWS Conference 2015 Summary of Motions Page 2 of 25

Vote 027 carries

Motion: to approve Mike Seden

Vote 028 passes

Vote: to approve John Oskins

Vote 029 passes.

Motion: To approve Jerico McMillon

Vote 030 carries

Motion: to approve Tom Phelan

Vote 031 passes.

Motion: to approve Gregory Ashley

Vote 032 passes.

Motion: to approve Cathal McCavley

Vote 033 passes.

Motion: to approve Cameron Freeman

Vote 034 passes.

Motion: to approve George Mooney

Vote 035 passes.

Motion: to approve Michael Chiki

Vote 036 passes.

Motion to approve 2014 Conference minutes.

Vote 037 passes unanimously.

Day 5 09-05-2015 Summary of Motions

Motion: Pursuant to Point 12 of the C.A. Pamphlet Approval Process, to approve the revised version of “To the Newcomer” as set forth in Attachment A. Vote 039 – 118 for, 11 against, motion passes.

Motion: To approve the revised version of “We Can Recover” as set forth in Attachment B. (Attachment B at end of this document) Motion made and seconded to table for half an hour.

Vote 040 – 79 yes, 51 against, motion carries

Motion: To approve revisions to the C.A. suggested meeting formats as follows: (note – the entire motion will not be shown here as it is very lengthy and brought up multiple times. The final motion after all friendly amendments will be Attachment 1 at the end of this document).

Point of Order – Doesn’t this fall under SR-14 for changes to Literature?

Chair– My ruling is no. I looked at this for the committee and determined the changes being made were not substantial changes and do not fall under SR-14.

CAWS Conference 2015 Summary of Motions Page 3 of 25

Challenge to the Chair is made.

Vote 041- 106 yes, 24 no, the Chair’s decision stands.

Vote 042 – 73 yes, 56 no, vote carries.

Motion: to approve pamphlet called “Honesty, Opened-mindedness & Willingness.” Point One of the C.A. PAMPHLET PUBLICATION PROCESS. Vote 043 – 112 yes, 18 against, motion carries

Motion to reconsider the previously accepted revisions to the Meeting Formats. To approve revisions to the C.A. suggested meeting formats as follows: (note – the entire motion will not be shown here as it is very lengthy and brought up multiple times. The final motion after all friendly amendments will be Attachment 1 at the end of this document).

Vote 044 – 105 yes, 29 against, motion carries.

Vote 045 – 110 yes, 26 against, motion carries.

Motion: To approve the revised version of “We Can Recover” as set forth in

Attachment B.

Call the question.

Vote 046 – 106 yes, 26 against, motion to end debate passes.

Vote on original motion. Motion: To approve the revised version of “We Can Recover” as set forth in Attachment B.

Vote 047 – 63 for, 64 against, Motion fails.

Motion to rescind the motion that approved the concept of the 12 Step & 12 Traditions Workbook.

Motion to rescind fails 98 to 38.

Motion: To accept the Uganda Chip flier as the Archive item to be distributed to the Conference attendees.

Vote 049 – passes 101 for, 2 against.

Motion: To develop 3 prototypes of the 4 piece Commemorative Chip displays for

purchase and auction.

Motion: to refer to WSO.

Vote 050 Motion passes 123 – 3

CAWS Conference 2015 Summary of Motions Page 4 of 25

Motion: That the following language be added as bullet 6 to the section of our “Procedures for Physical Handling of Archive Materials” on page 8 of our committee guidelines in the “Please don’ts” section to read as follows: Decorate archival display items with anything other than identification or other pertinent historical information. Vote 051 passes 126 – 5.

Motion: That the following language be added as paragraph 5 to the “Developing Traveling Archive Displays” section on page 8 of our guidelines to read as follows “Only duplicate items will travel to preserve the integrity of the Master Archive.” Vote 052 passes 126 – 5

Motion: Amend bullet 4 to read – The C.A. webservant will provide and maintain anemail address and password for the Archive Committee and advise the Archive Chairperson of the same.

Vote 053 passes 98 – 27

Motion: Amend bullet 6 to read: The Archive Committee Chairperson or WSOL will submit a written request for archive items for the WS Conference no later than – Strike 90 add 45 days prior to the Conference.

Vote 054 passes 113 – 20.

Motion: Add bullet 7: Archive items displayed at the WSO will not be presented with anything other than identification or pertinent historical information. Vote 055 passes 65 – 63

Motion: Add bullet 8: The WSOB will provide updates of monies available in the

Archive budget when requested.

Motion to table

Vote 056 passes 90 – 35, motion is tabled.

Motion: Add at the end of paragraph 1 in the section entitled WSC Archive Committee Structure on page 15 of the guidelines: It is preferred that either the Chair or Vice Chair reside within 120 miles of the WSO. Vote 057 passes 75 – 48

CAWS Conference 2015 Summary of Motions Page 5 of 25

Motion: Amend bullet 1 under Chairperson Responsibilities to read: To be the generaloversight of all committee activities Add: at the WSO, including scanning, photographing, organizing, separating the archive between what is to be returned to a member versus Add: and documenting what is being sent to long term storage.

Motion to table indefinitely

Objection to consideration

We are voting on the motion for the objection to consideration.

Vote 058 fails 61 – 60

Motion to table indefinitely

Vote 059 passes 81 – 41, motion has been tabled indefinitely.

Motion: Add a final bullet to Vice Chairperson responsibilities – To create or solicit submissions for the Archive Corner in the NewGram.

Motion to refer to committee all motion pertaining to Archive Committee guidelines at

2016 WSC.

Vote 060 fails.

Motion: to refer to committee all motion pertaining to Archive Committee guidelines at 2016 WSC.

Vote 061 passes 75 – 52

Motion: to approve PSA concept and $400 budget to start production Vote 062 passes.

CAWS Conference 2015 Summary of Motions Page 6 of 25

Motion: To insert new language into the PI Handbook a full page titled A Simple Guide to PI after page 47 and renumber the following pages accordingly.

Begin new language:

A Simple Guide to PI

12 Basic Steps

Set Regular Committee Meetings
Reach Out to Your Local Fellowship
Ask for Help/CA.ORG
Get People Motivated
Create Helpline/Review Current Helpline
Create a Public Information Email
A Little Money Can Go a Long Way
Speak to the Professional Community and Reach Out to Judicial and Community Services
Contact the Media; Send a Letter of Engagement
Poster Blitz
Have Fun!!!!
Read the Public Information Handbook

End new language.

Vote 063 passes unanimously.

Motion: to suspend Standing Rule 14 for the purpose of bringing forward two motions regarding the terms of the Atlantic North Regional Trustee & Trustee At Large. Vote 064 carries 116-114

Motion: to respectfully request to extend the Atlantic North Regional Trustee term one

year to the end of the 2017 conference.

Vote 065 motion carries 137 – 2

Motion: to respectfully request to extend the Trustee at Large term one year to the end

of the 2017 Conference.

Vote 066 passes 132 – 8

Motion: That we approve the S.M.A.R.T. (Save My A$$ Recovery Transfer) contribution plan.

Vote 067 125 – 5 passes

CAWS Conference 2015 Summary of Motions Page 7 of 25

Motion: That we approve the concept of International Finance Guidelines. Draft to be presented to the Fellowship under SR14 Guidelines 2016. Vote 068 Motion carries 130 – 2

Amended Motion: On page 9, at the end of bullet point 5 of the Financial Guidelines

add the following statement: “It is suggested that Groups, Districts, and/or Areas do not utilize or possess an ATM/Debit card on fellowship bank accounts. Other options to consider would be prepaid cards for purchases and night drops for deposits.” Vote 069 carries 120 – 4

Motion: To approve the amended six month Budget for 2015, July 1^st thru December 31^st.

Vote 070 passes 115 – 5

Motion: To approve the revised 2016 Budget.

Vote 071 carries 120 – 8

Motion: To insert on page 17 under meeting Groups and Styles Online Meetings

Email meetings – These are email based and run 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Voice meetings – These are voice only, voice over internet protocol meetings and are similar in format to face to face meetings.

Vote 072 – passes unanimously

Motion: To strike on page 59 of the WSM paragraph 4: The CAWSO Board shall not exceed ten directors and then end the paragraph at ”Area or District service committee. Also, at the beginning of paragraph 5 insert The CAWSO Board shall not exceed ten directors.

Vote 073 – 100 for, 1 against, motion passes

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Motion: on page 60 of the WSM first paragraph to strike through

Directors or Volunteers of the World Service Office Board (WSOB) to be interviewed by the current World Service Office Board:

All Directors other than the WSOB Chair, WSOB Treasurer and WSO Paid Director(s).

2.TheNewsGram Editor

3.TheWebservant

Archives

Insert new language

World Service Office Volunteers Interview Process:

Volunteers of the World Service Office to be interviewed by the current World Service Office Board:

The NewsGram Editor
The Webservant
Archives

Vote 074 – 114 yes, 9 no, motion passes

Motion: To insert on page 57 (WSM, Under TEC election process) as number 2, Discussion of candidates

Vote 075 – 112 yes, 16 no. Motion passes.

Motion: To strike on page 13 item B. A Cocaine Anonymous “District,” “Area,” or

“Region.” And insert as Item B. A C.A. District/Area has the ability to delegate the use of the C.A. name and/or logo on memorabilia. Proper discussion at the Area/District Service Committee meeting shall be part of the process. Vote 076 – 108 yes, 21 no, motion carries

Amended Motion: To insert new language on page 38 of the 2015 World Service Manual after “Non-delegates may serve as committee officers.” a new paragraph: Non-Delegate chair expenses must be incorporated into the Committee budget and approved by the Committee. Then the approved budget is brought to the Conference floor by the Finance Committee as part of the complete World Service budget for approval. All Committee budgets need to be submitted to the Finance Committee by 9AM of the last breakout committee work day.

Vote 077 – 116 yes, 7 against – passes

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Amended Motion: “In the 2015 World Service Manual as the first paragraph under “Referrals” (Page 48) insert: All referrals shall be prepared and submitted electronically or by mail to CAWSO address. The location for the electronic referral submittal form is at: http://fs22.formsite.com/finesilver1988/ReferralForm/index.html.

Friendly Amendment to add ‘or by mail to CAWSO address’ Chair decision – Amended motion is now out of order Challenge the Chair.

Vote 078 – 87 yes, 49 no, decision of chair is sustained.

Motion: to insert on pg. 13 of the 2015 WSM as a new Item H When incorporating no individual or entity may use the name ”Cocaine Anonymous” alone or within the corporation name for incorporation purposes. Call the question.

Vote 079 – 100 yes, 23 no – debate ended Vote 080 – 95 yes, 33 against – motion passes.

MOTION: to insert on page 24 of the WSM, Area sub-heading, paragraph 3, line 5 after

Area Central Office: If an area chooses to or needs to incorporate, the name “Cocaine Anonymous” belongs to the Fellowship as a whole and should not be used in the name of any corporate entity.

Call the vote

Vote 081 – 111 for, 21 against – back to original motion.

Vote 082 – 57 for, 74 against – motion fails.

Motion to reconsider a previously passed motion – MOTION: to insert on pg. 13 of the 2015 WSM as a new Item H “When initially incorporating or renewing an incorporation, no individual or entity may use the name ”Cocaine Anonymous” alone or within the corporation name for incorporation purposes.” Vote 083 – 58 for, 70 against, motion to reconsider fails.

Motion to reconsider seconded. Motion to reconsider the previously passed motion to insert on page 24 of the WSM, Area sub-heading, paragraph 3, line 5 after Area Central Office: If an area chooses to or needs to incorporate,

the name “Cocaine Anonymous” belongs to the Fellowship as a whole and should not be used in the name of any corporate entity.

Vote 084 – 53 to approve, 87 against – will not reconsider motion

CAWS Conference 2015 Summary of Motions Page 10 of 25

MOTION: Insert new Bullet #11 in the Cocaine Anonymous WSCCC Guidelines under

Information Technology IT Chair page 30:

11) While building a website for the upcoming world service convention, the host area/region may request assistance from the WSOB Web Servant.

Vote 085 – 109 for, 10 against – motion passes

Amended Motion: in the Cocaine Anonymous WSCCC Guidelines on page 34

Add new Bullet 38 under GENERAL GUIDELINES and renumber remaining bullets:

38) Upon completion of a World Service Convention the host area will be eligible to receive a donation from Cocaine Anonymous World Services in the amount of $2,500, once conference approved budgeted net increase in assets have been met. Where a convention net receipt is greater than 20% of the conference approved budgeted net increase in assets, the donation to the host area will increase to $3,750.

Call the question.

Vote 086 – 111 for, 11 against – motion passes to end debate.

Vote 087 – 112 for, 22 against – amended motion passes.

MOTION: in the Cocaine Anonymous WSCCC Guidelines on page 8 under

Chairperson:

12) Convenes a post-convention general World Service Convention meeting to receive wrap-up reports and copy of “CAWS Convention Pass It On Fact Sheet” from each committee chairperson to be incorporated in the final chairpersons’ post convention final report. Meeting should be held within fifteen (15) days of the conclusion of the convention and report, including the “Pass It On” sheet, should be submitted to the

WSCCC Chairperson and the WSO within forty-five (45) days after that. Financial figures shall be provided to the WSO, for its use in the June 30th Financial Reports, as soon as possible after the convention, but no later than June 30th. within 60 days of the closing of the convention.

Vote 088 carries 108 – 11

MOTION: in the Cocaine Anonymous WSCCC Guidelines Page 25 under Hotel Liasion bullet 9b:

b) Treasury Room Suite with a parlor area containing conference table and chairs along with a safe large enough to secure monies collected each day. With two separate adjoining bedrooms having separate door entries for WSO and Convention Treasurer. Vote 089. motion carries 111 for, 12 against.

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Amended Motion: in the Cocaine Anonymous WSCCC Guidelines Page 37 Vendor Bidding Process under 1.b.:

RFPs should clearly state that Cocaine Anonymous World Service Office Inc. will require a W9 for any labor or service expense incurred by US vendors in the amount of $600 or more during a calendar year (July 1 – June 30). (January 1 – December 31). Vote 090 122 for, 10 against.

MOTION to accept Sweden’s bid for the 2019 World Convention Motion 091 passes 124 for and 16 against .

Motion: That the theme of the 2016 World Service Conference be Unity Strengthens Our Community.

Motion passes

Motion: That the following submission be the Art Work for Celebrate Around The World

Vote carries 95 – 9

Motion: Change the word strike language international add new language global to the coverpage, page 7 and page 9

Vote passes unanimously

Motion: To have the Unity Statement read the same as the Unity Pamphlet Unity is a common bond that transcends all differences.

Strike Language By sharing our experience with other addicts and working the Twelve Steps of C.A., we come to know humility, security, acceptance, and self worth. Recovery is possible-together.

Unity preserves our C.A. fellowship. Same meeting anywhere in the world.

Unity preserves our legacy of Hope, Faith, and Courage- By sharing our common bonds or experiences and following our Primary Purpose.

Unity preserves our personal recovery, our reunited families, and our rediscovered dreams- United we stand, divided we fall.

Add new language Unity is a common bond that transcends all differences. We’ve discovered no matter how different our circumstances or the paths that brought us here, we all suffer from the same disease, addiction.

We admitted our lack of power and accepted that we could not recover alone. The strength and direction of our recovery is found in our unity.

We are people who might not have mixed. Addiction and recovery are the threads that bind us. We relate to such feelings as grandiosity, insecurity, jealousy, and false pride and are reminded we are all alike. By sharing our experience with other addicts and working the Twelve Steps of C.A., we come to know humility, security, acceptance, and self-worth.

CAWS Conference 2015 Summary of Motions Page 12 of 25

Through applying the Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions, we grow in love, tolerance, and respect for each other. This spiritual growth allows us to rise above prejudice, regardless of religion, ethnicity, economic status, age, gender, or sexual orientation, to carry the C.A. message. Though we are different, we are the same. Regardless of the author, we share the same story.

Recovery is possible together.

Unity preserves our C.A. fellowship.

Unity preserves our legacy of Hope, Faith, and Courage.

Unity preserves our personal recovery, our reunited families, and our rediscovered dreams.

Vote 095 carries 116 – 2

Motion: Change strike language All are welcome to add new language We are all inclusive.

Vote 096 carries 101 – 6

Motion: To reflect changes to the Unity Statement strike language International add new language global.

Statement of Purpose: To enhance our communication and international global outreach among the diverse elements within our fellowship in the interest of carrying the C.A. message and promote C.A. unity.

Motion carries

Motion: To expand on the 8 Unity Events.

Unity event Suggestions:

Diversity Dinner
Trivia/Game night
Musical Events
CA Unity Fun Day
CA5K Walk
GSR/Tradition Workshop
Marathon Meetings
CA Has Talent

Diversity Dinner: add new language We celebrate diversity as a strength in our fellowship and there’s nothing that brings people together more than food. Select a location and ask the fellowship to bring an ethnic dish/dessert to share at the event, then have one or two diverse speakers share on their unique experience in recovery.

CAWS Conference 2015 Summary of Motions Page 13 of 25

Trivia/Game Night: add new language Find a venue, pick a theme, decide on rules, create good questions or dust off the board games and pick an emcee. Invite the whole fellowship, especially the newcomers in your area/district.

Musical Events: add new language Pick a venue, music or musicians for some head bopping toe-tapping fun.

C.A. Unity Fun Day. add new language This is a Celebratory day of One-Ness.

Anything that promotes Unity such as food, dancing, music, cards, and/or speakers.

CA5K Unity Walk: add new language Choose a theme for this event and gather our fellowship at a starting point that is unique to its location i.e, lakefront, park, scenic route and walk in Unity. Walking towards a common goal can be a gratifying and bonding experience. At the end of the route you can have an event, an open microphone or speaker. It can also be used as a fundraiser.

GSR Tradition Workshop: add new language The information gathered at the GSR workshop should be fun, informative and interesting.

I.E. breakdown the Traditions. How do they apply to the group? Break down the responsibility of the GSR and what information needs to be brought back to the group. The GSR should know the voting procedures at the District so he/she can make informed decisions because they are the VOICE for each individual group.

Marathon Meetings: add new language Marathon meetings play a great role in Unity. With different times, different people and different topics, this type of event offers a great amount of diversity. They can be held at conventions, conferences, weekend events, campouts etc. etc

CA Has Talent: add new language There is a wide variety of talent in C.A. Set up a talent show. Talent shows can be used as a single event or part of a function. This type of event is wonderful in promoting diversity.

—

Vote 097 carries 116 – 4

Motion: Strike Language Creates flyer with instructions on how to order t-shirts for Celebrate Around the World not later than November 1st of each year for inclusion in the December Delegate mailing.

Vote 098 carries

CAWS Conference 2015 Summary of Motions Page 14 of 25

Motion: Strike language Creates flyer requesting art designs for upcoming World Service Conference consideration which will include contact information of CATW Chairperson not later than the 2nd Quarter Delegate mailing. add new language To add a flyer to the Delegate mailing as soon as the theme for the upcoming World Service Convention is selected.

Vote 099 carries 112 for and 4 against

Motion to suspend the rules.

Vote 100 passes 89 – 9

Motion to extend the session until close of business.

Vote 101 passes 110 – 11

Motion: Add new Point 14 in C.A. book approval process: The book is labeled “Draft” and distributed to the delegates by the WSO as a draft piece of literature with the legend: “This draft is pending WSC approval. We solicit your feedback.” The draft should be accompanied by instructions regarding where and when to submit feedback. For categorization purposes, feedback should be limited to one of two options: 1. approve the draft as is; 2. disapprove the booked project all together with specific comments.

Motion to refer to WSBT.

Vote 102 – 112 for, 12 against – motion to refer to WSBT passes.

Motion: to the Convention guidelines, under Cash Handling Procedures, page 31 : 1, The on-site Treasure Committee shall consist of Host City Treasurer and up to 2 assistants, and WSOB Treasurer and up to 2 assistants to work in the Treasury Room at a WS Convention.

Vote 103 – 121 for, 2 against – motion passes.

CAWS Conference 2015 Summary of Motions Page 15 of 25

Attachment 1

SUGGESTED PARTICIPATION MEETING FORMAT

Welcome to the (________) meeting of Cocaine Anonymous. My name is (________) and I am an addict.

(OPTIONAL: Would you please join me in a moment of silence followed by the Serenity Prayer?)

Are there any other addicts present? Welcome! Not to embarrass you, but so that we could get to know you better, will those of you in your first 30 days of sobriety please let us know who you are? Would you please stand and state your name and your disease? If you’re visiting from out of town or new to the Area, please introduce yourself.

Cocaine Anonymous is a Fellowship of men and women who share their experience, strength and hope with each other that they may solve their common problem and help others recover from their addiction. The only requirement for membership is a desire to stop using cocaine and all other mind-altering substances. There are no dues or fees for membership; we are fully self-supporting through our own contributions. We are not allied with any sect, denomination, politics, organization, or institution. We do not wish to engage in any controversy and we neither endorse nor oppose any causes. Our primary purpose is to stay free from cocaine and all other mind-altering substances, and to help others achieve the same freedom.^*

We use the Twelve Steps of recovery because it has already been proven that the Twelve-Step recovery program works.

It is a custom in Cocaine Anonymous to read We Can Recover, taken from the C.A.

“Storybook.” “Hope, Faith and Courage”. I’ve asked (________) to read for us.

The Twelve Traditions are to the group what the Twelve Steps are to the individual. I’ve asked (________) to read for us.

(OPTIONAL: It is also a custom to read Who is a Cocaine Addict?, Who is a C.A. Member?, or Alcohol. I have asked (________) to read for us.)

(OPTIONAL: LEADER QUALIFIES FOR 5-10 MINUTES) This is a 11⁄2-hour participation meeting. We encourage newcomers to ask any questions they may have regarding the program and recovery. Please do not share if you have had any drugs or alcohol in the last 24 hours. There is no cross-talk at this meeting, and all questions should be directed at the speaker. Please limit your sharing to 3-5 minutes. Who would like to start?

(FIVE MINUTES BEFORE COFFEE BREAK) We are fully self-supporting through our own contributions. At this time we will observe the 7th Tradition. Newcomers need

CAWS Conference 2015 Summary of Motions Page 16 of 25

not feel obligated to contribute. Please remain quietly seated while the baskets are being passed.

(Optional)-(AFTER BASKETS ARE COLLECTED) We will now have a 5-minute coffee break.

(AFTER COFFEE BREAK)

(OPTIONAL) We give chips at this meeting for 30, 60 and 90 days, 6 and 9 months, 1 year, 18 months, and 2 or more years of continuous sobriety—free from all mind-altering substances. Please keep your sharing brief so that we may have time for participation afterward. Is there anyone here in their first 30 days of sobriety who wishes to take a newcomer chip? 30 days? 60 days? 90 days? 6 months? 9 months? 1 year? 18 months? 2 or more years?

(Optional)We give a cake for every 365 days of continuous sobriety. We have (________) birthdays.

Now we will continue with participation.

(TEN MINUTES BEFORE THE MEETING ENDS) Our time is up. If you have any questions that went unanswered, or if you feel the need to share, please introduce yourself to someone after the meeting and exchange phone numbers. We are all here to help. Are there any secretary’s announcements?

(AFTER SECRETARY’S ANNOUNCEMENTS) I would like to close by having

(________) read The Promises, A Vision for You, or Reaching Out or Unity (from the

Unity pamphlet).

After a moment of silent meditation for the addict who still suffers, would (________) lead us in the prayer of his/her choice?

SUGGESTED STEP STUDY MEETING FORMAT

Welcome to the (________) meeting of Cocaine Anonymous. My name is (________) and I am an addict.

(OPTIONAL: Would you please join me in a moment of silence followed by the Serenity Prayer?)

Cocaine Anonymous is a Fellowship of men and women who share their experience, strength and hope with each other that they may solve their common problem and help

CAWS Conference 2015 Summary of Motions Page 17 of 25

others recover from their addiction. The only requirement for membership is a desire to stop using cocaine and all other mind-altering substances. There are no dues or fees for membership; we are fully self-supporting through our own contributions. We are not allied with any sect, denomination, politics, organization, or institution. We do not wish to engage in any controversy and we neither endorse nor oppose any causes. Our primary purpose is to stay free from cocaine and all other mind-altering substances, and to help others achieve the same freedom. ^*

We use the Twelve Steps of recovery because it has already been proven that the Twelve-Step recovery program works.

It is a custom in Cocaine Anonymous to read We Can Recover, taken from the C.A.

“Storybook.” “Hope, Faith and Courage”. I’ve asked (________) to read for us.

The Twelve Traditions are to the group what the Twelve Steps are to the individual. I’ve asked (________) to read for us.

(OPTIONAL: It is also a custom to read Who is a Cocaine Addict?, Who is a C.A. Member, or Alcohol. I have asked (________) to read for us.)

It is the format of this meeting to read from the Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions of Alcoholics Anonymous. This is followed by a discussion of the reading. Tonight we are on Step __________.

(LEADER READS STEP) We will now go around the room and each read a paragraph.

(AFTER READING OF THE STEP) We are fully self-supporting through our own contributions. At this time we will observe the 7th Tradition. Newcomers need not feel obligated to contribute. Please remain quietly seated while the baskets are being passed.

(AFTER BASKETS ARE COLLECTED) We will now have a 5-minute coffee break. (Optional)(AFTER COFFEE BREAK)

(Optional) We give a cake for every 365 days of continuous sobriety. We have (________) birthdays.

We now have time for participation. We ask that you limit your sharing to your experience, strength and hope as it relates to the Step that was read. If you have not taken the Step, we welcome you to ask any questions regarding this Step. We also ask that you not share if you have had any drugs or alcohol in the last 24 hours. There is no

CAWS Conference 2015 Summary of Motions Page 18 of 25

cross-talk at this meeting, and please limit your sharing to 3-5 minutes. Who would like to start?

(AFTER SECRETARY’S ANNOUNCEMENTS) I would like to close by having

(________) read The Promises, A Vision for You, or Reaching Out. Or Unity (from the Unity pamphlet).

After a moment of silent meditation for the addict who still suffers, would (________) lead us in the prayer of his/her choice?

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Attachment A (To The Newcomer)

To the Newcomer

Who is a Cocaine Addict?

Some of us can answer without hesitation, “I am!” Others aren’t so sure. Cocaine Anonymous believes that no one can decide for another whether he or she is addicted. One thing is sure, though: every single one of us has denied being an addict. For months, for years, we who now freely admit that we are cocaine addicts thought that we could control cocaine when in fact it was controlling us.

“I only use on weekends,” or

“It hardly ever interferes with work,” or

“I can quit, it’s only psychologically addicting, right?” or “I only snort, I don’t base or shoot,” or

“It’s this relationship that’s messing me up.”

Many of us are still perplexed to realize how long we went on, never getting the same high we got at the beginning, yet still insisting, and believing—so distorted was our reality—that we were getting from cocaine what actually always eluded us. We went to any lengths to get away from being ourselves. The lines got fatter; the grams went faster; the week’s stash was all used up today. We found ourselves scraping envelopes and baggies with razor blades, scratching the last flakes from the corners of brown bottles, snorting or smoking any white speck from the floor when we ran out. We, who prided ourselves on our fine-tuned state of mind! Nothing mattered more to us than the straw, the pipe, the needle. Even if it made us feel miserable, we had to have it.

Some of us mixed cocaine with alcohol or other drugs and found temporary relief in the change, but in the end, it only compounded our problems. We tried quitting by ourselves, finally, and managed to do so for periods of time. After a month, we imagined we were in control. We thought our system was cleaned out and we could get the old high again, using half as much. This time, we’d be careful not to go overboard. But we only found ourselves back where we were before, and worse.

We never left the house without using first. We didn’t make love without using. We didn’t talk on the phone without coke. We couldn’t fall asleep; sometimes it seemed we couldn’t even breathe without cocaine. We tried changing jobs, apartments, cities, lovers—believing that our lives were being screwed up by circumstances, places, people. Perhaps we saw a cocaine friend die of respiratory arrest, and still we went on using! But eventually we had to face facts. We had to admit that cocaine was a serious problem in our lives, that we were addicts.

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What Brought Us to Cocaine Anonymous?

Some of us hit a physical bottom. It may have been anything from a nosebleed which frightened us, to sexual impotence, to loss of sensation in or temporary paralysis of a limb, to a loss of consciousness and a trip to an emergency room, to a cocaine-induced stroke that left us disabled. Maybe it was finally our gaunt reflection in the mirror.

Others of us hit an emotional or spiritual bottom. The good times were gone, the coke life was over. No matter how much we used, we never again achieved elation, only a temporary release from the depression of coming down, and often, not even that. We suffered violent mood swings. Perhaps we awoke to our predicament after threatening or actually harming a loved one, desperately demanding imagined hidden money. We were overcome by feelings of alienation from friends, loved ones, parents, children, society, from the sky, from everything wholesome. Even the dealer we thought was our friend turned into a stranger when we went to him without money. Perhaps we awoke in dread of the isolation we had created for ourselves—using alone, suffocated by our self-centered fear and our paranoia. We were spiritually and emotionally deadened. Perhaps we thought of suicide, or tried it.

Still others of us reached a different sort of bottom when our spending and lying cost us our jobs, credit, and possessions. Some of us reached the point where we couldn’t even deal; we consumed everything we touched before we could sell it. We simply could no longer afford to use. Sometimes the law intervened.

Most of us were brought down by a medley of financial, physical, social, and spiritual problems.

When we found Cocaine Anonymous, we learned that addiction is a progressive disease, chronic and potentially fatal. We were relieved to be told that addiction is not simply a moral problem, that it is a true disease over which the will alone is usually powerless. All the same, each of us must take responsibility for our own recovery. There is no secret, no magic. We each have to quit and stay sober; but we don’t have to do it alone!

What is Cocaine Anonymous?

We are a Fellowship of addicts who meet together to share our hope, faith, and courage for the purpose of staying sober and helping others achieve the same freedom. Everything heard at our meetings is to be treated as confidential. There are no dues or fees of any kind. To be a member, you only have to want to quit. We also exchange phone numbers, and give and seek support from one another between meetings.

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We are all on equal footing here. We are men and women of all ages, races and social backgrounds, with the common bond of addiction. The Twelve-Step program of Cocaine Anonymous is gratefully borrowed from Alcoholics Anonymous. Many years of experience have demonstrated the value of one addict helping another.

We welcome newcomers to C.A. with more genuine warmth and acceptance in our hearts than you can probably now imagine—for you are the lifeblood of our program. In great part, it is by carrying the message of recovery to others like ourselves that we keep our own sobriety. We are all helping ourselves by helping each other.

What is the First Thing?

To the newcomer who wonders about the first thing he or she must do to achieve sobriety, we say that you have already done the first thing: you have admitted to yourself, and now to others, that you need help by the very act of coming to a meeting or seeking information about the C.A. program.

You are at this very moment doing what is necessary to stay sober: you’re not getting loaded. Cocaine Anonymous is a one-day-at-a-time program. We suggest that you not dwell on wanting to stay sober for the rest of your life, or for a year, or even a week. Once you have decided you want to quit, let tomorrow take care of itself. But sometimes it is too much for us to project even one whole day drug-free. That’s okay. Take recovery a day at a time, an hour a time, or even a minute at a time if necessary.

In the C.A. Fellowship, you are among addicts who are living without drugs. Make use of us! Take phone numbers. Between meetings, you may not be able to avoid contact with drugs and people who are still using. Some of us had no sober friends at all when we first came in. You have sober friends now! If you begin to feel restless, irritable and discontented, don’t wait. Give one of us a call, and don’t be surprised if one of us calls you when we need help!

It may surprise you that we discourage the use of any mind-altering substances, including alcohol and marijuana. It is the common experience of addicts in this and other programs that any drug use leads to relapse or substitute addiction. If you’re addicted to another substance, you’d better take care of it. If you’re not, then you don’t need it, so why mess with it? We urge you to heed this sound advice drawn from the bitter experience of other addicts. Is it likely you’re different?

We thought we were happy in our active addiction, but we were not. In C.A., we learn to live a new way of life. Cocaine Anonymous is a spiritual but not a religious program—our spiritual values are accessible to everyone.

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We who are grateful recovering addicts ask you to listen closely to our stories. That is the main thing—listen! We know where you’re coming from, because we’ve been there ourselves. Yet we are now living drug-free, not only that, but living happily; many of us, happier than we have ever been before.

No one says that it is easy to arrest addiction. We had to give up old ways of thinking and behaving. We had to be willing to change. But we are doing it, gratefully, one day at a time.

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Attachment B (We Can Recover)

WE CAN RECOVER

Welcome to Cocaine Anonymous. We are all here for the same reason—our inability to stop using cocaine and all other mind-altering substances. The first step towards solving any problem is admitting that there is a problem.

The problem, as we see it, is three-fold: a physical allergy, a mental obsession, and a spiritual malady. The physical allergy is an abnormal reaction that creates an inability to stop using once we begin. The mental obsession is a continued and irresistible thought of the next high. The spiritual malady manifests itself as unmanageability in our lives, separating us from a Higher Power, each other and eventually ourselves. If the spiritual malady is not addressed, the obsession returns and we may use again.

We wish to assure you that there is a solution and that recovery is possible. It begins with abstinence and continues with practicing C.A.’s 12 Steps of recovery, one day at a time. The means by which we move from the problem of drug addiction to the solution of recovery is the Twelve Steps of Cocaine Anonymous:

We admitted we were powerless over cocaine and all other mind-altering substances—that our lives had become unmanageable.
Came to believe that a Power greater than ourselves could restore us to sanity.
Made a decision to turn our will and our lives over to the care of God as we understood Him.
Made a searching and fearless moral inventory of ourselves.
Admitted to God, to ourselves, and to another human being the exact nature of our wrongs.
Were entirely ready to have God remove all these defects of character.
Humbly asked Him to remove our shortcomings.
Made a list of all persons we had harmed, and became willing to make amends to them all.
Made direct amends to such people wherever possible, except when to do so would injure them or others.
Continued to take personal inventory and when we were wrong promptly admitted it.
Sought through prayer and meditation to improve our conscious contact with God as we understood Him, praying only for knowledge of His will for us and the power to carry that out.

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Having had a spiritual awakening as the result of these Steps, we tried to carry this message to addicts, and to practice these principles in all our affairs.

Cocaine Anonymous is a spiritual program, not a religious one. In C.A., we believe each of us can choose a Higher Power or God of our own understanding.

No one comes into Cocaine Anonymous to find God. We came here desperate to get rid of a terrifying drug habit. Look around this room. You are surrounded by people who came to C.A. as a last resort. We were emotionally, financially, and spiritually bankrupt. We had lived through many of the same experiences as a result of using cocaine, alcohol, or other drugs. Yet today, we are free from the misery, terror, and pain of addiction.

Maybe some of us were worse off than you; maybe some of us didn’t hit as low a bottom as you. Still, the fact remains that those of us who are recovering have come to believe that a Higher Power of our own understanding can restore us to sanity.

There is a solution; we can recover from addiction. One day at a time, it is possible to live a life filled with hope, faith and courage.

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CAWS Conference 2015 Summary of Motions Page 25 of 25

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