CONFERENCE REPORT
C.A. WORLD SERVICE CONFERENCE 2022
WORLD SERVICE OFFICE BOARD REPORT
INTRODUCTION AND COMMENTS:
My name is Earl H., and I am your World Service Office Chairman. I wish to express my gratitude to the World Service Board of Trustees and World Service Office Board Directors for asking me to serve our fellowship once again. I also wish to thank John B. who stepped up to be our WSO Vice Chair. John brings many years of experience and knowledge to our Board. A Big Welcome to all our new and returning Delegates to this 2022 WSC where we get down to the business of C.A.
I returned to World Services at the request of the WSBT in April of this year. I immediately secured the WSO, increasing our security levels and training the staff on the proper process of handling incoming funds and donations. We have taken steps to be more accountable to fellowship by tracking and receipting for all 7th Tradition donations. We are in the process of utilizing a data base and implementing automated receipt sending. Thank you for your patience while this process evolves and is improved.
We have hired a new accounting firm and a new bookkeeper. They have been very busy getting our “books” caught up after a long period of time without the guidance of a C.A. Treasurer. The WSOB sent a slate of highly qualified candidates for C.A. Treasurer to the WSBT in May and we are thrilled to announce they ratified Jonathan H, former Chair of the WSC Finance committee. The IRS has reinstated our “non-profit” status after months of dogged follow ups. This will now allow participation with “Give Butter” which will improve the Donation process at the WSO.
We have a solid, enthusiastic, international WS Board of Directors actively engaged in numerous projects that will dramatically improve the way the WSO fulfils its “Primary Purpose of providing program services to our fellowship”. We must improve the quality of our level Customer Service and responsiveness at the WSO. Improving the C.A. Website to be more user friendly and “back office” friendly is critical how we process orders accurately especially internationally. We are also convinced we need to hire additional special works qualified to respond to the added workloads and expectations of our fellowship. We are transitioning from a cut costing, shrink staff, business plan to a growth plan that needs to serve a rapidly growing worldwide fellowship. The number of WSO orders processed previous period (2020-2021) was 12,145 and the current period (2021-2022) is 16, 765, a nearly 28% increase!
We are back in the business of translating our pamphlets and books! A new Translation subcommittee at the WSOB has been formed headed by David C, Director at Large. This committee has restarted work on existing projects already in process to go through any blockages and will contact local Literature Translations Committees (LTC) to provide updates, as well as putting the finishing touches on a new and much improved Translation Policy.
Our WSOB, along with the excellent support and service of Robert B., Director of Conventions & Conferences, helped the CAWS2020/21/22 Convention committee to exceed all expectations in terms of a spiritual celebration of our recovery “Deep in the Heart” as well as a very well managed successful fundraiser for World Services well exceeding their revenue commitment. Thank you, Susan L., former CAWS Convention chair, for your outstanding leadership, love and time sacrificed, who by the way is now a full time Director at
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Large on the WSOB. Let us all continue to spread the word that CAWS2023 in Atlanta will be an epic spiritual experience that must not be missed!
We are currently researching the feasibility of activating the WSO Helpline in support of the WSCPI committee’s motion from 2 years ago. We sent out five Request for Proposals to 5 different VoIP companies. Currently we are working out operational details with Freedom Voice. 8×8 has been totally unresponsive to email and voicemail requests.
In 2019 the World Contribution Program was rebranded as the Freedom Fund. In that year presentations at Conference 2019, CAUK Convention and the Dutch Convention resulted in an annual uplift in recurring donations of $13,000. In 2021 at Conference an additional $2,750 per annum increase was achieved, and in Austin this year we raised an additional $4,500. So, since 2019 via the Freedom Fund C.A. is $20,250 per annum better-off with recurring donations allowing the Fellowship to become more financially sustainable. A regular reliable income means more resources to carry the message to the still suffering addict.
We created an ADHOC committee to review current policies and procedures. We are reviewing the current position so we can link into our conference approved documentation and provide rigour to WSOB and related activities. There are a range of policies some which are true policies, others are procedures called policies. None of them are currently compliant as they do not either have the identified responsible person, for example who is responsible for monitoring and reviewing or a review date/cycle. We then have a range of procedures or processes again there is a mix of the two. Procedures or processes should link to an overarching policy, or the reason why we should do it. For example, if we had a financial or treasury management policy it would identify our purpose for the collection, distribution, and use of any funds. Sat underneath this would then be the individual procedures or processes depending on the level of detail. The policy would be reviewed every year or two years depending on the agreed rotation by the DOO and WSOB Treasurer. It would come to WSOB for our ratification and then would go to WSBT for final sign off. The procedures or processes can just be reviewed by DOO and Treasurer to make sure they are fit for purpose and if there are any material changes, such as using Venmo or give butter they come back to the boards for sign off. We are working on an overarching framework and RACI matrix which will identify the requirements from a legal, operational, and spiritual principles perspective.
We are in the process of opening an international bank account. The application has been submitted and we hope this will go live in the near future. As soon as this is available to access, we will communicate the details to our members.
A total of 85 starter kits were sent throughout the world in the past year! We are still going strong!
Currently we have 36 backorders. They mostly consist of plastic chips that we have in stock but are rationing until our next order arrives. For example: Some customers are receiving these chips but may not always receive the total quantity ordered.
There have been two (2) inmate requests in the past year.
During 2021-2022 the WSOB Board achieved the following
- Secured 7th tradition handling process, instituted effort to receipt for all donations and tracking data
- The WSBT and CAWSO Inc. are now both fully insured
- Added a C.A. Treasurer
- Hired new accounting firm
- Hired a new bookkeeper
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- Worked to clean up QuickBooks
- Reconciled all bank accounts
- Restored Non-profit status with the IRS
- Restarted Translations, Created Sub-committee to execute project, requested a budget increase for Translations.
- Revisited WS Helpline for PI RFPs sent out
- Complied with Conflict-of-Interest policy
- Continued support and coordination with CAWS convention committees
- Continued support of the WS Conference event and their standing committees
- Continued support of the WSBT, working hand in hand to serve the Fellowship
- Conferences and Conventions
- CAWS 2022 – Austin
- Total Revenue – $264,186.28
- Total COGS – $125,768.12
- Total Expenses – $38,417.35
- Total Profit – $100,000.81
- CAWS 2023 – Atlanta
- Registration is in full swing. We respectfully ask everyone to register as soon as possible and to make your hotel reservations before the block runs out
- CAWS 2024 – Netherlands
- Progressing Well. Focusing on Program development and Fundraising
- CAWS 2025 – Arizona
- Goal to have hotel contract in place by the end of the year
- CAWS 2026 – TBD
- No bids received prior to SR-13 Deadline; However, have discussed possible bids with areas for the 2026 Convention at the 2023 Conference. The WSOB will take no action this year ensuring that the 2026 Convention is ready to go. We will await the results of the 2023 Conference.
- WSC Conference 2022/2023 – DFW
- We did a lot of analysis on cost of rental equipment versus purchasing it. The cheapest rental rates obtained were $24,277.83. I do believe better rates can be found, but this was the best received. The WSOB determined that we would purchase equipment to be used for office activities (i.e. – computers, projectors, etc.) and would be maintained as Conference Equipment only. These items will be stored in an environmentally controlled storage facility in Dallas and the cost will be depreciated over the next four years. The Audio portion of the conference will still be managed professionally at a cost of $2,500 per Conference. Total cost for equipment was $6,539.60, storage cost is $62.25 monthly or $747 annually.
- Savings Comparison: Attachment 1
- CAWS 2022 – Austin
During 2022 the Director of Operations achieved the following
- Completed research of using an Amazon Fulfilment Centre to sale books. It is not feasible as we would not make any profit. Amazon would benefit, but not CA.
- Printed new Twelve-Step Companion Guide.
- Integrated Stripe to make website payments more user-friendly worldwide.
- Proofread, formatted and included on order form all 2021 Conference approved pamphlets and new pocket card.
- Enabled process to send annual acknowledgement letters to all donors.
- Created “Eternally Grateful” metal chip in Chinese.
- Upgraded office equipment, servers, and office apps (QuickBooks, internet and email).
- Researched potential vendors to purchase plastic chips.
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- Found new vendor to print books
WSO financials
- Recap of 2021
- Total Ordinary Income: $479,574.63
- Total Cost of Goods Sold: $106,704.75
- Gross Profit: $372,869.88
- Total Expense: $300,814.74
- Net Ordinary Income: $72,055.14
- Total Other Income: $41,655.67
- Total Other Expense: $110,526.63
- Net Other Income: -$68,870.96
- NET INCOME: $3,184.18
- Recap of 2022 through July 21, 2022
- Total Ordinary Income: $350,908.80
- Total Cost of Goods Sold: $95,229.17
- Gross Profit: $255,679.63
- Total Expense: $187,141.42
- Net Ordinary Income: $68,538.21
- Total Other Income: $253,746.01
- Total Other Expense: $164,606.10
- Net Other Income: $89,139.91
- NET INCOME: $157,678.12
- 2021 Profit & Loss: Attachment 2
- 2021 Balance Sheet: Attachment 3
- 2022 Profit & Loss: Attachment 4
- 2022 Balance Sheet: Attachment 5
- PIE CHARTS Revenue & Expenses Fiscal Year 2021: Attachment 6
- PIE CHARTS Revenue & Expenses January to July 2022: Attachment 7
NewsGram:
- We did publish 3 editions in the last year, one was postponed due to the work involved for the 2021 CAWS Conference. We received 28 articles from members and 7 from different committees.
- Coming year schedule: Attachment 8
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COMMITTEE STRUCTURE AT CONFERENCE:
| Position | Name | Phone | |
| Chairperson | Earl H. | wsochair@ca.org | |
| Vice-chairperson | John B. | wsovchair@ca.org | |
| Treasurer | Jonathan H. | treasurer@ca.org | |
| Secretary | Yves W. | wsosecretary@ca.org | |
| Director of Conv. & Conference | Robert B. | docac@ca.org | |
| Director of | Lolita S. | doo@ca.org | |
| Operations | |||
| WST | Joni E. | wst@ca.org | |
| WSOT | Laurie R. | wsot@ca.org | |
| DAL | David C. | davidcroslandwsobdal@ca.org | |
| DAL | Joanne P. | wsobdal@ca.org | |
| DAL | Susan L. | wsobdalsusan@ca.org |
SUMMARY OF COMMITTEE MOTIONS:
None
REFERRALS THAT WERE FORWARDED TO OTHER COMMITTEES:
None
REFERRALS STILL IN COMMITTEE:
WSOB 2017-2 In-conf 2017
Susan B. On-Line Service Area
That the WSO produce foreign language C.A. logo stickers for all the established Areas of our Fellowship. We are a global Fellowship. It seems a great oversight to have stickers available only in English.
WSOB 2017-3 Referred from
Referral by Jason L. referred originally to Finance but Finance referred this to the WSOB
Add or increase a line-item amount to allow for the World Service Office to carry out translations of our World Service Manual for all Areas recognised by The World Service Conference that do not have English as their first language. The amount to be adequate for said translation works to be carried out by the World Service Office without the requirement for participation the individual Areas. The current number of required / outstanding translations to have adequate funding to be completed within the next two years and an ongoing line item to allow for newly required translations to be commenced immediately upon the recognition of new Area.
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WSOB 2017-4 Referred from
LCF Referral Number 2016 – submitted by Susan B. was referred by LCF to WSOB
That the Committee revise Newcomer Booklet to include the reading “Who’s A C.A. Member?”
WSOB 2017-5 Referred from
Referral from WSBT to WSOB from a Referral from last Conference as follows
Please allow Areas to produce and distribute C.A. keyrings, medallions and Books under Royalty Agreement.
WSOB 2017-7 In-conf 2017
From Jay F. Colorado Area
A Motion will be brought related to this SR14 Notice which will be addressed to both the WSC Finance Committee and the WSOB to cease (not fund) for two years the participation by CA World Services at the annual United States National Association of Drug Court Professionals (NADCP) Drug Court Conference; and only then reinstated thereafter if and when it can be substantiated that the significant funds which are being spent on CA’s participation each year provide an acceptable return on CA’s investment in terms of measurable results, including without limitation: the number of new meetings started directly after CA Drug Conference participation, new CA cities/states/countries colonized where there is little if any CA now, and judges and referees sending their people specifically to CA (how many people are sent).
WSOB 2017-8 In-conf 2017
Ruby C. Utah Area
Have a contest to see who in the fellowship can make the best computer App. The creator of the winning App would get a designated prize and all rights and ownership of the App would be turned over to WSO. Ideas for apps
- Meeting Formats and C.A. pamphlets
- Find a C.A. Meeting
- A Quiet Peace Daily Meditation App (this one could have a cost associated with it before the user could download the app)
Ideas for prized
- Full registration to upcoming CAWS Convention
WSOB 2017-11 In-conf 2017
Dawn M. CAUK Area
The fellowship appears to not be informed regarding the cost of managing multiple currencies and converting to USD. Motion: that WSOB Finance Committee monitor, record ad report on the cost to the fellowship 2017 conference to 2018 conference of managing all financial matters in multiple currencies.
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WSOB 2018-1 Post-conf 2018
Heidi J. Washington Area
That the internal WSO guidelines be updated to include under the WSO Treasurer position: WSO Treasurer is responsible for preparing the “Proposed following year WSO Budget, which is then forwarded to the Finance Committee in March of the current year, for the Finance Committee to review before forwarding onto the Office for the June Delegate mailing.
WSOB 2018-2 Pre-conf 2018
Bart CA Holland Area and David C. UK Area
Create guidelines for movements of funds, from World Service to European sub committees. Now although funds are being made available by World Service the process of moving this money is problematic and unreliable. This could involve appointing Treasurers for World Service European subcommittees?
Currently the unreliable movement of money results in members using personal funds to cover costs. European sub-committee Treasurers would open bank accounts in accordance with financial guidelines and hold seed funds for forthcoming events.
Personal experience: As Euro PI Chair I requested CAWSC PI chair on 27th of January for agreed funds for European PI summit. On 31th we received approval from trustees, On the 1st of February CAWSO got involved and agree to wire the money, On 22th February the extra details were received. On 6th of March 2018 we received finally the funds. The event is the end of March. The former European PI chair had the same experience last year! Please reply to both of us.
Hugs and Love, Bart
WSOB 2018-4 Pre-conf 2018
Kerry-Jane G. CA UK Area
I would like to make a referral for the creation and publication of a brand style guide for our fellowship. I have created a basic document that could be used as a starting point that is open to improvements/amendments/further expansion as the relevant committee deems. I am happy to assign all IP rights to the fellowship accordingly. Due to its size, I will send the editable MS PowerPoint document into the conference committee via email – it is too large to attach to this referral form.
A brand style guide is a document containing the rules and guidelines for the composition, design, and general thematic look-and-feel of all of a brand’s collateral. Developing a consistent brand starts with creating a brand style guide. I believe that the more our fellowship grows, the greater the need for a consistent branding approach with clear-cut directions for our membership to follow, in particular to guide the creation of event flyers, posters and CA websites etc.
In CAUK Area, we are seeing an increasing amount of rogue CA logos appearing on literature – namely, event posters/flyers. In fact, if you Google ‘Cocaine Anonymous Logo’ and click ‘Images’ you will see that the FIRST logo that appears differs from the one that appears in the World Service Manual.
In the process of creating a Welsh CA logo for my local fellowship, I found I had created an editable
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CA Logo template. Upon the guidance of our Delegate and Regional Trustee, I passed this resource directly onto the WSO who are now utilising it.
I believe that logos have been recreated by local fellowships in the absence of availability of high-resolution logos that can be used for print purposes. I know from experience, when I emailed the WSO for a copy of a high-resolution logo, my response was not fulfilled for several months and indeed until a trustee became involved in the issue. I know that the creation of the WSPI website – www.pimembersarea.org will go a long way to solving this issue, however I still believe our fellowship could benefit from some really clear-cut directions in creating CA branded literature.
I believe we also need some clarification around the exact Pantone the WSO uses…the WSM states; “Although not officially adopted, when using the green color traditionally used by CAWSO Inc., the Pantone # is 3292 and the calibrated CMYK values be used.”
I believe this sentence is missing some vital information. Which Pantone 3292 are we referring to? From a graphic design perspective, there are actually 2 different options – Coated and Uncoated (potentially more if we included Extended Gamut) and the CMYK values vary depending on which one you choose.
Many thanks for your consideration. Do not hesitate to contact me should you have any further questions or if I can be of any further assistance.
WSOB 2018-5 In-conf 2018
Susan B OSA
That the WSO provide info on who received starter kits for publication in the NewsGram. Thank you for your consideration!
WSOB 2018-6 In-conf 2018
Katie B. Arizona Area
I am concerned that Montreal lost so much money. I understand some of the reasons due to Airbnb and not meeting the hotel block, getting across the border, etc. I request that the WSOB take a long hard look please at what can be changed to ensure that the lessons learned from Montreal will not be repeated ever.
So, is there a better way, from the big to the small, maybe no banquet or brunch, or price registration differently. What can we do differently to meet the charge of the Conventions to promote enthusiasm and still raise funds for program services, to think outside the box. Also are there perhaps other ways to raise funds so that CA is not so reliant on the success of conventions to survive. Can/should the WSOB perhaps form an Adhoc committee of its members, some past convention trusted servants and delegates to sincerely explore all of these options and more? I would volunteer to serve on such a committee.
WSOB 2019-3 Post -conf 2019
Greg I H&I Conference Committee
The 2018 World Service Conference H&I Committee requests the WSOB place the already approved H&I survey link. www.esurveypro.com/s/407611/CAWSHISURVEY2018 on the www.ca.org website, prominently to simplify access for our CA global H&I users.
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WSOB 2019-5 Post -conf 2019
Daniel H. Arizona Area
Is the WSOB able to implement a guideline in terms of how many days after the close of a World Convention final figure would be available so the entire body has the same expectations.
WSOB 2019-6 Pre-conf 2019
Stuart E. Nevada Area
I would like the WSOB to do a financial impact study on the possibility of holding a World Service Convention every 2 years instead of every year as we do now. I have supported this idea for some time now and was moved by the impassioned speech made by the WSOB chair at conference this year. I believe that once the fellowship can see actual numbers we might be able to support this change. We might even see an increase in attendance due to the change. AA does a convention every 5 years and gets 100,000 attendees. While we probably won’t approach those numbers, I think we can more than double our current attendance and also increase attendance at our regional and area conventions as well…
WSOB 2019-7 Pre-conf 2019
David J. Germany Area
Will conference recommend that the WSO examine and act on the European Data Protection Regulations and amend their data storage procedures, accordingly, offering members in the European Region reassurance that the legislation is being adhered to.
As of 25th May 2018 the European Union has implemented new laws for Data Protection. The data of all European citizens is now protected under the General Data Protection Regulations (GDPR). The law applies to organisations outside of the European Union (EU) who may record and store personal information. These regulations may affect the running of C.A. services where personal data is recorded. Thus, the purchase of literature, the PI Members area of our web-site, donations via the WSO or the website, Convention and Conference Registrations etc. It does not mean that the Fellowship cannot store personal information but rather should inform anyone entering data of its storage procedures and acknowledgment of the GDPR. GDPR guidelines here <https://gdpr-info.eu>
WSOB 2020-01 In conference
Stu E – Nevada
Request for OnLine WS Convention Evaluation Form
WSOB 2020-02 Pre-conference
Cynthia C – Washington
Please consider renaming the contribution program the Virtual Basket rather than the Freedom Fund. The name Freedom Fund is already associated with an organization to end modern slavery,
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an organization funding abortion, and likely others. The Virtual Basket easily identifies and explains the concept without risking affiliation or confusion with outside entities. Thank you
WSOB 2020-03 Post-conference 2019
Ian Y – Thailand
“Could World Service Office create a new sub-committee that can utilise all levels of Digital Communications and Social media, for instance:
Facebook for Outreach and event promotion.
Instagram for display of archived materials Mailing List (eg.Mailchimp) for messaging members around the world with exciting news / Newsgram
Twitter for PI to carry its message to the general public and press
WSOB 2020-05 Pre-conference 2020
Zach A – SCTA
I would like the WSOB to consider having the CAWS convention on only the Memorial Day weekend to allow the finance committee enough time to process funds. This is in hopes of having the proper financial information available to the delegates by the WSC.
WSOB 2021-02 Pre-conference 2021
Finance Committee
We believe there should be a rebranding of the “Freedom Fund” to be called the “Online Basket”. This was discussed on the floor at last conference, and we feel that this better represents the nature of the contributions. This should help the fellowship understand the contribution process better, remove any negative connotations, link better with the current Covid online climate, and hopefully lead to larger contributions.
WSOB 2021-04 Pre-conference 2021
Jason L. CA London
Please would you look at the possibility of providing a domain for each region such that this could be used as a ‘Landing Place’ where those seeking recovery could more easily find contact information for the Area that will best serve them.
This could provide a link to Area websites, helplines an meeting finders etc. An example would be MER@CA.ORG, which could be used as the landing place for anyone in mainland Europe. Any Area websites would have to be vetted in the same way that they are if linked to our world website.
By the World Service Office providing the domain it means that a Region would not have to create a committee to pay for this and administrate for a Region.
WSOB 2022-2 Pre-conf 2022
Ginger L. Arizona ASC
Please consider automatically including 10 free copies of the NewsGram when filling orders from Areas. I think it is an incredible publication that shockingly few people know about. I live in Arizona
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which is a pretty active and informed fellowship and when I brought it up recently at our Area meeting very few people had heard of it. I know there will be a cost to this, but believe it would be worth it. The publication provides important information about our fellowship and upcoming events, as well as articles about our experiences, steps, traditions, and concepts that would benefit our local areas, our individual members and C.A. as a whole.
CLOSED REFERRALS:
WSOB 2022-1 Pre-conf 2022
Russell S. Thailand ASC
Please can you amend all invoices and shipping documentation to remove the word COCAINE ANONYMOUS. This has, and will continue, to cause unnecessary concern when shipping items into countries that have a different social attitude. I’m sure there will be a flurry of verbal defence along the lines of ‘that’s our fellowship name’ and I respect and value that. However, legally there is nothing to stop you using CAWSO Inc.
I anticipate members speaking against this based on lack of awareness with regards differing attitudes around the world. I trust the WSOB have the maturity to pause, reflect, discuss and support this required change.
Response – Referral # 10743925
It does not say it on the commercial invoice that is sent to internationals customers, but a copy of our QuickBooks invoice was enclosed in your last package, which should not have happened. We will make the change on our QuickBooks invoices. Thanks for bringing this to our attention and I apologize again for the delay in your package.
CLOSING COMMENTS:
In closing I would like to thank The World Service Office Board of Directors for their continued support and their willingness to put in the time to solve some very difficult challenges. I also need to thank our current WSO special workers who have worked arduously trying to fill orders while being challenged by supply chain issues, also facing a 28% increase in order activity with half the staff from four years ago. Remedial steps have been initiated to remedy these problems. We are committed to correcting these shortcomings and getting back on course. Our fellowship deserves speedy and accurate order fulfilment as well as competent support in delivering all our program services. We have a way to go but we will continue to strive to make progress. Thank you for your patience.
Respectfully Submitted:
Earl H
World Service Office Board Chairperson
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For attachments see: https://documents.historyofca.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/2022-08-31-09-05-WSC-WSOB-Redacted.pdf