Sept 2, 2021 – Day 2 – LCF Committee Opening Report

OPENING REPORT

C.A. WORLD SERVICE CONFERENCE 2021

LITERATURE, CHIPS, AND FORMATS COMMITTEE REPORT

INTRODUCTION AND OPENING COMMENTS:

The C.A. World Service Conference Literature, Chips, and Formats (LCF) Committee has worked diligently throughout the past two years to deliver a significant number of materials for WSC approval this year. Often, our projects span multiple years, beginning as referral submissions to become WSC approved concepts, moving through the Pamphlet, Book, or Chip Approval processes, and into publishing or production. Most of your questions concerning how our processes work can be best answered by your referencing our WSC approved LCF guidelines which are included in your 2021 Conference Materials on Box and can also be found on ca.org in “Service Document Downloads” under the “Service” tab.

Our most significant accomplishment to report is the completion and publishing of the Twelve-Step Companion Guide, whose concept was approved at WSC 2004. The draft subcommittee has poured countless hours into completing this work during the past 4 years. The book is currently available for pre-sale from CAWSO at the C.A. Store in the lobby and online. We have also completed drafts of several other projects on which we will be seeking your approval and we will also bring other items such as prospective concepts, or updates to existing approved literature. You’ll find in this report a detail of referrals received, summary projects worked on, a census of LCF membership, and a list of motions to date we are planning to bring to the floor.

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COMMITTEE INTRODUCTIONS:

Justin C. – Chair

Tammy H. – Vice-Chair

Catherine E. – Co-Secretary

Jami D. – Co-Secretary

Clay P. – Trustee

Jason L. – 2^nd Trustee 

Elizabeth S.

Cynthia C.

Brenda M.

Matt L.

Tom P.

Terry M.

Jeannette J.

Leslie R.

Jenn S.

Jay F.

Joseph H.

Heidi J.

Rob W.

Debs M.

Tamarah W.

Nicole L.

___________________________________________________________________________

SUMMARY OF COMMITTEE BUSINESS:

LCF Main Committee activities during the past two years include twelve (12) virtual meetings focusing on committee business and moving our projects forward. There have been additional “special” meetings during which the sole item on the agenda was to review/revise various subcommittee’s draft material. LCF projects each have a subcommittee chair who oversees the process of the project and reports bi-monthly progress to the main LCF committee. Our talented and dedicated members have continuously worked in these various subcommittees, listed below by project, drafting, reviewing, revising, and finally approving materials which are then forwarded to the LCF main committee for additional review and approval. Many of these projects have yielded completed drafts which were approved by LCF and the WSBT, then sent out by the WSO through the SR-14, or other Delegate mailings. Our hope is that items were distributed widely throughout your Area, as they each contained a request for members to review and provided methods and specific instructions for submitting individual feedback.

Below is a brief description of each project and its status:

Twelve Step Companion Guide (Elizabeth S. Project lead): This book project was approved as a concept at WSC 2004. It’s purpose is to provide guidance for both sponsor and sponsee, working the 12-Steps together. The book has recently been completed and production is currently underway. Pre-orders are available from the CAWSO Store in the lobby or on ca.org. 

“Who is a C.A. Member” Pamphlet: (Cynthia C. & Justin C. Co-leads) A new pamphlet approved as a concept by the 2019 WSC, this piece was inspired by the reading many of us know and love, and there is a bit of C.A. history added as well. Currently at Pamphlet Approval Process Point 9. Seeking WSC approval.

“Thus We Grow” Daily Principles Card: (Justine K./Patrick M. Project leads). Approved as a concept by the 2017 WSC, this new piece answers multiple referrals asking for a wallet sized card for use for daily guidance and inspiration. Currently at Pamphlet Approval Process Point 9. Seeking WSC approval.

“Our Common Welfare” Pamphlet: (Catherine E. Project Lead) A new pamphlet approved as a concept at 2019 WSC, this piece answers several requests from individuals/groups seeking guidance. Currently at Pamphlet Approval Process Point 9. Seeking WSC approval.

“Cocaine Anonymous Online: Unlimited Seating 24-7” Pamphlet: (Cynthia C. Project lead). A new pamphlet approved as a concept at 2019 WSC, this piece answers a request to provide information about online meetings, contains guidance on getting connected including starting an online meeting, as well as some history of the Fellowship’s use of internet-based connection. Currently at Pamphlet Approval Process Point 9. Seeking WSC approval.

7th Tradition Statement: A referral from the WSOB Ad-Hoc Committee in 2019, this addition to C.A.’s “Suggested Meeting Formats” is designed to be read out at meetings to better inform members of the importance and purpose of Tradition 7 and how the funds raised are helping the addict who still suffers. Seeking WSC approval.

LCF Committee Guidelines Proposed Update: An update to our committee guidelines and C.A. Literature and Chip Approval/Publication Processes. Seeking WSC approval

Short Story Book: (Jami D. Project lead) Approved as a concept in 2019, the book is nearly complete and now has 25 short-stories. All stories have been edited in the sub-committee and some feedback from other LCF members has been integrated. It is very likely that the Short Story book will be completed and forwarded to the WSBT for review soon after WSC.

Twelve Concepts Inventory: (Rob W. Project lead) Concept approved 2014 WSC. Subcommittee meeting regularly to continue work, good progress reported with involvement from several former trustees. Project is currently at Pamphlet Approval Process Point 5. Est. draft completion by WSC 2022.

Traditions & Concepts Illustrated: (Jay F. Project lead): Another new piece, this is an illustrated pamphlet/booklet that addresses the Traditions and Concepts and was approved as a concept by the 2011 WSC. The draft of this piece is in its final stages as per Point 5 of the Pamphlet Approval Process. LCF is seeking for an illustrator from the Fellowship to assist with this publication. Est. draft completion by WSC 2022.

“C.A. Twelve Steps & Twelve Traditions Book” (No Lead): The concept for this book was approved by the 2003 WSC.  Its purpose is to provide a book based on C.A.’s experience with the 12 Steps and the 12 Traditions. Over the passing years, many current and previous LCF members have contributed to its research and development. A primary focus of this year’s LCF breakout session is to emerge with a new subcommittee organized with a roadmap for work to resume in earnest.

Anonymity Statement/Guidance: (Terry M. Lead) A new subcommittee was formed to examine the creation of an optional anonymity statement and to provide additional guidance on anonymity though use of all media.

REFERRALS UPDATE

REFERRALS STILL IN COMMITTEE:

1. LCF 2020-01 – (Ian Y., Thailand, Pre-Conference). Could LCF please reconsider my request for the attached “Anonymity Statement” to be made available to all of our membership by approving it as a suggested “Anonymity Statement” to be read at meetings and available to download from the CA.org website.

To clarify the response (*see below for copy of your response), that I feel is inadequate and unsatisfactory, and also ill considered, that there already exists literature that covers this topic, I believe this to be incorrect. Existing Anonymity Statements that I can see speak only to the 11th Tradition around anonymity at the level of press, radio, television and film.

The anonymity statement I’ve submitted speaks to the spiritual practices of conduct around anonymity in meetings and the spirituality of anonymity, as mentioned in Tradition 12. It is a beautiful reading full of sentiment and suggestion for appropriate spiritual behaviour at our meetings and outside.

By introducing this as a reading to be read in meetings around the world will only make our meetings a safer and kinder place to attend and share.

I respectfully request you reconsider the submission of this Anonymity Statement as a reading available to this meetings that wish to have a CA standard Anonymity Statement to be read during our meetings.

<Anonymity Statement.

In closing this meeting, let me remind you that the opinions expressed here are strictly those of the individual. Remember that anonymity is the spiritual foundation of all our traditions.

The things you see here, hear here and share here are spoken and shared in confidence, please treat them that way.

Listen with an open mind, try to absorb what you see and hear, then you are bound to get a better understanding of yourself, your problem and your way of life.

Talk with each other, reason with each other, but let there be no gossip and no criticism of each other. Instead, let the love, acceptance, understanding and companionship of this meeting and the program grow inside you every day. Would you please help me close this meeting with the serenity prayer>

1. LCF 2020-02 – (Robby S., Southern Alberta, Post-Conference). Make a Social Media pamphlet outlining how we can use social media and still follow our traditions on anonymity. The does and don’ts and how to use it. For example, don’t check in on a meeting and don’t tag people on FaceBook. And the proper use of photos. Please see the attached conference approved presentation for your consideration. <insert attached power point LCF2020-02 Attachment>

1. LCF 2020-04 – (Rai W., CAUK Area, Pre-Conference).  The Homegroup members of the Hackbridge Tuesday meeting in England would like to make an addition to the questions asked on the ‘Traditions Group Inventory’ re: Tradition 10.

This currently reads…

‘Tradition 10: Cocaine Anonymous has no opinion on outside issues; hence the CA name ought never be drawn into public controversy. Am I ever mindful that Cocaine Anonymous has no opinion on outside issues, especially when I share my personal experiences concerning treatment centers, churches, hospitals, jails, and my opinions about such topics as alcohol, legalizing marijuana, religion, etc.? Do I understand that if Cocaine Anonymous expressed any opinions on outside issues, it could create exclusion and controversy? Do I make every effort not to breach this tradition, even in the slightest way? Do I continually remind myself that I cannot control anyone’s thinking or beliefs, especially other addicts, sponsees, etc.?

At the group level, do I refrain from expressing my opinions on outside issues?’

We would like to see the first question read as….

‘Am I ever mindful that Cocaine Anonymous has no opinion on outside issues, especially when I share my personal experiences concerning treatment centers, churches, hospitals, jails, and my opinions about such topics as alcohol, legalizing marijuana, religion, prescription medication etc.?’

The addition being the words ‘prescription medication’.

Thank you for your consideration,

Hackbridge, Tuesday Homegroup Members

1. LCF 2020-05 – (Nina, Germany, Pre-Conference)

Dear committee,

the referral is about the CA LGBT-Flyer. I am really happy that this flyer exists and that we are actively approaching the LGBT-Community. I myself am a member of that community and feel that the title of the flyer has an exclusive character due to the words “IS ALSO”: “C.A. is also for the Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual or Transgender Addict” provokes the opposite feeling of inclusion.

First I propose the title “C.A. for the Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender or Queer Addict” and second would like to initiate thoughts about extending the wording to the more current “LGBTQ+”.

Thank you for your service

Nina

1. LCF 2021-01 (Caroline H., Submitted by P.I., Pre-conference) I’d like to submit this new PI leaflet ‘The Power of PI’ in the hope the LCF committee will agree to take it up and take it through the new pamphlet process. It’s a collaborative effort from the EuroPI PI and the North American PI Summits 2020 It’s designed as PI equivalent to the New High from H&I leaflet -it’s purpose is to explain some different aspects of PI Service and encourage fellowship members into PI service

It is laid out in a leaflet format, I can send it as a plain text doc if necessary

Thank you

(SEE ATTACHMENT)

1. LCF 2021-07 (WSBT, Pre-conference)

Dear LCF,

As you are aware a project group of the WSBT Long Term Planning Sub-committee has been working on a rough draft of a ‘Service Sponsorship’ pamphlet. We would like to submit this to you in accordance with point 1 of the C.A. Pamphlet Approval Process.

A copy of the May report from the project group, containing the draft pamphlet is attached. Cynthia c was the Lead on the project group and will be able to provide you with a .doc version of the draft.

Regards,

WSBT

1. LCF 2021-08 (Monica P., Pre-conference) Suggestion getting monthly chips. Its a long time to go between 60 day and 6 month (emoji)

SUMMARY OF SR14 MATERIALS:

1. LCF 2019-5 (Terry C., Florida Area, Pre-Conference)

Hi, I would like to see the reading “Who is a C.A. member” added as one of our information pamphlets. I feel that someone who may not identify with Cocaine may pick that pamphlet up and discover that C.A. is not drug specific and open to anyone with an addiction problem. It is a wonderful representation of our fellowship and who may qualify. Thank you for your consideration.

1. MOTION: APPROVE THE DRAFT PAMPHLET, “WHO IS A C.A. MEMBER”, AS PER POINT 10 OF THE C.A. PAMPHLET APPROVAL PROCESS.

2. LCF 2017-7 (John B. CAUK Area, In-conference): A lot of members at our group conscience have asked if CA can have a “just for today” card, along the lines of the one that exists in AA. It is felt that this could be of great help to the newcomer as it is at present to many in A.A.

1. MOTION: APPROVE THE DRAFT WALLET SIZED CARD, “THUS WE GROW” AS PER POINT 10 OF THE C.A. PAMPHLET APPROVAL PROCESS.

3. LCF 2019-3 (Lucas S., Southern Alberta Area): To create a pamphlet called “Our Common Welfare”

The pamphlet idea is to empower our membership with the importance and obligation of Tradition 1 and properly teach how to use the rest of the traditions to properly deal with membership issues.

The long form of tradition 1 states “Each member of Alcoholics Anonymous is but a small part of a great whole. A.A. must continue to live or most of us will surely die. Hence our common welfare comes first. But individual welfare follows close afterwards.”

This tradition tells us that no individual is more important than the welfare of C.A. as a whole. I believe that as a fellowship we are unable or unaware of how to protect this tradition and protect our meeting spaces and fellowship.

My concept of this pamphlet is not to dictate how everyone should act but to enlighten our membership of the importance of protecting the fellowship as a whole and empower our membership to take action and protect the fellowship through our trusted servants and our group conscience.

The pertinent information I would like to see included in this is:

-Tradition one states that our common welfare comes first. This means that if someone is harming the group we have an obligation and a right to ask that person to leave; this would be a last resort. We could include suggestions on how to go about dealing with membership prior to asking someone to leave (talking to the person, warning the person, etc.). If a person is stealing from the church and the church has said that they will no longer rent us space to hold our meeting because of the theft we absolutely need to act on this as the welfare of the individual should not cost the group the ability to host that meeting and continue to help the rest of the suffering addicts that have not had the opportunity to reach that room.

-Tradition 2 talks about our group conscience. A decision to remove a member from a group or a meeting should never be done by an individual conscience; it should always be done by a group conscience.

-Tradition 3 states that the only requirement for membership is a desire to stop using cocaine and all other mind altering substances. This tradition tells me that we cannot remove someone from C.A. as a whole and that if that member comes back and asks to be allowed back in we are obligated to hold another group conscience for reinstatement.

-Tradition 4 states that each C.A. group should be autonomous except in matters affecting other groups or C.A. as a whole. This tradition is the tradition that tells us we cannot remove someone from C.A. as a whole; each group can make its own decision if the issue follows the member to other groups.

-Whenever a decision is made to remove someone we should always do it with love, tolerance and in the spirit of teaching. We should always give this member information on where to find another meeting, we should always inform this member of why the decision was made and we should always inform them that if they have a change of heart they can absolutely reach out and ask to be allowed back at the meeting.

a. MOTION: APPROVE THE DRAFT PAMPHLET, “OUR COMMON WELFARE” AS PER POINT 10 OF THE C.A. PAMPHLET APPROVAL PROCESS.

4. LCF 2019-1 (Susan B., Online Service Area) That the LCF Committee adds to their 2018-19 project rosters the concept of creating an “About the Online Service Area” pamphlet. The OSA will furnish the content for LCF to approve and pass onto the Trustees, so that this pamphlet may be made available after next year’s Conference.

1. MOTION: APPROVE THE DRAFT PAMPHLET, “COCAINE ANONYMOUS ONLINE: UNLIMITED SEATING 24/7”, AS PER POINT 10 OF THE C.A. PAMPHLET APPROVAL PROCESS.

5. LCF 2019-11 (David C. WSOB DAL/Ad Hoc Committee Chair)

The LCF Committee create a Tradition 7 Group Reading Card designed to be read out at meetings to better inform members of the importance and purpose of Tradition 7 and how the funds raised are helping the addict who still suffers.

The background to this Referral can be found in the report from the WSOB Ad Hoc World Convention Review 2019. In short the referral is part of measures to reduce the Fellowships financial dependency on CAWS Conventions through better awareness of Tradition 7 and how the funds are helping the addict who is still suffering. We are aware of the good pamphlet on this subject but feel a reading card would have a much greater reach and increase Tradition 7 income across the whole Fellowship.

The WSOB Ad Hoc especially like the following section from the existing pamphlet.

“The basket is the place where spirituality and money mix. The next time you put money in the basket think of all the things that are being accomplished with those funds and how you are helping the addict who is still suffering”.

1. MOTION: APPROVE AND MAKE AVAILABLE THE 7^TH TRADITION STATEMENT TO BE INCLUDED IN ALL APPLICABLE “SUGGESTED MEETING” FORMATS.

6. (No Referral) LCF Committee Guidelines Proposed Update: An update to our committee guidelines and C.A. Literature Approval/Publication Processes.

1. MOTION: APPROVE THE 2021 LCF COMMITTEE GUIDELINES REVISION

SUMMARY OF COMMITTEE MOTIONS TO BE MADE AT CONFERENCE OPENING REPORTS:

None

REFERRALS THAT WERE FORWARDED TO OTHER COMMITTEES:

1. LCF 2021-06 (Liv V. from London Area, Pre-conference) Proposal to change ‘men and women’ to ‘people’, in the Preamble. 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 to recover from their addiction.

Response: Thank you for your referral. Due to the preamble being used with permission from A.A. Grapevine Inc., and adapted for use by C.A., we felt that there is a legal issue which may need to be addressed prior to any changes in our literature. Transferred to WSBT

1. LCF 2021-09 (Wesley B, New York, Pre-conference) Per our NY member Becca, CANY voted to bring this to WSC: AA has changed the Preamble to the gender neutral “people” from “men and women.” We propose that CA follow suit and change the CA preamble to the gender neutral people” as well

Response: Thank you for your referral. Due to the preamble being used with permission from A.A. Grapevine Inc., and adapted for use by C.A., we felt that there is a legal issue which may need to be addressed prior to any changes in our literature. Transferred to WSBT

1. LCF 2021-11 (John R., AZ Area, In-conference): I have heard in the past the orange chip was the newcomer chip, and it was replaced with the white chip which represent surrender, so my suggestion is that maybe we could look into bringing the orange chip back for 1 year of sobriety since 1 year or more is black, orange represent confidence joy enthusiamism I think this would be something that might be pretty awesome.

Response: Thank you for your referral. The color of the plastic chips is decided by the World Service Office. Transferred to WSOB.

CLOSED REFERRALS:

1. LCF 2020-03 – (Claudia W., Germany, Post-conference). Would the LCF Committee please look into compiling experience, strength and hope stories from the current, diverse fellowship to be included in a future HFCIII publication?

Reason: The second half of the Big Book does not reflect the CA experience, HFC does. Our primary purpose would be well served by updating our stories for better identification of future newcomers.

Response: Thank you very much for your submission. There is no current plan for HFCIII. However, should one be considered in the future we welcome your input.

1. LCF 2021-02 (Scott B., Kansas, Pre-conference) Proposal to design a “homecoming” chip or similar designation for those that went out to see the world again and are returning home.

Response: Thank you very much for your submission. At this time the LCF committee feels that our current C.A. chips meet this need for the Fellowship.

1. LCF 2021-03 (Brian O., C.A. Scotland, Pre-conference) I request that CA collect members Spiritual Experiences and put them in a volume about the same size as The Service Handbook.

Thank you

I look forward to hearing from you

Thank you for all your support:)))

Response: Thank you very much for your submission: There is currently literature that has been drafted that we will be seeking approval on soon which answers your

referral.

1. LCF 2021-04 (Gregor B., Holland Area, Pre-conference) In the reading who’s a cocaine addict: respiratory arrest should be a cardiac arrest because the first medical condition is not known for cocaine abuse. And the second medical condition is more likely to happen. This is discussed with a doctor who saw our reading card.

Response: Thank you very much for your submission. While we admit we are not medical experts we feel the reading should remain unchanged at this time.

1. LCF 2021-05 (Christie L., Arizona Area, on behalf of CAWS P.I. Committee, Pre-conference) The WSCPI Committee would like the LCF Committee to accept the “What is Hope?” pamphlet containing already Conference approved material as a concept to be made available to the Fellowship.

Response: Thank you very much for your submission. At this time the LCF committee feels that much of the content of this submission is adequately covered in existing material.

1. LCF 2021-10 (Eli W., Los Angeles, Pre-conference) A Quiet Peace Daily Meditations C.A. book has grammatical/spelling error on page 172 which is for June 13. The 11th word, in the 3rd sentence, of the first paragraph is incorrect. The correct word should be “through” not “though”. Thanks for your time and support correcting this.

Response: Thank you for you submission, great catch. This will be addressed through housekeeping.

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COMMITTEE STRUCTURE AT START OF THIS CONFERENCE:

Position	Name	Email	Phone
Chairperson	Justin C.	lcf@ca.org	8635104350
Vice-chairperson	Tammy H.	hokansontammy@gmail.com	6025743234
Co-Secretary	Catherine E.	catherine66@hotmail.com	447577730130
Co-Secretary	Jami D.	james.s.davisiii@gmail.com	2059999381

CLOSING COMMENTS:

The LCF committee is passionate about bringing to our Fellowship materials that facilitate the expression of our Hope, Faith, and Courage and that seek to accomplish our Primary Purpose of reaching the addict who still suffers. Whether it is a pamphlet, a book, a suggested reading, or that immensely important chip, the work of this committee impacts the newcomer, old-timer, and others in the group rooms and in institutions throughout the world.

LCF has a great responsibility to the WSC. Each year we strive to deliver for consideration and approval the materials with which we’re tasked. To accomplish this, we set goals for each project and work continuously throughout the year to meet those deadlines. This is made possible only through the hard work and dedication of our creative and diligent LCF members and trusted servants. One of the best things about LCF is that there is no experience required to join. There’s no need for a degree in writing or literature, nor any professional resume, or even to have finished school. All that is required is a desire to be of service and access to email.

During this year’s conference, one item of primary focuses will be forming a new subcommittee to resume and complete the already begun work on the C.A. Twelve Steps & Twelve Traditions Book. This will be an historic project for C.A., and we welcome anyone who wants to be a part of it. We will also be organizing writing committees to take on any newly approved concepts that result from the WSC, as well as adding new members to existing subcommittees. A unique current need is for artists and illustrators for one of these projects, those involved in another WSC committee can still contribute.

If you are looking for a committee to join LCF has a place for you. For those attending remotely, we are providing virtual access to our breakout session, as well as to the individual subcommittee breakout rooms. Just send an email to lcf@ca.org and one of our trusted servants will send you information along with the link. If you are here in person, come find one of us during the break, we’d love to meet you!

Respectfully Submitted:

Justin C.

Chair – Literature, Chips, & Formats Committee