LCF – Kellie F
CLOSING REPORT C.A. WORLD SERVICE CONFERENCE 2013
LITERATURE, CHIPS AND FORMAT COMMITTEE REPORT
INTRODUCTION AND OPENING COMMENTS
The Literature, Chips & Format Committee is blessed to have an international presence with members from Canada, England, Scotland and the United States. Our committee is inspired by a diverse and International perspective. This year we welcomed three new members to our committee and we look forward to working together throughout 2013-2014 to fulfill our committee’s mission. This year we received two post-conference referrals and 14 new referrals.
CAWSC 2013 – Day Four -Approved, Page 86 of 124
The LCF Committee is a dedicated and passionate group of individuals who are excited to move forward with the new projects that have resulted from your referrals and feedback. We will continue our mission to facilitate the expression of our Fellowship’s Hope, Faith and Courage though the writing of material for distribution.
We are eager to continue work on the following projects in committee this coming year:
- 12 Traditions and Concepts Illustrated
- 12-Step Workbook
- 12 Steps & 12 Traditions Book
- Meditation Book
- To The Newcomer
- We Can Recover
- Meeting Format(s)
- Book Approval Process
We have scheduled our first bi-monthly conference call and will continue to welcome new members.
2013 Committee Introductions:
Chair: Kellie F
Vice Chair: Jason L
Co-Secretaries: Tom P, Adam O
WSBT Members: Rob W, Kathy Jo R
WSOB Liaison: Linda F
Publications Liaison: Cynthia C
Members:
• A.J.R
• Beverly M
• Elizabeth S
• Ginger L
• JaneB
• JayF
• Jeannette J
• Larry Baker
• Lauri C
• Michael A
CAWSC 2013 – Day Four -Approved, Page 87 of 124
- Michelle D
- Sally M
- Sheyan S
- Susan D
COMMITTEE WORK THAT RESULTED IN MOTIONS
John M – Point of Order – please check quorum
Tony D; yes we can – two counters. Total count 106 – quorum is 94.
1) Motion: Pursuant to Point 12 of the C.A. Pamphlet Approval Process, to approve the new pamphlet “Too Young to Recover?” as set forth in Attachment A.
Second; debate: Maker did not speak to the motion. No debate –
Motion passes
2) Motion: Pursuant to Point 12 of the C.A. Pamphlet Approval Process, to approve the new pamphlet “12 Principles” as set forth in Attachment B. Second; debate: Maker did not speak to motion, No debate –
Motion passes.
3) Motion: Pursuant to Point 12 of the C.A. Pamphlet Approval Process, to approve the revised version of “The 7th Tradition” as set forth in Attachment C.
Second; debate:
Tom P; SR 14 piece that was sent out – we are removing the $ sign.
John M; FA?
Tony D; We do not accept FA on literature. You can make a referral.
Bob C; Speak against this – because the current pamphlet talks about the applying the 70/30 plan to the whole structure – this piece doesn’t. This piece leaves it out – I would ask for a change. Thom P; in the existing pamphlet – it says nearly the same thing – donations from the structure is laid out.
Motion passes
CAWSC 2013 – Day Four -Approved, Page 88 of 124
4) Motion: To approve the revisions to the LCF Guidelines from the Organization of the Committee section on page 2 through the C.A. Pamphlet Publication Process ending on page 6, as follows:
Organization of the Committee
The LCF Committee consists of a Chairperson, a Vice-Chairperson, two Co-Secretaries, the Trustee who sits on the committee, and other one or more Trustees, one or more members of the World Service Office Board, and delegates and members of the Cocaine Anonymous Fellowship that are necessary for accomplishment of our statementwith a willingness and desire to serve. Members attend all committee meetings and assist in the writing, review and solicitation of purposeliterature submissions. They work closely with other committee members throughout the year via e-mail and conference calls.
We are usingLCF utilizes the Cocaine Anonymous World Service Manual guidelines regarding the WSC Committee officers’ duties, qualifications & selection.
We also require In addition, LCF requires that the Chairperson and Vice-Chairperson have one full year of service on the WSC Literature, Chips, and Format Committee.
The committee also consists of delegates and members of the Cocaine Anonymous Fellowship with a willingness and desire to serve. Members attend all committee meetings; assist in writing, review and solicitation of literature. They work closely with other committee members throughout the year.
C.A. PAMPHLET APPROVAL PROCESS
Statement of Purpose: The C.A. Pamphlet Approval Process providescovers pamphlets from the process for development of pamphletsphase through approval by the World Service Conference. The term “pamphlet” applies to pamphlets, booklets or other publications from 1 to 25 pages in length. It is the spiritual intent of this Process that it be followed in principle and as timely and as expeditiously as possible.
Point 1: The idea for the pamphlet is submitted to the World Service Conference (WSC) Literature, Chips, and Format Committee (LCF), accompanied by a rough draft whenever possible.
CAWSC 2013 – Day Four -Approved, Page 89 of 124
Point 2: LCF will review the submitted material pursuant to the guidelines set forth in the World Service Manual.
Point 3: If LCF is in favor of proceeding, it will bring a motion at the next WSC to approve the concept. If LCF does not approve the idea, no further action will be taken (other than responding to any referral(s) involved).
Point 4: The WSC votes on the motion to approve the concept. If the motion passes, it is considered a mandate to LCF to develop a draft and the pamphlet moves to Point 5. If the motion fails, LCF will re-review the concept and decide whether to modify it for re-submission to the WSC or remove it from the process.
Point 5: A subcommittee is formed to actively work together throughout the year on writing the pamphlet. A subcommittee chair is elected to facilitate the process and keep it moving forward. The subcommittee chair will provide the full LCF Committee with regular bi-monthly reports on its progress via e-mail and/or conference calls. If the full LCF Committee determines that insufficient progress is being made, the subcommittee chair may be replaced and/or the pamphlet willmaybe reassigned to another subcommittee. Once the subcommittee has approved a draft, the pamphlet is forwarded to LCF with a signed release form.
Point 6: The full LCF Committee reviews the draft and may make revisions as needed. If approved by LCF, the pamphlet moves to Point 7. If not approved, LCF will return it to Point 5 or make a motion at the next WSC to remove it from the process.
Point 7: The approved draft is reviewed by the World Service Board of Trustees (WSBT) to ensure that there are no Traditions violations or other concerns that might affect Cocaine Anonymous as a whole. If approved by the WSBT, the pamphlet moves to Point 8. If the WSBT finds problems with the draft, it will provide a list of specific recommendations and the pamphlet returns to Point 6. The WSBT review process should take less than thirty (30) days to complete.
Point 8: Following approval by the WSBT, the pamphlet is promptly transmitted within (10) business days by the LCF Chair to the WSO, with a copy to the WSOB liaison, to arrange for professional editing. Professional editing should take less than thirty (30) days to complete.
CAWSC 2013 – Day Four -Approved, Page 90 of 124
Point 9: The professionally edited draft is returned by the WSO to LCF for approval within ten (10) business days of completion of the editing process. LCF will carefully review each of the editor’s revisions solely to insure that the original meaning of the piece has not been changed. This review should be completed within ten (10) business days of receipt. Any edits which are deemed to materially alter the meaning of the piece may be rejected by LCF. Once LCF has approved the edited draft, the pamphlet moves to Point 10.
Point 10: The pamphlet 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 three options: (1) approve the draft as is; (1) refer the draft back to committee with specific comments; or (3) disapprove of the pamphlet project altogether.
Point 11: LCF reviews Fellowship feedback. If LCF determines that there are either no changes or only minor revisions needed, it will bring a motion at the next WSC to approve the pamphlet. If significant changes are needed based upon the collective conscience of LCF, the piece returns to Point 6.
Point 12: The WSC votes on the motion to approve the pamphlet. If the motion passes, the pamphlet moves to Point 1 of the separate C.A. Pamphlet Publication Process. If the motion fails, the pamphlet is considered referred back to LCF at Point 6 unless otherwise directed by the WSC.
C.A. PAMPHLET PUBLICATION PROCESS
Statement of Purpose: As stated in the World Service Manual, the CAWSO Board as a whole shares responsibility for reviewing and publishing all WSO publications. The C.A. Pamphlet Publication Process provides the process forcovers publication of pamphlets following approval by the World Service Conference. The term “pamphlet” applies to pamphlets, booklets or other publications from 1 to 25 pages in length. It is the spiritual intent of this Process that it be followed in principle and as timely and as expeditiously as possible to fulfill our primary purpose, carrying the C.A. message to the addict who still suffers.
CAWSC 2013 – Day Four -Approved, Page 91 of 124
Point 1: Following Conference approval of a new or revised pamphlet pursuant to Point 12 of the C.A. Pamphlet Approval Process, the piece shall be forwarded to the World Service Office (WSO) by the Literature, Chips, and Format Committee (LCF), along with approval from the Trustee currently assigned to LCF.) Chair. Unless otherwise specified by the WSO, files should be formatted in either pdf or Word format and transmitted via e-mail to the WSO, with a copy to the LCF Trustee. After verifying that the content of the piece complies with the action taken by the Conference, the LCF Trustee shall indicate his or her approval via return e-mail to both the LCF Chair and the WSO.
Point 2: Delivery should be completed within 30 days of the close of the Conference.
Point 3: Upon receipt from LCF, the WSO shall arrange for the piece to be published in hard copy and on the website, as appropriate, with the goal being to complete publication in both formats within 90 days following delivery of the piece by LCF. It is suggested that Points 4 and 5 of this process proceed simultaneously in order to meet this timeline. If this 90-day timeline proves unfeasible, the WSO and LCF will determine a mutually agreed alternative timeline.
Point 4: For publication in hard copy, pieces shall be laid out in pamphlet form by a WSO staff member, committee volunteer, WSO staff member or third-party vendor. Before printing, the layout shall be submitted to the LCF Proofreading Subcommittee for final approval. If there are any errors, LCFthe LCF Proofreading Subcommittee will indicate the correction(s) to be made. The WSO will then obtain and forward a corrected proof to LCF. Once the piece is in its final, correct form, the LCF Chair will authorize the WSO to proceed with publishing the piece in hard copy. The LCF Trustee’s signature indicating approval will also be required before publication.
Point 5: For publication on the website, pieces shall be laid out by the CAWSO webmaster., a WSO staff member or a committee volunteer. Before posting to the public portion of the website, the webmaster new web content shall make a proof availablebe submitted to the LCF Proofreading Subcommittee for final approval. If there are any errors, LCFthe LCF Proofreading Subcommittee will indicate the correction(s) to be made. The webmaster will then make the correction(s) and make the corrected proof available to LCF. Once the piece is in its final, correct form, the LCF Chair will authorize the webmasterWSO to proceed with publishing the piece on the website. The LCF Trustee’s signature indicating approval will also be required before publication.
CAWSC 2013 – Day Four -Approved, Page 92 of 124
Point 6: The final wording and formatting (i.e., italics, bold type, paragraphing, etc.) of each piece, both in hard copy and on the website, shall be identical to that approved by the Conference. Non-substantive housekeeping issues may be addressed by LCF, working in conjunction with the WSO. If the World Service Office Board, as part of its responsibility for publishing all World Service publications, desires to make substantive changes to any piece of literature (i.e., altering the content in any way from what was approved by the Conference), the issue shall first be taken up with LCF. If LCF and the WSOB cannot reach agreement, the issue shall be brought to the next Conference.
Second; debate: Maker did not speak to the motion.
Susan B; POI – can you tell me how long the approval process is from point 5 to point 9.
Kellie F; Depending on the piece – length…etc it can take weeks or years.
Susan B; How much feedback comes from the fellowship?
Kellie F; We can get several items of feedback. It varies.
Susan B; That would last in terms of point 9 to point 10 – one year?
Kellie F; Yes that would be courrect
Susan B; Would you consider allowing more time.
Kellie F; When sent out, we ask for feedback as soon as possible. Actually if we shorten the time, we might get more feedback.
Motion passes
5) Motion: To revise the Statement of Purpose in the C.A. Book Approval Process (which begins on page 7 of LCF Guidelines) as follows:
Statement of Purpose: The C.A. Book Approval Process provides The term “books” is intended applies to cover books, workbooks or other publications longer than 25 26 pages or more in length. It is the spiritual intent of this Process that it be followed in principle and as timely and as expeditiously as possible. Since publishing technology and practices are evolving at a rapid pace, the practical application of this process may be revised by agreement between LCF, the WSOB and WSBT.
Second; debate;
CAWSC 2013 – Day Four -Approved, Page 93 of 124
Cynthia C; The only process we had in the past was the lengthy – 2010 a book approval process was approved. We have been challenged to make this work better.
Terry M; Speak in favor, I don’t understand the 26 page thing, but I’m ok with that…we have spent a lot of time with this process, the printing process has change since HFC II. I think it will help the process.
Motion passes
REFERRALS THAT RESULTED IN MOTIONS
Referral #7296:
Please add to the opening of the meeting format. (Optional – Serenity Prayer)
Motion: Revise the first paragraph of both the Participation and Step Study Meeting Formats as follows:
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.
Second; debate: Maker did not speak to the motion.
Motion passes
REFERRALS OR ITEMS TABLED UNTIL NEXT YEAR; AND ITEMS THE COMMITTEE WILL CONTINUE WORKING ON THROUGH THE YEAR
Based on new referrals and feedback received, LCF has returned both the Book Approval Process and We Can Recover to subcommittee.
Referral #7225:
CAWSC 2013 – Day Four -Approved, Page 94 of 124
I believe the disease is 3 fold~physical, mental and spiritual.
I therefore ask the LCF to review and then change We Can Recover reading to encompass the spiritual aspect of addiction. There are 2 main reasons that I believe this should be addressed;
- To explain addiction including the spiritual malady which is indeed part of the illness.
- To maintain consistency across the literature of Cocaine Anonymous
Referral #7253:
Regarding the “We Can Recover” reading: The Big Book describes our disease as being three-fold. It talks about the physical allergy, the mental obsession, and the spiritual malady. This reading mentions the physical and mental components of the disease but neglects the spiritual malady. Would the Committee please consider adding the spiritual malady to the description of our disease?
Referral #7352:
I would like to see the reference to abstinence at the beginning of recovery removed from “We Can Recover”. I can find no reference to abstinence in the Big Book other than in the Doctor’s Opinion which cites that only total abstinence is the answer. It does, however, state that “We learned that we had to fully concede that we were alcoholic; this is the first step in recovery.”
Referral #7265:
Please create and implement an online process to conduct business.
Referral #7266:
Please modify book approval process so that when a book reaches Point 9, the WSOB will be required to select an editor and publisher within thirty days of notice that Point 9 has been reached.
Referral #7267
That WSOB and LCF work together to create an editor selection process for all future book editing and publication editing.
Referral #7343:
Update the book publication process to include the TNC approval and turnaround time for contracts. (Any editor that exceeds $500.00).
CAWSC 2013 – Day Four -Approved, Page 95 of 124
Referral #7336:
Add a literature announcement w/the following suggested paragraph to the meeting format: “We have Cocaine Anonymous World Service Conference approved literature at this meeting. During the break. Feel free to look at the literature section located________.
We have many pamphlets as well as the Cocaine Anonymous Story Book, “Hope, Faith, and Courage” Vol. 1 and 2. Also, at the literature table you will find the Big Book of Alcoholics Anonymous, and the 12 Steps and 12 Traditions of AlcoholicsAnonymous, the only non-CA literature recognized by the World Service Conference as “valuable tools of recovery.” We also have meeting directories, the NewsGram and other CA literature. The soft literature is free of charge and we sell the books at cost. If you cannot afford the cost of a book, talk to me and we will make liberal arrangements.
Referral #7341:
Add a speaker meeting to format.
REFERRALS OR ITEMS REFERRED TO OTHER COMMITTEES; WORLD SERVICE OFFICE, OR BOARD OF TRUSTEES
Referral #7246:
The name “Cocaine Anonymous” implies a drug specific program. Thus, many suffering addicts who do NOT use cocaine or crack often go into other Fellowships. I suggest that CA expands its BRAND identity to the following:
Cocaine Anonymous
“Recovery from All Mind-Altering Substances”
WE’RE HERE AND WE’RE FREE
Response: We refer this to the WSBT as caretakers of the Fellowship’s intellectual property.
Referral #7342:
Update LCF guidelines for creation of literature to avoid use of acronyms which cannot be translated, (e.g. HOW and HALT)
CAWSC 2013 – Day Four -Approved, Page 96 of 124
Response: We refer this to the WSOB who are tasked with addressing literature translations. However, it is the considered opinion of the LCF, that acronyms and abbreviations that do not translate, should appear in full.
REFERRALS THAT DID NOT RESULT IN MOTIONS
Referral #7132:
Please consider providing a basic text for our Fellowship.
Response: In accordance with points 1 and 2 of the C.A.Book Approval Process, we are returning this referral to its maker, requesting a brief description or outline before we, as a committee, give it consideration.
Referral #7311:
I would ask the LCF committee to consider approval of a “CA” version of the AA statement of responsibility to add to the set of CA approved literature available for use in a CA meeting.
“I am Responsible. When anyone, anywhere, reaches out for help, I want the hand of C.A. always to be there. And for that: I am responsible.”
I feel the statement conveys a clear, simple and strong sense of personal responsibility for helping the still suffering addict. Whilst our “Reaching Out” reading does have a similar theme, it is much longer and I know of several meetings that no longer include it due to the time it takes to read. A C.A. Responsibility statement would offer such meetings the chance to include a “like” themed reading in a shorter time. There is no suggestion that the reading should be required or is suggested as a replacement for any existing readings, simple adding an additional option. The precedent of two similar readings in the list of approved literature exists for “Who is a C.A. Member” & “Who is a Cocaine Addict.” The precedent of rewording AA is set by our use of the 12 steps and 12 traditions. If there are potential legal or financial ramifications that need to investigated, I would ask that the LCF committee consider granting approved literature status subject to the outcome of any such investigations.
Response: The wording suggested by the referrer is too close to an existing A.A. publication. We already have a Conference-approved card (Reaching Out), an abbreviated version of the Reaching Out reading, which is currently awaiting publication by the WSO. In addition,Groups are free to use any C.A. literature as a part of their meeting format.
Referral #7353:
CAWSC 2013 – Day Four -Approved, Page 97 of 124
Please consider changing the color of the meditation book to C.A.’s conference approved shade of green or similar
Referral #7354:
Please consider changing the new “reflections” meditation book cover to CA green to be more associative with our Fellowship.
Response: Thank you for your referral. We have considered the issue of color and believe the current color and design to be more calming and meditative than the traditional C.A. green. In addition, since the size will be similar to our HFC books, the difference in color makes it easy to distinguish the meditation book from our story books.
NEW COMMITTEE STRUCTURE AS OF THIS CONFERENCE
Chair: Tom P
Vice-Chair: Adam O
Co-Secretaries: Jane B, Lauri C
Publications Liaison: Cynthia C
WSOB Liaisons: T.B.A.
CLOSING COMMENTS
This has been a challenging yet very productive year for the LCF Committee. We look forward to working together via e-mail and conference calls throughout the coming year.
If you see a piece on our projects list that you’d like to work on, we could use your help. In the future, when submitting referrals for projects, the committee would be much assisted by the Fellowship if draft proposals or content suggestions are submitted with the referral. The more of your ideas we receive, the more the finished product will help reflect the diversity and depth of our Fellowship.
This is my final year as chair of the LCF Committee. It has been an amazingly rewarding and spiritually uplifting journey. I cannot leave this floor without once again thanking this talented, dedicated and enthusiastic committee. Many members continue to serve on this committee long
CAWSC 2013 – Day Four -Approved, Page 98 of 124
past their terms as Delegate. I, too, intend to stay on this committee and give my full attention as lead on the 12 Step Workbook.
It’s been an honor and a privilege to be part of this epic time in C.A. history, with the near-completion of the C.A. meditation book, “A Quiet Peace.” I can’t help but imagine how many lives this book may touch or change as we carry out our 5th Tradition through the written word, carrying the message to the addict who still suffers.
Thank you for allowing me and the Committee to be of service.
Respectfully Submitted:
Kellie F, LCF Chair
Question;
Susan B; Concerned about our European is cut out of the process of developing and contributing to our pieces. How can we involve the Europeans?
Jason L; We have members on the committee – working on the 12/12 book. Sweden is in the house – working on HFC in their language. In the regional caucus – talk about this has ensued.
Heidi J; Will we have pre-order forms for the meditation book.
Linda F – DOO – wait until the WSOB closing report, you will see the forms We just found out about the workbook – the process – is there a way to get more information our?
Kellie F; This is a concept – charged by the Conference – it is a workbook on the steps. This will be one more tool; you might need it.
Tim M; Is our literature published in Spanish?
Kellie F; Translation is the WSO duty; we do have translations of our pamphlets in Spanish.
John M; Are you currently working g on a project – work book.
Kellie F; Yes we are.
Finance Committee – Alan S;
Motion: to approve the 2013-2014 CA Budget distributed.,
Second
CAWSC 2013 – Day Four -Approved, Page 99 of 124
John M; Do you believe that this budget is true and honest?
Alan S; Yes.
Jay P; Speak in favor of the motion – adjusted on the revenue side
Motion passes
Alan S;
Motion to approve a preliminary 2014-2015 budget
Second.
No debate; Motion passes
Questions?
Jim S; I filled in my form – if your bank doesn’t accept it – will you still pitch in your $2.00 Alan S; Yes
Michael C; Can you explain what the European fulfillment is?
Russell S; Trying to find a way to supply CAWSO literature; etc. the hub office will handle the mailing – the WSO will ship in bulk and disburse to the Areas from the hub.
Susan B; What is the line item for European Archives – is there one?
Alan S; There is not one.
KathyJo R; This line item is for literature only, it is only a distribution center – not for Archives.
Jackson H; during the opening report; there were numbers reflect loss – were there any committees that requested less money.
Alan S: No.
Tom P; Will there be a facility – or people.
KathyJo R; The WSBT will address this.
DON’T forget to fill out your Contribution Form.
Tony D: Please thank the committee
CAWSC 2013 – Day Four – Approved, Page 100 of 124