World Service Conference Cocaine Anonymous
Daily Summary
August 31, 2012 – Day 4
Tony D.: This session is now called to order. Please join me in reciting the Serenity prayer. (the floor recites serenity pray) Tony D.: I have asked Greg A. to read Reaching out.
Gregory A.: (recites Reaching Out)
Tony D.: Thank you Greg. Please do not approach the dais during session. At this time we will do roll call. Thank you. The votes are 145; quorum will be 97. The order of committees will be S&B, PI, IT, Unity, and H&I. The Archives
CLOSING REPORT
C.A. WORLD SERVICE CONFERENCE 2012
STRUCTURE AND BYLAWS REPORT
INTRODUCTION AND OPENING COMMENTS
On behalf of the WSC 2012 Structure and By-Laws committee I would like thank this body, our respective Areas, Regions and God for the honor and privilege to serve this Conference and C.A. as a whole. Your S&B committee has endeavored to make you all proud. This committee continues to produce excellence and also improve. We thank everyone who took time, thought and effort to present referrals to our committee directly and indirectly. We assure you that each referral has received due diligence. From this work we will be presenting seven motions for your consideration. For those referrals not resulting in motions or housekeeping we hope that you will find our responses thoughtful and well crafted.
COMMITTEE INTRODUCTIONS:
Duane M., Chair
Eric T., Vice Chair
Cynthia S., Secretary
Jon H., Secretary
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Joy H. Trustee
Robert H.
Earl H. (elder statesman)
Janice W.
Valérie C.
Greg T.
John M.
Suzanne V.
Mark C.
Teresa N.
Ronald W.
Jennifer S.
Dana V.
Julia C.
Michael C.
Patrice F.
COMMITTEE WORK THAT RESULTED IN MOTIONS
Mark C.: MOTION: To insert new verbiage in the WSM after page 46 with a new heading REFERRALS.
REFERRALS
In-Conference
An “In-Conference” referral is any referral that is handed in at the Conference, prior to the announced cutoff time at the current WSC. As a function of the WSC Conference Committee, they will enter all referrals on a master list for tracking purposes and then distribute them to the appropriate WSC committee for action. Each committee deals with referrals as they see fit; however, they are guided in this process by the Standing Rules. With each referral, the committee may: bring a motion to the
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Conference floor for approval; keep it in committee for further work or research; or, decide that the referral is not currently in the best interest of C.A. to pursue at the present time.
Post Conference
A referral that is handed in at the Conference, post the “cutoff time” mentioned above and prior to the close of the Conference is considered a “Post-Conference” referral. Again as a function of the WSC Conference Committee, these referrals are collected, logged to a master list for tracking purposes and then distributed to the appropriate WSC Committee Chairs within 30 days following the Conference. They are then dealt with by the committee in much the same fashion as an “In-Conference” referral; however, any resulting action(s) will take place at the next annual WSC. All World Service Conference Committees are encouraged to work throughout the year on their “Post Conference” referrals so they are free to handle all new “In-Conference” referrals, plus any “Pre-Conference” referrals the following year.
Pre-Conference:
A “Pre-Conference” referral is any referral submitted following the close of the WSC, but prior to 120 days before the next WSC. These referrals are generally received at the World Service Office throughout the year. They are logged by the WSO on a master list and then sent out to the appropriate committees. The master list is copied to the WSC Conference Committee Chair for the tracking purposes. Second.
Tony D.: A motion has been made and seconded. Is there any debate?
Jason L.:
Duane M.: Parliamentary Inquiry. Mr. Chair, Isn’t is appropriate to ask….
Tony D.: Yes. Would you like to speak to your motion?
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Mark C.: This motion was passed in 2011and we are simply adding this to the WSM as previously stated in that motion.
Robin L.: This motion that was answered by the office committee and simply was not added to the WSM.
Jason L.: May I ask a question?
Tony D.: We decided to not change the language because don’t want to be confined to certain times.
Cynthia C.: What type of referrals fall between 120 day prior to the conference and the start of the conference?
Teresa N.: FA. Under “In Conference” referrals is any referral that is received within 119 days prior to the start of the conference, and during the conference, prior to the announced cutoff…
Jason L.: I put this referral in so that types of referrals and the handling of them could be established. I am speaking against this motion as I asked earlier if this would have to be debated again and you said it wouldn’t. Tony D.: The committee decided not to change it.
Tony D.: All those in favor. Motion passed.
REFERRALS THAT RESULTED IN MOTIONS
Referral Number 5648
Page 26 WSM – Paragraph 3 (CPC explanation), line 3 text reads “who may have a cocaine problem”. Could this be changed to “may have a problem with cocaine and all the mind alternating substances”? So that it is in line with the rest of our literature.
Valerie C.: MOTION: Add verbiage to WSM page 26 paragraph 3, line 4, after, who may have a cocaine problem. problem with cocaine and all other mind altering substances. Second.
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Tony D.: A motion has been made and seconded. Would you like to speak to the motion?
Valerie C.: Not at this time.
Tony D.: Is there any debate? The motion passes.
Referral Number 6848
Please change page 50 “At this time the WSBT consists of the following” It does not actually consists of
MOTION: To replace verbiage on page 50 of the WSM At This Time: The WSBT
consists of the following The WSBT may consist of the following:. Second.
Tony D.: A motion has been made and seconded. Would you care to speak to the motion? Motion carries.
Referral Number 6876
To insert into the WSM that the WSOB has the authority to change the price of any inventory item, once the WSOB believes a price adjustment is necessary.
Dana V.: MOTION: To insert verbiage on the bottom of page 61 as a new paragraph The CAWSO Board has the authority to determine pricing of inventory items. Second
Tony D.: A motion has been made and seconded. Would you like to speak to your motion?
Tony D.: Any debate? Motion passes.
Referral Number 4759
On page 23 of the World Service Manual under World Service Conference Delegate to add verbiage related to Delegates representing should sit together during the WSC. Delegate proxying can be done at anytime during the WSC
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when an emergency occurs. A Delegate can be dismissed by its area chair if the Delegates behavior in not in line with the principles, traditions or group conscience as representatives at area. Delegate must be present during voting times at the WSC despite how late the conference runs unless in case of an emergency.
Suzanne V.: MOTION: To insert on page 27, number 2 as the second sentence.
Conference Delegates should be present during all voting times until the end of the Conference. Second.
Tony D.: a motion has been made and seconded. Any debate? Motion passes.
Referral Number 5539
Please define “proposed materials” as outlined in SR 14. If we are using SR 13 as the guide for SR 14 please define.
Michael C.: MOTION: To change SR 14 to read Proposed material Any material that has a significant effect on the World Service Conference including but not limited to WSC bids, literature changes, new Areas etc. that is to be reviewed by the Delegates for possible consideration by the Conference must be received by the WSO at least 120 days before the WSC so that all Delegates can receive and review the material at least 60 days prior to the Conference. Second.
Tony D.: A motion has been made and seconded. Would you like to speak to your motion?
Michael C.: Yes, in referral 5539 we were asked to define proposed materials.
We believe the new language does.
Wade S.: FA- to add new area petitions. FA accepted.
Tony D.: Motion: Any other debate? The motion passes.
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Referral Number 6764
Attached verbiage for consideration regarding CA and Co-Anon. Cocaine Anonymous and Co-Anon. The relationship between the fellowships of Cocaine Anonymous and Co-Anon is a special one. As the disease of addiction affects many, our recovery process inherently affects many as well. Yet the Twelve Traditions, the General Service Boards and Service Conferences of both fellowships suggest that remaining “separate” makes each more effective. The policy of “co-operation but not affiliation” is recognized as important in maintaining separate fellowships. Consistent with that premise, Cocaine Anonymous provides the following position regarding the relationship with Co-Anon:
“While being mindful of the impact of our disease on those who care about us and the support we receive from them, we in Cocaine Anonymous are guided by our Sixth Tradition. As such, we must ensure that our desire to cooperate with Co-Anon in thought, action and spirit does not result in affiliation, either outright or implied.”
Jennifer S.: MOTION: To insert new verbiage following the Statement of Policy on page 13 of the WSM
COCAINE ANONYMOUS AND CO-ANON
The relationship between the fellowships of Cocaine Anonymous and Co-Anon is a special one. As the disease of addiction affects many, our recovery process inherently affects many as well. Yet the Twelve Traditions, the General Service Boards and Service Conferences of both fellowships suggest that remaining “separate” makes each more effective. The policy of “co-operation but not affiliation” is recognized as important in maintaining separate fellowships.
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Consistent with that premise, Cocaine Anonymous provides the following position regarding the relationship with Co-Anon:
“While being mindful of the impact of our disease on those who care about us and the support we receive from them, we in Cocaine Anonymous are guided by our Sixth Tradition. As such, we must ensure that our desire to cooperate with Co-Anon in thought, action and spirit does not result in affiliation, either outright or implied.” Second
Tony D.: a motion has been made and seconded. Would you like to speak to your motion?
Jennifer S.: Yes. Please keep in mind this is already in our guidelines. This only reiterates that in our Statement of Purpose.
Tony D.: Prepare yourselves to vote. Motion passes.
REFERRALS OR ITEMS TABLED UNTIL NEXT YEAR; AND ITEMS THE COMMITTEE WILL CONTINUE WORKING ON THROUGH THE YEAR
Referral Number 6126
Please add Guideline Link/Site Details, to each of the Committee Sections as listed in the WSC Committee Statement of Purpose.
Held in committee
It is possible to create links within the downloadable PDF of the WSM to take you directly to the document. We will work on this over the year. The new CA.org website is being rolled out shortly which would make all current links obsolete.
REFERRALS OR ITEMS REFERRED TO OTHER COMMITTEES; WORLD SERVICE OFFICE, OR BOARD OF TRUSTEES
Referral Number 6857
Attached is my letter pointing out the changes I think should be made to the Trustee ratification process. I know it is required by state law, but I think the
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process of notifying the Trustee who does not get ratified is not transparent or spiritual. There is nothing in writing saying that they should or should not be told why they weren’t ratified. The Trustee does not know why and more important, the Conference does not know why. How do the Trustees make that decision? Appeal Letter to the World Service Conference Submitted by Peter D. Dear Conference Members,
As some of you may or may not know, I was not ratified as your World Service Trustee at the World Service Board of Trustee’s Quarterly meeting at the World Service Convention. I was not in attendance at the Quarterly meeting or the Convention in May. I notified the WSBT Chairperson, Randy G. and the entire WSBT a couple of months prior to the Convention that I would not be attending. This action was in accordance with the Conference approved WSBT Guidelines dated 2010 page 19: “If a Trustee is unable to attend, the WSBT Chair should be notified immediately.”
I was nominated and elected by the San Diego Area of Cocaine Anonymous to be put on the PS Regional Assembly slate. When I attended the Regional Assembly, I was voted to be put on the Conference slate for the World Service Trustee position. I was then ratified at the Conference by a two thirds vote and went before the Trustee Election Committee at which time I was elected by that Committee. That’s a lot of people saying yes. Now two thirds of eight WSBT members present at May’s Quarterly say no and I’m gone. Another point I would like to bring up is the fact there was not a full board present at this Quarterly, only eight members were present.
My question is, after being elected by the above process and all the people involved, how can two thirds of only eight Trustees not ratify me with no reason why or no prior warning that I was doing something wrong. I asked the Chairperson and he said “you were not ratified and there is no reason given” as per the By-Laws and I quote from page 71 of the WS Manual:
“All Director Trustees shall be ratified by secret ballot no less than once per year at a quarterly meeting of the WSBT. Such a ratification vote can be called at any
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of the WSBT quarterly meetings by a simple majority vote. Trustee ratification requires a 2/3-majority vote by the WSBT. If a trustee is not ratified the WSBT shall ask for the trustee‘s immediate resignation. If the trustee is not ratified and does not resign within 48 hours of such request the WSBT shall immediately vote by secret ballot on whether to remove said trustee. IT IS SUGGESTED THAT CONSIDERATION OF THE VOTE FOR REMOVAL SHALL INCLUDE THE RIGHT TO BE PRESENT AND AN OPPORTUNITY TO BE AFFORDED TRADITIONAL RIGHTS OF APPEAL. Trustee removal requires a 2/3 majority vote by the WSBT. If there is not a 2/3 majority in favor of removal, the trustee remains on the WSBT. In the event that any trustee shall resign, die, or be removed, the Trustee Election Committee shall elect a new trustee at the regular trustee elections at the next WS conference”. Please take note of the sentence above “. Trustee ratification requires a 2/3-majority vote by the WSBT. The WSBT consists of ten members, only eight were present.
I agree with the procedure except for one very important issue. I was never warned of any ‘misconduct or misbehavior’ in my almost two years as a Trustee and I was not given a ‘reason’ for not being ratified. The above section of the By-Laws does not state that I should not be given a reason nor does it state that I should be given a reason. So it seems that the WSBT has taken it upon them-selves not to tell a fellow Trustee why he has not been ratified. Why would they do this? Where is “principles before personalities” in this spiritual decision?
I was told it was a ‘secret ballot’ and I have no problem with that, I don’t want to know ‘who’ voted for or against me, I want to know why. When I was interviewed by the TEC, I was asked why I wanted to be a Trustee and I told them why. Now I am asking the question why I can no longer be a Trustee. I think in the spirit of the Fellowship where we don’t ‘punish’ people for making a mistake, any person in service to the Fellowship should be given warning if they are not doing their job.
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I think the WSBT is taking the term ‘secret ballot’ to a different level than what it should be. Since I have been your WST, I have heard the word ‘transparent’ a thousand times when it comes to reports, meeting minutes and anything that might affect C.A. as a whole. Where is the transparency in a decision where no one is told why, not even the members of C.A. who voted for that person.
I am bringing my appeal to the people who trusted me enough to vote me in as your WST. I trust you to take a look at this very flawed process in the hopes that you might make some changes on how people are removed. I want nothing else but to serve the Fellowship that gave me a second chance in life. If you all don’t think I should be the WST, then I will bow out gracefully. If I have done anything wrong that might have affected C.A. negatively then I will humbly apologize. First and foremost, I would like to know the reason for my non-ratification. I hope an explanation will not only help me to examine my behavior but would also be an aid the person who will fill my vacated position. In love and service,
Peter D.
Referred to WSBT
Consideration of any changes to the ratification process is best left to those who participate in it.
REFERRALS THAT DID NOT RESULT IN MOTIONS
Referral Number 3262
Consider a standing rule regarding a limitation on when a 5th Concept statement can be given. For example: Only on main motions and/or only if immediately requested. (and maybe this goes to the Trustees)
No action taken:
The 5th concept is there to insure that the minority voice is heard. Attempts to misuse this right will surely be attempted. The process should be trusted. The chair also has powers to prevent misuse.
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Referral Number 3569
Please revisit the Regional Assembly section on page 26 to clarify what is meant by “voting member” in the chairperson section. That the chair is elected from the voting members or the chair has a vote? If the chair had a vote then loses when elected is there a proxy allowed? If an area has its chair + 3 delegates present and the area has 3 votes does its chair get an additional vote? Or does it area votes get divided among its representatives in a number not to exceed the number of votes it would be entitled to at the Conference?
No action taken.
Regions just like groups are autonomous in determining their voting procedures. We believe that the definition is adequate and comprehensive. Please refer to pg 30 of the WSM under the heading “Regional Service Assembly”.
Referral Number 3874
Remove the necessity to use the transcripts of the Conference to validate the next year’s WSM. The minutes taken by the Conference secretary are read directly before the vote and with today’s technology we can trust what the Chair says and is typed correctly.
No action taken.
It is our considered opinion that it is far more prudent to err on the side of caution. Due diligence is warranted when confirming the accuracy of the changes to the WSM and this is best done by relying on the verbatim transcripts.
Referral Number 5505
Please take look at possibly changing the qualifications for a non-addict trustee – Trustees are major policies decision makers. Non-addict not having served/volunteered WSC, giving me great concerns of whom can fill this position. Non-addict Trustee should have a working knowledge of the 12 Concepts and Conference Charter and have had served C.A. Also have working knowledge of Roberts Rules.
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No action taken
It is required that Non-Addict Trustees know of our 12 Traditions. The Traditions are a guiding factor for all Trustees. The Traditions are the key to Unity, the Functioning & the Survival of CA. Non-Addict Trustees are in the position for their specific skill set(s) – to contribute Wisdom, Time, Effort, Financial Sense, Special Fields of Literature, Social Service, Finance &/or Law. We believe that the current qualifications are more than sufficient for them to do their job.
Referral Number 5534
Again this year, I have heard numerous comments regarding small Areas with 3 votes. Consider some other vote assignments for very small Areas. Example: less than 5 meetings = 1 vote: less than 10 meetings (but 5 or more) = 2 votes.
No action taken
Unity will always be paramount to facilitate growth. Any change in the current structure for area representation at the WSC could have the potential to adversely affect the unity of our fellowship.
Referral Number 5582
A candidate wishing to be considered for the regional trustee slate/TAL must submit his or her resume to all Delegates in their region at least 30 days prior to their respected regional conference. This will provide the Delegates the opportunity to review the list of candidates with their districts and area to assure the best possible leadership.
No action taken
Regions, just like groups are autonomous.
Referral Number 5586
One Person, One Vote. This is a spiritual fellowship, not a government, and the person and their voice should be far more important than squabbling over votes.
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No action taken.
Areas that can’t afford to send representation shouldn’t lose the right to be counted via proxy.
Referral Number 5656
To clarify the guidelines as to the requirements to be a C.A. Group / REASON: There is a faction in our local Area that is under the impression that “if two or more people gather for the purpose of recovery, & call themselves a group, then they are in fact a group.
No action taken
We believe that the outline regarding the constitution of a C.A. Group within the 2012 WSM is sufficient information. We currently feel that adding anything more to these could potentially violate our Traditions.
Referral Number 5657
To clarify the guidelines regarding the definition of a “group meets on a regular basis” / REASON: There is a faction that proposes that if two or more people meet once a year that constitutes a “regular basis”.
No action taken
The definition of Regular is as follows: occurring in a fixed, unvarying, or predictable pattern, with equal amounts of time or space between each one. With this definition in mind, this “Faction” spoken of is correct
Referral Number 5661
That the WS Manual gives an explanation as to the voting procedure, paying particular attention to abstentions. This is so that our fellowship when voting on behalf of their groups/members/committees may understand exactly what it means to cast a vote by choosing to abstain.
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No action taken
To abstain means not to cast a vote. Please refer to Robert’s Rule of Order for further clarification.
Referral Number 5770
That all votes taken by the Conference & TEC be conducted by a majority of the quorum necessary to conduct business (rounded up to the next number 67% because 2/3 =66.666666%) This is intended to preclude the cases where only a few votes are cast & leaving a large number uncast or for abstention. The same approach be taken with simple majority & 3/4 votes. This be entered into the WSM as a suggestion for Areas, Districts & Groups.
No Action Taken
Currently this “rounding up” of the count is in effect & the other aspect of this referral regarding “abstention” is a right we don’t feel that we have the authority, nor responsibility, to take away from our members.
Referral Number 5771
I ask that the “Third Legacy” Voting Procedure be adopted by the TEC.
No action taken
Refer to Referral 6688
Referral Number 5804
Although every group is autonomous, shouldn’t there be a guideline somewhere suggesting that The Lord’s Prayer is a Religion specific Prayer, but that C.A. as a whole is not Religion specific.?
No action taken
We do have guidelines supporting the fact that C.A. is a spiritual program, not a religious one. It lies within our Traditions. While each Group is autonomous to determine the set format of their meetings, including, but not limited to, prayers,
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etc. each member has the right to bring their individual thoughts & feelings about such issues to the group conscience of said meeting.
Referral Number 5830
Consider amending TEC guidelines to exclude TEC members from abstaining. Reason-the abdication of voting should not be allowed. Their TEC specific appointment/task/duty is to vote on and elect with substantial unanimity a qualified candidate. An abstention is not a vote and should only be utilized if a TEC member is directly involved on a personal level with the nominee. If a TEC member is unable to make an informed choice between candidates, they may want to consider serving in another capacity.
No action taken
While abstentions are undesirable it is a choice left to the member. We trust it will only be used in the rarest of personal circumstances
Referral Number 5831
Consider only allowing TEC member to abstain from a vote regarding a Trustee election if they have a direct relationship with the nominee. (eg. spouse, sponsor, lover, best friend) It is why we have alternates
No action taken
Refer to Referral # 5830
Referral Number 5847
If abstentions are 50% or more of the voting members present the proposal must be addressed again.
No action taken
There are already mechanisms in place to have a proposal reconsidered if the members desire to do so.
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Referral Number 6389
That individual groups may read C.A. adapted excerpt from the Big Book of Alcoholics Anonymous.
No action taken
This is a moot issue. Every C.A. Group may read the C.A. adapted excerpts from the Big Book of Alcoholics Anonymous, keeping in mind that the only C.A. adapted excerpts from the Big Book of Alcoholics Anonymous that are C.A approved are the 12 Steps, 12 Traditions and the 12 Concepts.
Referral Number 6443
Advise Committees to distribute reports more than 5 minutes before giving report, so that Delegates can have time to review them properly to make an informed decision.
No action taken.
Committees are thus advised and the reports are distributed as soon as they are available.
Referral Number 6481
World approved training packet for Areas new GSR’s, Secretary, Chair, and Vice-Chairs.
No action taken.
Each Area has its own bylaws and training specific to that Area and providing a training packet should be the responsibility of the body in which they serve.
Referral Number 6622
Can we consider changing SR14 “So that all Delegates can receive & review the materials at least (90 days) prior to the Conference”
In the UK we need time to compile reports, get them out to the fellowship to consider and get the fellowships conscience on the material. Maybe we could consider sending reports and minutes as they become available rather than
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World Service Conference Cocaine Anonymous
Daily Summary
August 31, 2012 – Day 4
waiting for the slow submitters to arrive before mailing. This is vital for the UK to give our members the right to participate.
No action taken
We understand this item has already been addressed by the UK in conjuction with the WSO.
Referral Number 6672: Refine & Clarify Guidelines for Trustee Election No Action Taken.
Thank you for your referral. Each year, the S & B committee receives referrals for specific changes to the TEC process. We trust that this process will continue to make our Trustee Election procedure better and in line with what the Fellowship wants.
Referral Number 6688:
Please add as the final step in the TEC process a “God Bowl”. This would ensure that no Trustee position would go vacant.
No Action Taken.
Our 2nd Tradition reminds us that God speaks through the group conscience and our 9th Concept reminds us of the importance of taking great care in electing our trusted servants. If the TEC is unable to reach substantial unanimity with regard to a candidate, we already have a procedure in place for the Trustee-at-Large to assume those responsibilities and thereby allowing us to still honor the process.
Referral Number 6701
Please clarify if it is acceptable for Trustee slates to contain candidate(s) who do not meet the requirements in the WSM. If it is should the TEC be required to inform the conference floor which candidate(s) do not meet which requirements when submitting the slate for ratification? Where is the line ultimately drawn- at the nomination, at slate ratification, or in the TEC? Based on this year’s
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precedent my concern is that future slates (and TEC interview schedules) may be flooded with candidates who do not meet the requirements.
No action taken.
We have a tried and trusted process outlined in the WSM to facilitate the election of Trustees.
Referral Number 6786
Add to pg 41 c. A Delegate serving as a Committee Chairperson does not hold two votes: therefore, if the Delegate proxies his/her vote to another Delegate or Alternate Delegate he/she does not also get to vote as a Committee Chairperson.
No action taken.
Refer to 6743
Referral Number 6743
If I’m a Chair and a Delegate that carries 1 vote, it’s not clear whether or not I would get another as a Chair also? Can we clear this up?
No action taken.
SR1 outlines which positions get a vote. SR1 states that non-delegate conference Committee Chair gets a vote. It is not about taking a vote from the delegate, it is about making sure that non-delegate committee chairs get a vote as well.
Grounded in the 4th concept, the spirit behind SR1 is to make sure that each voting member is given a ‘voting representation in reasonable proportion to their responsibility’. If a Delegate is serving as a Conference Committee chair, this ‘voting representation in reasonable proportion to their responsibility’ is believed to be included in the Delegate vote.
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Referral Number 6865
This is my 4th referral on this issue and I have been asked by the WSBT to send this referral to your committee. There have been a few times when no Regional Trustees were ratified even though qualified people were nominated. The Regions proposed and ratified the candidates. There is no reason why one of those candidates should not be ratified unless they are disqualified. I request that final ratification of the Trustee candidates be done at the Regional level. The current process can be followed except that once the candidate slate for Regional Trustee is accepted, the slate gets returned to the Region for final ratification (election).
No action taken
The TEC’s job is to select Trustees that will meet the current needs of the entire fellowship and the WSBT. The process that is suggested in this referral fails to acknowledge that while Trustees report to their respective Regions, they are servants of the entire fellowship of Cocaine Anonymous. The needs and desires of the Regions cannot take precedence over the needs of the fellowship as a whole.
Referral Number 7089
Please consider modifying the CAWSO Board and WSBT ratification processes to include:
1) Opportunity to ask questions of the member(s) being ratified and/or discuss their performance (the latter with/or without the member present)
2) Informing the non-ratified member of the reason(s) for non-ratification and giving him or her the opportunity to ask questions or possible remedy the situation by a deadline set by the relevant Board(s).
#1 would take place prior to any voting.
No action taken
The Trustees are trusted servants and are the custodians of the fellowship. They are responsible for dealing with anything that affects C.A. as a whole; therefore,
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we feel that should anything be changed in the ratification process it is the WSBT that should action these changes not S&B.
NEW COMMITTEE STRUCTURE AS OF THIS CONFERENCE
Chair Eric T.
Vice-Chair Cynthia S.
Secretary Jon
Secretary Jennifer S.
CLOSING COMMENTS
It has been five years since I joined the S&B team. Just six years ago I vowed never to return to this Conference. My Area then asked me to attend as a delegate. I had made my decision. The answer was an emphatic NO. After further discussion I relented and agreed to attend. Coming back to Conference was a big dose of humble pie. I was then told to join S&B because that was how my brain worked. Well they were right; My brain is messed up. During the past four years, I have watched S&B develop grow and mature. I feel like Pat Riley coaching the Lakers. These guys are just that good. The selflessness of our members, you know who you, has left me humbled. Cagey veterans Joy (our Trustee, outgoing), Brother Earl (elder statesman), Cynthia and Jon (strong secretaries), Eric (the go to man) our Vice Chair. All others, new and old alike, make this a championship team. This year I was excited to come and anxious to be here. For the past two years I have been honored by this team to serve them as their Chair. I am proud and humbled at the same time. I tell you now that this team will continue to improve and excel. They no longer need me. I have worked myself out of a job. They have worked their way into my heart. You folks here have managed to do likewise. I do not think I have to tell you that I love this fellowship. I hope that my actions show it. This is a bittersweet moment for me. Isn’t it ironic that I did not at first want to come here and now I find myself somewhat sad to go. I leave you knowing that I gave you my best. Yet I still have
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to go. I hope that it was suffiecient. I thank you all for putting up with me. I now past the torch to Mr Eric T. your next S&B chair. Respectfully Submitted:
Duane M.
S & B outgoing chair
Tony D.: Any questions?
Jason L.: Is it possible to get clarity on 3874 that did not result in a motion. Are we legally required to have transcripts?
Tony D.: legally we are only required to have a recorded version of the conference.
Robin L.: The state of Cal requires a legal recording, not a paper document?
Jason L: Is that the same for the WSBT?
Joy H: Yes, and our transcriber transcribes verbatim.
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