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WSO CHAIR REPORT FOR AUGUST
2004 WORLD SERVICE CONFERENCE
As always, it is a great honor to serve Cocaine Anonymous in any position, especially as Chair of the World Service Office. We have been very busy since our last World Service Conference dealing with both predictable and unpredictable issues.
To begin with, I wish to thank our WSO Trustee, Elizabeth, for the incredible job she has continued to do for the WSO during her term as WSO trustee. Elizabeth is always prepared and is most active in our meetings, both as a member of our Board as well as of theWSBT. I really don’t know how she is able to keep a balance between the two positions but she does. While I know that her replacement, whoever that may be, will do a great job, they will be hard-pressed to follow in her footsteps. THANK YOU ELIZABETH!
Next, I am pleased to announce that we have just filled the open position of WSO Director No. 2 with the selection of John F., our current webservant. John has not only done a masterful job with our webpage, but he has attended almost all of our meetings (for the entire meeting)! Certainly he has ‘learned the ropes.’ Considering what an excellent job he has done with our website, I can only imagine how valuable he will be to our board.
When Elizabeth rotates off the WSO Board, there will be another vacancy. We already have at least one very capable candidate to fill it and if it is filled, this will be the first time that we have had a full board in many months. Considering the work that is going on, we will need all the help we can get.
FINANCES:
As you will hear from both Patty F. and our treasurer, Brian W., for the first time in years CAWSO has brought in more money that we spent. This is not only because of
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successful conventions and increased sales and donations but also is the result of careful money management. While I hesitate to call this a ‘profit,’ given that we are a non- profit corporation, it is great that we can now start building back up our reserve as well as start implementing other projects, which will help strengthen the WSO and CAWS as a whole. Although I am very happy about this turn in our finances, I wish to emphasize that this is not to be interpreted as ‘extra’ money, which is available for spending. What this really means, at least for the time being, is that we are not drawing down our reserves in order to fund the budget passed by the WSC. Beyond this, we still do not have any reliable ‘pattern’ from which we can conclude that we have extra money to spend on new projects. I’m sure that both PattyF. and Brian will explain more about this.
Unfortunately the CA contribution program implemented at the last WSC has not yet come up to speed. I personally believe that we should do a lot more publicizing of this great way to help support CAWS, especially with those members who have been around for 10 years and more.
CONVENTIONS:
I’m sure you know by now that the 2004 convention was one of our most successful conventions by all standards, both in attendance (over 1500) as well as in generating funds for World Services. While having it in Los Angeles didn’t hurt the attendance, I believe that the coordination of planning between the WSO and the convention committee helped most of all, both with management of expenses as well as planning and promoting the event. Needless to say, much of the credit for this great success necessarily goes to the convention committee, which put on this event. 2004 had so many great and innovative events and features; it is hard to single out a few.
With Chicago and LA behind us, I believe there is sufficient history to support the WSO continuing to work closely with the convention committees, especially as to keeping involved with the various expenses, contract negotiations and planned events. Over the last several years, we have built up quite a lot of experience in what to look out for and what works best. All we want to do is share our knowledge and experience with each convention committee to ensure that World Services is best served. That being said, no matter how much work the WSO does, no convention could be successful without the hard work of the local committee, something I assure everyone WSO will not forget. Only with the coordinated effort of both the WSO and the local committee can this event be a success.
I also continue to bring forth the suggestion that any convention bid must first submit its proposed budget to a sub committee of the WSC Convention or Finance committee(s) for approval. This subcommittee would be made up of past convention committee members who have experience with evaluating and crunching the numbers so that we could be assured that the numbers were realistic. Without such an assurance, we take the chance of selecting a convention bid which may later prove to be problematic. We want to avoid this if at all possible.
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CONCLUSION:
While I could talk about many other areas such as supplementing our office personnel, increases in sales, donations, etc., these will be discussed far more in detail by the various members of the WSOB I will report that it is a pleasure to work with this Board, they are very dedicated to Cocaine Anonymous and only want what is best for us as a whole. What more can you ask for in trusted servants? As always, anytime you have questions or complaints, please do not hesitate to contact me at your convenience.
Respectfully submitted,
Bob C.
WSO Chair
Cocaine Anonymous Director’s Report, Earl H. WSOB To the World Service Conference Earl H., Vice Chair
I participated in the Los Angeles Areas Love and Service Event in December of 2003. I gave a talk on what the World Service Office does and how we serve the fellowship.
I converted, after careful study our communication services under one provider in March 2004. This allowed for us to become 33% more accessible while saving us an estimated $3000 annually.
I was elected to the position of Vice Chair of the WSOB. I attended, at my own expense, The Atlantic South Regional Convention in April 2004. I conducted a workshop on the role of the World Service Office and building Unity. I also stressed the need for participation in the Contribution Program.
I participated in the World Service Convention at Universal City in May 2004. I helped set up Memorabilia and helped out in the Hospitality Room. I joined the World Conference Committee and attended their meeting.
In June 2004 I donated and installed another phone in the WSO to support the staff growing needs
I have continued to participate on the World Service Conference Committee’s on line chats and conference calls in preparation for our upcoming Conference. I have arranged for copiers and computers.
I have submitted a resume to become the next World Service Office Trustee and hope to continue to serve the fellowship in that capacity.
I would like to thank the Board of Trustees and the other World Service Office Board Members for the opportunity and the honor to serve the Fellowship of Cocaine Anonymous.
Earl H., Vice Chair WSOB
818 207-1665
Kevin M. Has the office finally straightened out the problems with the contribution program.
Bob C. – Yes.
John W. With our new areas what is the WSO role in getting translations for other languages?
Bob C. We are working on the right now. It is a top priority to us.
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Judy W. – It’s been a busy year, I have attended all meetings. I submitted my service resume for WSOT. I am on LCF. I am co-secretary of that committee. I attended WSC 2004. I was interviewed by TEC. I was of service in Hospitality and treasury. I had a difficult year and my commitment to CA has saved my life TYFLMBOS
Mike G.- WSB Director
I am the San Diego guy. I have worked on the Newsgram, H&I Committee, updating CA literature, CA Story Book. CAWS 2004 and 2005 and also attended CAWS 2004. I look forward to continuing to serve you. TYFLMBOS
Rick H. –– What did you say about the story book?
Mike G. We have been working with local shops to get the book sold there.
Elizabeth S. ñ Thank the office board and the WSO for all the hard work that they do. My job is one of communication between the two boards. I have grown so much as a result of that. I participate on both boards fully. I will be making a pass it on report. I have attended all but 2 meetings in the past year. We meet twice a month and have a lot of telephone communication. TYFLMBOS
Jay S. – NewsGram Editor:
The NewsGram has undergone changes and has a different look and feel.
We are looking for stories from the fellowship. We have been getting some and we are encouraged. There are flyers regarding the NewsGram. Release forms are on the Website.
Bob L.- Thank you for letting me speak. Jay were you involved with archive committee?
Can we have some information on that?
Bob C.- It’s a work in progress and we are still getting volunteers to work on this project. WSC 2004 “United in Love and Service”
Director of Operations Annual Report
Cocaine Anonymous We’re here and we’re free!
“Our primary purpose is to carry the message to the addict that still suffers.” “We are growing”
Cocaine Anonymous World Service Office
3740 Overland Ave. Ste C Los Angeles CA 90034 (818) 353-8988 www.ca.org
Director Note:
When we talk about visionary change, it is usually the newsworthy events that receive the most attention. We live in a 15-second sound-bite culture, where it’s easy to forget that most great social movements have had humble beginnings. We often overlook the
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incremental advancements, occurring over a long period of time, that lead to these larger achievements.
We hear, for example, of the Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s “I Have a Dream” speech,
We hear, for example, of the Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s ‘I Have a Dream’ speech, which he eloquently delivered in 1963 on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial. Yet it is Dr. King’s ‘Letter from the Birmingham Jail,’ written earlier that year on scraps of paper in a dim cell, that lays the moral and civic foundation for the defeat of segregation.
In our community C.A. We have a belief that Each member of C.A. is but a small part of a great whole. C.A. must continue to live or most of us will surely die. (Long form 12 x 12 page 189)
With regard to change, a common notion is to assume that only charismatic leaders can or do make a difference. Without question, good leadership is essential. However, experience has shown that as we work towards our goals together, with all the cooperation of the shipwrecked companions many have made it to the shores, whole and ready to life a life worth living.
“Cocaine Anonymous should”remain forever nonprofessional, but our service centers may employ special workers.
Staff Mission Statement
The World Service Office will maintain contact with the members, Groups, Districts, and Areas of Cocaine Anonymous. We will deliver the materials needed to these members in the most efficient and expedient manner possible, with a Smile.
The Structure of World Services
- World Service Conference
- World Service Board of Trustees
- World Service Office Board
- World Service Office
The basic purpose of World Services are:
5. Communication
6. Coordination
7. Information
8. Consensus
Contents
9. Message
10. Mission Statement
Office Activities
At the Cocaine Anonymous World Service Office we have seen change, we have seen your support and let me show you what your support has created: Regular Activities of World Services What does the office do?
- Fulfill Literature Requests and Orders
- Record and Thank 7th Tradition Donations
- Answer all written requests (includes email)
- Answer Phone Requests including Referral line
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- Maintain Office
- Inventory Management
- Copyright protection and reports
- Provide Information to Trustees and Delegates
- Send & Report requests for Starter Kits
- Respond to Inmate requests for books
- NewsGram
Multimedia presentations of message H&I video, PSA and Web Site
First and for most we were able to fund all needed/requested activities this year – we are growing.
Contact Information
- Call the office any time
Staff Development
- Office Manager Director of Operations
- Customer Service Shipping & Receiving
- Bookkeeping Administrative
- Office Manager Director of Operations
- Customer Service Shipping & Receiving
- Bookkeeping Administrative
Service with a smile
Expenditures & Services Funded
How did we do?
Budget Comparison –
- Net Gain/Loss 2001 2004
- Year End
- Convention Income
- Program Services
Convention #1
Sales #2
7th Tradition #3
- Income & Expense by Month July 2003 ñ June 2004
- Sales 2001 ñ 2004 Literature
- How many Newcomers took a chip this year? 2003 vs. 2004
- When July and August Slump? July 2003 ñ June 2004
- Who and What Reportsñplanning Sales by Month July 2003 ñ June 2004
Web Site
- Service Areas
- On Line Store
- Outreach
Doubled our Web Presence
- WS Convention
- Permanent Domain
- Separate Store
- Chat
- Boards
Multimedia Actions
- PSA duplication and airtime on track
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- H & I video at this conference Uploaded to 125 public television news organizations
- Looking forward to assisting with distribution
Thank You
- Always call, email and ask we know who knows the answers
- Ubuntu- Power of the Many
I am also reminded of the African word “ubuntu,” which means “a person can only be a person through other people.”
Ubuntu tells us that only through the “power of the many” will widespread change and transformation occur. And, it tells us that what we achieve together has a lasting value all its own.