Sep 4, 2004 – Day 4, Daily Summary – Public Information Committee – Closing Report

Page 14 of 85

C.A. WORLD SERVICE CONFERENCE 2004

PUBLIC INFORMATION COMMITTEE REPORT

INTRODUCTION AND OPENING COMMENTS

As stated in our opening report at this conference, the Public Information Committee conducted business throughout the year both online and by telephone. We worked on compiling the 2003-2004 survey results. At this conference we developed a process to preserve the integrity of those results. As a result of the improved communication and our focus on outreach we gratefully had an overwhelming response from the fellowship. In turn, you as a fellowship, responded by sending in over 1000 completed surveys. The results will be made available in the first Delegate mailing after the Conference.

Earlier in this Conference, I issued a plea for help from the fellowship for our traditionally small committee. As usual, the members of Cocaine Anonymous stepped up to the plate. As a result our committee has doubled in size since last year. With the influx of new members comes new ideas and a fresh perspective on how to develop, plan and initiate the means of communication to the public of how we carry the message of Cocaine Anonymous.

COMMITTEE INTRODUCTIONS

Ginger L. Chair
Billy H. Vice Chair
Rana D. Co-Secretary
DeeDee L. Co-Secretary
Jackie S. WS-AN Trustee
Patrick O.
Tom M.
Gerald C.
Ray M.
Bruce W.
Ethel Mae T.
Tad S.
Karen L.
Susan B.
Lawrence M.
Vinny M.
Bob L.
Michael D.

Page 15 of 85

COMMITTEE WORK THAT RESULTED IN MOTIONS

Ginger L.

1. Motion: To approve the newly created PI postcard to be made available for purchase to local groups thru WSO.

Second

Ginger L. – Discussion regarding cost, etc.

John W. – Will this made available in color?

Ginger L.- It may. The office will make those determinations.

Kevin M. – Point of Information. Can you tell me if the other picture will solve the unity concerns and, if not, are there other pieces that would?

Tad S. – No. The other picture is a white male.

Kevin M. – Does it depict other forms of use of cocaine?

Ginger L. – No. They both have the powdered lines as jail bars. This is what we have at this point. We will work on other ideas, keeping in mind diversity. If you have any ideas we would definitely welcome them.

Bryan B. – Point of Information. Where does the committee envision the postcards being sent? Cable networks? Mass mailing?

Ginger L. – This is what local areas can purchase. They can send where they want.

Ben S. – Against the motion. I like the concept of the postcard, but this is not diverse and I don’t like the lines.

Howard J. – Speaks against the motion. The powdered lines depicting a controlled substance may be against federal regulations and criminal law going through the mail. Same for schools.

Jay S. – Point of information. Is this the size?

Ginger L. – Yes.

Jay S. – Have you looked into cost of mailing?

Ginger L. – It can be mailed at a reduced rate with non-profit status or regular rate.

Page 16 of 85

Steve B. – Point of information. These will cost .03 cents a piece to produce, what is our cost?

Ginger L. – The office will have to determine that.

Aurora L. – Speaks in favor of motion. Pictures came up with approval and we spoke about diversity and type of use depicted at that time.

Shane M. – Speaks in favor of the motion. I think it is a wonderful idea. We beat this to death for hours last year.

Stacy K. – Speaks against the motion. I am a postal clerk, and I believe that you would have to cover the artwork. There were two pictures, one was an African American woman. I want you to show my half of drug use, what I identify with.

Bryan S. – Speaks against the motion. I think a postcard idea may be infringing on the idea of attraction rather than promotion. I would be more in favor of asking first and then sending them a poster rather than a postcard.

Susan B. – Was a copy of the male version in the PI segment of the delegate book?

Ginger L. – Yes.

Susan B. – Do you believe that the WSO would follow the law?

Ginger L. – Yes.

Danny H.– Speaks against the motion. At the end of last year, there was controversy over diversity

Billy H. – Parliamentary Inquiry – Isn’t this out of order since the discussion is not discussing the motion, but is rather discussing the picture?

Danny H. – Asked a question.

Chair Out of order.

Page 17 of 85

Patricia J. – Speaks against the motion. Since this does not depict diversity, how do you get this message out?

Chair – We need to stick to the motion on the floor. Speak to whether you agree to disagree with having the postcard done.

Patricia J. – If this material showed up at my house I would be truly offended. I’m offended by the picture itself.

Tony D. – Motion to refer the motion to the WSBT to investigate postal/legal issues.

Tony D. – Speaks in favor of motion to refer. I want to make sure we cover ourselves from a legal standpoint.

Jay F. – Speaks in favor of the motion. We would like to have a chance to investigate.

John W. – Speaks in favor of the motion to refer. I spoke with someone who is familiar with this and believe that this document would need to be looked at.

Kevin M. – Question for the maker of the motion. Is the intention to investigate not only postal regulations but also recipients?

Billy H. – Speaks against the motion to refer to the WSBT. I believe that the WSO is capable of doing that.

Philip L. – Parliamentary Inquiry. If motion to refer is successful will the process be delayed until next years conference?

Ginger L. – We would like to withdraw the motion to investigate the issue further.

Chair – A request to withdraw is in order. Is the second willing?

Yes.

Any objection?

Yes.

Main motion is not withdrawn.

Point of order – Is the objector a voting member?

Objection withdrawn.

Page 18 of 85

New objection.

Jackie S. – Speaks in favor of the motion to refer. There are issues that have come up on the floor that need clarification. Need to clarify whether the postcard would go out in an envelope. This is to avoid public controversy and would be prudent.

Barry H. – Call the question.

Second.

Motion carries with substantial unanimity.

Motion to refer the motion to the WSBT to investigate postal legal issues.

Motion to refer carries with substantial unanimity.

Jay G. – 5th Concept statement. Don’t we in our memorabilia promote? I believe that the piece could be useful and could be disseminated.

1. Referral #4041 – “The world services office telephone and fax number are published on all pamphlets published by CAWS. Responsibility for this number has not been defined. World Services Manual defines telephone helpline in 2.6 and 2.10 as an area function. The phone at World Services is not an area function and is perceived as a helpline without the normal helpline protocol. I suggest the PI committee be responsible for this number.”

Dee Dee L.:

1. MOTION: That the National Referral line be listed, in a prominent location, on all literature.

Speaks in favor of motion. If the 1-800 number was listed the person calling would have a response 24/7.

Kevin M. – Point of Information. Is the intention to exhaust current inventory?

MOTION: That the National Referral line be listed, in a prominent location, on all literature.

Page 19 of 85

With some minor opposition, the motion carries with substantial unanimity.

2. Referral #4727 – “Public Information survey be instituted every five years only.”

MOTION: To change the frequency of the distribution of the survey and census to every four years alternating bi-annually.

Billy H. – Speaks in favor.

Danny H. – Question – I don’t understand the alternating bi-annually.

Kevin M. – Speaks in favor of the motion. This gives consistency and allows us to do a housekeeping check.

John W. – Speaks in favor of this. Solves the problem of working on it every year, yet allows us to get the information.

Rick D. – Friendly amendment.

MOTION: To change the frequency of the distribution of the survey and census to every four years alternating bi-annually.

Maker does not accept.

Rick D. – Speaks against the motion. If done everyone five years, that may be sufficient. Cynthia C. – Point of information. What is the most recent year we would have this available and the next year?

Billy H. – We received over 1000 surveys this year (2003) (which are being processed). The next one will be 2007/2008.

Cynthia C. – Additional clarification.

Shane M. – Question – Why do we even pass out the surveys and census?

Ginger L. – Anyone who wants to learn more about CA can find out this information, which was 1995. This will give us accurate results.

Elizabeth S. – Friendly amendment.

MOTION: To change the frequency of the distribution of the survey and census to every four years alternating biennially bi-annually.

Page 20 of 85

Accepted by maker and second.

Tad S. – Speaks in favor of motion. It is a lot of work to count this up on a regular basis.

Dan S.M. – Call the question.

Second.

Passes unanimously.

MOTION: To change the frequency of the distribution of the survey and census to every four years alternating biennially bi-annually.

With some minor opposition, the motion passes with substantial unanimity.

3. Referral #4125 – “Last year there was the P.I. video presented and approved on the floor. Is there any thing in the P.I. handbook that suggests not to create videos or media that could affect CA as a whole?

1. Motion That the following paragraph be_“inserted into the PI_”workbook, Page 4, Chapter two,_“ after the paragraph_” Tradition 11 states , under the new heading Tradition 4 states :

“Each group should be autonomous_” except in matters affecting other groups or CA as a whole . Therefore, all groups are asked to seek guidance from their Regional Trustee before creating any new multi-media public information material.

Second

Bruce – Speaks in favor of motion.

Greg B. – Friendly amendment:

b. Motion That the following paragraph be_“inserted into the PI_”workbook, Page 4, Chapter two,_“ after the paragraph_” Tradition 11 states , under the new heading Tradition 4 states :

“Each group should be autonomous_” except in matters affecting other groups or CA as a whole . Therefore, all groups are asked to seek guidance from their Regional Trustee before creating releasing any new multi-media public information material.

Not accepted.

Greg B. – Speaks against the motion. Things need to be reviewed, but a group putting together an idea should be able to bring the ideas in. This is too constraining and stops the process before an idea can be realized.

John B. – Speaks in favor of the motion. The spirit of this motion is not to tie hands, but is a safeguard. This is not to impede the process, it just says to be careful.

Dee Dee L. – Speaks in favor of the motion. The intent is not to constrict process, it is just to seek guidance from regional trustee.

Page 21 of 85

Jay G. – Friendly amendment_–

c. Motion That the following paragraph be_“inserted into the PI_”workbook, Page 4, Chapter two,_“ after the paragraph_” Tradition 11 states , under the new heading Tradition 4 states :

Each group should be autonomous_” except in matters affecting other groups or CA as a whole . Therefore, all groups are asked to seek guidance from their Regional Trustee before creating producing any new multi-media public information material.

Accepted.

Terry D. – Call for the question.

Second

Motion carries unanimously.

Main Motion carries with substantial unanimity.

4. Referral #3560 –“Please consider creating a Public Information Officer at the World Service level to address the issue of National media and Publications inquiries.

Vinny M.

1. MOTION That the National Referral Line include a message regarding public information to read as follows: For public information please call (Public Information Chairs name) at (Public Information Chairs phone number).

Second

Vinny M. – Speaks in favor of the motion. We did some research, spoke with WSO and Trustees, regarding putting an officer in place. This message on the referral line is something else in place for national media to get in touch with our PI chair.

Brian B. – Speaks against the motion. As the PI chair would in effect become the public spokesperson.

Kevin M. – Friendly Amendment:

MOTION – That the National Referral Line include a message regarding public information to read as follows: For public information please call (Public Information_’ Chairs name) at (Public Information Chairs phone number) (The WSO and WSO s number).

Page 22 of 85

Accepted.

Trevor S. – Has the WSO been contacted regarding this?

Vinny M. – Yes. That is what happens now.

Miss Patty F. – We are willing and happy to do that. We like it because it didn’t have PI on there.

Judith M. _– Friendly amendment

MOTION That the National International Referral Line include a message regarding public information to read as follows: For public information please call (Public Information Chairs name) at (Public Information Chairs phone number).

Not accepted.

Susan B. – Speaks against motion as it stands now because I don’t know if there is proper procedure to address media inquiries. It may happen that volunteer answer and not know how to answer PI question. I would like that assurance before I vote on this referral.

Eric R. – Speaks in favor. The WSO can direct to the proper person and I trust they are competent to do so.

Rana D. – Speaks in favor of motion. There is no extra step with going directly to WSO.

Ginger L. – Motion to call question.

Second

Motion carries unanimously.

Main Motion – That the National Referral Line include a message regarding public information to read as follows: For public information please call (Public Information_’ Chairs name) at (Public Information Chairs phone number) ( The WSO and WSO s number).

Motion carries unanimously.

REFERRALS OR ITEMS TABLED UNTIL NEXT YEAR; AND ITEMS THE COMMITTEE WILL CONTINUE WORKING ON THROUGH THE YEAR

No items were tabled until next year.

Throughout the year the committee will be working on developing a press kit, creating a sample press release, collating information from the recent census and survey and continuing to increase the lines of communication between the WSC PI committee and local PI committees.

Page 23 of 85

REFERRALS OR ITEMS REFERRED TO OTHER COMMITTEES; WORLD SERVICE OFFICE, OR BOARD OF TRUSTEES

No items were referred to other committees.

REFERRALS THAT DID NOT RESULT IN MOTIONS

1. 1. Referral #4093 – “Develop a procedure of how to market and distribute PSA’s in your area. Response: No action taken. This referral is already addressed on page 11 of the Public Information Workbook.
   2. Referral #3558_– – Please resurrect the Trustee Public Information Committee. Response No action taken. This item has been addressed by referral #3560.
   3. Referral #3784 – That the CAWS PI committee create a press release to go out over the wires and sent to various media outlets at least twice a year. This press release should include new updated survey results, etc. This press release should also be sent to National Institute on Drug Abuse, Alcohol and drug programs in all states and counties.

Response – The committee has chosen to deal with this referral in 2 parts. 1) We believe that any releases to the media regarding CA be dealt with on an as-needed basis and not be limited to frequency. Basic information on local or area fellowship groups should be handled by respective Area except as it may relate to 4 traditions concerns. Press releases are used for newsworthy public information and not for basic CA outreach. 2) Regarding the 2nd part of the referral asking for information to be sent to the “National Institutes on Drugs and Alcohol and Drug programs in all states and counties”. No action taken due to the lack of systems to execute the project.

4. Referral_. #3896 – Is it alright to carry the message in high Schools during “Red Ribbon Week.”

Response   No action taken. This item is addressed in the Public information workbook on page 2,6 & 7.

NEW COMMITTEE STRUCTURE AS OF THIS CONFERENCE

The only new committee officers are our co-secretaries Dee Dee L. and Rana D.

CLOSING COMMENTS

This committee absolutely amazed me. In all my years of service I have never worked with a committee that has worked together as a team, as well as this committee has during this Conference. A good majority of the time self will was set aside, egos were left at the door and a genuine passion to serve the fellowship we love allowed us to stay focused and concentrate on the tasks at hand. I wish to thank the entire committee for their dedication and hard work. You guys rock!

Page 24 of 85

Respectfully Submitted:

Ginger L.

WSC PI Chair

Carla ? – Could_– areas use this to create their own flyers?

Ginger L. Yes

John W.- Regarding the man and woman document which I believe we have a copy of the pure form as done. Is there a way to get the man taken out and enter a member of CA who is willing and who is of Latin descent.

Jackie S.- The art work has been given to CA. As far as changing or doing new art work, it could be done if someone would prepare it. Need more investigation. John W.- Would you look into that?

Jackie S.- Yes.

Shane M.- Has the PI committee received any alternative photos to go on that particular piece of artwork?

Karen L.- No.

Shane M.- Would it be nice to receive alternative photos with release?

Ginger- Yes.

Jay G.- Do you already have the format or layout in different languages?

Ginger L.- No.

Jay G.- When will it be done?

Ginger L.-The WSO will have to look into it.

Jay S.- is the PI committee going to release to the fellowship the results of the surveys? Billy H.-We already have released the results except 2003, and that is because we have not finished our work on it. Yes we will release it Jay S.- Will ALL the information be released?

Billy- Yes

John W.- 3784_– ref- when was the last time CA or PI committee made a press release? Ginger L. We have never done it.

Ginger L.- It is not our job to do press releases. It does follow under the scope of our committee.

Reading from_– page 3.3 Conference Committee statement of purpose.

John W. How we as members can charge, WSO, WSBT, WSC sent out to world in order to know that we exist.

Ginger L.- If you feel that you have something that is newsworthy and you send it to WSO, they can release_– it at their discretion.

John W. Would it not behoove the WSO to explain our brand and get it out there?

Billy H.- Press releases in the name of CA are a different issue and need to be sent to WSO. John W_–.- Why was my referral not forwarded to the WSO or the WSBT?

Ginger It_– is not within our scope

Kevin M. Does the committee have any concerns about anonymity?

Ginger- Yes we do, those people were actors.

Esther B.- Can I make a statement?

Page 25 of 85

Chair – No.

Esther B.- What is a cocaine addict, is there any particular reason why we chose the cocaine lines?

Ginger L.- This was a piece of art work received and this was debated heavily on this floor last year.

Esther B.-Do you think this post card is the effective one that reaches the real addict?

Jackie S.- This is just one of many PI tools to reach the real addict.

Chair- If you need to address the committee then fill out a referral form.

John B.- Do you know in Hong Kong whether a gathering of drug addicts could become a target of authority?

Ginger L.- No we don’t know.

Philip L_–. – Are you aware that this has been used in UK and has been considered very successful?

Ginger Yes we are very well aware.