Trustee Reports
OPENING REPORT
C.A. WORLD SERVICE CONFERENCE 2006
World Service Board of Trustees Report
INTRODUCTION AND OPENING COMMENTS:
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We would like to thank you all for giving us this opportunity to serve the fellowship of Cocaine Anonymous. I would also like to thank the rest of the Board for all their hard work. It has been a very busy year, but also a very enjoyable year for us.
In addition to our quarterly meetings and conference calls, we have exchanged approximately 3,000 e-mails during the course of conducting business online. We have also implemented a number of new procedures and guidelines to help us operate more efficiently. As a result, the amount of time we need to spend meeting face-to-face has been significantly reduced. At last year’s August quarterly meeting, we had 51 items of old business on our agenda. This year, we were down to 19. As much as we enjoy being together as a Board, we want to do everything we can to reduce our expenses. We also want to have more time to interact with the fellowship at the World Service Convention and to work with our respective Committees during the Conference.
With this latter goal in mind, the Trustee Election Committee has already conducted all of the candidate interviews so we can begin voting when the TEC reconvenes Wednesday evening. This year, the TEC is charged with filling five vacancies on our Board. Jackie Schickler, the Atlantic North Regional Trustee and WSBT Vice Chair, and Cynthia Cronkhite, the Pacific North Regional Trustee and WSBT Chair, are rotating out at the end of the Conference. The World Service Office Trustee, Earl Henderson, has completed a two-year term and is one of two candidates for the position for 2006-2008. The Atlantic South Regional Trustee position, which has been covered this past year by Bobbie Harmon, the Trustee at Large and WSBT Secretary, also remains to be filled. We also need a Trustee to serve our new European Region.
At our May quarterly meeting, we unanimously passed a motion to amend the Bylaws of Cocaine Anonymous World Services, Inc., to clarify the process whereby we ratify our members at the quarterly meeting prior to the Conference. We did so in an effort to avoid a recurrence of the challenges we faced in the past when one of our members was not ratified. In keeping with the spirit and principles of the Fellowship of Cocaine Anonymous, we will be bringing a motion seeking the Conference’s approval of the amended language. We wish to apologize at this time for the fact that this motion was not included with our SR 14 materials. However, we believe the amendment is brief enough that it can be adequately reviewed here at the Conference.
We strive to always remember that we are here to serve, and to allow a loving God to express Himself through our group conscience. It is a tremendous pleasure to be of service to CA in this capacity, and to work with this group of extremely talented and dedicated individuals.
WSBT INTRODUCTIONS:
WSBT Members:
Cynthia Cronkhite, Pacific North Regional Trustee and WSBT Chair
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Jackie Schickler, Atlantic North Regional Trustee and WSBT Vice Chair
Bobbie Harmon, Trustee at Large/Acting Atlantic South Regional Trustee and WSBT Secretary
Tony Drake, Midwest Regional Trustee
Carl Warlick, Pacific South Regional Trustee
Jay Finesilver, Southwest Regional Trustee
Earl Henderson, World Service Office Trustee
Hayward Hunt, World Service Trustee
REFERRALS THAT WERE WORKED UPON DURING THE YEAR:
We have worked diligently on our referrals throughout the year and will present our responses in our report to be given when the Conference reconvenes on Friday.
OTHER REPORTS BY INDIVIDUAL TRUSTEES:
Attached to this report are the individual Conference Reports to be given by each of the trustees.
CLOSING COMMENTS:
Thank you for allowing us to be of service. We will now welcome any questions from the floor.
Respectfully,
The World Service Board of Trustees
World Service Trustee
2006 Conference Report
Submitted By: Hayward Hunt
I thank God for my life by continuing to be of service to this fellowship. This 1st year started by having my orientation in Denver at the Colorado Area Convention where I got a chance to spend time with 5 of the 8 board members and become familiar with how C.A. functions at this bottom level of service. It just takes some getting use to that I maintain the “we” perspective in thought, action and spirit at all times.
WSOB & WSBT Activities
Attended and participated in all but one of the required bi-weekly meetings of the WSOB and all WSBT quarterly meetings and conference calls. I’ve provided written reports of my activities for each board. I team with WSOB Directors on WSO action items and Trustee members on responding to referrals and correspondence received from the fellowship. I’ve accompanied the PSRT & WSOT on Area visits to: CA Los Angeles
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(CALA), San Gabriel Pomona valley, San Diego and Inland Empire participating in Regional meetings, assemblies, unity events, area group inventory, open forums and assisting in facilitating a service workshop. I attended the 1st South Central District Convention in November, Celebrate around the World unity event in March and the 2006 CAWS Convention in May assisting the host city committee and WSO in Registration setup, and spent much time supporting Memorabilia and Hospitality rooms.
Committee Activities
WSC committees are: Hospitals & Institutions (H&I), Conference
WSBT subcommittees are: Trustee Election Committee (TEC), Convention, Conference, Finance, Legal, Trustee Negotiating Committee (TNC) and Orientation.
At this time I would like to thank both the WSOB and WSBT for their support and
I invite all the conference in wishing Cynthia Cronkhite, Chair of the WSBT & PNRT and Jackie Schickler, Vice Chair of the WSBT & ANRT are very best as they rotate off the board thank you both so very much for all your help and for your 4 years of dedicated service to Our Fellowship.
I continue to contribute monthly to the CA Contribution Program and challenge all Regions to see which one can out do the others in total contributions. I continue to support the C.A. primary purpose of carrying the message to the addicts that still suffers and I truly believe that growth of our fellowship is through continued service in H&I and PI.
Thanks for letting me be of service
WORLD SERVICE OFFICE TRUSTEE
2006 CONFERENCE REPORT
As submitted by Earl Henderson
I continue to be grateful to the WSBT and the fellowship of Cocaine Anonymous for giving me the opportunity to serve as the World Service Office Trustee.
I have been for the past 2 years been very busy communicating issues between the WSOB board and the WSBT board. I have attended all of the bi-monthly WSOB board meetings during the year. I attended all Quarterly meetings of the WSBT and participated on all Conference Calls.
I have been serving on the following sub committees of the WSBT:
- Trustee Election Committee
- Long term Planning Committee
- WSBT Finance Committee
- International Structure and Development
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I am the Trustee for the WSC Finance Committee.
During this last year I found a better calling plan for the WSO and brought it on line in June. It is called Smartvoice from Accessline. This new plan which allows us to utilize the benefits of Voice over IP is saving us close to $300 per month. I created guidelines for the WSOB to conduct “On line” business between regular WSOB meetings to allow us to be more productive and responsive to the needs of the WSO and Fellowship. I also serve on the Ad hoc Storybook publishing & marketing subcommittee of the WSOB.
I continue to work with WSBT subcommittee members and Directors of the WSOB on a number of issues: Vendor licenses, Staff pay increases at the WSO-the process, developing interview process & questions for when a new Paid Director is selected, budget issues and referrals from the fellowship. I continue to review all bills and sign checks at the WSO twice a month before our Board meetings and review the bank accounts and reconciliation reports.
I have stayed busy as well within my Area and Region. I participated in our Regional Caucuses and Assembly. I presented a workshop on CA’s Financial Guidelines to the Area Chairs, Delegates and Treasurers. I accompanied our PSRT, Carl W. to various area meetings.
I attended Central Calif. CA “Big SURenity”. I conducted a workshop on sponsorship at my local area convention in March. I was a keynote speaker along with my other fellow WSOB board members, John, Patty, and Hayward, as well as our own PSR Trustee, Carl W. at the Love & Service event hosted by LACA May 6th.
I attended the CAWS2006 Convention in Houston where I participated in the WSBT Quarterly meeting prior to Convention kick off. After our meeting I assisted in helping with registration, sold memorabilia, I stayed available to the host committee, and our Office Manager to help out wherever needed. I would especially like the thank the leadership of Walter J., the CAWS2006 Committee members, and the entire fellowship of the Texas Area and the South Central Texas Area for an incredibly successful convention not only in terms of celebrating CA but also the financial support made possible so we can continue to “Carry the Message”. You showed us what Southern Hospitality is all about, thanks again for a wonderful experience.
I enjoyed the San Gabriel/Pomona Valley Areas 22nd annual Bar-B-Q August 20th where over 300 recovering CA members enjoyed fellowship and the BEST lunch ever served anywhere. I also plan on attending CALA’s 22nd annual Convention in Palm Springs.
It is with sadness I must say goodbye to Cynthia C., PNRT and Jackie S., ANRT as they rotate off the WSBT board. Their contributions as Chair and Vice-Chair to the board made it possible to accomplish a tremendous amount of progress on our agenda items throughout the year. They have provided so much love and leadership over the past 4 years words fall short in describing just how honored I have been to serve with them. I thank them for their support and wish them the very best.
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I want you to know that I really appreciate the opportunity to serve the fellowship that saved my life. It has been a challenge and a learning experience serving two boards. I would like to thank you again for your patience, love, and tolerance while I continue to grow as your WSOT. I have submitted a current resume for the position of WSOT and would be honored to humbly serve the fellowship another term should you choose to have me.
In closing, I ask God to guide me, to keep an open mind, and a soft heart.
Thank you for your trust, confidence and allowing me to be of service.
Southwest Region Regional Trustee Conference Report CA World Service Conference August, 2006
Jay F. 303-596-5592
Overview : As I complete my third year as a Regional Trustee representing the Southwest Region, I am heartened by the growth and continued maturation of the Southwest Region. Seven of the nine areas in the Region hosted or will host some sort of convention event this year and all nine have active responsive service structures in place. We were be blessed to have Texas Area and South Central Texas Area jointly host the CAWS World Service Convention in our Region in May 2006. The Region was most unified behind the planning and attendance of this event.
During this past year I have continued to be active within the Region and all the various WSBT commitments. I have attending and/or participated in all four of the WSBT Quarterly meetings (three in person and one by conference call connection), all the scheduled conference calls and have found these interactions with fellow trustees be most rewarding and important for out fellowship. I have remained on the Legal, Long Term Planning, Finance, Negotiation, Newsgram, Conference, Orientation, Outreach and TEC Trustee sub-committees as well as the newly formed International Structure & Development sub-committee. I have also served this past year as the Chair of the TEC. I also have served as the trustee member of the steering committee which was responsible for planning CAWS 2006 in Houston this past May. I am also most pleased to now serve as the trustee member of the steering committee which is planning CAWS 2009 in Colorado, my home area.
I am most honored to serve on a board with such talented, dedicated, spiritual trusted servants. Our board has really jelled this past year into a most cohesive body. These members have become like family to me as well which is a wonderful byproduct of this service commitment.
Regional: The 2005 Southwest Regional Assembly was held in Houston this past October. We are pointing toward this year’s SW Regional in Wichita in October, 2006 and the next regional in fall, 2007 somewhere in the South Central Texas Area. Several of
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the areas hosted fundraisers to support the Houston World Convention and their efforts were truly appreciated. Representatives from all nine of our active Areas attended the Assembly in Houston. A slate of four candidates was ratified and will be presented to the Trustee Election Committee, after formal approval by the Conference
Area Visits: I have been blessed to have been in eight of the nine areas in the Southwest Region this past eighteen months. New Mexico for the SW Regional in fall, 2004. I was in Kansas, for a service workshop in December, 2004 and will be there again in October, 2006 for the SW Regional. I was in Arizona for the State Convention in July, 2004 and at their Unity Day event the next month. I was blessed to speak at a meeting in Phoenix last month. As my travel schedule permits I remain active in my home area of Colorado. I was in Oklahoma last summer for a District Meeting in Oklahoma City. I was in South Central Texas for their first ever Convention in March, 2005 and again one time in October, 2005 for a CAWS 2006 planning meeting and dance. I have been in Houston (part of TAS) many times for the planning of the CAWS Convention and at the Convention itself. I was in North Texas in Dallas last August for their Area meeting and a service workshop. It remains a profound experience to get to see CA grow and flourish all over the SW Region. I also was able to attend the second ever CA Scotland Convention last November, 2005 and an Area inventory for the UK Area last November as well.
Thank so very much for allowing me to be of service. In love and service, Jay F.
PSRT Conference Report
Submitted by Carl W.
August 2006
Overview:
I would like to thank the Fellowship of Cocaine Anonymous for allowing me to be of service. This has been a very exciting and challenging year; we started this year with our first Unity Day celebration. It was well attended with a softball game and a lot of Fellowship. This was followed by a visit to San Diego; we held our caucus there and also attended a great Halloween party. The Fellowship in San Diego was fantastic; Earl, Hayward and I really enjoyed ourselves, thanks San Diego.
As the board met in November it was a very special time. Our first meeting with Hayward as an entire board. We had a chance to attend South Central district’s convention. There’s a lot going on from November to January in the Pacific South, we celebrated the anniversary of our Fellowship. As always, the holiday marathons are a highlight of the season, it gives the members a place to go. In February, we held our regional assembly in Los Angeles. It was well attended by Delegates and Area chairs along with a potluck. Earl H. gave a workshop on the seventh tradition. It was one of the best workshops we’ve had in our region in a long time.
Our quarterly was held in March, the conference call was held in April as we prepared for the convention. CALA also sponsored a love and service seminar. It was very
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educational. All of the trustees from the region, along with several board members attended and participated.
The last quarter has been very trying; I was able to attend the Las Vegas Area Service meeting. There was a dispute over someone allowing a Baptist preacher to preach at a CA is event. I met with the area Delegate, the area chair, there was no resolution to this issue. The secretary of the meeting decided to move (his meetings) to another Fellowship. There were other incidents in the region, and I’m really unhappy to report to this body.
One incident in February were two young ladies were threatened by a district service rep. One gentleman was assaulted physically. The other area I visited three times to put out a fire there that issue has yet to be resolved.
On the brighter side next quarter. We are planning our second Unity Day celebration to be held in Orange County. Along with the cruise in November planned by CALA, we are also planning for our 25 year celebration. We are planning to bring a bid for the World Service Convention for 2012.
We’re planning more service orientated events, i.e. tradition workshops, concept workshops and unity workshops. We have a long way to go, but I believe in the process. I believe in the power of good within the Pacific South region. We will get turned around, through education and training.
On a personal note, I wish to thank Jackie and Cynthia; I met Jackie when served on the convention committee. Years ago, she was the quiet young lady that set at the end of the table, next to another friend of ours. But I knew there was something special about her when we talked “boy was I right”. And then as we served on the board the last two years. I got to meet a very special person someone who is passionate about the Fellowship, someone who believed in Cocaine Anonymous and under her guidance. We’ve watched the European region grown, Jackie we are all proud of you. And thank you so much.
Each year, the new trustees are assigned a trustee buddy. My buddy with Cynthia, my first thought was. I don’t know her. I rather have Tony or Jay, but as always God had his hand in this. I want to thank you Cynthia for not only serving as our board chair, when I was in the Marine Corps. We talked a lot about leadership and about being examples of leaders. You were our true leader this year and we thank you. I thank you for driving the process and being that quiet voice of reason. I thank you most of all for being my mentor, and for being my friend. I shall never forget the things you have taught me the past two years. I’m a better person because I met you. As I was told when I came to this board,” I will” take care of your Fellowship.
In love and service
C. M. Warlick
PSRT
MIDWEST REGION CONFERENCE REPORT
August 2006
Tony Drake, Midwest Regional Trustee
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WSBT Activities
I attended all four quarterlies and conference calls. Additionally, I participated on all conference calls, conference committees and WSBT sub-committees, as well as, the MW Regional Convention, Assembly and visiting the Missouri Area to help plan the CA World Service Convention in Kansas City.
Midwest Region Activities & Updates
Area Activities
I continued to be bless with wonderful service workers in the Midwest. The membership here challenges me, teaches me and helps me grow. Overall, I see a slight decline in meetings and H&I panels through out the Midwest. Many areas are reporting a stronger financial position, primarily due to fundraising and stronger 7th Tradition. The areas that seem to grow are the areas and districts with strong H&I committees. Ohio will host the Midwest Regional Convention, the last weekend in September. The Wisconsin Area is also submitting a bid for the 2010 World Convention, they have put together a very experienced committee and are extremely excited to present the bid.
7th Tradition
This year, the 7th Tradition donations for the Midwest equaled $21,840.54.
My Thoughts
Over my few years as the Midwest Regional Trustee, I have had the blessing to travel around and help areas and districts and meetings in a variety of different ways. I see my job as trustee as one of service, helping and educating. I remember listening to John B. talking about a problem in CA in his departing speech at his last conference as World Service Trustee. And in my travels and in my time of service the one part that keeps me up and night and breaks my heart is that I consistently see members and committees attacking each other, beating each other with Traditions, Roberts Rules and Manuals, and not loving each other and not remembering why we are here.
If you would please hear me out for a few minutes I have a few stories I would like to share.
In 1840 a group called the Washingtonians formed to help each other stay sober, they found that one alcoholic helping another seemed to work, they started a small group. They had no telephones and limited communication, Abraham Lincoln even gave a speech to the Washingtonians in the early 1840’s. They continued to grow at an incredible pace, by the five year mark in 1845 they had an estimated 100,000 sober drunks. Even AA after 5 years did not have 1,000 members. In 1845 they decided that they had really helped drunks and decided to put their power to work and help others, like helping narcotics addicts, the anti-slavery movement, stamping out alcohol, and by 1848 (only 3 years later) the Washingtonians where extinct and nearly all of them died drunk.
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They became so extinct that in 1944 when AA was going down hill, the groups where dying off, members where fighting and arguing, they had beefs and problems and situations, a member from North Carolina wrote an article to Bill Wilson, about the Washingtonians. Bill had never heard of them and was astonished to see how many mistakes the Washingtonians had made that AA was making as well. So in 1945 in a last dash effort to save AA he sat down and wrote the 12 Traditions. They were to address the problems that were killing AA. They were not very well accepted; most members rejected them, who amongst us would want any rules?
Then in 1950 in an effort to try to overcome the defiance in the membership, Bill and Bob decided to have a big meeting in Cleveland, OH, the first International Convention. They had a bunch of speakers and Bob and Bill talked and tried to explain that they are not rules. A few guys read the traditions and after that, Bill Wilson says, “we have heard the traditions read and seeing no objections, we adopt them” and the gavel dropped. He probably saved AA, which of course led to the beginning of CA.
Those 12 Traditions were written and adopted to help save us from ourselves. AA before us struggled through periods of growth and developed the traditions to be a spiritual guide, to keep us focused and on track. They were never intended to be used as weapons.
It makes me wonder, what is it that makes AA and CA effective where all else has failed over time for over 4,000 years? I have to get back to the basic problem that down deep I believe that my case is different and you just don’t understand me. Someone can give me advice all day long, I might nod, but I disregard them, because they don’t understand me. And, there seems to be a wall with addicts and nothing seems to get through. The interesting part about CA is that it has never tried to psychologically understand me, it has never tried to medically understand me, it has never tried to get me to adapt to the world, what it has done is provided me with people who talked to me about their feelings and why they drank and used. And for the first time I realize, my God, there is someone that understands me.
Tradition One talks about Unity. At the core of our program, is it not about reaching out to the new man? Is it not about getting that new person through their wall, so that they listen and for the first time hear that there is someone who understands them? Let’s be here to share and identify with the new man. That seems to be our one common thread. We can identify and help where every one else has failed and cast us aside as the scum of the earth. It is so important that new members identify and that we are here. We must cast aside our differences and let go of our illusions of power and prestige.
I recently listened to a tape of that 1st International Convention of AA in Cleveland in 1950. Dr. Bob was 15 years sober and dying of cancer, he got up and spoke and gave what many people refer to as the “Gettysburg Address” of Alcoholics Anonymous. In summary he said………….
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I welcome you all to Cleveland please go home and let your fellows know that we still all get out of AA what we put into it. I look over this vast group and I am glad that some small thing I did 15 years ago helped bring this about. I want to apologized for my ill health, I have spent most of the past few months in bed and my health has not returned the way I thought it would. But, I want to call your attention to 2 or 3 things that may be of interest. First, let us remember to keep our program simple, let’s not spruce it up with Freudian complexes, which may be of interest to the scientific mind, but have nothing to do with our work here. Our work here consists of love and service and we all know what love is and we all know what service is. Secondly, let us guard that airing member the tongue and try to use it with kindness and understanding and compassion. Finally, none of us would be here today if someone did not take the time to explain things to us, take us to a few meetings, give us a pat on the back when we needed it. Let us never reach that stage of smug complacency when we don’t have the time to help the fellow who still suffers to help him understand what we are here for………….
Dr. Bob died soon after that speech. In hind sight, how right he was, who amongst us can’t relate to our tempers, we are all very nice people when things are going our way, but let someone hurt our feelings or threaten us and out come the claws. It sounds funny, but I have witnessed members try to destroy one another in their fits of emotional upset. When I think about it, it almost brings tears to my eyes, he was almost giving a dying testament, he was trying to explain to people to ignore all the gossip, what it boils down to is this, what we are here for is love and service, let’s watch our mouths and not get caught up in the politics and the illusion of power and the FEAR and let’s not get too smug that we are too busy to pat our fellows on the back, to reach our hands out, our lives consist of sharing and hopefully allowing the new man to IDENTIFY and find a way to live.
More addicts and alcoholics have gotten sober in the last 60+ years than at any point in time. Our program has changed history! That is miraculous! Let’s not forget why we are here.
CA in one regard is the same today in Los Angeles as it was on June 10th, 1935 in Akron, OH. It’s not the book, it’s not the meetings, after all they had nothing. But, what we have and what they had was this: one addict talking to another addict to help him reduce his feelings of difference, at least enough so he will begin to take actions he does not yet believe in. And, that is the beginning of sobriety in every life.
In the long form of traditions, the last phrase is so important to me, it explains exactly what we are doing here, it says……………
This to the end, that our great blessings will never spoil us, that we shall forever live in thankful contemplation of him who presides over us all.
May God bless us all!
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Thank you for allowing me to be of service!
Tony Drake / Midwest Regional Trustee / 414-232-3865 / tdrake@wi.rr.com
Trevor Scheible: Motion to suspend the rules to a make a motion extending time.
Second. Motion carries.
Trevor Scheible: Motion to extend time to allow the completion of the Trustee
Reports. Second. Motion carries.
ATLANTIC SOUTH REGION/TRUSTEE – AT – LARGE
CONFERENCE REPORT
Submitted: August 2006
Overview
As acting Atlantic South Regional Trustee, I was given yet another opportunity to extend myself to the fellowship to be of service.
- I served as Secretary for the Board.
- I have been in attendance at all of the WSBT quarterly meetings and conference calls.
- I attended the CAWS Convention in Houston, TX.
- I participated in on all WSBT on-line discussions and activities.
- I attended the Georgia Area convention in Atlanta, GA.
- I attended the SW Regional Assembly held in Houston, TX hosted by Texas Area Services.
- I attended the ASR Assembly in Shreveport, LA, which this Area’s first time hosting a Regional Convention.
- I participated on various WSBT sub-committees.
- I was an Ad-hoc member for the CAWS ’06 Convention Committee and assisted the Entertainment Chair.
- In our efforts to continue to assist with the growth of CA, the WSBT made plans to attend the National Association of Drug Court Professionals (NADCP) Conference in Seattle, WA this past June. I was unable to attend; nevertheless, Cynthia C., Jay F. and Carl W. were able and did attend. They were available to pass out information packets and to continue to enlarge on the database of contacts that was created from past events. The next conference will be held in Washington DC. (See attached report).
I would like to thank the fellowship for allowing me to serve in this capacity and I wish to thank the Atlantic South for the understanding shown by them all during this past year.
In love and service,
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Bobbie F. Harmon
Acting – Atlantic South Regional Trustee/Trustee-At-Large
2006 NADCP
Summary of This Year’s Event:
The 12th Annual National Association of Drug Court Professionals (NADCP) Training Conference was held in Seattle, Washington on June 22-24, 2006. Last year, CA had a booth at the same event as it was held in Orlando Florida and it was decided that CA again should participate at the event in Seattle. Three current members of the WSBT (Carl W., Cynthia C. and Jay F.) staffed the C.A. booth from during the open exhibitor hours both days. During that time, the CA representatives interfaced with Conference registrants and carried the message that CA exists and is available throughout the recovery and drug court worlds..
C.A.’s display was topped with a banner bearing the C.A. name and logo, and the legend “Since 1982.” Below the banner were three posters: on the left, the Conference-approved artwork bearing a photo of a white male behind lines of cocaine and reading “Cocaine …and all other mind-altering substances”; in the center, a poster with the word “Crack” repeated several times; and on the right, the Conference-approved artwork bearing a photo of a white female behind lines of cocaine and reading “We’re here and we’re free.”
The WSO shipped approximately 400 presentation folders with cover artwork containing the C.A. logo, the motto “We’re Here and We’re Free,” the 800 number to call for meeting information, the WSO address, regular phone and fax numbers, our web address and the WSO’s e-mail address. Each folder was to contain a NewsGram, a Merchandise Order form, an “Escape Cocaine” bumper sticker, and six pieces of literature: “What is C.A.?,” “Crack,” “Tips for Staying Clean & Sober.” A two-page introductory letter and a current InfoLine Numbers pamphlet were also included. After the lunch break on Thursday, in response to inquiries we’d received thus far, we also printed the updated “… And All Other Mind Altering Substances” piece off the website for inclusion with all materials subsequently distributed, We estimate we distributed approximately 413 folders and/or packets of information at the event.
We collected a total of 135 completed Visitor Contact Information sheets, 115 on Thursday and 20 on Friday. These sheets were new this year and allowed the attendees to complete their information even if they did not have a business card on them (which we guess was over half of the booth’s visitors).
What We Learned This Year:
A lot of people still have not heard of Cocaine Anonymous. We did our best to take advantage of this opportunity, but there is still much room for improvement. Having a book available for distribution, as N.A. did, or even just for display, as A.A. did, would
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have been a huge plus. We also need to move forward with creating literature specifically on youth in recovery, crystal meth and how to start a meeting, as we received many questions on these subjects. (The concepts for these literature pieces have already been approved, but they are still in committee.)
In terms of our display, the reactions of passersby to our posters were not completely favorable, judging by their facial expressions; they seemed to turn people away rather than draw them in. They may inadvertently have been sending the message that we are mostly about recovery from cocaine addiction, when many people were more interested in what we offer for people using meth or other drugs. The posters also lack ethnic diversity.
We will be finalizing a database from the contact information we received at this year’s Conference to include last year’s information. From this, we will send out additional and supplemental materials and will then follow up with those contacts throughout the year.
We plan to have our own presentation next year to the attendees and we will use the database as a starting contact point.
The overall experience was positive and we again learned much from participating a second year which will help the effort for next year. Ultimately, increasing our focus on advance preparation will be vital to improving our experience at next year’s event.
ATLANTIC NORTH REGIONAL TRUSTEE
2006 Conference Report
Submitted by Jackie Schickler
I am amazed and truly delighted that I have been able to be of service to both the Atlantic North Region and the newly formed European Region over this past year. In many ways it has been a double blessing.
I am convinced that this conference acted wisely last year when you approved the creation of a new region. The remaining territory in the Atlantic North is still huge. And although I have attempted to, I have not been able to see all the Areas during my term. I was able to visit New York for the Regional Assembly and Area Convention last October it was lovely to see such good attendance from the within the region.
Although my travels into North American over the past year have been limited to the four quarterly meetings, the World Convention in Houston, my contact with the areas in this territory has remained open through telephone and email. However, I do believe it is a good thing that my term is now virtually complete, because the Atlantic North Region will greatly benefit from having a trustee who lives your side of the pond!!!
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That being said, I would like to thank the fellowship, service leaders, and everyone that I have come into contact with in the North American and Canadian Areas of the Atlantic North for their faith, trust and love during my term.
And on my side of the Atlantic, over the past year, I have seen growth in leaps and bounds. The new European Region has held its first Regional Assembly in Stockholm, Sweden and held a caucus in the UK during CAUK – in both places the excitement and enthusiasm were touchable. Imagine a business meeting that felt like a convention and everyone smiling !!! What has struck me most is the generosity both in terms of time, literature and support that the old and new Areas are showing to the loner groups.
I am going to take a moment to speak to the conference about something very important and dear to my heart. We need to make sure that we can fulfil our primary purpose by having our literature available in the language of the addict that still suffers. Over the past few years as our growth encompasses new countries the question of translations, the whys and hows, has been raised. I ask you to imagine what it would be like for you to go to your first meeting and to be handed literature in Greek. How about wanting to buy a copy of “Hope, Faith & Courage” and finding out that it is only available in Chinese. The truth is that for most of us here today we could not really imagine that scenario… everyone we know speaks English. I would like us to really think about that. I believe that here in the conference we can find a way to change that. We can take a leap of faith and make sure that we are fulfilling our primary purpose beginning with making our literature available in Spanish, French, Dutch and Swedish, as we truly open our arms, our hearts, and our minds to the world.
I remember my first Conference as a Trustee and listening to Spencer B., who was the outgoing Chair of the WSBT that year. He had the gift of stating very simply the words that I took very seriously. He told me and you all, “Look after my fellowship….” I believe with the guidance of a Higher Power, the Angels that surround me, the love and respect of the WSBT, both current and those before them, that today our fellowship is stronger, wiser, and has come of age.
Thank you for letting me be of service.
PACIFIC NORTH REGIONAL TRUSTEE CONFERENCE REPORT
Submitted by: Cynthia Cronkhite
Overview: It has been an honor serving as Chair of the Board this past year. We have been so unified and our members work so well together that it made my job very easy. I sincerely thank each and every member of this Board for their support of me personally, and for their dedication to Cocaine Anonymous. I would also like to thank all of the other trusted servants I have had the pleasure of working with, both at the World level and throughout the fellowship.
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This past year, I attended every WSBT quarterly meeting and participated in every conference call. I also attended and thoroughly enjoyed CAWS 2006 in Houston. I served on the WSBT Ad Hoc Convention, International Structure and Development, Long Term Planning, Negotiating, NewsGram, Orientation, Trustee Outreach and Trustee Election subcommittees, as well as being a liaison to the CAWS 2008 Committee. I have also been working with a small but very dedicated group of people on the Literature, Chips & Format Committee and its Storybook Subcommittee.
Regional: The Pacific North Region is blessed with a very strong sense of unity. Other than the occasional Traditions question, there have not been a lot of issues this past year. In March, the 2006 Pacific North Regional Convention was held in Vancouver, B.C. It was well-attended and a great deal of fun. The Assembly ratified a slate of four candidates, which has been presented to the Trustee Election Committee.
Area Visits: In addition to the PNRC, I attended conventions in Washington State, Northern California, Oregon/Southwest Washington, and Southern Alberta. In July, I went to a birthday meeting in Vancouver, B.C. At each event, I had a delightful time seeing old friends and making new ones. I remain grateful that the 2003 Conference gave me the opportunity to serve a full four-year term, or I would have missed out on many wonderful experiences.
On a Personal Note: A few months ago someone asked what I was going to do after my term was up, and I said something to the effect that I would ‘go back to just being a member.’ I immediately regretted my choice of words, realizing what a precious thing it is to be a member of Cocaine Anonymous. Since then, I have also been reflecting on what it has meant to be a trustee.
Back in 2002, to be honest, I was terrified of accepting the nomination. The atmosphere surrounding the Board had become somewhat controversial, and there was an uncomfortable sense of “us” versus “them.” I had always cherished the sense of belonging I felt in CA and wasn’t at all sure I wanted to become a “them” — as if some strange, unpleasant transformation awaited me if I was elected. After working so hard in recovery to find out who I really was, I didn’t feel ready to give that up.
I decided to just let go and let God, and by the time I was elected, excitement had taken the place of the fear – at least most of it. I resolved to just keep being myself, and to do my very best to carry out this huge commitment. I was soon relieved to find out that my fellow trustees had a very human side, too.
Over the years, a transformation has taken place in me, but not at all what I expected. This commitment has added immensely to the quality of my recovery. It has taught me a great deal about love and tolerance, and having faith that we are all doing the best we can. It has allowed me to travel to places I might never have been and to make many lasting friendships. Throughout the fellowship, I have been welcomed with open arms.
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My sense of belonging, and of being part of this wonderful deal called Cocaine Anonymous, has only increased.
Sadly, I have also had the opportunity to see what happens when a CA member no longer keeps our only requirement for membership, the desire to stop using cocaine and all other mind-altering substances, foremost in his or her mind. I have also heard the painful experiences of other trusted servants when they were not welcomed as fellow CA members, instead being ostracized by virtue of their service positions. Please, let’s all make an effort to remember our common bond of affliction. We all need this program to save our lives, and we are much stronger together than we could ever be alone. There is no “them,” only “us.” We all need and deserve to feel at home in this fellowship. Regardless of any service hat we might wear, there’s nothing more important than being a member of Cocaine Anonymous.
Thank you for allowing me to be of service.
Respectfully submitted,
Cynthia Cronkhite
Questions for the WBOT
Khaid King – wondered why positive things accomplished by LV weren’t mentioned.
Carl Warlick: Just forgot.
Fred Parker: How does the Trustee at Large position differ?
Bobbie Harmon: I call it the Substitute Teacher position. If Tony gets sick, I travel in his place. I serve the Long Term planning. The Drug Court falls under this position. The TAL steps in for people if they need me. If they don’t fill a slate, I fill in for that Region.
John Bodkin: Motion to make a motion extending time to present the WSO report.
Second.
Chair: Requires 2/3 majority.
Motion carries.
John Bodkin: Motion to extend time for a brief WSO report and introduction of the Staff.
Motion carries.
Chair: We will now hear the WSO report.
World Service Office Board
Report August 29, 2006
WSOB Chairperson
Introductions of the WSOB and Staff.
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Once again it is my privilege to report to you on the status of our World Service Office operations and special projects of the World Service Office Board of Directors.
Gratefully, day-to-day operations of the World Service Office are sustained by an ever evolving and improving system of policies and procedures, supporting a well-trained staff, and culminating in a level of service to the fellowship unmatched in years past. The Finances of World Services are positively outperforming our budget presently and highlight both Trustees and the offices watchful eye on spending, the ever increasing success of the Contribution program as well as a spectacular convention event culminating in revenues exceeding budgeted income expectations by approximately Fifty Thousand dollars at year end.
WSOB
The composition of the WSOB lacks two directors presently, however, we are actively recruiting in the Pacific South Region using both traditional and electronic methods. At this time we have received two resumes and it is agreed among the members of the board that we would like to extend our selection to the broadest possible list of candidates, and are seeking specific skill sets including I.T. experience, international initiatives, editorial experience, strategic planning, finance, and of course fundraising. We shall, however, elect two directors following the 2006 WS Conference event in an effort to support the current initiatives underway at this time. A Webmaster shall be appointed no later than October 2006 in order to allow sufficient time to train with Jon F., our existing webservant, on the various software packages, architecture, and server configurations. Additionally, Archives is presently led by Patrick P. who has delivered some of the technical resources to the office to support that committee’s upcoming plans.
HFC II
As you know the office has received the final version of the stories section plans to release the new “Hope Faith and Courage” book perhaps in very late 2006 or at the latest January 2007 with a ideal projected price point of $7.00 if at all possible. Ongoing challenges concerning the book project shall be discussed later in evening by LCF, however, appear to be issues that we shall be able to overcome relatively quickly. Presently the book is with the typesetter and awaiting the final proof reading (housekeeping) items prior to producing the final proof for production.
TRANSLATIONS
The translation of WSC approved materials is an ongoing item of business for the WSOB ever since its importance was highlighted in Houston at the May quarterly meeting by Jackie S., the Atlantic North Trustee. The basis for our ongoing investigations and strategy is presently being drawn from the experience of our friends in AA and NA, as well as our own experience with Spanish and French translations, specifically the French HFC book. We are presently reviewing three documents to support our conversations: A CAWSO working document entitled “Translations of CA Literature”, “New Languages Project Action Plan”, and “Translation Basics” by Narcotics Anonymous. The goal is to
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develop a strategy that will allow the WSOB and /or our members to produce the most effective translations, while sustaining the message in whatever languages are prioritized and protecting our copyright interest. Currently and investigation into the feasibility of the linguistics department of one of our local universities taking on the project as class-work “for hire” is being investigated. This process is ongoing but slated to produce initial results by Convention 2007 such that the office may introduce this initiative to the world.
NEWSGRAM
We project that the latest Newsgram shall be distributed during this conference event. We are presently seeking an editor or members with editorial experience to staff the next edition. All interested parties should contact the WSO and ask to speak with the WSOB Chairperson.
CONVENTIONS
2006 – Success!
2007 – Working budget within spending parameters and revisable at this WSC. Reg form completed and available at this conference
2008 – Asking support of WSO on budgeting guidelines for presentation at this WSC.
2009 – Looking forward to ongoing updates
COANON FAMILY GROUPS
The office is in receipt of the WSBT position paper on Co- Anon. Co-Anon shall conduct its own registration at the2007 convention event. We continue to look forward to their participation.
INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY
The WSOB is requesting that budgetary considerations be made to incrementally improve our computing network and telephony to accommodate the growing communications needs globally.
OPERATIONS
As mentioned above our performance operationally is within budget parameters… the budgeting process may from time to time impede our ability to make adjustments to operational issues on the fly. This year a suggestion for revised budgeting approval shall be introduced in finance committed at conference. Discretionary spending has been managed well. I am incredibly proud of the manner in which each member of the staff stepped up to pick up the ball on this conference event in the Patty’s absence. I would like to introduce those that are present tonight.
STAFFING
Staffing is presently a concern and in the this Chair’s opinion requires a more forward thinking and strategic approach to identifying both present and future level of staffing required as well as the manner in which the office shall discharge it’s duties and
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responsibilities most effectively and efficiently. We have addressed, temporarily, staffing concerns in the office by way of adding Lisa Morgan to our team.
Thank you for letting me be of service,
John Bodkin
World Service Office Board Chairperson
Tom Phelan – presented financial report.
Howard Eley – spoke of duties of the Secretary. Couldn’t have done it without Susan Bredau and Waheedah Mohammad, and Earl Henderson’s guidance. Been involved in getting volunteers in fundraising, volunteer at the Office, etc. Volunteering to help with Spanish translations with college in the Valley.
Hayward Hunt: Spoke of International protection of the “We’re Here and We’re Free” and in Canada, protecting the CA logo that is soon expiring. In April next year, protecting logo here as it comes up for expiration.
John Bodkin: WSOB and Staff looking forward to working with everyone to help CA grow globally.
Chair: Any questions for WSOB at this time. Seeing none at this time. Announcement from the Unity Committee.
Tish Une: On behalf of the unity Committee, I would like to invite everyone to the Unity lunch at the park on Friday. There will be a $5.00. Attempted to serve it free but couldn’t get the funds together. Please come have a hot meal, not pizza!
Kathy Jo Rango: Motion to close the Tuesday Conference meeting. Second.
Motion carries unanimously.
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