CLOSING REPORT
C.A. WORLD SERVICE CONFERENCE 2006
WORLD SERVICE BOARD OF TRUSTEES REPORT
INTRODUCTION AND OPENING COMMENTS
Our thanks to everyone here at the Conference and to the entire fellowship for allowing us to be of service, and for your ongoing support. It is truly a pleasure to serve in this capacity.
In keeping with our desire to always remain accessible and accountable, we would like to explain why we are not yet able to respond to referrals received at this year’s Conference. The WSBT’s quarterly meeting adjourned Monday night so that we could complete the TEC interviews prior to the opening of the Conference. During the Conference breakout sessions, we have been with either our WSC Committees or the Trustee Election Committee. We simply have not yet had the opportunity to give the new referrals the time and attention they deserve, but the Board will begin working on them shortly after the Conference. Individual referral responses will become available as they are approved, through our record of business as generated throughout the year and distributed
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via the delegate mailings, and all referrals from the 2006 WSC will be reported on at next year’s Conference.
We are pleased to report that all members of the WSBT and all members of the WSOB were successfully ratified. Two trustees are rotating out at the end of this Conference: Jackie Schickler, the Atlantic North Regional Trustee and current WSBT Vice Chair, and Cynthia Cronkhite, the Pacific North Regional Trustee and WSBT Chair.
The faces on the WSBT will be changing after the close of this Conference, but our commitment to you will remain the same: to always remember that we are here to be of service, and to allow a loving God to express Himself through our group conscience.
Committee Introductions
Cynthia Cronkhite, Pacific North Regional Trustee and WSBT Chair
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
COMMITTEE WORK THAT RESULTED IN MOTIONS
- MOTION: To approve the following CA Pamphlet Publication Process:
CA PAMPHLET PUBLICATION PROCESS
- Following approval of a new or revised pamphlet by the Conference pursuant to Point 12 of the 12 Point Literature Approval Process, the piece shall be forwarded (in both hard copy and electronic format) to the World Service Office (WSO) by the Literature, Chips & Format Committee (LCF), along with approval from the trustee currently assigned to LCF. This approval may be transmitted via hard copy or fax, with the Committee Trustee signing the cover page. If the materials are transmitted via e-mail,
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the Committee Trustee shall attach them in read-only PDF format, with a copy to the LCF Committee Chairperson.
- Delivery should be completed within 30 days of the close of the Conference.
- Upon receipt from LCF, the WSO shall arrange for the piece to be published in hard copy and on the website, as appropriate, with the goal being to complete publication within 90 days following delivery of the piece by LCF. If this 90-day timeline proves unfeasible, the WSO and LCF will determine a mutually agreed alternative timeline.
- Before publication in hard copy, the WSO shall forward the printer’s proof to LCF for final approval. If there are any errors, LCF will indicate the correction(s) to be made. The WSO will then obtain and forward a corrected proof to LCF. Once the piece is in its final, correct form, LCF will authorize the WSO to proceed with publishing the piece in hard copy. The LCF trustee’s signature indicating approval will also be required before publication.
- Before publication on the website, the webservant shall forward a proof to LCF for final approval. If there are any errors, LCF will indicate the correction(s) to be made. The webservant will then make the correction(s) and forward a corrected proof to LCF. Once the piece is in its final, correct form, LCF will authorize the webservant to proceed with publishing the piece on the website. The LCF trustee’s signature indicating approval will also be required before publication.
- The final wording and formatting (i.e., italics, bold type, paragraphing, etc.) of each piece, both in hard copy and on the website, shall be identical to that approved by the Conference. If the World Service Office Board, as part of its responsibility for publishing all World Service publications, desires to make substantive changes to any piece of literature (i.e., altering the meaning in any way from what was approved by the Conference), the issue shall first be taken up with LCF. If LCF and the WSOB cannot reach agreement, the issue shall be brought to the next Conference.
Second.
Chair – would you like to speak to motion?
Cynthia Cronkhite – LCF and WSO were both consulted on this motion. The booklet that was approved in 2004 is still not printed. This adds some checks and balances. Extra proofing along the way. This will hopefully smooth things along the way.
Chair – any debate?
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Bryan Seid – Poiny Of Information – why is it that it only covers the CA pamphlet publication and not the storybook and Meditation book?
Cynthia Cronkhite – the current process doesn’t address these issues. The proceed will go through the 12 point process and then this fall into place.
Nicholas Lynn – Point Of Information – does this some sort of long drawn out version of editing?
Cynthia Cronkhite – the content will not change.
Nicholas Lynn – if you were to change a comma, it can completely change the meaning. Looking for more clarification on “substantive”
CC – that’s why we have the LCF and WSO involved to know the meaning of the literature.
NL – the issue should then be taken up with LCF, they get final edit.
CC – if there is any implication that the meaning is changed, then we will bring it back here for your approval.
NL – if they can’t agree, then they don’t have the final say?
CC – we have to agree.
NL – if they have done all the work, who gets the final say
CC- Office responsibility is to convey the content accurately. LCF is responsible for that.
We are all accountable to the conference.
Felicia Adams – points #4 &5, forwarded to printer for proof…Webservant sending
CC – issue is to proof the content. PDFs can affect content. Either way there is a 3rd party vendor or trusted servant doing the prepare, back to committee for final approval.
Motion carries unanimously.
- MOTION: To approve the amendment by the WSBT of the Bylaws of Cocaine Anonymous World Services, Inc., on pages 54of the World Service Manual, as follows:
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
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vote can be called at any 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, upon request the WSBT shall immediately vote by secret ballot on whether to remove the said trustee. 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 immediately.
Second.
Chair – we were just researching the amendment to the bylaws. What they are requesting a ratification by simple majority. Would you like to speak to your motion.
Jackie Schickler – No
Bryan Bell – Point of Information – Within 48 hours of such request, my question is what is the reason for the 48 hour timeframe?
Jackie – clarify the process but then what does that really mean? The timeframe allows us to work within the process.
Vinny Martin – Point of Information – wondering if a Trustee is not ratified, why the 48 hours to vote on whether he should be removed? Time to plead his case?
Jackie – as I understand it, we had a situation that a member of the board had had surgery and wasn’t able to respond. Sometimes you need a couple of day to process the information and respond. That window allows time to think about what you want to do.
Jay Finesilver – speak in favor of motion. This was amendment to Bylaws passed by WBOT. We are here to ask for your approval of the process. Some language that was drafted before, the TEC would fill at next WS Conference.
Howard Eley – Point of Information – is this for one particular situation or any ratification for any trustee on the board. Information on why?
Jackie – every year both boards undergo a ratification process.
Howard Eley – why would we ratify someone who is already there?
Chair – it’s a vote of confidence. We ratify each person each year. The bylaws state that you do.
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Tony Drake – it’s also California state law that non-profit ratify each year.
Barry Haynes – 2006 WS Manual, finds the language on a different page.
Jackie – Page 54, 2006 edition is the final paragraph.
CC – pagination changed after motion was crafted. Housekeeping issue.
Bryan Seid – speaks in favor of this motion. Came from proper body to which it applies. Referral #4987, exact motion that came to S&B. We know you worked really hard. This part of the manual belongs to Trustees and Board. They are responsible members allowing S&B to back off and point to the Trustees.
Chair – no further debate. Prepare yourselves to vote.
Motion carries with minor opposition.
REFERRALS THAT RESULTED IN MOTIONS
None.
REFERRALS OR ITEMS TABLED UNTIL NEXT YEAR; AND ITEMS THE COMMITTEE WILL CONTINUE WORKING ON THROUGH THE YEAR
We received three referrals during this year’s Conference, which we will be working on during the year:
Referral #4234
Please see attachment circulated at the Arizona State Convention regarding distribution of “red books” by H&I Committee at H&I meetings.
Referral #4895
Please see attached sheet for referral content (suggestion for “secret” list of interview questions used by the TEC).
Referral #5487
Cocaine Anonymous should initiate and develop contacts with Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous at the World Service level, perhaps among boards of trustees, for the purpose of identifying areas of cooperation that serve the primary purposes of the fellowships.
REFERRALS OR ITEMS REFERRED TO OTHER COMMITTEES; WORLD SERVICE OFFICE, OR BOARD OF TRUSTEES
None.
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REFERRALS THAT DID NOT RESULT IN MOTIONS
Referral #2966
In times of budget constraints, the WSBT should meet by teleconference via the internet at least twice a year during their quarterly meetings. This would save a considerable amount of the WSBT budget.
Response:
We appreciate the spirit and intent of this referral from a financial savings standpoint. We too are mindful of the budget constraints across our fellowship at every level. Our Board is taking steps to save fellowship funds wherever we are able including some of the ways we teleconference and relying more on line business than ever before. Some members of our Board were seated during leaner times and remember not having quarterly meetings and how hard it was to come together as a cohesive body as a result. We are of the view that meeting a minimum of four times is necessary in each year, for the best interests of the entire fellowship to be served. There is too much interaction while we are together to not all be in the same room for the quarterly meetings. To us, while teleconferencing seems to be a great idea, it would be nearly impossible to be on a conference session for the length of time we meet on any one day; and the tradeoffs of not being face to face do not outweigh the benefits of funds saved.
Referral #3565
Why are the Trustee’s not encouraging the 11 states/areas, as shown on page 2.13 of the WSM, to seek recognition with the WSC? Iowa, Maryland, Mississippi, & New Hampshire are listed in the CA Infoline pamphlet—yet they aren’t recognized areas by the WSC.
Response:
The purpose of the WSBT is to ensure the continuation and growth of C.A. and to that end one of the functions of the WSBT is to actively seek and encourage ways of carrying the message and to support the service structure. We would like nothing better than to see the 11 states listed on page 2.13 petitioning the conference for recognition. It should be noted that some of these Areas/States that are listed on 2.13 which have not sought recognition may have joined a nearby Area, as is the case with Maryland and Virginia. They are now a part of the DC/Maryland/Virginia Area. Also some of the Areas listed do not in fact have any meetings.
The Trustees do everything within their means to encourage growth of CA throughout the World. One of the limitations the trustees face is a financial factor, which means that choices are made where to travel. Regional trustees do not have the opportunity to visit and support all of the Areas in their Region and we wish this was not the reality and we do everything that we can within the limits of our budgets. Even with the maximum input from the Regional Trustees CA remains small in some places and thrives in others.
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Referral #3980
A ways and means to recruit more newcomers who are failing to get the CA message because of our title. We seem to be losing members to other 12 step fellowships such as CMA. Is our new literature “and all other mind altering drugs” going to be enough? Do we have plans for more affirmative action? What can I/we do as a fellowship to create more awareness of CA in areas where cocaine is no longer the primary drug of choice.
Response:
Thank you for bringing this Referral to us. You pose some interesting questions, the answers to which are most complicated and compelling. In addition to the updated version of the “…And All Other Mind Altering Substances” pamphlet, the 2005 World Service Conference approved an additional reading entitled “Alcohol” which was taken directly from the original version of that pamphlet. The Literature, Chips & Format Committee has also been working on a new pamphlet on crank/methamphetamines, as well as Hope, Faith & Courage, Volume II, which contains stories from members who used a wide variety of mind-altering substances. We welcome additional suggestions from you or any member of the fellowship for supplemental materials. We will also bring this matter to the Long Term Planning Committee of our Board and will make sure that the matter is added to the agenda at our meeting in Houston during CAWS 2006. One course of action that is being investigated is CA’s participation in drug court conventions at state and national levels as well as some other conventions related to employee assistance, probation officers, prisons and general substance abuse. We will be updating the fellowship in this regard periodically as well.
Referral #4213
In order to support a European Region, what I suggest is for European Region to host a European Regional Convention 1 time a year. This would help with European Regional Trustee Fund, also the translation of CA Literature (Fund), etc. (Jackie, Earl, Jay, Carl)
Response:
We appreciate the intent and spirit of this Referral. Unfortunately it is not the WSBT’s place nor CA’s place to require any region to meet and host a convention yearly. Many regions do meet and have a rotating convention annually, but such meetings and conventions are planned at the regional level by the respective group consciences of the regions themselves.
Also, on a slightly different matter, the notion of earmarking funds from regional conventions for a specific trustee or translation fund is contrary to the fact the we do not earmark funds in CA for these types of needs. Funds raised at all levels of CA are placed in the general fund and then spent per the Conference – approved budget.
Referral #4234
Our delegate and another member lent our CA name and logo to a softball team. I believe this violates traditions 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 10, 11, & 12. Since we don’t “lend the CA name to any related facility or outside enterprise,” I also believe it’s a trademark violation
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thus illegal. After bringing this to their attention, they contacted our trustee, and said he ok’d and agreed with their decision. Enclosed (attached) is my written correspondence with the trustee and his response. I still believe this is a blatant disregard of the traditions and it hasn’t been resolved to my satisfaction. I’m eager to hear what the rest of the conference thinks about this issue.
Response:
The WSBT appreciates you bringing this issue to our attention. You had written a referral to the Conference which was referred on to the WSBT for review and comment. We too thank you for the narrative setting forth the problem as it helps to clarify the depth and breadth of the concern.
The issue of CA softball in recovery leagues continues to come up locally and even, as in Kansas, at the District and Area level.
In our review of this matter, we are guided by the traditions and concepts as well as the writings in the Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions. We have referenced to the Fourth Tradition which provides that “Each group should be autonomous except in matters affecting other groups or CA as a whole.” The inquiry becomes therefore, whether the permission to have the team and use the CA logo which occurred in Kansas was within the purview of the Kansas Area to permit or disallow, or whether such action(s) affect other groups, districts, areas or CA as a whole.
We are further guided by the long form of the Fourth Tradition which provides in part: “And no group, regional committee, or individual should ever take any action that might greatly affect [C.A.] as a whole without conferring with the trustees…. On such issues our common welfare is paramount.” Also in the narrative text of the Fourth Tradition (page 147), the inquiry seems to turn to whether the action taken would “greatly” injure C.A. as a whole. In that same paragraph is the notion that the group’s sole objective has to be “Sobriety”; and “[i]n all other respects there was perfect freedom of will and action. Every group had the right to be wrong.”
So we begin by asking whether the use of the CA logo for a CA based softball team, and even having a CA softball team in a recovery league affects other groups, districts, areas, or CA as a whole. Further, we must then ask whether that action might or did serve to “greatly” affect CA as a whole. This inquiry then relates to the first part of our First Tradition as to whether our common welfare is impacted.
In using this framework, we decline to find that what occurred in Kansas greatly affected CA as a whole and that our common welfare was impacted to such a level as to prohibit participation by CA members in a softball league or the use of the CA logo by a CA team.
We are mindful that there are many challenges on the periphery of CA recovery that might affect our events and members at some level: some relate to smoking or non-
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smoking, some to food perhaps (for example buffets at banquets); some to gender issues; some perhaps to cigar meetings; some related to emotional matters and even ‘anon issues; and we could go on. Softball would be in this group too. The point is that those types of matters, while important, are tangential to the CA primary purpose of obtaining freedom from cocaine and all other mind altering substances. Our sole objective, as the text so perfectly states is “Sobriety.”
We are saying basically that the Kansas CA members who played softball in a recovery league using the CA logo, as this was presented to us, does not greatly affect CA as a whole. Therefore it is left to the autonomy of the Area to decide whether such events are proper after a full discussion of all arguments pro and con. The group conscience of the Area would then take precedence on this matter. In this instance, the Kansas Area actually gave the required permission, in writing on April 9, 2005 pursuant to a full discussion at an Area service meeting held that day. The minutes of the Area reflect this action by the Area. The matter appears to have been considered and resolved by such action at the Area level. If there were disagreement with the action, those could have been brought and considered at a later Area meeting under the CA 5th Concept. To our knowledge, that did not occur either and has not occurred since that time.
We also looked at the correspondence from that time and find the supplemental information and facts very different than those which were presented in this referral. The reference to a member of our Board “agreeing” with the action taken by members of the Area is not what actually occurred. The member of our board advised the local trusted servants that the matter was to be left for consideration by the area at an Area meeting. Further, the member advised the local fellowship consistently with the references to the Traditions contained in this response. A letter by the maker of this referral to the trustee was written on April 16, 2005, postmarked April 21, 2005 and responded to by the trustee on April 25, 2005 which response contained a detailed explanation of the facts as well as what the trustee did in fact represent to the Area servants by way of advice to them. In that letter, the maker of the referral was again reminded of her ability under our service structure and concepts to request a new vote or express a formal minority opinion. To date that has not occurred in the subsequent year this matter has been pending. We re-emphasize the rights of anyone with a minority opinion or disagreement with an action of the Area service board, that person can always express that opinion and ask for a new vote.
We close with a quote again from the Twelve by Twelve:
Over the years every conceivable deviation from our Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions has been tried. That was sure to be, since we are so largely a band of ego-driven individualists. Children of chaos, we have defiantly played with every brand of fire, only to emerge unharmed and, we think, wiser. These very deviations created a vast process of trial and error which, under the grace of God, has brought us to where we stand today. (Page 146)
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We thank you for bringing this issue forward. If you or the concerned member or any other member of the Kansas fellowship desires further information or has any questions related to this matter, please feel free to contact us or have them contact us directly.
Referral #4480 (referred from LCF to WSBT)
I would like to have the little red books accepted as approved literature. The red books are dramatically cheaper and would keep more money in our groups. Note from Anne Bouley: I believe the intent of this referral is for H&I to give little red books out at Hospitals & Institutions as brought in by our CA groups. (Carl, Hayward, Cynthia)
Response:
A couple of years ago this issue came before our Board and it was examined in some detail. We are not in favor of seeking approval from the Conference for The Little Red Book to be available at CA meetings because 1) it is not AA Conference approved, 2) it is a book published by a private for profit entity (the Hazelden Foundation) and our approval of it could imply affiliation; and 3) the book contains advertisements for for-profit entities.
We are aware that some local groups and H&I committees are using The Little Red Book, with or without removing some of the ads or portions of one of the appendices. While we understand that cost is an important factor, we would encourage members to be mindful of the following language in the World Service Manual:
Cocaine Anonymous groups, meetings and service committees should only use, display, distribute or sell the following literature and materials: the WSC Approved Literature set forth in the Appendix, the books “ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS,” “TWELVE STEPS AND TWELVE TRADITIONS,” and “The A.A. Service Manual, combined with the 12 Concepts For World Service,” and Cocaine Anonymous World Service, Region, Area, District and group/ meeting approved flyers, meeting directories and other materials displaying the CA logo as described above.
Referral #4501
- Define what breaking anonymity entails on any CA website, including the WS website-what impact, if any, does this have on traditions 11 & 12? Does CA have any tangible guidelines or concrete suggestions regarding anonymity on websites? (See pg. 8 of the WSC Internet Committee Workbook). 2. Explain and define the WS trustee position on CA member anonymity on websites that are not technically with CA but share unique relations, business related or otherwise, specifically, the website for coast to coast audio productions (http://www.recaudio.com/). Are their guidelines, websites such as these, must (supposed) to adhere to in regard to anonymity? What impact if any, does this have on traditions 11 &12? Does CA have any tangible guidelines or concrete suggestions regarding anonymity on websites such as these?
Response:
The WSBT appreciates you bringing these questions to our attention related to the
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propriety of CA websites posting the names and sobriety dates of area or meeting members.
Your inquiry referenced Traditions 11 and 12 as well as the Statement of Anonymity contained in the CA World Service Manual (page 1.6). We have broadened the inquiry to include the entire set of traditions and concepts as well as the writings in the Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions. We have also referenced certain of Bill W.’s early writings on the subject of anonymity.
To begin with, the issue becomes whether posting one’s first name and sobriety date on the internet nears the prohibition of breaking anonymity at the “public level.” We do not think it does. There is no last name used, no one person by voluntarily having their name placed on such a list is seeking “personal recognition, power, prestige or profit,” as the WSM Statement so aptly warns against; and there is no “public recognition” being sought by any person whose name might be on the list. Further, having no full last name on such a list ensures that personal anonymity at the level of press, radio, television and films is maintained as Tradition 11 proscribes.
So, to respond to your first questions, a break of anonymity on a website of CA World or any local area or district would involve using last names, clearly identifying a member as a member by first and last name or with such reference that any person would know who was being referenced; or where some member of the fellowship somehow self-identified or was identified at the level of press, radio television and films on a website.
On page 185 of the Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions is the following quote:
Squarely before us was the question: “How anonymous should an A.A. member be? Out growth made it plain that we couldn’t be a secret society, but it was equally plain that we couldn’t be a vaudeville circuit, either. The charting of a safe path between these extremes took a long time.”
In fact, we, in CA, are continuing to chart that path as new challenges are presented related to the internet and other methods of media and information dissemination are developed which could not have been contemplated when the Traditions were crafted. Further in that same passage (on page 186) is a discussion about the average newcomer wanting to be able to share with his family, friends and others close to him or her what he or she was attempting. That list of “quiet disclosures” was even expanded where appropriate to the employer and business associates of such newcomer. The text continues by explaining: though not in the strict letter of anonymity, such communications were well within its spirit.”
Two early Grapevine articles are also most insightful. The first, an unsigned editorial from November 1951 provides the following explanation:
AA tradition enters the picture only when the ‘anonymity’ break goes beyond the
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personal level…. The difference, of course, is in the circumstances, and the intent…The answer is to be found in the very wording of Tradition Twelve…It says the spiritual foundation (of all of our Traditions). For it is the spirit of anonymity that is all important.
In this instance, permitting a voluntary listing of a member’s first name and sobriety date is still within this spirit of anonymity. We note also, that our own publication The NewsGram, copies of which are available on the ca.org website, and at our meetings, contain the first names and last initials of members of both the WSBT and the WSOB.
The article continues to further explore anonymity issues and acknowledges the wide variety of anonymity practices even solely within our own rooms. It adds that no matter what, “whenever a speaker appears at an outside function…, the (full) name is jealously withheld even though everybody in the room may know him personally.” The article then notes that it is not the purpose of …AA at anytime to define what constitutes or what does not constitute practical anonymity. That is purely a matter of group conscience. Individual opinion may argue as to where to draw the line. Actually, there will probably never be any line.”
In a later Grapevine article from January, 1955 entitled “Why AA is Anonymous,” Bill W. traces in detail the development of early anonymous experiences/lessons. We found one passage particularly applicable to the question here re websites with first names:
This is why we see anonymity at the general public level as our chief protection against ourselves, the guardian of all our Traditions and the greatest symbol of self-sacrifice that we know. Of course no AA need be anonymous to family, friends, or neighbors.
Disclosure there is usually right and good. Nor is there any special danger when we speak at group or semi-public AA meetings, provided press reports reveal first names only. But before the general public–press, radio, films, television and the like–the revelation of full names and pictures is the point of peril. This is the main escape hatch, for the fearful destructive forces that still lie latent in us all. Here the lid can and must stay down.
Now to the second part of your question: Explain and define the WS trustee position on CA member anonymity on websites that are not technically with CA but share unique relations, business related or otherwise, specifically, the website for coast to coast audio productions (http://www.recaudio.com/). To respond, CA has no control over these websites or their content, nor does CA have an opinion on this outside issue. To even have an opinion would perhaps imply affiliation which CA cannot be a part of at any level.
We thank you for bringing this entire issue forward.
Referral #4504
The Akron District would like for the conference floor to vote on this issue: The Akron District would like to tape CA events in the Ohio Area only. (Tony, Carl)
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Response:
The WSBT has previously addressed this issue and our response was to suggest that the District use its taping equipment for District events only. We do not believe that this is an appropriate item of business to bring before the Conference. However, if the Ohio Area wishes to do so, the appropriate place on the Conference agenda would be under New Business.
Referral #4508
Create a travel budget for the WS trustee. This will help trustee presence in the fellowship (i.e. Pacific South Region, possible European Region). The Pacific South Region have a lot of meetings and events, and with the possible addition of the European Region, this will aid and/or help regions without a trustee or an abundance of meetings and events. (Hayward, Earl, Jay, Carl)
Response:
Thanks for bringing this Referral to us. This Referral has two parts, one is about the budget for the WS Trustee and the second is about some of the responsibilities of the WS Trustee. Before we can respond, we believe it to be of some help to clarify both the duties of the WS Trustee as well as the Trustee At Large. Most of this Referral centers around both of these positions and in fact, the tasks suggested in this Referral are divided among the WS Trustee and the Trustee At Large.
From the WSBT internal guidelines:
WORLD SERVICE TRUSTEE
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Overview
The World Service Trustee (WST) is a Trusted Servant that has been selected to serve as a member of the World Service Board of Trustees from the Pacific South Region’s slate of Trustee candidates.
The WST should have a working knowledge of the 12 Traditions, the 12 Concepts and the Cocaine Anonymous World Service Manual.
The WST is an active Director of the World Service Office Board (WSOB)
Ideally, The WST shall posses a working knowledge of general business practices, contract negotiations, copyright and trademark issues, the ability to read and understand financial statements, and be able to communicate well both written and verbally.
Duties and Responsibilities
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The WST is designated chief contract negotiator, co-signer and liaison between Cocaine Anonymous World Services, Inc., and any outside vendor or entity requiring any agreements or authorization in writing which legally bind CAWSO.
Additionally, the WST is a designated signer on CAWSO, and CAWSO Convention checking accounts and chairs the Trustee Negotiating Committee.
Serves on a Conference Committee of choice as the coordinating trustee. Also serves as a liaison member of the WSC Convention and Conference Committees as related to CAWS hotel site selection, vendor and hotel contract negotiating which the WST, by virtue of his/her position, is required to be involved with.
Attendance
The WST is to attend all WSBT conference calls, quarterly meetings, the World Service Convention, and the World Service Conference. Additionally, as an active director of the WSOB, the WST is responsible to attend bi-weekly meetings of the WSOB and any special meetings such as board to board that may be scheduled from time to time, at the discretion of the Chairperson of the WSBT.
Reporting Responsibilities
Quarterly Reports
The WST provides a written report for each WSBT quarterly meeting in accordance with the Trustee Guidelines.
Bi-Monthly Reports – WSOB
The WST provides reports to the WSOB summarizing activities performed since the last meeting of the WSOB
Trustee At Large (TAL) Responsibilities Description
The TAL job descriptions should include the following, to be split between the 2 TAL positions:
- National Public Information, Outreach and Communication.
- Chair the WSBT Long Term Planning subcommittee.
- International outreach and visitation (where fiscally possible).
- Back up for Regional Trustees as needed or in case of death, resignation or Regional Trustee’s inability to fulfill their duties.
- Attend the Regional assembly/forum in the region in which they live.
Examples of the following:
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1. National Public Information, Outreach and Communication:
A) Contact various talk show producers, etc, to keep them informed of CA’s existence.
B) Contact producers of movies and television shows that have mentioned CA and thank them for their assistance.
C) Possibly send letters to advise columnists on an intermittent basis, letting them know of our program, and getting our name out to the masses.
D) Receive questions from within and without the fellowship and respond appropriately.
E) Represent CA at Drug related conferences to promote our fellowship with the professional community.
2. Chair the WSBT Long Term Planning Subcommittee:
A) Lead effort to define and implement long term planning activities for Cocaine Anonymous.
B) Work with former Trustees to gain their experience and insight to assist in the planning and implementation of long term planning activities for CA.
C) Prepare and lead presentation of long term planning committee activities at the CAWS convention each year.
D) Prepare and lead presentation of long term planning committee activities at the CAWS conference each year.
3. International Outreach and Visitation:
A) Maintains all communications with existing and possible international groups/areas.
B) Helps with new area formation in other countries.
C) Assists new areas in other countries with implementation of the Manual, Traditions, Concepts, etc.
D) Helps with any disputes that may come up in new-formed areas.
4. Back Up for Regional Trustees as Needed or in Case of Death, Resignation or Regional Trustee’s Inability to Fulfill Their Duties:
If any Trustee is unable to fulfill their duties (for whatever reasons), the TAL’s will be available to assist. If a Regional Trustee is ill, and needs back up for important Regional Assemblies, or if a problem exists between Regional Trustees with an area within their region, a TAL can assist at that time, with approval of the WSBT.
There is a clear distinction of these two types of Trustees in terms of travel and support of
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other trustees and regions. Also, there are funds in the respective trustee budgets to cover emergency situations when they arise and travel becomes necessary. One final note, there are already funds in the WS Trustee budget for reimbursement to attend meetings and events in the Pacific South Region.
Referral #4516
Request each United States area submit documents yearly showing current status of: 1) state corporate charter; 2) filing of necessary state tax forms or info showing area not required to file; 3) 501(c)3 status with IRS or info showing not needed; 4) filing of necessary Federal Tax Forms or info showing Area no require to file. Suggest having this information turned in with delegate credentials each year. Equivalent information for International Areas requested as well each year.
Response:
Thank you for bringing this Referral to the WSBT. The two entities that comprise CA World Services, namely CA World Services, Inc. and CA World Service Office, Inc., are separate and distinct entities which operate and discharge all of the world services for our fellowship. These two corporate entities are not affiliated or aligned with any local, state or regional CA corporation, Area or District. While we do encourage all CA entities to make sure that they are operating in accordance with the requirements of their local and federal governments, we do not believe it is appropriate to require Areas to document this compliance for World Services, nor do we believe it is appropriate for World Services to review or possess such information.
Referral #4523 (referred from S&B to WSBT)
Adopt advisory opinion: “The book “As Bill Sees It” is a valuable tool of recovery, and as such, it is the opinion of Cocaine Anonymous that meetings should be allowed to have this book available to support members in their recovery.” We have accepted this opinion for other AA books & I believe that “As Bill Sees It” is just as valuable to members who have “recovered.” Bill W. is the most sanctified member of all 12 step programs and his writings should be available to groups as such. Thank you.
Response:
Thanks very much for bringing this referral forward to us. It presents some unique questions. Much of the material contained in the book “As Bill Sees It” can be found in the Big Book, the 12 x 12 and to a lesser extent in some of Bill’s writings about the 12 Concepts of Service. So in that regard those writings are readily available to the groups and our fellowship. This book is a compilation of many of these types of writings. We decline to recommend the adoption of an advisory opinion for this book, not so much as we do not believe the book to be a valuable resource, but more out of notion of drawing a line in the books we believe should be used that CA has not written. Right now there are three, and approving this one could lead to other requests for approval of other books in subsequent years such that there would need to be another level of review of each, time spent on the Conference floor each year could be extensive and in committees discussing these books.
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NEW COMMITTEE STRUCTURE AS OF THIS CONFERENCE
WSBT Officers:
Chair: Tony Drake, Midwest Regional Trustee
Vice-Chair: Jay Finesilver, Southwest Regional Trustee
Secretary: Hayward Hunt, World Service Trustee
CAWS, Inc. Corporate Officers:
President: Carl Warlick, Pacific South Regional Trustee
Vice President: Bobbie Harmon, Trustee at Large
Secretary: Jay Finesilver, Southwest Regional Trustee
Treasurer: Hayward Hunt, World Service Trustee
CLOSING COMMENTS
Thank you for allowing us to be of service. If you have questions or comments on these referrals, or any matter, please contact us at WSBT@ca.org.
Respectfully Submitted:
World Service Board of Trustees
Chair – any questions for the WSBT? Seeing none. Thank you so much for all your hard work. To the best of my knowledge, there is no other committee prepared to present their report at this time.
Motion to adjourn. Second.
Stacey Keyes-Weston – donut money needed.
Vinny Martin – PI committee is going to meet briefly in La Joya room.
Leslie – please see her to check delegate list. Evaluation forms in the back. Please fill out.
Ian – Russell Sedman is 2 years today. Can we sing him Happy Birthday??
Sang Happy Birthday!!!
Motion carries with unanimously.
11:17 pm – we are adjourned. See you at 8:00 am tomorrow am.
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