Steve Edwards called the Conference to order at 8:10 am. And we are reconvening the 2008 World Service Conference.
“We” version of Serenity Prayer.
Cynthia Lauletta read How It Works.
Roll Call. 155 votes on floor and the quorum is 103.
Referral forms need to be placed in basket on the dais by noon today. Waheedah Muhammad will have Unity lunch tickets and she will be out front and would really love it if you have exact change. At 5:00, she will hand out the pre-order Unity tickets
Brian Tenenbaum – we will be passing the seating chart around for corrections.
Steve Edwards – please speak clearly at the microphone so we can understand you.
OPENING REPORT C.A. WORLD SERVICE CONFERENCE 2008
LITERATURE, CHIPS & FORMAT COMMITTEE
INTRODUCTION AND OPENING COMMENTS:
To keep pieces moving through the 12-point C.A. Pamphlet Approval Process, it is imperative that LCF members actively work together throughout the year via e-mail and conference calls. Each project needs someone to take the lead and keep the ball rolling, or the subcommittee is not likely to make much headway between Conferences.
Immediately following the 2007 Conference, we put together a comprehensive overview of all our pending projects so that we would know exactly where we stood. All told, our to-do list included two books, one workbook, nine new concepts, and six substantive revisions to existing pieces—not to mention the need to come up with a new book approval process and bring our existing literature in line with the housekeeping corrections made during the publication of Hope, Faith & Courage Volume II. A daunting challenge, indeed, made even more so by the small size of our committee. Several of the dedicated members who worked tirelessly to make HFC II a reality have since left LCF, as have several of the delegates from last year’s breakout sessions. We are fortunate to have several non-delegates contributing to one or more pieces, but with only a handful of main committee members working together consistently, it has been difficult to make widespread progress across the board. A few months ago, we realized we needed to focus our energies on a few specific projects, and we were delighted to get three pieces to Point 10 in time for the SR 14 mailing:
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Choosing Your Sponsor (revision of existing pamphlet);
Dos and Don’ts for 12-Step Calls for Addicts (new concept); and
Who is a C.A. Member? (new concept)
We look forward to reviewing the Fellowship’s feedback and hope to bring these pieces to the floor for approval later this week.
COMMITTEE INTRODUCTIONS:
Chair: Cynthia Cronkhite
Vice Chair: Yves White
Co-Secretaries: Jeannette Johnson and Terreca DeFehr
Meditation Book Chair: Jay Finesilver
Trustee: Bruce Watson
WSOB Liaison: Teresa Neighbors
Additional Members: Bryan Bell, Candicerose Bergseth, Ernest Martin, Ginger Lane, James Parris, Kellie Federici, Rick Hoffman, Roy Ricord, Susan Doch, Wesley Blount
REFERRALS THAT WERE WORKED UPON DURING THE YEAR:
#3572: Please consider the concept of a pamphlet entitled “Leadership in CA.” Thanks.
Response: This referral is from a member of LCF, who has indicated he will present a draft at the Conference for the committee’s review.
#3573: Please consider the concept of a pamphlet entitled “Emotional Sobriety.” Thanks.
Response: This referral is from a member of LCF, who has indicated he will present a draft at the Conference for the committee’s review.
#3873: Please add to meeting formats “The Miracles” – entire piece on page 45, HFC II. Let’s close our meetings with “our” literature! Let us work to get this out in 8 months not 8 years. We could have “Reaching Out” or “The Miracles” instead of “Vision for You” and the “Promises.”
Response: Thank you for your suggestion. We are delighted that you find this passage inspiring. At this time, meetings are free to read any excerpt from Hope, Faith & Courage Volume II (or any other literature approved for use at C.A. meetings – see the list in the WSM) as may be determined by their group conscience. Until HFC II has been more widely distributed throughout the fellowship, we believe it is premature to ask the Conference to designate this or any other portion of the book as a specific reading in the meeting format.
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#4757 [not on list previously received from Conference Committee, but included in hard copies; referrer checked both LCF and Archives]: To create a fellowship “Guide to Archiving” outlining guidelines and procedures for archiving. This would be a separate supplemental document or pamphlet that can specifically detail archiving procedures.
Response: Referred to the Archives Committee, which has more expertise on the subject and is not bound by the C.A. Pamphlet Approval Process.
#4758 [wording clarified from hard copy]: To create an archive history book that would include a detailed history of the beginning of CA and in chronological order of how all preceding groups were started who what where etc.
Response: Thank you for your suggestion. We believe this idea has merit and would like to see it become a reality someday. Unfortunately, at this time we already have three other major projects to address (the meditation book, the 12 Steps and 12 Traditions book, and the 12 Step Workbook) and not enough members to adequately staff their subcommittees. In a few years, when World Services’ archives have been completely digitized and LCF hopes to have more resources available, this project might be more feasible. As such, we are taking no action on this referral.
#5517: re: attachment D LCF closing report [To the Newcomer]: Line 1 of the first paragraph states that “We are a fellowship of addicts.” The logical conclusion then is that our common bond is “addiction” not “affliction.” Please change the word. Affliction is not a disease.
Response: No action taken. While we appreciate your feedback, “affliction” is widely defined as being a source of pain, suffering or distress, and we believe the word is appropriately used in this context.
#5518: I would like to suggest that 1 side of the eternity coin be engravable. Thank you.
Response: Thank you for your suggestion. We will keep this in mind as we explore possible designs with the WSO and potential vendors.
#5522: Remove from general format “Alcohol.” I feel that this is drug specific. This is not the best place for a piece of literature like this, maybe back in a pamphlet. I do love this piece, just not for distribution to new fellowships that get a starter kit. Are we saying that Alcohol is different than crystal meth, heroin, or even cocaine?
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Response: Thank you for your comments. As you may recall, this reading was approved by the Conference in 2005, the same year the pamphlet from which it was taken (“… And All Other Mind-Altering Substances“) was extensively revised. This was done because many groups were already using it as a reading and finding it a helpful tool in carrying the message, and they would not have been able to continue reading it after the pamphlet was changed. We believe the piece clearly states that alcohol is not different from other drugs, which is the point it was intended to make. We are therefore taking no action on this referral.
#5526: Tradition 11 change & add end of sentence from television and films to “television, films and internet.”
Response: Outside the scope of LCF. Referred to the WSBT to address both the merit of this idea and, if it is determined to be worth pursuing, the feasibility of changing a Tradition given the requirements set forth in section 3 of the Conference Charter (“But no change in Article 10 of the Charter or in the Twelve Traditions of C.A., or in the Twelve Steps of C.A. may be made with less than the written consent of three-quarters of the C.A. Groups”).
#5528: That the title of the new pamphlet “Who is a CA member” be called “Our name is drug specific; our fellowship is not.”
Response: Thank you for your suggestion. At this point, the working title remains the same, but we have incorporated your idea into the body of the piece.
#5536: Referral #5059 resulted in a motion for a concept of an eternity chip. The referral only mentions the addict who dies clean and sober. I would like to propose the concept to include those addicts who we pray for and die because of their addiction because they could not make it into the rooms. We reach out to the addict who still suffers and those that are left behind do suffer.
Response: Thank you for your suggestion. If the final wording on the coin simply states “eternity,” we believe it is up to our members to decide what it means to them when purchasing the coin and/or giving it to someone else.
Overview of Pending Projects and Progress Made During 2007-2008
Pieces in Approval Process:
In past years, pieces were simply listed as being at a certain point in the approval process. This year, we are providing more detail in an effort to be more accountable as well as to solicit additional participation. Projects referenced as being on the ‘front burner’ have been given priority designation as referenced in the introduction to this report. These projects are pamphlets unless otherwise indicated:
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| Project | Notes |
| 12 Principles | Concept approved in 2002. No recent activity reported. |
| 12 Step Workbook | Concept approved in 2004. Kellie F. volunteered to lead subcommittee 7/19/08. Separate Yahoo group established; some preliminary discussions have taken place. |
| 12 Steps & 12 Traditions book | Concept approved in 2003. Bryan B. volunteered to lead subcommittee 7/19/08. Separate Yahoo group established; some preliminary discussions have taken place. Hoping to gain access to WSBT archives for possible material. |
| A Guide to the 12 Traditions | Concept approved sometime prior to 2001. No recent activity reported. |
| Anonymity | Concept approved sometime prior to 2002. No recent activity reported. |
| Book Approval Process | Concept approved in 2004. Preliminary draft based on HFC II experience was overly complicated. Committee trustee has been communicating with NA to see what we might learn from their process. |
| Choosing Your Sponsor | Proposed revisions to existing piece sent out in 2008 SR 14 mailing. |
| Crank/Methampheta-mines (front burner) | Concept approved sometime prior to 2002 report. Current drafts in progress. |
| Do’s and Don’ts of 12 Step Calls | Concept approved in 2003. Proposed draft sent out in 2008 SR 14 mailing. |
| Eternity (front burner) | Concept for metal chip approved in 2007. Per 7/19/08 conference call, Patty will work w/Jay re design & cost breakdown. |
| For the Gay & Lesbian Addict | Concept approved in 2005. As of 7/19/08, several drafts had been exchanged and subcommittee is close to consensus. |
| How It Works | Motion to revise existing piece went out in 2008 SR 14 mailing. |
| I Am Responsible card | Concept approved in 2004. No activity reported. |
| Meditation Book (front burner) | Concept approved in 2003. Yahoo group set up and discussion taking place, but submissions have yet to be posted for subcommittee review |
| Self-Test for Cocaine Addiction (front burner) | Need to decide whether to pursue changes discussed but not presented to floor @ 2007 WSC. Subcommittee discussions in progress. |
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| Suggestions for Relapse Prevention & Recovery (front burner) | Pamphlet removed from circulation in 2002, but piece still appears in HFC I. Subcommittee discussions and drafts in progress. |
| The First 30 Days (front burner) | Need to decide whether to pursue changes discussed but not presented to floor @ 2007 WSC. No recent activity reported. |
| We Can Recover (front burner) | Revision to existing reading to address inconsistencies with other literature and make it easier to read aloud. No recent activity reported. |
| Who is a C.A. Member? | Concept approved @ 2007 WSC Sent out in 2008 SR 14 mailing. Will be discussing whether to propose changing this to an optional reading rather than a pamphlet. |
| Young People in Recovery | Concept approved in 2004. Drafts posted to Yahoo group. No recent progress reported. |
Pieces in Publication Process:
LCF has been working with the WSO to help ensure that all material previously approved by the Conference makes it through the publication process and into the hands of the Fellowship:
| Project | Notes |
| Newcomer booklet | Approved for publication in 2004. Issues with formatting and publication costs delayed production. Need to incorporate changes to “What is Cocaine Anonymous?” approved @ 2007 WSC and make some housekeeping corrections. Decided at Forum at CAWS 2008 to hold off until after 2008 Conference so that (hopefully) updates to Choosing Your Sponsor can be included. |
| PI Helpline Handbook | Approved in 2001 but never published. Transcript was reviewed in mid-April to confirm and PDF was e-mailed to WSO 5/17/08. Per Patty 7/19/08, it was sent to P.I. to be included in delegate notebook. |
| Tips for Staying Clean & Sober | Revisions to the existing pamphlet were approved in 2004. Some housekeeping corrections are needed to hard copy. Website still has old version. |
| To the Newcomer | Revisions to the existing pamphlet were approved in 2007. Electronic proof of pamphlet forwarded by WSO 8/23/08. LCF needs to proofread per Point 4 of Publication Process. |
| Yes, You Can Start A C.A. Meeting | New pamphlet approved in 2007. Electronic proof of pamphlet forwarded by WSO 8/23/08. LCF needs to proofread per Point 4 of Publication Process. |
Pieces in Need of Housekeeping:
Pieces in Publication Process:
LCF has been working with the WSO to help ensure that all material previously approved by the Conference makes it through the publication process and into the hands of the Fellowship:
| Project | Notes |
| Newcomer booklet | Approved for publication in 2004. Issues with formatting and publication costs delayed production. Need to incorporate changes to “What is Cocaine Anonymous?” approved @ 2007 WSC and make some housekeeping corrections. Decided at Forum at CAWS 2008 to hold off until after 2008 Conference so that (hopefully) updates to Choosing Your Sponsor can be included. |
| PI Helpline Handbook | Approved in 2001 but never published. Transcript was reviewed in mid-April to confirm and PDF was e-mailed to WSO 5/17/08. Per Patty 7/19/08, it was sent to P.I. to be included in delegate notebook. |
| Tips for Staying Clean & Sober | Revisions to the existing pamphlet were approved in 2004. Some housekeeping corrections are needed to hard copy. Website still has old version. |
| To the Newcomer | Revisions to the existing pamphlet were approved in 2007. Electronic proof of pamphlet forwarded by WSO 8/23/08. LCF needs to proofread per Point 4 of Publication Process. |
| Yes, You Can Start | New pamphlet approved in 2007. Electronic proof of |
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| A C.A. Meeting | pamphlet forwarded by WSO 8/23/08. LCF needs to proofread per Point 4 of Publication Process. |
Pieces in Need of Housekeeping:
Minor corrections and/or updates that fall under LCF’s housekeeping authority need to be made to the items listed below. It has been agreed between LCF and the WSO to hold off on these housekeeping issues until the outstanding publication issues referenced above have been resolved:
| A Higher Power | Meeting in a Pocket |
| Being of Service | Self-Test for Cocaine Addiction |
| Crack | The First 30 Days |
| Having Fun in Recovery | The Home Group |
| Hope, Faith & Courage Volume II | Tools of Recovery |
| Meeting Format | Traditions Group Inventory |
CLOSING COMMENTS:
LCF remains committed to facilitating the expression of our Fellowship’s hope, faith and courage through the writing of material for distribution. We are doing our best to remain accountable and realistic in terms of our existing project load and the advisability of taking on any new concepts. The work we do is both incredibly important, in terms of carrying the message to the addict who still suffers, and immensely rewarding. We encourage and look forward to new members joining us in this endeavor. If you’re not able to participate in the main committee but there’s a particular piece you’d like to work on, please let us know; we’d be delighted to have your help!
Thank you for allowing us to be of service –
Cynthia Cronkhite
LCF Chair
Steve Edwards – Any questions for LCF? Thank you very much for your report.
Next Committee – H&I
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