CLOSING REPORT C.A. WORLD SERVICE CONFERENCE 2008
CONFERENCE REPORT
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INTRODUCTION AND OPENING COMMENTS
Once again, it is apparent that this committee has successfully set out to do what it does best! The success of this Conference is due to the outstanding committee that sits before you! Please give lots of money to these dedicated individuals – OOPS – how about just giving them a big hand to those who so graciously are here to serve you. And of course – the delegates and attendees of the 2008 World Service Conference.
Committee Introductions
Brian Tenenbaum – Committee Chair
Lori Penrose – Secretary
Niki Drake – Secretary in Training
Tammy Peacock – Acting Coordinator
Taffy Wallace – Administrative Coordinator
Under Paid, Over Worked, Gracious Committee Members:
Siobhan Ayer – Delegate
Lisa Brown – Delegate
Tony Drake – Brian’s Executive Assistant
Pete Nielsen – Delegate
Katrina Williams – Delegate
Elizabeth Wise – Alternate Delegate
Conference Officers:
Steve Edwards – Conference Chair
Kevin Murphy – Parliamentarian
Susan Calkins – Conference Co-Secretary
Anne Bouley Meyer – Conference Co- Secretary
Hayward Hunt – World Service Trusteee
Kim Sherwan – Midwest Regional Trustee and Committee Guru
COMMITTEE WORK THAT RESULTED IN MOTIONS
NONE
REFERRALS THAT RESULTED IN MOTIONS
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NONE
REFERRALS OR ITEMS TABLED UNTIL NEXT YEAR; AND ITEMS THE COMMITTEE WILL CONTINUE WORKING ON THROUGH THE YEAR
- Referral #5511 –
It appears that we could do a better job of informing the delegates about the second half of the conference (Friday through Sunday). Please add some hints, ideas, about, how to ask a parliamentary inquiry, and point of order beyond the mock motion. Perhaps some conference old-timers could be involved.
Response – We are creating a “Delegate’s Guide to the Conference”, which we hope to distribute in the delegate mailing sometime this year.
- Referral # 5672
Add Section to Guidelines Covering Selection of future conference sites.
Response – We will be working on this during the year in conjunction with the World Service Office.
- Referral #5680
Motion: to have the CAWS Conference held in a middle US location (i.e. Memphis, New Orleans, St. Louis) a soon as contractual obligations permit.
Response – We will evaluate the feasibility of alternate Conference locations based on the guidelines resulting from referral #5672.
- Referral # 5681
That the Conference conduct an inventory of itself
This referral is respectfully submitted to the Conference Committee. The referral itself is in italics. The remainder is simply supporting information / ideas / suggestions; if you find them useful, great. If not, disregard them. However, please include the full text in the Committee’s closing report so the Conference has the full context of this submission.
This referral is a request that the Conference take an inventory of itself.
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The Spirit of the following questions is requested to be in the inventory conducted. That means these questions need not be presented verbatim but their order and intent should remain intact.
- As a participant in the Conference, what do you believe is the primary purpose of the Conference?
- As a participant in the Conference, how well do you believe the Conference fulfills its primary purpose?
- Often CA is not able to fully fund the activities that the Conference decides are important and there is an enduring cry for increased donations. Does this continuing clamor for money get in the way of effectively carrying a clear message of recovery?
Rationale:
We undertake a personal inventory to uncover and discover things about ourselves to begin the process of growing Spiritually. This opens us to the wondrous possibilities of living a life based on Service while being guided by a Power greater than ourselves. We continue to take personal inventory to stay the course and maintain our fit Spiritual condition.
Likewise, at the Group level, many Groups find that taking a regular inventory is healthy for the Spiritual well being of the Group. It is important:
that the Group have a clear sense of itself and its primary purpose,
that the Group gauge its success in fulfilling its primary purpose,
that the Group evaluate its ability to carry its message,
that the Group consider its ‘attractiveness’ to new and old members,
that the Group ponder whether it is it right sized in its perception of itself,
that the Group discuss its role in contributing financially,
that the Group contemplate such matters on a regular basis – perhaps annually.
Extending the benefits of self-examination to the District and Area has also proven to be a useful means to keep these bodies on track Spiritually and functioning with a minimum of undue excitement or controversy.
“A business which takes no regular inventory usually goes broke. Taking a commercial inventory is a fact-finding and a fact-facing process. It is an effort to discover the truth about the stock-in-trade. One object is to disclose damaged or unsalable goods, to get rid of them promptly and without regret. If the owner of the business is to be successful, he cannot fool himself about values.” [Alcoholics Anonymous, pg. 64].
The Big Book uses the metaphor of a business inventory as a means to underscore its suggestion that there is value in such a process. Then it applies
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the concept of taking an inventory of ourselves as a means to recover Spiritually. Thus we have come full circle; the Conference is the ‘business’ of CA AND its Spiritual health can be well served by taking inventory.
The fact that the inventory process has a positive Spiritual impact is undeniable. The precedent for taking inventory personally, and at other levels of the Service structure, clearly exists. The Conference should not exclude itself from the type of opportunities to learn and grow Spiritually that only an inventory can provide. Nor should the Conference exclude itself from the opportunities to maintain its Spiritual well being by failing to continue to take inventory.
Ideas about approaching this – these are not requirements but suggestions to help the inventory process be meaningful.
- An inventory would ideally be conducted with a few pertinent questions on an annual basis but it could be done with a different frequency including just once.
- An inventory should be tried at least once before ruling out the practice as impractical, unimportant, logistically challenging, or not relevant to the Spiritual well being of the Conference.
- The participants would be delegates, trustees, and other Conference members.
- The participants would conduct any discussions they wish to have within their local Areas/Regions.
- The upcoming years’ inventory questions could be presented at the Conference in the Conference Committee closing report. They could ultimately be included on the CA website as a tool for the participants to use in answering electronically. The questions could also be selected from submissions from the participants.
- The results of the previous years’ inventory could be included in the Conference Committee’s closing report. They could also be posted to the CA website with access not limited to the participants but open to the Fellowship as a whole.
- It is suggested that the answers to the questions not take the form of simple Yes/No, True/False, a sliding scale (e.g. from 1 to 10), or other non-open-ended type answers.
- It would be useful to have the answers read by unbiased parties and summarized as to the “Conscience” contained therein. This is a Spiritual process not a vote.
- Inventory results in discoveries which are just that, discoveries. Action based on any discoveries would require referrals and/or motions. If such referrals and/or motions are made fine, if not fine.
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Response – the Conference Committee will make available a Conference Participant Inventory form for attendee’s personal reflection. Responses will not be collected.
REFERRALS OR ITEMS REFERRED TO OTHER COMMITTEES; WORLD SERVICE OFFICE, OR BOARD OF TRUSTEES
1.Referral # 3874
Remove the necessity to use the transcripts of the conference to validate the next years WSM. The minutes taken by the conference secretary are read directly before the vote and with today’s technology we can trust what the chair says and is typed are correct. SR16
Response – Referred to Structure and Bylaws Committee.
- Referral #5552 –
Fix description of “Rescind” on page 55. The first line is wrong. A motion to rescind is NOT like a motion to reconsider ( and reconsider does not nullify ). “Rescind” is a form of “amend a passed motion”.
Response- Referred to Structure and Bylaws Committee with the following recommendation:
New version:
RECONSIDER
A Motion to Reconsider a previous vote, if successful, returns the previous motion to the floor as if no vote had ever been taken, and debate begins anew. The Motion to Reconsider may only be made and seconded by members who voted with the prevailing side. The Motion to Reconsider must be made in the same day as the motion being reconsidered. It is debatable if the motion to which it applies was debatable. Adoption of a motion to Reconsider requires a simple majority vote. No motion may be twice reconsidered.
RESCIND (PASSED MOTION)
The Motion to Rescind, unlike the Motion to Reconsider, overturns the passage of the previous motion. If the Motion to Rescind succeeds, the affected motion (which previously passed) now fails. Any member may make or second a Motion to Rescind, and it may apply to any motion passed at any time during the Conference. It requires a second and is debatable. It requires a 2/3 vote to pass, unless at least one day’s notice is given of the attempt to rescind. If previous notice is given, only a simple majority is required to adopt.
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REFERRALS THAT DID NOT RESULT IN MOTIONS
- Referral # 4775 – Delegate Communication:
Suggestion to supply delegates (especially those who haven’t the opportunity to participate at Conference) earlier with information. We had an Area meeting June 21. The Delegate package received at the end of July. Hence no time to inform Area of Conference matters.
Suggestions: Provide delegates with Conference Report via email in a year the Conference was held and inform delegates about what information they need to submit to WSO.
Response: We have worked during the year with the World Service Office to address the mailing needs of foreign Delegates. We worked with the World Service Office to make Delegate mailings available electronically. We will continue to adapt as technology permits.
- Referral #4671 – Ice Cream Social. Last year, some members of Unity liked the idea. So let’s have one.
Response: It was researched with the hotel and found to not be financially feasible.
- Referral #4675 – Please update the PowerPoint presentation for New Delegate Orientation to (a) correct the name of the Literature, Chips & Format committee and (b) reflect the updated language on the WSM regarding Delegate responsibilities on Page 23. Thank You!
Response: We will make the recommended changes.
- Referral # 4300 – Change the Mock Debate, use something more realistic.
Response: What we are using is fine.
- Referral #4673 –
SR14 in the WSM requests information to be sent out to the fellowship at least 60 days prior to the conference for material that will be brought to the floor for consideration without a method of responding back to the committee in a matter conducive to the conference.
*yes, I could go to that group/committee.
*yes, it would be simpler if there was a point of contact for opinions.
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Response – The notice requirement of Standing Rule 14 is designed to allow members sufficient time to study and consider materials in order to arrive at the Conference prepared. If a member wishes to provide feedback to a committee prior to the Conference, the committee chair would seem to be the logical contact. If an additional contact point is desired, we would suggest your Regional Trustee, since every committee includes one or more members of the WSBT.
- Referral # 5353
Remove “How it Works” from the agenda, replacing with “We Can Recover.” We should read our own literature at the conference. * Also add “ Reaching Out” before the close of the conference.
Response – The chair sets the agenda for the Conference and has already added We Can Recover.
- Referral #5550 –
Conference Hotel contracts should include a late check-out clause for Sunday.
Response: Late Check Out is only available upon request of the guest and room availability. The normal check out time is 12:00 p.m. This hotel’s policy is to accommodate their guests to a max time of 2:00 p.m., when possible.
- Referral #5762
That the Conference institutes a bottomless cup of coffee like they do at the conventions. Then perhaps you could do away with telling us that coffee is not free.
Response – No action taken. The committee will look at offsetting the costs.
- Referral # 5773
Could you please correct the orientation Power Point presentation so the instead of “Chips & Literature” the committee list says “Literature, Chips and Format?”
Response – We will fix that, it is a housekeeping matter. Thank you.
- Referral # 5791
Please include some handicap rooms in the hotel room block for the conference.
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Response –Handicap rooms will be included in the room block at future Conferences.
- Referral # 5860
Proposal Submission to WSC 2008
I Introduction
The present WSC system of processing referrals and discussing and adopting proposals excludes CA groups and their members from any involvement in the decision making process. As a result of this the collective conscience of CA cannot be truly expressed and the ultimate authority cannot be fully exercised. As stated in Tradition 2 and Concept I both of these should lie with the groups. To ensure the survival and growth of Cocaine Anonymous the vital link between the CA groups and the WSC must be established. The following proposal is aimed at addressing this shortfall.
II Proposal
That the WSC appoint a committee to receive, review, modify and select referrals for inclusion on the agenda of the following year’s WSC.
- That the following WSC members be considered for inclusion in this committee: WSC chairperson, WSC co-secretaries, all WSC committee chairpersons and for guidance, support and continuity 2 WSBT members and the WSOB chairperson
- That WSC set a deadline for submission of referrals from the fellowship to this committee.
- That WSC set guidelines for the selection process of submitted referrals.
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d) That WSC give a name to the document containing the selected referrals to be sent out to the fellowship. A possible name could be “Questions for World Service Conference”
e) That WSC set a deadline for sending out “Questions for World Service Conference” to the fellowship. This date should allow sufficient time for groups to discuss the questions and pass on their conscience to their Delegates. A suggested deadline could be no later than the beginning of March to allow sufficient time to facilitate this discussion process.
f) That WSC decide on a manner of sending out the “Questions for World Service Conference” to the fellowship. A suitable method could be direct mailing to all WSC Delegates and inclusion in the first quarter edition of Newsgram.
III Additional background information
- Concept III gives the WSC and participating delegates the right of decision on how to vote and which questions it will deal with on its own responsibilities and which it will refer to the groups for opinion or for definite guidance. However Concept III also states that this should not be “an excuse for persistently failing to consult those who are entitled to be consulted before any important decision or action is taken” (The Twelve Concepts for World Service p15-16). In the present system the WSC persistently fails to consult the groups before important decisions are made and actions taken.
- Although Delegates can and should vote according to their own conscience there should be some means by which the Groups share their views on important issues prior to annual WSC meeting. Under the proposed system Delegates would arrive at the WSC knowing their groups’ views on the referrals included on the agenda for discussion and voting. Referring to Delegates, Concept IX states that “These are the direct agents of the CA groups, these are the primary representatives of CA’s group conscience” (The Twelve Concepts for World Service p36.)
- In the interest of transparency and trust, Delegates, as trusted servants, report back to the Groups in their respective Area Assemblies on how they voted regarding various proposals, and why. Under the proposed process, the groups would be in a far better position to hold Delegates to account as they have had the opportunity to view and discuss referrals and
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exercise their Ultimate authority and if needs be, in exceptional circumstances, to replace a delegate.
- The proposed alterations to WSC procedures would restore the vital link between the groups and the WSC. This link was in Bill W’s view vital for the survival of AA and in my view is just as vital for the survival of CA.
Response – No action taken at this time. The scope of this referral is very large and affects the fellowship as a whole. The resulting delays in responding to the needs of the fellowship in this manner may create more problems than they will solve. There are checks and balances in place at this time to address some of the concerns raised:
- In Response to the Introduction: Concept 2 States that the CA Groups delegate to the WSC the complete authority for the active maintenance of our world services and thereby make the Conference – excepting for any change in the 12 Traditions – the actual voice and the effective conscience for our whole fellowship.
- In Response to the Proposal: All participants have their own ideas on what are important issues and thus there are some remedies available to Delegates who feel they need to bring an item back to their group before voting. 1) Is move to have the Chair recognize an issue as falling under SR 14. 2) Any voting member may make a motion to refer back to the groups.
- In Response to Additional background Information: The 9th Concept states that Good service leaders, together with sound and appropriate methods of choosing them are at all levels indispensable for our future functioning and safety.
The Conference Committee makes great efforts to arm the Delegates with the tools that are needed to perform their job, which includes: Quarterly mailings (now available via e-mail). All SR 14 material to be brought to the Conference Floor. Daily Summaries available immediately following a Conference Session which may be brought back to the Area.
The 2nd Conference Charter states that Composition of WSC: The World Service Conference shall be composed of Area Delegates, the World Service Board of Trustees, Directors of the WSO, staff members of the WSO and any other members of the fellowship who wish to attend.
And last but not least, The Delegates job is a Spiritual one as outlined in the WSM. Please refer back to Concept 9. If there are problems at the Area level regarding Delegate’s performance, then the Regional Trustee should be consulted.
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We will take into consideration some of the suggestions put forth in the referral as we move forward as a committee.
NEW COMMITTEE STRUCTURE AS OF THIS CONFERENCE
Brian Tenenbaum – Committee Chair
Siobhan Ayer – Vice-Chair
Tammy Peacock – Coordinator
Lori Penrose – Co-Coordinator
Niki Drake – Secretary
CLOSING COMMENTS
In closing, please take the time to complete the evaluation form regarding this year’s Conference. In response to a referral, this committee has also created a Conference Participant Inventory form, which we feel will spiritually serve future Conferences. Please take the time to reflect individually on the questions found on this new form.
Wow – this was certainly a different experience chairing this committee. I got to experience a whole new set of character defects. I wish to bow before this committee for putting up with me at times, their psychotic chairperson. Their dedication, passion and support are shown in the direct results of how well the Conference has run, (at least in this psychotic’s view). I also wish to thank our very special trusted Trustee, the Queen Poobah, aka Kim Sherwan for the experience, wisdom and knowledge she brought to us rookies. Really, my deepest thanks to this committee on a job well done!
I would like to have Tammy Peacock announce location for the 2009 World Service Conference.
Finally, here’s to the Next 25 – may we all experience even more PTA – patience, tolerance and acceptance that is needed to continue the great work that you all perform at this Conference.
Respectfully Submitted:
Brian Tenenbaum – Conference Committee Chair
And the 2008 Conference Committee
2008 Conference Participant Inventory
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- As a participant in the Conference, what do you believe is the primary purpose of the Conference?
- As a participant in the Conference, how well do you believe the Conference fulfills its primary purpose?
- Often CA is not able to fully fund the activities that the Conference decides are important and there is an enduring cry for increasing donations. Does this get in the way of effectively carry a clear message of recovery?
The purpose of the inventory is that of personal reflection and growth. The conference committee will not be collecting any answers, data or responses. 
Dan Santa Maria – Thank you, for putting on a good show. I have a question in relation to a referral, #5681, which I agree with the request. I am going to ask a very pointed question. Do you believe that you would be where you are today if you had found the taking of an inventory impractical?
Brian Tenebaum – I have taken many.
John Whitaker – We have a literature rack out here and we have it in three languages. May we have the literature available in the different languages?
Brian Tenebaum – Yes.
Dan Santa Maria – Since you have found it not impracticable, would you say taking an inventory is beneficial?
Steve Edwards – You are making a personal question to a group conscience. Seeing no more questions, please help me in thanking them.
Up next is the WSOB.
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