OPENNING REPORT
C.A. WORLD SERVICE CONFERENCE 2009
World Service Office Board Report
INTRODUCTION AND OPENING COMMENTS:
It is once again a pleasure and our privilege to report to you on the status of YOUR World Service Office operations and special projects of the World Service Office Board of Directors (WSOB).
Thank you letting us be of service.
Communication, Coordination, Information, and Consensus is chiefly the concern expressed by the members of the WSOB in our last meeting held only 2 hours prior to this evening conference opening.
Flatly, we are faced with a shortfall in revenues, cash flow concerns, significant staffing, departmental and organizational restructuring looming large. As a result, you may expect some significant cuts to occur now and ongoing over the course of this week and the next fiscal year. More as to causes and conditions precipitating these changes later in this report and in the Treasurers report.
Of note, the specifics concerning one of our more pressing issues regarding HFCll, staffing matters, issues of finance and as it relates to Sales and the 7th tradition, which have substantially impacted our revenues this fiscal year, are covered in these, and I consider matters for serious, transparent and ongoing discussion between the boards. Sales revenues were substantially lower than could have been anticipated given the timing of economic conditions, as the global recession had not completely revealed it’s impact on public spending as of last years conference. Nevertheless, an anticipated deficit of 30k did not materialize, gratefully, and was largely aided once again by the superior performance of the World Service Convention in Denver Colorado this year. Additional, temporary, cost savings in the area of staffing with the departure of Taffy W. in the DOO position earlier this year.
We are tremendously proud of our staff and management and, although challenged by staff turnover recently, feel very fortunate to have each and every team member on-board this past year. Susan, Yvette, Tony, and Patty our continued thanks and praise for a job well done. This quarter Susan will depart
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our company and we offer our thanks and best wishes in all of her future endeavors. Yvette has been focused on following through with improving accounting procedures working directly with Oliver (our bookkeeper), Patty, Tom and Willie.
Much activity in the area of translations is occurring and the office is monitoring each project closely including CA.org in Spanish and the first submission of Farsi chips. New literature translations have been submitted for the approval process. New translated chips will hopefully be available at this conference, as well as seven new WSOB approved translated literature pieces. “Reg-Online” web based convention registration has been implemented for CAWS 2010. Work to complete the forthcoming meditation book has been significantly impacted by our staffing woes and availability of time, and is not likely to resume at full speed until operations management is sufficiently in place, to complete the compilation of this important new publication.
Our ongoing thanks and praise to Cynthia C. for continuing to serve as the editor of the Newsgram. Thank You Cynthia!! The quality of the Newsgram remains high, and as always, requires the full participation of the fellowship to provide new articles and other content. The WSBT’s help and support in this regard is appreciated.
Web operations were maintenanced sufficiently with little or no downtime for CA.org. Of note, a breach in ecommerce security was reported by Network Solutions that may have affected specific isolated transactions on CA.org. The issue was solely the responsibility of Network Solutions and could not have been prevented by any action or programming by this office. Those potentially affected were informed by Network Sol in writing. The CA Helpdesk project is close to being finished, and in fact was initially delayed only after some discussion about content that needed to be modified, but structurally the solution is in place and the WSOB will be working to assure that it will be launched in this quarter. Hayward has continued to coordinate this effort with Mike R. to finish this important task. Thanks Mike for another year as our webservant at CA.org.
The WSOB shall remain focused on all key issues including inventory, revision, production and distribution of HFC II, literature translation, vendor licensing, new/existing royalty agreements, The Newsgram, and Web Operations.
Composition of the WSOB
Thanks to the board for its ongoing dedication and service. Of note Teresa N. will rotate off the board this quarter. Thanks Teresa for the years of love and service you have offered to us for free and for fun! Additionally, Hayward H. rotates out of World Service as you know. We are privileged to have served with you. Richard L. will step down as secretary of the WSOB this quarter. Thank you, Richard, for your willingness to serve in this capacity. We look forward to your ongoing involvement as a director on the board going forward into the coming year. We
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are grateful to have Yvette H. and Barry J. to continue also. Needless to say, the selection of Tom as the incoming Chairperson leaves a vacancy in the Treasury position. This quarter, the WSBT will be considering Barry J.’s resume for this position.
Our own WSOB efforts to recruit continued to be challenged this year, but thankfully produced one very special resume from former director and WSOB Secretary Judy L. for consideration as a director. We are pleased to announce that the selection of Judy was ratified by the WSBT. Thank you. Per California Corporate Regulations, the WSOB did ratify each current director for the coming year.
Additionally, we congratulate and welcome Director of Operations Yvette Love to her new role in service to our fellowship. Please welcome her here tonight.
Our thanks as a fellowship are extended whole heartedly, to Patty Flanagan for a near decade of service to CAWSO, Inc. and the WSOB.
Referrals
All WSOB referrals for conference have been completed for our conference report by Teresa N. – see later in this report.
COMMITTEE INTRODUCTIONS:
John Bodkin – Chairperson
Teresa Neighbors – Vice-Chairperson
Richard Leve – Secretary
Tom Phelan – Treasurer
Barry Jacobs – Director at Large
Yvette Holman – Director at Large
Willie Bailey – World Service Office Trustee
Hayward Hunt – World Service Trustee
Yvette Love – Director of Operations
Patty Flanagan – Director of Resource and Project Development & sitting Director of Operations
Sub-Committee Chairs:
NewsGram Editor – Cynthia Cronkite
WebServant – Mike Ross
REFERRALS THAT WERE WORKED UPON DURING THE YEAR:
Referral # 5824/5075–Create Intl Flip Book
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- Answer: This should be sent to LCF
Referral # 5846–Provide info on how WSO takes care of sending out H&I material internationally.
- Answer: The line item for this has been removed from the current year budget
All requests are being filled under the line item starter kits and are done on a first come first serve basis.
Referral # 5844–Create platform to work w/ DRPD to make use of intl exp & info of CA members. Provide WSO with local info re: research carried out by local institutions on drug use, addiction, treatment. Use exp of CA members when starting meetings from scratch in countries where 12-step program not/little known. Support translation officer w/ exp w/ trans work & thru that support new mtngs who start translating. Want WSO to use exp of the fellowship.
- Answer: The DPPD was unable to work on this referral as our resources were used to temporarily fill the DOO position and we will be adding this to the DOO work for this year.
Referral # 5761–WSO accept attached Spanish translation of 2006 Conf approved PI Bus cards.
- Answer: Done.
Referral # 5763–WSO be proactive in seeking translations of conf approved bus cards in Fr, Dutch, German, etc. for inclusion on PI page of ca.org
- Answer: Thank you for your referral. We have been. The WSO has currently obtained translations for the PI business Card in French and Dutch and has provided them to the committee for their review and approval. We anticipate making them available once this process is complete. We continue to seek approved translations in all other languages that the fellowship serves and will continue to submit as those translations are obtained..
Referral # 5808–create doc or helpguide in how to begin mtng in foreign countries.
- Answer: same process as in USA
Referral # 5766–WSO craft statement re: WSPI Census–why we do it, what info used for, why important.
- Answer: The PI Committee already has a statement and we would not want to infringe upon their area of oversight.
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Referral # 5816–Website states “Fresno South” being part of PSR–should say PNR.
- Answer: We were unable to locate what the maker of this referral is referring to and request that the maker provide further information.
Referral # 5670–Make nicer year chips, similar to eternity.
- Answer: Thank you for your suggestion. We are constantly working to improve our products and services.
Referral # 5779– That the financing summarization of the WSO include “per group” & “per area” ratios w/ comparisons to prior years. Objective: reflect financial activity in a way that indiv. Groups/areas can identify with.
- Answer: A per group/per member statistic has been added to this year’s report.
Referral # 5230– “awareness month” concept. Concept could look at raising the awareness that one is not enough. Also might include local area/district/group collecting members “extra” dollar & send to WSO directly, so won’t get “held up” in area/district/group..
- Answer: Funds should not be getting “held up in area/district/groups” if each area/district/group is following the financial guidelines as set forth in the World Service Manual for cocaine Anonymous. As far as the concept of collecting “extra” dollars, each local area/district/group is autonomous, and could so choose to take up such a concept or not. If an area/district/group wants to embark on a campaign to have members donate “extra” dollars and send to WSO directly, it will be welcomed.
Referral # 5551– ” “Awareness Month” concept: could be a “celebrate Around the World” for World. Twice a year is not too much to put on an event.
- Answer: Celebrate Around the World is a fundraiser to help areas raise money so that they can send Delegates to the Conference, and is not designed to be a fundraiser for World, such as the World Service Convention is. Although the WSO is not currently adequately staffed to take on another large event in addition to our existing events, the WSOB is discussing possible options for a second annual fundraising event for World, which we hope to be able to implement sometime in the near future.
CLOSING COMMENTS:
Closing Remarks
This year I was fortunate enough to travel with Patty and Tom to the European Region on behalf of CAWSO and participate in several workshops and special events that proved to me that a higher power is most decidedly at work in our fellowship and in the world. Meeting members from Iran where new meetings have started this year, as well as visiting new groups as we did at the first ever
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Unity Day in Liverpool were high points of my service experience. Opportunities for our growth were only dreams at my first conference 14 years ago. I was struck by the theme for the event in Liverpool which proclaimed one of the simplest spiritual messages I know… “Let it Be”…
As I stood on the grounds of Winchester Cathedral by the headstone that Bill W. wrote of in Chapter one of the AA big book, that simple spiritual message rang through to me once again… Let it be. A higher power is at work in the world and in our fellowship. And when we allow that… When we suit up and show up, and “Trust The Process”, God’s miracles are boundless. Those of you, my friends, who know me, know that I have always trusted and still do.
This report is respectfully submitted. Thank you for letting me be of service.
John Bodkin
World Service Office Board Chairperson
| CAWSO, Inc. for year ended June 30, 2009 | ||
| P&L Analysis year vs year | FYE 2009 | FYE 2008 |
| Sales-Chips and Lit | $146,002.00 | $161,337.00 |
| Sales-Books | 75,046.00 | 85,109.00 |
| Merchandise Shipping | 31,303.00 | 36,841.00 |
| Sales Total | $252,351.00 | $283,287.00 |
| less- | ||
| Purchases-chips and Lit | $ 63,742.00 | $ 65,263.00 |
| Purchases-Books | 8,368.00 | 24,649.00 |
| Purchases-Miscellaneous | 2,497.00 | 2,162.00 |
| Merchandise Freight | 22,177.00 | 29,255.00 |
| Shipping Supplies | 1,464.00 | 2,092.00 |
| Cost of Goods Sold | $ 98,248.00 | $123,421.00 |
| Net Sales Revenue | $154,103.00 | $159,866.00 |
| CAWS Convention Revenue | $150,426.00 | $153,921.00 |
| CAWS Convention Expenses | 88,282.00 | 91,087.00 |
| Net Convention Revenue | $ 62,144.00 | $ 62,834.00 |
| 7th Tradition | $127,119.00 | $137,842.00 |
| 7th Tradition-Contrib Program | $ 19,853.00 | $ 25,101.00 |
| Total 7th | $146,972.00 | $162,943.00 |
| Royalties, Interest & Miscellaneous | $ 6,461.00 | $ 15,380.00 |
|
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||
| Total Net Revenues | $369,680.00 | $401,023.00 |
| Net Program Services | $247,604.00 | $251,183.00 |
| Administrative Expenses | 78,673.00 | 57,922.00 |
| Trustee Expenses | 40,007.00 | 48,337.00 |
| Committee Expenses | 20,412.00 | 17,162.00 |
| Net World Service Costs | $386,696.00 | $374,604.00 |
| Annual Cost Per member/group | $6.45/$194 | $6.24/$187 |
| Net Income/(Loss) | $ (17,016.00) | $ 26,419.00 |
Kurt Lynn: Why did the it change?
Tom Phelan: Had to do with our bookkeeping reclassification. The 7th tradition, we have 2 categories. The decline in the contribution is puzzling.
Peter Olsen: Is there an entry, is that a cost for the books?
Tom Phelan: Yes, they are.
Peter Olsen: What is the Internet, $6,500?
Tom Phelan: To register our copyrights in other countries.
Peter Olsen: What about regards to monies being held in other areas and districts?
Tom Phelan: We continue to be concerned about Areas retaining prudent reserves beyond their operating level.
Peter Olsen: Do you get information on what is held in the different regions?
Tom Phelan: We get rumors.
Peter Olsen: How do you respond?
Tom Phelan: Please.
Rose Jones: Thank you for the eternal chip. Will you have those for sale here?
Yvette Love: Yes.
Rose Jones: Thank you, I had one to give to Ruby Lemoine last Saturday for her husband.
Joy Hutcheson: Can you explain to the floor the difference between last year and this year, $43,430 in income in two years? Can you help the floor understand where the downfall is?
Tom Phelan: The change is due to 7th tradition decline.
John Bodkin: We are feeling the economic recession. It’s a large $40,000 difference that can be changed by you.
Kevin Murphy: Referrals are due by noon or by the end of the session. We have 10 committees to go through by 12:00 and it’s now 10:00.
Alan Shields: Is there any loss of income in foreign exchange?
Tom Phelan: There is a cost to convert. There is an exchange fee.
Alan Shields: The 7th tradition is net minus the fees?
Tom Phelan: Yes.
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Russell Sedman: There is a project to facilitate the European Region, with the restructure that is going on, will the project be shelved?
John Bodkin: No, it will not be shelved.
Patty Flanagan: The exit plan includes me working as a consultant on certain projects, that’s on the top of my list.
Russell Sedman: I think it’s fair to ask you, how is the relationship between the 2 Boards?
John Bodkin: Better. I appreciate your love and concern for a structure that does succeed. We will have minutes from our meeting yesterday. What we are discussing is in the hands of a High Power. We are making hard choices behind a shortfall.
Peter DeRaffaele: What is the difference in the accounts?
Tom Phelan: It’s a Money Market account. OY represents odd year and the amounts remaining the convention. There is an even year convention and odd year convention.
Ian Young: In the past 18 months, 2 years in the UK we’ve had trouble from members changing and Areas have struggled to address this. Could the WSO produce a couple paragraphs where the money goes that we can give our members?
John Bodkin: It helps to have these discussions. When those debates begin, we see a pulling back that affects our revenue. We have started in the Newgram to show how that can be utilized. It’s a great Idea. The answer is yes, make it a referral.
Edward Moore: I see a tremendous group in the European region. What is the office doing, or finance people, to understand the banking systems in other countries?
Tom Phelan: I traveled and met with banks to research this issue. It’s a challenge. Now Barry has brought up the idea of Paypal. This issue will need to be in place for convention in the UK in 2012. We welcome suggestions.
John Bodkin: Those pieces last night were in Dutch. The WSO meets twice monthly, 8 hours every month to discuss and try to change so many things. There are fees and money exchange which change every day. If anybody has ideas and knows what works in the transfer of international funds, please join the finance committee and help us.
Elizabeth Wise: I’m wondering how it is of service to CA that we have a single person with limited experience running the WSO?
John Bodkin: Anytime we talk about the structure, it’s about the most efficient way to go forward. We felt we had a course of action we felt we were following, we kind of know where we are at. Things came up that just changed, revenues. where it gave the Board an opportunity to act. None of us thinks this is a perfect set of circumstances, but thus we grow.
Elizabeth Wise: The position was suspended, and for how long? When will the office be operating at the level we anticipate?
John Bodkin: Change is hard. The Boards were given an opportunity to discuss this. Each and every member you see sitting here had an opportunity to discuss it. I’ve worked a long time with Patty. I’m sorry to see you go. A decision had
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to be made because this is a trend. There is a suspension of the departmental function. It’s our goal to re-staff it in the future.
Earnest Martin: I’d like to thank you for your service. Can we contribute through the purchase of books etc.?
Yvette Love: Overpayments show as being made. You can use it within 90 days or it becomes a 7th Tradition. There are many, many ways to contribute.
Earnest Martin: Where are we in here? I encourage you to take the Newgram and share it with your group.
Peter DeRaffaele: Why do we spend so much in freight?
Tom Phelan: Please sit in on the finance committee.
Kevin Murphy: Thank the WSOB. I also would like to thank John Bodkin, Therese Neighbors, Hayward Hunt and Miss Patty.
Susan Bredau: Motion: to reconsider the motion to rescind the motion from last year.
Kevin Murphy: We will address this motion after the break.
Susan Bredau: Motion: to reconsider the motion to rescind the motion from last year regarding the wording of “How it Works”. Second.
BREAK
Kevin Murphy: Please come to order. We have more items on the agenda than we counted on.
Kevin Murphy: speak to your motion as to why it should be reconsidered?
Susan Bredau: speaks for the motion. As a Delegate, my dilemma is weighing the greater good. 9th concept of Trustees vs. group conscience. I have to believe the selection process for Trustees works. Also means that our Trustees have the greater good of the fellowship in mind. We all have the right to make mistakes and go back and correct those mistakes. The debate may have been cut short. I don’t want to go back, but go forward. They will take into consideration the group conscience in 2008 and uphold whenever possible. I would rather err on the side of “the process works” than “I’m not happy with the process so let me interfere with it.”
Kevin Murphy: Vice Chair will explain this motion.
Tony Drake: The motion to rescind would be considered a live motion and then we would vote on the underlying motion.
Earnest Martin: Does it go back to the original format? Is there a possibility of that happening here today?
Kevin Murphy: motion being rescinded to read…..(insert from previous motion).
Cynthia Cronkhite: Parliamentary Inquiry – debate to speak as to reasons.
Kevin Murphy: you are correct that is what Robert’s Rules says but it has been a long standing tradition to not discuss the underlying motion.
Cynthia Cronkhite: speaks against the motion. Were we to rescind that language it would put the WSBT and WSOB could not then re-add the original language.
Duane Miller – speaks against motion. It is unnecessary at this time. The question is already in public domain.
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David Booth: speaks against the motion. I don’t believe the conference has that much time to debate this issue.
Brian Schlenker: speaks against the motion. We did due process and the majority rules.
Kurt Lynn: Point of Information – reference to the statement that this is already public domain.
Kevin Murphy: Public domain – it is believed that the Big Book
Joy Hutcheson – Point of Order – we are now discussing the main motion.
Kevin Murphy: You are correct. Kurt, you are out of order.
Yvette Holman: Call for the vote. Second.
Kevin Murphy: Motion to close debate passes unanimously. Motion to reconsider the motion to rescind passes by a vote of 64-52. We now have a motion on the floor.
MOTION: To revise the fourth paragraph of “How It Works” as follows:
To revise the 4th paragraph of “How It Works”, as follows: “Remember that we deal with cocaine [insert new language]”and all other mind altering substances” [end new language] cunning, baffling and powerful. Without help, it is too much for us. But there is one who has all power, that one is God. May you find him now. Half measures availed us nothing. We stood at the turning point. We asked His protection and care with complete abandon.”
Kevin Murphy: if you would like to discuss the motion, please get in line when identified.
Tony Drake: Please be mindful that if your point has already been expressed, please feel free to sit down.
Marc Harvey – Parliamentary Inquiry – Robert’s Rules of Order – Actions that cannot be rescinded. My understanding that the language that was approved last year has already been used for the 4th printing.
Kevin Murphy: The motion to rescind would rescind the wording going forward, not attempting to pull ink off the page.
Michael Chiki: speaks against the motion. Trustees have a meeting in 2 weeks. We have empowered them to deal with this issue and bring this back to the floor. It would be a disservice to the Conference at this time.
Susan Bredau: What will the international implications of the meeting with AA would mean? Would we have international approval of any language or only in US and Canada putting us back in the same boat?
Kim Sherwan: I’m not sure that we have an appropriate answer at this time but will present at the meeting.
Niki Drake: Motion to limit debate to 3 for and 3 against. Second.
Kevin Murphy: Requires 2/3 vote with no debate. Motion to limit debate passes with minor opposition. I will state that I will also limit the number of questions to 3 also.
Marty Douglas: Parliamentary Inquiry – How does it stand regarding the words “all mind altering substances”? Is it in or out.
Kevin Murphy: inserting the mind altering substances – if this motion passes, we will go back to “cunning, baffling, powerful”
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Simone Talton – Parliamentary Inquiry – would it be possible to request a friendly amendment so that the Trustees can act should they get approval as a result of their meeting.
Kevin Murphy: you will have to wait your place in line to make such amendment.
Edward Moore – speaks in favor of the motion. Why does CA need approval of AA? Seems prudent to wait and see what the results of the meeting will be – first things first.
Paul Mears – What differences does it make if you are asking about “Cocaine and all mind altering substances”
Kim Sherwan: it is the desire of the Trustees that we honor the conscience of the floor. We do have the freedom of action and authority to move forward that way. If we rescind this motion, we will consider what happened in 2008.
Jason Laurence – speaks against motion. We need to seek approval from AA, it seems like a weak position to go to AA with piecemeal changes to be made.
Dwight Johnson: speaks for the motion.
Duane Miller: speaks against the motion. Any action to rescind our previous vote would not be a good idea. This is a business decision and we should proceed in the best interest of this fellowship.
Cynthia Cronkhite: speaks against the motion. Motion made last year was based on erroneous information. However, it has now been revealed that we weren’t able to make the original changes. Now AA is saying that we can use the language as written in the Big Book. The way the Conference the expresses itself through motion. This was a substantive change to the LCF procedures last year. I don’t believe that the Trustees have the authority on their own to insert this language. I don’t want to see us have to come back next year to re-add the language.
Bill Burmeier: speaks in favor of the motion. Clearly there is new information since the motion was passed last year. This has great impact. It is in our interest to give the Trustees the best possible bargaining chips, the best possible tools. Part of the amends process is to demonstrate change. We are going to look at where we made the original mistake and work from there.
Kevin Murphy: we have time for 2 questions.
Willie Bailey: Point of Order – is it appropriate to make statements when he should be asking a question?
Earnest Martin: Are you going to work towards not having “alcohol” in “How it Works” in our literature?
Kim Sherwan: You must understand that for 25 years, we have embraced this literature as it is currently written. it is our intention to make amends and passionately our needs, wants, desires to make those changes and hopefully get their blessing.
Yvette Holman: Can you as the WSBT, after meeting, make executive decision to change the wording at that time or does it have to happen here?
Kim Sherwan: taking into consideration the group conscience of the 2008 conference, we plan to move forward in an appropriate way that serves the Conference Floor.
Kevin Murphy: debate has concluded.
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Cynthia Cronkhite: Parliamentary Inquiry – is it correct if a motion to rescind passes, the motion rescinded is considered to have failed?
Kevin Murphy: it is considered to have its passage revoked. A motion to reconsidered fails may be rescinded. In the affirmative cannot be reconsidered.
Cynthia Cronkhite: if this passes, then the 2008 motion fails
Kevin Murphy: prepare to vote.
Margie Maneard: Parliamentary Inquiry – can we make a motion today to have Trustees to make decision today.
Kevin Murphy: probably better in their report. We will take a counted vote. Motion to rescind passes 80-58. We are now at our agenda item of Committee Reports. We will hear from the IT committee right now.
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