CLOSING REPORT
C.A. WORLD SERVICE CONFERENCE 2011
Literature, Chips and Format REPORT
INTRODUCTION AND OPENING COMMENTS
The Literature, Chips & Format Committee continues to have a consistent international presence with members from the United States, Canada and the United Kingdom, who have afforded our committee a broad and International perspective. We welcome four new members to our committee this year and we are engaged and ready to work throughout 2011-12 to fulfill our committee’s mission. We enjoyed rich, passionate discussion on two 2010 post-Conference referrals, and 22 referrals submitted at this year’s Conference, 6 of which were referred to other committees. We are excited and prepared to continue our mission to facilitate the expression of our Fellowship’s Hope, Faith and Courage through the writing of material for distribution.
Thank you for your feedback on our SR14 materials. After reviewing and discussing that feedback, we decided to remove Suggestions for Recovery and Relapse Prevention from the projects chart. The First 30 Days has been returned to subcommittee.
We are eager to begin work on the following projects in committee this coming year:
Approved Page 79 of 137
These projects are pamphlets unless otherwise indicated:
- 12 Principles
- 12 Step Workbook
- 12 Steps & 12 Traditions Book
- Anonymity
- Crank/Methamphetamines
- Meditation Book
- Recovery for the Disabled
- Suggestions for Recovery
- The 7th Tradition
- The First 30 Days
- Tips for Staying Clean & Sober
- To The Newcomer
- We Can Recover Format
- Young People in Recovery
- Meeting In A Pocket Card
We have scheduled our first bi-monthly conference call and will continue to welcome new members.
2010 -11 Committee Introductions:
Chair: Jeanette J.
Vice Chair: Kellie F.
Co-Secretaries: Jason L., Mike S.
WSBT Members: Richard L., Joy H.
WSOB Liaison: Tom P., Elizabeth S., and Bob C.
Publications Liaison: Cynthia C.
Approved Page 80 of 137
Members:
- Allison M.
- Audz J.
- Caroline B.
- Ernest M.
- Julie P.
- Larry B.
- Luana S.
- Mike A.
- Tom P.
- Simone T.
- Susan D.
- Vicky M.
- Yves W.
- Krista B.
Projects Update:
The Publications Liaison works with LCF and the World Service Office to coordinate the flow of material through the C.A. Pamphlet Publication Process set forth in the LCF Guidelines. At the time the position was created in 2010, there were pieces dating as far back as 2004 which had not yet been properly published. We are pleased to report that significant progress has been made over the last several months.
In late June of this year, the WSOB approved a basic pamphlet template to be used for all pamphlets, which the WSO is starting to print in-house. Having a template simplifies the layout process significantly and will also help insure a uniform appearance for all of our literature. Once the template was approved, several rounds of test printing were necessary to make sure that the margins and formatting all looked ‘just right’ when printed at the Office. On August 8, 2011 the ‘tweaking’ was completed and the
Approved Page 81 of 137
Publications Liaison was able to move forward with the layout process. Since that time, layouts for the following pieces have been delivered to the WSO and signed off on by the LCF trustee:
Cocaine Anonymous Self-Test (revised version approved by the 2010 WSC); Tips for Staying Clean & Sober (revised version approved by the 2004 WSC);and Yes, You Can Start a C.A. Meeting (new piece approved by the 2007 WSC).
There is still an existing supply of the Self-Test and Tips, so in accordance with current WSOB policy the new pamphlets will not be printed until the current stock is depleted. Since Yes, You Can is a new piece, it will be added to the order form and online store and made available to the fellowship in the near future.
At this time, the new pamphlet Dos & Don’ts for 12th-Step Calls for Addicts (approved by the 2008 WSC) is being reviewed by the LCF Proofreading Subcommittee. It is anticipated that Dos & Don’ts will be delivered and signed off on by the end of September. The only other pamphlet awaiting a new layout is Choosing Your Sponsor, which was revised by the 2008 WSC. The Newcomer Booklet will also need to be reformatted to include the updated version of Choosing Your Sponsor.
The Publications Liaison is also going to be working with the webmaster to insure that the current version of each pamphlet appears on the ‘virtual literature rack’ on ca.org. At this time the following pamphlets are awaiting web publication:
| Project | Last of Last Conference Action |
| C.A. is Also for the Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual or Transgendered Addict | 2009 |
| Choosing Your Sponsor | 2008 |
| Cocaine Anonymous Self-Test | 2010 |
| Dos and Don’ts for 12th-Step Calls for Addicts | 2008 |
Approved Page 82 of 137
| Project | Last of Last Conference Action |
| Reaching Out Card | 2009 |
| Tips for Staying Clean & Sober | 2004 |
| To the Newcomer | 2007 |
|
Yes, You Can Start A C.A. Meeting |
2007 |
The initial scope of the Publications Liaison position was recently expanded to include converting all of the existing pamphlets to the new template. Since the layout conversions will be treated as housekeeping and are therefore not subject to the Publications Process, they should move forward fairly quickly. We are working off a priority list based on how soon each piece will likely need to be printed. A target date has been set to complete the conversion by the end of 2011.
As the conversion progresses, the Publications Liaison is putting together a ‘literature bank’ containing the most recent version of each piece so the Office will have all the necessary files at its fingertips for publication and translation purposes. Until that file structure is complete, the Publications Liaison will continue working with the Office to provide source material as needed.
We are excited about the progress being made, none of which would have been possible without a team effort. The LCF Committee is extremely grateful to our Director of Operations, Linda, our WSOB Liaisons, Elizabeth, Bob and Tom, and our trustees, Richard and Joy, for their dedication and hard work. We look forward to continuing our forward momentum and especially to that happy day when all of C.A.’s literature is up to date!
COMMITTEE WORK THAT RESULTED IN MOTIONS
Approved Page 83 of 137
Jeanette J.: MOTION: to suspend the rules to except the Meeting In a Pocket from the 12-point approval process. Second.
Tony D.: Not debatable and requires 2/3 majority. Motion passes with substantial unanimity.
Kellie F.: MOTION: to approve the Meeting in a Pocket as set forth in Attachment A. Second.
Tony D.: Would care to speak to your motion?
Kellie F.: Not at this time.
Jennifer S.: Can you tell the floor what changes were made since this was submitted in the SR14 mailing?
Kellie F.: Originally we set out a 3-fold document and we realized that we had the ability to go to 4-fold, 5 page panel by outsourcing it. We were advised that the costs would be reasonable and it would give every single reading that would be similar to the Meeting in a Pocket. We would have the readings that are mentioned in the meeting format.
Roy R.: With the problems with AA, speak against the motion, that we should be sticking with more CA related readings.
Eric T.: I believe in last year’s Trustee report, AA asked us, if that we were going to use their literature, that we would use their provided disclaimer. Is this the disclaimer?
Kellie F.: All the appropriate disclaimers are provided on this piece.
Cynthia C.: Speak in favor of motion. Background – in beginning, the original Meeting in a Pocket was pulled because it contained How it Works. We have since included other readings. What happened prior to getting into Committee was we decided to not include any AA publications. What came out of discussions in Committee, we were unintentionally sending a message that certain publications shouldn’t be used any more. So we wanted to include
Approved Page 84 of 137
everything. We were told by Board Liaisons, we have permission to reprint these materials. All of these readings are previously approved materials.
Joy H.: We have written permission to reprint The Promises and A Vision For You from AA WSO.
Jason L.: I speak in favor but would like everyone to know that these pieces are not adapted in any way.
Eric T.: I speak against the motion. I would love to see us use solely our own literature.
Roy R.: I speak against the motion. I understand that we are allowed to print it but it…never mind.
Richard S.: I speak in favor of the motion. I like having all the readings.
Kim S.: Point of Information – I have in front of me correspondence from AA regarding The Promises and I’m not sure that what is being reported is correct. Kellie F.: That is a publication issue, not an LCF issue and will be addressed as such.
Brian T.: Speak in favor of the motion and love having all the readings.
Donald H.: Speak in favor of motion because as mentioned all readings are already being used. So why even debate?
Elizabeth S.: We received wonderful feedback from SR14 and gave us an opportunity to add additional readings. In some discussions, it was understood that there are urban areas that literature and chips don’t get there. With Meeting in A Pocket, they can pull this out and have all the readings right at their fingertips. Our primary purpose is to carry the message to addict who still suffers.
Roy R.: Friendly Amendment….
Tony D.: Roy, we have long standing history of not editing pieces from the floor. Kellie F.: These are optional readings. If you don’t like a particular reading, don’t read it. Someone spoke is our meeting and said that this is the only thing they
Approved Page 85 of 137
had to read in prison. They would pass around and have meetings from this Meeting in A Pocket.
Paul M.: Speaking against the motion.
Ernest M.: I speak in favor of motion because I come from an area where people push shopping carts into meetings. If it’s not on the literature, how can you use it? The readings are optional. Everyone here has a choice and we are here for CA as a whole. No one should be denied.
Bill H.: speak in favor of the motion. I remember my first CA meeting – because of the real coffee, the warmth from everyone in meeting and I remember The Promises and the chill it gave me to hear that. Didn’t matter if it was AA or CA, it was the words that touched me. As long as we have proper disclaimers, it speaks to everyone.
Eric T.: Speak against the motion but want to say thank you to the LCF committee. I love the idea of Meeting in a Pocket, but cannot accurately vote on this motion because if I’m not mistaken, there was a provided disclaimer by AA that was about a paragraph long and will it now fit in there. Mark C.: Call the question. Second.
Tony D.: Motion carried with substantial unanimity. Original motion carried with substantial unanimity.
REFERRALS THAT RESULTED IN MOTIONS
- Referral #6539 New Pamphlet on 12 Traditions and 12 Concepts
To create a pamphlet/booklet that clearly illustrates the 12 Traditions and 12 Concepts (Illustrated 12 Traditions pamphlet from AA)
Julie P.: MOTION: to approve the concept of an illustrated pamphlet/booklet that addresses the Traditions and Concepts. Second. Tony D.: Would you like to speak to your motion?
Approved Page 86 of 137
Julie P.: Not at this time.
Tony D.: Seeing no discussion. Motion carries unanimously.
REFERRALS OR ITEMS TABLED UNTIL NEXT YEAR; AND ITEMS THE COMMITTEE WILL CONTINUE WORKING ON THROUGH THE YEAR
Referral #5618 Comments on Recovery and Relapse and First 30 Days Pamphlets
- “Recovery and Relapse”. In general the changes are for the better and much thought had gone into it. However the group would like our delegate to raise at Conference that the header “Don’t stuff feelings and thoughts” had little meaning in the UK and perhaps revise something like “don’t stuff/suppress feelings” which may internationalize this item.
- “The First 30 days” pamphlet. As we continued to work. That paradigm needs to work done on grammar, please could it be looked at again.
Response to Referral #5618
First 30 Days
Based upon a number of feedback items received for this piece we have decided to return it to our sub-committee for further work.
REFERRALS OR ITEMS REFERRED TO OTHER COMMITTEES; WORLD SERVICE OFFICE, OR BOARD OF TRUSTEES
Referral #6772 Phone Application for HFC
Approved Page 87 of 137
Last year, I mentioned why don’t we have an application for HFC on our phones? This would be just like the Big Book Applications which are available. This could be beneficial financially as well.
– Referred to WSOB
Referral #5617 Pamphlet re Reaching out to the Deaf and Hard of Hearing using British sign language
Please produce a version of the pamphlet “reaching out to the deaf and hard of hearing” that uses British sign language (BSL). This would make the pamphlet useful for the UK fellowship. Currently the only pamphlet available uses American sign language.
– Referred to WSOB
Referral #6592 French name for Cocaine Addict
Should we change the term “Cocaine Addict” (cocainomane) in the French literature to “Toxicomane”?
– Referred to WSOB
Referral #6770 Housekeeping in the Appendix of WSM
The new WSM is lovely, thank you. But we still need some housekeeping to the
Appendix:
-transgendered should be transgender
-do’s and don’ts of should be do’s and dont’s for
-fun in recovery should be Having Fun in Recovery
-self test should be Cocaine Anonymous Self Test
Approved Page 88 of 137
– Referred to S&B
Referral #6793 Long Form of 12 Traditions adopted for CA use
Is it possible to have the 12 Traditions in the long form adopted? I believe this would help members learn more about traditions!
– Referred to WSBT
Referral #6213 CA Tri-plate Colored Medallion
We would like to proposed to the LCF Committee to make a triplate colored CA Medallion- similar to the AA triplate meditation that members can wear in a Medallion holder. The Medallion would include sobriety years from 1 year -28 years (the birthday of CA each year) – sample artwork was attached to the referral.
– Referred to WSOB
REFERRALS THAT DID NOT RESULT IN MOTIONS
Post Conference Referral #6454
Change the name of the pamphlet “Cocaine Anonymous Self-Test” to “Self-test for Addiction.”
Response to Post Conference Referral #6454
Based on SR14 responses the naming of the Cocaine Anonymous Self Test was reviewed and revised during the 2010 Conference ‘Break-out’ session. It was decided by the committee to change the proposed title from ‘Self Test for Cocaine Anonymous’ to its current wording. It was discussed and explained on the Conference floor with regard to position and message on our literature tables.
Approved Page 89 of 137
The title was changed because this is either going to be in literature or PI rack and we wanted it to be eye catching. The spirit is not really about whether or not you are an addict, but whether or not CA is right for you. It is very easily identifiable content for the newcomer. We suggested this language as a compromise and our WSBT approved this language. The test is not so much about determining whether the reader is an addict (of any variety), but whether he or she has a problem for which Cocaine Anonymous may have a solution. The current version was approved on the Conference floor last year, with a vote of 94 to 27. The piece is currently in at Point 5 of the Publication process. A layout has been delivered to the World Service Office and will be printed shortly, at their discretion. Based on the above, we do not intend to take any action with regard to this referral.
Post Conference Referral #6483
Once a pamphlet, book or reading has completed the LCF approval process, it may not be changed/ altered for 3-5 years. This will minimize confusion in our fellowship.
Response to Post Conference Referral #6483
This referral calls for a moratorium to be placed on literature for an unspecific period of time.. This would effectively deny our democratic process the freedom to act. It would take away not only the Literature Chips & Format Committee’s Rights of Decision and Participation, Concepts 3 and 4, but also those of the Conference and therefore our Fellowship as a whole.
We understand the maker of this referral has a wish to limit confusion. We believe that the application of any such moratorium, to achieve that end, would set a dangerous precedent that could be applied not only to the work of the Literature Chips & Formats Committee but also to the work of all the World Service Conference Committees.
Approved Page 90 of 137
Development and revision of our literature is carried out under comprehensive guidelines and the Standing Rules of Conference which allow for the voice of our fellowship to be heard through referral and delegated authority. So as to maximize the efficiency of the LCF we would very much appreciate an early response to pieces in the SR14 mailing.
The LCF will at all times respond to the wishes of our Fellowship. Mutual trust is the basis of responsibility and the effective leadership that affords the discharge of our Primary Purpose.
Based on the reasons given we will be taking no action at this time.
Referral #5618 Comments on Recovery and Relapse and First 30 Days Pamphlets
- “Recovery and Relapse”. In general the changes are for the better and much thought had gone into it. However the group would like our delegate to raise at Conference that the header “Don’t stuff feelings and thoughts” had little meaning in the UK and perhaps revise something like “don’t stuff/suppress feelings” which may internationalize this item.
- “The First 30 days” pamphlet. As we continued to work. That paradigm needs to work done on grammar, please could it be looked at again.
Response to Referral #5618
- Suggestions for Recovery and Prevention of Relapse
Approved Page 91 of 137
Based on SR14 feedback and further consideration, it is apparent that there are a number of pieces containing similar content. The committee will be removing it from the projects chart.
- The First 30 Days
Please be assured that the grammar in this piece will be addressed during the professional editing and proof reading process. Please also be aware that based upon a number of feedback items received for this piece we have decided to return it to our sub-committee for further work.
Referral #5620 Remove part of Reaching Out Reading
To remove “Reaching out” reading in reference to the third paragraph. This refers specifically to removing the paragraph at the end which speaks about forgiving myself.
Response to Referral #5620
Reaching Out is a very heartfelt, thought-provoking reading. The third paragraph of this reading is very important in stressing the significance of forgiveness, specifically forgiving ourselves. It is our experience that without this, it can be difficult to grow in our sobriety. It is the position of this Committee that no changes be made to the reading Reaching Out at this time.
Referral #6247 Changes to We Can Recover in part
To change the wording in the reading “We Can Recover” from “those of us who are recovering” to “those of us who have recovered” and for that matter anywhere our readings where the word recovery is used.
Response to Referral #6247
Approved Page 92 of 137
Thank you for your referral. Further to discussion, we have concluded that recovered and recovering are subjective terms and we will not be taking action at this time.
Referral #6248 Removal of Reaching Out reading from Meeting in a Pocket To remove “Reaching Out” Reading from Meeting in a Pocket.
Response to Referral #6248
The reading ‘Reaching Out’ has been taken from our story, “From Candy to Cocaine” in HFC and can be found on page 127, (copyright 1993). Due to its content, the reading offers identification and raises a great deal of emotional response. It contains a promise of growth. The reading is also considered to include a Cocaine Anonymous pledge to help the addict that still suffers. Reading of this piece in your meeting is optional and the ‘Suggested Participation Meeting Format’ also offers the use of ‘The Promises’ and ‘A Vision For You’. We are not removing ‘Reaching Out’ from ‘Meeting in a Pocket’ at this time.
Referral #6396 Renaming LGBT Pamphlet
That the LGBT pamphlet be renamed “CA is for everyone”. Creating niche specific literature contains a potential threat that can easily be avoided with this. The problem is that CA could be open to a lawsuit if we refused a group their own pamphlet. Just because AA has one doesn’t mean we need one.
Response for Referral #6396: For the C.A. is also for the Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual or Transgender Addict pamphlet to be renamed “C.A. Is for Everyone” would require that the pamphlet be rewritten. As such, a name change does not seem appropriate. It is the position of this Committee that no change be made to the name of the pamphlet.
Approved Page 93 of 137
Referral #6556 Comments re: We Can Recover reading
It is rather presumptive to state that a person did not come into CA looking for God. You really don’t know why a person came to CA. More importantly does it really matter? To single God out is counter-productive. Does this mean it’s OK not to find him? The literature states to find God and to find him now.
Response to Referral #6556: This suggestion was discussed in 2010 when We Can Recover was under revision. The committee decided last year, and continues to believe, that this sentence should not be changed.
Referral #6565 HFCII Title
Please explain why our HFC Book was re-titled as HFCII for our second edition rather than just being ‘Hope Faith & Courage’ second edition. The Edition update process as utilized by the book ‘Alcoholics Anonymous’ seems to have worked extremely well.
Response to Referral #6565: The second book was designated Volume II because so much of the content was changed. All but one of the stories are different from the first book and the literature sections were updated and rearranged. This is very different from what A.A. does in publishing a new edition. With our HFC books, the second does not ‘replace’ the first, it supplements it.
Referral #6588 HFCII Format
Please review the format of our HFC(II) book. Sales and interest in the current publication is very low in our area/region. This issue was raised during a recent WSBT to WSOB meeting by Randy G. (SWRT), who suggest moving additional readings to the front of the book. Could we incorporate the CA 12 step workbook* so as to create a ‘CA Basic Text’?
*under development.
Approved Page 94 of 137
Response for Referral #6588: Thank you for your suggestion. There is an update to HFC II in progress at the WSO which may generate some renewed interest in the book. We do not believe the Step Workbook will be completed in time to consider including it in this update. Once the Workbook is further along in the book approval process, we will explore publishing options. A CA basic text would be a separate book concept requiring Conference approval.
Referral #6766 Pamphlet: How to Start a CA Meeting”
In our time of need for money and more meetings what happened to the pamphlet “How to Start a CA Meeting.” I think this would be an item that would be of significant value to the fellowship.
Response to Referral #6766: We are delighted to report that “Yes, You Can Start a C.A. Meeting” has been delivered to the WSO and is ready to print. Please contact the Office for ordering information and availability.
Referral #5613 Probation Chips
CA Wednesday Dorchester would like it if CA Conference considered introducing probation chips. I have noticed that new-comers who are on probation are asking for probation chips but we are unable to produce them because we don’t have them in CA as a whole. Motion, that CAWS produce another chip, aimed at new-comers sent by the criminal justice system (probation), to be called “the probation chip”.
Response for Referral #5613: Thank you for your referral, The LCF committee believes that the Newcomer Chip is adequate to recognize new people in recovery in the fellowship of Cocaine Anonymous. Creating a chip for a special interest group directly conflicts with our Tradition 1; Unity, & Tradition 12;
Approved Page 95 of 137
Anonymity. In the spirit of unity, we believe the Newcomer chip allows all new members an equal beginning. We want members to feel a part of regardless of their particular circumstances.
Referral #6607 New Pamphlet to Address Different Ethnic, Religious, Social, Racial, Sexual, Economic Varieties
Create a pamphlet that speaks to the many different ethnic, religious, social, racial, sexual and economic varieties of the fellowship of CA. Many of us came to CA but feel we are “different”, some of us are handicapped or disabled, some have ‘grave emotional disorders’ and still others have issues which make them feel different or not able to fit in. Perhaps the pamphlet could be entitled ‘CA WELCOMEAS YOU!’ It is not possible or practical for LCF to create pamphlets for every group who feels different or marginalized. However, I do feel it is important to attempt to address these with a larger brush stroke and speak to all who feel different. In the spirit of Unity and to ensure the future growth of C to hello make all new members feel welcome and “part of.” In fact it is an integral part of our 5th tradition. CA can grow and welcome new members from all races, religions creeds, colours, sexes and sexual orientations: from all social and economic backgrounds. From the park bench to Park Avenue. We are a group who could not normally mix and yet to survive WE MUST.! My great hope is this pamphlet will address many questions raised and fears and concerns not spoken, but yet asked by each one of these marginalized members “Do i belong here and am I welcome here?” with this we can answer empathetically YES!!
Response to Referral #6607: LCF has conferred with the maker of this referral and agreed that a more complete draft will be submitted at a later date.
Referral # 6784 Basic text for CA?
I would like to see a basic text for CA. Could we compile the items we have to start a creation of a basic text? I believe that having a basic text would really help our fellowship financially as well as independently. I love the AA Big Book
Approved Page 96 of 137
and I try to follow the directions to the letter, but I would really love to try following my directions from a CA Basic Text equivalent.
Response to Referral #6784:Thank you for your referral, due to our limited volunteer resources, lengthy project chart, and financial situation LCF does not believe we can responsibly move forward with a project of this magnitude.
Referral #6796 In-Between-Months Chips
I’d like the fellowship to consider offering the ‘in-between’ months, chips i.e.: 4 months, 5 months, 7 months, 8 months, 10 months, 11 months. It could also be another way to generate revenue.
Response to Referral #6796: This concept was discussed at length and with a unanimous vote decided the current structure of how we give and receive chips is a good process for acknowledging and maintaining sobriety. The increasing gap between when chips are given and when they are received works well and has done so for more than 25 years. No further action was taken.
NEW COMMITTEE STRUCTURE AS OF THIS CONFERENCE
Chair: Kellie F.
Vice-Chair: Julie P.
Co-Secretaries: Earnest M., and Mike S.
Publications Liaison: Cynthia C.
WSOB Liaisons: Elizabeth S. & Bob C.
CLOSING COMMENTS
We look forward to working together via e-mail and conference calls throughout the coming year. If you see a piece on our projects list that you’d like to work on,
Approved Page 97 of 137
we could definitely use your help. In the future, when submitting referrals for projects, the committee would be much assisted by the fellowship if draft proposals or content suggestions are submitted with the referral. The more of your ideas we receive, the more the finished product will help reflect the diversity of our fellowship. You don’t know what fun is until you’ve experienced the thrill of writing and editing a new piece with half a dozen other addicts! On a personal note, the first year I came to conference as a non-delegate. The service junkie I am, I joined LCF and was elected Secretary. I’ve been engaged in the LCF mission every since. This was not my intent. I’ve grown tremendously over the past five years and thank the WSOB, the WSBT, the WS Conference delegates and especially LCF for the spiritual experience! Thank you for allowing me and the Committee to be of service.
Respectfully Submitted:
Jeanette J.
LCF Chair
Tony D.: Any questions for LCF to the microphone?
Melissa L.: You have a list of some publications on virtual rack that are not on the hard copy rack? Can you explain why?
Cynthia C.: The pieces at beginning of report are in approval process and the ones awaiting web publication have already been approved.
Russell S.: Regarding the AA reading, the reading that was approved and amended years ago, makes me wonder which is the correct version? I think this also in the H&I guidelines.
Jeannette J.: We will absolutely look into that and verify.
Tony D.: Thank you LCF Committee and next up is the WSBT.
Approved Page 98 of 137