On my agenda, it brings us to New Business.
Dan Sadur – MOTION: To rescind the Motion #3A on Page 5 of the Convention Committee report adopted on Friday by the Convention Committee. Read the motion regarding 3 separate registration lines.
Second.
Steve Edwards – reads the motion. Would you like to speak to your motion?
Dan Sadur – Speaks in favor of motion. I feel very strongly that this serves no one at a convention but it does segregates a group of addicts possibly subjects them to discrimination.
Robin Long – Point of Order – he is speaking to the motion, not the motion to rescind.
Kevin Murphy – if this is passed, there is no discussion on the main motion. Therefore, because of that you can then discuss the main motion having no other alternative.
Dan Sadur – I believe it can be challenged under discrimination policies. Fail to see how the intent of this motion could help anyone. I don’t see the original benefit of the motion.
Barry Haynes – there was substantial unanimity on the vote on the floor. On Page 34 of the WSC Convention Guidelines, there is a note that says that these guidelines are suggestions. There was a lot of discussion about separation, etc that had nothing to do with this motion. This was about getting people through the Registration process and get them into convention. We are trying to limit, restrict and debate to what the Host City should be doing. I have been to many conventions and I have absolutely no special memories of being in the registration line. I do remember on Sunday when we have our banquet and our speaker and the newcomer isn’t at the banquet. They are sitting in the back of the room. When it comes to the banquet, we bring in them in the
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backdoor. This is simple language to make the registration a process to get to the convention and start participating.
John Bodkin – pass
Robin Long – what Barry said.
Bobbie Harmon – ditto.
Wesley Blount – pass.
Don Logan – speak in favor of the motion to rescind. I believe it is a suggestion. The early registration part is a good idea but the others could be done together.
Ian Young – speaks in favor of the motion. I am appalled by the whole concept of this notion. In UK conventions, we have in excess of 1,200 people attend. Our conventions are normally as large as the World Conventions, certainly close. We people visit and stand in our registration cube and everyone stands in one line. The process doesn’t take more than 10 minutes. This should be looked at by the Registration committee and not take it out on the newcomer. The referral came from someone who paid their $45 and felt slighted about having to stand in line behind people who could not afford the $45 fee. There was no attitude of gratitude. If someone in front of me doesn’t have the money to get in, I don’t stand there and get mad at him. I reach into my pocket and pay his way in. We are doing a lot of work through H&I and PI and when people arrive, we can love them into the program. We can’t keep what we have without giving it away.
Kathy Jo Rangno – speak against the motion to rescind. The motion talks about 3 separate areas which could mean 3 tables right next to each other. The wristbands given to the newcomer in Phoenix helped us identify newcomers and they were swarmed by the fellowship who bought them coffee, welcomed, etc. This motion passed and I don’t recall it even being a counted motion.
Earnest Martin – speaking for the motion to rescind. We are taught to practice the principles in all of our affairs. If I’m standing in line with a newcomer, I interact with him. Those who have been around a while, it says “we” “us” and “our”. As the day goes on, after encountering the newcomer in line, as we see each other through the course of the convention, we look each other in the eye. It reminds me that he is there and when I go to eat, I can include him. I can’t tell how good a time the newcomer had if I’m not with the newcomer. Our goal is not the make the newcomer to feel different or left out.
Doug Linblad – speak against this motion. The referral was to set up something to help H&I requests to attend the convention. This is what we want is to have a massive amount of newcomers coming the convention.
Benjamin Shuler – I speak against the motion. Based on the motion being referred, it is just suggestion. The Host City can determine how best to handle the number of newcomers coming to the convention.
Gloria Bridget – speaks against the motion. When I fill out my registration form and I think the newcomer, I register early and I register a newcomer also.
Calvin Walker – call to question.
Second.
Steve Edwards – no debate. Passes with substantial unanimity and we will now vote on main motion.
Don Logan – call for quorum.
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Steve Edwards – Please close the doors and we need two counters. We are two members short of quorum. They just showed up. The motion still carried and we will now vote on the main motion.
Read the motion.
Cynthia Cronkhite – Point of Order – does the vote count if the quorum wasn’t present at the actual vote?
Steve Edwards – I determined that the 3 votes would have not changed the results of the vote.
Motion to rescind fails with substantial unanimity.
I believe we have another motion to rescind.
Dan Santa Maria – MOTION: To rescind Motion 6A on Convention Committee report. The motion in question reads as follows:
“Motion: On Page 34, under the General Guidelines of the WS Convention Committee Guidelines, insert new point #30 to read as follows:
- All committee meetings will be open or closed at the discretion of the Host City. In keeping with the WSCCC Statement of Purpose to promote unity, open meetings are encouraged and use of an executive session is preferable when sensitive issues need to be discussed by committee members.
Second.
Dan Santa Maria – speaks to his motion. I looked at the 4th Concept – right to participate. In my estimation, the Host City is a subcommittee of the World Service Conference. If they are to hold closed meetings and by my reading of our information, closed meetings means that addicts can attend. Executive sessions are necessary but to conduct the ongoing affairs behind closed doors seems inappropriate. It’s troubling. 4th concept states that we protect the right to participation is vital and we should not try to whittle it down. There is another good reason for participation. We all deeply desire to belong. 3rd Warranty – no should be put in unqualified authority over others. Discussed 4th & 6th Warranties and 1st Tradition.
Kathy Jo Rangno – speak against the motion. Our guidelines are meant to be suggestions only. However, if the page is blank there is no guideline to follow. We have an option of having an Executive Session which a 3rd option. We encourage open meetings but there will be times when an executive session will be required. For instance – the removal of a chair. The issues are sensitive and the discussion doesn’t need to be put out the fellowship and fodder for gossip.
Yvette Holman – limit debate to 2 more for and 2 more against.
Second.
Kevin Murphy – we are under time constraints so I will allow the motion.
With minor opposition, the motion passes.
Barry Haynes – speaks against the motion to rescind. It was discussed on the floor with substantial unanimity. In General Guidelines, read that they are not comprehensive. I heard a lot of debate about concepts and traditions. What about Tradition 2? We are intectuallizing here and not allowing God to run the process.
Jay Finesilver – speak against the motion to rescind. The matter was fully debated and the body was fully informed. We can all pick out parts of the Concepts and read them to
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you and twist them to our desires. We established suggestions for future conventions and we trusted the Convention Committee to come up with a solution and they did that. I didn’t hear anything about the WSBT or the TEC having closed meetings. On occasion, the WSOB has closed meetings.
Michael Higgins – speak for the motion to rescind. I believe we are setting precedent to close the doors in the future and manipulate the committee in the way we want.
Wesley Blount – speak in against the motion to rescind. As I spoke previously is unnecessary. We already have the right to do exactly what this motion intends to accomplish. I don’t like the idea of codifying it further. I agree that there is a need at times to have a meeting to discuss sensitive issues.
Steve Edwards – we have concluded debate. We will now vote on the main motion. Reads the motion.
“Motion: On Page 34, under the General Guidelines of the WS Convention Committee Guidelines, insert new point #30 to read as follows:
- All committee meetings will be open or closed at the discretion of the Host City. In keeping with the WSCCC Statement of Purpose to promote unity, open meetings are encouraged and use of an executive session is preferable when sensitive issues need to be discussed by committee members.
Wesley Blount – Point of Order – I don’t believe we have a quorum.
Steve Edwards – I don’t believe we do either. Please close the doors. We have 11 more votes than necessary for a quorum. We were in the middle of vote. Waive the reading of the motion?
The motion to rescind fails with substantial unanimity.
Any other New Business? I have been approached by one member of the body to make an amends.
Ian Young – I need to publicly apologize that I didn’t not mean to upset Arizona or any other area. It was not my intentions to divide this body by reference to Nazi Germany. It was wristbands and not arm bands and my information was incorrect. I really want to make it right and if there is anything I can do, please see me after the meeting. At the close of business we generally entertain announcements.
Ronald – I came to see my friends and I got to see the 2nd Edition of HFC. Brought tears to my eyes.
Robin Long – I need 3 men. We need some help to load the truck.
Ruby Lemoine – Outreach chair for 2008. Can’t take the contact list and send information, please come see me to get permission. Registration forms available.
Joan Johnson – Regional convention in October in Austin.
Kim Sherwan – the Midwest regional October 26-28
Jeffrey Ushry – 7th annual Ohio Area men’s conference Saturday October 6th.
Monica Sukyar – what a wonderful experience this has been for me and welcomed I felt.
John Whitaker – Oct 6 7th annual celebracion de Recovery.
Oct 22, Men’s event and golf tourney
Earnest Martin – wonderful opportunity to participate. River Unity convention – Oct 25-27.
Roy Ricord – Pacific North Regional in S. Lake Tahoe April 25-27.
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Russell Sedman – 3rd Scottish convention Nov 23-25. 16th CAUK March 14-16.
Nicolas Lynn – Jay Finesilver will be coming to Scotland. Jay has been to 15 conference and would like you all to acknowledge his service.
Don Logan – Washington State convention Oct 15-17
Megan Kinney – Oct 5-7 NJ/Delaware/Pennsylvania. Ian will be speaking and Pam from Texas. Ester says hello.
Steve Edwards – recognition of 1st year delegates. Welcome and keep coming back. Outgoing delegates/committee members/committee chairs recognized.
Jay Finesilver is rotating him off after many years and invite him to make the motion to adjourn.
Jay Finesilver – motion to adjourn.
Second.
Motion carries.
12:38 pm and the 2007 World Service Conference is closed.
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- Quoted from the ‘A.A. Service Manual Combined With Twelve Concepts for World Service’.
Attachment 1 (see underlined text)
INTRODUCTION
To carry the message of Cocaine Anonymous, other than reaching out on a personal level, funds are needed to expedite the many functions of the fellowship from the group to the World Service Office (WSO).
The moment a CA member’s hard-earned money is put in the basket at a CA meeting, it is expected that CA’s trusted servants will handle these contributions in a responsible manner. It is expected that we do everything possible to see that the money is used wisely, cared for judiciously, and that a prudent reserve is kept. When that has been accomplished, it is suggested that the group forward the balance to the next level of service. In the case of a District Service Committee, this would mean transferring funds to the Area Service Committee, and in the case of an Area Service Committee, it would mean transferring funds to the World Service Office. If you are not part of a larger service committee at this time, it is suggested that you forward any funds over and above your prudent reserve to the World Service Office.
These guidelines are intended to serve as an aid to all members of Cocaine Anonymous, particularly those charged with the responsibility of handling funds. If these guidelines are followed closely, our experience tells us that they will help avoid mismanagement of funds, and lessen the chance of financial misfortunes. The hope is that this will help our fellowship achieve financial security. This will maximize our efforts to carry the message of recovery to the still suffering addict.
These Financial Guidelines were crafted through the efforts of the World Conference Finance Committee in direct response to several referrals related to successfully managing finances at Groups, Districts, and Areas. They are presented for use and can be adopted as is, modified and then adopted; serve as a framework for the creation of an entirely separate set of guidelines at the local service level.
We are not in the business of fundraising. We ARE in the business of carrying the message to the addict that still suffers.
We do raise funds as a means to support our efforts in carrying this message of recovery. Through our actions in raising funds we are being self-supporting whether the funds come from the basket or a Unity Day event. Being self-supporting is the spirit of our 7th This Tradition of self-support places us in the position to be useful agents whether as individuals, groups, districts, areas, conventions, or service offices.
Being ever mindful that ours is a spiritual mission, we should consider well our Traditions and Concepts when planning activities taking care that we act in
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accordance with their guidance. The amount of funds generated from our efforts to be self-supporting is secondary to the spiritual connection that unites CA members around the world.
“… under our Tradition of self-support, we are all going to foot the bill.” Bill W., Oct 1967 Grapevine.
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