Sep 1, 2001 – Day 4 – Summary of Motions – Conference Committee Closing Report

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  1. WORLD SERVICE CONFERENCECOMMITTEE REPORT 
  2. INTRODUCTION AND OPENING COMMENTS: Good Afternoon.
  3. We would like to thank this Conference body for allowing this committee to be of service to you. As a service committee of Cocaine Anonymous, we can attempt to implement all kinds of procedures and to structure the Conference in many ways, but none of our efforts have positive and lasting results unless the conference is willing to put out the kind effort that all of you have shown here this week. We commend you on your work, and express our gratitude for participating and helping us design a system that works for us all.
  4. During the past year, we have worked hard once again to provide an efficient and productive environment for this Conference body. Most of our committee work has been done long distance via conference calls. As the Committee Chairperson I publicly commend the efforts of this committee. We would like to give special thanks to Elizabeth Saldebar for her efforts being elected to the position mid-year. We would also like to express our appreciation to the WSO and, especially, Ms. Patty Flanagan for her relentless quest to keep us on track.
  5. The committee that was in place at the beginning of this Conference and that has made all of this possible are as follows:

Jeff Schacter Conference Committee Vice-Chair
Elizabeth Saldebar WSOB Vice Chair
Jean Ferretti Conference Committee Secretary
Jay Finesilver Conference Coordinator
Laure Falter Conference Co-Coordinator
Scott Stephenson Conference Chair
James McWhorter Conference Parliamentarian
Brigid Ryan Conference Co-Secretary
Kevin P. Flaws Conference Chairperson
Vanessa Matthews regretfully had to step down as Conference Co-Secretary due to health reasons.

  1. REFERRALS RESULTING IN MOTIONS: No referrals resulting in motions.
  1. ITEMS TABLED UNTIL NEXT YEAR, AND ITEMS THE COMMITTEE WILL CONTINUE WORKING ON THROUGH THE YEAR:
  2. Referral #1066: The conference allow discussion after nominations are closed for the conference officers. Discussion on nominees will provide a more informed group conscience.
  3. Response: This committee considers discussion of candidates on the floor unnecessary. We are looking at revising page 6.12 in the WSM in the paragraph entitled “Elections”.
  4. Referral #1319: To read the 12 traditions before each new day’s business in exchange eliminating one smoke break to better serve business at hand. Please consider our responsibilities at this conference.

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  1. Response: In the spirit of this referral, the committee is considering adding daily readings of the 12 concepts to the 2002 conference agenda.
  2. Referral #1364: Proposal to provide and budget for professional transportation to and from the Unity luncheon and decide on the method of funding, either through the conference budget or through the cost of the lunch.
  3. Response: At this time, financial constraints prohibit us from providing or budgeting for such an expense. We will keep this in committee for future consideration.
  4. ITEMS REFERRED TO OTHER COMMITTEES, WORLD SERVIC EOFFICE, OR BOARD OF TRUSTEES:
  5. Referral #1534: For a ways and means committee (fundraising) as a new committee or sub-committee of finance committee. Response: Outside the scope of our committee. Referred to Structure & Bylaws and Finance committees.
  1. REFERRALS THAT DID NOT RESULT IN MOTIONS:
  1. Referral #1130: Seeing that is costs us precious time, get a cowbell to ring before and after breaks. Response: In the spirit of the referral, we again ask conference members be responsible and return to the floor as directed by the chair.
  2. Referral #1212: From a verbal referral from CAWS Conference 2000, to move new business to the start of the

WSC. Response: In the past, conference logistics have shown that New Business best serves the fellowship when conducted at the end of the conference.

  1. Referral #1222: Provide clearly marked recycling receptacles in the conference hall. Response: Done! These can be found in the office.
  2. Referral #1255: To add to the audiotape for new delegates: We recommend studying Robert’s Rules of Order beyond that of the WSM. Response: Done! This appears on the current version of the audiotape.
  1. Referral #1261, 1262, & 1349: Please consider extending the WSC by one day in order to cut down on long nights where quorum becomes low and issues get rushed through without the entire body’s experience. Response: The conference committee will continue to monitor conference workload and time allotted to perform necessary duties. When the workload exceeds personal and financial considerations, appropriate action will be taken.
  2. Referral #1305: That seating on the conference floor be limited to voting members, delegate alternates, WSOB, WSBT, and conference committee only. Recommendation: That family members, visitors and interested parties remain in the back of the room and not take table space. Response: In the spirit of the 4th concept, we welcome all interest parties to the conference. However, we ask that each attendee be considerate of the fellow attendees. Any member may call the conference to order to address disruptions.
  3. Referral #1306: Ability for Committee’s (during reading of reports), after all motions have been voted upon; have option to waive readings out loud of all other referrals in which any actions other than motions, and stipulate the vocal readings (in order to save precious conference time), with the conference body retains the ability to ask questions from committee. All items stipulate to be placed on separate paperwork and passed out at roll call prior to the report. Response: In the interest of conserving precious conference time, conference committee chairs have agreed to summarize the complete referrals during committee reports that have:

1. resulted in laying on the table to be worked on in the following year;
2. referred to other committees, WSO, or BOT; or
4. referrals that did not result in motions.

  1. Referral #1309: During the conference many items were presented to the delegates for review. Due to the amount of committee work done at this conference, I had absolutely no time to look over the material before it was presented to the floor. The conference also endured many long debates where committees finished their

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work on the floor. All this would not have happened had Standing Rule 14 be observed. I am asking that all committees adhere to Standing Rule #14. Response: This issue has been addressed in depth, and the committee asks that the fellowship be mindful of ALL of the Standing Rules.

  1. Referral #1345: To include in our Conference Committee Guidelines the following: Committee budget proposals comply with Standing Rule 14. Response: This appears on page 3, item 16, in our proposed Conference Committee Guidelines.
  1. Referral #1350: Delete the Unity Lunch from the conference, or, at best, make it an onsite breakfast. It takes too much time from the floor to continue as it is. Is it even needed? Response: We have modified the conference agenda regarding the Unity Lunch.
  1. Referral #1351: Please plan to have your own committee/board have it’s own support/staff at the conference — in terms of secretarial and copying needs. (Clarification from the maker: Regarding Trustee support staff at the conference.) Response: No action taken. This is beyond the scope of this committee.
  1. Referral #1352: Please advise and work with Conference Committee around meeting space needs and times for the trustee selection process well in advance of the conference, so that these needs can properly be accommodated. Also, please let us know in advance the rooming needs of the delegates who will be arriving on Tuesday, so that this can be accounted for, as well. Please set up procedures to resolve all of this which will work each year hereafter. Response: Done!
  2. Referral #1353: To have a financial statement read at the beginning of the conference so that we can know our finances before we go to breakout. Response: No action taken. Outside the scope of this committee.
  3. Referral #1365: Proposal to provide name plaques to pace on the tables of delegates chairs to eliminate stacks of papers in front of empty seats. Suggestion: tall cards holders that say delegate, non-delegate, trustee committee chair, etc. Response: Done! Placards have been distributed.
  4. Referral: 1366# that whenever speaking a time say clean and sober, not clean time. Response: No action. This committee believes this is an issue of personal autonomy.
  5. Referral # 1370: that the trustee assigned to a WSC Committee serves in an advisory capacity. Response: This is in direct conflict with the 4th concept.
  6. Referral #1516: All air miles acquired on any flight paid for by the WS office becomes property of the WSO. Response: The conference committee agrees with this referral and will comply with the direction of the WSO. No action taken.
  1. Referral # 1701: That the committees not be allowed to respond to referrals as “no action taken.” And that all committees must respond to all referrals with some type of actions or description or non-action and why the non-action was taken. And, that this requirement be added to our service manual. Response: Under the 3rd concept, each committee may choose to respond in a manner they believe. This committee chooses to inform the fellowship as much as possible.
  2. Referral # 1966: To pass the 7th Tradition basket during the conference to help pay for the conference expenses. Response: We have 12- step meetings at the conference where 7th tradition baskets are available. The conference committee believes that a 7th Tradition basket on the floor of the conference is not in keeping with the spirit of the conference.
  1. Referral # 2023: Create an email database of all the conference members, in order to email all conference mail-outs for the purpose of cutting costs and the insurance of delegates receiving them imperiously. I received the last mail-out August 16th, which makes it difficult to fulfill some time requirements. Response: We agree with the direction of this referral, and will comply within the operations/ and or the directions of the WSO.
  1. Referral #2063: Change the conference approval stamp to reflect the year in which lit6erature, chips and format were approved. Currently, all approved literature has the 1994 stamp on them, which is confusing to some member. Response: No action taken. This is the responsibility of the WSO.
  2. Referral #2073: In a cost-cutting measure, have the delegates bring back their nameplates. Response: Great idea! The conference committee request that delegates and other conference members return their name badge holders, at the conclusion of the conference.

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  1. Referral # 2147: To consider, in the spirit of rotation and in accordance with the WSC Charter, page 6.1, item 7 of the WS manual, that the World Service Conference be held, by rotation, in the same location as the World Service Convention. Response: The conference policy is stated on page 3.2 of the World Service Manual, and in the Conference Charter. We believe in the spirit of rotation. However, the cost involved and logistics prohibit rotation of the World Service Conference site. 
  1. MOTIONS:
  2. The Conference Committee moves to approve the draft of the Conference Committee Guidelines. Effective at the close of the 2001 WS Conference.
  1. NEWLY SELECTED COMMITTEE TRUSTED SERVANTS: Chairperson: Kevin Flaws (returning)

Vice Chairperson: Jean Ferretti (new)
Secretary: Leslie Groter (new)
Conference Coordinator: Laure Falter (new)
Conference Co-Coordinator: Kellie Federici (new)

  1. CLOSING COMMITTEE COMMENTS: At this time, the Conference Committee would like to recognize the efforts of a member of our committee who has been behind the scenes of the conference for 9 years now. Jay Finesilver has been instrumental in helping keep the structure of this conference on a growth curve that has resulted in many of the policies and procedures that are currently in place at this event. It is truly a “we” program and our combined efforts create this environment, but through the unselfish dedication and efforts of individuals such as Jay, the benefits to the fellowship are realized sooner and more fully. Jay, thank you for leaving your mark on the Conference and benefiting the fellowship of Cocaine Anonymous. We would like to once again thank this conference body for allowing us to be of service. See you in 2002!
  1. MOTIONS:
  2. The Conference Committee moves to approve the draft of the Conference Committee Guidelines. Effective at the close of the 2001 WS Conference.
  1. Chair: Please prepare yourself to vote as there was no debate – with some opposition motion passes with substantial unanimity
  2. Chair: questions
  3. Deenen: Could she have copy of guidelines
  4. Kevin: yes
  5. Chair: Anyone else who did not receive copy of guidelines.
  6. Kevin: will take care of it
  7. Chair: It has come to my attention a number of individuals have not read the guidelines it would be appropriate for someone to motion to reconsider
  8. Brenda: person who voted for or against
  9. Jean: Is it appropriate to make a motion to reconsider that was sent out in the mailing list?
  10. Chair: A motion to reconsider may be made on that basis if the individual thinks there was not enough time to consider – they have till mid-night tonight to bring the motion
  11. Chair: Did everyone get a copy? Answer appears to be yes.

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