Cocaine Anonymous World Service Conference 2001
Sunday, September 2, 2001 – Day Five
Summary of Motions and Activities
- Session opens with the Serenity Prayer.
- Announcements
- Roll Call – 115voting members, 77 is the quorum
- Jay: Motion to consider an agenda item out of order specifically relating to the election of conference officers. Second. Passes
- Election of Conference Officers – we have both the Conference Parliamentarian and the Conference Co-Secretary. We will first elect the Conference Parliamentarian position.
- Chair: Reads the service qualifications of the position.
- Chair: Open the floor to nominations
- Jay Finesilver – accepts the nomination
- Tony Drake – accepts the nomination
- Karen Sullivan – nomination accepted on her behalf
- Roger Hornback – accepts the nomination
- Jim Holder – Humbly declines
- Scott Botts – accepts the nomination
- Aaron Jacobsen – accepts the nomination
- Jay Statland – Humbly declines
- Charles Nelson – humbly declines
- Paulette: Move to close nominations. Seconded.
- Kevin: Point of order – there were people standing up there.
- Chair: Would the nominees please leave the room.
- Since the first nominee received the majority of the conference floor votes, I rule that Jay Finesilver is our new Conference Parliamentarian.
- Now, we will open up the floor to nominees for Conference Co-Secretary.
- Kellie Federici – I respectfully decline; after consideration, I resubmit my name
- Jeanne Fereti – I respectfully decline
- Sheri Hoffman – I respectfully decline
- Brigid Ryan – accept nomination but encourage spirit of rotation
- Kim Jenkins – (Karen Laynes: speaks to qualifications)
- Robin Chase – I respectfully decline
- Roger: Move to close nominations
- Would the nominees please leave the room
- Proceed with voting
- Requires second vote; request Brigid return to room
- Vote; majority vote achieved
- New conference co-secretary: Kellie Federici
- Kevin Flaws: We now have a co-coordinator position available on the Conference Committee.
20.
- Structures and Bylaws Report – Continued.
Motion 2:
Referral # 1716 Change language on page 4.2 in the WSM – The World Service Board of Trustees Service Structure. Membership: Regional Trustee Section. Regional Trustees are from the various designated regions across the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom. Strike existing “and” and add the United Kingdom. Motion: Strike “ across the United States and Canada “ from 4.2 of the WSM under the title “Membership” sub title “Regional Trustee” first sentence. Also Strike “ across the United States and Canada “ from 4.2 of the WSM title “Membership” sub title “Non-Addict Trustee”.
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To be effective immediately following the 2001 WSC. – Second.
Chair: Is there any debate:
Bryan: After reading we came to the conclusion that is wouldn’t be appropriate to amend as suggested, but to amend as noted above.
Mitch: I appreciate the explanation you are now giving.
Chair: Please prepare to vote. Motion carries unanimously.
Motion 3:
Referral # 1145 That Delegate members of the TEC not serve as Committee Chairs and visa -versa. (In a busy year like this, having a chair absent for extended periods can cripple a committee. Especially because by implication the Trustee on the committee will also be absent).
Motion: WSM 4.4 Add as new item # 4, (under Duties, Responsibilities and Qualifications,) to read: During the Delegates term on this committee, a Delegate may not serve as a WSC Committee Chair. Renumber remaining items 5-7.
To be effective immediately following the 2001 WSC. Second.
Chair: Any debate:
Rick: Putting into the service manual a suggestion that is already being made to the regions when they elect their nominees for TEC.
Phil: I believe only the trustees should be spread that thin. When I served in both capacities, I felt I was doing a disservice.
Chair: Prepare to vote. Motion carries unanimously.
Motion 4:
Referral # 1781
To delete WSO Trustee from the list of CAWSO Board Members on p5.1 of the WSM. The addition of this “position” was added at last year’s conference in error as the WOS trustee already holds, and continues to hold one of the other positions on the Board.
Motion: Strike “World Service Office Trustee” from the list following paragraph 4 of the WSM 5.1. To be effective immediately following the 2001 WSC. Second. Chair: Any debate.
Discussion ensued.
Chair: Please prepare yourself to vote. Motion carries with substantial uanonimity.
Motion 5:
Referral #2194
“On 2.17 of the WSM under election procedures # 3 add at the end of #3, any trustee filling a vacancy of less than two years shall be included in, not added to the number of candidates allowed on the slate from each region.
Referral # 1536
One year Trustee on slate again for next election is to be “included” in slate
Motion: WSM 2.17 item 3: strike the 2nd sentence and replace with ”The remaining five regions shall annually elect up to 4 but not less than 2 candidates to the World Service Conference. These candidates need not be present in order to be nominated or elected and will include any Trustee filling a vacancy of less than 2 years.”
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To be effective immediately following the 2001 WSC. Second.
Chair: Any debate?
Discussion ensued.
Heidi: Friendly amendment – where it says …,bringing the slate up to five candidates.
Committee: No.
Committee: We’d like to withdraw this motion.
Chair: Does the second agree with the motion to withdraw.
2nd. Yes.
Motion 6:
Referral # 1308
In the newly written paragraph re: Group business meetings, p2.1 WSM; following the words “autonomous groups decide,” strike the words,” who might vote, who may participate, what may be discussed and”.
Motion: In the WSM 2.1, last full paragraph, strike the last sentence and replace it with “The group conscience decides how business meetings may be conducted.”
To be effective immediately following the 2001 WSC. 2nd.
Hal: In favor with reservations…
Rick: Currently specifies the limitations, motion would remove limitations to group autonomy.
Leslie: Friendly amendment: Insert at beginning of sentence: ‘each group is autonomous, and’. Accepted.
Motion: In the WSM 2.1, last full paragraph, strike the last sentence and replace it with “Each group is autonomous, and the group conscience decides how business meetings may be conducted.” To be effective immediately following the 2001 WSC. Passes.
Motion 7:
Referral # 2278 (2.12)
That we add to the World Service Manual on page 2.12, under “World Service Conference Delegate Responsibilities” that “They coordinate with the Regional Trustee at least once per quarter to provide comprehensive Area reports or updates.”
Motion: Add to item 12 of page 2,12 of the World Service Manual, under “World Service Conference Delegate Responsibilities” as follows: “They are also responsible for contacting the Regional Trustee at least once per quarter to provide the Trustee with Area reports or updates.”
To be effective immediately following the 2001 WSC. 2nd.
Heidi: Communication is a two-way street.
Mitch:
Amy: Friendly amendment: New item 13, not part of 12.
Motion: Add new item 13 of page 2.12 of the World Service Manual, under “World Service Conference Delegate Responsibilities” as follows: “They are also responsible for contacting the Regional Trustee at least once per quarter to provide the Trustee with Area reports or updates.” To be effective immediately following the 2001 WSC. Passes.
Motion 8:
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Referral from WSBOT to reflect current policy
Motion: In the 2001 WSM page 6.6, seventh paragraph, after “or shall die,” add “or not be ratified”. And on page 6.7, first full paragraph, strike “elected or re-elected,” and replace with “ratified.”
To be effective immediately following the 2001 WSC. 2nd. Passes.
Roy: Friendly amendment: strike word ‘shall’ on page 6.7, paragraph 2. Not accepted.
Kevin: Point of Information – exactly what circumstance this would address?
Steve: Semantic matter, bring manual into compliance with what is currently happening. Trustees do not ‘elect’ , but ratify in compliance with state of California.
Kevin: If Trustee not ratified, would the next conference be the only place they could be elected? Question withdrawn.
Scott: Change in by-laws, required 2/3 vote for passage.
Motion 9:
REFERRALS # 1535, # 2069, # 1345, # 1309 and #2196
Regarding Standing Rule 14
Motion: Change Standing Rule 14 to read:
“Voluminous or complex proposals to be submitted to the conference for possible consideration must be received by the WSO at least 90 days before the WSC so that all delegates can receive and review the proposals at least 60 days prior to the conference.”
To be effective immediately following the 2001 WSC. 2nd.
Scott: Conference wants a ‘concrete’ definition of what falls under SR14. Committee does not believe that definition can be concrete without creating limitations.
Kevin: Friendly amendment: Everything after ‘WSC’ be stricken. Not accepted.
Roy: Against – who decides what is ‘voluminous or complex’?
Spencer: Doesn’t address issues of non-receipt by delegates.
Rick: Motion to table. 2nd. Passes.
Amy: Point of Order. Characterization of opposition as ‘minor’.
ITEMS TABLED UNTIL NEXT YEAR; AND ITEMS THE COMMITTEE WILL CONTINUE WORKING ON THROUGH THE YEAR:
Referral #1534: For a ways & means committee (Fundraising) as a new committee or sub committee of Finance Committee.
Action: Hold in committee to work on throughout the year as this referral was delivered to the committee at a late hour during our breakout session.
Referral # 2195, # 1879, # 1506, #1782 and Referral from former trustee in 1999: Recommendation for changes to the World Service Manual regarding Trustee Selection & Election and the process.
Action : No action taken. These referrals all relate to the “Trustee Nomination and Election Process and Trustee Term” referenced on pages 4.4 and 4.5 of the World Service Manual, and the Trustee Election Committee Guidelines. The referrals will require extensive research and will be kept in the committee for work during the year.
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Referral #1979: That Structure & Bylaws issue a policy statement regarding Co-Anon, keeping in mind our primary purpose is to help the addict who stills suffers.
Action: No action taken. S & B will hold in committee and work on throughout the year, investigating how other 12 step fellowships have handled this issue and soliciting feedback from the WSBT
Referral #2075: Could we please formalize the Canadian liaison including reference in the WS Manual? Which would include duties, responsibilities, qualifications and the election process.
Action: Held in committee until further direction from WSO and WSBT is collected.
Referral # 2146: Motion to amend the WSM on p. 3.2 paragraph 3, which reads, “The Conference Committee will determine the location of the Conference which will be within a 50 mile radius of the WSO”. To include a more complete statement that incorporates the text stated in the CAWS Conference Charter, WSM p.6.1, item #7 which states “The Conference will meet at least once a year within 50 miles of the WSO unless agreed upon by voting Conference members.”
Action: Held in committee for work throughout the year. The issue involves a conflict between the two sections of the WSM that are quoted in the referral and will need further research prior to this committee proposing a resolution.
Referral # 2091: As Chair of the WSOB Archive Committee I am making a referral to create a new standing Committee of the World Service Conference. This new standing committee would be responsible for all of the duties of the WSOB Archive Committee plus other responsibility’s listed on my Attached proposal. The new committee would be responsible to the presentation of CA’s Archives and memorabilia as a whole and not limited to the narrow scope of the WSOB Archive Committee.
Action: No action taken due to time constraints. Will be held in committee for review during the year.
ITEMS REFERRED TO OTHER COMMITTEES; WORLD SERVICE OFFICE, OR BOARD OF TRUSTEES:
Referral # 1630: Accept conference committee proposed guidelines as attached.
Action: Referred back to Conference, as the S & B does not approve or disapprove committee(s) guidelines.
REFERRALS THAT DID NOT RESULT IN MOTIONS:
Referral # 1349: Consider expanding the Conference to 5 pm on Sunday in order to afford more time for the conference work and reasoned deliberation.
Action: Verified that the Conference Committee, which is the appropriate committee to handle this issue, will be working on this referral.
Referral # 1306: Ability for committees (during reading of reports) after all motions have been voted upon. Have option to waive reading out load of all other referrals in which any actions other than motions & stipulate the vocal readings (in order to save precious conference floor time) with the conference body retaining ability to
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ask questions from committee. All items to be stipulated to be placed on separate paperwork and passed out at roll call prior to report.
Action: Verified that the Conference Committee, which is the appropriate committee to handle this issue, will be working on this referral.
Referral # 1319: To read the 12 Traditions before each new days business in exchange I’ll not take one smoke break to better serve the business at hand. Please consider our responsibilities at this conference.
Action: Verified that the Conference Committee, which is the appropriate committee to handle this issue, will be working on this referral.
Referral # 2082: Budget line to include chair of WSO standing committee chairs such as Webmaster to participate by phone in office board meetings.
Action: No action taken. Beyond the scope of this committee.
Referral # 2038: That the reimbursement procedures for trustees be change. Upcoming, known expenses should be paid ahead of time, to be followed by receipt. It is a tragic day when a member of the fellowship cannot participate on this or any other level due to their financial status. Not every member of Cocaine Anonymous has the luxury of being able to layout cash to be reimbursed later.
Action: No action taken. Beyond the scope of this committee.
Referral # 1971: That when holding CA sanctioned events that the entertainment provided be restricted in content or language that is overtly abusive for example the content if presented on film would qualify for an “R” rating. And if children are allowed to attend content must be clean.
Action: No action taken. Beyond the scope of this committee.
Referral # 1608: Create a guide to local services to create an easier read for new Area’s & Groups, expound & explain S & B laws for – how to conduct business & the CA Structure as a whole.
Action: Verified that the LCF Committee, which is the appropriate committee to handle this issue, will be working on this referral.
Referral # 2136: Please explain: what is the purpose of getting our own Big Book? Why change something that has worked for many years?
Action: Verified that the LCF Committee, which is the appropriate committee to handle this issue, will be working on this referral.
Referral # 1700: To address the name of our fellowship. Many people are coming into the program addicted to other substances. Are we limiting the growth of our fellowship by maintaining the name Cocaine Anonymous?
Action: No action taken. Beyond the scope of this committee.
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Referral # 1995: That the unity committee be included in the review and approval process of C.A. literature. For example, but not limited to, “Surveys” and “inventories”, so that the Unity Committee can address concerns over biases that may be harmful to the unity of C.A. as a whole. Pleas see page five (5) of the WSC Unity Committee Guidelines/Duties handbook.
Action: Verified that the LCF Committee, which is the appropriate committee to handle this issue, will be working on this referral.
Referral #1307: In consideration possible negative effects on the WSC:
Please reconsider how might this body be affected should the Internet area expand to unlimited areas and or delegates.
*Note if this area follows the 6-point process, from my experience, this body will have no choice but to accept new areas. This may not be a bad thing all I ask is to play “ devil’s advocate” and look at the big picture so we are not having to clean up a big mess down the road.
Action: No action taken. A new Area cannot be formed without bringing a petition to the WSC.
Referral # 2127: Because CA as a whole is greatly affected by the first impression given and/or made at H & I facilities we visit as panel leaders & speakers. I would like to request that the H & I committee and/or others deemed necessary to create a suggested outline of conduct including a suggested dress code and facility appropriate language guidelines be established to include but not limited to: Dress for men: long slacks, button down shirt (clean) or sports shirt. Dress women: Clean ensemble, slacks, skirt, dress and appropriate blouse or top.
Action: Verified that the H & I Committee, which is the appropriate committee to handle this issue, will be working on this referral.
Referral # 1310: Add a definition regarding representation in the description of WS Delegates duties, WSM 2.12 Suggested language: “Delegates provide representation and serve as the trusted servants at the WS conference for the group from which they are elected despite all other groups and/or areas in which they participate”.
Action: No action taken. The bulk of the referral is contained in 2.12 item 5 of the WSM. The spirit of Tradition 9 covers that which is not contained in 2.12 item 5.
Referral # 2271: To change Trustees Guidelines to hold all quarterly meetings via telephone conference to reduce expenses.
Action: No action taken. According to concept 6, the Trustees should exercise the chief initiative and the active responsibility in most matters of policy and finance. The Trustees themselves must determine the best ways to cut costs while effectively conducting the business of the WSBT.
Referral # 2228: Please define “Special Interests- meetings or groups?
Action: No action taken. Meetings and Groups are already defined on 2.1 of the WSM. Further definition is neither appropriate nor necessary.
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Referral #1366: Please refer to all above that whenever speaking of time sober to say clean and sober not clean time.
Action: By doing this we would be governing which is a violation of Tradition 2. Our Second Tradition states that for “Our group purpose there is but one ultimate authority a loving God as He may express himself in our group conscience our leaders are but trusted servants they do not govern.”
Referral #2294: What is the C.A group policy on having a 12 Step workshop using the C.A logo?
Action: No action taken; see 1.9 in the WSM “Statement of Policy”
Referral #1516: All air miles acquired on any flight paid for by the WSO become property of the WSO.
Action: Referred back to the WSO with the recommendation they include this statement in their office policy.
Referral #1638: To revisit the recognition of the on line meetings as constituting a recognized area of CA. Reasons: 1) Our sister fellowship believes that geographic area’s integrity should be adhered to through their local tradition. This preserves the true spirit of autonomy. 2) Cyber space meeting representatives come from various parts of the globe. Such representatives therefore represent no local geographic area. This compromises the integrity of the local areas.
Action: No action taken. S & B created language for the WSM, which allowed the formation of an online area. We do not believe this compromises local traditions. The conference approved the change in the WSM and recognized the OSA. S & B supports the decision of the 2000 Conference.
Referral # 1757: Add “Inter-area” to the service structure of Cocaine Anonymous, as a non-voting entity, so that these types of groups can be recognized by world service with rights to use the CA Logo, Internet links and incorporation.
Referral # 1758: Recognize Southern California Inter-area as a non-voting entity.
Action: No action taken. After talking to the makers of the referrals, both referrals were withdrawn.
Referral # 2125: To support the theme of this Conference “Unity has no borders”. I would request that the BOT and/or BOD and/or WSO or WSOB (possibly and ad-hoc committee of unity) or whomever/ however the a fore mentioned trusted servants feel its best to create either a committee, an ad-hoc committee or other such group of interested members with support from WSO, BOT, BOD, WSOB whose purpose would be to consider petitions, requests or situations regarding cultural/ language differences, translation standards and petitions or other requests from within and without the US for new meetings in languages other than English & to help give language, translation, diplomatic and /or cultural support to such requests/ petitions.
Referral #1611: To add an International Director to the WSOB who would be available VIA tele-conferencing and e-mail and attend the WSC. This position would enhance communication between International areas and World Service.
Action: No action taken. This Committee feels that the needs referred to are already addressed by the WSM under description of WSO Duties, and Purpose and Functions of the WSBT. We are also informed that this referral was routed to both boards and that the WSO and WSBT have begun to compile a list of resources and contacts to help them address diplomatic, cultural, and language issues.
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Referral # 1328: “revise language in WSM to deal with minimal meeting representation to adjust number of votes allowed at the WSC … Should an area with minimum meeting representation be allowed to carry maximum vote at WSC?”
Action: No action taken. Parameters for the number of Delegates and votes allocated per area are clearly outlined in the WSM 2.13, item 3.
Referral # 1820: “ to add to the WSM a description to include duties, responsibilities, and sobriety of an area and or district CA webmaster…Also to include this description to the internet workbook”
Action: No action taken. This committee feels that if guidelines need to be created, they should be drafted by the Internet committee pursuant to page 2.11 of the WSM under the heading Internet Committee.
Referral #1701: That 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 action or description of non-action and why the non-action was taken and that this requirement be added to the service manual.
Action: No action taken. WSM 3.3 paragraph 1, sub title E, states that the Conference Committee develops policies and procedures for the Conference. It is the opinion of the Structure and By-laws Committee that it is courtesy to the maker of the referral to give a detailed/short explanation on the results of the referral.
Referral # 2135: Why are we trying to “change” or “add” our own prayer.
Action: No action taken. There are no prayers in the WSM.
NEWLY SELECTED COMMITTEE TRUSTED SERVANTS:
Chairperson: (Willing Idiot.) Mark Pettit
Vice-Chairperson: (Next highest willing Idiot.) Charles Nelson
Secretary: (Anybody stupid enough to bring a laptop to this committee.)
Una Hogans, a grateful soon to be no longer Chair
Etc. (For people with any EGO issues.) Co-secretary: Bryan Seid
CLOSING COMMITTEE COMMENTS: In closing, I would like to give my heartfelt thanks this committee for their dedication, able assistance and the unconditional love that was shown under some, at times, stressful and emotional situations.
This committee would like to thank you for allowing us to serve you…the voice of our fellowship.
Brenda: Referrals 1757 & 1758 – I was told that this was already in place under ‘region’. Please make a statement for the record.
Scott: The only recognition that you can receive as you are organized, is as a region. Regional recognition is not required for the issued raised by the referral.