Thurs. Sep 1, 2016 – Structure & Bylaws – Opening Report

OPENING REPORT

C.A. WORLD SERVICE CONFERENCE 2016

Structure & Bylaws Report

INTRODUCTION AND OPENING COMMENTS

Welcome to the 2016 World Service Conference. The purpose of the Structure and By- Laws Committee is to formulate by-laws, guidelines, and structures by which Cocaine Anonymous can operate, day to day, at Conference and around the world. Our goal as a committee is to leave this Conference knowing that we have performed our duties and responsibilities with integrity. Our committee has worked diligently between Conferences to answer referrals and update the World Service Manual. The WSM should provide guidance for our unity in structure.   The committee continued to work on referrals that were received through the year via monthly conference calls. It has been such a privilege and honor to be a part of this team.   I am equally thankful for the participation from the active members of this committee. We have some really amazing members in this Committee and they have really shown themselves throughout this past off-season. I want to say “Thank you” to all of the S&B Committee members, and I would like to give a special “Thank you” to Mr. Jon H. and Jimmy Y. The work you have done for this committee has been amazing and unseen. That to me… is true service work.

COMMITTEE INTRODUCTIONS

Chair: Dana V.

Vice-Chair: Jason M.

Secretary: Jon H.

Co-Secretary: Jimmy

Trustee: Jeannette J.

Committee Members:

Michael C.

Julia C.

Maria M.

Scott S.

Rodney D.

Ernest M.

Imani A.

Nick A.

Debi H.

REFERRALS THAT WERE WORKED ON DURING THE YEAR:

Referral 2015 S&B 11

Add new language under Statement of Policy item A. that No other individual or entity may use the name cocaine anonymous to coincide with the motion that passed regarding area’s incorporating using the name Cocaine Anonymous.

Motion to insert on pg. 13 of the 2015 WSM as a new Item H When incorporating no individual or entity may use the name ”Cocaine Anonymous” alone or within the corporation name for incorporation purpose

Referral 2015 S&B 8

Can we add pg. 48 the web address to the electronic referral Motion: “In the 2015 World Service Manual as the first paragraph under “Referrals” (Page 48) insert: All referrals shall be prepared and submitted electronically. The location for the electronic referral submittal form is at: http://fs22.formsite.com/finesilver1988/ReferralForm/index.htm

Reference # 9632161

When Western Pennsylvania joined our area several years ago, we petitioned and it was approved. That should not have changed the name of our Area. We are still the

Ohio Area which Western Pa happens to be a part of. We are listed in the WSM as the

Western PA/Ohio Area.

Please correct this to at least show “Ohio/Western Pennsylvania Area” .

Although we are actually the Ohio Area as no petition was ever made to change our name, we are willing to compromise and show Western PA thanks

Reference # 9589129

I write to request CA (structures and bylaws committee) seriously consider making a significant change in the way CA as a whole conducts our annual conference by holding it bi-annually instead of annually.

1. As a delegate who has attended three conferences I am not alone in my experience that the agenda does not warrant a conference each year.
2. More areas around the world may be able to participate if they are to send delegates b annually. This would lessen the financial burden on each area.
3. The fellowship would save money each year from not having the conference.
4. .Electronic communication has greatly improved since the inception of CA in 1982 significantly changing the way the CA fellowship as a whole and its members, delegates, office staff, office board, and trustees are able to communicate and conduct committee work throughout the year.
5. Current hotel contract could be amended.

Reference # 9562307

Update WSCC Guidelines

This is being sent to the Conference Committee

Reference # 9354724

Revise the World Service Manual to allow for the creation of Regional Service Committees to serve their Areas, Districts and Groups

Due to CA ever increasing size I believe we now should empower the regions to support the Areas, Districts and Groups within them. Allowing for regional offices and literature storage facilities. Regional Conventions and conferences could also be held allowing for greater participation from members in dealing with local matters that may only be specific to that region. This will in turn create greater enthusiasm and growth.

Reference # 9307947

To Change the status of a Region so its capable of having its own bank account. Regional Conference. Office and Literature Storage Facility

In the UK we are looking for are large districts to become Areas It would make sense that these Areas became a Region and as such be able to set up the above mentioned criteria.

It seems logical as CA growth worldwide means in the future it will be impossible for all the delegates from all the growing Areas and regions to attend just ONE conference. Especially Regions like Iran where it would prove impossible for delegate to get to USA to attend. I know AA in Great Britain have always had their own conference and have a Genral Service Office which works really well.

The wonderful! growth we are experiencing in the UK I hope will be replicated all around the world and I believe our current structure will not be able to accommodate that growth. Regional conferences will also allow smaller Areas to actually be a part of. For example Ireland who aren’t big enough yet to attend the World Conference could attend the UK Conference . This would bring about enthusiasm and participation. I’m sure this idea could be rolled out to other interested Regions of CA too.

CLOSING COMMENTS:

I joined the Structure & Bylaws committee when I was an Alternate Delegate 5 years ago because I really wanted to learn more about Structure & Bylaws so that I could bring that knowledge back to my Group, District and Area. I have learned so much since my time with Structure & Bylaws but I have gained more than I thought I ever would. I have also made some very good friends in my time with S&B and will always carry them with me even after I am done with my time here.

This all started from me getting into our WSM and finding out how our structure works. If you want to be a helpful member to your Group, District and Area with respect to service structure, I think that S&B might be a great way for you to achieve that. In S&B we do work. We do take the position of responsibility to the Fellowship with which we

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have so graciously been charged. We also develop friendships, we learn how to work together as a team and be of service and benefit not only to S&B, but to our respective Groups, Districts and Areas as well. If you are still trying to decide what committee to join, we would love for you to become part of our committee.

Thank you.

In Love and Service,

Dana V.

Structure & Bylaws Chair

Tony D. – Any questions? Seeing none, thank you.

Break until 10:10 AM

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