May 25 – 29, 2004 – WSBT Quarterly Meeting Minutes

CA WORLD SERVICE BOARD OF TRUSTEES REGULAR QUARTERLY

MEETING MINUTES

May 25-29, 2004

Final Minutes Approved by WSBT on November 19, 2004

Since this report is a confidential CA document, for members only, it contains members’ full names.  This usage to facilitate communication within the fellowship was approved by the 1990 WS Conference.  Such confidential use does not, of course, violate in any way our Tradition on anonymity in public communications media (press, radio, TV, etc.).

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Tuesday, May 25, 2004

The regular quarterly meeting of the CA World Service Board of Trustees, at the Universal City Hilton Hotel, was called to order at 5:11 p.m. on Tuesday, May 25, 2004.

1. Quiet Time and Serenity Prayer

2. Roll Call

Teri Knight – Atlantic South Regional Trustee – Chair
Jahi Boseda – Trustee at Large – Vice Chair
Cynthia Cronkhite – Pacific North Regional Trustee – Secretary
Jackie Schickler – Atlantic North Regional Trustee
Jay Finesilver – Southwest Regional Trustee
Ken Cross – Pacific South Regional Trustee
Elizabeth Saldebar World Service Office Trustee
John Bodkin – World Service Trustee
Tony Drake – Midwest Regional Trustee

Personal sharing (completed)

MEETING WITH WSOB

Present from WSOB:  Bob Campbell, WSOB Chair; Brian Wolf, WSOB Treasurer; Earl Henderson, WSOB Vice Chair; Patty Flanagan, WSO Paid Director, Director of Operations and Office Manager.

• Serenity Prayer

Introductions/Opening Remarks

WSBT Chair (Teri):  Opens meeting and welcomes everyone.  Introduces Jeff Morgan as the Recording Secretary and asks everyone on both Boards to introduce themselves.  We will hopefully be meeting with both Boards completeentire WSOB in August at the next quarterly meeting.

Reports:

WSOB Chair (Bob):  Submitted a report that has the high points of what’s going on.  Pleased with how the office is being run and what’s happening there.  Is having a very good quarter and very good year.  When asked to be the WSOB Chair, he found many problems that were serious, including reserves depletion.  Patty is an instrumental person in formulating a real budget.  Since the beginning of the WSOB, the budget has never been real.  Now the budget is formulated and comprehensive.  We are now on our third budget and we are on budget, not over!  This is very exciting.  We are working on the next budget, which is long-term stuff going on with the WSOB.  This is not the time to start spending more money.  We fight at every Board meeting about the prudent reserve, but it is now being built up.  It starts with the Trustees having more travel money.  We need to further polish our organization.  We need to make sure there are no deficiencies in the organization.  We need to build up our prudent reserve.  The next goal is the second paid office administrator.  Not necessarily full time, but also a volunteer administrator that would liaison between the Conference Committee, WS Convention Committee and the Convention Committee with whatever committee we have.

That would finish the report on a high point.  There are two candidates to be the new WSO Trustee.  The current WSO Trustee will be missed immensely.  Elizabeth has done a tremendous job of keeping us informed.

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Conventions – Will try to talk to the Conference Convention Committee about ideas about future conventions.  Need to really look at potential conventions in the future regarding the bids.  There have been problems with bids that looked good but were never met.  Main concern is with Calgary, along with the organization of Calgary and what they can do.  I see Calgary a success at $25,000 or $30,000.  If we do make that money, it will eat up the prudent reserve which we worked hard to get.  I will actively join any discussions in regards to this.  It is the Convention Committee and the Finance Committee that should participate.  We should seriously recommend this to the Convention Committee and present it to them as it’s in the best interest of CAWSO, in the spirit of not hurting people’s feelings.  We also need to have a more serious requirement where the bids are submitted to a subcommittee – possibly including Burton, Craig Harris, Michael out of Chicago, etc.

We need to see a track record that is real.  If they want to submit a bid, let them present it to this committee and let them crunch the numbers.  The reality is we need the convention to make as much money as possible so we can spend as much money as needed to bring people into these meetings.  CA should not spend all the time worrying about finances but to be concerned with how to bring the addict in.  Not to spend the time on where to spend the money.  We need to get past this by getting on a higher level financially.

We need to work more on the contribution program.  Need to market this more.  If the contribution program is embraced by the fellowship, it can be our best source of finances.  We did have problems with the automatic withdrawal, but that’s resolved.

Want to push Memphis.  We have not realized the potential that Memphis can be.  It can be as successful as Arizona.  We can get people from all over and have a $100,000 convention and really see what they have to offer.  Chicago, New York & Cleveland will come down.  It’s easy to get to and the cost of living is less.  Earl brought back rave reports about what’s going on and John also brought back rave reviews.

Very excited about the WSO.  Would be telling us if there were bad reports but there just aren’t any.  We’ve all pulled our weight and we talk as a group.  Meetings are long; have promised the members to make them shorter, but that’s a quality problem and we’ll deal with that.

WSOB Vice Chair (Earl):  A written report was submitted; will be very brief.  Items we were working on in the last year were a phone system and looking at local and long distance services.  After many months, we consolidated under AT&T.  We are analyzing the bills as they come in and the projected savings are $3,000.  I am the new Vice Chair and on the WSO Conference Committee.  I will be meeting them on Sunday at the convention from 2:00 to 4:00.  I look forward to working on that committee.  I have put in my resume for the WSO Trustee position and have a desire to serve the fellowship.

WSOB Paid Director (Patty):  First Trustee meeting was in 2001.  At that meeting it was made clear that we are co-creating in spirit and that we were not meeting expectations.  Although we had a convention that generated $90,000 income, in the following year we had a $66,000 loss.  At that point, we recognized that were some business conventions we were not following.  Our internal budget then gave us some breathing space.  Next year our office budget reflects a real picture.  We did have the policy of immediate action in place.  There wasn’t anyone checking in the middle.  Self-will run riot.  Our internal budget then gave us some breathing space.  Next year our office budget reflects a real picture.  You only havesubmitted  reports up to March 31.  March is exceeding exceeded expectations, April & May as well.

Flashing back to that meeting in May of last year shows that the footwork helped.  The 7^th Tradition has gone up.  Sales have gone up.  How is the office staff of minimal people able to process this stuff?  Slowly, we expect that we should get the information out in a month, but that’s because we were busy with other things, i.e., counting money.

Flashing back to that meeting in May of last year shows that the footwork helped.  The 7^th Tradition has gone up.  Sales have gone up.  How is the office staff of minimal people able to process this stuff?  We expect that we should get the information out in a month, but that’s because we were busy with other things, i.e., counting money.

Brian stated that we need to get out to the contribution program but we’re busy selling chips.  Yesterday afternoon Amy B. was given her final payment.  I am grateful that we have achieved those revenue numbers.  Some things which need to be addressed include Areas creating their own order forms which include a price that is different than ours.  Plastic chips, pamphlets are more expensive in some areas.  This could explain why the medallions aren’t selling as well as they should be.  There shouldn’t beIs it ok to have such differences.

Teri – Disagrees as this helps the Area with finances.

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Patty – Pet peeves:  Same thing as toPricing differences – other fellowships do not “charge” the book and members for the prices to sell.shipping – Big Book sells for $6.00.  The book, Hope Faith and Courage is boughtpurchased  for $7 and sold by some Areas for $12. Is this why the book sales have dropped?

World Services does not thank or acknowledge the convention committees.  There is no policy in place to thank the convention committees for raising money.  The committees acknowledge us at the banquet dinners but we do not acknowledge them.

Earl – Great point.  How do you suggest we do that?

Patty – – It’s a relationship that falls greatly on me (as the Operations Manager).  We need to do something.  I do To acknowledge the committees, all committees as world services not know if Ijust the office staff. .  Do WE need an ad hoc committee.  What do we want to look at the web store to look like?  Example is the principles medallion will increase to $?    We need to make the web store clear as to what is available on the site.  It is a great opportunity and we can change out items month to month.  Something unique.  There used to be 7,000 Principles medallions in 1997.  We put out a flyer and gave them out, and we just reordered for the third time this year.  We have sold out of these items almost every month.  We need to make items available on the website. Lets make our web site easier to use.

We did not get to the flyer for Travel information completed.  and I hope that John will help me tomorrow.  FAQ for Travel on the Website will be placed under Teri’s door.

On the subject of memorabilia, if all Areas give the WSO their leftover items which are not selling in their Area, they can be sold on the website. As a possible revenue and interesting tool for those returning to the website and wishing to purchase items that can not be found anywhere else?

Jay – What’s that medallion you’re holding?  Is that for sale?

Patty –  Principles medallion, the principles we learn from our program work. Yes, it’s on the website.

Brian – As far as selling unique items on the website, who will be in charge?

Patty –  The WSOB, but would it be an adhoc committee, Staff? That’s what we need to discuss.  For example, pick six items and the Webmaster will place them on the site.

Bob – Would all items be WSOWSOB approved?

Patty – Yes.

Bob – Are we asking to have items approved or reviewed on the website that are not from the WSO?

Patty – Yes.  This wouldSome items we presently do not carry could be suggested..

Bob – I think we are missing an opportunity to serve the fellowship.  We need to consider numerous pieces and memorabilia that would be a departure from the WSO Board.

Patty – Yes.

Bob – For example, the bag (which holds the Principles medallion Patty is holding) is not Conference-approved.

Patty – The item is the medallion; the bag is the “packaging.”  I would tie them into the convention stuff.Materials  Let’s say you’re shopping in the convention store and we would have this item there, too.

Brian – The biggest stumbling block is looking at alternative ways to have items approved to take advantage of this and not get caught up in committee.

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Patty – In closing, I am really sad that Elizabeth is leaving.  When I came onto the Board, the very same report was just copied and was not detailed like yours.  I will miss you.The new level of work, the detail is a welcome change to the way we do business.

WSOB Treasurer (Brian):  Presented two reports in the new standard formats replacing the reports from the old accountant.  Basically utilized format similar to that used by the old accountant.  Walked everyone through the report.

It is recommended to do a year-end compilation report.  This is our goal to remove that expense off the profit and loss statement.  Also provided the reconciliation of the prudent reserve and the balance is under $20,000 as far as realistic funds to touch.  Patty was given $2,000 to cover computer upgrade and they’re up and running.  Will miss the old computers (laughter).

Right now, we have a little under $50,000 in the money market account for various activities.

Goals:

Better job of keeping up to date on the overall profit and loss coming out of the convention as far as which activities worked well, etc.

To get feedback from Trustees as to where their monies are going.  Checking with Bob regarding his statements regarding revenues from automatic transfers from checking accounts.

Will attempt to make this report in 60 days.  Will attempt to produce this more quickly and would like feedback on this new report.

Question – We replaced the outsource person to do what we are doing now with you.  This is no longer being charged?

Brian – Yes.

Question – All the committees are in this report but they are not consolidated?

Brian – The report was gone through completely.  To break out the reports page by page to clarify the questions regarding the profit and loss statements and the consolidated financials is on page 4.  Shows all the operating expenses netted in to one.  The detail listing on the old report is also shown on the new report by detail and what they’re tied to page by page.  Each of these subsequent pages gives you the numbers needed.  It provides all the same information that the old report did except it saves $800.

Elizabeth requested fourth quarter reporting for tax returns and asked for recommendations.

Brian – The information is correct but there’s nothing in place to check if this is correct except by doing it internally.  The tax return requires you to go to an outside (third party) vendor which would help liability.  There isn’t a mechanism created to provide for that assurance that cash is correct.  The only way to do that is to go through a full-blown audit.  If something is wrong with the financial statements, the tax return will flush it out.

Jahi – What would you recommend?

Brian – We would provide a year-end statement and give it to the CPA and he would only prepare the tax return.  This has been requested by others in CA, but it would be left up to the Board.

Elizabeth – The report is that is given to us tonight provides the same assurance as the old report?

Brian – Assurance in an accounting setting means that the numbers provided to you are correct.  It doesn’t do that.  The report will not tell you detail-by-detail transactions.  It doesn’t provide a safety net.

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Why would we then want to have our tax returns done by an outside source instead of a volunteer?

Brian – It is realistic but I will not be here forever and it will provide everybody a bit of comfort that we have another professional doing what is needed professionally.

Tony – Having an outside CPA would provide nothing more?

Brian – That’s correct.  Each quarterly report that comes off of this report came to approximately $1,000.

Jahi – The tax return versus the audit.  With the justification, would this Board see and understand?

Brian – If we paid $750 a quarter previously in this form, I recommend that that cost (assurance) we should consult with an outside consultant to do spot audit (certain portions).  Normally you audit the balance sheet.  It has everything for the entire history.  Instead of quarterly, to do it annually would be $1,200.

Patty – What was noticed is our Treasurer going through our finances.  They really go line item by line item to catch mistakes.  Our Treasurers have all been capable in catching any mistakes.  All we were getting on a quarterly report was someone catching mistakes.  Agrees that we don’t need a fourth quarter compilation put together.

The tax return would find more attention to our expenses that are in the service areas as opposed to the administrative areas.  There are things that cannot be put into those things.  We have to have someone that knows the ratio that goes into that.  Also believes that we should accept the QuickBooks are that it would help office operations to be confident that we haven’t made any mistakes.  The more things we do can have mistakes that can catch.

Brian – They would have to do an inventory observation to sign off on the balance sheet.  As we get bigger, we obviously get closer to it.  Is there fraud?  Is there theft?  Having someone go through and check that checks are balanced gives the ability to show that we tried to detect fraud.

Jay – Do you want us to approve or to vote on this on some level?

Brian – Just want to come to some conclusion of what to recommend regarding the next audit.

Elizabeth – Bids were made regarding just the financial.  The procedural.  Yes, we need to discuss this.

Brian – Obviously Bob has some good points of where we need to be conscious of what we spend money on.  With the dual check signing, it’s not that easy to steal or commit fraud.  Would suggest doing something – if not this year, then next year.

Bob – After decades of having CPA statements, we finally started reading the front page and started asking about audits.  Now everyone’s asking questions about everything, including due diligence, etc.  Recommendations will be made to the Board.  Not mentioned in his report is that they are shorthanded on data inputting, but they are now up to date.  Trying to develop oversight in the office so that the same person doesn’t do the same inputting.  Patty was thanked for her job.  In addition, we never want to file a tax return unless a CPA signature and title is on the tax return.  Even if it is one of our numbers.members.  Having the inventory checked yearly independently is a good idea.  Maybe we could work into an explanation as to how that can work and how to implement that in the near future.  We need some oversight (outside).  There is a difference as to the cost of an audit, etc.  Don’t want to get bogged down about this in the meeting, but there are things we can do to.  If it costs us $4,000 to $5,000 dollars and we’re making how much a year, it’s not arguable.

Jahi – Patty, I’m seeing references to returned checks.  How was the response?

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Patty – It was a good response.  There are two checks right now that need to be given to Trustees (Teri and Cynthia).

• Items for Discussion:

CAWS 2006 – Calgary

Jay – Read Bob’s report regard the vote at the WSOB meeting on Calgary.  What went on in that meeting and what were the dynamics?

Elizabeth – Thank you for the questions.

Bob – First of all, as you recall, I viewed the Convention Committee to have issues and problems and a need to have interventions.  They’ve met the deadlines.  The convention itself might be problematic.  The border problem is the biggest one.  It might scare people off and I see it as a significant factor.  The budget was a fantasy and we had to redo the budget based on historical data, prorating registration, banquets, etc.  It was a stretch for everything to fall into place for us to make a decent profit.  The committee had to cut back on the spending to make the numbers.  What helped my decision was that everything had to fall into place.  The office talked about it and discussed the negative impact on the fellowship as a whole, certainly the negative impact on Canada and their relations.  Apparently, Calgary and their adjoining areas are fighting.  That’s an issue.  If the Region or the Area is having issues, I’m concerned about that.  With all the convention sites I’ve dealt with throughout the years, I’ve never had this much discussion about a convention site.  That makes me very nervous.  It’s my experience that if I have to work through a ton of problems no matter what, I might be able to do it, but I might not like what happens afterwards.  There are too many concerns.  Personality issues are just one example.  The vote was two people voted not to pull it.  In spite of the problems, we feel it might cause more harm.  Three people felt that we should pull it.  This was a straw poll vote.

Elizabeth – There were two, and one that wanted to change the way the convention would be handled.  We talked about the pros and the cons.  Bob, Patty and I have different bottom line numbers as to what the convention should be.  The realistic number $12,900 was the worse case scenario (this includes limiting their spending).  Best-case scenario would be $48,000.  That was the process and we spoke about the actual income and how that would generate.  We talked about sales and memorabilia, with the big money makers being memorabilia and banquets.  Airfares, $350 best case, $450 worse case.  We spoke on crossing the border, the number of people that would actually attend.  We talked about pros (a good relationship with the hotel that John’s been working on).  The convention was started to help fund the Conference.  The Conference costs $14,300.  We pay for many aspects.  There’s a problem on space availability at the hotel for three nights, so in my mind that kind of disseminates the spirit of us all being together.  I voted with the information we had to take the convention away from Calgary.  I feel that being a Board member and the need to fiscally oversee how this grows, that World needs to go up there, but it shouldn’t be at a World Convention.  Financially, we need the money.  We need to have national and international information available to addicts who still need it.

Jay – Was there a discussion as to the process?

Elizabeth – Yes.

Ken – I have lots of feelings.  I see two things:  fiscal responsibility and ego.  What’s in my report is that the PSR will not have a convention this year and maybe not even next year.  What the cost is now might be inflated three times in three years.  I sponsor a guy in Edmonton and there are 70,000 alcoholics across the border.  As we’ve declared on both Boards, the World Service Convention is our main fund-raiser in the year.  We’re here to make money.  We need to focus on not stepping on egos and appeasing people and not make the money needed.  If it’s going to fiscally hurt us, it doesn’t make sense.  I’m not clear on the process, but they need to be sat down and seriously spoken with.  We need to form an ad hoc convention spending committee.  We now have entertainment functions running three days but we can’t fly a speaker in for the convention.  It’s our responsibility to speak with them and have them on the same page with us fiscally.  If trust is lost and if we’ve

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lost trust in the ability for these people to perform, then it sounds impossible.  Right now, it sounds very scary.  Since you three came up with different bottom lines, we really need to sit down and pick a course of action, take a long hard look at the reason for the convention being the main fund-raiser.

John – This conversation is what was expressed at the group conscience; the best financial minds reviewed and no one say then what we are discussing.  I was one of the votes.  Based on the uncertainty about the way CA does its business, I voted to have it.  There’s a lot of nay saying and I would like to bring the other side to bear.  The straw poll that took place at that time, and we knew it was a straw poll.  To me the best advice is that group conscience has spoken over a couple of Conferences.  No one ever stepped up to the plate.  In my mind is do the Trustees use the 10^th Concept to stop what looks to be a terrible mistake on paper or let it go back to the Conference floor?  Someone like the Finance Committee at that moment can make a substantial business argument.  Some of you shared my tenure as a delegate and experienced the vote on the prayer.  God is in it as it always came down to one vote.  In a group conscience, it was to take our event to Calgary.  There are people working very hard.  We are still falling back to plan A.  There’s a committee up there of 14 people ready to do this.  The City of Calgary has said they’re ready to go.  This will wind up on the Conference floor regardless.  One party or the other will exercise their right to appeal.  The best idea I heard was to manage this event from the office.  We’ve begun all along to work with the hotels and implement this.  I know it looks like a mess.  It’s a hassle to work with Canadian hotels, the money exchange, etc.  We just haven’t given it the time it deserves.  Even our meeting minutes from the WSOB can support the amount to time given.  It’s more a spiritual matter; it’s God’s will.  I just want to be sure.

Cynthia – Bob, have you read my most recent report, after my visit to Calgary?

Bob – No.

Cynthia – I would like to point out that in the committee minutes I’ve forwarded, it states that Edmonton is supportive of this convention.  I do not wish in any way to be fiscally irresponsible.  The CAWS convention statement of purpose says, “The purpose of the World Service Convention is to promote enthusiasm and unity within the fellowship of Cocaine Anonymous and financially support World Services’ effort to carry the message to the addict that still suffers.”  I wasn’t there the year that statement was put in the guidelines, but I’ve been to the Conference enough to know that if the group conscience felt money should be the primary concern, those words would have come first.  CA is becoming more and more of a presence in the world.  There was a recent convention in the U.K. that some people weren’t able to attend because of the distance, but 700 people went and came back all fired up.  It’s beautiful up in Calgary and they’re willing.  The Chair is doing a report and being more communicative.  It’s progress!  We’re getting there and the proper stance is to get behind them.  They understand the financial importance and they really want to put on a good event for this fellowship.  What we’re not doing is getting on board.  There are a lot of people who do not miss a World Service convention.  I spoke with the committee and suggested marketing it as a ‘space is limited, get on board now’ type of thing.  It’s just so beautiful up there.  It’s not New York City or Los Angeles, it’s completely different.

Ken – Are the revised numbers that were mentioned available?

Elizabeth – No.

Ken – When can we see the numbers?

Cynthia – The Treasurer is supposed to be submitting them this week.

Tony – This issue has some history to me.  I was the Conference Convention Committee Vice Chair.  At the last quarterly, I was on the spiritual side and this has weighed heavily on me.  Fiscal responsibility is important.  I think they could pull it off.  But I don’t think we can generate the money we need to generate.  The questions that keep coming up are:  Is this about money?  What’s up with the border stuff?  The questions are asked time and time again.  Do we have to pay any tariffs on any of the money we bring back?  Hotels are an issue.  In our Director’s report, it addresses that she’s wearing too many hats.  Group conscience is important but did they know all the information needed to make the right decision?  I do believe that we need to make a decision now

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and we have to move on it.  We’ve waited too long and I take personal responsibility.  Whatever the group decides we need to move on it.  It’s clear in my opinion that we pull it.

Bob – You said everything I was going to say.  Was it an informed group conscience?  Although they did the best they could with the proposed budget, it was a fantasy budget.

The only direction I mention was to meet with them and make it work.  I want it to be worldwide.  Pulling it sends a terrible message.  I was there when they adopted the language read earlier.  But we have these responsibilities and we need to understand the impact this has on CA and the fellowship.  We are taking a risk.  Large or small it’s still a risk.  We are a business.

Jackie – Since I sat on this Board, the question of finances has always come up.  I know we’re charged with the World Service of CA.  We are not going to make the money that we need to carry the message to the newcomer if we go to Calgary.  That saddens me.  Even within Canada, they are not planning on going to Calgary.  They are not supporting their own Areas.  Will it affect the Area?  I don’t think so.  Have they got the experience to hold the World Convention?  I’d like to help them have the experience by having a Regional convention, but not a World Convention.  We need to do something about it and take a stand.

Ken – Briefly, based on what Tony & Cynthia said, I feel we cannot make a correct decision without the correct numbers.  If we’re to be financially responsible to the corporation, we need the right numbers.

John – Let’s say you’ve all convinced me it’s financially irresponsible.  Is this group correctly informed?  We need to look at this.

Patty –  – Toronto and Montreal do members did not go to New York or Atlanta, but they are coming to Los Angeles.  I walked over to Bob at the break and said I wasn’t positive that the same document says that it’s only $12,000.  It does state that we could make moreThe document being discussed with worse case budget information also shows a second picture, one with a sizable profit, wanted to make sure that was clear.   Just like we could make a profit in Memphis, we could make one in Calgary.  We must have the funds in pocket to have a New York-like convention which only generated $22,000.  Not because of attendance but because they overspent.  I have also put forth a site selection possibility, also outsource registration.  Those are things I’ve already put in the works.  Once of those beliefs I have isI feel it important to make our request for fund raising on a convention committee to be reasonable.  New York over spent,, the controls we now have in place would/could have prevented or rather increased the net gain.  I believe that the Conference has to make this decision, and that we must report it in a responsible manner with all the information we can.  In order to do that we might have to spend some money this summer to get that data from Calgary.  Perhaps Cynthia and I should go to Calgary.  IWe actually called vendors to find out the expenses.  IWe need someone in Calgary to communicate.  IIWe did get a report from Roy this week where he apologizes for not being more communicative.  I am sending a  phone card this week as it’s not always the best way to do it via e-mail.  I will need counsel as to what to say on the floor.

Jay – I am sort of flipped all over the place this week.confused.  It says it was approved by the floor in the report.  I don’t know how to proceed without any more information.  If there’s information about the hotel, I would love to hear about it.  As for the discussion about this, I feel we need more information.

Elizabeth – In New York when we made $22,000, what were the numbers as to the local attendance as opposed to visitors?  In Los Angeles, there are 475.  How come they’re revising their budget?  What areas are they looking at for revision?

Cynthia – Patty asked them.

Patty – I’m looking at a budget with half the Conference floor attendees.

Elizabeth – Worse case is 400 which is more than what we’re asking them to do.

Patty – I didn’t want to lead them to my numbers.  When we’re talking about an audit, you do it, and then I do it and we discuss it.  Then we compromise.

Elizabeth – There’s a set number of people who come to a world convention: 350.

Cynthia, what’s the number of people in the Calgary area?  How many meetings?

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Cynthia – Alberta has 25 and Northern Alberta has 31 regular meetings.

Elizabeth – I will hold my very strong opinions until another time.  Teri, I would love to have your opinion on this.

Teri – When everyone has shared I will share.

Tony – I have a quick procedural item.  Should we discuss this with the other Board?

Teri – This was their question of us.

Jahi – Ever since the Calgary bid these discussions come up every couple of years now.  It seems like something new every time.  I was reading that the hotel was booking something else, and we’d have to make other arrangements.  Now I hear John say that the other booking fell though and they’re working with us.  In order for us to make a formal decision, you guys need to be on point on what you’re giving us.  Like Bob, I’ve never heard this much discussion on a site before.  I have great respect for Patty as I’ve seen her pull rabbits out of a hat.  I’m still sitting on this fence.  I’m still hearing other things and looking at other things.  When someone’s in the middle, they don’t tend to do anything.  My vote would not be favorable based on what I’ve heard.  I want to make sure we’re looking at some solid figures.  I do believe if we take care of our finances first then we’ll be blessed.  I walked in here tonight and figured everything’s okay with Calgary.  I thought we’d have to change dates.  Here’s another little issue that’s coming up.  I’m actually tired of this conversation!  We do something and it’s either wrong or right.  We just need to do something and move on!  It’s been two years now and I’m hearing the same concerns.  The bottom line is, “Are we going to make the money needed to do this?”  This makes a good argument to have someone professionally do this.

Cynthia – The property (Hyatt) might have some problems in scheduling the different meetings.  I wonder if we are trying to make this convention work or if we are trying to make it look like other conventions?  We had a discussion in January as to trying to come up with other sources of revenue.  I think that’s a direction we need to continue to pursue in order to be fiscally responsible.

Jahi – There was a question of dates?

Cynthia – Those would not change.

Earl – I’ve been listening throughout this whole evening.  I did participate in that straw vote.  My sponsor suggested doing a pro and con sheet and then praying about it.  We took that straw vote at the time based on the information we received.  I realize that it was not a good thing at all in regards to the fellowship in pulling it.  I have misgivings about doing that.  I agree with Patty about managing it for them.  We do have a financial responsibility and we have to be accountable to the fellowship.  I just wanted to let you know how I came to the vote.

Tony – Seeing how both Boards are here maybe we could take a poll.

Teri – Now that everyone else has shared, I would like to share and then afterwards take a straw poll.  You know that there’s been a lot of information brought up.  I believe in making a decision, we need to act more decidedly and swiftly and make things happen.  It’s not easy to change.  It’s like a book I read recently about moving your cheese.  First, the Conference voted on this.  Shame on them for making this decision without having the information needed.  That’s where it starts.  We discussed earlier prior to the meeting the responsibility to know what everyone is supposed to be doing.  The group conscience has decided that this is where we need to go.  Time has gotten away from us for us to raise the level of consciousness.  I think that there’s an opportunity for Calgary to be successful, but not what we’re used to.  It’s a jumping off point.  We need to pursue the other opportunities to get the money flowing so it can be a more spiritual function for our fellowship.  There’s a big difference of $35,000 between the best and worse case scenarios.  The Memphis proposal didn’t look great at first but now it does.  I don’t believe it’s the numbers and who can support it. If

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Calgary is equally committed maybe it will change.  We set milestones and they’ve met them.  We need to have that integrity.  We must be concerned about that.  I am leaning favorably on having a strong leadership role in taking control – not that Calgary cannot do this, but we need a dedicated head count that spends their entire time planning on the site to get that going.  If we make the decision so that Patty can focus on Calgary, if not we need to look at Memphis.  Regardless of the outcome and the respective solutions, we have to act decisively and we need to do so quickly.  We need to make our recommendations to the problem.  We need a plan A & plan B.  Shame on me for not being a little more adamant about getting this thing going.  We’re about to get the armadillo down in the Atlantic South.  The communication line we just had, I sensed an immediate change in the Board.  I think we need to force more things to happen and have a focused plan.  I guess at this point I would lean to stay in favor of Calgary!  My recovery teaches me to stay steadfast; if we do the footwork, God delivers.

Now, who would be in favor in taking a straw poll at this time regarding Calgary?  8 for, 4 opposed.

Ken – If a straw poll is taken, it is strictly based on incomplete information, and isn’t it illegal?  If so, I’ll leave the room.

Patty – From my perspective it gives me time to dedicate to a project.  It’s an indication as to the amount of effort.

Tony – Read portion on straw poll votes from Robert’s Rules of Order.

Bob – I don’t think a straw poll is anything but a way to see which way the wind is blowing.  What angers me is the people who are against it all of a sudden bring in Robert’s Rules of Order.  I just want to see which way we’re going.  If we only make $20,000, we can function on $20,000.

Ken – To get procedural, like Bob says, “we’re doing business.”  I want to know that who’s voted for or against doesn’t sway the outcome.  I’m still confused about the financial issues.  If the financial issues are at a certain level like what Patty said, then what?  We’re at a vote of “what if?”  I don’t get the point of having a vote if we don’t have the complete information.

Jahi – Mine is more of a point of information?  I asked earlier if they met their goals (timeline).

Bob – It was preliminary steps that if they didn’t do it would’ve been suicide to go forward.  There’s no reason to think that they didn’t meet those goals we put in place.

Elizabeth – There has been a lot of discussion and this is a very heavy decision even at a straw poll level.  I compared the numbers of the worse/best case scenario.  If we’re asking them to rebut their numbers to $31,000, I’m not sure I’m comfortable with that knowing how much a Conference costs.  Reviewing what the Conference approved as opposed to what we have on the Board, I’m opposed.

Tony – Point of order.  Where are we at and what are we doing?  We took a vote to take a straw vote.

Teri – Good point.  Each Board needs to go back and…

Patty – The budget that the office is working on is for the floor.

Teri – Even the budget that we get this week isn’t what we get!

Patty – I don’t know how quickly it is that I will talk to them.

Elizabeth – I still think we should take the straw poll.

Ken – I’m still not convinced that the straw poll is not out of order.

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John – Can we make a motion or is it a point of action?

Teri – I can’t recall ever having a joint vote with the two Boards.  Let’s move some cheese around.  A straw poll is out of order.  Would somebody like to make a motion of any kind related to this subject?

Jahi – Motion to take it to the Conference to pull Calgary.

Elizabeth – Second.

Ken – What’s the quorum of the vote?  I believe that motion is out of order.

Elizabeth – The WSBT already has a motion on their e-mail.

Jackie – Motion to suspend the e-mail motion.

Teri – Motion to suspend is out of order.  If there is no more discussion on Calgary and the 2006 convention, the WSBT will get back to the WSOB.

Elizabeth – Can we get a revised budget by the close of this meeting?

Patty – No.

Elizabeth – When they actually do this data, how are they doing it?  Are you helping them?

Patty – Yes, but right now we’re not working on revenue but expenses.  I need to know the expenses first.

Tony – Are you aware of any other options if it were to be pulled?

Patty – It falls to the Office, not Los Angeles, but the Office.  To be held within 50 miles from the Office.

Teri – It’s already described in the manual as to how to handle this.  You can’t move the site when changing the dates.

Elizabeth – If it was pulled and other site proposed to host 2008 then said they could host 2006…

Teri – Then it has to be brought before the committee and Conference.

Bob – I encourage the Trustees to think long and hard on this.  We need you to lead us through this labyrinth.  If in fact Calgary’s not the place, it’s not too late to make the decision but it’s getting late!  We need a heads up to the Conference Committee, a heads up to the Finance Committee.  You need to discuss the what ifs.  We need your guidance.

Jay – Point of information, the decision or recommendation to the Conference falls under SR 14 so we can give them notice as to what’s coming.

Teri – We should send out an informed notice regarding the problems.  We do not need to add to the problems.

Jackie – But what about the members in Calgary who’ve been working to the best of their ability for this convention and then have people down here deciding whether or not to have it in Calgary?  How does that affect them?

Teri – There are no other points of discussion.  The WSBT does not have any discussion items and I have received no feedback from the WSBT to discuss at this meeting.

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John – This has been the best experience for this meeting and would like to thank the WSOB for bringing us together as one Board.

Teri – How are you building the prudent reserve?  At one point, I had discussed with you the contribution program and taking a percentage from that and channeling it into prudent reserve.  How are you making those decisions today?

Bob – Short answer is we try to have that issue considered once a month after the financial reports.  A shorter answer was that the last bit amount of money ($7,100), we really didn’t want to break into that.  Now it’s $19,000.  We made it up and a big chunk was from Chicago.  I prefer to explain it that way because the $2,000 donated for the computers was put into the prudent reserve.  We consider once a month whether or not to put 5% into the prudent reserve.

Earl – We pay our bills and do payroll and then look at everything else.

Teri – What is a goal for the prudent reserve to achieve?

Bob – Possibly $100,000 or $125,000; it was referred to the Conference Finance Committee.

Teri – We can solicit contributions by asking them to help carry the message and build up our prudent reserve.

Patty – While we are tying things up, we should ask the locals to reduce theior rather create realistic r prudent reserves.  We should explain to them why we are doing this.  Illinois is giving it up in July., perilous wealth etc. One area has already decided to reduce its reserve after considering these points.

Tony – That’s a lot of money.

Teri – Offline, I would like to discuss with Patty the Tennessee order forms you brought up in this meeting.  I can see where the miscommunication comes and I see where we cannot make money that way.  I see that we’re competing with World for the same dollar.

Patty – More specifically they lose.  The costs are different.  As long as they don’t gouge.

MOTION PASSED to adjourn meeting at 11:00 p.m.

Wednesday, May 26, 2004

The regular quarterly meeting of the CA World Service Board of Trustees, at the Universal City Hilton Hotel, reconvened at 8:41 a.m. on Wednesday, May 26, 2004.

1. Quiet Time and Serenity Prayer

2. Roll Call

Teri Knight – Atlantic South Regional Trustee – Chair
Jahi Boseda – Trustee at Large – Vice Chair
Cynthia Cronkhite – Pacific North Regional Trustee – Secretary
Jackie Schickler – Atlantic North Regional Trustee
Jay Finesilver – Southwest Regional Trustee
Ken Cross – Pacific South Regional Trustee
Elizabeth Saldebar – World Service Office Trustee
John Bodkin – World Service Trustee
Tony Drake – Midwest Regional Trustee

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3. Reading of the 12 Traditions (Elizabeth)

4. Read (Ken) & Discuss (All) Tradition Eight:

Sometimes it’s better to have the separation of employees and service.  Outside workers were seen as necessary by the old-timers in AA.  The thought of having members hired for pay will be in conflict of volunteerism.  Money and spirituality do not mix.  Special workers are there to do the business and assist in providing information.

5. Read (Jahi) & Discuss (All) Concept II:

Gives the fellowship the final say so.  It is pertinent to some of the decisions made here.  It is important to start at the group level in choosing the delegates, who eventually become the Trustees.  The TEC is equally important.  These are the people who will be choosing the Trustees.  Choosing wisely begins at the top of the pyramid (with the groups) and members must be conscious of the decisions made, being the voice of the fellowship.  Concept meetings done at the group level are a great idea.  A person coming in the door in the beginning won’t have any idea about this, except to get sober.  This should be about growth, taking on responsibility and giving back to the fellowship.  Letting the voice be informed.  Certain qualifications for choosing Trustees should be changed.  It shouldn’t be a popularity contest.  Citing examples of those who show up without resumes, or never show up.  Concept workshops are needed and are important.  Prior to the Conference, we could set up a workshop.  Some high-level service personnel do not have the basic knowledge of the Concepts.  It starts at the top (meeting level).  We would have half the challenges in half the Regions if some people’s service education could be facilitated better.  Questions to ask are:  Have you ever attended a structured Concept study?  Describe your experience?  Having a Tradition & Concept forum can be an alternative along with covering Robert’s Rules.  The collective conscience of the Conference is that “we” are charged with carrying those initiatives and ideas forward.  Citing example of joint Board meeting’s discussion of misinformation at Conferences regarding Calgary.  There are many experienced people who got together, discussed and made a decision regarding Calgary.  We may feel that the nine of us may move in another direction, but we adhere to the group conscience of the vote.  This Concept is a discerning concept.  When those with experience leave the fellowship for other programs, they take that knowledge with them.  The prior people who had the experience were not sharing it with the rest.  Anyone placed in a service position at any level, that person could potentially sit in one of these chairs at this WSBT meeting.  Anytime a WSOB Director is elected, the potential is there.  An Office Trustee position is coming up.  Groups are beginning to ask for help, turning to the leadership and asking for help with the Concepts.  It is one of our tasks to facilitate that.  Traveling is important and helping to support new areas and new groups, letting them know that they have the ultimate authority.  It is our job to educate and help them through the Traditions, Concepts and giving service.  Some delegates were not coming back from the Conference and giving reports.  The Literature Committee needs to refine the process by which that group conscience gets out to the fellowship.  It is being implied that our paid service person may have the authority to change the wording of literature after it has been approved by the Conference.  This implication greatly troubles us.  Others do not take their responsibility seriously enough.  This places us in an odd position.  Although we are running a business, this is still a program of recovery.  We should not be perceived as the top of the pyramid but the bottom.  All too often, we do not listen enough to minority opinions closely enough.  There are a lot of things that would not occur otherwise.  Even the Conference can get so headstrong in going in a certain direction that they ignore the minority opinion.  We need to start focusing on the minority opinions.

6. Chair’s Opening Remarks (Teri):  Glad to be back.  The breaks will be ten minutes in length.  The lunch break will be one hour and fifteen minutes; dinner break will be an hour and a half.  We will be breaking approximately every two hours during the meeting.  Unlike the joint Board meeting, we will be closely adhering to Robert’s Rules this morning.  Especially now that we have a Vice Chair, I will be taking an active voice in these discussions and be more interactive.  One of the points I would like to make is that prior to becoming the Chair, I was an active member of this meeting.  Unlike a Caucus or Assembly, participating in these meetings will help me represent my Region.  I will still only vote in case of a tie.  I will share in the round robin and stay

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on point.  Points of information will not be gateways to speak out of order.  The current motion on the floor will now be addressed to move it to another place in the agenda.

7. MOTION PASSED unanimously to table e-mail motion re TEC guidelines until we get to the TEC report.

8. Review of the Agenda (Teri):  We have a correction under old business. Strike the second number 27, becuase it is a duplicate.  New number 28 is Hazelden literature for sale by an area (brought by Tony).  New number 29 is Group Inventory.  As for the new business, after last night’s Board to Board meeting there is a new number 15, 4^th quarter report and tax returns (brought by Elizabeth).  New number 16 is Atlantic North/European Region (brought by Jackie).  New number 17 is Responsibilities of WSBT Finance Committee (brought by Jay).  New number 18 is Professional event coordinator for CAWS 2007 (brought by Jahi).  New number 19 is General sharing session of WSBT (brought by Jay).  New number 20 is Monies earmarked for Trustee travel (brought by Jackie).  New number 21 is Trustee Negotiating Committee responsibilities.

No comments or corrections were given.

9. WSBT Quarterly Minutes

– January 2004

Correction to be made on page 37, item 4, to insert the word “incumbent” in the motion prior to the word “WSOT.”  The minutes are becoming more descriptive than ever before.  This should be discussed.  If something is in the minutes that needs to be changed or should not have been included, it will need to part of this meeting’s discussion.  This needs to be done prior to approving the minutes.

MOTION PASSED to table approval of minutes until after dinner.

10. WSBT Conference Call Minutes

– March 2004

Amendments taken.

MOTION PASSED unanimously to approve March 14 conference call minutes as amended.

11. Record of Online Business

– Between January and May 2004 quarterly meeting

Need to add reference to TEC motion being made online and concluded at the quarterly.

MOTION PASSED unanimously to approve Record of Online Business Between January and May 2004 Quarterly Meeting as amended.

WSBT OFFICER REPORTS

1. Chair (Teri):  See attached.  If we are conducting business online and you will not be voting, you must inform the Chair of your absence so as to not delay the vote.  The record will reflect that you did not participate.

MOTION PASSED to accept the Chair’s report.

2. Vice Chair (Jahi):  Apologized for lack of participation and asked Board’s forgiveness for not having a report prepared for this meeting.

3. Secretary (Cynthia):  Did not prepare a written report, as most of her concerns are agenda items for this meeting.  Chair recognizes Secretary as doing an extremely good job.

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TRUSTEE REPORTS

1. World Service Office Trustee (Elizabeth):  Earl and Judy were ratified for WSOT position.  See blue folder handed out for financial reports and meeting minutes.  Missing attachments of per diem memo and 7^th Tradition reports.  Will follow up.  The per diem memo will not be going out in the delegate mailing; instead, it will be going to Committee Chairs with phone follow-up.  Wants us to look into which Quickbooks report or graph we would like the WSO to generate on a regular basis.  Does not have the description for the 2^nd paid director yet; will get by the Conference.  The Trustees overall are under budget, at $20,000 of $30,000; although one might be over, the others are under which balances us all out.

Jackie – Concerned by report showing Atlantic North Regional Trustee to be over budget.  It also doesn’t reflect Areas’ contributions.

Jahi – The graph is helpful but needs more detail to show some comparison, i.e., showing a percentage of growth or no growth, so the delegates at the Conference can make comparisons with previous years.

Elizabeth – Brian does not make the graphs.  Patty makes these graphs for more than just these members.  Not knowing the ability of Patty, we are not sure this is feasible.  If we truly want this, we will need to allocate money for this type of detail report.

Jahi – I understand that we are all volunteers but we have had this concern for the past four years.  It seems to me that instead of moving towards this we’ve just stopped.  We might need to look to another individual if Patty doesn’t have the ability to provide this type of document.  I think it would facilitate and help with policy decisions a lot faster if we have the ability to look at trends.

Elizabeth – We only have right now to close the second year.  There is accurate data for the past two years.  At the end of this year, it is something we can do.  Maybe at the fourth quarter tax items there are monies set aside for this.

Jahi – There was a PowerPoint presentation at the Conference that Patty did showing much of this.

Tony – Under the Midwest expense and budget, there is $7,000 classified as “other.”  What goes under “other”?

Elizabeth – Can you call the office?  I do not know the answer.

Ken – We operate on QuickBooks and you can pull up a number of different graphs on QuickBooks.  I do not see it to be a time-consuming thing.  I think that any of the workers there can pull this up.  It is easier to see and understand the financial aspect with a graph showing comparisons.  Money aspects appear to be a big secret within the fellowship.  Clarification to motion might be necessary.

Cynthia – I use QuickBooks regularly and it is a simple matter to create the type of comparison reports we are looking for.  We just need to narrow it down to which report we want.

Jay – What is the process for filling the empty directorship?  What would be the process for filling the opening should Judy or Earl become the new WSOT Trustee?

Elizabeth – We will be starting to accept resumes after the World Convention.  That position will be filled before the Conference.

Teri – Speaking to Jackie’s point, was her budget adjusted based on our approval to give her money to travel?

Elizabeth – No, it was not.

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Teri – Then it is inaccurate and should show that it’s reflecting $100 less than what it is, although it stills show that she’s over budget.

Elizabeth – I do not agree.  It would be changing the Conference budget.  It would then become the spending committee’s responsibility to find the money.  To change the actual budget would create a problem.

Teri – But if you take monies from one budget to another, wouldn’t that change both budgets?  We approved the money against the existing budget.

Elizabeth – For example, there is $5,050 budgeted for the year.  This amount is broken out in four quarters.  Right now, Jackie’s actually over budget by $50.

Teri – Why doesn’t it show it?

Elizabeth – Turn to the profit and loss sheet.  This is through Sunday (May 23).  These are the total budgets through the year.  Second column is the budgets for the year.

Teri – Did we not change her budget when we agreed to move monies from my budget to her budget?

Elizabeth – I think we approved the spending not necessarily changing the budget.  I think it’s too difficult.

Tony – I’m against changing the budget.  The fellowship should know if we overspent.  It needs to be reflected at the Conference.

Cynthia – Since every expense that goes against the budget is approved by this Board, I don’t think showing that we authorized expenses which went over the budget implies that anyone did anything wrong.  What it does is show the Conference that we might be budgeting monies unrealistically.

Jackie – What would the procedure be for my accounting for the U.K. Area’s donation toward my traveling?  The group conscience of the Area is that we would fund the European travel from the donation.  What is the procedure?

Elizabeth – Teri usually has the Areas in her Region pay her expenses directly; it usually doesn’t flow through the office.  I understand that this is an exception.  Let me find out and follow up on how to handle it.  It is money set aside separate from your budget and not additional.

Jackie  – They particularly wanted the monies spent for their Trustee to be traveling.

Teri – Florida earmarked a donation specifically for travel for the Atlantic South Trustee Budget.  So, if we can find an Area willing to donate, we can have a specific donation.

Jackie – Similarly the U.K. sent 5,000 pounds, 1,000 pounds of which was donated for Trustee travel within Europe.

Elizabeth – It’s wonderful, but dangerous.  It sets precedent for other Areas that they can earmark their money for specific things.  We are a non-profit; 85% of our monies must be taken in for non-specific things or we lose our non-profit status.  I understand our special needs.  It is outside of our scope as to what this Board has agreed to unless we make a motion as to the statement regarding travel.  I think the graphs are a great idea and will try to make that happen.  The problem is we just can’t get a volunteer to go in and do that.  We need to protect our information.  We’ve always asked for a one-page report and we finally received it.  As for being over budget, I believe when these budgets were created, we crunched out those numbers and thought them sound at that time.  We now know that they are not.  Next year we can add the additional amount to assist in your travel.  I don’t believe that people are going to look at you and accuse you of doing something inappropriate.

Teri – Point of Information:  our budgets for next year have already been approved.

Elizabeth – Yes, but we can tack on the extra amount for Jackie.  Thank you all for keeping me in the loop in communicating with the WSO.  It makes my job easier when answering questions.

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Jackie – Regarding the 7^th Tradition and World Services, I agree with Elizabeth, but this was something that was sent in addition to the 7^th Tradition and set aside, knowing that the Trustee needed to travel.

Cynthia – When Patty came up with the second paid Director job description I never received a copy.

Elizabeth – I didn’t either.  We will bring this up at the Conference.

MOTION PASSED to accept WSOT report.

2. World Service Trustee (John):  See attached; electronic report was uploaded two days ago.  No hard copies were handed out at the meeting.  Would like to make amends for not doing a better job of communicating this past quarter.  Electronic communication is large.  Receiving over 300 e-mails a day.  Many have said that the e-mail to me is bouncing back.  When all we say is “yes” but it comes with a Yahoo ad attached, it begins to eat up space.  I offer an apology for not keeping up with the vote or even seeing the motions sometimes.  There has been a general overall mismanagement of space allocation in my mailbox.  I concur with Elizabeth that the Board this year is operating at a high level.  I am also encouraged about the meeting last night.  Contractual matters are taking precedence and I am trying to find time to manage this effectively.  This convention is using only a handful of contracts.  None of the bids, proposal from a contract means we have to execute them.  We would only intervene on a decision that’s over $10,000.  None of our memorabilia is over that.  The definition of the TNC needs to be a new item of discussion.  Many of the people providing entertainment, etc., for this convention are doing it in exchange for registration. This also takes a contract.  The question is what point does the TNC begin to bottleneck the process of approval?  The entertainment chair has astounded us with their forthcoming of information.  All agreements are confirmed.  Two Areas have specifically contacted me about events.  South Texas will be having a conference.  So, to bring it forward for the TNC to review and take it forward from there.  All conference calls were made and I found that many of the Conference Committee members will be here.  It’s our last year at the Sheraton Four Points.  We are moving to downtown at the Hyatt Regency.  I love my commitment to service even though my anonymity has been broken many times over.  My goal would be to really have a very successful event and I feel good about this.  I am looking forward to a rejuvenation and renewal in regard to my part.  And writing reports which I don’t like.  I have been deeply engrossed with Calgary which will come later.

MOTION PASSED unanimously to accept WST report.

3. Trustee at Large (Jahi):  See attached (submitted in hard copy at meeting and given to Secretary on disk).  Would like to add that the Event Coordinator concept needs to be implemented by the next meeting.  The decision needs to be made at this meeting.

MOTION PASSED unanimously to accept TAL report.

4. Midwest Regional Trustee (Tony):  See attached.   Areas are doing well.  Manitoba Canada has really started churning things up. Sending detailed minutes twice a month.  Communicating through e-mails.  Iowa will not petition this year, but in 2005 to be recognized as an Area.

Elizabeth – Illinois might be contributing money for the reserve, any news?

Tony – They have a pretty hefty reserve but they didn’t share the amount.  We have a meeting scheduled this weekend with some of the delegates.  This has been a long-standing struggle when it comes to money.  They make good donations.  They have a CPA as the treasurer.  Some Areas continue to have struggles.  Nothing major.

Elizabeth – Last meeting we discussed the taping machine.  Were they OK with our decision?

Tony – They haven’t used it except for gift store.

MOTION PASSED unanimously to accept MWRT report.

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5. Pacific North Regional Trustee (Cynthia):  See attached.  At our Regional we had good representation.  In terms of people’s willingness to travel outside the United States, we had bids from British Columbia, Utah and Northern California to host the 2006 PNRC.  Even though the Regional had been in B.C. more recently than the other two Areas, it was decided that British Columbia will be the site for the 2006 PNRC.

MOTION PASSED unanimously to accept PNRT report.

6. Pacific South Regional Trustee (Ken):  Ran out of ink when he tried to print his report; gave to Secretary on disk and will upload to Yahoo Group today.  Pacific South Regional convention cancelled due to lack of interest; will review on a year to year basis.  The group “The Truth, The Light & The Way” (TL&W) was disaccredited.  Participated at the meeting regarding need for District finances to be addressed.  There are no guidelines in regard to this.  E-mails he’s received are asking about this.  It’s becoming an issue of groups earning money for their personal agendas.  Somehow, we need to write functional bylaws regarding this.  We have no past experience with this problem, but we should look to the old-timers who know the Traditions and Concepts.  Nevada has changed chairs again and is not returning phone calls.  The Region buys insurance and supports the Areas which cannot afford it.  L.A. is thinking of pulling their support for this.  There is nothing in the bylaws regarding this, either.  It’s not going to take much to deplete the service organization.

Teri – Would you like to add this as a new item under new business, Responsibilities of Regions related to Insurance?

Ken – Yes.

Elizabeth – The Conference Finance Committee will be putting out guidelines which will hopefully be voted on this year at the Conference.  Who are the leaders of TL&W?  Do you know them?  Have you spoken with them as to what you are doing?

Ken – They want to fight.  I do know them.

Elizabeth – L.A.C.A. is basically the leaders and elder statesmen of other Areas.  I see this rippling down of marathons into San Gabriel Pomona Valley.  What as Board members can we do to assist you?

Ken – The TL&W guys do not get it.  They are a manipulating bunch.  I gave them my opinion and they turned it around and used it to their advantage, twisting my words.

Elizabeth – Good thing they were discredited.

Ken – A lot of members from the South Central membership thought that TL&W were detrimental to the whole group.  The group conscience voted to discredit them.

Elizabeth – The facilities that see us as being in partnership with TL&W are in jeopardy.  Do you think that we can contact the person running this facility ask to have regular CA meetings there?

Ken – Yes.  We are just having a cooling off period.  We’re the ones that need to take the responsibility to H&I and be the ones who step up and let them know we’re OK.

John – These people have been in my face as well.  TL&W has always been clear to me that this is about a business opportunity.  To make them exclusively the bad guys is wrong.  The leadership is known to use deadly force.  The main concerns are:

A. Can you mention what structure can attach themselves to a 501(c)(3)?

B. Can we not allow our name be attached to The Truth, The Light and The Way?

C. Treat them the way we want to be treated.

Although the structure is different, those other offshoots of CA that create monies sort of flew under the radar.  I’m not so sure that the L.A. Area’s stepping away from the insurance is a bad thing.  I also see that keeping monies in a separate account isn’t a bad idea.  A lot of little deals begin to add up.

  (1. ) Application for a 501(c)(3) for CA procedures.

and (2. Simply) simply the matter of this loophole which allows groups like this to develop and get structured.

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Jahi – Is the Backyard Boogie the same as the Marathon?

John – It is a South Central District event.

Ken – A red flag was printing of unapproved T-shirts early.  People are looking at this in another light.  There is no accountability with these people.  It’s a very on the edge thing to look at.  I know that San Gabriel & Pomona are looking at approval for these things.  TL&W is operating under different leadership now.  People are now stepping up and challenging them.  At least we now have strong voices within the area to teach the Traditions and Principles.

Teri – Las Vegas had shift dates?

Ken – Not really.  San Diego is getting interested again.  Will be represented here at the convention.  Vegas we can’t get a grip on.

Jahi – Did they disband the Regional organization in Pacific South?

Ken – Yes; they weren’t happy.

Jay – Any follow-up from the delegate that resigned?

Ken – No.

Elizabeth – Just wanted to say that there was a fellow from San Diego that would love the Trustees to go down there and visit them.

John – I’ve been down to San Diego twice in the last quarter.  They do get representation from us.

MOTION PASSED to accept PSRT report.

7. Atlantic North Regional Trustee (Jackie):  See attached.  There is a lack of communication between Regions in Canada.  Washington, D.C., is starting to have small groups.  There are new meetings.  Pennsylvania will hold a convention in November.  Johannesburg meeting was formed as a result of the U.K. Addiction Symposium, where we attracted a man from Johannesburg.  Scotland does want to put in a petition at the Conference to become an Area.

Tony – Has the timeline for Scotland expired?

Jackie – No.

John – How is New York?

Jackie – I would like to go.  I was invited personally to go to New York.

Teri – The response to the letter forwarded by Leslie, how is that going over?

Jackie – I haven’t heard.

MOTION PASSED unanimously to accept ANRT report.

8. Atlantic South (Teri):  See attached.  Only thing to add is that the 2005 Regional Assembly will be held at CAWS 2005 in Memphis because no Area submitted a bid.  We exceeded $8,000 for the quarter.  We learned within our Region how to share with others.  There is an actual desire for Area officers to be present at the Regional Assembly.

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MOTION PASSED unanimously to accept ASRT report.

9. Southwest Regional Trustee (Jay):  See attached.  I made it to many of the Areas in my Region.  Went to a funeral for the passing of one of my delegates.  North Texas is a concern.  The Area Chair was removed for not participating and going AWOL.  The new Area Chair was previously the Vice Chair.  They are sending a delegate to the Conference.  Oklahoma is now an Area instead of two Districts.  Colorado is bidding for the World Convention for 2008.  In response to an e-mail from the Valley area with concerns for Laredo, Texas, they certainly will consider whether or not to change areas.  Have been attempting to contact Laredo.

Elizabeth – Laredo is half way between South Central and the Valley?

Jay – It’s closer to the Valley.

MOTION PASSED unanimously to accept SWRT report.

At 12:09 p.m., MOTION PASSED to adjourn for lunch for an hour and 15 minutes (until 1:25).

Meeting called to order at 1:30 p.m.

TRUSTEE COMMITTEE REPORTS

1. Finance (Elizabeth, Jay & Jahi):  See attached.

MOTION PASSED unanimously to accept Finance Committee report.

2. Conference Committee (John, Ken):

John – The only thing I can report is that we’re still having one!

3. Long Term Planning (Teri, Jackie, John, Ken Jahi):  See attached.  Teri thanks Jay for getting that information together based on their conference calls.

MOTION PASSED unanimously to accept Long Term Planning report.  Will pass out copies of report at LTP meeting.

May be an impromptu dinner with former Trustees at this convention.  Meet in lobby Friday at 6:00 p.m.  Would be nice if entire WSBT could attend LTP meeting.

4. Trustee Election Committee (Elizabeth, Cynthia, Tony, Jay):

Elizabeth – We worked very hard on the TEC questions, the draft process and the spreadsheet.  The spreadsheet that you have shows several interviews.  We are adding a couple more for a minimum of 14 candidates for the 2 positions available.  The spreadsheet shows who will be here and who will not, who will be interviewed at the Conference and who will not.  At this time, it would be appropriate to give me copies of your resumes for the candidate interviews.  The amount of hard copy resumes needed from each member of the Board is 18.  Interview times are Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., and Saturday, 9:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.  So far, those being interviewed at the convention are:

Saturday at 9:00 a.m.: Brian T.

Saturday at 10:30 a.m.: Judy W.

Friday at 9:15 a.m.: Ivan L.

Friday at 10:45 a.m.: Jim S.

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I do not have Susan D.’s printed resume.  TEC delegates present at the convention are Pilar from the Southwest Region and Freeman from the Pacific South Region.

MOTION to approve the 2004 TEC Interview Process and Questions removed from table.  Friendly amendments made and accepted.  MOTION PASSED to approve as amended.

MOTION PASSED unanimously to accept TEC report.

5. Legal Committee (Jackie, Jay):  See attached.

Teri – In the fourth paragraph, can you clarify which document you’re referring to?

Jay – It’s the yearly ratification.corporate acknowledgement.  We all sign the document that we agree to be bound by the bylaws.

Teri – What’s it called, for the benefit of the fellowship?

Jay – It’s an untitled document, but I’d call it the Bylaw Ratification Document.

MOTION PASSED to accept Legal Committee report.

6. Orientation Committee (Teri, Jahi):

–> update materials to include per diem policy

–> updates regarding Trustee responsibilities regarding signoff of Conference committee guidelines

–> confirm that communication policy between WSBT & WSOT is in place.

Teri – There was no new orientation this past quarter as there were no new Trustees.  Have not yet incorporated WSBT Chair & Vice Chair approved job descriptions into orientation materials, nor have I refined expense guidelines with the new per diem document.  Will do by next quarterly.

Jay – Would like to be added to committee.

MOTION PASSED to accept Orientation Committee report.

7. Negotiation Committee (John, Cynthia, Jackie, Tony, Ken, Teri)

–>  U.K. royalty agreement

–>  agency agreements

–>  vendor license

–>  negotiation guidelines in progress and to be available May 2004

Jackie – In the WSOB minutes, there were number of items to be referred to the committee.  At which point do you decide when they go to committee?

John – Since we have that as a new item of business, I won’t define it for you now.  If it’s under $500, we don’t have to go to the WSBT.  We’re not relying on outside services but those within the fellowship offering things at a lesser amount.  A member’s contract will be sent to committee members when it is scanned.  The Board’s approach has been to identify the cost associated with the agreement and then to approve the cost not to exceed a certain amount.  If the vendor provides an outside contract to us, it’s my understanding that I would show it to you.  In this case, the committee produced the contracts to be signed by people within our fellowship.  Seeing how there is little money involved and the service is coming from our membership, I don’t know when it should come to the TNC.  Sometimes we’ll discuss things that won’t have any paperwork associated with the discussion.  Do I need the TNC involved when there is no paper?  In the past, I’ve been right on it.  I have a

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couple you should look at but there’s nothing out of the ordinary about them.  The Hyatt agreement was presented and negotiated and went forward.  I don’t know what weight the TNC has.

Elizabeth – Thanks, John, for helping create the TNC.

Ken – Ongoing concern will be establishing a dollar amount.  Any agreement involved with any services provided should be put on a letterhead or something.  That way we have these records of these so-called agreements reached.  As trivial as these sound, it comes in handy when disagreements come up about what they agreed to.

John – The end result was a recommendation from the TNC to get those pieces of paper showing costs.  Notating the commitment as it were.

Teri – In my notes reflected in the agenda, there is the U.K. royalty agreement.  We need to make sure that we address these things.

Jackie – We were done to a point, but she’s thought of an additional clause regarding selling to nearby Areas, which they are already doing.  Would like to pull it back for further review.

John – This has been an item that has remained tabled at the WSOB.  It remains an agenda item.

TNC to complete negotiation guidelines and be ready to turn over to WSOB by next quarterly meeting.  Will be worked on by TNC and forwarded to WSBT for review via e-mail before forwarding to WSOB.

–> agency agreements:  Jay – has it ready to be signed today; under old business as well.

–> vendor license:  Jay – under new business.

–> negotiation guidelines in progress and to be available May 2004:  John – guidelines will be ready for August quarterly.

MOTION PASSED unanimously to accept TNC report.

8. NewsGram (Cynthia, Jackie, Teri):

Teri – Very satisfied with progress that has been made.  Thanks Jackie for getting articles submitted from her Region.  We need articles.  Trying to get the message out there and later in our agenda when we approve our NewsGram guidelines we can also get fresh articles.  I’ve missed two deadlines.

Jay – How are the Regional NewsGram Coordinators helping you?

Teri – Not at all.

Jay – What can we do to help you?

Teri – There’s only so much the Regional Trustee can do, if the person volunteering doesn’t come through and do what they sign up for.

Tony – I’d like to know just how much it costs to print these and send them to the membership.

Elizabeth – It’s $1,600 an edition.

Tony – Can we explore sending it electronically and having the Areas print them out themselves?

Ken – Did you get an e-mail about the newsletter?  I didn’t understand the dates or the request.

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Teri – It was for the convention newsletter.

John – My heart goes out to Teri for trying so many ways.  What about incentivizing people?  Maybe all contributing authors could receive a Principles medallion.

Cynthia – Going back to the Issue of getting the Regional NewsGram Coordinators involved, what can we do?

Jackie – If I ask to someone individually to submit articles they do.  Maybe have a bulk rate for the NewsGrams so an Area can have 100 copies.  The members are excited to have this and be a part of it.  They get to see other events that are happening around the world.

Teri – It seems our discussion is getting off point and we need to add this to New Business.  We’ll discuss this further under new item #23, Referral to WSO re NewsGram.

MOTION PASSED unanimously to accept NewsGram Committee report.

CONFERENCE COMMITTEE REPORTS

1. Finance Committee (Elizabeth):  Have a lot of work ahead of us.  Added New Business item #24, Determine the amount of prudent reserve.

MOTION PASSED to accept Finance Committee report.

2. Conference Committee (John):  See attached.  Functioning at a very high level compared to a year ago.  Largest issues are the offsetting of costs incurred by the Hyatt Hotel.  In the past we had a rebate clause where we would receive one complimentary room and a $5 or $10 rebate on every room.  The Hyatt was not willing to discuss this rebate.  Therefore, we will not receive that credit.  Some of the ideas to compensate for the shortfall are reflected in this report.  Some of the suggestions are to print a satchel style canvas bag and sell them on site.  T-shirts have also been suggested.

MOTION PASSED to accept Conference Committee report.

Teri – In light of the earlier discussion for better educating our delegates, I would like to add New Business item #25, Referral to Conference Committee to include more focus on Concepts as part of new delegate orientation.

Jay – For the last three years, I’ve done a half hour session on the Concepts. as Vice-Chair/Parliamentarian.  Are you suggesting more than that?

Teri – Ken says he knows people who do presentations on the Concepts.

Tony – I understand “The 12 Concepts Illustrated” is not approved literature, but it’s extremely helpful.  I don’t know if someone can work on getting something like that approved.

John – The Conference Committee is frustrated on that subject and cannot come up with a better idea creatively.  Now Ken and I can possibly come up with ideas.

Ken – Carl W. was able to put the 12 Concepts into a 45-minute pitch and did one of the best presentations on the 12 Concepts I’ve ever seen.  I know that it’s not a lot of time but it can be done.  Do we not have the rights to reprint the concepts from AA?  So why not try to get the rights to reprint something like this?

3. Convention Committee (Ken):  Looking forward to going into committee with 15 new points of discussion.  After reading the Convention guidelines and the World Service guidelines he can find nothing in regard to if a host city is removed.

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MOTION PASSED to accept Convention Committee report.

a. CAWS 2004 (Ken):  We’re here!!!!!

Elizabeth – If you are available and you don’t have a place to be, maybe you can offer up your services to help the committee.

Ken – Kathy Jo for one was spectacular regarding her work on this convention.  I was amazed at the amount of work, e-mails, etc. she has done!  Jim H. really did a good job with the Steering Committee.  He managed to hold on even during a major personality conflict.

MOTION PASSED to accept CAWS 2004 report.

MOTION PASSED to table CAWS 2005, 2005 and 2007 reports until John and Ken return so we have an entire Board.

4. Structure & Bylaws Committee (Jay):  See attached.  Bryan, who is the Chair, will not be present this weekend.  TheyThe committee  are planning to meet on Sunday.   They are gearing up for this meeting.  There is discussion on reconstituting their committee to more evenly divide up the experience of more senoir members..

MOTION PASSED unanimously to accept Structure & Bylaws Committee report.

5. H&I Committee (Jahi):  See TAL report.  Will have plan for marketing H&I video by Conference; will probably distribute on DVD so facility administrators can play it on their computers.  Want to make sure Areas which donated to video receive a copy.  Got great deal on raw video footage thanks to Patty.  They practically gave it to us.

MOTION PASSED unanimously to accept H&I Committee report.

6. PI committee (Jackie):  See attached.

Cynthia – Recently went to website and downloaded Fact File.  It contains a blank where the number of groups should be.

Jackie – Will check into this.

MOTION PASSED unanimously to accept PI Committee report.

7. Unity Committee (Teri):  See attached.

MOTION PASSED unanimously to accept Unity Committee report.

8. Internet Committee (Tony):  See attached.  Not a whole lot of activity recently, but there were a couple new websites approved.

Jahi – If you wanted to create a website for your Area, is there someone to contact to have that set up?

Tony – You can contact either the committee chair or me.  We cannot set it up but can explain how to do so.

MOTION PASSED unanimously to accept Internet Committee report.

9. LC&F Committee (Cynthia):  See attached.  The committee will not be conducting business at the convention.  Instead, the meeting will be a forum to inform the membership as to what we have going on with the Yahoo

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Groups, etc.  The NewsGram article was a big hit and contained an excellent description as to what the committee has been up to.

MOTION PASSED unanimously to accept LC&F Committee report.

OLD BUSINESS

1. Trustee section in the Delegate notebook (Teri)

–> To remain on agenda pending status of inclusion in the Delegate handbook and updates in the WSM.

Teri – At this time we have no update from Structure & Bylaws re referrals we submitted last year to expand and clarify the information in the WSM re the WSBT.  Thinks there were three referrals submitted during the Conference; will give Jay referral numbers so he can follow up.

2. Referral 006 (Jahi)

Jahi – ASCAP did not approve us using the music, so we’re dead in the water.  Famous Corporation has rights; we answered all their questions about how we were going to use it and they said no.

Tony – Suggests removing item and moving on.

Teri – It was a referral and we have an obligation to respond.

Jahi – Will draft response.

Elizabeth – Would like to make sure WSO has presentation in its entirety to put it into our archives.

Tony – Will follow up with getting a copy to WSO and to Jackie.  Has to be played on Macintosh with a lot of RAM.  Will complete by next quarterly.

3. Comprehensive Audit of Office (not just financial) (Jahi)

Remains on table.

4. Review procedures for selection of WSOB Directors (Elizabeth, John)

Elizabeth – Sent out what WSOB approved 3/11/04.  Believes item is complete.  Will be put on referral form.

Jay – Should suggest where we’d like it included in WSM.  Needs to be in by SR 14 deadline.

5. “World Service Conference” logo used on all CA literature and CA web site (Teri)

Elizabeth – As stated it will be removed and the new logo will be utilized as literature is reprinting.

Teri – This will be removed from old business.

6. WSBT send a letter to the WSOB giving them authorization to act as the agent for CA in all copyright matters (Elizabeth, John, Jackie)

Jay – Don’t need letter; just need agreement to be signed by John and Bob.  Our work is done.  Will make sure it gets signed.

7. WSOB policy regarding per diem. (Elizabeth)

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Elizabeth – Won’t be in delegate mailing, but all Conference Committee Chairs will be receiving a hard copy.

8. Referrals we are to be working on throughout the year (All):  To be assigned

#1137:  The Trustee Election Committee should obtain the names of at least five persons from the office of the California Secretary of State from the registry maintained pursuant to California Corporation Code Section 18 of qualified women and minority persons who are available to serve on corporate Boards for evaluation and review for selection as a new non-Addict Trustee.  (Jahi, Elizabeth)

Jahi passed out draft response to referral.  MOTION PASSED to accept response as amended:

The WSBT whole-heartedly supports the spirit of this referral but after much research and examination of our finances, we find that at this time we are unable to fulfill the referral for two reasons.  First, California Corporation Code Section 18 has been changed and no longer contains a list/database of qualified women and minority persons available to serve on corporate Boards.  This database was transferred over to the State University systems where it was merged with MBE/WBE business through the state.  This list would provide names of Minorities and Women business owners in the state but does not automatically insure that they are willing to serve on corporate Boards.  Second, although CA’s finances are improving they have not improved to the point where adding a non-addict Trustee is fiscally prudent.

#2228:  Please define special interest meetings or groups (John, Cynthia, Tony, Ken)

Tony – Has been working on it with John; forgot to include Ken and Cynthia.  Has 62-page document of research from other fellowships, articles from professionals, etc.  Thinks we should be able to answer this by next quarterly.  Having a hard time reaching a consensus.

Jackie – Would like to join, too.

#2868:  What is the original referral number and final response regarding CA announcements at CA meetings?  (Ken, Jackie)

See motion on page 2 of 3/14/04 conference call minutes – motion was made online, voted on and passed during conference call:  “Motion that announcements at ca meetings may include any business or event(s) pertaining to CA Groups, Districts, Areas, Regions, the World Service Conference or World Service Office.  No other announcements may be made before, during or after a CA meeting.”

Item completed; remove from agenda.  Clarified that response will go into our report at the Conference.

#3501:  Per the attached NewsGram article, “CA and the AA Big Book,” Vol. 7, No. 2, 4^th Quarter 1994, page 7, please propose another advisory opinion allowing use of Bill W’s “Twelve Concepts of World Service” at CA meetings.  CA has adopted AA’s Steps, Traditions and Concepts.  But until Bill’s AAWS-published writings are similarly available, it remains a violation of CA Tradition to use these valuable writings for, say, a “Concept Study” meeting by a CA Group.  We desperately need this tool to educate our Fellowship about these vital Concepts!  (See Attached)  (Jay, Cynthia, Ken)

MOTION PASSED to approve response:

We can find nothing official to date which adopted these writings of Bill W.’s.  Nonetheless, these writings have become the cornerstone of reference for delegates, service leaders and others throughout our fellowship.  In fact, these writings are made available by the WS Office at the WS Conference for delegate use and are given to each new Trustee upon election.  We also know of at least one concept study by a group which uses these writings weekly.  We need to further investigate whether CA has ever obtained

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permission to use these writings, which might have been done when it received permission to use/adopt the Concepts in the first place.   

Here is the advisory opinion which will be presented to the Conference for approval:

The book “A.A. Service Manual Combined with the Twelve Concepts For World Service” is a valuable tool of recovery and service and as such, it is the opinion of Cocaine Anonymous that meetings and service meetings within the fellowship should be allowed to have this book available to support the members in their recovery.

Jay believes this would fall under SR 14.

MOTION PASSED that we prepare to submit as part of our report a motion that the Conference issue an advisory opinion this year, as stated, and to prepare the motion for compliance with Standing Rule 14:  The book “A.A. Service Manual Combined with the Twelve Concepts For World Service” is a valuable tool of recovery and  service and as such, it is the opinion of Cocaine Anonymous that meetings and service meetings within the fellowship should be allowed to have this book available to support the members in their recovery.

#3516:  Please construct and write a statement such as “Cocaine Anonymous uses the Big Book of AA as our basic text.”  We have been somewhat divided on this issue for the past 4 to 5 years.  In my 13+ years of recovery in Cocaine Anonymous, neither I or any of many other recovering addicts have had a question as to the value of the Big Book in our recovery or the fact that using it does not affiliate us with AA.  I would like to see a WS Conference approved statement which would, once and for all, affirm what we have been saying informally for the past 20+ years.  (Jay, Ken, Cynthia)

MOTION PASSED unanimously to approve response:

For background, we attach a copy of an entire NewsGram article from 1994 which provides detailed background on this question.  In pertinent part we quote:

“… in an effort to clarify our relationship with these two books, making clear the complete lack of affiliation with any outside entity in keeping with the Sixth Tradition, the World Service Conference — the voice of the group conscience of the whole Fellowship — passed the following advisory opinion on August 20^th, 1989:  “THE BOOKS ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS AND TWELVE STEPS AND TWELVE TRADITIONS OF ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS ARE TWO OF OUR MOST VALUABLE TOOLS OF RECOVERY AND AS SUCH, IT IS THE OPINION OF COCAINE ANONYMOUS THAT MEETINGS SHOULD BE ALLOWED TO HAVE THESE BOOKS AVAILABLE TO SUPPORT MEMBERS IN THEIR RECOVERY.”

What this quite clearly means is that we do not own these books, they are not ours to change or even say that they are “ours” in any sense of the word.  These books are generously loaned to us, for our use, by AA, and for that we are truly grateful.

About this same time, while many of us  acknowledged that the heart of the recovery program was described in the first 164 pages of the “Big Book,” many of the personal stories were hard to identify with, particularly for newcomers.  We needed a book to call our own, and felt strongly that we couldn’t improve on the set of directions in that first 164 pages, but we could certainly tell our own  stories!  As a result, we are able to hold in our hands Hope, Faith and Courage — our own  book of stories — through the efforts of many trusted servants.  But we also have the “Big  Book” and “12 & 12” to refer to for guidance in reading the roadmap of recovery.”

At this time, the WSBT does not believe it is necessary to modify or seek any change from the Conference to this Advisory Opinion, or to issue any new statement regarding CA’s use of the AA Big Book.

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Please note also that the WSBT is bringing forth a separate motion to present at the Conference to seek inclusion into the World Service Manual of a complete list of all Conference approved literature.

#3583:  Is there anything wrong or a violation of any Tradition, By-Laws, Concepts or Charter to sell water as a fund-raiser, or to sell past memorabilia, as a fund-raiser, to raise funds for upcoming events.  Clarification: a group or meetings.  (Jahi, Jay, Ken)

MOTION PASSED unanimously to accept the proposed response, as amended:

The 7^th Tradition states that Each CA group ought to be fully self-supporting declining outside contributions.  Thus to raise funds in of it’s self is not a violation of Traditions.  In fact, the Long Form of the 7th Tradition starts out that: “The {AA}  groups themselves ought to be fully supported by the voluntary contributions of their own members.”  The paragraph continues and warns though: : [we} view with much concern those AA treasuries which continue beyond prudent reserves, to accumulate funds for no stated A.A. purpose.”

Therefore, the sale of water or soda or similar refreshments at a meeting by a group for a stated purpose would be acceptable, as long as the sales were solely to members of the fellowship.  The same would hold true for approved memorabilia as long as the funds were raised for a stated purpose.  The phrase in the referral references “funds for upcoming events” which is of some concern as the phrase has no clear specificity which the Tradition seems to require.

We need to remember that the CA trademark should be utilized only after prior approval by the applicable service body as set forth in WSM 1.9.

We are also mindful of two earlier Traditions which come into play here.  The 5^th Tradition states that “Each group has but one primary purpose — to carry its message to the addict who still suffers.”  Careful consideration and possible alteration of a planned activity should always be given if at any time an activity within our group or meetings infringe upon this vital Tradition.  The sixth Tradition, to paraphrase, states that we should not let money, property or prestige divert us from our primary purpose.  Once again, this Tradition comes prior to the seventh and illustrates the importance of our primary purpose.  Therefore if selling water, memorabilia, future or past, diverts or distracts from our primary purpose then it would be against Traditions.”

#3647 – To revive the Trustee P.I. Committee.  This committee was composed of a Trustee, a WSOB member and a volunteer working through the WS Office.  This committee addressed issues of CA on a national and international level.  These would be newspaper articles, TV, radio and motion pictures: and other related outlets – magazines, periodicals, etc.  (Teri/Jahi)

MOTION PASSED to approve the proposed response to referral #3647:

Thank you for bringing this matter forward.  Although the WSBT agrees that this committee should be reinstated so that issues of CA can be addressed on a national and international level, at this time, it is felt that it can be an extremely time consuming activity as well as having a financial impact which the CA Fellowship cannot currently afford.  As such, this referral will remain with the WSBT and be turned over to the WSBT Long Term Planning Committee to develop specific objectives and guidelines which will help with implementation and financing of this committee.

#3945 – Review the Area Structure in Pacific South with reference to several very small Areas.  Consider whether in the interests of CA Unity, and in the interest of creating more viable areas, several PS Areas should be combined.  Particularly, merging Orange County and San Diego together and incorporating Cen Cal into SF Valley.  (Ken)

Ken – Meant to put it on agenda at last Regional meeting, but didn’t.  Will bring it up at Regional on Sunday.

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#3946 – Trademark:  “and all other mind-altering substances” (John)

–>  John to investigate cost considerations

John not present.

#3993 – What can we do to protect the 5th Concept statement on the floor, if anything?  (Jay/Teri)

MOTION PASSED unanimously to approve response to referral #3993 as submitted:

Bill W.’s writings on the Fifth Concept are clear setting forth the importance of Fifth Concept Appeals and Petitions.  However, we as a Board have witnessed the possible abuse and overreaching of this Concept on the Conference floor.  We also support the Conference Chair’s right to control both the timing and content of all activities occurring during Conference sessions.

However, in an effort to support the sanctity of Conference floor time and to keep the Conference focused on the matters before it, we will request that the Conference Chair read the following during his/her opening remarks on the first day of the Conference each year:

Our fellowship has had a long history of supporting and embracing the Fifth Concept as set forth in our World Service Manual.  On the floor, the Chair has been very liberal of letting most anyone say anything couched under the phrase of the person making a “Fifth Concept statement” when that person does not agree with a vote or action of the Conference itself.  However, in recent years this wide latitude has been somewhat abused with such statements straying far off point of the topic from time to time, with the makers of the statements becoming irate and personally attacking the Chair, other members of the floor and others even not in attendance.  Please, when you exercise this right during this Conference, remain mindful to keep your comments on point related to why you disagree with the action, please remain as calm as possible and be mindful of our overall primary purpose here.  Thank you.

Paused to review remaining agenda items and prioritize.

Jay – I have some other referrals that I’ve thought of along the way and I don’t know if they are referrals which should be made by me individually or by the Trustees as a collective group.

Teri – If you’re proposing a minor housekeeping change, I don’t know how that would affect the WSBT as a whole.  Technically, however, seeing how we are a Board, anything with your name on it would appear to from the Board.  So, maybe list these in e-mail or ask someone else to submit it with his or her name on it.

Jay – Read list of referrals.

Teri – We will add this to New Business.

MOTION to adjourn for dinner at 6:00 for an hour and a half.

Reconvened at 7:43 p.m.

9. January quarterly meeting minutes

MOTION PASSED to take motion to approve the minutes of January quarterly meeting from the table.

MOTION PASSED to approve January quarterly meeting minutes.

10. CAWS 2005, 2006 and 2007 reports:

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a. CAWS 2005 (Teri):  Has black and white copy of registration form which will be distributed here.  Will be revised budget coming to Conference floor for approval showing a $15,000 increase over last year, which is being supported by Patty and the WSOB as a whole.  Conference calls with committee and WSOB have been very helpful.

Jay – May we look at the budget when you receive it?

Teri – Yes.  I’ll put it in the Yahoo folder for 2005.

John – I understand that most of the committee will be here this week.

Teri – Yes, many of the committee members will be here.  Quite a few people coming and making the effort to be here.

John – Great opportunity to shake hands and let them know where behind them.

MOTION PASSED unanimously to accept CAWS 2005 report.

b. CAWS 2006 (Cynthia):  Gave Elizabeth border crossing research.

MOTION made and seconded that with the 10^th Concept in mind, we pull the 2006 convention from Calgary.

MOTION FAILED to table this motion until tomorrow before we adjourn so we can review the committee’s latest budget.

Friendly amendment offered and accepted to add “pending a plan of action be agreed upon to present to the World Service Conference.”

After much debate, amended MOTION PASSED that with the 10^th Concept in mind, we the WSBT pull the 2006 convention from Calgary pending a plan of action be agreed upon by the WSBT to present to the World Service Conference.

MOTION made and seconded that we first clarify our reasons for this decision and then notify, in order:

1.  The 2006 Steering Committee members, by meeting with the members who are here and having a speaker phone conference with the Chair;

2.  The World Service Office Board;

3.  The Conference Convention and Finance Committees;

4.  The Regions at their Regional meetings.

Following notification of the Regions, there will be a notification and invitation for bids sent out to the fellowship.

The 2004 Conference will make the decision as to where the 2006 convention will be held.

The Conference Convention and Finance Committees will work with the WSOB to establish a minimum base profit which is acceptable, with justification for their reasons.

The Convention Committee will be asked to modify for this time only the time requirements for establishing the new 2006 Steering Committee.

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The bid submitted for CAWS 2007 would be open for consideration for rebid for CAWS 2006 but not required to change as approved by the World Service Conference.

None of the 2008 bids would be denied on the basis of right of rotation from Region to Region.

MOTION PASSED unanimously to call the vote.

MAIN MOTION FAILS.

MOTION to reconsider 10^th Concept motion.  Maker and seconder must have voted with the prevailing side per WSM.  No second from prevailing side.

MOTION to suspend the rules to open topic up for discussion.  Not necessary.  Decided to go through point by point to see what we are OK with and what we need to change.  Motion refined and added to:

After additional debate and discussion, amended MOTION PASSED that before this quarterly meeting ends, we craft a statement of explanation for our decision and then notify, in order:

1.  The 2006 Steering Committee members, by meeting with the members who are here and having a speaker phone conference with the Chair;

2.  The World Service Office Board;

3.  The Conference Convention and Finance Committees;

4.  The Regions at their Regional meetings.

Following notification of the Regions, there will be a notification and invitation for bids sent out to the fellowship.

The 2004 Conference will make the decision as to where the 2006 convention will be held.

The Convention Committee will be asked to modify for this time only the time deadlines for the new 2006 Committee.

Areas bidding for CAWS 2006 will be required to have hosted a prior CAWS convention.

It is suggested that in addition to the requirements in the CAWS Convention Committee Guidelines, the CAWS 2006 Chair have prior CAWS Steering Committee experience.

It is also suggested that the CAWS 2006 committee consider streamlining the committee structure and format.

MOTION PASSED to table discussion of point zero (“we craft a statement of explanation for our decision”) to first item of business tomorrow morning.

MOTION PASSED to suspend the rules to set the time for starting and ending tomorrow, to start at 8:30 a.m. and extend until 3:30 p.m.

John – Brought up concept of substantial unanimity and that we did not clarify whether the committee members will be asked to keep what we tell them confidential.

Elizabeth – Suggests Cynthia contact the committee members to try to set up time for meeting.

Jay – It must be prior to Saturday afternoon.

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Teri – As the business has been tabled and continued to tomorrow we should discuss that then.  Cynthia can take that suggestion under advisement.

Ken – The entire first motion is contingent on the plan, so the first motion doesn’t go through until the plan goes through… We’re getting way ahead of ourselves.

Elizabeth – I’d like the Chair to remind everyone that this needs to stay in this room.  That includes significant others.

Teri – I concur.  Consider yourselves so notified.

MOTION PASSED to accept CAWS 2006 report.

c. CAWS 2007 report (Tony):  Got together with election committee and elected Hotel Liaison (Jahi B.) and Program Chair.  Put off elections of Vice Chair, Secretary and Treasurer because they only had one resume for each position.  Kay has said she will be bringing resumes for a minimum of two candidates for each position so that selection can be made here.

Jahi – Is it going to take any kind of extensive discussion of this body to use a professional event planner for 2007?

Consensus is yes.

MOTION PASSED unanimously to accept CAWS 2007 report.

John – Jahi, congratulations on your appointment. I look forward to working with you on site selection.

Jahi – I perceive that happening a lot faster so I have been moving forward.

MOTION PASSED unanimously to suspend the rules to take two pieces out of business out of order (previously #13 and #15 under Old Business).

11. Regional Trustee review of Area newsletters (Jay, Tony)

MOTION PASSED unanimously to approve guidelines for review of Area newsletters as submitted on Yahoo group.

Point of information:  These are internal guidelines for WSBT and will be included in documentation at orientation.

12. Review/approve WSO Personnel Policy Handbook (Elizabeth)

–> Motion Passed:  to approve WSO Personnel Policy Handbook as presented at January 2004 WSBT Quarterly meeting pending written approval by a California employment attorney.

–> Status?

MOTION PASSED to amend original motion to read as follows:  to approve the WSO Personnel Policy Handbook as presented at the January 2004 WSBT quarterly meeting.

MOTION FAILS to approve the WSO Personnel Policy Handbook as presented at the January 2004 WSBT quarterly meeting.

MOTION PASSED unanimously to approve the WSO Personnel Policy Handbook as presented at the January 2004 WSBT quarterly meeting pending review by a California employment attorney.

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MOTION FAILS to suspend the rules to take another item out of order (#24 under Old Business).

MOTION PASSED to adjourn; already determined start time to be 8:30 a.m. tomorrow.

Thursday, May 27, 2004

The regular quarterly meeting of the CA World Service Board of Trustees, at the Universal City Hilton Hotel, reconvened at 8:42 a.m. on Thursday, May 27, 2004.

1. Quiet Time and Serenity Prayer

2. Roll Call

Teri Knight – Atlantic South Regional Trustee – Chair
Jahi Boseda -Trustee at Large – Vice Chair
Cynthia Cronkhite – Pacific North Regional Trustee – Secretary
Jackie Schickler – Atlantic North Regional Trustee
Jay Finesilver – Southwest Regional Trustee 
Ken Cross – Pacific South Regional Trustee
Elizabeth Saldebar – World Service Office Trustee
John Bodkin – World Service Trustee 
Tony Drake Midwest  – Regional Trustee

3. Review of agenda (Teri):  First thing to do is to review the agenda and take a look at the remaining items and decide on where we need to go from here.  There are items we’ve identified as deferred to e-mail, which will allow us to remain focus on those we are addressing at this time.  Cynthia and I are working to move our way of conducting business via e-mail to another level by creating an agenda for online business.  Time is money and we need to mindful that we’ve agreed to extend the business one and half hours, which will bring us to approximately $1,000 over what we currently discussed.  I hope that everyone has given some thought to those items we are going to bring up.  Crafting on the fly will not be productive on the first order of business.  I will be weighing heavily on what I view as productive and non-productive time spent in this Board meeting.  There is a difference between refining and crafting a motion.  I’m going to be focused on being focused today.  We all need to stay focused.  I apologize in advance if I appear that I’ve encroached upon your personal feelings as it is not personal.

4. ‘Point zero’:  we craft a statement of explanation for our decision.

Cynthia – Shared new budget info she received from 2006 Committee Treasurer via e-mail last night.

MOTION PASSED to table this discussion until after the next break.

5. Copyright protection outside of the United States (Jackie)

Still tabled.

6. Review of  TEC guidelines and processes (Elizabeth, Cynthia, Tony, Jay):

Done.

7. Trusted Servants: When Trust is Lost (Jay, Ken)

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Jay – This was a piece we started last fall.  After visiting Arizona I liked what they had done, and I would like feedback from all of you to make sure this is where we are and bring something to the floor next Conference.

Cynthia – I like what you’ve done so far but I don’t think there’s been enough time to give it adequate attention at this point.

John – How we address our dirty laundry in a national structure isn’t perfect, but the guideline is necessary.  If this body of work were to turn into a piece of literature, I would be against it.

Jay – We suggest putting it in a manual, or a NewsGram article, to where it comes up a lot and can be referenced.

Teri – I think it’s fabulous work.  The minor points I will review with you later.  On page 2, the last sentence under the paragraph of Suspension, restitution should be added as a word in terms of trust being lost due to theft.  Maybe the word theft could be entered as well.  On page 3, the last sentence, I think that first part before where the double commas are needs to be explained.

Ken – Are you talking about protecting the corporation?

Teri – We really need to be clear on what we are saying there.  Note that we will discuss this at the next quarterly meeting.  Move this to e-mail.

8. Review and discussion of what CA’s (through our Board or the WSOB) response is to help Areas and even other countries to incorporate as non-profits under the applicable legal structure.  Comment: the forms were last updated in 1992 or something, I have three areas asking for the forms and guidance now. (Jay)

Elizabeth – Office is waiting on direction as to how to proceed; sitting on a pile of requests 2” thick.

Handle by e-mail.

9. Concept for two WSO Directors (Elizabeth)

Table to next quarterly.

10. Legal counsel for CA (Jay)

Handle by e-mail.

11. Database for Trustee Use

Will remain with LTP; remove from agenda.

12. Referral regarding Atlantic North Region (Jackie)

Jackie – On page 2.13 of WSM, list of Areas in Atlantic North is incorrect.  Maine and Rhode Island do not have any CA meetings at this time.

Teri – There don’t have to be CA meetings in those states; those states are in the Region.

Jackie – Would like to add references to Holland, Sweden, Spain, Belgium and Hong Kong.

Elizabeth – Once they are recognized on the Conference floor then they can be part of that Region, but right now they are not.

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Teri – The asterisk does not indicate the existence of meetings but rather denotes acceptance of and/or petition by an Area.

Jackie – I am bringing forward the needs of the European fellowship; those in CA in the places mentioned feel excluded and left out.  They don’t feel like they are a part of.

Jay – Suggests doing a referral to have Structure & Bylaws decide how to recognize those places which have meetings but have not yet been recognized as part of a Region.

Teri – WSO assigned the new meetings to Jackie because of proximity but it is really up to the Conference to assign them to a Region.

Jackie – Would like to craft referral and submit via e-mail.

Teri – Referral should be to recognize those places that have meetings but haven’t been allocated to a Region.  The mere fact that you’re closest to them means that by default they are in your Region, but they are not yet recognized by the Conference floor.   Places that have meetings can be recognized in the manual, but not necessarily as part of a region.

Jackie – Will craft a referral and submit via e-mail.

13. Issues regarding finances of districts (Ken)

Conference Finance Committee is looking into this; remains tabled to e-mail.

14. Ad Hoc WSBT convention committee to CAWS Convention issues (Elizabeth/Jay/Ken/Teri)

Jay – This actually came from three separate agenda items.  I’m not sure just who wants to be on this committee.  The report of the Ad Hoc CAWS Convention Committee was handed out.

Teri – The committee hasn’t formally been formed.

Combined w/#17.  Committee will consist of John, Tony, Jay, Ken, Elizabeth, Jackie, Cynthia.

Teri – What other actions were we trying to include in the scope of this work?  Have we considered including the WSO Director?

Will discuss at next quarterly.

15. Resolve issues to promote Memphis power point presentation as soon as possible (John)

Elizabeth – We can show it one time, at the banquet at CAWS 2004.  Item closed.

16. Posting info on CA website about how to cross the borders into Canada (Cynthia)

Tabled to e-mail discussion.  Copies passed out.

17. Referrals to WSC Convention committee and Regional Trustee responsibilities (Ken)

Combined w/#14.

18. The CPA quarterly reports (Elizabeth)

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MOTION PASSED that we give direction to the WSOB to hire a CPA for our year-end tax returns.

Point of Information – All quarterly reports would be done in-house.

19. Future use of Milwaukee slide show (All)

Done.

20. Storage on Yahoo Group (Cynthia)

Cynthia – At last check, our file storage was at 19936 Kb used of 20480 Kb total.

MOTION made and seconded that the WSBT Secretary set up Yahoo Groups for the following WSBT subcommittees:  Finance, Legal, Negotiating, TEC, Long Term Planning, NewsGram and Ad Hoc Committee re CAWS convention issues.

Groups can be set up for file access only so messages can be read at group site rather than being received individually.

Suggestions made re using ca.org; need to look into security issues.

MOTION withdrawn.

MOTION that WSBT Secretary remove extra archived folders from our current Yahoo group in order to facilitate storage space and when we have a new e-mail storage, that she replace the archive folders.  Read applicable portion of E-Mail Guidelines.  Motion not necessary.

Discussed archiving options, including keeping CDs or archiving at WSO.

MOTION PASSED that Tony research our ability to use CA’s servers to increase our e-mail and file storage capabilities.

Secretary is now free to follow E-Mail Guidelines.

21. Referrals related to WSBT conference calls and quarterly meetings (Elizabeth)

Elizabeth doesn’t know what this means; remove.

22. Hazelden literature for sale by an Area

MOTION PASSED to make referral to S&B to clarify that Areas and Districts only sell literature approved for use at CA meetings.

Tabled to e-mail.

Ken – This ties in with #5 under new business.

Teri – They came to us under different circumstances, so they should remain separate.

23. Group Inventory

Keep; will do as last item on agenda

24. Other old business from January (Cynthia):

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Item 12 under old business in January read:

“How to cover the gap between the Conference and the first conference call of the WSBT 6 weeks later for committee assignments handled by rotating out Trustees  (Jay)

After some discussion, MOTION PASSED that the assignment of temporary conference committee Trustees that are vacant as a result of outgoing Trustees be the responsibility of the WSBT Chair and will be addressed at the August WSBT quarterly meeting.  Teri will update Chair responsibilities for review prior to next conference call.”

Was not done for March conference call; have guidelines been updated?

Teri – Not yet completed and posted.

Item #29 under new business in January read “Appropriate wording on CA t-shirts (12^th Tradition) (Ken):  Referred to e-mail discussion.”  Then Item #16 under old business in March conference call read “MOTION PASSED THAT WE RESPOND STATING THAT USE OF THE WORD “ADDICT” ON MEMORABILIA BEARING THE CA LOGO IS NOT A VIOLATION OF THE 12 TRADITIONS.”  Who or what were we responding to?  Does this response need to be written and sent out?

Ken – Was from The Truth, The Light and The Way; did get responded to.

NEW BUSINESS

1. Date/time for the next WSBT conference call (All)

After brief discussion, MOTION PASSED that next conference call be July 11^th at noon PDT.

2. Date/time for the next WSBT quarterly meeting (All)

Conference begins Tuesday, August 31^st.  We usually meet for a half day, then a whole day, then a half day, so we’d start on Sunday.  CALA convention is that same weekend; Ken has commitment to be there.  Tony opposed to starting before 5:00 p.m. Sunday.

MOTION PASSED to start the next quarterly WSBT meeting on Sunday, August 29^th at 6:00 p.m. PDT.

Historically our meetings end at 1:00 p.m. on second day.

Elizabeth would like to start interviews on Tuesday so we can participate in our Conference Committee meetings.

3. Gender Specific meetings (Jay):

Do by e-mail.

4. National PI committee (Teri/Jackie):

Remove.

5. The two books: the small pocket size Big Book by Alternative Press and The Little Red Book (Jay)

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Jay – Arizona’s H&I is handing out the Little Red Book after tearing out a couple pages referencing Hazelden.  It’s not Conference approved literature and I want to put this on our radar screen.

Ken – This is an unauthored piece of literature which is not approved by any 12-step fellowship containing an opinion about what was written by someone else.  If we allow this it sets a precedent to open the door to all literature.  We need to stay away from other people’s opinions on how to work the program.  We need to ask them to stop and if individuals choose to use it or sponsors use it, it is their business, but it’s not our job.

Jackie – I’ve seen this book.  I believe we have already defined the position as to what is approved at a CA meeting.

John – The most effective thing the Board can offer is to reiterate our position on supporting Conference-approved literature.

Cynthia – We previously passed a motion to make a referral to Structure & Bylaws to clarify that Areas and Districts only sell literature approved for use at CA meetings; we could add “or distribute.”

John – It’s an interesting idea Cynthia has brought up.  Ultimately we are focused on this particular piece of literature.  But we don’t want to create confusion in hampering any creative process.  So the language in any motion can have a long-term effect.

Ken – Was Jay asked to get approval for this Red Book?  Why was it brought here?

Jay – I was handed this and was concerned that an Area thinks they can use this.

Ken – Are you saying that the Sun Valley group approved this and handed it out?

Jay – No, they allowed their H&I groups to hand it out.

Cynthia – There also has been an ongoing discussion in Utah about using non-AA versions of the Big Book.

MOTION PASSED to table tothis discussion toso that the board could address the next item of new business.

Break.

6. Returning to ‘point zero’:  we craft a statement of explanation for our decision

Worked on draft explanation rest of morning and after lunch until 3:30; printed for review.

MOTION PASSED to extend session to 4:00 p.m.

MOTION PASSED to extend session to 5:00 p.m.

MOTION PASSED to approve the following statement:

May 27, 2004

Dear Fellowship,

As charged by the Conference, the WSBT is responsible to serve the best interests of the fellowship.  We are necessarily concerned with all things that may endanger the existence of our Fellowship or limit our growth.

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In light of this awareness and our collective experience, we, the WSBT, have concluded that we must invoke the 10^th Concept and have decided that the World Convention in 2006 should not be held in Calgary.  The reasons for this 10^th Concept decision are as follows:

Finances

The WSBT, working closely with both the WSOB and the WSC Finance Committee, has noted positive financial trends as a direct result of our ongoing commitment to significant cost cutting measures.  Both Boards and the many subcommittees of the WSC have been extremely diligent in ascertaining and enhancing CA’s overall financial picture.  Recent financial reports show significant progress in this regard.

Over the past few years, the WSBT and WSOB have been tracking trends for World conventions.  This has led to a new level of awareness and responsibility in reviewing budgets and other convention operations, which now include detailed and continuing fiscal oversight.   

– The prudent reserve is threatened; under-funding of the prudent reserve threatens the budget allocated for Program Services and diminishes World Services’ ability to carry the message.

– The revised budget as submitted by the CAWS 2006 Committee on May 27, 2004 is not realistic in the WSBT’s collective experience.

– After reviewing the estimated best and worst-case net profits, the WSBT believes that Calgary cannot raise the necessary funds to support World Services.

Convention experience and resources

– The host committee’s lack of successful convention experience.

– Hotel and committee resources may be insufficient to fulfill the conditions set forth in the World Service Conference Convention Committee Guidelines.

Informed group conscience

– Page 44 of the AA Service Manual Combined with 12 Concepts for World Service states, in pertinent part:  “Therefore it becomes clear that ultimate authority is something which cannot be used indiscriminately.  Indeed ultimate authority should practically never be used in full, except in an emergency.  That emergency usually arises when delegated authority has gone wrong, when it must be reorganized because it is ineffective, or because it constantly exceeds its defined scope and purpose.”

– Having only one bid for CAWS 2006 limited the ability of both the WSC Convention Committee and the Conference to form an informed group conscience.  Multiple bids would allow the WSC to review more aggressively budgets and convention site locations.

– Many important questions were not asked at the 2002 Conference, when Calgary’s bid was selected, due to the lack of recent experience with international conventions on the part of the Conference, including the WSBT.  This has resulted in an ongoing need to obtain additional information to facilitate an informed group conscience.

Why now versus later

– We believe this is an emergency requiring immediate action pursuant to the 10^th Concept and SR 14.  If we did not act now, we would not be fulfilling our fiduciary responsibilities.

– Action now would facilitate selection of an alternative site as quickly as possible, thus allowing full participation by the World Service Conference and Cocaine Anonymous as a whole.

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In love and service,

The World Service Board of Trustees

Reviewed motion passed yesterday and discussed process for notification.

5^th Concept statement (John):  Since they already have it, on page 44 of the World Service Manual for AA it talks about using the 10^th concept when delegated authority has gone wrong.  But I have felt from the beginning that eighteen years of experience is difficult to call wrong all of a sudden.  I’ve been consistent and have participated and not impeded the process of this motion. I don’t think we had to do this. I think there’s a lot NOT done here that needed to get done here in lieu on getting this done here.  My biggest point I’d like to make is that we made a decision and then we decided why, instead of knowing why and then making the decision.

MOTION to reconsider 10^th Concept decision; out of order (needs to be made same day as original motion).

MOTION to rescind 10^th Concept decision; not seconded.

MOTION PASSED to extend session to 6:00 p.m.

6.  Referral to S&B:  Reference to CA literature in the WSM (Jay/Cynthia)

MOTION PASSED as amended to refer to S&B for their consideration and insertion in their report, and to bring to the Conference floor, the following motion:

Motion to create a new section in the World Service Manual on page 3.4 entitled “Conference Approved Literature,” as follows:

The following literature has been approved by the World Service Conference:

Books:

Hope Faith and Courage: Stories from the Fellowship of Cocaine Anonymous

Pamphlets:

To the Newcomer
The First 30 Days
Tools of Recovery
Choosing Your Sponsor
Tips for Staying Clean & Sober
Self Test for Cocaine Addiction
A Higher Power
What is C.A.?
…And All Other Mind Altering Substances
Crack
A Guide to the 12 Steps
The Home Group
Unity
The 7th Tradition
A New High from H&I
Reaching Out to the Deaf and Hard of Hearing
Being of Service
C.A. Infoline Numbers

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The following materials are also available and approved:

CA Fact File

Traditions Group Inventory

In addition, the World Service Conference passed the following advisory opinion on August 20th, 1989: “THE BOOKS ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS AND TWELVE STEPS AND TWELVE TRADITIONS OF ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS ARE TWO OF OUR MOST VALUABLE TOOLS OF RECOVERY AND AS SUCH, IT IS THE OPINION OF COCAINE ANONYMOUS THAT MEETINGS SHOULD BE ALLOWED TO HAVE THESE BOOKS AVAILABLE TO SUPPORT MEMBERS IN THEIR RECOVERY.”

---

Upon passage of that original Motion, the following Motions would be presented:

Motion A:  For Insertion on Page 1.9 of the WSM the following sentence and Title

CONFERENCE APPROVED LITERATURE

A full list of Conference approved literature appears in this Manual on page 3.4.

---

Then Motion B to create the following procedure:

At any time in the future that the Conference approves a new piece of literature or enacts a new advisory opinion, the newly approved item(s) shall be inserted into the list on page 3.4 when the WSM is updated yearly.

---

Then Motion C:

To insert at the bottom of the newly inserted language of 3.4 the following sentence:

The use, display, distribution or sale  by groups or meetings of materials, books or literature not listed above is inappropriate and is therefore strongly discouraged.

7. MOTION made and seconded to rescind the 10^th Concept motionCalgary Motion.

Teri – In the interest of time we need to limit debate to two for and two against.

Elizabeth – Parliamentary inquiry, thatdoes this motion requires a 2/3^rd vote to pass.  (It does.)

MOTION to rescind FAILS.

5^th Concept Statement (Cynthia):  I believe the decision to pull CAWS 2006 from Calgary is wrong and could seriously affect CA as a whole.  I’ve always believed, and my experience has borne out, that when we do the right thing spiritually, our financial needs get met.  To me, this decision flies in the face of the first part of the CAWS Convention statement of purpose, “to promote enthusiasm and unity within the fellowship of Cocaine Anonymous.”  What kind of a message does this decision send to Areas outside the U.S.?  ‘We want you to be part of our fellowship but we don’t trust you to host our so-called World Convention?’  We’ve focused on the fear that many U.S. citizens wouldn’t be able to cross the border, but what about our members in Canada or

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other countries who can’t get into the U.S.?  How can we proclaim ourselves to be a truly international organization if our thinking is this U.S.-centric?  I’ve seen first-hand the beauty of Calgary and the warmth and enthusiasm of its fellowship, and I think it would have been a wonderful location for our convention.  The convention in Calgary might not have looked like the one in Scottsdale or here in L.A., but that’s the point – to move the convention from Region to Region so we can experience the wonderful diversity throughout our fellowship.  It is also of great concern to me that at least one person who adamantly recommended this decision had not even read my most recent report.  We also had very little time to review the committee’s most recent budget.  Can we honestly say our own group conscience has been adequately informed?  I am also greatly concerned by our lack of substantial unanimity.  I’ve said all along that what was really needed was for everyone at World Services to get on board and share their experience with the Calgary committee, rather than constantly contemplating pulling the rug out from under them.  I believe this decision is being made for the wrong reason, out of fear, under the guise of fiscal responsibility.  I believe the proper way to be fiscally responsible would be to put our faith and resources behind the committee and then focus our attention toward developing other revenue sources and building the prudent reserve in order to alleviate some of the pressure on CAWS conventions to fund our operations throughout the year.  We’ve got to quit putting all our financial eggs in one basket.

Break.

8. Telephone conference with CAWS 2006 Chair, Roy R.  Also present were Trevor S. and Jenn S., the only members of the Calgary fellowship in attendance at CAWS 2004.  Statement from WSBT was read by the WSBT Chair.  Comments were received from Roy, Trevor and Jenn.

9. Meeting with WSOB to inform them of the 10^th Concept decision.

Still need to craft notification for bid.  Teri will do and get out to all of us.  Deadline is 6/1, but mailing probably won’t go out until 6/14.

Decision won’t be announced until the Regional meetings on Sunday of this Convention weekend.

Patty – Bid has to be to WSO 30 days prior to Conference so she can review the numbers.

7:24 p.m. MOTION PASSED to adjourn.

Saturday, May 29, 2004:

The regular quarterly meeting of the CA World Service Board of Trustees, at the Universal City Hilton Hotel, was called to order at 7:05 a.m. on Saturday, May 29, 2004.

1. Quiet Time and Serenity Prayer

2. Roll Call

Teri Knight – Atlantic South Regional Trustee – Chair
Jahi Boseda – Trustee at Large – Vice Chair
Cynthia Cronkhite – Pacific North Regional Trustee Secretary
Jackie Schickler – Atlantic North Regional Trustee
Jay Finesilver – Southwest Regional Trustee
Ken Cross – Pacific South Regional Trustee
Elizabeth Saldebar – World Service Office Trustee
John Bodkin – World Service Trustee
Tony Drake – Midwest Regional Trustee

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3. Reimbursement to Jay F. for Houston, TX unity trip (Teri/Jay)

Jay – Has report on visit; passed out hard copies.  First trip to facilitate inventory went sideways and they weren’t able to finish.  On most recent trip, did love & service workshop and it was wonderful.  Sat through God meeting first and then did inventory.  Wrote down things they wanted to let go of, tied them to balloons and let them go together.  The starting of the healing was emotionally intense.  They will be doing their own follow-up session in about a month and another when I go down for the Area convention, where we’ll be doing a long-range planning session for the Texas Area.  Total airfare expense was $258.20 + $209.70 for a total of $467.90.  All other expenses were compensated by the Area.  Does not intend for written report to go out in delegate mailing.

MOTION PASSED to approve the exception travel expense and reimburse Jay $467.90.

4. Sale of the 12-step recovery Board game “Get Into Action” at CA conventions (Jay)

Will do by e-mail.  Game does not reference CA.

5. CA policy about vendors at CA conventions. (Jay)

Tabled to August quarterly.

6. Made one additional change to January quarterly minutes by group consensus.

7. Definition of an “emergency motion” as stated in the WSBT e-mail guidelines. (Cynthia)

MOTION made and seconded to add the following language to the WSBT E-Mail Guidelines, following the existing language of “In the event of an emergency motion, the above timelines and procedures may be adjusted at the Chair’s discretion”:  “An emergency motion is any motion which must be decided in less than the standard nine-day timetable.  When posting the emergency motion, the maker shall indicate the deadline by which a decision is needed and explain why the matter is so urgent.  If there is already a motion on the floor at the time of the emergency, it shall be tabled until the emergency motion has been decided.”

MOTION PASSED to table to e-mail.

8. Status of story review and timetable for approval  (Cynthia)

Tabled to July 11^th conference call.

9. Approval of revised book format (Cynthia)

MOTION PASSED unanimously to approve the proposed book structure as there are neither Traditions violations nor concerns that might affect CA as a whole per point 7 of the 12 Point Literature Approval Process.

Teri and Elizabeth in favor of one master list of footnotes at the back.  Don’t want to make the book longer than it needs to be.  Teri suggests adding USA to address on first page.

MOTION PASSED to adjourn until end of TEC interviews.

Decided to resume after first TEC interview at 9:42 a.m.

10. Issue of concern:  Pomona Memorial Day Marathon Committee (Ken)

No longer a concern; remove from agenda.

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11. Trustee voting procedure (Cynthia, Tony, Teri)

–>  Discussion raised in March 2004 e-mail exchange.

Handle by e-mail

12. 4^th quarter report and tax returns (Elizabeth)

Delete; repeat of previous item on old business.

13. Atlantic North/European Region (Jackie)

Jackie – Reviewed material uploaded to Yahoo.  Has been asked to help with several new Area petitions to be brought to this year’s Conference.  Discussed how to give right of participation at Conference to a country with only one meeting; just give them one vote?  Groups at Assembly wanted to be a part of.  Not up to WSBT at this point to take a position on the petitions, but it is appropriate for Jackie to speak for the petitions if she wishes and then let the Conference decide.  Jackie believes there will be a petition brought forward by next year’s Conference to create a European Region.

Discussed Jackie’s memo.  Canada has also discussed becoming its own Region, which may need to be part of the long-term rollout of this plan.

Elizabeth – Financially speaking, I think 2006 is also too soon; 2008 would probably be a better indicator if we continue to move forward financially as we are now.  Feels non-addict Trustee is more important right now.

Jahi – Believes we do a disservice to the ANR because of logistics with our Trustee.  If finances did get better, looking at the current slate, we would still be in the same situation where something is going to fall by the wayside.  Being on another continent is a better argument for establishing a new Region than trying to split off Canada, as ANRT can still service eastern Canada without too much added expense.  When Jackie rotates out, if we get another Trustee from Europe, we get another situation where the ANR is not being served in the way I think it should be.

Ken – Watched the U.S. become Regions.  When it started, it was over right of participation.  Never a matter of whether we could afford to do it.  With each new member, the fellowship grows; lives are saved and families are changed.  What comes first, the cart or the horse?  The message in Europe is exploding in Cocaine Anonymous.  They are participating enthusiastically, including 7^th Tradition.  To try to stymie it with borders, money and personality is absolutely wrong.  We have to allow God into the process.  This has to be discussed on the Conference floor to let them decide.  This fantastic growth period is something we dreamed about.  If we grow it, the finances will happen.  The spirit of the purpose we’re here is to have this happen, and we have to shift things to allow it to be.  We have to enthusiastically support this getting to the Conference floor as soon as possible.

Jahi – Liked Jackie’s plan of roll-out. [circulated via Yahoo group].  We should proceed now.  If we wait 2 or 3 years, it could be another 3-4 years before it happens.  If we start now, maybe it won’t go through next year, but the process will be started.  The Conference can fine-tune things and maybe in 2 years it will happen.  This is a much greater need than a non-addict Trustee.

Elizabeth – Thanks Ken and Jahi for reminding her what this is really all about.  Agrees with the notion of being separated by the ocean, and the explosion of growth.  Also thinks the abundance will happen.  Hopes there will be enough abundance to add a non-addict Trustee, which would balance this Board and help us be more effective.

Jackie – Over 90 people from U.K. registered for this convention.

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Ken – POI – With our past experience, once Father Francis stepped down, was there any documentation about his concerns re how the Board worked with a non-addict Trustee, the meaningfulness of it, or an inventory of sorts?  Has known him for many years.  Would be nice to know, based on our past experience, what we are looking for in that position.

Elizabeth – There was no inventory; your relationship with him could help create a document, which I would suggest for the future growth of this fellowship.  AA has had a non-addict Trustee on their Board for years and she has been a huge instrument in the growth of that fellowship.

Teri – Action item on Ken’s part to speak with Father Francis.  Thank you, Jackie, for making us aware of the new Area petitions which will be brought.  I would stand in favor to support each petition individually.  In regard to the roll-out plan, there are some logistics in getting 2/3 approval of GSRs from an Area to create a Region per WSM.  There is also a 2/3 requirement for all delegates.  Would be good to address those points in your Regional meeting in order to help this become a reality.  This is extremely exciting.

Jay – Probably really good fodder for a NewsGram article, too, after the Conference.

14. Responsibilities of WSBT Finance Committee (Jay)

MOTION PASSED unanimously to make referral to Structure & Bylaws to replace the language under the description of the WSBT Finance Committee with the following:  “Oversees all WSO financial matters; ensures compliance with existing guidelines and budgets of CA World Services.”

Adjourned at 10:30 a.m. for TEC interview.

Resumed at 11:06 a.m.

15. Professional event coordinator for CAWS 2007 (Jahi)

Handle by e-mail.

16. General sharing session of WSBT (Jay)

Tabled to e-mail.

17. Monies earmarked for Trustee travel (Jackie)

Jackie – referred to motion passed in January.  U.K. Area wanted to allocate some of the proceeds from their convention to help the new meetings growing in Europe.  They were so happy to see participation from the new meetings at their convention.  In addition to their 7^th Tradition contribution, they wanted to allocate some money so she could travel to help and guide the new meetings in other countries.  Told them it needed to go through the WSO, so they’ve sent the money.  Needs to know what the process is to access that money.  Apparently it’s not as simple as it seemed.

Tony – Appreciates what they’ve done; U.K. has out-donated several Regions.  His understanding was that money allocated specifically for our travel was going to offset other amounts, not necessarily be in addition to.  Is this setting a precedence where if an Area has a certain amount of money they will be able to dictate where we travel and focus our attention?  That’s my major fear and concern about this.

Ken – I respect what’s trying to be done and the group autonomy, but feel as strongly as Tony does.  There should be no rich Trustees and this seems like a bank account for a Trustee.  It has to be consistent across the board with the principles we’ve set forth; it can’t be only what’s good for the richer Areas.  It’s part of the big picture for the new European Region, but it seems to violate the principle we’ve set for maintaining the budgets we’ve established.  We have to re-define it or get it into proper perspective.  Putting it into an account

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earmarked for you is just as wrong as you putting it in your pocket.  If we do set up an emergency travel fund, it lends itself to having more money for that situation.

Elizabeth – I feel like we’re talking about the other side of the problem, the abundance.  Agrees with Ken and Tony about the power of the purse.  Reflects on AA’s history with Rockefeller.  Did what they did so an individual wouldn’t have undue control.  We need to be very careful because this is setting a precedent.  I agree with the idea and the thought, and maybe there would be an emergency motion because it’s developing as a Region on a one-time basis, but I don’t know how I feel about that yet.  WSO does take in donations earmarked for specific things, like the H&I video, computer, etc., but earmarking money as an overall thing for the fellowship could be a very controlling thing.  I don’t think it’s something we want to become accustomed to, because what if everyone starts earmarking their 7^th Tradition to their Regional Trustees?  What would happen to sending out books and starter kits?  Earmarking could be very dangerous.

Jay – Perhaps the funds could be put in an emergency/contingency travel fund.  We have special projects to allocate, but now we’re saying you can’t allocate on other things.  It’s not consistent across the board.  It’s perilous to pick and choose.  I challenge us to think about where it would have been if the Area had kept the money and simply bought Jackie a ticket.  Probably no one would say a word, as it happens a fair amount where other Areas are doing the same things.  Concerned about changing the rules halfway through.  Areas thought they could do this because that was the next playing field they knew about.  Now we’re saying they can’t because of these concerns.  Perhaps it should be sent back so they could do the old addict way of doing it directly.  Some of the money has already been accepted.

MOTION that we contact the U.K. Area and ask them if the monies can be used to offset Jackie’s currently approved budget and that if that’s not acceptable, that we return the money.  (Not seconded.)

Tony – H&I video and computers don’t even come close to what we’re talking about here, as they benefit entire fellowship as a whole.  Fear is the implications of what comes from this.  Hard to return money, but we need to look at the principle.  Tells Areas in his Region that donations would offset his current budget, not add to it.  We have to look at what the ramifications are and sometimes make a hard decision.

Teri – Jackie, they wanted that money to be earmarked for European travel in anticipation of the European Region?

Jackie – Additional amount was sent to be put aside for supporting and guiding the new meetings.

Teri – So the money they’ve earmarked, was that to go to the ANRT budget to offset the costs currently?

Jackie – No.  The intention and motion was that it was to be given in addition, specifically for European development.  Patty said it would get lost under that heading, so it needed to be specified as Trustee travel for European development.

Teri – So their expectation is that it is to go to Trustee travel.  You specifically or any Trustee?

Jackie – They were looking at my travel costs, but it doesn’t have to be me.  They said “their” Trustee.

Teri – So that meant for you to be able to travel to promote the growth of CA in Europe.  I think that affects CA as a whole.  We said on the Conference floor that we were going to hold our budgets and that if you want us to travel, you need to help us get there.  We didn’t specify that that meant bartered or prepaid benefits, or getting directly reimbursed from the Area or not, but the intent was that if you need us and my budget doesn’t allow me to get there, you have to help me to get there.  That’s what we told them on the Conference floor.  I’ve had tickets donated; I’ve fronted the money and got reimbursed; they wouldn’t allow me to spend money on food, etc., and that’s how we made the arrangement.  In Florida they sent a donation just so that I could be of service in my Region and help add to the budget that I already had.  I think it’s almost exactly the same thing as Jackie’s situation except that they want it to be promoting the growth of the European Region.  I understand the power of the purse because Oklahoma said they wouldn’t send a donation to World unless we got our act

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together, so we got our act together and now they send us money.  Areas are going to withhold money if they don’t like something we’re doing.  I think what we need to do is we need to not accept the money until we can specify or have some better framework around getting that support, because otherwise we are contradicting what we said on the Conference floor.  That’s what the U.K. Area is trying to do.  In this instance there is no agenda but there is opportunity for an agenda.  Because there is so much controversy, we should hold the money while we craft some framework by which we’re going to operate by e-mail.  We don’t have it defined clearly.

Jackie – Trying really hard not to take this personally.  It meant so much when people came over in the 1990s.  The support means so much to these new meetings.  The members of the U.K. Area were so touched when these people came to their convention.  They want to carry the message.  These new locations don’t have H&I or PI yet.  This money was being sent in the spirit of love and reaching out because we know they’re alone.  If it’s causing a problem they won’t do it again.  We were hoping to do a love & service workshop and help them with the petitions so they know what the processes are.  Some of these places I can get to in 45 minutes.  Unlike Rockefeller, this is not coming from outside the fellowship.  These are members who want to help newer members.  They’d like me to do it.  They’re trying to follow what we told them at the Conference, like Teri said.  If we can’t accept it, we need to send it back; they’re grown up and are not going to stop supporting World Services, but they’re not going to understand it any more than I do.

Jahi – We’re charged with looking at CA as a whole and making sure we have procedures in place, trying to be fair overall and applying those procedures equally.  It would have been a lot simpler if the Area had simply held the money and given it to you when you were ready to go.  I don’t think anybody here is looking at the U.K. as doing anything wrong.  We’re not trying to deter the growth of the places you want to go.  That’s not the question at all.  The only thing we’re actually looking at is a way of following procedure.  We did ask that if you want us there, help us get there.  Their trying to do what they perceived to be the right thing created a situation we have to deal with.  I tell people all the time that if you don’t have to involve the Board, I wouldn’t.  Once you get us involved, we have to go through this process.  You may have the greatest intentions in the world, and we can see that, but we have to look at an even larger picture.  Basically, if someone comes up with a motion that this is a one-time situation, I wouldn’t have a hard time supporting it.  I could support it being sent back because you could still do what you needed to do with the money.  My only question is, if you weren’t in the U.K. and those places were growing up, would the same thing happen?  It’s very fortunate that you do live in the U.K. and you’re so close to the places you need to go, which is a benefit for them and for us.

Ken – Jackie, I love you tons, your enthusiasm and your passion, and I agree with Jahi.  This isn’t punitive or about you not being able to do, it’s about somewhere we used the wrong word in calling it earmarked.  What if somebody said we don’t like our Trustee and we don’t want our Trustee getting any of our money for travel expenses?  If we set a precedent, then any Area can do it.  If the U.K. kept the money and Stockholm wanted you to come, then the donation could be made by the Area.  Once it hits the WSO it means setting up multiple accounts and structures to keep track of it.  I think everything you want to happen is going to happen, and that’s not the point.  The question is whether we’re setting a negative precedent that other groups could use against World Services as a whole by saying they won’t support this or that.  The policy just needs tweaking.  If we decide as a Board and the Conference agrees to set up a special travel fund, that’s fine, but I don’t think we have the right to set this money aside and say only you can use it to travel.  I’d prefer to give it back and explain that once it comes into the big picture, it stays in the big picture until it’s changed, and right now the big picture doesn’t accommodate what you want to do.  It doesn’t make sense under the current bylaws and structure we’re operating under in that it’s not fair to all the other Regions.  It’s the negative part of it that scares me more than anything.  Money can bring an abuse of power to a situation and then it’s not fair to CA as a whole, which is what Elizabeth was trying to express by using the Rockefeller analogy.  I can’t express enough that this should not be taken personally, and that this is for the good of your Region.  Nothing’s going to change in your ability to travel or create services, it’s for us to create a better process for all of us, including you.

Elizabeth – This is a very powerful moment, I think.  I might have a solution.

MOTION made and seconded to have 1,000 pounds moved into the CAWSO, Inc. money market account to help provide travel by the Atlantic North Regional Trustee in helping with the development of the new concept for the newly anticipated European Region to roll out in 2006.

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Elizabeth – my thinking is that that 1,000 pounds might be enough to develop that Region to be prepared and to become a Region.  The reason it needs to be set aside from the CAWSO accounts is because it is then the property of CAWSO, Inc. and not necessarily the WSO.  In my mind, it’s cleaner because we know how much money is there in the beginning, how much is being spent, and how much will be left.  My concern in having it just in the account is that it’s not protected and not necessarily specifically being used for the purpose in which it was intended to be used.  I feel that this is helping with the growth of the fellowship.  After Teri spoke it clicked in my head that this is what this program is about.  I agree with the fears of negative impact of financial power.  That does happen, because we’re human.  If it’s protected, because we’re trying to help CA as a whole, it will eventually grow.  Ken’s right, it is exploding, and I need to do everything I can to help support that growth.  Having it in a special money market account within our prudent reserve will hold that.  It will change, and it will help CA growth.

Jahi – Point of information:  How would that money be withdrawn for that travel?

Elizabeth – Right now we have a $5,000 cap on any transfers.  Unless it’s part of a larger transfer, the WSBT probably would not know about it.  Once Jackie submitted a reimbursement, the money would be transferred and a check sent to Jackie.

Tony – Doesn’t see how this is any different.  You’re just telling us what account it’s going to be in.

Elizabeth – I’m specifically stating it for the development of a new Region.  It would show on the spreadsheets like the H&I video.

Ken – Speaks against the motion.  Speaks for the growth, but we’re setting a precedent that could be used by anyone to set aside funds for a new Region.  We’re disrupting the flow and giving a privilege that no other Region has ever had.  Other Areas and Regions have had to come to the floor without ever having help from World Services.  Somebody’s going to want something and say “you did it for them.”  On top of it, you’re doing something that’s going to upen up a controversy on the Conference floor.  I think the best thing is to give them back the money and say go for it.  Have fun, build, work, create foundations.  When they get to that point, they can become a Region.  I don’t think it’s fair moving forward or looking backwards.  The two crucial things we need to do are create emergency funds and let her have the autonomy to do what she needs to do with the funds without having World Services earmark it across the board.  It’s not a good precedent.  In our passion to create a solution, we’re moving too quickly.  We should give the money back now, talk amongst ourselves, and find a solution over time that will work.  We can’t have the fellowship get hurt in the big picture.

Jay – Speaks for the motion.  Still has a slightly different twist.  There was no guideline.  Innocently, Jackie and the Area contacted the WSO and were told this is how you do it, right or wrong, and they did it that way.  Now we’re saying no, time out.  If it was a mistake, we need to acknowledge the mistake.  I’d like to see us come up with a policy about how to address these situations going forward and accept this as a solution to deal with what’s already there.

Elizabeth – MOTION withdrawn; seconder accepts. withdrawal.  Will contact the WSOB and request that the WSO not give suggestions about how an Area should earmark money.

MOTION made and seconded to have World Services send back the 1,000 pounds to the U.K. Area with a letter from the WSBT expressing thanks and offering guidance as to how the Area can achieve its objectives.

Elizabeth – This is obviously very emotional.  Ken, you’re right; the only real difference is geographically, because there’s an ocean and it feels so far away.  I agree that there shouldn’t be earmarked money.

Jackie – Friendly amendment to specify the way that it’s done and the letter that goes with it.  Just refusing it is not going to be helpful.  Needs to be sent with love and gratitude, guidance that they can do what they want to do through their Area.

Elizabeth – Letter should come from the WSBT.  Friendly amendment accepted.

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Jay – Was the money sent in pounds or dollars?

Jackie – Pounds.

Jay – So we need to match it exactly if the exchange rate has changed.

Elizabeth – We will.

MOTION PASSED unanimously to have World Services send back the 1,000 pounds to the U.K. Area with a letter from the WSBT expressing thanks and offering guidance as to how the Area can achieve its objectives.

Letter will be crafted by Ken, Jay and Jackie, to be completed by Tuesday, June 1^st.

18. Trustee Negotiating Committee responsibilities

Tabled to e-mail.

19. Responsibilities of Regions related to insurance (Ken)

Asked Regional Trustees to look into the issue and have report by quarterly.

20. Referral to WSO re NewsGram (Jackie)

Tabled to e-mail.

21. Determine the amount of prudent reserve (Elizabeth)

Tabled to next quarterly.

22. Referral to Conference Committee to include more focus on Concepts as part of new delegate orientation (Teri)

Do by e-mail.

23. Referrals on SR 14 (Jay) – has list on computer

Read some, will do rest by e-mail.

MOTION PASSED to approve Jay’s recommendations for SR 14 referrals.

24. Letter from concerned anonymous member (Elizabeth)

MOTION PASSED unanimously to have the record reflect that the action on this item indicate the following:  “Letter received from a concerned member and acknowledged and discussed by the WSBT.”

25. Question about closed-door meetings (Tony)

Tony – Several members from his Region have specifically asked why they can’t come into a WSBT meeting.  Wanted to make sure he answered properly for the WSBT.  They specifically asked if there’s a place in the manual or the Concepts which addresses this.

Deferred to e-mail.

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26. Group inventory

MOTION PASSED to table group inventory to next quarterly meeting.

Meeting adjourned at 12:19 p.m.

Close – Serenity Prayer.

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Attachments

Bob C.  (WSOB Chair) report
Earl H. (WSOB Vice Chair) report
Record of Online Business between January and May 2004 Quarterly
WSBT Chair report
WSOT report
WST report
TAL report
MWRT report
PNRT report
PSRT report
ANRT report
ASRT reprt
SWRT report
Finance Sub-committee report
Conference Sub-committee report
Long Term Planning Sub-committee report
Trustee Election Committee report
Legal Sub-committee report
Orientation Sub-committee report
Ad Hoc Convention Committee report
Finance Conference Committee report
Conferece Conference Committee report
Convention Conference Committee report
Structure and Bylaws Conference Committee report
H & I Conference Committee report
PI Conference Committee report
Unity Conference Committee report
Internet Conference Committee report
LCF Conference Committee report
Newsletter Guidelines for Regional Trustees

Missing WSOB Chair report May 04 quarterly –to be added

For all attachmends and reports see: https://documents.historyofca.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/2004-05-25-29-WSBT-Quarterly-Final-Minutes.pdf