May 2009 – Aug 2009 – Online Business Meeting Minutes – Documents Archive for Cocaine Anonymous

CA WORLD SERVICE BOARD OF TRUSTEES RECORD OF ONLINE BUSINESS BETWEEN QUARTERLY MEETINGS

May 2009 – August 2009

APPROVED

Since this report is a confidential CA document, for members only, it may contain 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 anyway out Tradition on anonymity in public communications media (press, radio, TV, etc).

Page 1 of 47

WSBT – Minutes of Online business

May 2009 – August 2009

Monday, June 15, 2009

Motion by Joy H.: To approve the Self Test and We Can Recover Pamphlet. Second by Nicholas L.

Discussion>

>Willie B.: I have reviewed the material and I am in favor of this motion.

>Kim S.: I too have reviewed the material. I speak in favor of the motion. The “SelfTest” piece has been revised per our suggestions.

>Lawrence M.: I have reviewed both items. I speak in favor of the motion.

>Robert L.: I move that we call the vote on this motion.

>Hayward H.: I don’t think we heard from Richard and Trevor yet but, if nobody objects to calling the vote, we can keep things simple and now vote.

Tuesday, June 16, 2009

Motion passed.

Tuesday, June 23, 2009

Motion by Robert L. to approve the response to “the opposite sex participation in H&I meetings” correspondence. Second by Kim S.

Correspondence:

Below is the result of your feedback form. It was submitted by on Wednesday, April 29, 2009 at 23:19:13

———— ——— ——— ——— ——— ——— ——— ———

Name: Manuel T.

City: West Allis, Milwaukee

StateProvince: WI

AreaRegion: Milwaukee

Subject: men with men woman with woman

Message: I have been around the rooms of recovery for years and was the H&I chair person for Westchester County. I have taken woman into these meetings and also had woman chairing meetings from my understanding men with men and woman with woman was pertaining to sponsorship in my Area it is being stated men should not be going into all woman rehabs would you please get back to me on this I am a strong believer in the fifth step to carry the message of recovery will all have something to give and learn

thank you very much

Manny T.

Response:

Page 2 of 47

Thank you for your question regarding opposite sex participation in H&I meetings.

The current World Service H&I Guidelines do NOT address the issue of opposite sex participation in H&I meetings or panels. It is very clear though on page 12 of the World Service H&I Guidelines that all participants must adhere to any local/facility regulations and guidelines –

“Because we go into so many different types of facilities, there is a lot of red tape, and many rules and regulations involved. Remember that you represent Cocaine Anonymous and dress appropriately. Because we are invited guests in these facilities, it is important that as representatives of Cocaine Anonymous, we follow all the rules, regulations and policies of the institution we have been invited into:”

The WSBT would not have knowledge of any area, district or facilities’ guidelines that may restrict opposite sex participation in H&I meetings or panels. Care should be taken to research those guidelines in your own area as to ensure proper participation in the H&I effort there.

We hope this information helps and we wish you success continuing to carry a CA message of recovery and hope to all our members through your service in H&I.

ILAS –

WSBT

Thursday, June 25, 2009

>Hayward H.: Since there is no discussion on this motion and if nobody objects I will rule that we now vote on the main motion.

Motion passed.

Friday, June 26, 2009

Motion by Willie B.: Emergency motion: To pay 11,933.87 for checks written on odd year account and deposit 12,855.00 check directly into Operations account.

Total amount of transfer request is 24,788.87. Second by Randy G.

Discussion> (further info from Willie)

>Willie B.:

Convention Odd year account 51,000

Omni InterLocken Hotel check 12,855.00

Operation account- less than 400.00

11,933.87 – Worth of checks written on odd year account to pay operations

3300.00 rent due 7/1/09
4000.00 payroll due 7/2/09

Convention accounting should be closed within 2 weeks and the remainder of the 51,000.00 will be deposited directly into the savings account somewhere in the amount of 27,000.00. Normally we would make a transfer in late July or early August, but this year we are projecting around a 23 to 27 thousand deficit in budget, those projections are not final. Requesting 1 day discussion 1

Page 3 of 47

day voting, it needs to be concluded by Monday so the check can be deposited on Monday for bills 1 and 2.

>Richard S.: Is this “normal’? Are these numbers similar to last year like hotel and the 11K of checks to be written (with the exception of the timeframe)?

>Hayward H.: The WSO CLAIMS that 7th tradition is down, also donations. We usually make 2 large transfers – one I believe in April for the convention and the other in October for the conference.

>Willie B.: Yes, we generally transfer 15,000 to 25,000 after convention prior to the year end, and providing our 7th tradition is up, not so large, but because it is down this is why.

Sunday, June 28, 2009

Motion passed.

Record of correspondence:

From: Kevin R.

Sent: Sat 6/27/2009 4:35 AM

To: Patty F.

Subject: To the Board Of Trustees

Miss Patty

Sadly things have got worse for our group here in London, to such an extent that we have decided to leave C.A. and start a new fellowship. See enclosed document {a letter from our group to the Board of Trustees}. Please pass it on to the trustees.

Best wishes

Kevin R.

Attached letter:

TO THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES from The End Of The Line meeting, Hackney, London.

After discussion and prayer, we have decided to leave Cocaine Anonymous and start our own fellowship Cocaine Addicts Anonymous. The Monday C.A. meeting at Hackney has now closed and from next Monday a new meeting of Cocaine Addicts Anonymous will start up at the same venue and at the same time.

The situation in C.A. London had become intolerable for us. Attendances of late were at an all time low, this was due to the controversy within the London fellowship.

It was decided by the April London District gathering, that our group be excluded from representation at District and the ‘Where To Find’ because of a ‘violation’ of Tradition 3. {Being a closed meeting for cocaine addicts only}.

Page 4 of 47

There was only one thing wrong with that decision, we had not in any way violated Tradition 3, or any other Tradition.

The 3^rd Tradition says: The only requirement for membership is a desire to stop using cocaine and all other mind altering substances. It doesn’t say ‘a desire to stop using cocaine or all other mind altering substances’. It says cocaine and all other mind altering substances, making it clear that cocaine is the primary drug. {And that’s what we were saying at our meeting; Cocaine is the primary drug}. As this is a programme of total abstinence and we carry a message of stopping using all other mind altering substances as well as cocaine, we were 100% adhering to that tradition. If C.A. wants to think about banning closed meetings, it will have to change the 3rd Tradition.

But C.A. as a whole doesn’t want to ban all closed meetings, this was purely a local thing.

There’s been only one tradition break here; Tradition 4, with this attempt to control our meetings right to autonomy.

This all came about because our group, a couple of months ago, asserted the belief that all C.A. groups should have had the chance to discuss and vote on the new ‘Who is a C A Member’ reading, and the addition of the words ‘and all other mind altering substances, to the ‘How It Works’ reading, before they were introduced at the World Service Conference. We had been a closed meeting for over a year and no one batted an eyelid, until we raised the issue of what we believe to be the undemocratic way these ethos altering changes came about {They were voted on at District level here. Not discussed or voted on at group level}.

At Hackney, End Of The Line, we simply operated a singleness of purpose policy, like so many A.A. meetings. Anyone who was a heroin addict or alcoholic etc, as well as a cocaine addict, would have found identification at our meeting. We have never made an addict feel anything other than welcome. We simply mentioned at the start of the meeting that it’s a closed meeting for cocaine addicts only, just like any closed A.A. meeting. People were then free to make up their own minds, but we have never turned any addict away, nor made one feel unwelcome.

A Delegate and a Trustee attended our business meeting recently, but neither were there at the behest of C.A. Both were in attendance under their own steam, after being invited by a member of the group, who felt the same way as they did on the closed meeting issue. We are aware that there are closed meetings of Cocaine Anonymous in North America. We were told by our Trustee that these are being asked to become open meetings. We have subsequently found out that this isn’t true.

Its our belief, as a group, that if we think we can help someone who’s using we don’t relate to, its our arrogance and ego talking. When Bill Wilson found Dr Bob, he didn’t say “I’m a heroin addict; maybe I can help you with your alcoholism”. He said, “I’m an alcoholic, I can help you with your alcoholism.” The big book says “Only an alcoholic can help alcoholic” { P xvi}. Non alcoholics had been trying to help Dr Bob for a long time, and failed. The big book talks about the ‘same problem’, not a different one, or even a similar one. Bill W. later said; “I don’t know of any case of pure drug addiction that we have been able to help in A.A.” The

Page 5 of 47

Washingtonians’ who were the forerunners of A.A. fell apart because they abandoned singleness of purpose.

We of course have never objected to other C.A. groups carrying an all inclusive message, that’s none of our business, but it was the conscience of our group that we didn’t. We carried what we believe is a pure Cocaine Anonymous message. C.A. for us is not a social club. Its is about peoples lives. We believe heroin addicts need identification in N.A. or Heroin Anonymous {who also work from the big book} and that alcoholics need to be in A.A. But that’s only our belief, others are entitled to have their all inclusive meetings for all addicts, and we never had a problem with that, but we believe we were also entitled to carry our pure Cocaine Anonymous message. We were breaking no tradition.

Our experience during this period was that the C.A. U.K. service structure; {District, Area, the Delegates, and Trustee,} was used not to serve the groups sad to say, for us it seemed more like some sort of head office of a business organization.

Sadly the Traditions were not used as spiritual principles; they were used more like tools, tools to impose another’s will. Our group was told by one of the delegates that we were breaking Tradition 4 {affecting C.A. as a whole} – because of the controversy the issue was causing at District! Yet we didn’t bring the issue up. The delegates did – directly after we asked District to look at the way the “Who Is A Cocaine Addict’ reading and the addition of ‘and al other mind altering substances’ were introduced {not voted on at group level in the UK – only at District level}. Changes that in our understanding alter the very ethos of Cocaine Anonymous. As a result. we received an email from all four UK delegates asking us to “consider the 3^rd Tradition and the implications of denying the message of recovery to the addict who still suffers”. We were also told by our trustee and delegates that we do not meet the requirements for a C.A. group. From that point on, many at District took the same stance, and a month later {April}, District took the decision to exclude us from representation at DSC meetings and the Where To Find.

We attended the following months District meeting and put our case forward, to a largely hostile District meeting {all based on a misunderstanding of the 3^rd tradition} as clearly as we could, making many of the points above, and it seemed the tide was turning – some said they felt they had been previously misinformed, and were now clear that were not breaking Tradition. We left that meeting reasonably optimistic that a month later we might be reinstated {it was put on the agenda that we be brought back in to C.A. by one of the GSRs and a DSR planned to second it}.

Then our group received another visit from a delegate {not asked to attend by Area, but their under his own steam} and a subsequent email from him, informing us that we did not meet the requirements of a CA group {Because of the ‘This is a closed meeting, which means its for cocaine addicts only’ statement which was read at the front of the meeting.

It was at this point that we realized it was hopeless, that we wouldn’t have a snowball in hells chance of being reinstated into CA with the delegates and trustee so vociferously against us and what we were doing {carrying a singleness of purpose message}. And even if we were reinstated, would our meeting ever recover? It has been vilified these last few months as an

Page 6 of 47

exclusive, arrogant meeting that turns away addicts {obviously that’s untrue}. Maybe the meeting could recover, but it may take years {Its hard to communicate to anyone who hasn’t been in London lately C.A. the intensity of ill feeling towards our group.}

Plus, we were tired. Tired of answering misinterpretation after misinterpretation, and misunderstanding after misunderstanding, that has sprung from a local {UK}, very well managed, but obsessive campaign to impose a specific interpretation of the ‘and all other mind altering substances’ line, on the rest of Cocaine Anonymous.

One or two of us also felt clear that we don’t want to be a part of a fellowship that has treated us this way.

We know that we have broken no Tradition and have done nothing wrong. But we have stopped fighting anything or anyone and the right thing for us to do now is to leave.

Why have we gone to the trouble of writing this? Perhaps because we are so desperately grateful to Cocaine Anonymous for our recoveries {between us, we number many, many years clean – thanks to Cocaine Anonymous} and we know that our recoveries will continue in Cocaine Addicts Anonymous – we have the right intentions. We are also writing this because we need to highlight what has been happening here, in the hope that it wont happen to others.

We wish everybody in Cocaine Anonymous the very best.

Sincerely

The End Of The Line meeting, Hackney, London

From: Patty F.

Sent: Mon 6/29/2009 3:21 PM

To: Kevin R.

Cc: Board of Trustees

Subject: FW: To the Board Of Trustees

Good Day,

I am very sad to hear that your group could not wait to make this decision until after the World Service Conference, the voice of the fellowship as a whole.

By way of this email, your letter has been delivered to the WSBT.

Much love to you my brother,

Ms Patty

Record of Discussion regarding correspondence:

>Randy G.: I believe that we should come to agreement on how to answer the original “cocaine addicts only” piece as we have a potential response already through subcommittee. I have committed to either “work into” or add something regarding the most recent men’s/women’s stag

Page 7 of 47

issue as well and I quite frankly did not have the time this weekend to do that. But it seems that the “cocaine addicts only” issue is the most pressing and the response is now painfully past due. I would suggest that we look to approve the current “cocaine addicts only” response (attached again for convenience) and send an approved version of it to whoever we feel has been effected by this group’s decision.

I will continue to draft a potential response regarding stag meetings, that can either be incorporated into this or stand alone – as you all see fit.

>Willie B.: I would like to know who in CA told them they were in violation. Was this an interpretation of the response? And could this name so closely associated be a potential problem? >Nicholas L.: I think that we should be expedient with the response (original) too

Randy – thanks for all your hard work on that.

>Nicholas L.: Willie, London District removed them from their directory

>Hayward H.: So this is the group that wanted the closed meeting for addicts only? They wouldn’t comply with the district so they removed them from the directory and now choose to create their own fellowship. Question if they are no longer a meeting of ca do we still need to forward them a response to an inquiry?

>Randy G.: I believe that the response should go directly to the two separate individuals that requested such a response. Understanding that our responses should be transparent to whoever is interested, it may be prudent for the response to be sent/delivered to the London district as well. There is no need for the confusion and if our response may help folks understand the essence of CA, that’s how many folks should receive it.

Additional Correspondence:

From: Kevin R.

Sent: Mon 6/29/2009 6:07 PM

To: Patty F.

Cc: Board of Trustees

Subject: Re: To the Board of Trustees

Ms Patty

I appreciate that your sad and I’m sad too, but leaving aside the locally difficulties, the fact that we had to ask permission to have a singleness of purpose meeting, in many ways speaks volumes. And for me personally, tells me all I need to know. We believe identification is critical.

We had our first C A A meeting tonight and it was great! :-}

We identify as cocaine addicts, openly and freely. It’s such a relief!

Best, Kevin

Tuesday, June 30, 2009

Page 8 of 47

Motion by Randy G.: To approve the attached response to the “cocaine addicts only” issue.

Second by Richard S.

Original Correspondence:

From: Phil H.

Sent: Tue 6/16/2009 8:29 AM

To: Board of Trustees

Subject: Tradition 3 enquiry

Good afternoon,

I have been attending a group in London, England regularly for a couple of years now.

In the script for this meeting is the following wording:

“Welcome to the Hackney End of the Line, closed meeting of Cocaine Anonymous, which means it’s for cocaine addicts only.”

Can you please clarify whether or not this meeting is breaking Tradition 3?

Can you also please clarify whether or not this meeting meets all 6 requirements of a “CA Group” as specified in the World Service Manual?

Please can you confirm receipt of this email.

Best regards

-Phil H

Original Correspondence:

From: Kevin R.

Sent: Mon 6/15/2009 6:29 PM

Board of Trustees,

Are we entitled as an autonomous C.A. group to have a closed meeting of Cocaine Anonymous, for cocaine addicts only?

Thank you

Kevin R.

{End of The Line meeting, London}

Response:

Thank you for your care of Cocaine Anonymous in bringing your question regarding groups restricting attendance to “cocaine addicts only” and the autonomy of groups to the WSBT at this time. In our response we will reference both the WSM and the Twelve Traditions in order to fully address your concerns.

From page 5 of the CA World Service Manual – under definition of Cocaine Anonymous – it reads:

Cocaine Anonymous is a fellowship of recovering addicts throughout the World. The following definition of “Cocaine Anonymous” is found in our Fellowship’s literature and is often read at meetings of C.A.:

“‘Cocaine Anonymous is a fellowship of men and women who share their experience,

Page 9 of 47

strength and hope with each other that they may solve their common problem, and help others to recover from their addiction. The only requirement for membership is a desire to stop using cocaine and all other mind-altering substances. There are no dues or fees for membership; we are fully self-supporting through our own contributions. We are not allied with any sect, denomination, politics, organization or institution. We do not wish to engage in any controversy and we neither endorse nor oppose any causes. Our primary purpose is to stay free from cocaine and all other mind-altering substances, and to help others achieve the same freedom.’ *

We use the Twelve Steps of Recovery, because it has already been proven that the Twelve Step recovery program works.”

There are two types of meetings defined in the CAWSM on page 16 – open and closed.

MEETING/GROUP TYPES:

OPEN: Attended by C.A. members, their families, friends and other interested people.

CLOSED: Attendance is limited to C.A. members only.

By CA’s definition – Members are defined as anyone with a desire to stop using cocaine and all other mind altering substances. Cocaine Anonymous goes to great lengths to ensure that all (anyone with that desire expressed above) are welcome in our fellowship.

Most important is the application of the traditions relating to the group’s decision.

Tradition 4 – Each group should be autonomous, except in matters affecting other groups or C.A. as a whole.

Every CA group has the ability to establish the format and general structure of their meeting, as long as it does not affect other groups or CA as a whole. This has produced the variety of meetings that have been proven to enhance our fellowship’s recovery – not detract from it. From big book meetings, participation meetings, speaker meetings, gender specific “stag” meetings, open/closed meetings, etc., groups have established attendance guidelines according to their own group conscious. Though autonomous in that freedom, the WSBT believes that any group restricting attendance/participation in any meeting to a single drug specific issue negatively affects CA as a whole through the vary nature of excluding our members from attending/participating because of the specific drug they used.

Tradition 1 – Our common welfare should come first; personal recovery depends upon C.A. unity.

Tradition 2 – For our group purpose there is but one ultimate authority — a loving God as He may express Himself in our group conscience. Our leaders are but trusted servants; they do not govern.

Tradition 3 – The only requirement for membership is a desire to stop using cocaine and all other mind altering substances.

Tradition 5 – Each group has but one primary purpose — to carry its message to the addict who still suffers.

Page 10 of 47

These traditions also play an important part in any group’s decision regarding format and structure. In cases when groups are considering attendance related restrictions, it would be important that the group consider 1, 2, 3 and 5 in their decision. The WSBT also believes that any group restricting attendance/participation in any meeting to a single drug specific issue would negatively affect our common welfare and promote DIS-unity among those desperate for our message of hope and recovery.

As to the word “and” found in our definition of a CA member and the possible literal implication that cocaine is a required drug for membership – according to a dictionary definition of the conjunction “and” from http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/and – 11. (used to connect alternatives): ex. He felt that he was being forced to choose between his career and his family. This usage of “and” to connect the alternatives of one’s desire to stop using is not restrictive, but inclusive of both options presented, together OR by themselves.

CA’s approved literature goes to great lengths to ensure that all are welcome. From CA’s pamphlet “And All Other Mind Altering Substances” (bottom of the pamphlet) –

SO WHAT DOES “AND ALL OTHER MIND-ALTERING SUBSTANCES” MEAN? It means that it is the collective experience of the members of Cocaine Anonymous that addiction is a problem not limited to any one substance. It means that C.A.’s Twelve Steps are not drug-specific, and that Cocaine Anonymous is not a drug-specific fellowship. It means that it doesn’t matter to us if you drank or what type of drugs you used; if you have a desire to stop, you are welcome here!

We hope this information helps and that the group conscious will establish attendance guidelines in accordance with CA’s traditions – continuing to carry a CA message of recovery and hope to all our members. This response we feel answers your concerns but should you need further clarification on this or any other matter, please do not hesitate to contact us again

ILAS – The World Service Board of Trustees

Sunday, July 5, 2009

Motion passed

Thursday, July 9, 2009

Motion by Joy H.: to accept the disclaimer for all vendor agreements who sell merchandise on the web, with accepted changes that were made.

Second by Kim S.

Disclaimer: Some of the items/materials contained in these pages are published with permission of CA World Services, Inc., this does not imply endorsement of the Vendor’s business, business practices, pricing policy, web site or merchandise sold on this website, by the CA World Service Conference, World Service Board of Trustees, or the CA World Service Office. The information provided within this site is intended to be a convenience for those who visit our site. “In the spirit of Tradition 6 of Cocaine Anonymous: CA is not allied with any sect denomination,

Page 11 of 47

politics, organization or institution”. Such inclusion does not constitute or imply any endorsement, by or affiliation with, the ________Company or Vendor per the licensing agreement).

Discussion>

>Willie B.: Did this piece go thru the legal sub-committee, before coming here as a motion?

>Hayward H.: I don’t think so, does it need to or can we handle it now?

>Joy H.: It was the disclaimer we were all supposed to write, but never did. I knew it was still out there and needed to be done, so I wrote it up and sent it to you all.

>Willie B.: That’s good, I was just thinking that if it was in sub committee first then it could be looked at prior a motion.

Tuesday, July 14, 2009

Motion passed

This will be included in the vendor licensing agreement. This is policy created by the WSBT for the WSO.

Tuesday, July 14, 2009

Motion by Joy H.: To approve the PNR response created by Trevor S., with edits by Kim S. and Nick L. Second by Willie B.

Correspondence:

Sent: Tuesday, July 07, 2009 1:44 PM

To: CAWSO

Subject: meeting lists/ webmaster

Hi:

I am the Secretary for the district of Calgary Cocaine anonymous.

We had a huge discussion at our meeting last night over whether or not the information contained in the meeting list for District is owned by District or not.

Our webmaster is getting very bossy with the website and very possessive about the meeting list. I happened to make up a meeting list for Tuesday night that would fold and sit in the rack like the pamphlets.

He got really mad and said I couldn’t do that. I wasn’t allowed to use the District info and put it in a list for our group.

He said I have to use the one off of the website.

Another member said it would affect CA as a whole to do this.

Another one said that the suffering addict would not find meetings if this was done.

Really are they out to lunch? or am I? Did I break any traditions?

Here I’ll send you a copy of it.

It was just for my home group. I don’t get what all the excitement is about.

Help Looking for answers.

Gillian R.

Page 12 of 47

(For information only. Not part of the original email.)

I have updated the website with this info.

I have also updated the Calgary Meeting List with the new PO Box Address. This leads me into my concern.

Once again, I have seen meeting lists, specifically at the 1111 location, that were not pulled down from the website, but modified and whipped off by someone. You cannot do this. We have been through this before. We then get numerous lists circulating that are out of date. People grab one of them and photocopy, or treatment/whatever facility gets one and continues to photocopy. One center I recall had a 2 year old list. Then people wonder how come they went to a meeting that doesn’t jive with the list. Or a treatment center e-mails me that their clients hit a meeting that didn’t exist or started earlier.

The official list has a revision date at the bottom. The current one is July 2009. All meetings must use only this list.

I don’t know how many times I have said this, but send me an e-mail if you require an update.

KISS.

Then I am going to hear the “each group is autonomous” line. Fine, if you want to supply your own lists, then your meeting comes off the website list. No debate. It has been agreed at Area and District levels that the website contains the Master Meeting list.

If you are a City that has its own site and have your own meeting list, fine, just send me the latest copy and I will upload.

Please pass this on to members not on the list.

Thanks

Dennis D.

Area Webmaster

Cal District Vice Chair

Public Information Chair

Response:

Dear Gillian,

Thank you for bringing this matter to the attention of the WSBT. Your question raises several issues, and we hope to answer them in a spirit of unity, love, and tolerance.

One of the most significant lessons we, as service members of Cocaine Anonymous, need to learn, is stated in the second Tradition. “For our group purpose there is but one ultimate authority — a loving God as He may express Himself in our group conscience. Our leaders are but trusted servants; they do not govern.” Simply put, no individual can dictate to anyone how they handle their affairs. Members, as well as groups, are free to conduct themselves as they feel

Page 13 of 47

God would have them. We are provided with guidelines that suggest means of functioning within the 12 Traditions and 12 Concepts, as well as years of experience elsewhere in the fellowship. It is always to our benefit to make use of these tools.

The question regarding ownership can be answered simply. Our 2008 World Service Manual, on page 19, under the District heading tells us “A District has the primary function of the unification of its groups by keeping in frequent contact with them, learning their problems and sharing ways to contribute to their growth and well being.” It does not say however, that they are to take ownership or governance over any group, or to dictate how they are to operate. The same can be applied to the Areas, as well. They are there to support, assist and unify the groups and the fellowship as they continue to grow.

The next obvious question is how this would impact the fellowship as a whole. Our fourth Tradition tells us “Each group should be autonomous, except in matters affecting other groups or C.A. as a whole. The long form of the same Tradition speaks of any action that might greatly affect C.A. as a whole. While the producing of a separate or alternate meeting list may not be acting upon the letter of unity, it is by no means a violation of any tradition, or a matter that might greatly affect us as a whole. As long as the same care and concern is shown in keeping both lists up to date, there is no issue as to where it comes from. The real issue is was Concept 9 followed? “Good service leaders, together with sound and appropriate methods of choosing them are at all levels indispensable for our future functioning and safety”. A trusted servant at any level should be trusted to perform their duties in a correct and timely fashion. One word of caution, however, is the use of the C.A. logo. Page 14 of the 2008 WSM spells out who can use the logo, and for what purposes it is to be used for. A group printing off their own version of a meeting list would fall into the category that should not use the logo.

In the spirit of unity might we suggest that the members involved work together to provide the best “up to date” meeting information to the fellowship, and always be mindful that our primary purpose is to help the addict that still suffers…

We hope this answers your question to your satisfaction. Please feel free to contact us at any time with further concerns.

In Love & Service

WSBT

Sunday, July 19, 2009

Motioned passed

Tuesday, July 21, 2009

Motion by Willie B.: To accept this draft of announcement as the announcement that will go out for both paid director positions. Second by Robert L.

CA World Services is looking for special workers that have the following skill sets.

Page 14 of 47

Experience in managing operations and personnel/volunteers of a non profit small business.
Excellent written and oral communication skills.
Experience in accounting – Quick Books for Sales/Inventory Controls, Assets Management. Accounts Receivable and Accounts Payable
Knowledge of database software applications is critical. General knowledge and ability in Internet/World Wide Web use and operations. Familiarity with common word processing and spreadsheet applications as well as project planning systems.
Experience in and preparation of, an annual budget concerning all operations, fund raising and outreach efforts. Preparation of a short term and long term strategic business plan.
Familiarity with all International, Federal, State and Local laws and regulations concerning the operation of a non-profit entity, concerning the hiring, retention, compensation and termination of employees. Sales and use laws and regulations. This includes understanding the workings of international regulations regarding the transportation of printed materials as well as other materials across national boundaries.
Experience in preparing, or having prepared reports, for the Board of Directors as requested.
Knowledge of the Twelve Steps of Recovery of Cocaine Anonymous, the Twelve Traditions of Cocaine Anonymous and the Twelve Concepts of Cocaine Anonymous will be required.

Please email your resumes with cover letter to cawso@ca.org or mail to

CAWSO 3740 Overland Ave. Ste C Los Angeles CA 90034

Sunday, July 26, 2009

Motion passed

Monday, July 27, 2009

Motion by Randy G.: Motion to approve the Special Interest Meetings Response. The request for the response came from the fellowship in conjunction with the recent “cocaine addicts only” issue. It has been through subcommittee. Second by Willie B.

Response:

Page 15 of 47

Thank you for your concern regarding special interest CA meetings. Though the CA World Service Manual does not address the subject directly, there is some guidance to assist us in responding.

Tradition 4 – Each group should be autonomous, except in matters affecting other groups or C.A. as a whole.

Every CA group has the ability to establish the format and general structure of their meeting. This has produced the variety of meetings that have been proven to enhance our fellowship’s recovery – not detract from it. From gender specific “stag” meetings, young people’s meetings, gay/lesbian meetings, etc., groups have established formats for their meetings according to their own group conscious. By simply being a “special interest” meeting doesn’t appear to broach the traditions, however it is possible that other actions by the group could come into conflict with some of our traditions.

Tradition 1 – Our common welfare should come first; personal recovery depends upon C.A. unity.

Tradition 3 – The only requirement for membership is a desire to stop using cocaine and all other mind altering substances.

Tradition 5 – Each group has but one primary purpose — to carry its message to the addict who still suffers.

These traditions also play an important part in any group’s decision regarding format and structure. In cases when groups are considering a “special interest” meeting, it would be important that the group consider traditions1, 2, 3 and 5 and attendant ramifications in their decision as well. Examples of considerations might be – If meetings without such restrictions are nearby and timely – If care is taken to welcome all and allow participation – If the group was responsible to direct them to the appropriate location or provide supplementary support – etc. When the group takes these considerations into account, their group conscious is then informed and considered appropriate.

The fellowship of CA continues to grow and “special interest” meetings, when following traditions, have been an important part of our maturity. If a group keeps the traditions in the front of their decision and decides that their format provides a positive atmosphere for our message, then a group can establish suggestions for attendance. Our experience has proven that if a need exists for them, they will flourish; otherwise they won’t.

ILAS –

WSBT

Thursday, July 30th

Motion passed

Page 16 of 47

Friday, July 31, 2009

Motion by Willie B.: Motion to allow the sales of speaker cd’s to be reinstated. Second by Joy H.

Previous business from July 2009 Conference Call

2009.07.98 CD sales (Willie)

Sent communication with CD information:

Request to be allowed to sell speaker CD

Kim: Motion to move online, second by Willie.

Discussion: Kim: we only just received this info this morning, would like some time to review.

Motion passed

Draft procedure speaker tape sales

Speakers selected through conference approved guidelines
Speakers are requested to complete a sign-off (referral to conference 2009) sign-off filed with taping contractor and world services – past speakers will not have sign offs
Recorded through contracted recording company
- Contract to provide for specific acknowledgement of CAWSO, Inc… ownership

Master copies delivered to WSO – all speakers put on speaker order form and website
Choice:
- use of contractor as drop ship vendor or we burn CD’s at office
- WSO burns CD’s
Speaker labels must have: label including disclaimer as follows: This recorded audio speaker is only sharing his or her own personal experiences and opinions – they are not representing C. A. as a whole.”
We do not have any workshops on our order forms.

Discussion>

>Hayward H.: Do we have disclaimers in place and the WSO onboard with this? How are we protecting ourselves?

>Willie B.: This is what the original motion said that we would add anything we needed to protect CA, I will be happy to make sure before the sales take place is to make sure everything is in order prior to sale of any cd’s

>Richard S.: I would speak against this motion: with these concerns; Neither AA’s website or World office sells ‘speaker’ cassettes or cd’s

Neither NA’s website or World office sells ‘speaker’ cassettes or cd’s – NA took down the convention CD compilation that had been available.

I called both these offices today to confirm.

I believe it is a terrible error and problematic as far as selection / choice / representation of CA that we ought not to promote any individuals, speakers or workshops through our website or office.

>Joy H.: I would vote to remove from the table, but not to sell the tapes until we see the disclaimers.

>Hayward H.: Joy, Let’s try to keep things short and to the point. Sounds like you object to voting on the motion until you see the disclaimer.

Does anybody else feel the same?

Discussion would normally have ended today at 2pm central time.

Who would be crafting the disclaimer?

>Willie B.: Here is the disclaimer: “This recorded audio speaker is only sharing his or her own personal experiences and opinions – they are not representing C.A. as a whole”

Page 17 of 47

>Nicholas L.: I would vote no – if I don’t see a disclaimer.

>Kim S.: Willie forwarded the disclaimer.

>Joy H.: I would rather the disclaimer say:

“This recorded audio speaker is only sharing his or her own personal experiences and opinions – they are not representing Cocaine Anonymous World Service, Inc. nor Cocaine Anonymous as a whole”

>Nicholas L.: I’m not a legal eagle – but I prefer the stronger version Joy has put forward.

>Willie B.: This wording is accepted and will be the disclaimer used.

>Willie B.: We are voting on the main motion, all of this disclaimer and other discussion should have been during discussion period. If I need to enter the disclaimer into the motion, then it needs to be restated:

I am not sure if it needs to be re-introduced by the chair, but this is now a new motion, or we can vote on the main motion and add the disclaimer.

>Hayward H.: Ok to reel this back in, I asked about the disclaimer at the beginning of discussion. It finally showed up. So with that said does anyone object to how the disclaimer now reads? If not and to keep things simple and moving we can now vote on the revised motion which is:

Motion: to allow the cd sales to be re-instated with disclaimer: “This recorded audio speaker is only sharing his or her own personal experiences and opinions – they are not representing Cocaine Anonymous World Service, Inc. nor Cocaine Anonymous as a whole” >Richard S.: Mr. Chair, Are we still in discussion? If so I would like to make a statement speaking against the motion with this disclaimer.

>Hayward H.: We are voting.

Tuesday, August 4, 2009

Motion failed

>Willie B.: When it is appropriate I would like to make a 5th concept statement.

>Hayward H.: Proceed.

>Willie B.: I am withdrawing from making a 5th concept statement.

Wednesday, August 5, 2009

Nicholas L.: Motion to – accept the response to the “picnic” issue, from Quin B. Second by Richard S.

#1) Correspondence from Quin B.

Kim: Motion to table, Sub-committee will work online, second by Joy.

Nick, Richard, Lawrence, Willie – Update at quarterly.

Below is the result of your feedback form. It was submitted by on Tuesday, March 24, 2009 at 17:49:34

Name: Quin B.

City: Milwaukee

Page 18 of 47

StateProvince: WI

AreaRegion: WI

Subject: Picnic

Message: The WSO changed the name of our event for the CAWS 2010 from picnic to BBQ. Come to find out some members were offended by this word back in the 1990’s. This clearly an outside issue. What should of and should be said is if you want to use the word BBQ that is fine and if another group wants to use the word picnic that is fine also. Q.

#2) Below is the result of your feedback form. It was submitted by on Monday, March 30, 2009 at 14:51:47

—————————————————————————

Name: Quin B.

City: Milwaukee

StateProvince: WI

AreaRegion: WI

Subject: Picnic

Message: You may want to check out page 29, item 7 of the WS H&I Comm guidelines where it suggests as a people raiser you have a “picnic”.

Dear Quin,

Your observations and comments challenge us (Cocaine Anonymous) on several fronts and The Board would like in the first instance to thank you for your care and concern for the Fellowship.

In response to the World Service Office changing the wording of a World Service Event ie: a planned outdoor gathering with food, the WSBT, after thorough investigation and much research feel the use of this word is an outside issue. Picnic – is derived from the French, other meanings appear to be based on conjecture and rumor recently propagated on the internet.

Tradition 10 speaks to this:

“Cocaine Anonymous has no opinion on outside issues; hence the C.A. name ought never be drawn into public controversy”.

Therefore use of the word “picnic” on the flyer seems completely correct in its intent and usage.

We thank you again for your inquiry and hope you will bring any further questions you may have on this or any other subject.

Discussion>

>Kim S. I speak against the motion…

I feel the response does not reflect the challenges that the word presents in the use, or on what fronts.

Your observations and comments challenge us (Cocaine Anonymous) on several fronts and The

Page 19 of 47

World Service Board of Trustees would like in the first instance to thank you for your care and concern for the Fellowship.

There should be more information regarding the sensitivity of the use of this word, and how it could affect Unity among the fellowship…

Picnic – is derived from the French, other meanings appear to be based on conjecture and rumor recently propagated on the internet.

Also, shouldn’t there explanation of the above verbiage…

I get the reference to Tradition 10…but what about Tradition 1?

>Randy G.: I need something clarified – was the issue of the word “picnic” ever presented to the conference floor and voted on?

>Kim S.: I am not sure as to whether or not the Conference floor addressed it…but the WSBT did address it in a Newsgram article (2001 or 2002). Jahi wrote an article addressing the use of words….

>Nicholas L.: Re: – NewsGram Randy, I looked at all the NewsGrams which are currently online, I could not find any article, maybe email Jahi see if he has a copy ? Or the office?

>Kim S.: 2001 – 4th Quarter, page 7…article by Jahi, Trustee at Large

>Nicholas L.: Thanks Kim, I read the great article and Jahi says (if you understand the origin of the term). I spent hours research and could only find the French derivation therefore quoted that in the response. I will go with and support whatever we decide and thank you for directing our attention to the article.

>Hayward H.: Here is the transcript information do a search for Wardell and it’s highlighted in RED. Also note NewsGram article referenced by Kimberly that Jahi wrote and the updated WS Convention Committee Guidelines.

2007 WSConference Transcripts – Day 4, August 31, 2007

Wardell: Wardell K., Greater Missouri Area delegate, one vote. Motion: On page 23 of the World Service Convention Committee guidelines, change item no. 1, under the “Fundraising Chairperson Duties” to read as follows: “Coordinates seven creative events prior to convention, to promote enthusiasm, unity, and financially support the convention. (i.e. dances, banquet, [strike] the word “picnic” [insert] “barbecue”, (new language), “cookout, talent shows, raffles, etc.)”.

Steve: Very well, there is a motion on the Floor which has been seconded, which is: On page 23 of the World Service Convention Committee guidelines, change item no. 1, under the “Fundraising Chairperson Duties” to read as follows: “Coordinates seven creative events prior to convention to promote enthusiasm, unity, and financially support the convention. (i.e. dances, banquets, [strike] “picnics” [end strike] [new language] “barbecue” and [new language] “cookouts, talent shows, raffles, etc.)”. Would you like to speak to your motion?

Willie: Not at this time.

Steve: Is there any debate? Yes. Brian, E., and Vinnie and Joy.

Brian: Brian T., Illinois Area, no votes. I just have a point of information. I just have to ask why.

Wardell: Well, in certain ethnic groups, the word picnic is offensive, and it goes back to….okay.

Page 20 of 47

Steve: The friendly amendment is declined. Willie. Willie sees no need to make his usual motion. And God bless you, Willie. Seeing no further debate, prepare yourselves to vote on the motion, which is: On page 23 of World Service Convention Committee guidelines, change item no. 1, under the “Fundraising Chairperson Duties”, to read as follows: “1. Coordinate seven creative events prior to Convention, to promote enthusiasm, unity, and financially support the convention. (i.e. dances, banquets [strike] “picnics” [end strike] [new language] “barbecues” and [new language] cookouts, talent shows, raffles, etc.)”. All in favor. Thank you. Opposed. With minor opposition, the motion carries with substantial unanimity.¹

>Randy G.: I’m speaking against the motion as written, but want to note that I’ve lost 5 pounds jumping back and forth across the fence over this one.

I do support the position of the response that identifies the lack of any real evidence to support the negative view of the word picnic. But I think we fall short in our response if we don’t recognize the history of the issue in CA.

The conference did vote to strike the language and replace with “interchangeable” terms. Though from reading the transcripts, it seems obvious that there was no real discussion on the floor as to the reason why and a simple bbq/cookout replacement must have seemed harmless enough to approve without discussion – therefore without a true educated group conscious as to the issue.

I think that we can be mature enough and educated enough to realize and present this today as a non-issue, but should be very careful in our responses when it comes to minimizing/disregarding the actions of the conference. I believe our response should support Kim and her efforts to responsibly represent the actions of the conference and the convention committee – and – still recognize that this may be an issue that could be relaxed over time and be left to the individual conventions to decide.

>Nicholas L.: Thanks Kim – where about is the relevant piece in the transcripts please? (If you know what page).

>Kim S.: I believe that Hayward highlighted it…pages 32-34…

>Nicholas L.: Thanks Randy – do you think you a might work on that “love and tolerance bit” with some help I am willing to help re-write a for want of a word “softer stance.” >Nicholas L.: Bit tired – thanks very much Kim

>Kim S.: My pleasure.

>Nicholas L.: Hey guys, Wish I ‘d had this heads up earlier !!!! Did not realize Conference

had taken that stance: Thanks again for info which make our sub committees 1st stab somewhat irrelevant as it opposes the wishes of the Conference. Have already asked Randy to maybe consider drafting a response from a now informed stance, don’t know if that is in order (I am still willing to help).

>Hayward H.: My fault and I must apologize to Kim for not bring this out months ago.

>Randy G.: Will try to scribble some thoughts down very soon – I really am torn on how we should address this – so everyone’s feelings would be helpful – quiet isn’t helping.

>Richard S.: Nick – Please withdraw our motion.

Page 21 of 47

I was on the sub-committee so I supported the response we put together.

I was at the 2007 conference and didn’t recall the motion until reading it, I do recall it now.

The conference removed the word from the convention committee guidelines; I have no problem and support the outcome, since it was brought up as a possible area of controversy.

Having reviewed the conference minutes, some of the controversy and the background of the terms to the best of my abilities I am of this belief;

We voted to remove it from the convention guidelines and it was.

The response to this letter (I believe) was to address the issue of the office changing a flyer with the word in it and that Kim would like our support since her informing the committee of the current standing didn’t seem to suffice.

My thoughts are that we (back to sub-committee) need to redraft a response that references the removal of this term from the convention committee guidelines and ask that in the spirit of unity for our entire fellowship that when we are made aware of a potential issue we try to follow our code of love and tolerance rather than seek to take a stance on or create dis-unity please refrain from using the word, this being a world event I believe we can inform a committee and make a request.

I think anything other than making a world convention committee aware and requesting awareness and sensitivity to this topic would be inappropriate.

I believe getting into terms, definitions and history is an outside issue for the committee and our board.

I did review and support the sub-committee response, I have the above opinions after being shown/reminded that there was a motion passed by our conference.

I also strongly believe that this could have been avoided if the convention committee had been informed rather than the office just changing their flyer, which I believe is what created this issue.

>Nicholas L.: Mr. Chair, we (the subcommittee) wish to withdraw the motion to approve the Picnic response in light of the Conference wishes 2007.

Randy has joined our subcommittee and is willing to start to craft an informed response with us.

>Hayward H.: Sounds good.

>Hayward H.: I feel that whatever is written and sent to this committee, even if the conference information was presented sooner they are going to do what they want. The office totally had the right to change the flyer wording or tell them to change it. I was in favor of the change in wording and totally against printing the registration form with that wording on it.

This is a world event and we should always be mindful how things affect all of our members.

>Lawrence M.: I didn’t remember either. Very good Richard, I support you suggestion.

>Kim S.: thanks Richard…

I am feeling this situation as many of you are…

I am back and forth on it as well…just want to do right by the past trustee board, the conference conscience, the WS Convention guidelines, and the traditions.

Tough place to be…and I appreciate the help…

By the way…my understanding is that it was suggested to them to change it, and that the office would do it…

Tuesday, August 11, 2009

Willie B.: Motion to approve the reworked response to the picnic issues.

Page 22 of 47

Second by Randy. G.

Response:

Dear Quin,

The WSBT would like to thank you for your care and concern of Cocaine Anonymous by bringing this matter to us for review and consideration.

During the 2007 World Service Conference, a motion was made and passed on the Conference floor to strike the word picnic from the Convention Committee Guidelines for possible fund raising events and replace it with BBQ. Regardless of personal opinion as to the outcome of any decisions by the Conference, and as members of a fellowship that hold tightly to the traditions of the group conscience, the wishes of that group conscience should carry weight in our actions – or spur those to engage an existing process for its change should they have the desire.

The process of referral ensures the appropriate subcommittee’s attention to them all; the WSBT fully supports that process and therefore also believes in the responsibility of giving guidance and direction to the fellowship based on any prior decisions of the Conference.

Much research and information has been presented and found to discount the negative connotation to the word picnic. Nevertheless, the question presents itself; do the perceived advantages of re-engaging discussion, debate and possible controversy for the use of the word “picnic” truly outweigh the requested use of the word “BBQ”?

Tradition One in its long form states the following on page 133 of the Twelve and Twelve:

“The unity of Alcoholics Anonymous is the most cherished quality our society has. Our lives, the lives of all to come, depend squarely upon it. We stay whole or AA dies “.

Further to this Tradition Two goes on to say on page 139 of the Twelve and Twelve:

“Thus throughout A.A. does the group conscience decree the terms upon which it’s leaders shall serve “

Therefore the real question is can we follow decisions or actions we may not agree with and can we fully trust the process and move on supporting the will of the Conference?

With love and tolerance as our code, it is often important to step back, pause and consider – do I have to be right? – Should I do the right thing? – Can I let go?

Therefore at this time we find the suggestion of the WSO to remove the word picnic, and replacing it with an alternative word to be appropriate, as it follows the conscience of the Conference at this time.

Should you have further questions regarding this or any other matter please do not hesitate to bring it to your board.

Regards,

The WSBT

Page 23 of 47

>Joy H.: Good job!! I like the rewrite.

>Hayward H.: Since there is no discussion on this motion and only if nobody objects, please prepare yourselves to vote on the motion.

Friday, August 14, 2009

Motion passed

Wednesday, August 19, 2009

Kim S.: Motion to approve document regarding the AA permission situation to be added to the WSBT Opening Report to be presented at the 2009 CAWS Conference.

Second by Joy H.

From: World Service Board of Trustees (WSBT)

To: Fellowship of Cocaine Anonymous

Before we get started the WSBT apologies for not getting out minutes of the Quarterly, Board to Board, and Conference Call meetings in a timely manner. We have experienced great difficulties with past transcribers and are now working with someone who is diligently attempting to complete them for approval and distribution.

The following has been complied in hopes of directly communicating information regarding the history of the past year in reference to our addressing the issues of publication and distribution of AA literature as single pieces and within the CA Storybook “Hope, Faith and Courage” Volume II. The decisions outlined below made by the WSBT reflect great effort to research and investigate the situation regarding the revising and reprinting of “How It Works.” The WSBT came to their responsible decisions by means of respect to legalities, the wishes of AA, freedom of action in the routine conduct of CA policy and business affairs, and spiritual need to make things right.

Last year during the Literature, Chips, and Formats Committee closing report a motion was made and passed. This action is fully outlined in the 2008 Conference transcripts, day five, August 30, 2008, page 10 – line 9 thru page 14 – line 5.

MOTION: To revise the fourth paragraph of “How It Works” as follows:

To revise the 4^th paragraph of “How It Works”, as follows: “Remember that we deal with cocaine [insert new language]”and all other mind altering substances” [end new language] cunning, baffling and powerful. Without help, it is too much for us. But there is one who has all power, that one is God. May you find him now. Half measures availed us nothing. We stood at the turning point. We asked His protection and care with complete abandon.”

During discussion the following question was asked:

“When we receive…maybe this is a question for the group that they may know, I guess, when we receive permission from Alcoholics Anonymous to use “How It Works”, did that permission grant us the…I mean, was that permission to just plug in “cocaine” to where it says alcohol, or

Page 24 of 47

do we have permission from Alcoholics Anonymous to add verbiage anywhere we see fit”?

The conference was advised:

“We did not originally have that but we have now contacted them and have permission to do this.”

As a result of the above statements, the motion put forth to the Conference floor was passed. This sparked an investigation by the WSBT to obtain copies of the written permission for our own records and safe keeping for future reference. After months of digging through files at the World Service Office, Conference Committee Archives, CALA Archives, talking with a number of former WSBT board members and inquiries with our outside law firm, it was determined that no written permission or documentation that indicated verbal permission to revise, edit or change “How It Works” could be found.

It was also determined that said “permission” expressed at the Conference was incorrect, and that referenced “contact” regarding “reprinting” did not include “How It Works”. Additional information obtained by the WSO reflected that AA also requested that we not revise or reprint “How It Works.”

As a result of our research and information provided to us from the WSO, at the 2009 WSBT March Quarterly meeting the following 5 motions were passed, also shown is the current status of any action items:

Motion to cease publications and distribution of any material and or literature containing “How It Works” in any medium.

Action items:

The WSBT instructed the WSO to immediately cease selling HFC II, remove the suggested meeting formats from our website that contain “How It Works” and replace them with “We Can Recover.”
The WSO crafted a statement to tell member that we currently had publication issues with HFC II and that HFC I would be replacing it until those issues were resolved.
The Regional Trustees were instructed to get the word out to the members in their region via online communications, area visits etc.
A motion was passed by the WSOB/WSBT to reprint HFC II excluding all AA literature. Currently that version of the book is with the typesetter.
Chair’s of both WSBT/WSOB attended an LCF conference call to explain the situation and field questions from that committee.

2) Motion to have TAL investigate as to whether or not we have permission to re-print

Page 25 of 47

with redistribution (all media) of other AA literature/phrases…ie: “The Promises”, and “A Vision for You”.

Action item:

A) TAL/WSOT made contact with AA Intellectual Properties department for the above motion which produced the following results:

AA would have no objections to your reprinting excerpts from Alcoholics Anonymous, of the so-called “Promises” pages 83-84 or the paragraph in chapter 11 “A Vision for You” page 164, but would request that you indicate the source of the material, (the title and the page number), together with the following disclaimers immediately after the excerpt being used:

The excerpt from Alcoholics Anonymous, page 83-84 is reprinted with permission of Alcoholics Anonymous World Services, Inc. (“AAWS”) Permission to reprint this excerpt does not mean that AAWS has reviewed or approved the contents of this publication, or that AAWS necessarily agrees with the views expressed herein. A.A. is a program of recovery from alcoholism only – use of this excerpt in connection with programs and activities which are patterned after A.A., but which address other problems, or in any other non A.A.. context, does not imply otherwise.

The excerpt from Alcoholics Anonymous, page 164, is reprinted with permission of Alcoholics Anonymous World Services, Inc. (“AAWS”) Permission to reprint this excerpt does not mean that AAWS has reviewed or approved the contents of this publication, or that AAWS necessarily agrees with the views expressed herein. A.A. is a program of recovery from alcoholism only – use of this excerpt in connection with programs and activities which are patterned after A.A., but which address other problems, or in any other non A.A.. context, does not imply otherwise.

Please note that currently HFC II, page 239, has the “Promises” and a “Vision For You” with the following disclaimers:

Attachment A for email history of correspondence with AA for above motion

3) Motion for WSO to set up meeting, face to face, with AA to address the problem and ways to solve it, make amends, ask forgiveness, and how can we make further

Page 26 of 47

restitution. Record of meeting via minutes should be distributed to the WSOB and WSBT. Meeting to include the local Regional Trustee.

Action items:

Attachment B was emailed out on May 10^th 2009 by the WSOB chair Attachment C was received by the WSOB chair on June 3^rd 2009

Several calls have since been made to AA by the WSOB chair for the meeting date but nothing has been settled upon yet.

4) Motion that a letter regarding this issue be drafted with members of both Boards involved in the writing of it. Letter should be approved by both Boards before distribution.

Action item:

Attachment D was approved by both WSBT/WSOB boards sent to AA certified mail on June 3^rd 2009; receipt was received by WSO on June 11^th 2009

5) Motion to address the issue with the fellowship via letters to the delegates, News gram articles, CA website, assemblies, and delegate mailings…after the meeting with AA.

Action item:

After the meeting is completed the results will be shared with the entire fellowship in accordance with above motion.

Attachment A

From: Smith, Darlene

Subject: Reprint Permission

To: Willie Bailey

Date: Thursday, May 14, 2009, 6:55 AM

Willie Bailey

849 S Normandie Ave. #208

Los Angeles, California 90005

Dear Willie:

Page 27 of 47

Thank you for your recent email in which you requested permission to reprint excerpts from Alcoholics Anonymous for use in a Cocaine Anonymous publication entitled, Hope, Faith and Courage II.

AAhas no objection to your reprinting excerpts from Alcoholics Anonymous, but would request that you indicate the source of the material, (the title and the page number), together with the following disclaimer:

The excerpts from Alcoholics Anonymous are reprinted with permission of Alcoholics Anonymous World Services, Inc. (“AAWS”) Permission to reprint these excerpts does not mean that AAWS has reviewed or approved the contents of this publication, or that AAWS necessarily agrees with the views expressed herein. A.A. is a program of recovery from alcoholism only – use of these excerpts in connection with programs and activities which are patterned after A.A., but which address other problems, or in any other non A.A.. context, does not imply otherwise.

If you are in agreement with the above, we have no objection to your use of these brief excerpts from, Alcoholics Anonymous, as described. Thank you in advance for your anticipated cooperation.

Sincerely,

Darlene Smith

Intellectual Property Administrator

AA World Services, Inc. 475 Riverside Drive New York, NY 10115

From: Smith, Darlene

Subject: RE: AAWS Reprint Policy

To: “Willie Bailey”

Date: Wednesday, May 13, 2009, 11:15 AM

Hi Willie,

I am drafting an email to you, however, for our records we need your address.

Darlene

From: Willie Bailey

Subject: Re: AAWS Reprint Policy

To: “DarleneSmith”

Date: Thursday, May 7, 2009, 11:06 AM

Page 28 of 47

Ms. Smith, we are attempting to use just 2 paragraphs on page 164 in which we use as a reading titled “A Vision For You”

Our book is meant to be suggestive only, We realize we know only a little, God will constantly disclose more to you and to us. Ask Him in your morning meditation what you can do each day for the man who is still sick. The answers will come, if your own house is in order. But obviously you cannot transmit something you haven’t got. See to it that your relationship with Him is right, and great events will come to pass for you and countless others. This is the Great Fact for us.

Abandon yourself to God as you understand God. Admit your faults to Him and to your fellows. Clear away the wreckage of your past. Give freely of what you find and join us. We shall be with you in the Fellowship of the Spirit, and you will surely meet some of us as you trudge the Road of Happy Destiny.

May God bless you and keep you—until then.

Thank you in advance

From: Willie Bailey

Subject: Re: AAWS Reprint Policy

To: “DarleneSmith”

Date: Wednesday, April 29, 2009, 1:16 PM

Thanks for your reply, we have no intentions to reprint the entire chapter but just the “Vision for You” as it is read in most meeting formats.

From: Smith, Darlene

Subject: AAWS Reprint Policy

To: “Willie Bailey”

Date: Wednesday, April 29, 2009, 12:29 PM

April 29, 2009

Willie Bailey
C.A. World Services, Inc.

Dear Mr. Bailey:

Thank you for your request to reprint the chapter “A Vision for You” and the so-called
“promises” from Alcoholics Anonymous for inclusion in your Fellowship’s upcoming
publication entitled Hope, Faith and Courage II.

Page 29 of 47

Unfortunately, Alcoholics Anonymous World Services, Inc. (“AAWS”) reprint policy does not permit the use of more than the Steps, the Traditions (short form) or the Preamble (through the Grapevine), or a phrase, short paragraph, and the like, from text material. More specifically, it would not permit the reprinting of an entire chapter. Therefore, under these circumstances we must deny your request to reprint an entire chapter.

Additionally, it has always been the Board’s position that the so-called “promises” were written in the general context of Alcoholics Anonymous, and were not intended to be specially titled (as, e.g. “the promises”) not to be reprinted as numbered or tabulated items; the Board feels that, where the “promises” material is reprinted, it should be reprinted in the full text, and formatted just as it appears on pages 83 – 84.

We would have no objection to your reprinting the so-called “promises” provided that you use the following attribution:

This excerpt from Alcoholics Anonymous, pages 83-84, is reprinted with permission of Alcoholics Anonymous World Services, Inc. (“AAWS”). Permission to use this excerpt does not mean that AAWS has reviewed or approved the contents of this publication, or that AAWS necessarily agrees with the views expressed therein. A.A. is a program of recovery from alcoholism only – use of this material in connection with programs and activities which are patterned after A.A., but which address other problems or concerns, or in any other non-A.A. context, does not imply otherwise.

If you are in agreement with the above, we have no objection to your reprinting excerpts from pages 83-84, from Alcoholics Anonymous, as described. Thank you in advance for your anticipated cooperation.

Sincerely,

Darlene Smith

Intellectual Property Administrator

AA World Services, Inc. 475 Riverside Drive New York , NY 10115

From: Smith, Darlene

Subject: RE: Permission

To: “Willie Bailey”

Date: Wednesday, April 15, 2009, 7:26 AM

Hi Willie,

Page 30 of 47

Thank you for your email and phone calls (I was out of the office yesterday). Willie, unfortunately, I will not be able response to your question just yet. But I will be touch in approximately two to three weeks.

Sincerely,

Darlene Smith

Intellectual Property Administrator

A.A. World Services, Inc.

From: Willie Bailey

Subject: Permission

To: smithd@aa.org

Date: Monday, April 13, 2009, 6:21 PM

Ms. Smith, My name is Willie Bailey and I am a member of the board of trustee’s CA world service, I am the World Service Office Trustee. I am contacting you regarding a request that may have been already submitted by Richard Schafer Trustee at Large or Patty Flanagan Paid Director of CAWSO Inc.. The request is for permission to use A Vision For You and The Promises, in their original version, in our story book Hope Faith and Courage II. This is not an official request, but rather to track and see if a request has already been made so we will know what the next step will be.

If in deed this request has been properly submitted, then all I would need is the status of this request. If there is no record of this request being made in writing, then I would like to know so I can formally do so in writing following all protocol in this matter. I will contact you by phone, around 11:00am your time 4/14/09, If you could please email back to me either way on this matter, Thank you for your time and troubles in this matter.

Willie Bailey contact info wsotprinciples@yahoo.com or baileywillie@att.net (323)573-0441 If you need a contact #

Willie B. WSOT

Attachment B

From: John Bodkin

Sent: Saturday, May 23, 2009 11:01 AM

To: CPC

Subject: For Trustee Consideration – Cocaine Anonymous Publication Issues

A.A. World Services, Inc.,

C/O Mary Dragon, CPC

P.O. Box 459

New York, NY 10163

Page 31 of 47

May 10, 2009

Re: Matter for Trustee Consideration

Dear Mary,

Thank you very much for your time on the phone in the beginning of May. The following outlines a specific and important matter that the Board of Trustees of Cocaine Anonymous World Services has asked that this office present for AA Trustee consideration.

The World Service Board of Trustees and the World Service Office Board of Directors of Cocaine Anonymous would like to respectfully request a face to face meeting with the Trustee Members of Alcoholics Anonymous for the expressed purpose of discussion related to several potential publication issues outlined in the proposed agenda below:

Proposed Agenda –

Background / History: (What it was like)

Some time between 1986 through 1989 members of Cocaine Anonymous World Service (CAWS) met with Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) to discuss the use and modification of AA literature to help carry the CA message. The feeling the CAWS members had after this meeting was CA had permission to use/revise selected readings of AA literature.

B. What Happened:

CAWS revised some of the wording from Chapter 5 of the book “Alcoholic Anonymous” entitled “How it Works” mainly replacing the word alcohol with cocaine and reprinted it in our book “Hope, Faith & Courage Volume II – Stories and Literature from the Fellowship of Cocaine Anonymous”.

C. What it is like today:

At the 2008 CAWS Conference , held in Los Angeles, a motion was passed to further revise the portion of chapter 5, “How it Works”, by inserting new language after the word cocaine to include “and all other mind altering substances”. During discussion of the motion the following was asked:

Excerpt from conference transcript: “When we receive…maybe this is a question for the group that they may know, I guess, when we receive permission from Alcoholics Anonymous to use “How It Works”, did that permission grant us the…I mean, was that permission to just plug in “cocaine” to where it says alcohol, or do we have permission from Alcoholics Anonymous to add verbiage anywhere we see fit?”

Page 32 of 47

already counseled with your publications liaison on strictly publication issues, but our proposed agenda seeks additional information on perhaps a more spiritual level.

Yours in Fellowship and Service,

John Bodkin

Chairperson

Cocaine Anonymous World Service Office Board of Directors

Attachment C

From: CPC

Subject: RE: For Trustee Consideration – Cocaine Anonymous Publication Issues

To: “John Bodkin”

Date: Wednesday, June 3, 2009, 9:12 AM

Dear John,

Warm G.S.O. greetings.

I have forwarded your e-mail to the General Manager for the General Service Office of A.A. for her consideration.

She is out of the country at present so please know that upon her return, we will be getting together and will respond to your important e-mail.

Cordially,

Mary Dargan

C.P.C. coordinator

Attachment D

June 3, 2009

A.A. World Services, Inc.,
C/O Mary Dargan, CPC
P.O. Box 459
New York, NY 10163

Re: Matter for Trustee Consideration

Page 33 of 47

Dear Mary Dargan,

The World Service Board of Trustees and the World Service Office Board of Directors of Cocaine Anonymous respectfully requests a face to face meeting with the appropriate Trustee Members of Alcoholics Anonymous for the expressed purpose of discussing CA publication issues outlined in the proposed agenda below:

Proposed Agenda –

A. Background / History: (What it was like)

B. What Happened:

C. What it is like today:

At the 2008 CAWS Conference, held in Los Angeles, a motion was passed to further revise the portion of chapter 5, “How it Works”, by inserting new language after the word cocaine to include “and all other mind altering substances”. During discussion of the motion the following was asked:

a. Excerpt from conference transcript: “When we receive…maybe this is a question for the group that they may know, I guess, when we received permission from Alcoholics Anonymous to use “How It Works”, did that permission grant us the…I mean, was that permission to just plug in “cocaine” to where it says alcohol, or do we have permission from Alcoholics Anonymous to add verbiage anywhere we see fit?”

During our research to the above question we have since not been able to produce any written permission, so we are contacting you at this time for the expressed purpose of asking what CAWS may do now to be current, and to make this issue right with AA. Please note that we have already counseled with your publications liaison on strictly publication issues, but our proposed agenda seeks additional information on perhaps a more spiritual level.

Yours in Fellowship and Service,

Page 34 of 47

John Bodkin

Chairperson

Cocaine Anonymous

World Service Office Board of Directors

Hayward Hunt

Chairperson

Cocaine Anonymous

World Service Board of Trustees

Discussion>

>Willie B.: I speak in favor of the motion.

>Richard S.: Call for vote. Since we have all been active online and participated in this document, I believe we all have had the opportunity to review it and there has been no further discussion.

Thursday, August 20, 2009

Motion passed

Friday, August 21, 2009

Willie B.; Emergency Motion: To transfer 20,000.00 from savings to active Operations account.

Limit to 1 day discussion, 1 day voting. Second Randy G.

Discussion>

>Willie B.: To support this motion currently we have 126,574.78 in savings and this transfer will be for per diem checks for conference and pay conference bills. This is a normal transfer this time of the year.

>Robert L.: Is this truly the normal practice that happens this time of year?

>Hayward H.: When things are going well we usually have two transfers, but the WSO claims that donations and 7th traditions are down so we have been going into the stash more often. You can always make more area trips and talk them out of the money.

>Willie B.: Yes, the conference bill is right around $26,000.00 from what the office and the treasurer has informed me, and this has been a normal transfer since I have been on the board. >Robert L.: Thanks Hayward. Yes, I have been pleading to increase donations and 7th Traditions and will continue to do so. On That note I would like to call the vote,

>Hayward H.: Robert has called for the vote on this motion. If nobody objects and to keep things real simple you can now vote on the main motion.

>Richard S.: I object to calling the vote: I have questions for discussion.

>Hayward H.: Richard what are your questions.

>Richard S.: According to what we have approved in the last 10 months:

20K Oct 08

15K Nov 08

15K Mar 09

9,500 April 09

24,788.87 June 09

(and as I recall there was an ‘unapproved’ transfer by Taffy that isn’t accounted for in our motions to add to this total)

Page 35 of 47

We have funded just over 84K in less than a year, this 20K would put us over 100K for the year, which would have me concerned that the 7th traditions would be nil or unaccounted;

The concern is around the information provided previously that there are ‘usually’ two large transfers throughout a year and that this year had more because of lower 7th traditions which had me thinking that 7th traditions go into the operating account and not savings.?.

Willie, Hayward & Joy (or anyone who knows the answer)?

Do the 7th traditions get transferred into savings?

If so is it on a schedule?

Is the operating account solely funded by savings transfers?

Fellow (and fellah) board members were the previous years similar? (Because it hasn’t sounded like it).

>Hayward H.: Thanks Richard for this great research. This should be brought up at the b2b also.

Willie and Joy can start checking.

>Joy H.: Great questions Richard. We can find out where all the money is going by getting a Cash Statement and the backup of Quickbooks that we can actually look at where all the money is.

>Richard S.: Thanks Joy,

Have we asked for that file? It’s one file of Quickbooks that can be put on a USB memory stick, has this been requested?

>Willie B.: Great questions Richard and I can feel your concerns, I have just recently requested statements from the merchant account, Paychex and unaudited check registry, so I will have answers to the important questions.

7th traditions and contribution program in deposited directly into operations account, and this typically pays for payroll, rent, bills, trustee reimbursement.
There is typically a transfer request for Conference expenses, and right around Convention, when the operations account can’t accommodate those large expenses
The operating account is normally funded by 7th tradition and contribution program as well as sells of chips and literature.
Some of the transfers that was made last year was to fund French translation (9,000), computer purchases at the office (3500), HFC I (5000), HFC II without AA literature (5,000) and HFC II (7,500) these are the ones I can remember off the top of my head.

October 08 – Conference bills and payroll

November 08 – unscheduled

March 09 – computer purchase, French translation April 09 – French translation final payment, payroll

June 09 – Bills incurring late fees and the amounted to roughly 23,000 HFC 1, HFC II without AA literature.

I try and give you all an accounting when these motions to transfer are made and I have asked these same questions myself prior to making the motion. We are looking at 2 different years here, this transfer is the first of the 2009-2010 and you’re absolutely right we need to monitor the spending as well as expenses, and most of all like Joy has stated get a more accurate accounting from our books. I hope this answers some of your questions and when I get the documents that I

Page 36 of 47

have requested we can go back and take a more careful look at where did the money go last year and was it all due to a lack of seventh tradition or was it due to spending or a combination of the 2.

>Richard S.: Thank you very much for the information Willie and I appreciate your asking these questions. I look forward to getting information, details and hopefully, answers for us. >Hayward H.: Well, Richard are your questions answered, we need to finalize this motion? >Richard S.: No

>Robert L.: Where are we on this issue? Yes Richard did bring up some great points but where are we in this process.

>Joy H.: Willie and I talk on the phone regarding these issues. He is requesting everything we will need to find out where all the money is going. Willie and I and anyone else will be working on the policies regarding reporting and finance at the quarterly and these policies will go in effect at the conference. Once we approve them then the office will be mandated to give what we need every month no questions asked. Then we can follow the flow of cash and how the money is being spent. Also, I am going to write down all questions that need to be answered from Patty at the b2b regarding everything financial whether prior trustees have asked the questions or not. The current WSBT need these answers so we can feel more comfortable in the future.

Sunday, August 23, 2009

Motion passed

>Richard S.: 5^th Concept

>Hayward H.: Please proceed with your statement Richard

>Richard S.: 5Th Concept Statement

Motion: Emergency motion- “To transfer 20,000.00 from savings to active”

I voted no on the belief that we (through Willie & Joy) have been asking for ALL this detailed information via reports and a backup of the QuickBooks data file for over 9 months and not received it all.

Not ignoring the fact that I believe we have been provided some of the reports after months of requesting, I recall Joys comments that not only was it not what she had requested, the desired copy of the QuickBooks file was still not provided.

Having reviewed our previous motions for transfer in the last 10 months totaling $84,288.87 and knowing there was an additional ‘unauthorized’ transfer by the WSO manager earlier in the year, the information provided that we ‘normally’ have two large transfers a year and that these multiple transfers are due to 7th tradition falling off; this doesn’t calculate based on the amounts of transfers without being able to review the operating cash flow. I don’t believe any of us are interested in or attempting to interfere with the day to day operations but not having the requested basic information detailed and provided creates confusion and concern.

I believe it is a far greater disservice to the fellowship to pass a motion ‘feeling’ that it is a need at this moment and we will ask for the information and details afterwards (again) than to review the necessary information to truly make an informed decision and that is what I asked myself; “do I

Page 37 of 47

believe I am informed to cast this vote” the answers to my questions have me believing that there is information needed and requested but not supplied nor provided.

I do not believe this motion passed on merit but on a concern and need for operating, I do not ignore our financial obligations, I do ask, “when do we stop voting for money transfers before being fully financially informed?” If not now, when? My thought in March was “next time” my voice on this vote was “no”, “this time”.

>Kim S.: Richard…you have several good points…

My concern is if we truly need the money, and it is not transferred, will we be able to pay the bills related to the Conference?

Willie, can you provide us with the amount of money in the “operations account?” Based on Willie’s answer…does anyone want to make a motion to reconsider?

>Richard S.: Kim, I had the same concern but just couldn’t let it divert me from voting as I would if it wasn’t JUST before conference. My thought is (and it’s only my thought, you elders will have to let me know) is that we could do an emergency motion and transfer after we were fully informed.

>Willie B.:

23,000.00 + in active account as of 8/21/09

-6,000.00 payroll and taxes -11,000.00 in bills

-3,600.00 Trustee checks perdiem

-1,440.00 WSOB perdiem

None of this includes the checks that were signed for conference and what is coming due at the first of the month.

>Joy H.: So the total due is $24,040.00 and there is $23,000.00 plus in the bank not including outstanding checks. So the transfer of an additional $20,000.00 will leave $19,000.00 in the account after the transfer and all the checks are cut, correct?

So, what else is needed for the $19,000.00 left? Are there more bills coming from the hotel that need paying?

>Willie B.:

We have made deposits of approx 45000

Expenditures of approx 3500

Totaling approx 8000

Leaving balance of approx 18000

These figures aren’t to the money, but instead a close approx

>Hayward H.: If there is no motion to reconsider I’m going to rule this motion passes.

>Willie B.: Mr. Chair, if there are no motions forthcoming and you are calling this motion passed, I will be going to the bank 10:00am PST to authorize the transfer.

>Hayward H.: Sounds good nobody has said anything

Monday, August 24, 2009

Robert L.: Motion to accept the response to Joe R’s email questions. This response has been Okayed by the subcommittee. Second by Kim S.

Page 38 of 47

Correspondence:

—–Original Message—–

From: Joe

Sent: Sunday, August 16, 2009 11:37 AM

To: WSO Chair; Webservant; CAWSO

Subject: Message from the CAWS Office Board Feedback Form

Below is the result of your feedback form. It was submitted by on Sunday, August 16, 2009 at 14:37:01

—————————————————————————

Name: Joe

Subject: trustee

Message: How do trustees get their positions? When and by whom do they get voted by?

Response:

Dear Joe,

Thank you for your correspondence regarding the selection process of Trustees. To answer your questions we refer you to the CA World Service Manual, pages 40 – 46. This thoroughly outlines the very formal process involved in the election of a Trustee.

On page 40 it states the qualifications of a Trustee and they are as follows:

QUALIFICATIONS

Qualifications of Addict Trustees:

Willingness to serve.
A commitment to service as shown by experience; working as a member of other C.A. service committees; and contributions to the continuation and growth of the Fellowship.
The time and resources necessary for active trusteeship.
A minimum of eight years of continuous abstinence from cocaine and all other mind-altering substances at the time of the election to the Regional slate.
A good working knowledge of the Twelve Traditions.
Has to have served as a voting member or committee chair at a prior WSC.
A working knowledge of the 12 Concepts and the Conference Charter.

How do the trustees get their position? When and whom do they get voted by?

On page 28 of CA World Service Manuel it states:

REGIONAL CAUCUS

During the WSC, the WS Convention, or at other times necessary to conduct the business of the Region, the Region may hold a Regional Caucus. The Caucus may determine the appropriate voting procedures.

During the WSC, each Region shall hold at least one Regional Caucus. It shall be attended by all WSC Delegates, Alternate Delegates, Conference & Committee Officers, and Trustees within the Region.

Page 39 of 47

The first order of business is to establish voting qualifications. Those persons who have a vote at the WSC should make this determination. It is suggested that voting shall be open to all of the participants. Another order of business shall be the election of the Delegate to represent the Region in the Trustee Election Committee.

ELECTION OF TRUSTEE CANDIDATES BY REGIONAL ASSEMBLY

The Pacific South Region shall annually elect up to six but not less than four candidates to fill Trustee positions as needed. The remaining five regions shall annually elect up to four but not less than two candidates to fill Trustee positions as needed. Candidates from each Regional Slate shall be submitted to WSC for ratification by two-thirds vote of the WSC. The full Regional Slate shall be considered as nominees for Regional Trustee for that Region. The full Regional Slate from the Pacific South Region shall also be considered as nominees for World Service Trustee. The two Regional nominees receiving the highest number of votes at the Regional Assembly shall be considered the Region’s nominees for Trustee-At-Large.

Where possible the Region should also elect first and second alternate candidates.

The Trustee from the Region shall maintain continuous contact with the Areas during the election process and monitor the status of candidates in order to act accordingly if a candidate becomes “unqualified” or withdraws from candidacy. If a nominee candidate is not present at the Regional assembly the candidate shall be contacted and his or her candidacy confirmed within 7 days of the Assembly. The Regional Trustee must submit names of the candidates to the Trustee Election Committee within 15 days after the Regional Assembly.

Regional Assemblies should consider adopting minimum qualifications for trustee candidates and consider references for service work done for entities outside Cocaine Anonymous.

ELECTION PROCEDURES FOR REGIONAL TRUSTEE CANDIDATES BY REGIONAL ASSEMBLY

Each Area may submit one or more candidates for consideration to the Region. Each candidate must satisfy existing Trustee qualifications (see: Trustee qualifications, the WSBT service structure) and submit a completed service resume and statement of willingness to serve at the Regional Assembly in order to be considered.
The Regional Assembly will consider the candidates submitted by each Area for nomination as Trustee. The Regional Assembly should insure that all candidates submitted are qualified to serve as a Trustee as outlined herein.
The Pacific South Region shall annually elect up to six but not less than four candidates to fill Trustee positions as needed. The remaining six regions shall annually elect up to four but not less than two candidates to the World Service Conference (these candidates need not be present in order to be nominated or elected).
The slate of qualified candidates

TRUSTEE NOMINEE SELECTION AND ELECTION PROCESS AND TRUSTEE TERM

VACANCY, REPLACEMENT, AND TERM

Page 40 of 47

All Trustee positions shall be selected during the regular Trustee elections at the WS Conference, using the slate approved at that Conference. The term of such Trustee positions shall commence immediately following the close of the WSC at which that position is filled, and shall end at the close of the fourth successive WSC. The WSO Trustee term shall end at the close of the second successive WSC. No Regional Trustee, Trustee at Large, Non-Addict Trustee, or World Service Trustee shall serve two terms.

The WSO Trustee may serve two consecutive two-year terms.

In the event of a Trustee vacancy for any reason, an individual elected to fill the position shall fulfill a full trustee term. In the interim following a vacancy and prior to a new election, any vacant Trustee position(s) may be filled by any existing Trustee as selected by the WSBT.

REGIONAL SLATE

The Regional Slate of Trustee candidates shall be those candidates elected at the Regional Assembly but not yet submitted to WSC for ratification. If a Region has followed the Regional Election process and has not submitted any slate, or if no candidates on the submitted slate are selected by the TEC,

then no Trustee shall be chosen from that Region that year, and the WSBT will assign an existing Trustee to fulfill the duties of that position until the next Conference, when this process begins again. The Approved Slate of candidates expires when the WSC adjourns.

CONFERENCE APPROVED SLATE

The candidates nominated from each Region shall be submitted to WSC for ratification by two thirds vote of the WSC. All candidates who complete the WSC ratification process successfully shall then be considered the Conference Approved Slate of Trustee candidates. This approved slate expires when the WSC adjourns.

The various Trustee Slates shall be submitted to the Conference for ratification as one of the first substantive orders of business. Each Regional Slate, Non-Addict Trustee Slate, WSO Trustee Slate, shall be presented for approval by a single vote of the Conference. The ratification of the Regional Slate also constitutes the ratification of the Trustee-at-Large designees and the WS Trustee from the Pacific South

Region. If there is an objection to the slate, or any individual on the slate, then each individual on the slate will be considered separately.

Each Area may submit one or more candidates for consideration to the Region. Each candidate must satisfy existing Trustee qualifications (see: Trustee qualifications, the WSBT service structure) and submit a completed service resume and statement of willingness to serve at the Regional Assembly in order to be considered.
The Regional Assembly will consider the candidates submitted by each Area for nomination as Trustee. The Regional Assembly should insure that all candidates submitted are qualified to serve as a Trustee as outlined herein.
The Pacific South Region shall annually elect up to six but not less than four candidates

Page 41 of 47

to fill Trustee positions as needed. The remaining six regions shall annually elect up to four but not less than two candidates to the World Service Conference (these candidates need not be present in order to be nominated or elected).

The slate of qualified candidates submitted shall be considered by the voting members of the Assembly.

We hope this explains the process to you.

In Love and Service

WSBT

>Hayward H.: As there has been no discussion on this motion. Please prepare yourselves to vote on the main motion.

Tuesday, August 25, 2009

Motion passed

Wednesday, August 26, 2009

Lawrence M.: Motion to approve response regarding AA Permission from Teri K. with changes. Second by Joy H.

Correspondence:

Friday, August 14, 2009 11:54:06 AM

sweettknight@hotmail.com

Dear WSBT.

I received a copy of the letter dated August 6, 2009, sent to the Board from Robert C. (Bob) Lemon regarding the WSBT’s recent decision to remove “How It Works” from all CA materials. After reading the letter and based on the information received from my area delegates as the last Georgia Area meeting, I’m greatly concerned as to how this matter has been handled by the WSBT.

The first point is related to communication. I served as Trustee and Chair of the WSBT between Sept 2001-Sept 2005, a period of time in which well meaning actions and/or responses by the WSBT resulted in miscommunication and/or under communicated information that set in motion significant controversy between the WSBT and the World Service Conference which affected CA as a whole. As a number of you were present at the conference during this time, and with the last most recent matter regarding lawsuits brought against CA, I would have thought the WSBT would have learned that clear communication on what decisions are being made was paramount especially to this now global fellowship. To rely on untimely delegate mailings, poorly documented minutes, an under used web site and ‘word of mouth’ simply isn’t enough especially on something as impactive to CA as the reading, “How it Works”. Further, the lack of basic, simple, fact filled details of the WSBT minutes which are fundamental to good stewardship and corporate compliance the record keeping of the WSBT is most disappointing.

The second point is based on the lack of effort extended by the WSBT in this matter. As this fellowship has been around for over twenty five years now and those that come before us, especially those in the early days, did a LOT of heavy lifting in terms of getting the appropriate

Page 42 of 47

permissions, copyright information etc necessary to act in both spiritual and legal principles. To have practiced a form of ‘contempt prior to investigation’ is absurd. As I’ve come to know (but not accept) that former Trustees are NOT being accessed as living archives. Who would know better than Bob Lemon, Ray Grossa, Mike Pine, Bob Campbell (all living former Trustees) and others as to what REALLY happened during this time? Why was no one considered? Why wasn’t this matter taken as a working project? Why the need to react? The Big Book talks about pausing when agitated at an individual level. The Conference Charter, #8, Paragraph 3 provides the same guidance for the WSBT. What was the sense of urgency? Was it driven based on the power of the purse as it relates to next printing of the second edition of our text? I hope not, as there appears from the information I’ve received, no emergency!

Finally, as I am aware, there is written documentation between AA and CA from the early communications between the two supporting CA’s right to AA literature of which “How it Works” is a part. I suggest that the WSBT make a concerted effort to take the action, now to gather the data and facts; prepare to face the Conference, standing in integrity and repair this decision and amend the directions given to the members of CA. People are dying from this disease and since our job as recovered addicts is to carry this message of “How it Works” let us not keep it from them.

Respectfully submitted in love and service,

Teri Knight

Trusted Servant

Response:

Dear Teri,

The WSBT appreciates you bringing your concerns to us about our communication and decisions in the A.A. permission situation regarding the revising and reprinting of “How It Works”.

First the WSBT apologies for not getting out the minutes of our Quarterly, Board to Board and Conference Calls minutes in a timely manner. We have experienced difficulties with past transcribers and are now working with someone who is diligently attempting to complete them for approval and distribution. It was not our intention to withhold any facts or information.

The ultimate decisions made by WSBT reflect great effort to research and investigate the situation regarding the revising and reprinting of “How It Works.” The WSBT came to their responsible decisions by means of respect to the legalities, the wishes of AA, freedom of action in the routine conduct of CA policy and business affairs, and spiritual need to make things right.

At the 2009 World Service Conference the WSBT will present a report to the fellowship outlining our decisions and communicating information regarding the history of the past year in reference to our addressing this issue. We will forward you a copy of this report at that time.

We thank you for communicating your concerns to us on this matter.

Page 43 of 47

In Love and Service

World Service Board of Trustee

Discussion>

>Willie B.: I vote to accept, we have all had ample time to make corrections and review this document, so if I am not out of order I would like to go straight to the vote.

>Hayward H.: No we can now vote on the main motion if nobody objects.

Thursday, August 27, 2009

Motion passed

Thursday, August 27, 2009

Willie B.: Motion to place a label(s) on “How It Works”, page 227 of HFC II, 4^th paragraph “Remember that we deal with cocaine” (that whole paragraph restore back to its original content), Step 1, page 227 of HFC II (restoring this back to its original content), page 229, the blank portion at the bottom place a label with the disclaimer that was provided by AA on the last written transmission, page 237 HFC II, “The Promises” and “A Vision For You” placing a label with the disclaimer provided by AA. Second by Joy H.

Discussion>

>Hayward H.: Willie do you have your pages correct in your motion?

>Willie B.: Yes the pages are from HFC II which I have right in front of me

>Hayward H.: Page 227 is the suggested meeting format. Page 229 is where “How it Works” is listed.

>Willie B.: In the Hard Back copy I have “How it Works” on page 227, an the disclaimer on page 229 if it is a difference based on soft cover or hard cover then we should stipulate this in the motion.

>Willie B.: Both Soft Cover and Hard Cover have the same pages I checked with the office and they confirmed How it works start on 227 and ends on 229.

>Hayward H.: The following motion is to address the issue of our present inventory of HFC2, by placing stickers and disclaimers in the book which will bring us in line with what AA has requested in writing.

Page 229 4^th paragraph and 1^st step replace cocaine with alcohol.
Page 231 replace existing disclaimer with:

The excerpt from Alcoholics Anonymous, pages 58-60 is reprinted with permission of Alcoholics Anonymous World Services, Inc. (“AAWS”) Permission to reprint this excerpt does not mean that AAWS has reviewed or approved the contents of this publication, or that AAWS necessarily agrees with the views expressed herein. A.A. is a program of recovery from alcoholism only – use of this excerpt in connection with programs and activities which are patterned after A.A., but which address other problems, or in any other non A.A.. context, does not imply otherwise.

3) Page 239 replace both existing disclaimers with:

Page 44 of 47

The excerpt from Alcoholics Anonymous, pages 83-84 is reprinted with permission of Alcoholics Anonymous World Services, Inc. (“AAWS”) Permission to reprint this excerpt does not mean that AAWS has reviewed or approved the contents of this publication, or that AAWS necessarily agrees with the views expressed herein. A.A. is a program of recovery from alcoholism only – use of this excerpt in connection with programs and activities which are patterned after A.A., but which address other problems, or in any other non A.A.. context, does not imply otherwise. The excerpt from Alcoholics Anonymous, page 164 is reprinted with permission of Alcoholics Anonymous World Services, Inc. (“AAWS”) Permission to reprint this excerpt does not mean that AAWS has reviewed or approved the contents of this publication, or that AAWS necessarily agrees with the views expressed herein. A.A. is a program of recovery from alcoholism only – use of this excerpt in connection with programs and activities which are patterned after A.A., but which address other problems, or in any other non A.A.. context, does not imply otherwise.

>Randy G.: As this issue has too many unanswered questions and carries some extreme potential ramifications, I’m concerned that we are making this motion at this time on line. Does this motion stand on its own, regardless of what we find in LA or subsequent meetings with AA or our own trustees?

We knowingly have trustees that have already begun their travel and realistically won’t receive this until they arrive on Saturday. We have a meeting with some former trustees that may/may not shed some light on our options as well. As I didn’t recognize a discussion time frame and potential voting schedule, I speak against the motion if voting would be asked of us prior to meeting and discussing in LA.

>Hayward H.: I understand your concerns we are not in panic mode. There is no rush on this. We have plenty of time to discuss and vote. I’m just looking ahead to be able to answer the big question what do we do with the present inventory. I want to see where everybody is on this stand alone issue.

>Randy G.: Thanks for slowing me down –

If we provide our fellowship with a running record of our motions, pass or fail, then this is more than just finding out where we stand (without all the information we may receive). I would have liked to have had these discussions less formally, as this motion will now be out there for fellowship consumption regardless of how we vote later. Don’t get me wrong, I find merits in the motion – just nervous regarding our speed here.

>Lawrence M.: I’m for the sticker and disclaimer, we need to dispense the inventory and we need the funds.

>Hayward H.: Find out that my softcopy of hfc2 was part of the first printing that was incorrect.

Both hard and soft copies carried in the office have the same amount of pages.

So our document has to be revised as well

SOFTBACK BOOK

Page 227 4^th paragraph and 1^st step replace cocaine with alcohol.
Page 229 replace existing disclaimer with:

The excerpt from Alcoholics Anonymous, pages 58-60 is reprinted with permission of Alcoholics Anonymous World Services, Inc. (“AAWS”) Permission to reprint this excerpt does not mean

Page 45 of 47

that AAWS has reviewed or approved the contents of this publication, or that AAWS necessarily agrees with the views expressed herein. A.A. is a program of recovery from alcoholism only – use of this excerpt in connection with programs and activities which are patterned after A.A., but which address other problems, or in any other non A.A.. context, does not imply otherwise.

3) Page 237 replace both existing disclaimers with:

The excerpt from Alcoholics Anonymous, page 164 is reprinted with permission of Alcoholics Anonymous World Services, Inc. (“AAWS”) Permission to reprint this excerpt does not mean that AAWS has reviewed or approved the contents of this publication, or that AAWS necessarily agrees with the views expressed herein. A.A. is a program of recovery from alcoholism only – use of this excerpt in connection with programs and activities which are patterned after A.A., but which address other problems, or in any other non A.A.. context, does not imply otherwise.

HARDBACK BOOK

Page 227 4^th paragraph and 1^st step replace cocaine with alcohol.
Page 229 replace existing disclaimer with:

3) Page 237 replace both existing disclaimers with:

Page 46 of 47

Business moved to the August Quarterly.

Page 47 of 47

Leave a Reply Cancel reply