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COCAINE ANONYMOUS WORLD SERVICE BOARD OF TRUSTEES
Regular Quarterly Meeting
May 22, 1990
Phoenix, Arizona
Meeting called to order at 7:50 pm with quiet time and the Serenity Prayer.
The Twelve Traditions and Concepts 10, 11 and 12 were read.
Roll Call:
Chairman: Ray Grossa, Pacific South
Vice Chair: H. Lee Slavin, Southwest
Bob Campbell, Trustee-at-Large
Jack Perry, Atlantic South
Helene Heurtin, WSO
Debbie Breed, Trustee-at-Large
Reggie LeMay, Pacific South
Ray welcomed Debbie Breed and Bob Campbell to the Board of Trustees.
Traditions 3 and 4 were read in long form and charter form and discussed.
Personal reports were given.
Ray asked everyone to look over the agenda and get ideas about new business and prioritizing.
A meeting time was set for Wednesday, May 23, 1990 at 9:30 am.
Meeting was adjourned at 11:20 pm with the Serenity Prayer.
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Meeting called to order at 9:45 am with quiet time and the Serenity Prayer.
The Twelve Traditions and Concepts 7, 8 and 9 were read.
Roll Call:
Chairman: Ray Grossa, Pacific South
Vice Chair: H. Lee Slavin, Southwest
Debbie Breed, Trustee-at-Large
Helene Heurtin, WSO
Reggie LeMay, Pacific South
Bob Lemon, Trustee-at-Large
Bob Campbell, Trustee-at-Large
Jack Perry, Atlantic South
Bob Lemon gave his personal report.
The minutes from February 26, 27 and 28 were discussed. A motion was made to accept the minutes. Seconded. A correction was made and the motion carried to accept the minutes as changed.
TRUSTEE COMMITTEE REPORTS:
- World Service Conference Reports
Structure and By-laws – Bob Lemon and Bob Campbell
This committee has met 3 times since the last Conference. They are trying to put together the service manual for presentation to the Conference for approval. The committee feels there is no reason to have a temporary working guide and a service manual, so they are trying to combine them into one complete manual. They also want to expand the 12 Concepts into long form for approval too. The manual should be ready for presentation by the next Conference. The Conference minutes have been gone through and information has been extracted that applies to the manual so that it is getting updated information. The committee is trying to get areas involved in their assigned projects. Chicago was supposed to work on By-laws. The issue on incorporating keeps coming up and Bob Lemon felt that they should have something by the Conference on this matter.
Literature, Chips and Format – Reggie LeMay
This committee is doing well and has very good participation, Allan has turned over his committment to work on the CA Book to Amy Blumenfield. One member has worked with H&I to help them get their manual together and another member has helped in developing some pre-Conference guidelines on locally printed literature. This committee has met at least twice in the last quarter and they have been very productive. Progress has been very slow on the CA Book. Amy wanted some clarification on the following: 1) length of the stories. 2) the form in which stories should be submitted. 3) minimum length of sobriety for an author. 4) are tapes acceptable in stead of typed material? Reggie submitted two types of release forms for the Book to WSO and they will
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go out in the next Newsgram. Bob C. suggested a single form to explain the book and solicit participation. Amy is bringing release forms to this Convention. It looks like a flyer is in the works. This committee is also working on expounding on the Steps. Drafts have been completed for Tools of Recovery and The First Thirty Days for presentation to the Conference. The drafts were submitted to the Board to review. This committee has also submitted several pieces of literature to the WSO to include pocket cards, amended formats, the accurate 28 Tips and Higher Power and a few others. They are concerned that they aren’t being printed yet. The banners keep coming up, but it seems to be cost-preventative now. Kinko’s quoted $28 ea. based on the quantity of 100 and $36 ea. for 50. These would be printed on vinyl. Steve Fawcett offered to take them down and do the art-work.
Finance – Jack Perry
Sandy P. resigned as the chairperson of this committee. Jim will be taking over as the chair. They will be working on an agenda for the committee and Jack asked for some suggestions. Helene brought up the possibility of WS Convention funds being funneled through the office for tax purposes since there are no financial records and there needs to be some archives. The Treasurer could send copies of the registrations and copies of the checks to the Convention Committee. Bob L. would like to see this committee put together a recommendation for travel budgets for the Conference committee. Ray would like to see this committee get active.
Hospitals and Institutions – H. Lee Slavin
Susan Turnbull is energetic and getting alot of work done. She has converted the San Fernando Valley’s H&I pamphlet to be appropriate for World Services for presentation to the Conference. She is also working on alot of prison contact. There is a heavy trend towards institutions. They don’t have their agenda yet, but they will soon. The committee is also discussing an H&I Conference and would like to have one in 1992. They are also talking about having a fund-raising dance. Susan attended AA’s H&I Conference and learned alot and got some good ideas.
World Service Conventions
The membership of this Conference Committee has dwindled. The sub-committee that was formed to work on convention guidelines had lost it’s chairperson and the chair of the Conference Committee took over. They have met approximately 3 times. The guidelines may be completed by the Conference. They will be meeting this weekend.
Ray Grossa – Arizona ’90
Financial records were distributed to the Board and minutes of the last Convention Committee meeting. The chair resigned. Money was embezzled. Banks in Phoenix don’t accept 2 party checks, so this posed a problem. Also, the checks don’t come back with the bank statement. Amends were made last night and the ex-chair has committed to re-pay the money within 60 days. Guidelines are strongly needed. Registration has been good. It went up to 498 as of last night. 750 people will probably be staying here at the hotel. Another hotel already has 25 room nights reserved. Projected income is $30,000.
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This committee has worked very hard. Ray felt that PI needs to get involved with the Convention Committee. Guidelines need to be established for this. Ray felt that expenditures on entertainment were too high with little projected income. Helene said that Mayor Bradley opened one of AA’s annual conventions and gave his support. Bob C. expressed concern over the number of political people and government agents that were invited to this Convention and felt that it could be a media, problem. Bob L. felt that a press room to answer questions from the media was a solution and that it may even assist in getting the word out. Ray disagreed with this. The purpose of the Convention is to make money and socialize, not to be a media contact. Ray felt that a convention wasn’t the place for this. Debbie expressed concern over the lack of group conscious in selecting speakers. Ray explained that the sub~committees do the footwork and present a proposal to the Convention Committee for approval.
Reggie LeMay – Southern California ’91
The theme is “Were entirely ready” and a logo is being worked on. They have had 3 meetings to date. They have a good committee and many of it’s members are very experienced. The Convention dates will be May 24th, 1991 through May 27th. They project an attendance of 2500 people. Singles and Doubles will be $89/night two weeks prior to and two weeks after the’ Convention. Tina, Greg and Ray were largely responsible for getting the contract. Parking could be a problem. There was some discussion about the chain of command and the final authority for this event. The WS Conference Convention sub-committee (i.e. the host city committee) is not the final word. The Board of Trustee’s is. A few resignations have occurred, but the committee seems to be strong. The secretary resigned so they have no minutes. Helene requested her name to be put on the mailing list for minutes. Reggie will do this. Bob C. drew up a proposal for a code of ethics for the service work people (i.e. taking “perks” or comps). Bob C. felt that this needs to be addressed. It will be discussed under new business. There is no profit built into the room nights for the hotel, but they are getting alot of free coffee to compensate. There is no proposal for a net profit yet. Ray won’t be working on this committee with Reggie. He will drop off of the Convention Committee at the Conference. Tina Greene submitted a confidential WSRT report. It will be addressed tomorrow. Ray asked everyone to read it.
Conference – Helene Heurtin
A proposed agenda for the 1990 Conference was submitted to the Board. Helene has received condensed minutes from the ’89 Conference from P. Clay. The final day for registration is 2 weeks prior to the beginning of the Conference. A letter will be going out to this effect. The Conference has insurance. Colorado, Washington, Virginia, Tennessee, Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas and Maine haven’t registered their delegates yet. San Francisco registered, but didn’t give the delegate’s name. Rhode Island and Massachusetts will be sending delegates. This committee will be working on a letter to unrepresented areas. Helene will handle the Trustee’s reservations if they will give her their arrival dates. 62 delegates are registered and the number of votes is 75.
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Public Information – Debbie Breed
This committee has been fairly inactive. Debbie sent out a letter to the committee introducing herself. Carla I. called a meeting this weekend so they can get some things done before the Conference. A list of sub-committees was submitted as well as a letter from Carla I. to her committee. Bob L. felt that the mechanics of getting PSA’s aired needs to be addressed.
2) Trustee Legal Committee – Jack Perry and Bob Campbell
There has been no word on the US trademark since the publication in the Official Gazette. Bernie has requested information on the status of acquiring a trademark in Canada from Helene, Reggie and Jack. Jack has sent out some corporation kits. Ray requested a statement of purpose and some goals for this committee by the next Trustee’s meeting.
3) Trustee Literature and Publications Committee – Reggie LeMay This committee is working on developing a letter regarding area-generated, unapproved literature and it should be done by the end of June. A letter was written to Bill Z. setting up a meeting to solicit help in getting publications out. The meeting was cancelled, but a meeting was held with Reggie, Bill, Susie and Nancy regarding time tables, responsibilities and consistency of publication distribution. The upcoming Newsgram article that included the release forms for the CA Book was presented, as well as the newest Connection. A “Best of” Connection will be looked into. Reggie wants to see 6 issues a year. Reggie spoke to 2 people about associate editing. One is thinking about it and one declined but is going to print an article soliciting the help of an associate editor in his local newsletter. H. Lee suggested a subscription table at the Anaheim Convention. Use of the CA logo was supposed to be sent out by this committee, but it hasn’t yet. The target date is the end of June.
4) Trustee Conference Committee – Helene Heurtin
The committee is made up of the same people that the Conference Committee has. Ray asked if this committee serves a purpose. This was discussed. The minutes will go out on time. No committee reports have been received yet. Helene is sending out the Structure and By-laws questionnaire to new areas. New areas will be interviewed prior to the new delegate orientation.
5) Trustee Finance Committee – Jack Perry and Bob Campbell
Same report as the Conference Finance Committee. Jack questioned the need for this committee. Ray said that the Conference requested a financial planning and prudent reserve. This committee was supposed to have this done by 4-18-90. It hasn’t been done yet and Ray felt that this committee is needed for such cases. Debbie suggested contacting the person that made the motion at the Conference for this financial planning and prudent reserve to see what it was they were looking for.
6) Trustee Hospitals and Institutions Committee – H. Lee Slavin No participation. No members. No report. Helene suggested recruiting Michael Bash from New York and Debbie suggested Eddie Brown from Chicago. H. Lee will contact them.
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7} Trustee Public Information Committee – Debbie Breed Minutes were submitted from the CAWSO PI Committee. No calls have been received since the discontinuance of the PR firm. Mark said that Jay Westbrook had a lot of ideas for outreach as opposed to using a PR firm. The press room at this Convention will be open from 10 to 4 on Saturday. Mark said that he and a few committee members will hang around. Debbie asked for the Trustees to participate in the press room since so many outside people were contacted. Bob L. and Bob C. volunteered.
Meeting adjourned for lunch at 1:00 pm
Meeting re-called to order at 2:35 pm
8) Trustee Unity and Identity Committee – H. Lee and Reggie
H. Lee felt that CA speakers should carry a message of recovery from cocaine addiction and not other problems in order to promote unity. Ray requested a statement of purpose and a plan by the next Trustee’s meeting. Reggie resigned from this committee in writing to Ray. Debbie will work with H. Lee on it.
9) Trustee Nominating Committee – Bob Lemon
two regional meetings have been held during the last quarter in the Midwest region. The following candidates were selected: Norm B. from Ohio, Craig Harris from Illinois and Sherwyn Robbins from Wisconsin. In the Atlantic North region the following candidates were selected: Amy Blumenfield from Connecticut, James Scott from New York and Robert Friedman from Canada. Bob L. felt that the process was going well and that the guidelines set out. seemed to be workable. Jack joined this committee. Helene requested that all of the Trustees be supplied with all candidate resumes. Bob wants Structure and By-laws to see all of the candidates.
CHAIRPERSON’S REPORT – RAY GROSSA
A breakdown of meetings attended and phone calls made were submitted to the Board in writing. Ray expressed concern over misinformation from the fellowship when a group conscious isn’t being represented and asked the Trustees to make sure to check their sources and make sure that statements are backed up by a group conscious before bringing an issue up to this body. Ray asked the Trustees how (and if) they want to follow up on new meetings where starter kits have been sent. This was discussed. The regional Trustee’s name will be filled in on the cover letter with a copy of the letter to that particular Trustee. Copies of Thank You letters sent to Fenn, Greg, Pam, Tony, Steve, Tina and Mary were submitted to the Board. The Trustees were asked if they wanted their names in the World Directory. All, except Reggie, said yes and he will use WSO’s number as a contact. This applies to the starter kit cover letters, as well. The officers of CAWS, Inc. were discussed. Fenn was the President and the corporation needs a new one. There will be a CAWS, Inc. meeting tomorrow morning. Ray asked all of the Trustees to attend the Trustee panel at this Convention at noon on Saturday. Ray asked the Trustees to consider putting their titles on their name tag’s for this Convention so that people know who
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they are. Ray addressed the importance of each Trustee backing the decisions made by the Board on any issue. This came up over the PR firm. Helene felt that the Board of Trustees needs to be informed of the on-goings of controversial issues as they progress so they can back up the Board better. Reggie doesn’t refer calls on controversial issues to another Trustee. He tells the caller that he will get back to them and gathers more information. The fellowship is suffering from a lack of information and a lack of structure. The following Conference Committies need to be more focused on this: PI, Finance, Convention, Literature, Structure and By-laws, and H&.I.
AA REPORTS
Debbie submitted a letter from AA giving their permission to use the 12 Concepts. A 1989 General Service Conference report was brought in. H. Lee went to a Tradition workshop with an AA Trustee and shared some of the things that were discussed there.
WSO AND LONER’S GROUP REPORT – HELENE HEURTIN
The Board of Directors has been working very hard. The banners are a problem. Insurance has been obtained with coverage of up to $1,000,000 for the Convention and the Conference. The company is going to focus on doing a lot of 12 Step coverage. The cost is $1800 yearly for the Convention and Conference, plus $5,000 coverage for the office. There are 8 loner’s and 38 loner sponsors. Mailing lists are being coordinated. Pam sent a letter out to the fellowship regarding this new group. Pocket cards and 28 Tips are ready to go to print. There have been some problems with the printer, so they’ve found someone else much cheaper and a contract will be done. Hazelden is very interested in CA literature. An order form is being done for literature only for outside enterprises. French chips are held up. Everything has been sent to Robert Friedman but no response has been received. The Montreal chair/delegate now has the stuff and it will get moving now. It looks as though chips will be ordered through WSO. There have been no Spanish translations yet, but it is still being worked on. There is one WSO Board meeting a month now that is for Board members only and it is working out very well. Helene will be attending a leadership seminar through work which will benefit the workings of the WSO too. David has done a complete turn around and has been fabulous. Helene sees no problems in having David make follow-up phone calls on starter kits. Mary is doing a tremendous job and accomplishing alot. There is a full Board now. Bunny is the secretary and is doing a good job. The 800 number is in effect. The Atlantic South has put it on CNN. There have been 35 phone calls and they have come In from across the country. The bills will have the caller’s location on it, so it can be monitored. The number is 1-800-347-8998. There are new calling cards with Sprint. The AT&T cards are still in effect. Helene submitted a book to each Trustee that contained the following: 1) Job description of the WSO Treasurer; 2) Job description of the WSO Office Manager; 3) Job description of the WSO Office Coordinator; 4) WSO Spending Committee’s Statement of Purpose; 5} WSO Financial requisition form;
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8) Inventory dollar value and usage report; 7) 1990 Dance Around the World financial update; 8) Financial statement summary vs. Conference budgets; 9) Financial statements for the first quarter of 1990, the month of April and the first, week of May; and 10) Mary’s activity report. The spending committee is in place and Mary is the Chairperson. Helene asked the Trustees to contact people in their areas from Dance Around the World that haven’t sent their money in yet. The next report will show the Conference committees expenditures vs. their budgets. The office would like to allocate a portion of the money received from the Convention to buy a new computer and laser printer. There have been considerable computer problems with the World Directory. 4 sets of the directory have been printed on 8 x 10 paper. These will be at the WSO table for review and corrections or deletions. It should be ready by the Conference. Helene commended David’s immense efforts in trying to get this done. WSO will have a hospitality room and Helene requested that the Trustees donate some time to spend there and give David some relief. Helene said that for the first time in a very long time, WSO has the best board. It is very productive and energetic. H. Lee suggested getting proposals from printers on what they can do and present them to the Conference since the Conference’s directives don’t seem plausible in regards to the banners. Helene will call AA General Service Office and see if we can use the scroll idea. Bob L. commended the Board of Directors and suggested that to avoid embezzlements, structure should be implemented quickly. Bob C. asked about outside enterprises having a mark-up on literature like AA does. He also asked about some kind of general statement regarding literature and chip purchases from the local area’s GSO as opposed to directly from WSO. Hazelden asked about quantity discounts, but this hasn’t been decided yet. Hazelden also wants a copy of the Conference seal for their catalog to keep people from copying it. Bob C. said we should get a look at it before it goes into their catalog. Bob C, also asked about structure for running hotlines and feels it needs to be addressed, preferably by a piece of literature coming out of the WSO. Helene suggested getting a copy of LA’s guidelines with permission to re-word it for World Service’s purposes and turning it over to the literature committee. This will be addressed under new business.
WSO REPORTS – RAY GROSSA AND REGGIE LE MAY
Reggie feels that a paid office employee is needed as well as a new computer and printer. The 800 number needs to be publicized. Bill and Pam are involved in things that are reaching out to and informing the fellowship. Mary is doing an excellent job and feels she should be going to places that want her help, particulary with finances. David’s progress is nice. Bunny is working out well. Leadership has been a concern of Reggie’s and he applauds Helene’s leadership and the progress of the office. He felt that she has taken advantage of the closed Board meetings to further her leadership skills. Ray felt that the Board was the best ever in place. Taxes are being done on time, the Loner’s Group is rolling along and Bill Z. has good input. Ray also pointed out that on the first page of the submitted financial reports, that the Trustees expenses should be 58% under budget, not
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over. Ray said that Mary is still doing everyone’s work and he feels that a paid employee should be attained. The spending committee needs to get going. The World Directory and the computer need thorough research before alot of time is wasted again. David was commended for his efforts. A good computer needs to be thoroughly researched to avoid wasting time and money. Ray suggested turning the directory over to the printer and have them input all of the information. Corporate status is good, non-profit status is good and the tax filings are good. Mary was commended. Bob L. suggested getting more people involved in the office, training them to replace Directors. He was also concerned with another paid employee. Helene asked for assistance from the Trustees in generating more WSO donations. Debbie felt that the 70/30 Plan needs to be corrected. Bob C. suggested a part-time paid employee be hired for the office. He also ag’reed that there is a need for a new computer.
REGIONAL REPORTS
- Midwest – Debbie Breed in proxy
A Midwest regional convention will be held November 9th through the 11th, 1990 in Toledo, Ohio. She has contacted Michigan City, Indiana, Ohio and some others and communication is opening up. The regional assembly was held in March. It generated alot of unity. Minutes from it were previously sent out to the Trustees.
2) Atlantic North – Debbie Breed in proxy
May 10, 1990 she attended the regional assembly in New York. Districting was discussed. There was good attendance from several areas, including Montreal.
3) Atlantic South – Jack Perry
Numerous phone calls have been received from Tennessee just to stay in contact with what’s happening. The first regional convention is being held in Atlanta in June of ’90. Jack has focused on trying to build unity between the region and the rest of the fellowship. Atlanta, Georgia requested that Jack get a discount on literature purchases, which they didn’t get. They are ordering literature from WSO anyway. The Atlanta fellowship is sitting on alot of money and they don’t know what to do with it. There are no longer CA meetings in Miami.
4) Southwest – H. Lee Slavin
There are 86 meetings in Texas. The fellowship is torn in half with clubs vs. area services. H&I participation is low. CA has been incorporated in the state of Texas and has copies of the papers for WSO with the original to follow at a later date. H. Lee has contacted a few other states. New Mexico has a new delegate and 14 meetings. Oklahoma has 27 meetings, 3 in North Carolina, and 2 in Arkansas. H. Lee asked for the names of contact people for Louisiana and Dallas from Helene and she will get back to him. Ray suggested that he contact the Sun Valley Inter-group. Racism is still a problem in Texas.
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5) Pacific North – Bob Lemon in proxy
Bob has had alot of contact with this region. Alaska has 6 meetings as of the last report, but Bob can’t find them. He has contacted Fairbanks and Anchorage and has had no luck. A starter kit was sent to Juno and Bob got the contact’s name and number and called him. There were some rumors that there were meetings in Vancouver, British Columbia and Bob investigated this and found 6 meetings. They will have representation at the Conference. Calgary appears to have 1 meeting, but this hasn’t been verified. Twin Falls, Idaho has 3 meetings and are in close contact with Salt Lake City. They will try to attend the Conference. Seattle, Washington is having difficulty with districting since they cover such a large area. They need some support. They are writing their articles of incorporation and have requested some information. Salt Lake City, Utah is thriving and they are in contact with Colorado. Colorado wants to participate in World Services more. Oregon is having political problems and alot of growing pains. Northern California has lost meetings. They dropped from 115 to 103. The districting situation is difficult. PI is coming along. A PSA has been aired on 2 major stations there. Audio PSA’s have been aired on 4 major stations too. Radio interviews have been done too. TV stations have contacted their local PI committee and wanted to get them on camera and do a report for the news. Bob L. did a 10 minute interview. The CA name was mentioned several times and some of the 23 questions were shown. It aired on the 5:00 and 6:00 news. Helene requested that the Trustees give her the names and numbers of the new contact people that they discover in different areas.
6) Pacific South – Reggie Lemay
Reggie submitted minutes from the 4-21-90 and 2-24-90 Pacific South Region, Southern California Delegates meetings. There are 19 meetings in Central California. August 10th through the 12th will be the 4th Annual Step workshop and camp-out. San Fernando has 46 meetings and is having their first convention June 29th through July 1st. Los Angeles has 156 meetings and is having their 6th Annual convention in Palm Springs August 24th through August 26th. Orange County has 46 meetings and they are having a retreat in Big Bear from August 10th through August 12th. The Southern California Delegates meeting discussed Pincus and Roseman at length. Excitement is growing for the Anaheim ’91 Convention, South Central LA is the largest district with 70 meetings. Debbie Green from Orange County wanted the Trustee’s input on a meeting format where they play a study tape on the Big Book during their meeting. This will be addressed under New Business. $10,000 was raised at Campvention and they will probably donate some of it to the Anaheim Convention. Redistricting Southern California was discussed. This will be very difficult to implement.
7) Pacific South – Ray Grossa
Delegate reports are being given at GSO’s. Unity is being built in Southern and Central California. The Inland Empire is moving towards incorporating. San Gabriel and Orange County are working on incorporating and San Diego is considering it, Ray felt that this would hamper the districting* of Southern California, but it is probably avoiding problems with tax filings, money, etc. San
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Gabriel’s special events was discussed and since they are incorporating, they moved back into their GSO. San Diego and the Inland Empire are slowly building up their meetings, Ray has been attending the Inter-Area meetings and they are still building* unity. He has called Hawaii and reached out to Scott via leaving a message and has not heard back from him yet, so there is not an available meeting count at this time. Ray can’t get a contact in Las Vegas. There will be someone here from Nevada this weekend, so maybe more information can be obtained. The Inland Empire and San Diego are backing the PR firm. The Inland Empire donated &100 to help pay for it.
8) Trustee-at-Large – Bob Campbell
In San Gabriel, the Inland Empire, San Fernando, Orange County, San Diego and Los Angeles Bob felt that districting shouldn’t be pushed too hard since it could be detrimental. Bob contacted Inter-Area and said it was important to coordinate with Structure and By-laws and possibly meet on some common ground since it is a money-making entity. There is a tremendous culture shock in Southern California regarding districting, especially in regards to finances. Bob has been trying to attend the district meetings to make himself available.
9) Trustee-at-Large – Debbie Breed
Debbie has visited Indianapolis and communication is good. She has also contacted Omaha and Salt Lake City, Utah. Participation in Chicago is dwindling. Debbie attended an adhoc committee meeting to address this problem. She has contacted Kelly Lynch to request the service structure diagram. She submitted a “Proposed Districting: First Draft for Feedback” and a diagram of the CA service structure to the Board. The adhoc committee approved them and wants them to go out for feedback. The PI committee is doing well in her area. The “Adopt a Bus” program is going. She is attending the delegate’s meetings.
OLD BUSINESS
A. The forms for copywriting the literature are in the possession of the WSO and they will get this done before the next meeting.
B) Helene said that the World Service’s insurance carrier will write policies for local areas. Ray felt that Jack’s article should be re-printed about individuals being personally liable. Mr. Karp’s letters should be re-printed too regarding incorporating. Bob C. thought that a presentation on this should be given at the Conference. The Legal Committee will get something together, as well as an insert for the delegate’s notebooks.
C) Pincus Roseman was discussed. Their status report dated 4-10-90 was submitted to the Board and reviewed. LA Times ran an article around 4-6-90, the “New Woman” magazine article was passed around and the Daily News did an article, primarily on H&I. Reggie felt that PR PR did their job and that 90 days wasn’t long enough. Reggie will write a thank you letter to them. Bob L. felt that guidelines should go out to the fellowship regarding appropriate responses to questions
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in interviews about such things as the interviewers asking for opinions on anti-drug campaigns, etc. He felt that PI should work on this.
D) The WSBT’s 13 suggestions were gone over by the Board of Directors and most of these are already in place. What isn’t done yet will be discussed.
E) Item “H” under Old Business of the last WSBT meeting, as well as local areas filing tax returns needs to be compiled into one letter to go out to the fellowship. Bob C., Bob L. and Jack will do this.
F) Helene will compile a letter regarding the acquisition of the non-profit number for various reasons, mainly PSAs.
G) The CAWS, Inc. trademark is still pending response.
H) There will be some deaf interpreters here at this Convention. Olin F. moved to the LA area. He is a deaf recovering addict and is willing to be of service. He will be a good link to the deaf community. Having interpreters at all main speaking events at World Service Conventions should be implemented. Bob L. will write a memo to Reggie putting this into policy form. Bob L. has a TDD machine to relay phone calls with the deaf. H. Lee suggested asking Qlin to do a pitch at the Conference.
I) Bob L. is going to get together with Structure and By-laws and the Legal committee to work on a statement of policy for using the CA name at conventions.
J) PI wrote a form letter for media misinformation purposes, but they are re-working it.
K) This Board is no longer going to concern itself with re-writing the starter kit letter for it’s objectionable tone. This is to be removed from the agenda.
L) Ray would like to see the Trustee Negotiating Committee functioning. He feels that it is a worthwhile committee. Greg is still willing to work on it. Bob C. felt that guidelines should be drawn up. Greg will, be approached by Ray and asked to write some information down.
M) Reggie will see that Jennifer’s letter goes out regarding the use of the Conference approved logo.
N) Wendell’s contract still hasn’t been drawn up regarding the manufacturing of chips, but Bob C. will address this quickly.
O) Mr. Karp will be receiving all of the tax information he requested from WSO. Helene just received the letter requesting this yesterday. It will be done.
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P) Debbie and Helene will coordinate with Pam regarding the letter that will go out with PSAs to the media.
Q) The office manual for WSO is done. Helene will give a copy of it to Debbie.
R) The “CA Big Book” which is unapproved and generated by Michael Walsh has been addressed by Bernie. He sent a letter to Michael Walsh and sent a copy of said letter to Bob L. He also gave AA some input on this since 80% of it is lifted from their book so that they may pursue it themselves. The letter to Mr. Walsh dated 3-30-90 states that legal action will be taken if all reference to CA is not omitted.
Meeting time set for May 24, 1990 at 9:30 am.
Meeting adjourned at 8:10 pm with the Lord’s Prayer.
Meeting called to order at 9:45 am with quiet time and the Serenity Prayer.
The Twelve Traditions and Concepts 1, 2 and 3 were read.
Roll Call:
Chairman: Ray Grossa
Vice Chair: H. Lee Slavin
Helene Heurtin, WSO
Bob Lemon, Trustee-at-Large
Bob Campbell, Trustee-at-Large
Jack Perry, Atlantic South
Debbie Breed, Trustee-at-Large
Reggie LeMay, Pacific South
OLD BUSINESS {CONTINUED)
S) Guidelines for fundraisers were discussed at length. Helene said that she thought that there was a limit to the number of fundraisers that a non-profit corporation could have. Bob C. felt that either the Conference or a group of Trustees should write some guidelines, even if it’s just a temporary structure. H. Lee wrote some ideas out and submitted them to the Board in writing. Bob L. felt that money should not only be raised for the areas, but passed along to World Services. There was concern expressed over areas building up substantial funds in the local bank accounts. Bob L. also felt that this should be an article for the Newsgram and that each Trustee should make a stand in their local areas about this. H. Lee, Bob C. and Debbie will write a statement of policy for the Newsgram subject to approval by the WSBT.
T) Many suggestions were given regarding outreach to minorities, including, but not limited to, the following: 1) Translating literature into braille; 2} Getting a relay machine for the deaf at
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WSO; 3) Taping literature for the deaf; 4) Making ministers, politicians, social services, etc, in minority communities aware of the program; 5) Spanish translated literature; 6) Spanish PSAs; 7} Willingness to go into some less than desirable areas; and 8) Video-taping speakers with signers inset on the screen for the deaf. Debbie felt that PI needs to really get going on this and has taken note of all of these suggestions. She would like to see PI in tighter communication with World Services. Reggie felt that the PR firm is needed to help in this direction. Ray said that a Spanish speaking hotline would need to be looked into if the PSAs are going to be in Spanish. Helene, Bob L., Bob C., and Reggie will produce 2 articles. One about the deaf and blind and one about other nationalities communities.
U) Articles for the Newsgram that are to be ready by the next WSBT meeting are: Helene’s regarding minority groups and the “Chair’s Corner”; Bob C.’s regarding quarterly inventorying individual meetings; Bob L.’s regarding outreach between fellowships; H. Lee’s regarding fundraising; Jack’s regarding implementing a temporary sponsorship program and building meetings; Debbie’s regarding communication; Reggie’s regarding racism in CA; and Ray’s regarding what a Trustee is.
NEW BUSINESS
A) Input on goals for the office manager were given as follows: 1) the 5 year plan completed; 2) to recruit volunteer help from local areas for committments at the office; 3) to train an assistant; 4) to seek out, interview and retain a paid office manager; 5) more follow-up on the office procedures; 6) personal contact with all area treasurers across the country; 7} donations listed by areas on a year to date basis; 8) to compile a form letter to thank areas for their donations; and 9) to attend an accounting seminar with Reggie. Everyone gave their review of Mary’s performance. Ray, Helene and Reggie will compile all of this information into written form and give her a review.
B) New Conference Committee assignments for the Trustees are as follows: Helene – Conference Committee; Bob L. – Structure and By-laws; H. Lee – H&I; Jack – Finance; Debbie – PI; Reggie – Convention Committee; Bob C. – Literature, Chips and Format; and Ray – 1/2 Convention Committee and 1/2 Conference Committee.
C) A concensus was taken and showed that the Board of Trustees supported giving plaques to Trustees who have resigned or who’s terms have expired as a way of saying’ Thank You. It was decided that these would be paid for by the Trustees, not the fellowship and that it would be presented privately.
D) Trustees terms were discussed. It was decided that the WSBT present the Conference with the idea of moving Bob L. into the position of Pacific North Trustee for 1 year. The nominating committee will present this.
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E) The selling of CA jewelry at conventions was discussed. Ray said that this’ Convention asked the hotel and their security staff to not allow CA jewelry to be sold out of a private room. There is a trademark infringement issue too. If the trademark isn’t protected, it could be lost. Bob C. will consult with Bernie and get a letter written to producers of CA jewelry asking them to cease and desist and explaining the trademark infringement.
Meeting adjourned for lunch at 1:30 pm.
Meeting re-called to order at 3:05 pm.
F) Ray felt that in order to avoid Trustees re-hashing old issues over again, that there should be a WSBT manual. This manual would contain all motions out of prior minutes. Ray will do this.
G) The usage of professional services to make PSAs was discussed. Debbie suggested developing a theme for our program since professional services don’t seem to be financially prudent at this time. PI will bring this up at the Conference.
H) H. Lee and Bob C. will write on the future and direction of CA and CA’s singleness of purpose. Some of the Trustees gave some input on this.
I) Reggie asked for a Board concensus regarding a meeting in Orange County that uses a study tape of the Big Book as part of it’s meeting format. The Board felt that each group is autonomous and it doesn’t seem to affect other groups or CA as a whole. It is not a tradition break. 2. Ray asked for a Board concensus regarding a meeting in the Inland Empire that uses Hazelden material, as well as other types of recovery materials, to read out of to open one of their meetings. No concensus was reached. 3. If an area has an Easter picnic, Cinco de Mayo party, Christmas caroling, etc., are they allying themselves with a religion or a minority? This was discussed and a concensus showed that these types of events are OK as long as there is no religious or political services held. Bob C. suggested a non-endorsing disclaimer for flyers.
J) The issue of local advisory boards calling themselves the Board of Trustees was brought up. The World Service structure manual states that there is only one Board of Trustees and that is the WSBT.
K) Rooms for the Arizona convention were discussed. Rooms for Monday through Tuesday will be billed to the master account. There are no incidentals on the account. Some Trustees have been billed for back rooms and haven’t paid yet. Helene felt that the Trustees should have some reimbursement at WS Conventions as they do at the Conference and WSBT quarterly meetings. Reggie felt that some service work should be done at the Convention to warrant this, or at least availability by each Trustee to help out where needed. A concensus supported this idea.
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L) The issue of the “Founders of CA” was discussed. Page 67 of “As Bill Sees It” was quoted and it was strongly felt that the word “founder” should he eliminated. There was alot of discussion about this in regards to informing the media, informing the fellowship, putting the history of CA into the Story Book, etc. Reggie will come up with some guidelines and prepare something for the Newsgram.
M) The terms of the WSO Directors were discussed. Ray would like to see Helene come up with a plan, including rotation, to extend the Director’s terms. Helene will do so in writing. A suggestion was made to extend the terms to 3 years with possible extensions for a maximum of 5 years. A question of the WSO Trustee’s term came up and the principle of rotation.
N) WSO is paying for the Pacific South’s Delegates meeting. This was discussed at length. It was decided that WSO should not pay for delegates expenses.
O) Bob C. is working with a sub-committee, consisting of about 5 other people, to draw up some convention guidelines for World Service Conventions. He wanted some clarification on the following: 1. Sobriety requirements for officers; 2. Choosing speakers for Conventions and the process with which to ratify them; 3. Workshop topics; and 4. Autonomy of Convention Committies in the host area. Bob asked everyone to read what the sub-committee has done so far (see Tina Greene’s handout) and give their input.
P) The spending committee for WSO is in place for purchases of over $200 beyond normal expenditures. Guidelines are needed for the situation of WSO wanting something that the spending committee doesn’t approve of. WSO must go with the Spending Committee’s decision, but may appeal to the Board of Trustees to override that committee’s decision.
Q) Ray asked the Trustees to bring up anything pertinent to Helene that she needs to have on the Conference agenda.
R) Ray suggested bringing up changing the 3rd and 11th Steps to the Conference to said “God” instead of “Him”. This met with positive response.
S) Tina Greene’s handout was discussed and this issue needs to be addressed. Input was given by each Trustee and Ray asked each Trustee that has an opinion, to approach Tina on a one-to-one basis this weekend and give their input.
T) Bob C. submitted a rough draft of the letter explaining the PR firm to the Board. The PR firm is on hold and Ray wanted to know what to do about it. Each Trustee was asked to report, at this time, on what feedback they had received from their areas and/or regions, which they did. The biggest recurring problem was that the fellowship was not informed. Ray wants to get feedback here at the Convention and
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then have a meeting with the other Trustees after the Trustee panel and make a decision from there.
Meeting time was set for August 28, 1990 at 7:30 pm at the Radisson Plaza Hotel in Manhattan Beach, California.
Meeting adjourned at 7:50 pm with the Lord’s Prayer.