CA WORLD SERVICE BOARD OF TRUSTEES RECORD OF CONFERENCE CALL
April 17th, 2011
APPROVED
Since this report is a confidential C.A. document for members only, it may contain members’ full names. This usage to facilitate communication within the fellowship was approved by the 1990 World Service Conference. Such confidential use does not, of course, violate in any way our Tradition on anonymity in public communications media (press, radio, TV, etc).
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WSBT Trustee Conference Call
April 17th, 2011 – 11am PST
Minutes – FINAL
Kim begin meeting with a moment of silence followed by the “We” version of Serenity Prayer, 11am.
Roll Call:
Russell Sedman – ERT
Robert Lyle – ANRT
Kenny Williams – ASRT
Terry Marsden – PNRT
Joy Hutcheson – PSRT
Peter DeRaffaele – WST
Richard Leve – WSOT
Richard Schafer – TAL/WSBT Secretary
Randy Groen – SWRT/WSBT Vice Chair
Kim Sherwan – MWRT/WSBT Chair
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Chair Announcements:
- Future dates for Conference calls and Quarterly meetings (tentative).
- Conference calls: June, July
- Quarterly meetings:
- May 23-30 (Quarterly 5/23-5/25) (TEC Interviews May 27, 10am) (Convention 5/26-5/30) ***Board to Board – ????
Richard L. – When shall we plan the Board to Board, Saturday? Kim – no, Saturday will be a free day…let‟s check as to when the WSOB members will be arriving.
Richard L. – Full or limited B2B? We‟ll schedule Thursday or Friday?
Kim – Depends on who will be there…let‟s find out when the WSOB will be there.
- August 28-September 5, (Quarterly 8/28-8/30) (TEC Interview-8/30) (Conference 8/30 – 9/5)
- WSBT confidentiality and responsibility – discussion regarding executive
There was extensive discussion regarding the integrity of the Board, executive session, confidentiality, and the responsibilities of each member to this board.
1) CAWS Convention updates:
- CAWS 2011 (Randy)
Randy – Getting ready for the party. April 17, 2011 – 1004 room reserved 1280 is the attrition number. Outreach – working on local. H&I between 500 and 600 people handling these registrations separately. Committee made a motion regarding the 1500 computer budget – 1000 being donated. Internet – steering committee requesting we look at alternatives. Peter – asked about using a wireless router for dividing the connection
Richard S. – responded to Randy response to Peter that doing that has been seen as less than honest.
Joy – 4th quarter budget reflects money for equipment.
Richard L. – Randy & Richard S. are correct.
Peter – can we ask them to see about using wireless router? Can I use my ATT hotspot? (yes) Randy – with no motion am I ok, going back to the steering committee and telling them we are not requesting any additional internet connections than the 4.
Kim – asked about the steering committee making a motion regarding not using all the budgeted money, confusion regarding the motion.
Randy – Money in the CAWS 2011 budget has been motioned to use for the WSO to buy a computer.
Kim I have a problem with that. CAWS 2011 allowing conference approved budgeted money for the WOS.
Peter – was discussed – the laptop was lost at the conference, we need to replace it.
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Kim – I just believe that CAWS 2011 should have the say so as to how that money is to be spent other than for the convention.
(Requested Randy to send me his report)
- CAWS 2012 (Russell)
Russell – An announcement was made – the area seems fully supportive – enthusiasm, had the raffle for the convention, 1 lucky member is being flown to Arizona. Registration forms are being concluded now. Would like to thank the Board, for voicing their concerns regarding the use of the Union Jack, as much as didn‟t like hearing it, I think it was good feedback.
There will be no more Union Jacks on anything. Would like to get on a call with Peter and Richard S. to go through the contract. Trustee rooms won‟t be free unless we sell over 1400 beds Need to discuss Trustee expenses and travel budgets. Checking account an issue. How much longer until the WSO opens the account in the UK? People are excited
Richard L. – They are speaking with HSBC New York, HSBC international – will have account by the AZ convention.
Russell – are we aware as a board the difficulties, 2012 would remain working outside of the guidelines?
Richard L. – unfortunately, the check will be distributed to you in pounds, it will be coming out of an HSBC in the United Kingdom so it will be considered in your area.
Russell, I‟m aware of what you are saying, if we are to continue we are operating far out of the guidelines of the conference.
Kim – Russell is trying to make certain WE understand, we are not operating within our own guidelines, we are clearly in conflict with our own guidelines.
Joy – Who are the signers? – Russell, Jackie, Nick H. Are they bonded signers? Russell – no it would be CA‟s responsibility.
Joy – If there are any calls, I will have your back.
Russell –Will keep his eye on it, continue to stay in communication with Kim on it, do we need to have the tee shirt monies sent over here. AZ regarding the tee shirts at World 2011 – approved funds sitting in UK bank account.
Kim – Russell, I think you need to be involved in all conversation regarding this account.
Joy – Who are they – We opened up the HBC in Long Beach.
Richard L. – The They is Tom & Barry, locally here, in Long Beach. Peter – Shaking his head also, I don‟t understand why it is taking this long to open an account. Joy – since 911 banking rules changed –
Terry – 5 weeks it‟s „supposed‟ to be ok? What if it‟s not?
Kim – We need to see, I don‟t know that we have an answer at this point.
Will put this on my list of things to speak with Linda and John about this to see if there is another plan.
Richard S. – I am opposed 2012 continuing with this account; I believe all monies should be sent to the office. And all check requests and monies should go through the office.
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- CAWS 2013 (Kenny) site selected – Ft Lauderdale, the hotel has been selected
- Westin on the beach 321 N. Lauderdale Beach Blvd.
Kenny – Skype steering committee meeting – had issue unable to participate.
Theme is being discussed. A year behind in planning, not getting a lot of warm fuzzies from the convention chair, not getting a good feel, maybe he‟s busy, need to have a sit down. Don‟t know what happened yesterday (meeting), will get back with us to report. Working with the hotel – Randy B. (convention chair)
Richard S – who is negotiating?
Joy – is there a hotel liaison?
Kenny – yes, Tammy C. (delegate) (A LOT of discussion regarding the hotel contract, help, needing help.
- CAWS 2014 (Joy)
Joy – Have a chair – current chair of CALA convention – in contact with David (Brown) gave him until the end of CALA and then going to really get going on 2014.
PLACE MARKER – BUSINESS ITEMS
MARKER 2006.02.20 Copyright and trademark protection (Peter)
- To remain on agenda for quarterly review
- Next Review – Principle register – September 4 2020
| Service Marks | Where Protected |
| We‟re here and we‟re free | USA, Canada, and EU |
| Cocaine Anonymous name | USA, Canada, EU |
| C.A. | USA, Canada |
| CA logo | USA, Canada, EU (new) |
The following marks have been registered in Canada:
1.Trademark:WE’RE HERE AND WE’RE FREE
Renewal Date: September 30, 20122.
2. Trademark:CA HOPE FAITH COURAGE & Design
Renewal Date:August 9, 2021
3. Trademark:COCAINE ANONYMOUS
Renewal Date: December 13, 2021
3. Trademark:CA
Renewal Date: June 12, 2022
*Motion to register the block letters CA in Europe, $5000 over two year, good for 10 years Austrian Denmark, European Community Finland, France Germany Greece…etc… read into the record. – STATUS
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Peter – $3000 down & $2000 down the road – WSOB voted on $5000 from prudent reserve. (verbal conversation with attorney) Registered with or without the periods (US)
Motion : Richard L. to spend $5000 from our prudent reserve to protect the block letters “CA” in Europe. Second by Joy.
Kenny – time period,,,10 years?
Peter – yes
Richard S. – what is the current prudent reserve?
Richard L. – $74,000+ (almost 75K)
Motion passes unanimously
Motion to amend Joy – the previously passed motion to change from $5000 from prudent reserve to the $3000 of the $5000 cost to protect the block letters CA in Europe. Amended motion passes – unanimous
MARKER 2006.08.13 Signature of annual corporate documents (All)
- To be completed @ at fall Quarterly
Joy – when does this get done?
Kim – first meeting 2nd quarter (first meeting of the new board)
MARKER 2009.05.09 Financial status CAWS Inc. – (Joy, Richard L.) – UPDATE
Richard L. – posted when I got everything
Joy – negative 30K we are right on track
MARKER NADCP – National Harbor DCA Maryland (Richard S., Robert)–UPDATE
- INTERNATIONAL DRUG COURT
- Local US Drug Court
Richard S. – there is a fee for the 3rd person this year, $600.00.
Peter – since there is a cost issue, is it necessary to have the DOO there?
Kim – yes, believes it is imperative – face of CAWSO – putting a face to a voice.
MARKER TEC – (Joy, Robert) – UPDATE
Joy – Might be a conference Phone interview – don‟t think we‟ve done one before, knows that two of the TEC delegates will be attending the convention. Terry – What time are the Friday interviews.
Joy – 10am & 11am
OLD BUSINESS
Approval of minutes:
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- 1012 WSBT Quarterly minutes – Tabled
- 1012 WSBT – WSOB Board to Board minutes – Tabled
- 1101 WSBT Conference Call – Tabled
- 1102 WSBT Conference Call – Tabled
- 1103 WSBT Quarterly minutes – not completed
- 1103 WSBT – WSOB (limited Board to Board minutes) – not completed
Kim – Richard S. needs to get our online and conference call minutes prepared and sent out to us to review.
Terry – when will the December minutes?
Kim – within the next 10 days as well as the other tabled minutes.
OLD BUSINESS
2008.04.14 CA Helpdesk site (Richard L., Kenny W., Richard S.) – UPDATE
Kenny – Ryan has been our techie man? John has been in constant conversation about it? Richard S. – is there a ticket item # for this, please find out Richard L. Richard L. – OK
2009.12.03 Facebook pages reflecting tradition violations, and policy issues: re: C.A. logo, website address, etc Cease and Desist. 1/13/2010 – (Kenny W., Richard S) – UPDATE
Kenny – filled out copyright violation forms online and was surprised that they took care of it.
Russell – still an issue with a particular FB page.
Kenny – can you send it.
Russell – sent.
Terry – question – what if someone takes a picture of their coin and uses that is that a violation. (A LOT of discussion)
Kim – we all need to be aware of these violations, and keep our Areas aware of them as well.
2010.09.01 Status of the WSO (Richard L., Kim) – UPDATE
***Employment announcement – went out in delegate mailing
***Policy for employees – regarding service work – UPDATE – Richard L.
Kim – Regarding our employees doing service work in our local area.
Richard L. – Have only one employee, only working 1 day that has a service commitment, we are looking for a replacement.
Kim – So is the office putting that into the handbook?
Richard L. – yes.
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Russell – maybe I misheard but we (WSBT) didn’t decide that a employee current do local service work.
Richard L. – no I didn’t say that.
Joy – Kim’s question is that was it addressed that local members, working at the WSO; whether or not they are doing local service work.
Richard L. – Retract my statement and bring this up to the WSOB (to be left on the agenda)
- Status of DOO – adapting very well.
2010.12.02 AdHoc Committee regarding HFC II (Joy)
Sub-committee report – UPDATE – Letter completed – approved by WSBT 2/13, approved by WSOB 2/17 – What is the status of the letter…???
Rename of agenda item: AdHoc Committee regarding HFC II
Joy – the office now has latest version of HFC@ and CAWSO are currently removing all AA literature and adding in recently approved CA literature. Terry – confirmed Cynthia has PDF.
Joy- clarified this is reference to HFC2.
2011.03.01 – European fulfillment facility – (Russell)
Russell – Re: Motion to except the concept of establishing a fulfillment center outside of the US. Second. – spoken to Linda & John, they are going to put together some numbers for him for total costs – Request… simple conversion of excel sheet…
Richard – what are Linda & John researching –
Russell – current costs (shipping)
2011.03.02 – WSBT expense/reimbursement concerns
Motion to delete “If a Trustees desire his or her own room, it would be the Trustees responsibility to pay for the entire room night.” – TABLE – move online.
Motion to return to the table (Joy)
Second (Randy)
Randy – explains his understanding of the currant verbiage, and believes the current verbiage is confusing. He wishes the verbiage and intent to be clarified. Kim – Randy you are out of order…motion is to return to the table.
Motion to return to table passes.
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Discussion on main motion:
Richard S. – we would be removing that sentence so we could all choose to get our own rooms within our budgets?
Kim – reads WSBT Reimbursement Policy with regards odd-man out.
Randy – It would not come out of the Trustee budgets but out of the budgets for convention. It allows for an odd man out that is not created intentionally. We would therefore never intentionally have more than one man out. To explain that a trustee „opting out‟ should not incur those costs personally as the checks and balances would still be covered.
Peter – If I go and share with Kenny then move in with my partner and Kenny is not able to be covered by sharing with another trustee then Peter would cover the costs. (example) Richard L. – a trustee gets half a room cost per night.
Kenny – so if some one where to move out leaving me alone, my full room would get paid and the other member would still get the half room allowence? Peter – yes.
Joy – Referencing WSBT Reimbursement policy page 2. Discussed the convention in Denver Russell – I hear what is being said, what we are saying, by making it to easy, my concern is, is this about our personal situation at the moment instead of trying to put something in place for future boards.
Randy – the current procedures are wink wink nod, the office reimburses, the office reimburses, this has been going on regardless of this policy. That has not been happening, I don‟t think Terry and I should go on the sly, the fact that the sentence exist and is not applied in most cases.
Kim – Randy I think you‟re right, I believe we have been in violation as to how it reads now. In Den there was some room swap age, Robert do you remember – (no response)
Kenny – expressed concern that he not be able to choose his roommate, it was stated that the trustee would have the choice of the roommate.
Motion passes (unanimously) Kim will work with Richard S. to get that removed.
CORRESPONDENCE/ RESPONSES FROM/TO THE FELLOWSHIP:
#C2010-05-18 – Joy – response moved to online – TABLED-online From: Quin B.
Sent: Tue 5/18/2010 6:59 AM
To: Board of Trustees; CAWSO; Tom P. Willie B.; Yvette
Cc: Diane; Michael; Karmen; Michael K.; Sharon S.; psrtrustee@aol.com; pnrtrustee@yahoo.ca
Subject: Re: Response to Correspondence: RE: Continual confusion Thanks for the response.
You make my point about confusion.
Instead of just stating what is needed”All Logos must be approved by the WSOB & WSBT” The guidelines state “All Logos must be copyrighted as property of CAWS Inc.”
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Myself and other members looked at the guidelines, saw that statement and assumed that is something CAWS Inc. does. Not the committee.
Is the CAWS 2010 logo copyrighted? Q.
Response: —– Original Message —–
From: Board of Trustees
Sent: Monday, May 17, 2010 2:48 PM
Subject: Response to Correspondence: RE: Continual confusion
Quin,
Thank you for bringing your question to the WSBT. We will do our best to answer your concerns. First off, in our WSC Convention Guidelines, on page 12, it states: “All Logos must be copyrighted as property of CAWS, Inc.” This means, in effect, that the all logos must be approved by WSOB and the WSBT. We simply must have the right and obligation to approve our own artwork.
It appears that your other questions are related quite closely. We as a fellowship are aware that the Convention Guidelines are not perfect. On Page 31 of the WSC Convention Guidelines item #16 states, “These Convention Guidelines are not comprehensive and cannot cover all specific situations that might occur in the future. When questions arise that are not addressed in these guidelines, the host city committee Chair, the WSOB Chair, WSCCC Chair, The Trustee of the Region containing the host city and the WSOB Treasurer have a group conscience to resolve the issue, as many aspects of a World Service Convention have the potential to affect the fellowship as a whole.” Therefore, we do have a process in place to handle anything outside the approved guidelines. A phone call or email to your Trustee can put you in touch with any of the members designated to assist in this process.
We are aware that you are in a unique situation. As a former chair of an event returning to serve again you will have insight that others may have missed. We welcome your experience, and invite you to craft as thorough a Pass-it-on as possible, so that we as a fellowship may learn from your experience. We would also welcome any referrals to the WSC Convention Committee regarding items your committee has found to be egregious. It is our sincere desire to learn from our past experience, make necessary changes, and move forward in a spirit of love, unity, and fellowship.
In Love & Service,
WSBT
From: Quin Brunette [mailto:qbrunette@wi.rr.com]
Sent: Wed 1/13/2010 9:11 AM
Subject: Continual confusion
WSBT conference call – FINAL
April 17th, 2011
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I wanted to share with you a couple of recent examples as to why the WS Convention Committee guidelines are of little use. Yesterday our Trustee, Paid Director and members of CAWS 2010 had total confusion as what to do with getting approvals regarding secondary artwork and items afforded us in our contract.
First, relating to our artwork, we received this feedback. our Trustee sent out back to back emails stating “On the side of caution I would submit it to the WSOB for approval” and then “I would submit any artwork that you want to use to the WSOB for approval”,.
Second, relating to items afforded us in our contrat, our Paid Director stated that “I would think that the committee could/should decide, however I am new to this and that’s just my thoughts”.
And third, our Decoration co-chairs stated right out of the guidelines that there are no requirements for approval.
I am not knocking our Trustee, Paid director or our Co-Chairs. What I am knocking are the guidelines and the process. Nobody knows, so we should just have everything approved to be safe??? Puts alot of undo work on the WSO and WSOB and stalls the Host City.
A member of our committee stated to me that there is a real disconect between the Host City, WSO, WSOB, WSBT and the WS Convention Committee. As Chair of CAWS 2010 I have no idea who the WSCC Chair or Vice-Chair is, was never informed to keep them apprised as to our jouney and struggles
I am just giving you examples of the lack of guidance in our guidelines and how it is playing out and causing confusion for committees that are working so hard to have a great convention.
As I stated in previous emails to the WSOB and WSBT, there is a huge problem here that is going to cause this fellowship great financial distress real soon. Possibly as soon as 2013. Solution: start giving control back to Host City. Once the hotel contract and budget is approved the Host City requests checks with corresponding information, WSOB & WSBT approves anything that has the CA logo, name and block letters on it, and the WSO handles registration. All else the Host City takes care of. Very simple and could free up our paid employees and volunteers to inform people that “Were Here and Were Free”. Q.
#C2011-01-10 – Randy, Kim, Richard, Joy – TABLED-online
From: Eric T.
Sent: Mon, January 10, 2011 5:05:49 AM
Subject: Trustee Submittal
Hi Randy,
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I hope you had a peaceful & pleasing holiday season. We had a very nice one ourselves. Some family came in town to stay with us & didn’t ask for anything crazy for once. It was very nice.
I know that you have alot on your plate & I say “Thank You” for your service to Us. I’m sending this e-mail, because I was not the only one thrown off by Dathan’s submittal for Trustee. Since others have found out that I questioned what happened, they have come to me a couple of times to see what the official verdict from the Trustte’s is – “Do we need to go through our Area or not”. I can only imagine that this is a touchy subject, considering the history I’ve heard regarding this issue & the potential future implications, so I/We appreciate the due diligence taken by the Board to craft the “official” response. I look forward to hearing from you.
Thank you for your time,
Eric T.
Though I may fail often, I must continually try to act with integrity.
#C2011-03-04 – Robert, Randy, Russell – TABLED-online
From: Jean Marc L.
Subject: Reasonable accommodations in CA
Date: Thursday, March 3, 2011, 8:26 AM
Reasonable accommodations in CA
One day Alcoholics Anonymous by wisdom decides to focus only on the problem of alcoholism. They were thinking: What is our purpose? Help the alcoholic who still suffer, not the whole of humanity who suffer, just the alcoholic. They shared their discovery and their way of life but do not change it for others.
24 years ago, there were only 2 meeting per week in Montreal I was cocaine addict … I was welcome in AA, but sometimes they me suggested gently, sometimes strongly not to mention my main problem and the these dark side if that is the downfall of cocaine. The alcoholic suffers the same, but the crazy of cocaine make us do some things that only Cocaine addict can tell you …AA has not made reasonable accommodations for us, they thought about their survival and well being shared and I must say they are holding up in their decision. So we decide to start so many meeting for us and for you now.
CA saved my life; CA excites me as a whole because I’m a Cocaine addict. So we gathered to talk freely about this disease very similar and yet so different sometimes. Fraternity CA (Cocaine Anonyme in french at the time) has grown up and obviously there was a lot of mixing and type of visitor. We change our name to Cocainomanes Anonymes and later we also adjust our first steps and our third tradition by adding the following sentence: and all other mind-altering substances because there was much confusion as to whether a CA member could just stop cocaine, take other substances and has the opportunity to come and still take his chips, and share. By rigorous honesty we added this sentence for cocaine addict, not to include other addicts of all kinds.
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Today in 2011 the 12 steps and traditions of CA have not changed. Our common welfare is still welfare of cocaine addict first, not all the other humans who have a problem. But they are welcome in our groups to attend our open meetings, sit, drink coffee and listen. It is quite reasonable as accommodations. Not take the place of cocaine addicts who suffer. Not to speak, to share or forward to get involved or take jobs or to change an ethic group, district or region. Not for that CA is accommodating to his problem to him.
We are in Cocaine Anonymous not in addict all dress toxic ANONYMOUS. . If we want to change or mission we gone a change or name .If you came in a CA meeting adjusts you and respect our traditions, takes what is good for you but let us live as one pleases. We do not have to bully to all other visitors can recover. We will always prioritize cocaine addict.
Our fifth tradition tells us that each group has one primary purpose;
to carry its message to the cocaine addict who still suffers, not whole HUMANITY who suffers…. If by love we share what we no, to others visitors and it makes them better as well, but
these are not our priority. Our mission to us it‟s the cocaine addict who wants to get out and seek help, that it. That’s what I think what‟s unity in CA and the respect of our traditions. That is also my opinion about put the principles above personalities. We did not make other reasonable accommodations, it is our survival! Do I‟m rung? Can‟t you help me to clarify this point?
Your brother JEAN MARC from CA Montréal
IN-CONFERENCE REFFERRALS TO BE ADDRESSED:
Referral #6417 COMMITTEE INVENTORY – DONE
Referral 6417 is respectfully submitted to the WSBT. The referral itself is in italics. The remainder is simply supporting information / ideas / suggestions should you find them useful.
This referral is a request that the WSBT take a group inventory of itself in the spirit of assessing how well the WSBT helps the Conference to fulfill its purpose and to identify what action(s) the WSBT could take to improve the WSBT’s ability to better help the Conference fulfill its purpose.
Should the WSBT opt to take no action on this referral either at the 2010 Conference or as a post-Conference activity throughout the 2010 / 2011 year, please be kind enough to cite the WSBT’s reason(s) for not undertaking such action in the WSBT’s closing Conference report.
Rationale (aka debate):
As individuals we undertake a personal inventory to uncover and discover things about ourselves and begin the process of growing spiritually. We continue to take personal inventories to perfect and enlarge our fit spiritual conditions.
Many CA Groups find that taking a regular inventory is healthy for the Spiritual well being of the Group and to assess how well the Group is fulfilling its primary purpose. Inventory helps the Group:
Have a clear sense of itself and its primary purpose
Gauge its success in fulfilling its primary purpose
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- Evaluate its ability to successfully carry its message
- Ponder whether it is it right sized in its perception of itself
- Appraise its role in contributing financially
- Consider how CA is improved by the group‟s existence
Extending the self-examination practice of inventory to the District and Area has also proven to be a effective means to keep these bodies focused, efficient, effective, and on track Spiritually.
“A business which takes no regular inventory usually goes broke. Taking a commercial inventory is a fact-finding and a fact-facing process. It is an effort to discover the truth about the stock-in-trade. One object is to disclose damaged or unsalable goods, to get rid of them promptly and without regret. If the owner of the business is to be successful, he cannot fool himself about values.” [Alcoholics Anonymous, pg. 64].
The Big Book uses the metaphor of a business inventory as a means to underscore its suggestion that there is value in the inventory process. Then it applies the concept of taking an inventory to the personal level as a means to recover spiritually. Most CA members would agree the process of taking inventory has personal value. The Conference and its committees are the „business‟ of CA and applying inventory at the „business level‟ of CA becomes more than a simple metaphor; group inventory will help keep CA from going „broke‟ spiritually, financially or in other ways. Don‟t we owe the Fellowship that effort?
There are those who would argue that taking inventory at the level of Conference committees, boards, or the Conference itself is not necessary. They might argue that AA or NA don‟t do this. When faced with such flawed reasoning, it might be fair to consider the size of CA‟s membership relative to these other Fellowships and ask, if we are not in some need of improving ourselves, our methods, our effectiveness then why is CA‟s membership comparatively so much smaller? If the answer is that there are simply fewer cocaine addicts than alcoholics or addicts in general then an inventory might cause us to ask, is it really efficient, effective, and in the best interests of CA as a whole to support and maintain the very large infrastructure that CA presently has in order to sustain our much smaller Fellowship? Undeniably, these are difficult questions. No one is suggesting that the inventory process will necessarily be easy though it may be.
Some would argue the inventory process is too cumbersome to perform at the Conference committee or board level. Is it too burdensome if the process helps us improve such that we reach out and save ten more lives this year than we did last year? Can this board be a small part of that improvement or is it perfect as it is? Tradition Two in Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions offers for consideration that sometimes the good is the enemy of the best; is this committee functioning at it best? Consider Tradition Two again – “For our group purpose, there is but one ultimate authority – a loving God as He may express Himself in our group conscience.” Does this board specifically consider how well it functions by taking a group conscience (i.e. a group inventory)? If God expresses Him/Her Self in the group conscience then where is God in all this if there is no group conscience?
Others will point out that a referral similar to this was submitted at the 2008 Conference. They are right. The referral was submitted to a single committee for action. Effectively, no action was taken. That submission unwisely placed a very vital point of consideration in the hands of just a few people to be decided on everyone else‟s behalf. That is not stated to say those individuals did anything wrong but rather to say that you most likely did not have any voice in making that decision. Now you have a voice. It is important to note that the Conference membership changes yearly and the deliberation of any individual referral may have different outcomes in any given year as different members with different ranges of experience consider a referral‟s subject matter. Given this fact, and to account for the reality that sometimes it takes a long time to effect change, it is entirely proper to submit referrals as frequently as every year.
Referral #6419 TRUSTEE ELECTION COMMITTEE – Joy, Robert, Kim, Richard S., Russell. ONLINE
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In the C World Service Manual, on pg 46, under heading “Trustee Election Committee,” under sub-heading “Guidelines for the Election Process”, strike the language of line item 10 in its entirety “If neither candidate receives the required 2/3 ratification vote, the position will remain open until the next Conference. The members of the Board of Trustees will assume the duties of that position.” And replace with “If after the fourth and final ballot no election occurs, the TEC Chairperson announces that the choice will be drawn from the hat containing the top two (2) vote-receiving candidates. The first name out of the hat is the elected trustee.”
Referral #6420 – TEC – Joy, Robert, Kim, Richard S., Russell. ONLINE
In the CA World Service Manual, on Page 44, under heading “Trustee Election Committee” insert the following language “ALL TEC interviews and voting processes and procedures shall be conducted during the CAWS Conference, shall be open to the Conference and shall be held in an area, roped off if necessary, where all Conference members can view the proceedings, if so desired.”
Referral #6421 – TEC – Joy, Robert, Kim, Richard S., Russell. – ONLINE
In the CA World Service Manual, on Page 44, under heading “Trustee Election Committee” strike the following language from the following paragraph: “All Trustees except the WSO
Trustee, shall be elected from the Conference Approved Slate pursuant to the procedures outlined in this Manual. The WSO Trustee shall be selected from the candidates selected by the WSO Board not already a Trustee. In order to be elected Trustee, a candidate must receive a vote of two-thirds of the Trustee Election Committee.”
Referral #6424 NON-ADDICT TRUSTEE – Richard S., Joy, Terry – ONLINE
Hi. On page 43 WSM, related to trustee slates. As I read this section it references (conference approved slate) three slates only. Regional slate, non-addict trustee, WSO trustee slate. I understood that if the regional slates are allowed and passed by the conference, that takes care of approving the TAL slate and the WST slate also by that action and so, to me, having a separate TAL slate and WST slate is not necessary.
Referral #6460 WSBT Reports –DONE
The WSBT reports are, in my opinion, rambling and somewhat self-indulgent. At the end of a 6,000 mile flight funded by my area, out of tradition 7 donations, I expect the time at conference to be spent dealing with business.
Could future reports deal, in the main, with business proposed and/or transacted. Particularly in the diabolical absence of WSBT minutes.
Referral #6639 MORE TEC DELEGATES – Joy, Robert, Kim, Richard S., Russell – ONLINE
Increase the number of TEC Delegates – either double (or at the very least increase by 4). Regions who are not represented by a TEC elected trustee are automatically entitled to an additional delegate.
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Referral #6640 TEC QUESTIONS – Joy, Robert, Kim, Richard S., Russell – ONLINE Increase the number of TEC questions and rotate each year. Also, allow each delegate and trustee to ask one question not on that year‟s list.
Referral #6641 VOTE ABSTENTION – Joy, Robert, Kim, Richard S., Russell – ONLINE Rescind the motion that an abstention in a TEC vote equals a no vote. Restore the right of “abstaining” under concepts 3 & 4.
Referral #6648 TRUSTEE QUALIFICATIONS – DONE On Pg 42 of the WSM; under the heading qualifications, #4
- A (suggested) minimum of eight years of continuous…
Referral #6657 TRUSTEE CLEAN TIME QUALIFICATIONS – DONE
To reconsider qualification #4 of the Addict Trustee as setout on page 42 of WSM. Is 8 years clean time the “right” number?
Referral #6677 HOW IT WORKS – DONE
Bring forth a motion to the floor to accept the actions taken by the trustee‟s on the “How it Works” issue.
Referral #6688 GOD BOWL – Joy, Robert, Kim, Richard S., Russell – ONLINE Please add back as the final step in the TEC process to add a God Bowl.
*Please note that if the TEC have gone through each step and cannot choose a trustee – then the last 2 names would be placed in a bowl and one chosen. This would ensure no trustee position would go vacant.
Referral #6707 LARGER BOARD – Richard L., Peter, Richard S., Kenny – ONLINE
The office board should be expanded to include more members. Perhaps two more positions would be appropriate. One could/should go to a Canadian member and one should/could be for a European member. They could attend via Skype, etc.
POST-CONFERENCE REFERRALS TO BE ADDRESSED:
Referral # 6204 How it Works? – DONE
Is “How it Works” still a C.A. approved piece of literature.
Referral # 6479 trustee committee reviewing content of recovery-related book projects Richard L., Joy, Randy – ONLINE
Establish a trustee-appointed review committee to approve CONTENT of recovery-related book projects.
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Referral # 6482 Russian version of Hope –DONE
I believe that the way in which “Hope” is written in Russian on the convention t-shirts and the chips is incorrect. The character “bi” is not a letter. Rather it is a modifier to the preceding letter. It is not written is the same size as the entire word. Rather it is written smaller than the word and is written post-script. If I am correct, please fix for future printing.
Referral # 6694 Conference announcement re cell phones – Richard S., Peter – ONLINE That for the Conference Chair to make announcement each time before we start each Conference session that we silence all cellphones and pagers.
Referral # 6713 Approval of International PSA – Robert, Russell, Richard L., Peter –
ONLINE
Please review under point 5 of the 8 point PSA process
NEW BUSINESS
2011.04.01 – Transcriber – Kim, Richard
Kim – shortly following our quarterly meeting Robin sent Richard and myself her resignation – then before this meeting she revoked her resignation.
Richard S.- knew that it needed to be discussed here, asked Kim to research how much a professional transcriber would cost,,,,
Kim – asked friend that is the business regarding wages/salary and the answer is $3.00 page Also asked Niki D. how long it took her on the average: 30 – 40 hours. In favor of Robin continuing, because she is familiar with our voices, the process, and the method.
Joy Motion: To pay our transcriber the budgeted amount of $300.00 for each set of Quarterly minutes. Terry – second
Russell – have we got a transcriber?
Kim – good question, not in conjunction with our current motion
Joy – withdraws prior motion.
Joy – motion to retain Robin as our transcriber. Peter seconds.
Passed – Unanimously.
Motion Joy – Pay the current transcriber $300.00 for our current minutes inclusive of the
WSBT and the B2B. Second Terry.
Passes unanimously
Roll call 4:03 MDT All
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2011.04.02 – Secretary “in training” SIT – Kim
Kim – would like to reinstate a member of this board with the understanding that you would be more than likely voted into the secretary position.
LOTS of discussion (30+ min) Tabled at the chairs discretion.
2011.04.03 – Assembly and the Edmonton Hope Faith Courage Society – Terry
Wade,
Hope your travels home were safe.
I was asked to look into the topic of the Society and do not want to miss interpret what was discussed and explained by you. The WSBT has our conference call on Sunday the 17th and will discuss this Item.
I would appreciate it if you would detail an email on this matter as to the society and relation to the fellowship. As I have said I do not want to put forward incorrect information and it would be nice to have a informed board before we discuss this matter.
A response before Saturday would be great so that we have time to review it.
Thanks,
Terry Marsden
Pacific North Regional Trustee
Terry – Sent us all their email response
Motioned to table Kenny. Second by Peter
Richard – Is it the understanding of the board that we are tasking Peter with an expenditure? Chatter answers from the board members- no. Want Peter to research with our attorney regarding this matter
Peter – last discussion with our attorney was $250.00.
Peter will research without any expenditure.
2011.04.04 – Principles Pamphlet approval of point 7– Joy
Principles Behind the 12 Steps
While at meetings, we hear about practicing these principles in all of our affairs. What principles are they referring to? Principles can be defined as beliefs, values, philosophies or ethics. There is a certain level of personal interpretation left to each of us concerning the application of principles. We realize that no two people are identical, but there are some common principles that we share.
Step 1 – HONESTY
Step One embodies the principle of honesty. Getting honest with one’s self is essential to sobriety. This is the key element of taking the first step. In Cocaine Anonymous we are encouraged to be honest, open-minded and willing (H.O.W.). As we recover and begin our new sober life, we find honesty is necessary if we are to be happy, joyous and free.
Step 2 – HOPE
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As we begin to look at Step Two, many of us find hope after we hit bottom. We listen to the stories and experiences of others and develop that hope. A feeling of optimism for us comes from the desire to live differently. Once we realize that there is a way out, hope becomes the first step in realizing our Higher Power.
Step 3 – FAITH
Faith is merely confidence in something or someone. For some of us, faith is hope with a track record. Many of our members have faith in the group until they are able to develop their own Higher Power. Remember, the reason people believe in anything is because they want to believe.
Step 4 – COURAGE
In Step Four, we’re asked to make a searching and fearless moral inventory of ourselves. When we look at ourselves, we look for the good and the bad. For most of us, it takes some courage to take that look. Fortunately, there is no perfect way to do an inventory; therefore, any attempt is a good start.
Step 5 – INTEGRITY
This principle is the summation of all the previous Steps – honesty, hope, faith and courage. Integrity is explored while taking the Fifth Step. Many of us didn’t have the nerve to examine the truth about ourselves, much less admit to ourselves, a Higher Power and another person the exact nature of our wrongs. Most of us have experienced a feeling better than any high after getting rid of our secrets.
Step 6 – WILLINGNESS
In Step Six, we see the need for this important principle as we prepare to let our Higher Power remove the things about us that keep us from being of service to our fellows. Defects of character could easily be expressed as the lack of principles. We need the willingness to let go of our old ideas, thus letting go of our defects of character.
Step 7 – HUMILITY
Humility is the key to Step Seven – not being humiliated. We are able to see our inability to change ourselves. Driven to this Fellowship under the lash of cocaine and all other mind-altering substances, we are finally able to see not only the truth about our addiction, but also our inability to remove ourselves from its grip. That same humbleness holds true for shedding our defects of character.
Step 8 – LOVE
Now in Step Eight, we are asked to make a list of all the people we have harmed. Using our newfound principles, we begin to feel the sunlight of the spirit shine within us. The rays of love begin to reveal the real person behind the clouded veil of addiction and we become willing to make amends to them all.
Step 9 – FORGIVENESS
In Step Nine, we open the door for the principle of forgiveness. This is done by placing ourselves before someone to make amends. We give them the opportunity to forgive us. While this Step involves asking for forgiveness, it is more about recognizing our part in the past and cleaning up our side of the street.
Step 10 – DISCIPLINE
While continuing to take a personal inventory and when wrong, promptly admitting it, we practice discipline. This is where we really start to practice these principles in all our affairs. We get into a habit of checking our motives and looking at our actions on a regular basis.
Step 11 – AWARENESS
In Step Eleven, we continue to improve our conscious contact with God as we understand Him. We then pray for knowledge of His will for us and the power to carry it out. Awareness is granted when we seek guidance through prayer and meditation. There is no perfect way to become aware, so any approach is a good start.
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Step 12 – SERVICE
Step Twelve is carrying the message of recovery to the addict who still suffers. No longer selfish and self-centered, we find our capacity for service is enhanced and easy. As we grow in this area we find that the real benefit of applying the principle of service is not just in staying sober or helping addicts find recovery, but it helps us be a human being again.
CONCLUSION
The principles we’ve outlined here are but a few that relate directly to the Steps. We invite you to explore the program of Cocaine Anonymous and see what other principles you find to practice.
Motion: Joy – to approve the Principles pamphlet submitted by LCF Seconded by Richard L.
Discussion ensued…..regarding the objections.
Motion failed
Kim – we need to provide an explanation to the LCF committee.
Richard L. – I‟m on that committee, Randy we can discuss this and come up with something. Joy – no, point 7 says that „WE‟ review this and supply a list (LOT‟S of discussion)
Explanation:
The WSBT acknowledges and appreciates the hard work put towards the pamphlet. We recognize, respect and support the group conscience of the Conference for the concept of a “principles” pamphlet.
It is our role in point 7 of the process to “review … to ensure there are no Traditions violations or other concerns that might affect Cocaine Anonymous as a whole….. If the WSBT finds problems with the draft, it will provide a list of specific recommendations and the pamphlet returns to point 6.”
The WSBT did not pass the piece through point 7 and the following would be the specific recommendations for the LCF committee.
Concerns were presented that attaching a specific principle to a specific step would not be in the best interest of Cocaine Anonymous as a whole. Views were presented that highlighted the potential controversy and dis-unifying debate regarding CA taking a position with this subject. It was recognized that the application of any principle is a personal one in relationship to their experience with any individual step – and therefore no right or wrong application.
The various differing opinions of nearly each individual member of the WSBT on this issue actually highlighted the importance of, and ultimately supported, our decision to make these recommendations.
The WSBT recognized that the committee went to great effort in the pamphlet to mention that the principles represented on our principles chip are a just few of many and encouraged the fellowship to explore the personal experience of others not listed. We support that opinion and recommend keeping verbiage that supports that in the revision.
The WSBT supports the principles chip of CA in its un-numbered state as CA‟s recognition of their importance. The WSBT would recommend that LCF draft a pamphlet that focuses on the values of the principles themselves and refrain from attaching them to steps.
2011.04.05 – Conference Committees guidelines and/or workbooks (housekeeping) – Kim
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Kim – discussed a finding of the old office address in the Unity workbook. Please have conference committees check their handbooks, guidelines for correct WSO address.
2011.04.06 – Letter regarding Archives from Robin – Kim
Kim – offered information, robin Long has turned all Archives received by Reggie to the WSO.
Randy – asked why there was an individual involved instead of the office directly.
Richard S. – offered an assumption – Reggie wanted.
2011.04.07 – Archives Chip – Kim
Peter – asked Richard L. if he was going to discuss anything about the chip that was discussed at the WSOB,,,,,,,we have all this money for a chip, I don‟t know how this came about but we have 2300 and nowhere to store all this?
Kim – responded with the specifics of the conference and the approval of those monies for this chip.
Richard L. – On the original commemorative design, the word commemorative was spelled wrong.
Kim – the office had the wrong artwork and was resupplied the correct artwork, John did research into the vendor for the 18 year commemorative chip.
Peter – have you spoken to Linda or John since Thursday, Kim – no, I will follow-up.
Randy – motion to close, second, passes
Closing of conference call @ 415pm PST
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