CA WORLD SERVICE BOARD OF TRUSTEES REGULAR QUARTERLY MEETING MINUTES
February 22-24, 2002
APPROVED
Since this report is a confidential CA document, for members only, it contains members full names. This usage-to facilitate communication within the fellowship was approved by the 1990 WS Conference. Such confidential use does not of course violate in anyway our Tradition of Anonymity in public communications media (press, radio, TV, etc.).
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The regular quarterly meeting of the CA World Service Board of Trustees, at the Sheraton Four Points Hotel, was called to order at 2:15 p.m.
Quiet Time & Serenity Prayer
Chair Opening Remarks – Amy moved to delay normal opening and reading until tomorrow morning when more members were present; group approved.
Reading of the 12 Traditions – Heidi
No discussion
TRUSTEE CONFERENCE COMMITTEE REPORTS
Public Information – Teri
- The CA bumper stickers are available for purchase from the WSO at a price of 2/$1.00.
- The PI chair has not provided any updates (after several attempts to gain support), as PI Committee trustee, I have taken the task of reviewing and submitting the updates to the PI handbook. These updates are expected to be completed by March 15, 2002.
- The PI survey was sent out to the CA fellowship in the December Delegate mailing. An article was submitted to the NewGram soliciting participation from the CA fellowship in completing the survey.
Convention Committee – Hal
The convention committee chairs have been selected for CAWS 2004 (Jim Holder) and CAWS 2005 (Eddie Hayes).
Motion – That the WSBT make a referral to the CCC to change both bid process and selection process of the convention chairperson; 1) bid process to include a slate of chairperson candidates and, 2) that the selection of the convention chairperson include telephone interview of the slate chairperson candidates – Passed
Motion – That the WSBT make a referral to the CCC that the results of the convention chairperson selection remain confidential until all candidates that were not successful are notified – Passed
2005 World Service Convention – Teri
Eddie Hayes of Memphis, Tennessee was selected as the Chairperson of the
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2005 CAWS Convention, which will be hosted in Memphis. Copies of the hotel letters of intent have been forwarded to the chair of the Negotiation Committee, John Bodkin for review. Eddie is currently soliciting both Tennessee and the other areas within the Atlantic South for both experienced committee chairpersons and support. At this time, no response is has been received.
Structure and Bylaws – David, Elizabeth
New manual is in and needs a few corrections
Finance Committee – Heidi
No holdovers from conference
Group has not held a meeting yet
Plan to meet with new finance manager; fundraising
Trustee Conference Committee Reports – continued
Conference Committee – John
Committee just starting, not much to report
First conference call held on Super Bowl Sunday; Laurie, hotel liaison toured future conference sights. Possible upcoming conference sight; Sheraton Four Points, Radisson or Manhattan Beach Marriott.
Spreadsheet meeting planned for March 17, 2002
Jay S. next conference call to vote
Internet Committee – Leon
See attached report.
Internet Committee discussion;
Q) Submitted phone list 2 weeks ago, still don’t have
A) Update contact list may take 30 days – done in html Submit changes ASAP
Q) Does office require a 30-day notice to implement changes
A) Not Sure
Q) Should we invest in new program to help expedite changes?
A) Yes it could help, but some requests are simple; phone numbers
Q) Does Web mistress have definite lag time?
A) Leon deals directly. Leon feels there is a tradition violation with no time lines
Q) Is there is a specific TV d-linking/linking 30 day time frame?
Hotline numbers are priority and changes should be made within 1-2 days Events 1 week
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Office or Internet guidelines (30 days)?
Webmaster direction comes from Steve Direct office to change guideline
Changes; phone numbers – trying to address in guidelines
World does not inform of changes across the board
Elizabeth to work with WSO to try for a two business day turnaround
Consider emergency backup for Web mistress
Q) Where do we stand on online ordering?
Q) Who will manage new online ordering, credit/debits prices?
A) Web pages and shopping pages up possibly 2/23
Q) Do you feel you have a relationship with office and development of web page as a priority?
A) Not directly, committee not in action and not able to make decision. Leon has not been involved. He basically makes report and moves on. Not aware of meetings or actions. The office has their own Internet committee.
A) In an attempt to tone down the different aspects; shopping cart, cash handling will be under office guide only..
Q) Internet guidelines apply with linking and d linking?
A) Yes. Make referral to Internet to correct guidelines. Comment: Written to fix problem – edited on floor by office.
LC & F Committee – Amy
There is no extension pass the 9/30 deadline.
Submit to NewsGram
Will have stories here and distributed to office next week Have not finished stories that given to me at conference Hope to make decision by next conference
Serious communication problems; reached out to chair of sub-committee, extremely uncommunicative. Wrote letter regarding guidelines. May be some movement on storybook over next few months.
Q) What did Patrice say regarding guideline? No response
Q) Who is vice-chair of sub-committee? Is it time to circumvent Randy? Will need to rally committee and vote. Amy will talk to Cynthia regarding guidelines.
Unity Report – Spencer
Jim Holder head of Unity Committee will possibly step down No Report
Q) Have you spoken to Jim Holder regarding doing work on committee?
A) No, but have plans to do so soon Q) Is there a Statement of Purpose?
A) Doing only what is assigned, committee reviews NewsGram article letter
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Q) Does committee complete articles for selection at conference? Q) Write over course of year and turn in?
A) No, turn in four articles to NewsGram editor later Q) Does NG committee review every article? So far yes.
Midwest Regional – Spencer
See attached report.
The World Service Unity Committee.
No Report.
The 2003 World Service Convention. See Illinois Area Report.
2003 Report – Chicago Spencer
50 in attendance
Working on in/out parking fees issue June 23 next meeting Committees full – flyer out for approval Committee is on target
Does board need executive board meeting minutes? Yes
World Service Office Trustee Report – Elizabeth See attached report.
World Service Trustee Report – John
See attached report.
Meeting adjourned at 11:14p.m.
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The regular quarterly meeting of the CA World Service Board of Trustees, at the Sheraton Four Points Hotel, was called to order at 9:15 am
1. Quiet Time & Serenity Prayer
2. Roll Call
Spencer Barton – Midwest Regional Trustee – Vice Chair
Amy Beech – Atlantic North Regional Trustee – Chair
John Bodkin – World Service Trustee
David Choate – Pacific South Regional Trustee – Secretary
Heidi Jonathan – Pacific North Regional Trustee
Hal Kelly – Southwest Regional Trustee
Terri Knight – Atlantic South Regional Trustee
Leon Mason – Trustee at Large
Elizabeth Saldebar – World Service Office Trustee
12 Traditions: Elizabeth Saldebar
Tradition 1 – Spencer Discussion:
Heidi – Unity issue male/female, gay/straight; latest trend does not like district split because one group does not like the other. Personalities or principals. Fear Cocaine Anonymous is goin down toilet, may implode. Some areas may need to split; i.e. too large. Should be able to work as unified board and disagree, just respect one another. Agree to disagree. Have “get to know each other gatherings.” More focus on 1st tradition.
Hal – Agrees with Heidi first statement. Stop looking at different types of people. Trustee’s saw this coming down the pipe. New group after 80’s babies naive in traditions. Afraid CA is DYING from segregation. In Texas, four meetings make a district and a small city is divided. Revisit CA structure regarding personality divides. District may be in error. Trustee’s do not intervene enough. Fellowship lacks discipline, board must intervene. Stop allowing members to run, stay in same room and learn to agree to disagree. Trustees must be guardian of CA sobriety.
John – Biggest issue Pacific South Regional convention workshop asked what biggest challenge is today – growth, old timers leaving meetings. Grumbling that unity committee may disband. May be a dangerous move in light of tradition number 1. Unity committee is imperative to our cohesiveness. John supports
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Spencer in unity group. Unity seems ambiguous. What message does this send?
Elizabeth – One addict helping another, most important. Long term care, planning, where is it going? Agrees fellowship has changed since 1986.
Diversity is a good thing and should not be taken personally. Use different strengths and talents of members. Discuss how best to utilize strengths. Will only strengthen group. Learn to respect each other as we do the newcomer. Examples start here with the Trustee’s.
Leon – LA used to be one area 125 meeting 125 GSR, interested members.
Now districts have smaller numbers of meeting, some with not world service recognition. South Central 68-71 meetings. Growing up in family with rules, follow the rules or get out. Rotate convention among district to host. District host appears to gauge convention attendance. Some divisive appears to come from senior members. Some districts throw marathons for no reason. Ducks and geese are too difference species, both birds, but different. Board can not determine what groups or districts should split. Trustee should only suggest that bylaws and traditions be adhered to. Not a perfect world, CA is no different. Definite change since 1986, What is a true solution? Unity does not seem to command the respect it deserves. Long term planning is lacking, must pick up pace and stop start with a little at a time. Priority setting and just begin.
Spencer – Each member is but a small part of large whole….. Do not suspend rules of the bylaws. Rules were suspended 1 time. CA must continue. Must attend meetings and perform duties as CA can not be put on hold. CA has great bylaws. Get members in meetings. Maybe should look into why meeting attendance is low. Individuals can not stop CA. Board will unify. Talk things through and unify. Work within yourself. Can’t give what you don’t have.
Amy – Washington, D.C. close to non-functional, may be dead within a year. There have been on going problems for over a year. A few Trusted Servant rotate and not passing positions. Growing and well attended meeting not on meeting list. Visited area and imparted information and shared manual. Chairperson expressed opinion and ruled with iron hand. Meeting set and met to write principals and rules, no one attended. Group has now split. PI workbook. Areas need vital energy and growth. Leaving Atlantic North region better off than it was. Top priority is not splitting whether or not they fully participate in the traditions. Do not take meetings off meeting list.
Group consensus to do only 1 tradition and 1 concept for this meeting.
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Concept 7 – Heidi
Heidi – Reserve the right to speak later also. Problems last year placing members. This concept seemed to be misquoted and used. This board has right to direct on this issue. We need to hear about misuse, but not to have a hands- on. We are a volunteer organization and not a big corporation and depend heavily upon their generosity. Not legally binding, more morally. Concept 7 gives power to place members.
Amy – reviewing manual. Office has authority over board? Amy served as delegate at conference fro 1 year before understanding or knowing that concepts are followed. Have done a lot of work to learn and know concepts. Not knowing seems to be the norm. It’s an issue when the concepts are not adhered too. The conference governs the BOT. The text behind the concepts are the second most powerful literature behind the big book. Maybe the BT can help educate others on true value of the concepts.
Heidi – Concepts represent spirituality and growth and letting go. Performed concept workshop and debated for three weeks. Brought closeness and power. Concepts help bring personal insight especially at this level of service. Wish for concept workshops at conference.
Chairs opening remarks. Used to be unkind woman. We can do and say and argue about anything as long as we respect and be kind be constructive with comments and suggestions.
Discussed distributing rough draft of minutes to each trustee, edited and returned to back to recording secretary.
Motion – The WSBT receive a draft copy of the minuets of the preceding quarterly meeting within 30 days from the date of adjournment. All edits by members must be submitted back to the secretary within 10 days. Passed
Motion – That November minutes be passed as amended. Passed
May 2001 Minutes – Revised and approved at August meeting. Had one time secretary and cannot find revised/approved minutes. Heidi will make revisions and distribute to each trustee. Each member puli up on computer and make corrections and read and vote.
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Motion – That letter will be sent to members in South Central Texas pending approved revisions. Passed.
Three conference calls last quarter
November 25, 2001 – approved as amended.
December 30, 2001 – approved as amended.
January 27, 2002 – approved as amended.
WSBT Officers Report
Chair, Vice Chair, Secretary – nothing to add/change 2004
Convention report – David
Suggestion by Leon to respond in writing to individuals who expressed concerned regarding 2004 chair selection.
Structure and Bylaws – David
No comments
Regional Reports
New and Different only please.
Pacific North – Heidi
See attached report. Report stands, Edmonton and Calgary will petition for convention. Heidi will respond to email from Percy and forward to Trustee’s for review. Email from Paulette regarding decision. Heidi will meet with both groups in Boise and suggest that they all just get along. Personal money may have been involved on the convention.
Pacific South – David
Inner area brought referral and wants recognition from World Service. Bring information together and share idea. Fund raiser at lake Paris each year. Wants to rename to Pacific South Region and meet six times a year. Believes it a way to receive more votes as delegates.
Pacific South Regional Convention – Leon
Regional was put on by same folks of inner area. Did not get full support but raised approximately $14,000.00. Convention committee decided to give all nine areas including online a part of the money and not donate any funds to World Service. Camp Venton fundraiser treasurer went out and stole all the funds.
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They were able to recover their seed money for next convention. World will not be recipient of any money collected due to mishandling of funds.
Elizabeth – Treasury statement. Everyone should be bonded, costs is minimal and would insure funds.
Amy – Clarification on inner area. Two Pacific South regions?
No, merge inner area with the regional. Wants to meet six times a year, not just three.
How does that get them more votes?
Inter Area? Exchange of information? Different groups meet? i.e. treasurers, secretaries.
Cannot answer question.
Will not pass construction and bylaws.
Watch for long term plans, trying to gain more votes in near future.
Maybe ifs not sinister, but self-serving motives.
Discussion should not be included in minutes
Southwest – Hal
See attached report. Do not leave a person off the schedule. Will write letter to areas that show indifference to certain area meetings by not adding them on meeting roster.
Motion – it is inappropriate to exclude any CA meeting that is in compliance with the definition of the of the Cocaine Anonymous Group as stated in the World Service Manual, pg. 2.1 which is in the geographic parameter. Covered by the meeting list. Passed.
Midwest – Spencer
See attached report.
Atlantic South – Teri
See attached report.
Atlantic North – Amy
Washington area New Trustee election this year. Working hard to encourage more candidates to apply. Regional Assembly will be held in Toronto this year, afraid there may be a very low turn out. All candidates need not be physically present.
Elizabeth will facilitate WSO Director meeting this evening.
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Meeting with the WSO Director of Operations. Patty Flanagan
See attached report.
Requested trustee’s to work with office on info line notification. Advise office when area codes split. Note: All inquiries are handled and processed within 24 hours. Be confident in knowing that the office is up on all requests and need your support in backing them up.
Hope to have fund raising plan by next meeting. Surveys, prison, outreach, increase revenue, starter kits, phones manned.
Committee Reports
Long Term Planning – Elizabeth, Jahi, John, & Leon No report.
This is the most important work of the WSBT.
Amy has asked for volunteers to work diligently over the next 90 days to prepare the long term planning presentation for the convention. Hal, Elizabeth and John have volunteered. Jahi to be contacted about participation. Anyone else is welcome.Heidi provided notes supplied by Andy White regarding past work done. Notes given to Elizabeth to make copies for the WSBT.
Heidi requested that long term planning be added as an agenda item to our next three conference calls.
Outstanding from previous quarterly meeting: requested further consideration/investigation in contacting a national advertising agency about providing no-charge PSA space. Is this affiliation? What are the implications?
Made no contact with committee members Have not had report in over 1 34 years, since Andy White Convention in just over 90 days and need to make a presentation Need to collect ideas from committee for planning
Priorities on list given to Al over two years ago and ho action has been taken Asking for volunteers and will make assignment to prepare presentation for next quarterly meeting. John, Hal, Elizabeth volunteered.
Hal would like opportunity to spearhead committee with Andy and Steve to prepare presentation.
Will we revisit list of priorities or work from list? Committee will decide and hopefully implement from list.
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Hope not to reinvent wheel, but make a strategic plan and implement. Anything new should be included into the next plan.
Maybe not appropriate to discuss whether or not this work needs to be done.
Heidi has copy from Any of Long Term planning and will pass on to committee leader.
Elizabeth will take immediate possession and distribute to team.
Suggested Chair put LTP on next three conference call agenda’s.
Trustee’s have spent a lot of time on planning, but have never followed through on implementing.
Never worked on getting PI out for publication. Always pushed down on agenda where this forum may be helpful.
Jahi has done some work on LTP, but nothing has been accomplished since,
Jahi should be informed and given opportunity to continue as head of committee.
LTP has not presented committee with plans. It is not for Board to plan, Jahi is responsible as chair, but has not presented to BOT for discussion and/or implementation.
What job responsibility does Jahi currently have that he is working on?
Maybe this is not the time to discuss what the problem is, but looking for solution. Should possibly table this discussion for later date.
Hal is willing to yield to Jahi. Not questioning Jahi.
Jahi mentions in his last quarterly meeting paragraph his plans on LTP WSBT has never assigned committee members
Amy – As chair of WSBT, personal responsibility to ensure LTP is not forgotten. We have two years of work to accomplish along with current and future planning also. Disappointed that there are no reports at this meeting from Jahi.
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Elizabeth will schedule next meeting within two week period.
Finance – Heidi, Leon, Elizabeth
Have only received two bank statement since October. Elizabeth will investigate with bank. Heidi will establish relationship with Oliver and draft email to all after initial meeting.
Negotiation Committee – Amy. John, Leon, Spencer, Teri
Streamlining process, possible bullet points. Will be working on a procedure for conducting the business of this committee.
Conference Committee – John, Heidi
John sat in on two conference calls thus far. Heidi will listen in on next conference call.
Jay Staetiin of Arizona was elected as conference co-coordinator. Next meeting 2003 location comparisons will be considered.. Position for co-conference secretary is still open.
Not appropriate for candidate to fly in to be considered as conference secretary for conference.
TEC – Amy, David, Hal, Heidi, Jahi, Teri
Circulating Researching history of interview questions. Each trustee requested to select or create a question for prospective candidates. Recommend that one question be selected to ask each candidate. Will discuss at next meeting in more detail.
Do we need questions 120 days before conference? Procedures are not submitted to conference and thereby not required to be submitted to conference.
Voting structure is questionable.
Trustee election guideline must be considered when preparing questionnaire.
Will make call to former delegate members to make apology and possibly gather input and experience on questionnaire.
Copies of current questions have been provided to the WSBT and the historical list of questions tot the TEC.
Hal asks the WSBT to submit two to three questions they would like to see added
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to the new list of questions; from the current list or new unasked questions that should be included.
Former delegate members of the TEC Committee not on the WSBT have not been contacted. Hal will contact them immediately after the February quarterly meeting.
Amy has a file of information to pass on to Hal for use by the committee.
Items for the TEC committee still pending from the last quarterly meeting include: Trustee Election Guidelines, a possible referral tot he S&B committee regarding the Trustee slate.
Legal Committee – Amy. Spencer, Jahi
Copyright release for 1999 Milwaukee presentation may be resolved soon. Release forms obtained from individuals but still need approvals to use music from Tony Drake.
Spencer will obtain from Tony Drake by March 9, 2002.
Require Tony Drake to adhere to deadline.
Would like something to work from for next conference call.
NewsGram – Teri
Last addition submitted all articles except one. Trustee corner not included in last edition. Regional trustee’s will submit regional editor names to Teri within 30 days via email and hopefully a list of articles. Five articles went to PDF view without review of BOT for Tradition violation. They agreed to forward as instructed in future. Kevin needs more articles if available. Sent sample of future formatter NewsGram. Urging BOT members to subscribe to newsletter. Need other ideas to promote subscription. If group wants to submit retention article, please plan to do so.
Did we change title of regional trustee to Editor? Look at changing title.
7th tradition pamphlet may be reinstated.
Trustee corner articles asking for an official response.
David is unable to find a regional editor.
Color edition not supposed to go to print without approval of BOT. Not light BOT wants to be viewed in. Teri objected, but was told it was not her decision.
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Motion – That the WSBT direct the WSO Board to remove Patrick Potter as art director from the CA NewsGram committee. Failed.
Elizabeth read paragraph of explanation and apology from Patrick Potter regarding his actions on NewsGram. Elizabeth will provide copies for trustees.
Clear understanding that newsletter would not be moved on January 10, 2002 and held hostage by printer and hand forced by Patrick Potter.
This is a second offense for Patrick against the wishes of the board on the newsletter.
Point of clarification; of “held hostage by vendor.” There was no procedure in place (three bids) for vendor to act on Patrick’s authority.
There is no apparent procedure is in place for NewsGram process.
Advise Teri of approval of Trustee Corner by Monday evening (2/25).
Initiate NewsGram email policy and/or protocol
Orientation Committee – Amy, Teri, David
Stack of policies for trustee orientation will be distributed to BOT for comment by 3/8.
Old Business
Review draft of TFC
Trustee at Large guideline modification passed at last meeting.
Revise reimbursement policy – 1. Review draft of CAWS Trustee Reimbursement Expense Policy.
Motion – Accept policy as amended. Passed.
Prioritize agenda
Regional Trustee sent to area convention completed as result of action on Trustee Reimbursement Policy.
Letter to Texas SW
Motion – To approve letter to SW Texas Area members as amended. Tabled until Wednesday vote. Table Passed.
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Electronic Media – David
Cannot be controlled, overly complex and would like to refer to internet committee.
Review letter giving permission to Yourorg.org/recovery Letter will be written tonight Amy/Leon.
Referrals from 2001 conference – David read letter Pass our list of referral and review tomorrow morning
Money Transfer
Motion – To transfer $4,045.79 from the prudent reserve money market account to pay past due invoices. Passed.
Adjourned at 11:50 p.m.
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The regular quarterly meeting of the CA World Service Board of Trustees, at the Sheraton Four Points Hotel, was called to order at 8:45 a.m.
Serenity Prayer
Your.org letter
Motion – That the Yourorg.org/ recovery letter be approved as amended (deleting item number 2). Passed.
Timing/Expense of May Quarterly – Elizabeth
Discussion around arriving on Monday at the fellowships expense to prepare for Tuesday afternoon meeting versa arriving as soon as possible on Tuesday and starting meeting at 7:00 p.m. It is at the fault of the BOT that we do not finish a four day agenda over a two day period.
Not fair that Chair gets last word commentary after a discussion.
Not the official last word, but considers everyone’s turn first before speaking, not to have the last word.
Tennessee Recognition Issue – Teri
Concerned plates or checks may be issued to members. Asking for clarification on next order of business. No action required on behalf of BOT. Unless they are writing checks, no further action is required. Process is in place for accurate monitoring.
Revisit Electronic H & I Video Issue – Elizabeth
Motion – Any expenses for special projects contract that exceed $10,000.00 must have prior approval from the WBST. Passed
Email Protocol – Elizabeth
Respect is essential and emotional outburst are hurtful Subject line is informative and vital Set date to check email
Urgency codes, Leon/Heidi work on first draft by next conference call
Email may not always most effective form of communication
Email may be the most cost effective
Key to completing work considering widespread
Commitment to at least check email once a week
Day may be decided in guidelines
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Office Communication – Elizabeth
Motion – That all communication from WSOB to the WSBT and/or the WSBT to the WSOB be directed to Elizabeth, the WSOBT. This includes everything except conference committee information. This is a trail period of 90 days. Passed.
Please be respectful of everyone in board meeting when using personal computer, mindful of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 when using your personal computer during board meetings. Your full attention is required throughout any discussion.
AdHoc Committee – Leon
Will make priority at next quarterly meeting. Leon will look into detail
1516 – All airline mileage become property of WSO. Elizabeth will look into standing policy.
1509 – Allow CAWS database to used by office for donation letter. No, CAW database may only be used for delegate letters. Elizabeth will investigate and report back. What is contained in CAWS database. Referral may be restricted on a case by case basis.
1611 “Add Interna! Director to WSO – refer to structures and bylaws. Is position necessary? Will office review? Refer to WSO first.
Motion – refer to structure and bylaws. Passed.
1540 – Spencer to investigate and work on statement for next quarterly.
1609 – Refusal to identify as addict/alcoholic. No not acceptable.
Motion – Refer to chips, literature and format committee. Passed.
1705 – Allow website link to Co-Anon. Discussed and by tradition 10, may not link to any outside affiliation. Leon to write answer stating that was addressed previously.
1971 – Censorship not required. Adult decision. Amy will write statement.
1700 – Address name of fellowship. Name is established and recognized. Will however, refer to all other mind altering substances for future planning. John will write review for discussion at next WSBT meeting.
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Short simple answers voted on by next meeting, possible email discussion.
1720 – World service convention every two years. Refer to convention committee for opinion. Refer to Office.
1746 – Review Unity Pamphlet. Amy will research and report.
Group inventory
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For all attached reports and documents see pdf: 2002-02-22-24-WSBT-Quarterly-Meeting-Minutes.pdf