APPROVED MINUTES
April 7, 2002 Conference Call 6:00 p.m. PDT
The meeting began at: 6:40 PM PDT
The late start is due to technical problems with the new conference call number.
1. “We” version of the 7th Step Prayer – Amy
2. Roll Call.
Teri K-ASRT; Amy B-ANRT; Elizabeth S-WSOT; John B-WST; Leon M-TAL1; Jahi B-TAL2; Hal K-SWRT; Spencer B-MWRT
3. Review and accept minutes of 3/13/02 conference call Motion: to accept. Passed with amendments
4. Review and accept minutes of 3/17/02 conference call.
Motion: to accept. Passed with amendments
5. Review and accept addition to November 2001 minutes of quarterly meeting re: letters from individuals in South Central Texas (see AJB e- mail 4/4 and all responses)
Motion (Elizabeth): to table until the quarterly meeting Withdrawn Discussion: There is no statement regarding the South Central Texas letters in the November minutes. Elizabeth – Did the recording secretary stop taking the minutes before Heidi made her report? If so, why wouldn’t we want include the report from Heidi? Leon – Questioning whether Heidi provided recommendations at the conclusion of her report?
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Motion (Leon): Reference to be included in the November quarterly minutes that Heidi provided a report on her investigation and made recommendations regarding the South Central Texas letters. Passed
Statement to be included in the November minutes will read as follows: Letters from individuals from the South Central Texas Area: Heidi gave a verbal report on her investigation and made recommendations. Extensive discussion ensued. Motion passed to write a letter to the South Central Texas area.
6. CAWS Conventions Updates
a. 2002—Portland (just 46 days away!) —John
All things are running smoothly; enthusiasm is high; possibly 200- 250 registrations; the committee will continue to meet every two weeks until the convention. The only issue is with the parking situation. There will only be 60 parking spaces per day, alternatives are being investigated. John has full confidence in the committee. There is some concern about memorabilia but it is not considered a problem.
b. 2003—Chicago—Spencer
Nothing urgent. No minutes have been received by the WSBT since January 17th. This includes the executive committee minutes. The executive committee meets twice per month. Spencer to investigate and provide all back minutes.
c. 2004—Los Angeles—Jahi/Leon
Jahi: has received resumes for the executive committee.
Leon: selections were made on April 6th.
John: Jim H. (CAWS 2004 Chair) has successfully notified all candidates that were not successful and is in process of contacting those candidates that were successful.
Leon: Tony Drake (CAWS Convention Committee Vice-Chair)
Vice Chair: Tom Stokes
Secretary: Marie Accostas
Hotel Liaison: Marilyn Croft
Treasurer: Joy Hutchinson
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Program: Kathy Jo Rango
d. 2005—Memphis – Teri
Eddie H has been contacted and reminded to produce resumes for executive committee selection. Tennessee is already behind in producing these per the current convention guidelines.
7. Preparation for World Service Convention
a. World Service Forum—Amy
Discussion: Amy – This might be an appropriate place for the WSBT to be available to the fellowship to answer questions from the Fellowship. John – Did not feel that the WSBT to should not take away from the opportunity of the WSO or the WSOB to discuss their roles within the Fellowship. Elizabeth – Agreed with John that a separate session should be set aside. John – Etas discussed
b. Long-Term Planning Workshop—Jahi/Elizabeth/John/Hal
Jahi – Done some research to getting our information out nationally.
It does appear to be cost prohibitive but they did provide some great suggestions. If anyone has any other items on the list of items for LTP, please bring them forward.
Elizabeth – CA might be invited to speak in Washington DC at a conference supporting a nationwide drug court. Participants invited are AA (3 20-minute slots), NA (2 slots), CA has not been awarded a slot at this time. Jahi- to compile a report summarizing the suggestions made by the national agencies he contacted.
Opportunity in Canada to host a booth at an international conference. Spencer – where are we with outreach to past Trustees? Amy – the letter has been prepared but has not been sent out.
c. Time of Board to Board Meeting -Thursday afternoon?— Elizabeth/Amy
Discussion: Amy – suggested that the Board to Board meeting be held at 3:00 p.m. on Thursday following the quarterly WSBT meeting.
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d. Additional open forum for questions about resignations?— Elizabeth
Discussion: Elizabeth – believes that it would be wise for the WSBT to hold an open forum to answer any questions, a group, regarding the Trustee resignations and any other topic that the Fellowship might have. John – believes that this is a great opportunity and very useful for some healing to begin. Consider that a non-bias moderator be found to help with the open forum. Leon – At the Pacific North caucus recently held; in addition to the business of the Pacific North an extensive discussion was also held regarding a proposal to the WSBT. Teri – what is the protocal for information to be included in the Delegate mailings? Elizabeth – to speak to Patty about whether the letters from the SC Texas and Heidi’s resignation letter to be included in the next Delegate mailing. John – That in keeping with our 1st Tradition, that to send this information would be extremely damaging without additional detail; a two-sided representation. Spencer – since the South Central letters were addressed to members of the WSBT and they were written by individuals; have all parties been contacted and asked permission? Leon – other members of the Fellowship were copied on these letters.
Motion (Spencer): That the WSBT make themselves available to answers all questions posed by the Fellowship and that a time slot be made available at the CAWS 2002 convention. Passed
Discussion: Elizabeth – that this should be a structured forum. Hal – agreed that there should be a structured forum. Suggested that perhaps the Fellowship be asked to provide questions in advance. Amy – suggested that time be set aside
8. Issue of letter sent 3/1/02 to individuals in South Central Texas with amends sentence removed—Amy
Discussion: Leon – recalls that that we have never sent anything out without a formal vote and as such this letter did not result in a formal vote and as such, no group conscience was taken. Elizabeth – in doing her own research, it appears that four voted were in favor to send
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the letter with the amends; three voted against sending the amends letter and if Amy cannot have a vote then this reduces the vote against to two.
Also, Elizabeth stated that she was not in favor of the letter at all. Suggests that an amends letter should be sent to the individuals and that the WSBT should admit they made a mistake and either re-send this letter and/or revisit the response. This is not the way the WSBT should conduct business. Hal – reminded the Board that although he was not originally in favor of sending the letter with the amends, he did ultimately agree to send the letter with the amends. Suggested that perhaps there was confusion on the part of the WSBT Chair and there was no sense of urgency to respond to the SC Texas area. Spencer – He agreed to the amends but based on his own poll, there was a tie on the letter and as such it was left up to the Chair to make her decision. John – states his own opinion but ultimately supports the decision of the WSBT.
Motion (Elizabeth): That a member of the WSBT be sent to the South Central Texas area with an amends concerning the letter that was written without the amends. Passed
Discussion: Elizabeth – In their letters, the South Central area asked for help; that someone be sent from the WSBT to help them. We did not do that. Also, that we set a process and that we adhere to this process for the future of the Fellowship. Leon – that the motion and an amends does not go far enough.
Friendly Amendment: That included in the amends that Amy step down as Chair of the WSBT and that Amy go to South Central Texas to make the amends. Not accepted.
Discussion: John – that he has a fiscal consideration about sending someone. Currently, lately the WSBT has spent approx. $300 in conference calls.
Motion (Elizabeth): Amy Beech, the Atlantic North Regional Trustee, step down as Chair of the WSBT. Passed
Discussion: Elizabeth – reasons include 75% of the minutes have been late; that five weeks passed after the CA Storybooks were promised to be sent to the Fellowship which may require another reprint which may
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cost up to $7000. Spencer – Against this motion. That the delay in the Storybooks are not directly related to her responsibilities as the WSBT Chair. This is not a good time to do this in light of the other turmoil within our Fellowship. Leon – In favor of the motion. Apologies that he put Amy in this position when he did not forward these letters to all of the WSBT members instead suggesting that these letters be sent to Amy. Feels that a lot of the responsibilities that fall on Amy should have been delegated. Jahi – Against the motion. Think that at this time, we should demonstrate unity. This action to remove the Chair would be inappropriate at this time. That there is not better person to speak up for the WSBT at the Conference, than Amy. John – In favor of this motion. Based on the history of sales, the current CA Storybook will run out before the next Storybook can be published. As a member of the WSOB, it has been difficult to sit in these meetings and be asked where something that has been promised. The confidence of the WSBT is at an all time low. Hal – Does not know if he is Although there are a number of things that Amy was responsible for, each of us sitting on the Board are personally responsible for our own actions. The matters that face us within the Fellowship have snowballed. If I don’t do the work, it shows. Teri – In favor of the motion. Although you have successfully served the Fellowship in many capacities, you have not served the WSBT as Chair in providing the necessary leadership required.
Spencer – Reminder to this board that it would take a two thirds vote in electing a member in accordance with the WSM; he hopes that the vote on this motion will not be a simple majority. John – Amy, this is not about you, it is about what is best for CA. Leon – vote of confidence only requires three votes to remove. Spencer – Does this Board have the power to remove another member of the Board? Elizabeth – Referring to pg. 6.12 of the WSM;
Notwithstanding the foregoing, Director Trustees are expected, subject to the laws of the State of California and to these bylaws, at the request of the World Service Conference of Cocaine Anonymous to resign their trusteeship and directorship even though their terms of office as Director Trustees may not have expired… The members of the Board, subject to the laws of the State of California, are expected to exercise the powers vested in them by law in a manner consistent with the faith that permeates and guides the Fellowship of Cocaine Anonymous, inspired by the Twelve Steps of Cocaine Anonymous, in accordance with the Twelve Traditions and the Conference
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Charter of Cocaine Anonymous. Other than the right to participate in the disposition thereof during the period of directorship, no Director Trustee shall have any right, title, or interest in the property or assets of the World Service Board and his or her right to vote or otherwise participate in the disposition of property of the World Service shall cease on the termination of their membership and their ceasing to be Trustee. Hal – believes that substantial unanimity is required and that 2/3 vote is required. Leon – all motions made by the WSBT have been by simple majority. John – to clarify; the motion is to depose Amy as Chair of the WSBT, not to remove her as Trustee. Also, that due to the problems with the conference call initially, this conference call is at no charge to the Fellowship. John read from the “The A.A. Service Manual”
Amy – Addressing the matter of the SC Texas letter; there was a mistake in not sending the letters out to the WSBT for review and anyone wishing them now; they will be sent out to them. Also, disappointed that no one asked to see the letters until so much time had passed. She apologized and assured the Board that it certainly would not happen again. She did believe that a majority was reached and apologized to the WSBT for this not being certain. The Storybook is still on schedule despite the delays of sending them to the WSO. Being Chair of the WSBT is an extremely difficult position. The question is will my resigning be in the best interest of the Fellowship? I don’t think so and it would be a further disruption to the Fellowship. Although this is a business, we are guided by spiritual principals. I am fully supportive of making an amends related to taking out the sentence about the amends. Also, I welcome the opportunity to make it right. I wish you would not remove me but give me the opportunity to make right what you feel that I have done wrong.
Amy turned the meeting over to Spencer, Vice-Chair
Motion (Jahi): Call the vote Passed
Spencer turned the chair back to Amy
Elizabeth – has it been decided as to whether the vote will be 2/3 vs a simple majority? Spencer: It should be 2/3 majority.
Challenge the Chair (Leon): The vote should be a simple majority. Passed
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9. Office highlights report—Elizabeth
a. Trustee e-mail form is working (?)
The e-mail loops have been practiced. The e-mail is going through Leon’s server. The tests responses should go directly back to Leon.
b. Delegate mailing/Newsgram—WSBT letter?
The WSBT letter will be included in both the delegate mailing and the NewsGram. The NewsGram will go out after the Delegate mailing.
Motion (Elizabeth): That the WSBT direct the WSO not to send any letters regarding the SC Texas member letters or any other personal letters and to establish a policy as to what can be included in the delegate mailings. Passed
c. Trustee Expense Policy—any progress made on issue Banquet reimbursement? There is not new information regarding this from the WSO.
Has the revised World Service Manual been completed—included in Delegate mailing?—Jahi
Yes, the revised WSM will be included in the next delegate mailing.
10. Scotland issue—using Joe McQ tape for a step meeting?—Leon (see LM e-mail of 4/4)
Motion (Leon): That a disclaimer be read prior to the step study conducted by the meeting in Scotland. Failed
Discussion: John – a disclaimer is prudent and that a suggested disclaimer be reviewed by the WSBT as part of the response. John – as part of our international outreach: did they receive our standard reply?
I would like some time to review the Traditions and discuss this in our next conference call. Leon, what do you think? Leon -1 think that a month is too long. Hal -1 think that the disclaimer isn’t sufficient to address this matter. Leon – We need to come up with an answer; they have asked us for guidance. I don’t want to see their enthusiasm affected and want them to remain a CA meeting. John -1 agree that we need to preserve their enthusiasm, I suggest that you (Leon) prepare a
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response. Spencer -1 agree that Leon take a shot at writing this response/disclaimer.
Leon to draft a response letter and provide to the WSBT.
12. Motion to reorganize WSBT—Leon
Motion (Leon): To remove Hal Kelly as the Southwest Regional Trustee. Defeated
Discussion: Spencer -1 don’t think that the WSBT can remove a Trustee as they are elected by TEC and I think this motion is out of order. This Fellowship selects its Trustees. I don’t think the WSBT has the authority to remove a Trustee. Jahi -1 find that there is no indication in the WSM that a Trustee or the WSBT has the authority to remove a Trustee. Leon – Totally disagree. If we don’t have the power to do it, we definitely should have to have the power to do so. I think that because of our own lack of action, the WSBT is under review by the Fellowship as a whole. Because of Hal’s actions and behavior within his own region; members of his region reach out to other Trustees for assistance and support. This is not the first time; when Andy was Chair of the WSBT this matter came up about Hal’s conduct within his region. Elizabeth – Has done some research and concluded in reading the WSM, and the Concepts we have a responsibility to conduct the business of the Fellowship. Elizabeth has received calls from members within Hal’s region that stated that they are scared to ask for help. Teri»Is it appropriate that the WSBT make this decision, I don’t think so.
Although Hal is mouthy and often speaks inappropriately yet he has a great passion and love for this Fellowship, Although I have spoken with members of South Central but I have not heard from anyone else in the Southwest Region. About the previous reference to Hal’s misconduct previously…why didn’t the previous WSBT do something about his conduct? John – Hal, you acted badly and I am tired of wasting the Fellowship time and money discussing this. There is no room, in my opinion, to impede the growth of a new area. This is a pivotal milestone in our Fellowship. Based on my research, there is nothing about this that makes me comfortable. No one is defending you, except
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the rules and procedures. You have done a lot for the Fellowship but something has changed. Jahi – There is a lot of information that is being eluded to but I have not heard anything about this; the discussion to reconstitute the Board. There is one area; only one area that has brought forward all of this and we are discussing removing this man from his region based on the discontent of one area. What is this information that you have? Leon – my love for this Fellowship may be different but if I caused this much disharmony; if I cost the Fellowship this much time and money then perhaps I would quite. Hal – Why haven’t you contacted anyone else? There are a number of letters that fail to be discussed; the letter for Diane was quite eloquent. I do have a flavor and feeling for the flavor for the Fellowship in Texas. I am a founding member of the CA Fellowship in Texas. There a lot of people that can’t stand me but they sent me to participate on the SW Regional slate. I will stand up for the underdog. I do not have the composition to stand for a person to be called a ‘nigger’ in a meeting; I don’t have the composition to stand for someone to call my future wife a ‘bitch.’ The Fellowship will make it whether you remove me or not. Yes, I am a lot of things but what I am not, I’m not a coward. You can’t deal with Hal, because you can’t deal with yourself. Yes, those letters that came in during Andy’s term and it was because I was defending the South Central district. Did you ask those folks that brought those issues?
You guys (the WSBT) talked with me; for three hours in November and I didn’t like it and you told me what you wanted me to do. You asked me to stay away from the South Central Area; I did. You asked me to search my conscience about my content; I did and I made amends to the Area. I am going to leave this in God’s hands. Spencer» are we done with this? What are we going to do to deal with Heidi’s letter regarding Trustees on this Board that aren’t doing their work? Heidi was referring to Leon and Jahi in her letter. Hal -1 feel that Leon and Jahi should tally up all the things that they have done and report that back to the WSBT.
Motion (Teri): To nominate Spencer as Chair until the end of the 2002 Conference. Declined
Motion (Elizabeth): To nominate John B as Chair
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Motion (Hal): To nominate Teri K as Chair Declined
Amy – it was suggested that time was needed to consider the nomination.
13. Confirm date and time of next Conference Call—April 14, 2002, 6:00 p.m. PDT
14. Serenity Prayer – Spencer Meeting adjourned at 11:42 p.m. PDT
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