World Service Conference of Cocaine Anonymous
Wed. Aug. 28, 2019 Day 1 Daily Minutes
Trevor S. calls session to order at 6:59pm Gavel falls.
Trevor S. – Thank you, will you all please help me open this conference with a moment of silence and the serenity prayer. Trevor S. introduces himself as chair,
Welcome to the 36th world annual CA conference our theme is MANY VOICES ONE SOUND Heather D. – reads “who is a cocaine addict” Claudia W. – reads “12 Traditions” in German Cynthia C. – reads “12 Concepts”
Trevor S. – thank you Cynthia, before we proceed with roll call first and foremost turn your cell phones OFF or SILENT. Including pagers. We don’t need to know your ringtones. When you get up to do your roll call, I understand if you’re outgoing, you don’t need to do it all of the time. However, you must SPEAK CLEARLY directly INTO the mic
FULL NAME, CONFERENCE POSITION and # of VOTES.
Adjust the microphone height if needed. During roll call, do not approach, do not speak, stay quiet. Leave the DAIS alone.
ROLL CALL. – please proceed to the podium, unless the mic is needed for
limited mobility.
Vote counted – 170
Quorum – 112 (needed on conference floor in order for business to commence)
Trevor S. – This is your notice when we get to the closing report segment on friday – potentially on Sunday there are committees creating large reports they are LCF, UNITY, CONFERENCE & PI, WE WILL BE ASKING
Approved – Redacted Conference 2019 Day 1 Daily Minutes Page
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BY unanimous consent to not REREAD THESE items. Please become familiar with these reports as they are in the box. Next, we would like to introduce the DAIS:
on left is our Vice Chair Russell S.
on right, Alex ZM and to her right, Maria K.
We also have other important people here this weekend. Our Conference Committee Chair Jay F..
Please ask Susan and Cindy to step into the room please.
Dawn M. – point of order – the quorum was calculated differently, to 113. Trevor S. – you are free to challenge the chair if you choose, but the percentage rounded is 112. Seeing no challenge, let’s turn to Cindy C. and Susan L., should you need anything, see those ladies. DO NOT ASK THE HOTEL FOR ANYTHING.
Those are the two people that you should see in regards to this conference.
Susan L. – also, if you wouldn’t mind, please only be on the WIFI with ONE device, it slows everything down, we only have “x” amount of capability, thanks! Welcome everybody, have a great conference! WIFI – sheraton meeting room….. access code is CAWSO2019 Trevor S. – we are going to welcome back JOE for our conference av! Some of you were present for the new delegate workshop and orientation, and some of this will be a bit redundant, but we will talk briefly about some things.
We are here for the business of Cocaine Anonymous, you are now doing business here on a world wide level for this fellowship, we are asking to read things in languages we don’t understand, we come here to represent the entirety of this fellowship. You are not simply representing the area where you are from. You are now a World Service Delegate on this floor doing business when you come here, and that is an amazing thing to be doing. We are really taking things from a world perspective.
how many people are here for their first…
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Clayton P. – challenge the chair. I do not think the quorum is correct either.
Trevor S. – The challenge to the chair must be taken immediately, the opportunity is over, the math on it was explained, and this is now considered out of order.
When you guys get up there to do your role call you must give your full name, conference position and number of votes. It is both legally binding as this is a business conference in the state of California as well as a Tradition. We talk about mic use, and Russell has talked about this, the order that you line up in is not indicative always of your hands being raised, and you may be bumped up one or two spots. It may be you or the person right behind you. Please be prompt after breaks and we may be excited and thrilled to be here, but let us be quick. PLEASE “appeal” my decision if you have a challenge to the chair. We would prefer this verbiage.
Let’s have all delegates here for the first time ever, please stand up.
I hope each and every one of you finds at least everything I have found in my 17 years, if not more. The dates for next year’s conference will be entered as soon as I leave in my calendar as the next greatest week. I know this is a fellowship you all love, this is your spot. You have not arrived by accident. We all have abilities and tools and lessons to learn and teach, God will help us fix our screw ups and enjoy this work we do, this is a gift to be able to come down here. As such we will always begin each session with role call. We will ask to not have the committee spiel right now, but we will look at these committees in alphabetical order… there are many things we do here that seem wonky, like WSBT WSOB, etc. I would encourage everybody to get familiar with their WSM. It is the bible with which we operate this entire conference. JAY are you ready to do the thing with the box?
Jay F. introduces the Box with a presentation available within.
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Trevor S. – before speaking from the floor, raise your hands from your permanent seat and introduce yourself at the mic. remember if you cant see me I can’t see you, you might have to walk down a bit or jump up and down, or dance a jig – which is not recommended. Once you are recognized, line up behind the microphone.
Point of order and point of information and appealed decision, will take precedence of a line of questions or debate, any other inquiries or comments can be seen by Russell first. Our primary function here is to facilitate business for you this week. Russell is the primary contact for this and we will get you the help that you need to do what you need to do. Please listen to the people in front of you as you are waiting to speak. There is quite a bit of repetition of each other. This happens every year and is very frustrating. Please bring your topics and content with you when you come up to speak to your point. Speak directly into the mic full name, position and # of votes. You can speak for the motion “in favor” you can speak “against” and go into debate or you can ask a question.
Be direct and precise. I will tell you the exception in a second, all motions must be in 4 hard copies printed and electronically – at least in the box if not on a flash drive. The exception is to not approach us, is when we ask you to help us get your motion down, as we strive to perfection. We will take the time to craft it on the computer. The exception is that we may ask for your help to get that done.
Do not approach the Conference Secretaries, or me during the session.
A fire is an acceptable interruption of the DAIS officers.
Keep your side comments to a minimum. our last hotel was much less wide, and had a lot of space in the back to congregate and chat, this room is much more compact and all side convos will drown out what we are doing here, please engage in them outside in the hallway.
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Do not catch up with one another during business hours. If you need assistance, ask the Conference Committee members – and or Susan and Cindy, please refrain from audible demonstrations of opinions after decisions have been made (ie: clapping, booing, etc.)
Pay attention and be cognizant of what we are doing and the motions as they are going on. We can see you voting and not paying attention, it’s disrespectful to the fellowship we serve. If you get lost, please come to Russell and or raise your hand and we will get to you.
Please return from breaks promptly, I would love for 12 minutes instead of 15 when given.
Meal breaks will occur on their scheduled times, as this agenda time will be pretty unchangeable, and keep close tabs to those markers. Memorabilia sales are not permitted during session and NONE in this room. We want a chance to purchase these items too!
Social media – multiple platforms? We do not everwant to see conference actions on social media, I know there are these secret groups out there, it’s still not okay. This conference’s activities need to stay here until the redacted items can get into your hands, and strive to have them in your hands before you can even arrive home, as we are making our goal to get the dailies to you ASAP!!!!
When we are here, we will stick to the agenda for elections per our structure and such as, at the close of Conference the officers for the DAIS will be voted upon. We will also vote on the bids. No matter what is happening at 1259pm on sunday the gavel WILL FALL.
If you leave early on Sunday be sure during ROLL CALL to announce yourself with name and position but NO VOTES – as leaving after calling the vote quorum could handcuff our abilities to continue business. When you are choosing your committees, especially as new delegates, find the needs of your area or any personal abilities to guide your choice. For example, if you like structure or need to learn the rules – join S&B. If you are clueless in the direction that you wish to go, you can
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actually join all the committees, but you can only vote on ONE committee for the year.
So many other things… I wanted to stress with the clickers – this one is blue, supposedly I can start and stop the vote count… you all have clickers and they are your responsibility – don’t lose it, its $50 if you do. Every year someone will lose one, and we will have to hunt you down. Another reminder – keep your phones on silent. No dings, chimes, etc. We want to talk about respect- for each and every member in this room and fellowship. I will not tolerate ANYTHING personally punitive. It is out of place and will not be tolerated on this floor. I MIGHT give you a warning, but probably not. Please use the ashtrays outside. Do not create a mess for the staff to have to clean up. There is no use of vapes/pens/ecigs on the conference floor. We haven’t and we won’t start.
With the exception of some snack samples, all the things up at the Dais are not for your use. They are for our use. If you borrow it, we could be in a major bind. We have these things up here, because we need them. Conference hours were read and will be posted – 830am to 10pm and anytime we are in session. Try to be in here, not in there, unless you are working.
When I started here we used to bring pallets of paper, and now we go through about one box. Now there are an over abundance of laptops and our suitcases are so much lighter, thank goodness we have streamlined so much, and will continue to do so. We have to print 4 copies of all material presented for the DAIS as well as electronic copies available, these are for legal purposes. If you are doing personal business, conference work will overtake and prevail over you.
DO NOT UPLOAD ANY PROGRAMS on to the computers in the office. They don’t even have internet access. Do not store your own work on the harddrives, we have USBS, buy them, they may be in your packet already – use recycle bins and help us be green. We will be back in this
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room on Friday night for a whole bunch of hours to accomplish the most we can. Get your reports done early Friday and do not scramble.
There will be 12 step meetings at night, and will be announced at the end of the session. It is organized and posted for access. The login for the meeting room internet is CAWSO2019
Also – remember God is in charge and we will be lead and get there together. before we move forward, we’ve been sitting for 1.5 hrs. we have a 10 m break.
SESSION RECONVENES AT 8:35
Trevor S. – floor come to order, new area petitions are next on our agenda!
Thailand delegates present Thailand’s request to become an area.
Trevor S. – I would like to adhere to the rules of the WSM, I would like
Sarah to make that motion
Sarah T.-
Motion to move to approve CA Thailand as an area of Cocaine Anonymous to be effective immediately.
Trevor S. – do you wish to debate your motion?
Sarah T. – not at this time.
Trevor S. – seeing no commentary – grab your clickers and prepare yourselves to vote.
vote – clicker # 1
FOR 162 / 1 AGAINST
a in favor – c opposed
Trevor S. motion passes with substantial unanimity !
alright, welcome aboard CA thailand!!!
alright, sarah please…
Portugal delegate presents Portugal’s request to become an area. Sarah T. – I would like to move to approve CA Portugal as an area of Cocaine Anonymous to be effective immediately.
Trevor S. – Does the maker wish to speak to their motion? Any debate? Seeing none, prepare to vote.
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favor a//opposition c
vote clicker #2
for 165/ 1 against
motion passes almost unanimously.
alright, can I please have Ian, Leslie, Bill and Alex to podium for role call additive with full names, position and vote counts as they have been officially recognized on the conference floor as delegates for their new areas.
This changes our voting total to 175 and a quorum of 117, and thus we grow, welcome aboard folks!
Next up is the Trustee reports. Greg is recognized next, please come to the mic.
Greg B. -I move to suspend the rules and have a new business item out of order.
motion seconded.
Trevor S. – For clarity, which item of new business are you wishing to reference in your motion?
Greg B. – To bring forward a new Region to the Euro Mainland. does the maker wish to debate this motion. is there any debate? Greg B. – not at this moment.
Claudia W. – I speak in favor of this motion, that is because the petition to form a new region – Mainland euro region – as an sr14 and so there has been an opportunity for everyone to review this. Whether the region is recognized or not by the floor will have a direct effect to if this Region would be able to have an assembly at a caucus this Conference. I have looked at both sides and the reason we asked to move this from the Sunday new business slot, is because these large reaching choices should be taken up in committee and a piece of literature would be brought to the LCF… this is a petition that is being brought from the hopeful Region feeling that no other committee would be able to help make these decisions and need the outcome to perform at the World Conference for Regional work.
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Dawn M. – I speak against, as it is disrespectful, I believe this piece is appropriate at its normal placing in the agenda of this conference, I can see no reason as to why it should be taken out of order, it speaks against our WSM and the agenda of this meeting and states that this is more important than the other new business items. I understand that the opportunity has been met for the curated information to be available, and perhaps it has been discussed, but I do not believe there has been enough time to comprehensively review this material and make this decision.
Kevin M.- I speak in favor – the chair has repeatedly reminded us of the possibility of losing the quorum on Sunday, I would like to bring the subject forward now to not run that risk.
Jenn S. – I speak against. Today we received three more pieces of information in regard to this petition and it has not been able to be reviewed.
Maya B. – in favor – selfishly, it will have a larger effect on budgets regarding Trustees, and if we are not allowed to do that before this motion is decided, this will push the budget for both this year and next. Bart VDP – I speak in favor of this motion. We considered with our other delegates for a long time. We have the petition from 2005 and asked why not to do it again.
Stu E. – I speak against. I haven’t seen any financial impact for the fellowship that should have become available prior and I would like to see if go through finance before it comes to the floor.
Jason L. – I believe that the requirements of a new region in Europe are known – I speak in favor – I think the finance portion is known, as we have just recently gone over these as a Conference regarding the Euro Region. If we do it now it can be added to the budget before we continue our Committees, and then not adjusted afterwards. If we intend on keeping it about face we should take this out of order. We would need to have a Trustee aligned for this Region before the Convention next year – which is early – if we know for sure that the new Region will exist, we
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can organize ourselves at the active caucus and do this at the beginning of the conference instead of the end. While everyone is already here. Point of order –
Cynthia C. – is this motion debatable?
pause for deliberation.
Trevor S. – my apologies to the floor. this motion is not debatable. Please forget what you just heard. My sincere apologies. hopefully it won’t happen again.
Please prepare yourselves to vote for the motion of suspension of the rules to discuss the mainland euro region petition out of order from new business. This must meet the ⅔ vote.
for – a, and against – c
Vote (question 3 is null and we will redo)
Point of order
Tom P. – In our manual we have our parliamentary guidelines we have a ‘simple suspension requires a simple majority’ in the suspended rules section.
Trevor S. – Tom please come up here, also Mr M.
We are going to ask for a 10 minute break to ensure the right response here.
Trevor S. – Order please. I wish anyone else in this room was me. We have arrived at a situation I have never seen on this conference floor. A simple suspension requiring a simple majority vs. a motion to suspend the rules requires ⅔’s votes. 363 “Any particular item of business can be taken up out of its proper order by adopting a motion to suspend the rules by a two-thirds vote, although it is usually arranged by unanimous consent. “
My job is as always to ensure you I am allowing the fairness of this floor and of the minority of this floor, and I rule that it will require ⅔’s for this motion to pass on this floor.
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Ernest M.- I am requesting clarification please – the ⅔’s vs. a simple majority – can you clarify why this is your decision?
Trevor S. – this is my best answer: ⅔’s vs. a majority because our manual supersedes the information contained in Robert’s Rules of Order, and it is my job to protect the rights of the minority of this floor. If you are taking away anyone’s rights, or rescinding a vote, because an overwhelming majority must be in favour in order to be fair. Appeal Decision of the Chair –
Cynthia C. – point of order – I did not hear a second Seconded
Nathan B. – suspending the rules…
Jay F. – Point of Order – he is debating the motion, not the underlying decision of the chair
Russell S. – Please continue Nathan.
Nathan B. – Page 84 indicates that a simple majority is required in order to facilitate a motion of this kind.
Kevin M. – While I supported the motion to suspend the rules, I also support the chair because he is right. When we make a change to the agenda, we need to protect the rights of the voters. There is something in our manual that is wrong. We have always required a ⅔’s majority. It should have been appealed at the beginning of this session rather than after business had already been conducted.
Tom P. – I speak in favour of this motion – the manual may be wrong but it is conscious of this floor.
Paul S. – I have a question – is the agenda an SR 14 item?
Russell S. – parts of it are, yes.
Paul S. – The manual requires a ⅔’s vote and thus I am in favour of the chairs appeal.
Justine K. – We are talking about the WSM that contradicts itself and I am wondering which part we are to support.
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Stu E. – I am in favour of the Chair – when the WSM is conflicted, we are to follow Robert’s Rules of Order and fix our manual.
Michael C. – I speak in favour of the Chair’s decision. We found something that needs to be changed in the WSM. Let’s get back to the main motion.
Rose J. – Page 80 of the WSM it has 2 examples – simple suspension or a standing rule 11 which takes ⅔’s.
Ian Y. – Can I call the question?
Dwanna R. – Parliamentary Inquiry – When I read from the manual, to make an appeal, it indicates that is possible only when it is a debatable motion.
Russell S. – Please hold for a moment. Normally in a position like this, you cannot appeal my decision. Please give me a couple of moments for review.
Russell S. – Robert’s Rules of Order – “even when the motion is not debatable, the chair can give a reason for his decision without leaving the Chair.” are we clear? Trevor, would you now like to speak to your decision?
Trevor S. – my apologies, our hands are tied by procedure as well, we may be tired, etc. What I want to say is this from Robert’s Rules of Order – “parliamentary procedure enables the overall membership of an organization – expressing its will generally through the assembly of its members – both to establish and empower effective leadership as it wishes, and at the same time to retain exactlyh the degree of direct control over its affairs that it chooses to reserve to itself.”
Russell S. -Please prepare yourselves to vote whether you wish to support or overturn the decision of the chair.
Vote #4 Clicker
support – a; overturn – c
Support 138/ Overturn 32
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Trevor S. – We are going to get back to voting on the motion to suspend
the rules. The motion was to suspend the rules and have a new business item out of order.
Vote #5 Clicker
a – for and c – against
for 141/ against 32
This motion passes with substantial unanimity.
Trevor S. – At this point I have nothing on the floor. We can now make a new consideration. I cannot tell the floor what to do, but perhaps someone would like to make a new motion.
Claudia W. – Motion: to recognize a new region as being the Mainland European Region of Cocaine Anonymous. Seconded
Claudia W. – I want to reiterate how this motion came about and why we want to form a new region. The current region is growing fast with 16 areas and the main purpose of our region is inter-area communication. If you have ever tried to learn a new language and conduct business as such, you would know how difficult that can be. There is nothing but love in this petition. There are some fears and uncertainties but we have so much love within our region.
Susan B. – I speak in favour of this motion. This conference has seen much fighting and this is not one of those occasions, this is about serving the newcomers.
Ian Y. – I speak in favour – 13 years ago I was new. There were 3 delegates that were non-American. It has been beautiful to watch this growth. I did not come here with an agenda, but I was curious to see where all areas within this region were going to side in forming this new region. I see all delegates from the European areas in support of a new
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region and i think we should support this decision as they will still be huge regions and this is growth. Let’s support that.
Rose J. – point of information – what areas are included in the mainland? Claudia W. – Thailand, South Africa, Scotland, London, Central UK and Ireland
Rob W. – I speak in favour of this motion. The only cost is for the election trustee committee delegate. The board will appoint a trustee to the new region and they already have a budget for the travel. In the 2013 report it was discussed how do we financially support a new trustee etc. and we made it. How can we let this growth be stifled? Gary M. – I speak in favour – I come from an area that is not english speaking. I also have a question. Many of the Mainland countries are not included in the area and why not?
Trevor S. – Because many of the areas you speak of do not have meetings yet and are not recognized areas.
Harry A. – Request for information – We are going to add a trustee. What are the expenses, and are there any other costs beside a trustee? Trevor S. – No. We have no numbers at this time.
Peter O. – I speak in favour – I think Ian covered it. It is an enormous growth in Cocaine Anonymous and I hope one day we are debating Southeast Asia becoming an area.
Trevor S. – Perhaps we should ask if there is any opposition that wishes to speak.
Stu E. – Question – my understanding is that you are incorporating all of the mainland and the rest of the world except the British Isles. How do you consider all of that as being the Mainland Europe? Could we rename the region? Or is that housekeeping?
Trevor S. – It is not housekeeping and it can be renamed at another time. Jason L. – I am in favour – We do have a situation. We have gaps in Europe. There are a lot of countries in Europe and there is a huge opportunity for growth. Participation in assembly is currently difficult unless we really slow things down. We have to find others to translate
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in order to support other languages because the variety of languages is so vast. The issues are where the countries’ languages are not primarily English.
opposition – If it’s about language that isn’t right. Portugal seperated because of language. It should be about distance and not about language. It certainly should not be separated down the English channel.
Patrice F. – Call to vote
Trevor S. – Out of order because there is only 1 in opposition that has spoken
Michael C. – I speak in favour –
Trevor S. – I am going to make a ruling and ask if anyone is in opposition. Elizabeth S. – I have a question – who will be the regions trustee and will there be a trustee split within the current regions trustee?
Sarah T. – If the motion is successful, the board will make that decision. Kevin M. – clarify please – is the break down the English channel, or are there areas remaining as part of the region elsewhere?
Claudia W. – If this motion is successful the region will consist of Thailand, South Africa, Scotland, London, Central UK and Ireland. Gary M. – Point of Information – the Quebec area has always been supporting the french speaking areas, just so you are aware, even France.
Kevin M. – Point of Order – a point of information is not providing information to the floor.
Rick K. – Is there anyone opposed to this within the region?
Trevor S. – Is there any opposition to closing debate? Seeing none, please note that the mainmotion is: to recognize the new region of Cocaine Anonymous as Mainland Europe.Prepare yourselves to vote.
Vote #6
for 162/ against 8
motion passes. Welcome Mainland Europe.
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Trevor S. – Please pay attention. I am going to ask by unanimous consent that we extend tonight’s session to hear WSBT’s report. Is there any opposition? Seeing none, please welcome the WSBT. Please hold as we have not received that report as of yet and has not been approved by the Parliamentarian. I am calling a 10 minute break.