COCAINE ANONYMOUS WORLD SERVICE
BOARD OF TRUSTEES
Regular Quarterly Meeting February 15 ,1991 Manhattan Beach, California
Meeting called to order at 7:50 p.m. with quiet time and the Serenity Prayer.
The Twelve Traditions were read.
Roll Call:
Chairman: Ray Grossa, Pacific South
Debbie Breed, Trustee-at-Large
Bob Campbell, Trustee-at-Large
Craig Harris, Mid-West
Reggie L., Pacific South
Jim Scott, Atlantic North
H. Lee Slavin, Southwest
Bill Zimmerman, WSO
Tradition 9 was read in long, and chapter form with discussion.
Personal reports were given.
Tradition 10 was read in long and chapter form with discussion.
Ray asked everyone to look over Old and New Business agenda items. The minutes from November 30, December 1 and 2, 1990, were accepted.
Meeting time was set for Saturday, February 16, 1991, at 9:00 a.m.
Meeting adjourned at 10:30 p.m. with the Serenity Prayer.
Since this report is a confidential C.A. document, for members only, it contains member’s full names. This usage – to facilitate communication within the Fellowship – was approved by the i990 WS Conference. Such confidential use does not, of course, violate in any way our Tradition of Anonymity in public communications media (press, radio, TV, etc).
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Meeting called to order at 9:20 a.m. with quiet time and Serenity Prayer.
The Twelve Traditions and Concepts 1, 2 and 3 were read.
Roll Call:
Chairman: Ray Grossa, Pacific South
Vice Chair: Jack Perry, Atlantic South
Debbie Breed, Trustee-at-Large
Bob Campbell, Trustee-at-Large
Craig Harris, Mid-West
Reggie L., Pacific South
Jim Scott, Atlantic North
H. Lee Slavin, Southwest
Bill Zimmerman, WSO
Personal report was given by Jack Perry.
TRUSTEE COMMITTEE REPORTS:
A. World Service Conference Reports
1) Structure and By-Laws – Bob Campbell
Committee has not met since last Trustee meeting. March 9th is next meeting. Main goal is to combine the Working Guide and Service Manual together.
2) Literature. Chips and Format – Craiz Harris and Bill Zimmerman
Meeting took place today. Information not getting out to the Fellowship is the primary concern of the committee; the committee is doing a great deal of work and nothing is being printed.
Jack Perry reported on C.A. storybook. As of January 30th, twenty stories have been received for the C.A. book. Mailings being sent to all Delegates with release forms Included, They have started researching the correct way to write and publish a book. There was some concern as to the lack of stories received. Suggestion was made to move the deadline to May and possibly have a session at the World Convention for writing stories.
3) Finance – Jim Scott and Jack Perry
Goal is to have draft of financial guidelines ready for the May mailing to all Delegates. Financial statements are still a big concern. Suggested getting a letter out to the Fellowship explaining what happened and what is being done to correct the situation.
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4) Hospitals and Institutions – Lee Slavln
The H & I pamphlet has been corrected and changes made. For the coming quarter, the committee is working on a workshop format that can be used at conventions.
5) World Service Convention – Reggie L. and Ray Gross a
Proceeds from prior fundraising events have approached $17,000. Big event was the Rock and Bowl. Registration forms are being circulated. Ray reported 40,000 registration forms have gone out. Outreach Committee has been less than satisfactory. Spending Committee in place. Two items need to be brought up under New Business: (1) the taping company, and (2) the hearing impaired. Good Registration Committee in place. There was much discussion on the convention budget and finances by Jim. Speakers have been selected: Friday, G.W. Taylor, L.A.; Saturday, Emily A., AZ; Banquet, Terrance Gorsky, Chicago; and Closing speaker, Sam Hardy, CA. Much more discussion on finances, treasurer, etc. for convention. Bob feels everything is going smoothly and efficiently. Everyone is doing a good Job. Not to worry.
There was much concern about the new chairperson for the Montreal Convention not being notified that he was the new chairperson until a few weeks ago. Jim gave report on Montreal. Jim received copy of hotel contract. Rates are expensive. He will go up to Montreal sometime in the next two months for a Convention Committee meeting and help out. There was discussion about possibly moving the date of the convention from Memorial Day weekend, as this is a very busy time of year for the city. Tax exempt status in Canada was discussed. Taxes are very high, 17 percent. Bob stated we need to see some real money figures before the next Conference.
6. Public Information – Debbie Breed
The chairperson for the committee is Carla. Will have a report ready for the Delegate mailing in March. Loner’s Group Guidelines and PSA information were distributed.
7. Conference – Ray Grossa
Committee met last Saturday and elected Burton C. as new chairperson. Ray, Burton and Helene toured possible sights for next WS Conference. Burton will be receiving bids in a few weeks. Conference Committee will have a workshop at the convention in May. Taping of the WS Conference was discussed. It has been costing $4,000 to have the Conference taped and transcribed. It was suggested to keep taping the Conference, but no longer have it transcribed.
This would save money. Consider hiring someone from outside the Fellowship to take down motions and other Important items. Looking at having some type of a luncheon event during the WS Conference this year. Datashow with overhead projector and Barcode were discussed for possible use at WS Conference.
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B. Trustee Literature and Publication Committee – Bill Zimmerman
Items the committee has been working on are:
- Banner – Sample of material for banner was shown. Two banners printed. Cost is $30 each for the first 50 banners.
- World Directory is ready to go. Waiting for final bid which will be coming this week. Printing should be done by May 1st.
- Newsgram will be distributed during the next two weeks. Winter version. Newsgram is distributed to areas with their chip and literature orders.
- Craig reported The Connection is being worked on. Have been receiving mostly poetry. Is there a budget for production? Do we want to combine the Newsgram with The Connection? Craig and Bill will set up a plan and make a decision.
- The following literature has not been printed yet: (1) Tools in Recovery, (2) First Thirty Days, (3) A Higher Power, (4) 26 Tips, and (5) pocket card. These are all ready to go, just not printed because of finances.
C. Trustee Conference Committee – Ray Grossa
Helene is new chairperson. This committee takes care of the working part of Conference; for example, copiers, computers, Delegate binders, arranging Conference schedules, etc. Committee consists of five members. Suggested to have a theme for the Conference.
D. Trustee Finance Committee – Jack Perry and Jim Scott Nothing to report.
E. Trustee Hospitals and institutions Committee – H. Lee Slavin Nothing to report.
F. Trustee Public Information Committee – Debbie Breed
Minutes from the CAWSOPI meeting held February 2, 1991, were distributed. Suggested C.A. slogans were distributed and will be sent out with mailing. Debbie has been very busy with the PR firm last two months. PR packet was distributed. She feels the PR firm is still doing a great Job. Asked everyone to please look over packet.
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Received letter from the Pentagon wanting to meet with committee. Arranged a meeting which went well. Ten people shared at meeting. The Pentagon representatives will be putting together a report for the Major General.
Voice of America interview took place yesterday and went very well. The word is definitely getting out to the public.
The committee feels they need the PR firm’s help for the convention. Will discuss further in New Business.
G. Trustee Unity and Identity Committee – Lee and Debbie Breed
Distributed statement concerning C.A. speakers. “Our Primary Purpose” was approved and will be printed in Newsgram. It was suggested once again to have some workshops on Unity at convention.
H. Trustee Nominating Committee – H. Lee Slavin Candidates from Pacific North area are Kelly L. and Mike P.
I. Trustee Negotiating Committee – Bay Grossa
Burton C. will be helping with hotel selections and Greg will take over from there. This is a one man committee.
J. Trustee Legal Committee – Jack Perry & Bob Campbell
Will need $500 for Canadian trademark. Jack will contact Bernie on tax exempt status.
Bob will be the liaison and oversee the two attorneys from L.A. who will be working on specific C.A. affairs. These are: (1) to make sure corporate books are in order, and (2) try to get some type of generic by-laws package together for Fellowship concerning nonprofit organization.
Bob has not contacted Bernie concerning use of C.A. logo on jewelry, etc. He will do this.
Meeting adjourned for lunch at 12:45 p.m. Meeting re-called to order at 2:15 p.m.
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2. CHAIRPERSON REPORT – Ray Grossa
Ray distributed the following report and asked that it be included in the minutes.
CHAIRPERSON’S ACTIVITY REPORT – FIRST QUARTER
Meetings Attended
WSO 9
Trustees 3
1991 Convention 3
Convention Spending 2
Conference 3
Accounting 3
Total Meetings 23
Phone Calls
Re: Trustees 106
Re: WSO 113
Re: WS Convention 29
Re: WS Conference 14
Re: Accounting 13
Re: Area & Delegates 29
Re: Outside Fellowship 10
Total Phone Calls: 314
3. AA REPORTS – Jim Scott
Nothing to report.
4. WSO & LONER’S GROUP – Bill Zimmerman
Cary C, and Brian N. are working very well. Lots of help from Cary, Brian and Ray. Items accomplished or in progress include:
- Loner’s program is being handled by Helene.
- Amy installed new inventory software package.
- Donation gratitude list will be published in The Connection. Thank you letters will be sent to areas that send in donations.
- Chip distribution situation was discussed.
- Working on Conference Committee budgets. Want to set up some rules for these committees as to what can be spent.
- WSO Board Manual. Brian is handling.
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- Rekeyed office. Keys were distributed.
- David will receive seven paid holidays.
- Office manager ad was placed. Received responses. Sent applications back, made appointments and Interviewed applicants. One person was very qualified for the position but took another job. Now we have the system down and will keep looking. Starting process over.
- Collecting archives of the Fellowship. Cary is in charge of this.
- Implemented new way of working with David. At each Board meeting David is given a list of items the Board wants accomplished. Phone bill down 70 percent, Bill feels David is doing better and is more helpful.
- Copies of starter kit follow up letter have been sent out to the Trustees whose areas have requested kits. Suggest Delegates follow up and see if new meetings are actually getting started.
- Some missing checks were found at the WS office. They were from chip and literature orders which had already been filled but checks were lost and never cashed. Have contacted those areas explaining what happened and to ask if WSO can still cash checks. Also offered to pay for any costs involved with stopping payment on the lost checks.
- Need to select a treasurer for the WSO Board of Directors. Mitch B. would be a good candidate. His qualifications were discussed. He does a lot of service work and is very active at WS office,
- Procedures were discussed on how orders and payment checks are now being handled. Ray was very pleased with the way WSO is improving.
- There was discussion about a previous chip order that was never sent out but check was cashed. Also, someone only received 1,000 registration forms when they asked for 3,000. Much discussion about the fact that the person in charge needs to be more service oriented and do things correctly. Some felt it Is really important to get an office manager for the job. Someone who will do things properly.
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REGIONAL REPORTS:
A. Midwest – Craig Harris
Are discussing an Ohio Area Conference. Second annual Tri-State Convention in April, Craig will attend. Service Assembly held March 9th in Omaha. New chairperson is Steve B. Got a call from David about Milwaukee wanting to print literature locally. What they want to know is can they print a few pieces of old literature on their own. Chicago has a lot of energy and support in north suburban area.
B. Atlantic South – Jack Perry
There are two Delegates in the area; Jack spoke at Dance Around The World, Very active Fellowship. He sat in on convention meeting. They are going to make a bid for the 1993 World Convention.
C. Southwest – H. Lee Slavin
Texas now has 97 meetings; Colorado 35; New Mexico 13; Dallas 2; Oklahoma 22. First Southwest Regional Convention will be in Colorado April 8, 9 and 10.
Texas Convention August 17, 18 and 19, Eight new meetings in ghettos. Thirty-three people attended the service area meeting. Made $3,000 profit at last convention. Did Traditions Workshop in Oklahoma. Working on getting meetings into the jails in Houston.
D. Pacific North – Bob Campbell
Went to Park City for convention and to the Oregon Convention. Oregon Convention made a small profit. Fellowship there is very supportive of World Service. Regional Assembly was held and went well. Utah area very active in the Fellowship with a lot of dances. Washington area needs some help; not much support. Debbie and Bob put on a Trustee Workshop in Oregon.
E. Atlantic North – Jim Scott
Philadelphia is going well. Regional Assembly is March 16 in Stanford, Connecticut. Very encouraged about the New York area. Task is to get a central office set up there. New Jersey attended the Area Service Meeting.
Rhode Island has H & I Committee established. Connecticut has elected alternate Delegate. Not in touch lately with Boston or Rhode Island. Montreal is upset that the new chairperson was not informed earlier of his selection. Jim will try and smooth things out. New York-Connecticut Convention July 4.
F. Pacific South – Reggie L.
Registration forms have been sent out for the convention in Palm Springs. Meetings are growing. Service work is increasing with more people involved. California Central is struggling with meetings. Service structure is weakening.
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Regional meeting in March. There is much interest. C.A. in the L.A. area is very strong with a lot of people with time participating.
Bill Z. reported on the San Diego area. Two years ago there were only 16 meetings in the San Diego area, now there are 34. Dance Around the World and Write Around the World are coming up.
Bob C. reported on the San Fernando, San Gabriel and Long Beach areas. Bob attends the Area Service Committee meeting on a regular basis, San Gabriel Valley is moving along. This is a very small area with many H & I meetings each month. Very strong Fellowship. Write Around The World was two weeks ago and Dance Around The World is tonight. There is a lot of unity in Pacific South.
G. Trustee At Large Report – Debbie Breed
Went to Atlanta in December. They are real enthusiastic there. Chaired Pacific North Service Assembly. Going to Connecticut in two weeks. Much energy is being put into events in Chicago area. Letter from Chicago Health Bureau was distributed.
6. OLD BUSINESS:
A. WSBT Minutes Being Sent –
Minutes from the last meeting were approved and will be sent out. It was suggested to put disclaimer on front page of minutes.
B. Liability Letter – Finished
C. Tina G. Letter- Finished.
D. WSO Office Manager – Already discussed. Starting process over.
E. Trustees Plaques – Sample was distributed. Ray will get bids,
F. WSBT Manuals – Jim has nothing to report.
G. Selling C.A. Merchandise – Bob will bring letter tomorrow.
H. Nonprofit Number Letter – Letter written. Look over for tomorrow.
I. WSO Treasurer –
Propose a hands off treasurer who is finance oriented. It is time to let an accounting firm handle everything, Treasurer will not need an accounting background as such. They will get reports from the accounting firm.
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J. Local C.A. Areas Not Filing Tax Returns –
K. Fred K. Check – Received cashier check for full amount.
L. Canadian Trademark – Report already given,
M. Trademark Watch Service- Finished.
N. Child Care Liability at Conventions ~
Insurance would be very expensive. Suggest to provide child care by volunteers. Insurance agent says child care is a very hazardous situation.
After much discussion the consensus was to have volunteers handle child care.
O. Guidelines for Fundraisers –
Bob C. and H. Lee will work on this together.
P. Trustees Writing Articles –
Debbie and Jack have written articles. All other Trustees please write an article for the Newsgram. This needs to be done.
Q. Founders of C.A. Issue –
Nancy has written something for Newsgram. Finished.
R. Serenity Shops –
Trustees did some checking. A place was found that sold C,A. key chains.
Also, one place had a box with the C.A. logo on it which contained C.A. speaker tapes for sale. Much discussion. Jack will get answers for this on using the C.A. logo or name.
S. Protecting the Fellowship – Liability ~
T. Wendells Contract –
Wendells does not require a certain number of coins to be ordered per year. Quality of coins has changed. Everyone felt the new metal was different. They want a commitment from us. Bob will work on getting a better deal. The die no longer costs us. If the die gets worn, they will replace the die. Bill suggested getting more quotes. Bob and Bill will get additional bids.
U. Associate Editors Publication – Finished.
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V. Future and Direction of C.A. –
Letter was distributed. Please read over and we will discuss under New Business.
W. New Trustee Letter/Foiders –
Jim will work on this. Nothing done yet.
7. WSO – OLD BUSINESS:
A. Literature Copyright – Nothing done yet. Bill will handle this.
B. Hazelden Report – Will cover under New Business.
C. WSO Spending Committee – Bill will work on guidelines.
D. Tax Exempt Postage Permit – Bob will work on this.
E. Legal Papers Being Received by Attorney – Bob will have a report next Trustee meeting.
F. World Directory –
This directory will be for sale at the World Convention in May.
G. Office Manual – Bill Z. is working on this.
H. Spanish Translations –
Bill is waiting for the new literature to be published in order to continue with this.
I. WSO By-Laws – Brian N. is taking care of this.
Meeting time set for 9:00 a.m., Sunday, February 17, 1991.
Meeting adjourned at 6:55 p.m. with the Lord’s Prayer.
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Meeting called to order at 9:38 a.m. with quiet time and the Serenity Prayer.
The Twelve Traditions and Concepts 4, 5 and 6 were read.
Roll Call:
Chairman: Ray Grossa, Pacific South
Vice Chair: Jack Perry, Atlantic South
Debbie Breed, Trustee-at-Large
Bob Campbell, Trustee-at-Large
Craig Harris, Mid-West
Reggie L., Pacific South
Jim Scott, Atlantic North
H. Lee Slavin, Southwest
Bill Zimmerman, WSO
8. NEW BUSINESS:
WSO Finances –
Ray reported he took over the checkbook and all bills after Mary resigned. Did not open new account after all. Requested duplicate bank statements for September, October, and November 1990. December statement came at normal time. Asked accountant to balance books. Accountant’s report was distributed and discussed. The accountant does not feel any money was taken, Just sloppy bookkeeping. He will now go back through the whole year and see how the books look. Operating account was in the best shape. Payroll account still needs some work done. Accountant spent ten hours on balancing the books.
Summary list of activity for October, November and December 1990, that the accountant put together from the checkbook, was distributed. Accountant will do a separate report like this for each month, including an inventory list. Discussion on report. Accountant is also making a general ledger package.
Much discussion on accrual accounting. Bob C. felt the following were important to have: (1) a cost item list for literature and chips, (2) inventory report, and (3) a user friendly document for Fellowship. Much more discussion on cash basis and accrual basis. There was discussion on what type of report would be best to send to the Fellowship. General Ledger report was distributed. Bob made motion that General Ledger be sent to chairperson of Finance Committee and have him send it out to his committee members. Seconded and carried. Final decision was to: (1) send cash basis statements to Fellowship and print it in the Newsgram, and (2) send General Ledger to Trustees and chairperson of Finance Committee.
Certain tax returns need to be filed with the IRS and state, Sales tax permit is taken care of. Ray filed state and federal forms for last quarter of 1990. CPA is working with IRS and state to get all past due forms (returns) taken care of.
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When accounting is all cleared up for 1990, the report will be handed over to CPA so he can take care of everything and see about an audit.
Ray distributed a Financial Overview Report for the last 100 days. There was much discussion on what WSO Guidelines are and how to handle expenses for various committees. What are the priorities? What is best for the Fellowship? Much discussion. Will support the various committees if financially possible. Discussion on making better use of conference calls by committee members rather then having meetings. Need to ask committees to cut back on expenses.
Trustees need to set example and trim their expenses also. We need to have the Finance Committee prepare a budget for Conference Committee expenses. Bob felt the top priority was the C.A. Book. Much more discussion. It was suggested to look at ways to produce more revenue for the Fellowship. Things that fulfill longer term goals with longer term payoffs. More discussion. Bill asked Finance Committee to do some financial planning as one of their main goals. Think of marketing ways to produce revenue. Jim will get together with his committee and see what can be done about the 70/30 plan. It is important to get the financial statements out to the Fellowship. Get Finance Committee more Involved. Jim will see about forming a sub-committee of about three people, which will serve as Spending Committee to review everything.
Main points to summarize discussion: (1) get statements out with cover letter, (2) Finance Committee setting priorities for expending money for various committees, and (3) staying in communication.
Jim will write a memo that will be mailed out to Delegates explaining what has gone on in the last 4-6 months. This will go out at a later date.
B. Selling Chips to Nonfellowship Suppliers –
Much discussion. Was decided this needs to be brought before the Conference. Put on agenda.
C. WS Convention –
Much discussion on how to handle those who could not afford to register, opening meeting up, and having reserved seats for the hearing impaired.
After much discussion, it was decided to have American Audio do the taping at the 1991 World Convention in Anaheim.
D. Public Relations Firm –
Debbie reported her committee wants help with the upcoming convention. Wants to start using the PR firm. If we do continue the PR firm, give them specific directions on how to carry the message. Three more bids from PR firms will be brought before the Conference. After much discussion, it was decided to keep the PR firm on hold. Debbie asked if the PR firm could be used for a flat rate
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for the convention only, to help deal with the press. Discussion. .Debbie will, work on a proposal with the PR firm to see what they would charge.
E. Montreal Convention Contract –
Jim S. will work with Greg and Robert. Please review contract that was distributed. Room rates are high. Can we get tax exempt status in Canada? What about the convention being on Memorial Day weekend? What about looking at another hotel? Much discussion. It was decided to look at having the convention on a different weekend. Jim will continue to pursue this,
F. 12 Steps/12 Traditions Fellowship Workshop –
Debbie distributed flyer on this and asked if any of the Trustees were going. Some Trustees expressed an Interest in attending. Debbie will research this further.
G. Storyboard –
Information was distributed for everyone to review. Much discussion on whether or not this kind of advertising would appeal to someone who is using and bring them into treatment. It was decided to keep researching, do it right, and come up with a better storyboard for May.
H. Japanese Translation –
Debbie reported they have someone who is willing to translate the C.A. literature to Japanese.
I. Washington D.C. Pentagon Meeting –
Held meeting. Debbie stated when given “information” like this, we (C.A.) have no opinion. We (C.A.) did not respond to the Pentagon as C.A. We responded as individual C.A. members. However, our actions at the meeting did indeed reflect on C.A. It was our individual opportunity to carry the message of recovery through C.A. It does not matter what the Pentagon motives were. It was our opportunity to share where it might be useful to carry the message. Jack stated that knowing what he does now, he would not make it C.A.’s business again. Much discussion. Debbie did a good Job in organizing the meeting.
J. Conflict of Interest for Trustees –
Bob C, will start writing something on this.
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K. Thomas A. Tabet Letter –
Bob C. discussed the following Items from the Thomas A. Tabet letter dated November 24, 1990:
- Bob C. stated they recommend changing the ratio of meetings per Delegate from 15 to 20. Discussion, It was suggested to look at what AA does and see how it can work for us. Keep Delegate count to somewhere around 100.
- Bob asked everyone to look over the nonprofit letter and contact him with any comments. Letter will go out in Newsgram. Finished.
- Bob C. will ask AA for permission to use the 12 Steps and 12 Traditions in our Service Guide Appendix.
- Start working on writing our own Concepts at a committee level.
- Bob C. wants to get started on the process for selecting a Nonaddict Trustee.
- Thinking of having 500 copies of the Service Manual made up for WSO and Delegates at Conference. The Guide and Manual will be combined. They will decide how many copies need to be made. There are a few conflicts between the Guide and the Manual. The committee will review them again and draw up questions for Conference approval.
L. Reprint of Personal Recovery Journal –
Craig stated they wanted permission to reprint our 12 Steps and 12 Traditions in the Journal. Proceed.
M. WSO Table at WS Convention –
Ray G. suggested having a table at the convention where the Trustees could give out information. The Trustees would donate their time.
SCHEDULE:
Meeting time for the next CAWSBT meeting was set for Tuesday, May 21, 1991, at 7:30 p.m. at the Marriott Hotel in Anaheim, California.
Meeting adjourned at 2:40 p.m. with the Lord’s Prayer.
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