Sep 3, 2015 – Daily Summary – Day 2 – WSBT – Opening Report

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Tony D. – Good morning. Starts session at 8 AM. Open with the Serenity Prayer. Melissa will read “Who is a Cocaine Addict?”

Melissa W. reads “Who is a Cocaine Addict?”

Tony D. – Thank you. At this time we will start with roll call.

Tony D. – 141 votes, 94 quorum. Next up is WSBT. TEC will be after them.

Brian T. – Gives opening report.

OPENING REPORT C.A. WORLD SERVICE CONFERENCE 2015

WORLD SERVICE BOARD OF TRUSTEES REPORT

INTRODUCTION AND OPENING COMMENTS:

Your WSBT have worked diligently throughout the year within what our World Service Manual clarifies as ‘the broadest scope of any branch of our service structure’. Our WSM goes on to state that it is the responsibility of your WSBT to help deal with anything that affects C.A. as a whole, either internally or externally. All things that may endanger the existence of our Fellowship or limit are growth is of concern to your WSBT.

As principle financial planners for the fellowship we have continued to review revenue/expenditure and discussed options for remaining within the fellowships budgetary parameters.

Last year’s rotation has allowed for the relationship between your WSBT and WSOB to be the most effective and harmonious I’ve seen it during the 4 years I’ve served as a trustee. Kudos to Richard L. and the WSOB on the efficiency and performance over the last year. It’s been a pleasure to be able to work with you all and we commend your hard work and commitment over the past year.

With various projects and discussions ongoing, many falling under ‘Finance’, ‘International Structure and Development’ and ‘Long Term Planning’ to name but a few, your WSBT continue to explore avenues and opportunities to support and assist in our fellowships effectiveness regarding our principle spiritual aim…to carry the C.A. message to the addict that still suffers around the world.

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This year your WSBT participated in the following activities and business:

    • Regular quarterly WSBT meetings
    • Regular Board to Board meetings and/or meetings with individual members of the WSOB
  • Ratified new WSOB DAL positions
  • Voted in WSOB Chair & Treasurer
  • Participated in CAWS2015 in Las Vegas
  • Addressed copyright issues around the world
  • Addressed various legal issues with regards CAWS Inc and CAWSO Inc
  • Submitted articles for publication in NewsGram
  • Reviewed and approved each quarterly edition of NewsGram
  • Supported ongoing Regional Trustee travel and remained within and in most cases under budget for Trustee travel.
  • Addressed email correspondence, crafting responses and responded accordingly
  • Addressed all referrals submitted
  • Regular participation in various conference committee activities including reviewing and signing off new guidelines
  • Reviewed and negotiated various contracts on behalf of C.A. including but not exclusively upcoming CAWS Conventions
  • Preparing minutes from WSBT meetings and calls for inclusion in delegate mailings throughout the year.

I would like to take this opportunity to introduce your current WSBT:

  • Ira L. – World Service Trustee
  • Frank P. – World Service Office Trustee
  • Rob W. – Trustee at Large/European Regional Trustee
  • Jay P. – South West Regional Trustee
  • Deborah G. – Pacific North Regional Trustee
  • Anne B. M. – Atlantic South Regional Trustee / WSBT Assistant Secretary
  • Yves W. – Atlantic North Regional Trustee / WSBT Secretary
  • Duane M. – Pacific South Regional Trustee /WSBT Vice Chair
  • Brian T. – Midwest Regional Trustee /WSBT Chair

We will now hear the individual ‘at conference’ reports from WSBT members,

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World Service Trustee – At Conference Report – August 2015

Respectfully submitted by Ira M. L.

WSBT Service/activities/committees/duties

  • 2015 LAS VEGAS CONVENTION EXPERIENCE –With over 100 BEO’s signed, a huge hotel personnel turnover, and weather concerns
  • Entertainments contracts for the 2015 Convention
  • Golf event contract for the 2015 Convention
  • A/V contract for 2015 Convention, etc., etc.
  • 2016 Convention hotel contract signing for Chicago
  • 2017 Convention hotel contract signing for Seattle
  • 2018 Convention contract may be imminent
  • Telephone and Internet Contract
  • Book Contract negotiations
  • Trademarks and Copyrights
  • Worked with our C.A. lawyer
  • Website project
  • European Fulfillment Center DISCUSSION
  • Trustee Election Committee
  • 2015-2017 Conference Contract with the Sheraton Gateway
  • Communicating with the WS Convention Committee
  • Working with the WS Conference Committee
  • Attending the WSOB meetings and participating in on-line business
  • Working with the WS Trustees via e-mail, phone, and during Quarterly Meetings
  • Continued to study the Steps, the Traditions, the Concepts, and Robert’s Rules of Order

Comments:

As I now turn around for my third year and look over my shoulder at the past year of accomplishments by the many wonderful people in our fantastic fellowship of Cocaine Anonymous – I am incredibly amazed! As the World Service Trustee, the Lead Negotiator of the Trustee Negotiating Committee, the Lead Trustee for the World Service Convention Committee, the second Trustee on the Conference Committee, and an active member of the World Service Office Board, I have had the opportunity to work with some of the best service junkies in all of C.A.

I would like to sincerely thank them for keeping me sober and allowing me to be of service. I would also like to thank them for allowing me to run my very opinionated mouth often and at great length, with and without contributory content. I need to thank

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and gratefully acknowledge all the committees and committee members who worked so hard this year, throughout the year. I would like to also thank the great paid workers we have at the WSOB. I am always amazed at how much C.A. can do with so few paid workers and so many unpaid volunteers. I would be remiss if I didn’t thank all those people whose ear I’ve bent for advice and experience, my regular sponsor, my service sponsor, and my lovely wife, Caroline, who has gracefully given me the latitude to fulfill this commitment. Finally, I would like to thank God, who was always there for me and for C.A. For without His help I would be lost.

Thanks to you all, too.

In Love and Service,

Ira M. L.,

World Service Trustee

World Service Office Trustee – At Conference Report – August 2015 Respectfully submitted by Frank P.

WSBT Service/activities/committees/duties

  • Communicated WSOB matters to your WSBT and vice versa
  • Participated in your WSBT Conference call and presented the overview of the WSOB meeting and motions along with the overall business of the WSOB.
  • Participated in various WSOB & WSBT online business and motions
  • Participated in various WSOB & WSBT phone discussions
  • Presented a written Overview of the WSOB board meetings, Reconciled Financials and Individual Board Member reports to your WSBT Board members.
  • Met with DOO and WSOB Chair to discuss various business matters.
  • Met with office staff and volunteer’s office staff and thank them for their continued service.
  • Participate in ongoing discussions with Laurie WSO Treasurer.
  • Participated in various Archive meetings and phone discussions throughout the last quarter.
  • Participated in CAWS2015 in Las Vegas
  • Spoke and met with my Mentor and Buddy to discuss my progress and ask questions.

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WSBT Sub-Committees:

  • Finance
  • Long Term Planning
  • Trustee Election

WSC Committee responsibilities:

  • Archive (Lead Trustee)
  • Unity (Second)

Comments:

I want to say how grateful that I was able to give back what was freely given to us. This past year was filled with many challenges and opportunities that were all met with the commitment necessary to solve them. Progress not perfection.

I was tasked with beginning the process to change our financial year from fiscal to calendar. The fellowship guided me to the correct path to achieve the results necessary to put this on the conference floor.

The WSO office is operating well and the employees and volunteers are always upbeat and positive. The office has updated the phone system, internet connections and reduced costs also.

The financial condition continues to improve over the year and we ended with a plus $60,000.00. A detailed report is available for review

The Archive committee meets and I always attend the meetings and help with all the different tasks we have to do. We added a scanner and laptop from an anonymous donor. The WSO donated a laptop and desktop computer to the list of equipment dedicated to the Archive committee. We received donations and materials from Bob L., Ray G., Bob C., Steve A. and many other members continue to send their materials to the WSO for entry to the archives.

Thank you for allowing me to be of service

Frank P., WSOT

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Trustee at Large and European Regional Trustee – At Conference Report –

August 2015

Respectfully submitted by Rob W.

WSBT Service/activities/committees/duties

  • 2014 – 2015 Visits
    • South West Regional Convention Wichita KS 10-17-2014 o Steering Committee Meeting in Las Vegas 10-10-2014
    • Scotland Area Convention 10-23-14
    • Holland District South Meeting 10-26-2014
    • Denmark Convention 11-21-2014
    • Sussex District meeting
    • WSBT board meeting in LA 12-5-2014
    • CAUK Area Convention 2-28-2015
    • Holland District South Meeting o Holland Area Inventory
    • Steering Committee Meeting in Las Vegas 2-22-15
    • Colorado Area Convention CoCaCo 3-14-15
    • Frankfort Unity Day (European Assembly) 4-11-2015
    • CAWS 15 Las Vegas 5-22-2015
    • Holland Area Convention 6-19-2015
    • Washington State Area Inventory 7-13-15
    • NACP Washington DC 7-26-2015
  • Participated on all Trustee conference calls
  • Participated on all online email correspondence/Yahoo group
  • Participated at all WSBT Quarterly Meetings
  • Participated in all Board to Board Meetings
  • Participated on most LCF Conference calls
  • Participate on the South West Regional Yahoo group
  • Participated at the National Association of Drug Court Professionals
  • Participated on some IT calls
  • Respond to emails and phone messages.
  • Assisted in responses to the fellowship
  • Inquired with Hazelton to stock C.A. book’s
  • Colorado Area Meeting 3 times

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WSBT Sub-Committees:

  • Long Term Planning

WSC Committee responsibilities:

  • Literature, Chips and Formats Committee
  • CAWS 2015
  • IT Committee

Comments:

It’s been a pleasure serving the fellowship of Cocaine Anonymous this year, many exciting things have happened. Stepping into the role as a regional trustee was a great experience. When you hired me at my first board meeting I made a comment that I felt like I was a man without a country. Soon after that I was voted in as the trustee for the Las Vegas convention. Then I was put in place to fulfill the duties of the European Regional Trustee. I went from homeless to ½ the world overnight. What an honor it has been, I would like to thank them for all the warn welcome and opportunity to serve a growing and vibrant region, The CAWS 15 convention was Epic. We executed a convention in an area with a small fellowship but hopefully it will have a long and positive impact on them. I would like to thank the Las Vegas fellowship for their support.

A Quiet Peace your prayer and meditation book is now in its 2nd printing.

I’d like to thank you for the opportunity to serve Cocaine Anonymous as one of your Trustees, it is truly an honor. I am grateful and proud to be a member of C.A. Respectfully submitted,

In service and love

Rob W.

Trustee at Large and European Region trustee

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Southwest Regional Trustee – At conference Report – August 2015 Respectfully submitted by Jay P.

WSBT Service/activities/committees/duties

  • Participated on all Trustee conference calls
  • Participated on all online email correspondence/Yahoo group
  • Participate on the Southwest Regional online email correspondence/Yahoo group
  • Address any correspondence regarding the region that is received by the World Service Office.
  • Respond to emails and phone messages.
  • Assist the board in responses to the fellowship
  • Attended the SWR Regional Convention/Assembly (October 2014)
  • 2014 – 2015 Area visits
  • Arizona Area Convention o Kansas SWR convention o North Texas Area meeting
  • Participated at all Quarterly meetings, and on Conference calls.
  • Attended and served the CAWS 2015 Convention in Las Vegas

WSBT Sub-Committees

  • Trustee Negotiation Committee
  • Long Term Planning
  • TEC Chair

WSC Committee responsibilities:

  • Finance Committee ( lead)
  • H & I ( second)

Comments:

I have the privilege of serving the Southwest. The Southwest Area continues to grow and inspire. Here are a few examples:

Arizona, Had its 29th State convention a few months and the attendance was exceptional. During the main speaker meeting on Saturday night it was estimated to have 1400 people attending. They welcomed a new district to the Arizona Area in northern Arizona where some young members are carrying the message to the addict.

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North Texas is continuing to grow and will host the 2018 Southwest Regional Convention; they have been a bright spot in the Southwest Region

Colorado’s Public Information Committee is on fire. They have been presenting to governmental agencies in Colorado. They are putting a great deal of effort to ensure that the message of recovery and inclusiveness is accessible to the addict in their state.

Your WSBT board has been a cohesive group. It has been a healthy board that I for one am proud to be serving on. The diversity of the board is its strength and each and every trustee brings a fresh and unique perspective. Last year was relatively calm and we were able to once again come well under budget.

There are some projects that are taking some time to get completed. In part, wanting to make sure they are done right. Patience is rarely easy. But I have learned that it is an endearing character trait.

In closing – We have a lot of work to do. We are a capable fellowship. We have a message that is available to all. We have the willingness to allow our members young and old to have a voice here. Let’s continue to nurture the first Tradition, CA unity.

Respectfully submitted –

Jay P.

SWRT

Pacific North Regional Trustee at Conference Report, August 2015 Respectfully submitted by Deborah G., PNRT

WSBT Service/activities/committees/duties

Pacific North Regional Trustee

  • Participated on all conference call
  • Participated at all Quarterly meetings
  • Participated on all online email correspondence/Yahoo group
  • Participate on the Pacific North Regional online email correspondence/Yahoo group
  • Addressed correspondence regarding the Region that is received by the World Service Office
  • Respond to emails and phone messages.
  • Assist the board in responses to the fellowship

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  • Attended the PNRC Regional Convention/Assembly (April 2015)
  • 2014-2015 Area visits
    • 2017 CAWS Steering Committee meeting
    • PNRC Salt Lake City, UT
    • CAWS 2015 Convention in Las Vegas, NV o Anniversary Meeting in San Francisco, CA

WSBT Sub-Committees:

  • News Gram

WSC Committee responsibilities:

  • Unity
  • H&I Committee

Comments:

Wow, I don’t know where to begin. This year has been a very special year for me. There have been many trials and tribulations, not only as a trustee, but in my life period. I am glad to say that my Higher Power has seen me through it all. The Fellowship of Cocaine Anonymous taught me a long time ago that I could make it through anything without picking up a drug or a drink. For this I am grateful to have this humbling experience.

I came to this conference floor in 2010 as an Alternate Delegate for Northern California. Little did I know that I would be coming back for the next four years as a delegate. When my time was up, I thought that was the end of my trips to the conference for awhile, but then I was elected as the Pacific North Regional Trustee. Imagine that, an addict like me. I was overwhelmed for a long time until it started to sink in. I have to say, it is a challenge, but one that I am looking forward to. My first year of business was all new to me. Today I look forward to being more involved with my region…getting to know each and every one of you. I thank God first and foremost, and all of you for allowing me to be your humble servant.

Respectfully submitted –

Deborah G.

PNRT

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Atlantic South Regional Trustee / WSBT Assistant Secretary – At conference

Report – August 2015

Respectfully submitted by Anne B. M.

WSBT Service/activities/committees/duties

  • Participated at all Quarterly Trustee meetings and Conference calls.
  • Participated at all Board to Board meetings
  • Participated on most of the Conference Committee conference calls throughout the year.
  • Participated on all online email correspondence/Yahoo groups
  • Assisted the Board in responses to the fellowship.
  • Responded to emails and phone messages.
  • Responded and offered assistance to new groups and Areas forming in the region, including in Medellin, Colombia and Selma, Alabama.
  • Assisted active and inactive Areas with trying to get their website meeting information updated and current.
  • Participated with the Atlantic South Regional online email correspondence/Yahoo group
  • Addressed any correspondence regarding the region that has been received by the World Service Office.
  • Attended the 2015 Atlantic South Regional Convention in Birmingham, AL. March 27 – 29, 2015.
  • Attended the CAWS 2015 Convention in Las Vegas, NV

WSBT Sub-Committees:

  • Conference Committee
  • Legal
  • Trustee Outreach

WSC Committee responsibilities:

  • Conference Committee

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Comments:

I would like to thank my Area, my Region and the TEC for this amazing opportunity to serve you, the Fellowship of CA, as your Atlantic South Regional Trustee. I am grateful and humbled by this opportunity. My first year has been filled with fear, anticipation, excitement, anxiety, confidence, frustration, sadness, fatigue, joy and elation. Okay, honestly that was the first day. Now it’s just more of that. And yet, I know y’all know exactly what that feels like.

The Atlantic South continues to be a lively region where new meetings are constantly being born, and Areas are continuing to grow. I was humbled when a member wrote the WSO to order a Starter Kit so he could start a meeting in Medellin, Colombia. He sent us pictures taken at their first meeting and that was exciting to see. To be able to see the message of CA being carried to other countries and continents for the first time fills me with pride and joy for this Fellowship. And seeing us grow closer to home is just as exciting. We have recently had a member start a CA meeting in Selma, Alabama.

I am excited to be a part of this dynamic Trustee Board where spirituality and business meet. I am excited to serve the Fellowship and apply my skill set to the task at hand. Serving the fellowship in this manner has helped me so much in my personal and professional life in ways that I never anticipated. It’s forcing me to evolve and develop new skill sets, which is awesome. I look forward to being of service in the coming year.

Thank you.

Anne M.

Atlantic South Regional Trustee

Atlantic North Regional Trustee / WSBT Secretary – at Conference Report –

August 2015

Respectfully submitted by Yves W.

WSBT Service/activities/committees/duties

  • Participated on Trustee conference calls
  • Participated on online email correspondence/Yahoo group
  • Participated at WSBT Quarterly Meetings
  • Participated in Board to Board Meetings
  • Participated in WSBT Conference calls

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  • Participate on the Atlantic North Regional online email correspondence/Yahoo group
  • Address any correspondence regarding the region that is received by the World Service Office.
  • Worked with WSOB Translation Committee
  • Served as WSBT Secretary
  • Assist the board in responses to the fellowship
  • 2014 – 2015 Area visits
    • Southern Ontario Cocaine Anonymous (SOCA) 18th Annual Convention o New York (CANY) Boat ride around Manhattan
    • Quebec Area 28th Convention and ANR regional assembly
    • Eastern Pennsylvania/New Jersey/Delaware annual convention o Washington DC area
  • Attended CAWS 2015 Convention in Las Vegas, Nevada
  • Attended 2015 NADCP Training conference in Washington, DC
  • Participated on the development of a new version for our CA.ORG website.

WSBT Sub-Committees:

  • International Structure & Development
  • Long Term Planning
  • Trustee Election

WSC Committee responsibilities:

  • Structure & Bylaws Committee
  • Information Technology Committee

Comments:

Suddenly it dawned on me that it is my 3rd Conference as the Atlantic North regional trustee. I am still overwhelmed with the privilege of being of service to my fellows addicts.

What is the most gratifying for me is visiting our fellowship and feeling the love and unity in recovery. Unfortunately, I missed to visit our Massachusetts and Canadian Maritimes areas. It will be my priority for this fall.

Our region is in good health. I am in contact with members in Vermont that have meetings ongoing, helping them to organize a service board. The Canadian Maritime area has revived this year. Quebec area is working hard to complete their CAWS 2018

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Steering committee and they are at work to have the hotel selected and contract signed by the end of the year. New York, Pennsylvania/New Jersey/Delaware and Southern Ontario areas are thriving and Washington DC is having some challenges but is working on them. I keep seeing more young addicts coming to C.A and this goes to my hearth.

Finally, this year brought changes to our board, with 2 new trustees but they jump on board right away and all fell into place quickly and we kept busy at work.

I feel that our fellowship is strong and healthy and where it need to be, carrying our message of hope, faith and courage

I’d like again, to thank you for the opportunity to serve Cocaine Anonymous as one of your Trustees, it is truly an honor. I am a grateful and proud member of C.A.

Respectfully submitted,

In love and service

Yves W.

Atlantic North Regional Trustee & WSBT Secretary

Pacific South Regional Trustee /WSBT Vice Chair – At Conference Report –

August 2015

Respectfully submitted by Duane M.

WSBT Service/activities/committees/duties

  • Participated on all Trustee conference calls
  • Participated on all online email correspondence/Yahoo group
  • Participate on the Pacific South Regional online email correspondence/Yahoo group
  • Address any correspondence regarding the region that is received by the World Service Office.
  • Responded to emails and phone messages.
  • Assist the board in responses to the fellowship
  • Attended the 201 5CALA Convention Indian Wells, CA
    • 2014 – 2015 Area visits
    • CALA Convention
    • CANV Business Meeting
    • CASD Annual Celebration
    • SFVCA H&I Celebration

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  • Participated at all Quarterly Trustee meetings.
  • Participated at all Board to Board meetings
  • Attended the CAWS 2015 Convention in Las Vegas, NV
  • Was under budget for PSR Trustee expenses

WSBT Sub-Committees:

  • Public Information
  • Legal
  • Trustee Election Committee

WSC Committee responsibilities:

  • Public Information

Comments:

First, I thank God, for allowing to me to have my experiences and live to talk about them.

I thank my area, region and the TEC for allowing me the honor and privilege to serve you as you Pacific South Regional Trustee. I thank our WSBT for selecting me as their Vice Chair. It is my hope that my peers have found my service adequate. CA needs you. Your fellowship, the one you love needs you to serve. We need your friends and associates who are not here to serve. To my region, the great Pacific South, check out the office.

We have the unique honor of having the WSO in our region. CA started here, let’s show the world that appreciate that honor by serving the office.

The World Service Office is the central point for information distribution to the planet. The world of Cocaine Anonymous is waiting on you to step up and serve. Cocaine Anonymous is larger than what I can see. Let us venture out of those smaller areas of concern that may have become comfortable. The world of Cocaine Anonymous needs your skill sets, abilities and talents. I am proof that one who came to scoff can remain to pray and serve.

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My third year serving on this board has one of growth and continuing education. The days are long, reports are many and my gratitude is endless. And this is the best gig in the fellowship. If you get the chance you should try it.

Thank you for allowing me to grow and serve.

Duane M.

Your PSRT/WSBT Vice – Chair

Mid West Regional Trustee /WSBT Chair – At Conference Report – August 2015 Respectfully submitted by Brian T.

WSBT Service/activities/committees/duties

  • Participated on all Trustee conference calls
  • Participated on all online email correspondence/Yahoo group
  • Participate on the Midwest Regional online email correspondence/Yahoo group
  • Address any correspondence regarding the region that is received by the World Service Office.
  • Responded to emails and phone messages.
  • Assist the board in responses to the fellowship
  • Attended the 2014 MW Regional Convention/Assembly in Chicago, Illinois
  • 2014 – 2015 Area visits
    • Wisconsin Area Convention
    • Illinois Area Unity Diversity Dinner
    • Tri-State Convention, hosted by Akron, Ohio ( Indiana, Michigan, Ohio)
    • Greater Missouri Area Unity Event
    • Chicago / NW “Left-Over Firecracker” picnic
    • Illinois Inner South City District picnic
  • Participated at all Quarterly Trustee meetings, and on Conference calls.
  • Participated at all Board to Board meetings
  • Attended the CAWS 2015 Convention in Las Vegas, NV
  • Attended all CAWS2016 Steering and General Committee meetings
  • Was in weekly contact with the WSOB Chair
  • Oversaw all WSBT Quarterly and Conference Call meetings
  • Arranged all Quarterly, Conference Call and Board to Board agendas
  • Had regular communication with your WSBT Vice-Chair
  • Was under budget for MWR Trustee expenses

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WSBT Sub-Committees:

  • Finance
  • Orientation
  • Long Term Planning
  • International Structure & Development
  • Trustee Outreach(lead)

WSC Committee responsibilities:

  • Finance Committee
  • Convention Committee
  • H&I Committee(lead)

Comments:

And the journey continues…at least for a little while longer. I have been blessed to be in a region that has great people and a lot of continuity. The Midwest Region has made this ride smooth and relatively painless…so far :).

I have a continued sense of respect and gratitude for those that came before me and am honored by the privilege to serve this fellowship in any way, especially in the manner you all have allowed me to, as the MWR Trustee and this year as your WSBT Chair.

The Midwest Region hosts some of the most mature Areas in our fellowship and some of the smallest and struggling Area’s as well. Learning through experience and listening to those who have come before me has helped me in communicating and educating those Area’s who still struggle. The MW Regional yahoo group has been a wonderful tool to assist us in communicating with each other.

While there have been some spurts of growth, notably Minnesota and Kentucky, some newcomer kits sent to new places, the overall meetings in the region seem to be currently contracting or remaining steady. This is a concern and additional arenas need to be explored by the current areas for the sake of our future.

The 2014 Midwest Regional Convention and Assembly was held just outside Chicago and hosted by the Illinois Area. It was a great event for me and the folks from our region. The Illinois Area did a great job of hosting and bringing some great

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entertainment, and I look forward to this year’s convention in Cleveland, Ohio….as just a good ol’ member.

I was able to attend two conventions throughout the year – the Wisconsin Area and the Tri-State Convention (Indiana, Michigan, and Ohio) which was held this year in Akron, Ohio. I also attended the Greater Missouri Area Unity Day event held in Columbia, Mo. I was honored to be able to share a message of Hope, Faith, and Courage, The event was attended by a few treatment facilities and a wonderful and boisterous fellowship…it was a blast!

The World Convention in Las Vegas rocked, or should I just say it was “epic”!! It was an awesome display of the diversity and power of this fellowship. I am absolutely looking forward to some good ol’ fashion home cooking in “Sweet Home Chicago” in 2016!

Many thanks to my past and current fellow Board members for making my term a smooth and pleasant experience. I can honestly say that even if I knew what I was getting myself into I would absolutely have no problem doing it again. It has been a learning, growing, frustrating, spiritual, loving, awesome experience and I want to give a big shout out to this current board for allowing me the opportunity to lead, grow, learn and enjoy…thanks!

With the support of the Midwest Region and the participation of our Delegates and members throughout the year I have been able to hopefully fulfill my responsibilities as your Midwest Regional Trustee.

So…this is my 15th and final World Service Conference. I have had the honor of serving this body as a Delegate, member, Vice-Chair and Chair of the Finance Committee; as a member and Chair of the Conference Committee; as the Midwest Regional Trustee and the Chairman of the Board; and as my all time favorite position . . . big ol’ nothing! It has been a heck of a ride. Words cannot express my gratitude and love for all those I have served with, all I have learned, and all of you and those who came before you. I can never thank you all but I do want to say a special thanks to a few people who played a special part in my time here. A big shout out and THANK YOU to Heidi J., Elizabeth S., Earl H., John B., Tony D., Spencer B., Tom P., Miss Patty, Robin L., Cynthia C., and of course my sister in sobriety, Kim S.

I also want to especially thank the Board of Trustees for many hours of debate, discussion and psychoanalysis. I’ll send you all my therapy bill :). Thank you to everyone of you for your great work effort, sacrifice of time and family, passion, and

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willingness to go above and beyond the call of duty…you ARE the best and I love you all!

In closing I just want to say…thank you for allowing me to serve this body, CA and the fellowship I love …god bless and THANKS for keeping me sober for another 24!

ILAS

Brian T.

MWRT

 

CORRESPONDENCE/ RESPONSES FROM/TO THE FELLOWSHIP:

MESSAGE:

From: “Cynthia K. C.” < >

To: wsbt@ca.org

Cc: mwrtrustee@gmail.com, ‘Brian T.’ < >, caofwa@gmail.com, wacadelegates@gmail.com

Date: August 24, 2015 at 2:46 PM

Subject: Letter from Washington State C.A

Washington State C.A. would like some clarification regarding the Statement of Policy in the C.A. World Service Manual. At our August Area meeting, a motion was passed to send a letter to your WSBT so that we would have a written response to share with the Area service body. Specifically, we would like guidance on sections B and E:

  1. A Cocaine Anonymous “District,” “Area,” or “Region.”
  2. Any media (printed, electronic, or otherwise) to be made available by the group, district, or area, to the fellowship, shall have prior approval from the respective service body.

Members of our Area are not in accord as to how these two sections are to be interpreted, particularly with regard to the creation of memorabilia to be sold within the fellowship for fund-raising purposes. Recent local fund-raising projects bearing the C.A. name and/or logo have included calendars, t-shirts, lighters, etc. Some members feel that a District or Area committee has the delegated authority to create any media (or more specifically, memorabilia) containing the C.A. name, logo, motto etc. Other members feel that when it comes to such decisions, the District or Area Service Meeting would need to provide approval. We wish to respect the Statement of Policy but need some additional guidance as to how it should be interpreted and followed within our local service structure. Thank you.

Best regards,

Washington State C.A.

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ANSWER:

Thank you for your correspondence. Our reply is as follows:

Our statement of policy per Point A says, groups may not use the logo unless they have prior consent from a district or an area. In reference to Point B a Cocaine Anonymous district, area or region may use the logo. Point C states the CAWS and CAWSO may use the logo. And Point E states the logo may be used with prior approval from a respective service body. Respective service bodies are districts, areas, regions and the WSO.

Regarding Fundraising for the purpose of a World Service Convention, the respective service body would be the World Service Office. In love and service

CA World Service Board of Trustees

MESSAGE:

From: Jim S. < >
To: “wsbt ca.org” <wsbt@ca.org>
Cc: RUSSEL < >, Nicholas < >
Date: May 21, 2015 at 3:05 PM
Subject: Re: ERT or TAL or both?

Great, thanks for your response – I trust you have had a great convention in Las Vegas. As a follow on question, please can you clarify the position of Rob W – is he TAL or ERT?

My understanding is that the TEC did not elect an ERT so Rob cannot be the ERT, however he is insisting on addressing himself as TAL and ERT. What action will you/have you taken to correct this situation?

Also, please can clarify whether the board believes it appropriate for a Trustee to be

informing the fellowship that it is OK to identify as a member of CA on face book?

Many thanks,

Jim

Response:

Thank you for your correspondence. Our reply is as follows:

Thank you for your correspondence. As stated previously and as per the 2015 WSM on page 54: that states “In the interim following a vacancy and prior to a new election, any vacant Trustee position(s) may be filled by any existing Trustee as selected by your WSBT.” Your WSBT has assigned the TAL to fulfill all the duties of the ERT. Therefore, Rob is the TAL and the ERT in the interim, and it is proper for him to address himself as such. Thus we don’t believe any action is necessary in this regard. Again, we expect that all Trustees uphold the Traditions. Also, as stated in the IT

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Workbook “The fact remains that social networking sites are public forums, and should be treated as such. The Eleventh Tradition reminds us that our names and pictures should not be broadcast, filmed, or publicly printed. While the final choice and ultimate responsibility of safeguarding the traditions rests with the individual, it should be noted that the spiritual principle of anonymity protects not only the member, but also the fellowship as a whole.”

In love and service

CA World Service Board of Trustees

MESSAGE:

Date: Wednesday, April 29, 2015
Subject: ERT or TAL or both?
To: “wsbt@ca.org” <wsbt@ca.org>
Cc: Caukdelegates <caukdelegates@yahoogroups.com>

Hi Ira,

Questions for the board:

please answer the following questions with either a yes or a no:

  1. Does your WSBT have the authority to elect an European Regional Trustee?
  2. Does the TAL have the authority to appoint himself as the ERT?
  1. Is it ever OK for a Trustee to talk from the podium at an event that he is attending in his capacity as Trustee and tell the members that in his opinion it is OK to talk about Cocaine Anonymous and associate with it as members effectively breaking anonymity on FaceBook and thus violate our Traditions?

Many thanks,

in loving service, Jim

PS – please disregard my last email and questions as I think these ones are much more to the point of what I would like answered.

Jim S. (CAUK delegate) WSCITC secretary

ANSWER:

Thank you for your correspondence. Our answer is following:

1: The TEC elect a trustee.

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2. Your WSBT as tasked by our guidelines on the WSM, “if no candidates on the submitted slate are selected by the TEC, then no Trustee shall be chosen from that Region that year, and your WSBT will assign an existing Trustee to fulfill the duties of that position until the next Conference, when this process begins again” your WSBT has selected the TAL to fulfill all the duties as the interim European Regional Trustee.

3. Any member of Cocaine Anonymous is allowed to share from the podium. We expect that all trustees uphold the Traditions.

In love and service

CA World Service Board of Trustees

REFERRALS THAT WERE WORKED ON DURING THE YEAR:

2014WSBT-01

To remove the H&I can as a separate fund raising tool of H&I. The simple fact is H&I is not an autonomous entity within CA it’s not unlike any other standing committee. H&I like PI should have a designated budget. Passing a separate can creates financial dispensation from financial responsibility of the Area or District. It creates an unfair disadvantage and the language in the H&I Guidelines almost insinuates that its expenditures are agreed on by only its committee when in fact any funding should reside in the body in which created the committee either the District or the Area. When H&I has more money in donations then the District does to pay for vital necessities like rent, it creates an unfair disadvantage. And to use H&I money for anything other than H&I is fraud.

Action taken:

Refer this referral to Hospitals & Institutions committee

2015WSBT-01

When the new trustees that are voted in and announced to the conference floor, that the new Trustee stand up and be visually identified so we can know who these new trustees are and what they look like.

No Action Taken:

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Newly selected trustees walk to the front of the auditorium and stand with the current board of the trustees. The newly selected trustees are then congratulated by the entire conference. Obviously, newly selected trustees unable to attend the entire conference would not be available at that time. It would not be reasonable to attempt to make an appearance mandatory.

2015WSBT-02

Please consider to provide the candidates being interviewed for a position, a written version of the same questions that are provided to the TEC members – for ONLY the time of the actual interview off course. Some questions are quite lengthy and providing a written version to the candidate can help them ‘get’ (all of the aspects- of) the questions. I feel this will benefit non-English native people specifically. Both ways: when a non-English native TEC member reads out the question, possible mispronunciations may lead to a misconception off the question. On the other side of the table, non-English native speaking candidates will be a lot better facilitated if they were able to read along when a question is read out to them. Thus eliminating (some of the) unwanted discrimination between candidates based on what language you natively speak. Thank you. P.S. My phone number is.

Action taken:

Thank you for your suggestion: your WSBT do think it is a good suggestion and we will change our process to provide the written questions, for the duration of the interview, to the candidates.

2015WSBT-03

In the preamble, change “experience, strength and hope” to “hope, faith and courage

Action taken:

Refer this referral to Literature, Chips and Formats Committee

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World Service Conference of Cocaine Anonymous

Day 2 Daily Summary September 3, 2015

REFERRALS STILL WORK IN PROGRESS:

2014WSBT-02

To expand the Cocaine Anonymous brand in order to make it more drug inclusive by adding a tagline that coincides with what are first step says we are: Suggestions include: COCAINE ANONMYOUS “Recovery from cocaine and all mind altering substances.” or COCAINE ANONYMOUS “And all other mind altering substances”

CLOSING COMMENTS:

With rotation being of huge value, and a recognized necessity, your WSBT look forward to the outcome of TEC activities at this Conference. With one position not filled last year and 1 member of the Board rotating off at the close of this conference we hope we can continue the fresh and focused attitude that allows for continued service and due diligence at this level of service.

Your WSBT would like to thank you for allowing us to serve you throughout the past 12 months. Please know that we are available throughout the upcoming year to assist the Fellowship of Cocaine Anonymous in its endeavors to carry the message to the addict who still suffers.

In Love, Service and Gratitude

Cocaine Anonymous World Service Board of Trustees

***************************************************

Tony D. – Any question to the microphone.

Susan B. – Could we get copies of those photos you mentioned for the Archives? Anne M. – Yes.

Sarah T. – I want to ask Jay, please elaborate on your outstanding projects. Jay P. – I was referring to the website and the European Fulfillment Center. Sarah T. – Can you give an update on that? Jay P. – inaudible response

Maria M. – About the referral submitted last year, to do with the use of the name Cocaine Anonymous and it was sent back to S&B. About that referral, please explain the effects on the Board if we continue to use the name Cocaine Anonymous in an Area name. Also how would it affect C.A. in a legal sense?

Duane M. – Really, this is coming forward from S&B. This is a problem of clarity. Legally, we are not asking anyone to change Area names/etc. We are looking to protect

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Cocaine Anonymous from lawsuits, etc. We are not asking anyone to change anything that is already in place.

Brian T. – Part of this comes from, in the best interest of, the name Cocaine Anonymous belongs to the Fellowship.

Stu E. – I think the issue is we didn’t want anyone to incorporate solely as Cocaine Anonymous, example – Los Angeles Cocaine Anonymous.

Brian T. – We would prefer no use of Cocaine Anonymous in an Area name. That would be the best, to use initials.

Stu E. – So kind of DBA?

Brian T. – Yes. It protects us at the world level.

Susan B. – Was there any research done as to effect on an Areas ability to obtain non-profit status?

Brian T. – Name does not impact ability to gain that status.

Susan B. – Would it then be confusing to people? How would they find us without the name Cocaine Anonymous?

Brian T. – We are talking about the legal incorporation, names in phone book are a different manner.

Tony D. – Seeing no more questions. Thank you. Next up is TEC.

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