CA WORLD SERVICE BOARD OF TRUSTEES SUMMARY MINUTES OF MEETING QUARTERLY BOARD MEETING CONFERENCE CALL
Saturday, March 2nd – Sunday, March 3, 2019 Saturday, March 23, 2019
Since this report is a confidential C.A. document, for members only, it may contain members’ full names. This usage to facilitate communication within the fellowship was approved by the 1990 WS Conference. Such confidential use does not, of course, violate in any way our Tradition on anonymity in public communications media (press, radio, TV, etc.).
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WSBT Quarterly
Saturday, March 2 thru Sunday, March 3, 2019
Saturday, March 23, 2019
Conference Call – Go to Meeting
Minutes
Moment of silence and Serenity Prayer
Meeting started at 10:00 a.m. CDT
Personal Sharing (approximately 3-5 minutes each)
Roll call
- George Mooney – ANRT
- Chris Redd – ASRT
- Jason Laurence – TAL1
- Kerry Wesley – SWRT
- Kevin Murphy – WSOT
- Yvette Holman – WST
- Tom Phelan – PSRT
- Sarah Taylor – ERT/WSBT Assistant Secretary
- Vanessa Matthews Jackson – TAL2/ WSBT Secretary
- Wade Staples – PNRT/WSBT Vice Chair
- Jeannette Johnson – MWRT/WSBT Chair
Reading of the 12 Traditions (Sarah)
Read long form of Tradition 12 & Discuss (George)
Read Concept 6 & Discuss (Tom)
Chair’s opening remarks: (Jeannette)
We have a lot of agenda items to cover this weekend. This can be difficult because we are not meeting face to face, and the amount of time we spend together over the weekend will be shorten. Randy, WSOB Chair will be on the Conference call tomorrow giving a 2019 WS Convention update.
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WSBT officer reports:
Chair (Jeannette)
Vice-Chair (Wade)
Secretary (Vanessa)
Assistant Secretary (Sarah)
MOTION:
Motion made to accept the WSBT Officer’s Reports as presented.
Seconded. Motion passed unanimously.
The Correspondence Log has been updated. The WSBT Assistant Secretary responsibilities should be updated to include the additional responsibility of updating the Correspondence Log.
Trustee reports
Atlantic North Regional Trustee (George)
Atlantic South Regional Trustee (Chris)
Midwest Regional Trustee (Jeannette)
Pacific North Regional Trustee (Wade)
Our Regional Assembly will be held April 12-14, 2019.
Pacific South Regional Trustee (Tom)
Non-Addict Trustee resume will be coming forward from our Region.
Southwest Regional Trustee (Kerry)
European Regional Trustee (Sarah)
Trustee At Large 1 (Jason)
Trustee At Large 2 (Vanessa)
World Service Trustee Report (Yvette)
World Service Office Trustee Report (Kevin)
(Questions and discussion of each report.)
MOTION:
Motion to accept the Trustee Reports. Seconded. Motion passed unanimously.
WSBT Subcommittee reports – lead member listed first
Finance (Kerry/All)
The WSOB will start interviews for the Treasurer’s position.
Legal (Vanessa/Yvette)
NewsGram (Chris)
TEC (Vanessa/George)
Long-term Planning (Jason/All)
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Orientation (Wade/All)
International Structure and Development (Wade, Kevin, Jason, Sarah)
TNC (Yvette, Kerry, Sarah, Jason, Vanessa, Wade)
We received a contract from CAWS 2021 in Atlanta to review.
Trustee Outreach (Jeannette)
World Service Conference (Jeannette/Kevin)
(Questions and discussion of each report.)
MOTION:
Motion made to approve the Trustee Sub-Committee Reports.
Seconded. Motion passes unanimously.
Trustee Conference Committee reports – lead member listed first
Conference (Vanessa, Sarah)
We will have a petition to form a new region being put forth from Europe.
Motion to adjourn for the day.
Seconded. Motion passed unanimously.
Meeting ended at 1:10 p.m.
WSBT Quarterly Board Meeting Conference Call – March 3, 2019 Meeting began at 10:00 a.m. CDT
Trustee Conference Committee reports – continued (lead member listed first)
Public Information (Jason, Chris)
Hospitals & Institutions (Sarah, Wade)
Literature, Chips & Formats (Tom, Jason)
Structure & Bylaws (Kevin, Kerry)
Convention (Jeannette, Yvette)
We can share contracts as long as we are sharing within the groups within our fellowship. We need to be careful legally and reputationally when it comes to sharing contracts with third-parties. Especially, when it comes to non-disclosures in contracts with CAWSO, Inc.
Discussed isolation between the WS Convention Committee and the Host City of CAWS Convention. Discussed how this can get better in the future.
Discussed the possibility of the CAWS Convention being on a two-year cycle with the possibility of building stronger Regional Conventions and donating a portion of monies raised to WSO, and the upcoming Host City of the CAWS Convention.
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Discussed the possibility of returning to Host Cities of prior CAWS Conventions that have been successful financially.
The WSOB Ad-Hoc Committee has been working on ideas to help our CAWS Conventions. David Crosland is the lead on this committee.
Archive (Yvette)
Unity (George, Kevin)
Finance (Kerry, Tom)
Brainstorming to help WS LCF Committee to put out books quicker. Our accountant filed for an extension for our 2018 taxes. May 15th is the deadline to file for an extension. This will give us until November 15th.
Information Technologies (Wade, George)
(Questions and discussion of each report.)
MOTION:
Motion to approve Trustee Conference Committee Reports as presented.
Seconded. Motion passed unanimously.
CAWS Convention updates
- CAWS 2019 (Sarah)
- We have the meeting rooms reserved for the WSBT Long Term Planning Committee, Meet the Boards, and the Great Convention Exchange. The hotel in Sweden is beautiful. There is more than enough meeting space to accommodate our needs. Early registration will be extended for two weeks.
Conference Call with WSOB Chair, Randy
Discussed the following:
- Atlanta CAWS 2022 Contract
- Talked with David C., lead on the Ad Hoc Committee for WS Conventions. Randy will be on the next conference call.
- At the WSOB meeting, one item was raised to increase the cost of chips. This will increase our revenue.
- We have a person that is willing to interview for the Treasurer’s position.
- Our accountant, emailed the IRS on our behalf as a power of attorney to talk and work with them on our behalf.
- Randy’s visit to Sweden went very well. The hotel is awesome. We have 1300 room nights booked to date. CAWS 2019 Committee has two overflow hotels if needed. We have 217 registrations to date. Randy reviewed the Convention financial guidelines with the Convention Treasurer. We will be accepting all types of currency at the convention for payment and the 7th
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- CAWS 2020 (Kerry)
- The Fundraising Committee has raised $9,000.00 to date.
- CAWS 2021 (George)
- CAWS 2022 (Chris)
- The CAWS Convention Committee has a hotel contract for the Westin hotel in downtown Atlanta.
(Lengthy Discussion)
MOTION:
Motion made to extend the meeting for one hour.
Seconded. Motion passes unanimously.
MOTION:
Motion made to approve the Convention reports.
Seconded. Motion passes unanimously.
PLACE MARKER – BUSINESS ITEMS
MARKER 2006.02.20 Copyright and trademark protection (Yvette/Vanessa) –
To remain on agenda for quarterly review.
| Matter No. | Country | Mark | Renewal Due: | |
| 59628-0001 | Canada | WE’RE HERE AND WE’RE FREE | September 30, 2027 | |
| 59628-0002 | U.S. | COCAINE ANONYMOUS | September 4, 2020 | |
| 59628-0003 | Canada | COCAINE ANONYMOUS | December 13, 2021 | |
| 59628-0004 | U.S. | CA | December 20, 2018 | |
| 59628-0005 | Canada | CA | June 12, 2022 | |
| 59628-0006 | U.S. | CA HOPE FAITH COURAGE (logo) | April 24, 2020 | |
| 59628-0007 | Canada | CA HOPE FAITH COURAGE (logo) | August 9, 2021 | |
| 59628-0008 | U.S. | WE’RE HERE AND WE’RE FREE | April 2, 2026 | |
| 59628-0009 | Europe | COCAINE ANONYMOUS | April 1, 2026 | |
| 59628-0010 | Europe | CA HOPE FAITH COURAGE (logo) | July 26, 2026 | |
| 59628-0011 | Europe | CA | November 15, 2021 | |
| 59628-0012 | South Africa | COCAINE ANONYMOUS | ||
| 59628-0013 | South Africa | CA | ||
| 59628-0014 | South Africa | CA HOPE FAITH COURAGE (logo) | ||
** Attorney invoice/letter regarding South Africa Trademark (Yvette) –
Yvette reported that we are waiting on our South Africa trademark. This is just the 90-day waiting period.
MARKER 2006.08.13 Signature of annual corporate documents (All)
To be completed @ at fall quarterly
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MARKER 2009.05.09 Status of WSO – (Yvette/Kevin)
The office is running fine. We are preparing for the 2019 CAWS Convention in Sweden. Yvette will work with Randy, Linda, and Brenda on an app that would allow us to collect 7th tradition. Randy is doing a great job with the WSO.
MARKER – TEC – (Vanessa/George)
We are still collecting TEC delegate contact information and Trustee slates. Next quarter, we will start contacting TEC delegates and setting up interviews for the Midwest Regional Trustee position.
MARKER – FINANCIAL OVERVIEW – (Kerry)
Kerry gave financial overview in an earlier report.
MARKER – LONG TERM PLANNING – (Jason)
- Fellowship invitation letter – draft for approval
MOTION:
Motion made to approve the Fellowship Invitation Letter.
Seconded. Motion passed unanimously.
- Projects Chart update
- Regional boundaries – World map for review
Motion to adjourn for the day.
Seconded. Motion passed unanimously.
Meeting ended at 1:57 p.m.
WSBT Quarterly Board Meeting Conference Call – March 23, 2019 Meeting began at 10:00 a.m. CDT
OLD BUSINESS
- Our Common Welfare-safety in the rooms. (Tom)
We will check with the WS Conference Committee to see if there were any referrals regarding safety in the rooms. We will keep this on our agenda.
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NEW BUSINESS
- Formation of regional process updates
Vanessa explained that Trevor S. and Russell S. are working to put together a letter to help out the regional process in Mainland Europe as they move forward to put together a petition to become an Area.
- Current regional trustee duties for Asia & Oceania
Asia is not a part of the European Region. Hong Kong is part of Oceania in the European Region. Sarah will continue to work with Hong Kong.
- Letter from WSCC and WSCC 5th Concept Statement Discussion.
Yvette, Wade and Jeannette will work on a response to both the letter and 5th Concept Statement from WSCC.
- Motion to form ad hoc committee
The ad hoc committee has been formed (ad hoc committee will review Common welfare in rooms). No motion needed.
- WSO Webservant’s Response to CA Australia Website & Logo (New) (Jason) Jason contacted Cameron, and he is selling his services to help build the Australia website. His business is to help build websites.
CORRESPONDENCE/RESPONSES FROM/TO THE FELLOWSHIP Sarah will craft a response to this inquiry.
CORRESPONDENCE:
WSBT Inquiries
—–Original Message—–
From: “Misty C” <mistycaws@gmail.com>
Sent: Sunday, March 17, 2019 5:10pm
To: wsobchair@ca.org, doo@ca.org, psrt@ca.org, finesilver1988@gmail.com, wsbt@ca.org, r.sedman@yahoo.com, mabinbrenda@gmail.com
Subject: WSOB March Meeting
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Summary of WSOB Meeting in relation to the Conference Committee:
- After bills were paid yesterday the Operating Checking Account balance is Approximately $2000. Yes, that says 2 thousand.
- The Conference Committee needs to create written guidelines for future bids and contracts.
- Better Communication.
I’m writing this in an email to all parties involved because I do not want this turned into another bad game of telephone.
How do we have better communication? There was discussion of the current 2 Trustees on the committee calls. I have not seen this as a successful solution to the most recent issues of 2022/2023 contracts and disclosure of a contract. The Trustees and The Conference committee are on the same team, service to Cocaine Anonymous. Being new to World Service: I have a lot to learn, this is my opinion based on the literature as I understand it now and I would appreciate patience if I have done this wrong. Misty’s Personal 5th Concept Petition
Based on the recent confusion over why Conference contracts were not being signed and the sharing of an unsigned contract: I would like to make a Fifth Concept Petition for there to be a call with all available trustees and the Conference Committee. Concept 6 allows for some adjustment to current protocol when needed. “However satisfactory and right our present arrangements seem, the future may reveal flaws that we do not yet envision.” (Pg. 25-Twelve Concepts of World Service)
Fully respecting the right of decision, I do not believe this petition in conflict with Concept 3. “This “Right of Decision” should never be made an excuse for failure to render proper reports of all significant actions taken; it ought never be used as a reason for constantly exceeding a clearly defined authority, nor as an excuse for persistently failing to consult those who are entitled to be consulted before an important decision or action is taken.” (Pg 13-14 Twelve Concepts for World Service) After the first veto, there had been no reason given by the Trustees to the Conference Committee explaining the veto.
This petition is about communication not the veto power of the Trustees. It is a time of heavy financial stress for Cocaine Anonymous. At the 2018 Conference, delegates were dealing with fear of financial insecurity from the unfinished financial reports of the World Convention in Canada. Delegates are people and financial insecurity effected the voting on the conference floor. How does this relate to contracts? We have Concept 8 to give the Trustees the ability to make financially decisions; “The Trustees of the General Service Board act in two primary capacities: (a) With respect to the large matters of over-all policy and finance, they are the principal planners and administrators. They and their primary committees directly manage these affairs.” (Pg. 31-Twelve Concepts for World Service); but it appears that we are stepping on the Long Form of Tradition 6 in the process of using Concept 8. “Problems of money, property, and authority may easily divert us from our primary spiritual aim.” While I am not discussing the use of the C.A. name outside of the Fellowship, the spiritual guide of this statement stands out as being very relevant. We have been diverted.
It appears to me that people are being placed in a position to pick a side. This is not because a Trustee will say, “I am speaking as a Trustee” but because the information has not been clear or the same. ‘The Fellowship does not have the money to sign contracts’ has a clear understandable message. ‘The Fellowship does not have the money to sign contracts and other areas might want to bid for the Conference’ is confusing. The World Service Conference Committee guidelines state: “bids must be received no later than 36 months prior to the proposed conference.” The option for new 2022 bids has already passed unless the Conference votes to change the guidelines. Now let’s add to the confusion with ‘a copy of the unsigned contracts is being used without the Committees knowledge.’ If we can all agree this needs to be addressed, then maybe we can take the leap to put aside the current individual phone calls and reliance on personal relationships to try to get at the truth and a solution together.
On a personal level, I reflect back to page 66 of the Big Book, “But the more we fought and tried to have our own way, the worse matters got. As in war, the victor only seemed to win.” The breakdown of communication is nonsense, in relation to Bill’s writings on leadership. “To begin with, we ought to listen carefully to what they say. Sometimes they are telling the whole truth; at other times, a little truth. More often though, they are just rationalizing themselves into nonsense.” (Pg. 38 Twelve Concepts for World Service.) We can do better. “Bill, haven’t you often said right here in this meeting that sometimes the good it the enemy of the best?” (Pg 138-12&12)
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Tradition 12 “The spiritual substance of anonymity is sacrifice. Because A.A.’s Twelve Traditions repeatedly ask us to give up personal desires for the common good, we realize that spiritual sacrifice-well symbolized by anonymity-is the foundation of them all.” (Pg. 184-12&12)
Whatever the solution may be, we are all members of C.A. trying to help. My ego has been smashed in many new ways in my short time as a Delegate, I am grateful to be growing because of it. I do not have the luxury of partial truths or not making amends promptly; I will smoke again if I do these things. Thank you,
-Misty-
CORRESPONDENCE:
Re: Production Company
From: Hannah Brown <hannah.brown@alaskatv.co>
Sent: Wed, Mar 13, 2019 at 10:21 am
To: wsbt@ca.org
Cc: mwrt@ca.org, pnrt@ca.org, tal2@ca.org
1A8ACD54-5BE6-48EB-98F4-622A5F58694A [22].png (13.8 KB)
Images not displayed. SHOW IMAGES|ALWAYS SHOW IMAGES FROM THIS SENDER
Hi All,
Thanks so much for getting back to me.
We have changed our approach to this project a little and so I wanted to send you a quick update before you discuss.
I’m now looking for quotes from organisations/individual professionals about cocaine use awareness. As an organisation do you agree that if people were more aware of the effects the cocaine industry has on countries like Colombia that people would think twice or reconsider their decision to take cocaine?
If you’re willing, it would be great to discuss this further over the phone.
Best Wishes,
Hannah
Hannah Brown
Assistant Development Producer
ALASKA TV
68B Salusbury Road, London, NW6 6NU
Tel: +44 (0)207 644 0008
CORRESPONDENCE:
—–Original Message—–
From: “Linda Francisco” <doo@ca.org>
Sent: Tuesday, March 12, 2019 9:23am
To: wsbt@ca.org
Cc: “‘Jacqueline Rosa'” <jacquelinerosa325@gmail.com>
Subject: FW: Unity Committee Inquiry
Perhaps this should be handled by the Trustees.
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Linda
Linda L. Francisco
Director of Operations
CAWSO
21720 S. Wilmington Ave. Suite 304
Long Beach, CA 90810
CORRESPONDENCE:
From: unity@ca.org [mailto:unity@ca.org]
Sent: Tuesday, March 12, 2019 6:45 AM
To: doo@ca.org
Subject: FW: Unity Committee Inquiry
Hi Linda,
Checking emails and came across this. Don’t feel I should be responding to it based on our traditions. If it’s okay I will forward such emails to you, unless you have a standard response, you’d like for us to use.
Thanks,
Jackie
—–Original Message—–
From: “Cocaine Anonymous World Services” <webservant@ca.org>
Sent: Friday, February 15, 2019 5:24am
To: unity@ca.org
Subject: Unity Committee Inquiry
Name Hannah Brown
Phone +44207 644 0008
Email hannah.brown@alaskatv.co
Comments I am writing to you from Alaska TV, a TV production company in London.or Questions
We are currently working with a US broadcaster and are hoping to produce a documentary
series which takes 4 young people who regularly use cocaine (but aren’t regarded as
addicts) to Columbia to see the devastating effects the cocaine industry has there. The four
young people will be embedded into a drugs cartel, meet families affected by the industry
(production, smuggling, crime) as well as seeing exactly what goes into cocaine. The idea
is to show these young people (and the audience) the truth about cocaine in the hope it
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might make them reassess their lifestyle.
The reason I’m getting in touch with you is because we’re looking for a drug related organisation in the US to endorse the idea of sending these 4 social cocaine users to Colombia and showing them the devastating truth as a means of (hopefully) putting them off using it in the future. Is this something C.A. might be interested in being involved in?
Do let me know if you have any questions. I look forward to hearing from you.
Best Wishes,
Hannah
Select a Unity Committee
Kevin will craft a response to this inquiry.
CORRESPONDENCE:
—–Original Message—–
From: “CAWSO” <cawso@ca.org>
Sent: Wednesday, March 6, 2019 5:16pm
To: wsbt@ca.org
Cc: “Randy Moss” <wsochair@ca.org>, “‘Jeanette Johnson'” <mwrt@ca.org>
Subject: FW: Cannabis oil
Help – would someone please respond to David or tell me how to respond?
Linda
—–Original Message—–
From: David Mcmanus [mailto:dmcmanus30@gmail.com]
Sent: Wednesday, March 6, 2019 4:09 PM
To: cawso@ca.org
Subject: Cannabis oil
Hi, how are you
I just have a query regarding cannabis oil Is there any guidelines around if
it should be taken or not??
It’s not for me, a guy im working with is taking it for its
properties/benefits but i have my doubts I would really appreciate some
input because im rarely right 🙂 Thanks=
—–Original Message—–
From: “CAWSO” <cawso@ca.org>
Sent: Wednesday, November 28, 2018 2:31pm
To: wsbt@ca.org, “Randy Moss” <wsochair@ca.org>
Subject: FW: CA disclaimer policy
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Would the Trustee’s please respond to this?
Thanks,
Linda
MOTION:
Motion made to approve the inquiry response to Addictive Eaters Anonymous member.
Seconded. Motion passes unanimously.
CORRESPONDENCE:
From: sian correll [mailto:siancorrell@gmail.com]
Sent: Thursday, November 22, 2018 2:48 PM
To: cawso@ca.org
Subject: CA disclaimer policy
Dear CA,
I am a member of the Twelve Step Programme of Addictive Eaters Anonymous.
We are a relatively new fellowship and we are actively trying to carry the message of recovery by sharing our experience, strength and hope on mediums such as YouTube and the Addictive Eaters Anonymous website (www.addictiveeatersanonymous.org) We are currently exploring the possibility of sharing our experience on www.xaspeakers.org as well.
I am writing to enquire if CA has any disclaimer policy (eg. if a member shares their story and that story is now available online or on any Social Media platform) does CA request that that member sign a disclaimer to say it is then the property of CA?
We would be very grateful if you are able to share CA’s experience in this area.
Thank you for your time and I look forward to hearing back from you.
Kind Regards,
Sian
APPROVED RESPONSE
Dear Sian,
Firstly, please accept our apology for the slow response to your email. We do endeavor to respond within thirty days of receipt and usually manage to do so.
Your question is most interesting and relates to a subject that our Fellowship has considered. At our World Service level, we do not make recordings of personal shares or workshops available for listening or download. As a specific response to your question about disclaimers, then we can only advise that we do not have a need for them.
Our World Service Conference Information Technology Committee Guidelines, please see link below, has a list on page 7 of ‘things to be avoided’ on local Fellowship websites, including Item j) Non-
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conference approved audio/video files. The ability to monitor and control the content of personal shares, specifically in relation to Tradition breaks is not something that we are currently set up to facilitate.
https://ca.org/content/uploads/2019/01/2018_IT_Guidelines.pdf
We do have videos such as public service announcements which are Conference approved and these can be found via our website however no other materials are available.
We do have a disclaimer process for written items that are submitted for either our quarterly newsletter, Newsgram and for items submitted to our Literature Chips and Formats Committee. These effectively hand over rights to the material such that it becomes the property of our World Services. The NewsGram Transfer and Assignment of Rights can be seen at the link below.
https://ca.org/service/world-service-conference/cocaine-anonymous-newsgram/submit-an-article-to-the-newsgram/
We realize that this response has not provided the information you were seeking regarding audio media however the NewsGram Transfer and Assignment of Rights may prove transferable and useful for your consideration.
Kind regards,
World Service Board of Trustees
Cocaine Anonymous
CORRESPONDENCE:
From: Heidi Roberts [mailto:hroberts2830@gmail.com]
Sent: Tuesday, October 2, 2018 2:48 PM
To: cawso@ca.org
Subject: Conway, SC CA Group
Sir or ma’am,
Our group has a question relating to Tradition 7. If we are renting a meeting room from a church, meeting at 7:15, and the church brings dinner for the people in the group twice a month at 6:00, does this violate any aspect of Tradition 7?
All CA members are aware of the church bringing the dinner at 6 so anonymity is not an issue. If they do not want the church members to see them, they arrive closer to the meeting time. The church members do not meet with the CA members, eat with them, or try to convert them. They merely drop off the meal, leave, and return for the leftovers 45 minutes after the meeting ends.
Thank you for your help!
Sincerely,
Heidi Roberts
hroberts2830@gmail.com
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APPROVED RESPONSE
Hi Heidi,
Sorry for the delay of the WSBT response. Thank you for your inquiry.
The 7th Tradition long form states:” The C.A. groups themselves ought to be fully supported by the voluntary contributions of their own members. We think that each group should soon achieve this ideal; that any public solicitation of funds using the name of Cocaine Anonymous is highly dangerous, whether by groups, clubs, hospitals, or other outside agencies; that acceptance of large gifts from any source, or of contributions carrying any obligation whatever, is unwise. Then too, we view with much concern those C.A treasuries which continue, beyond prudent reserves, to accumulate funds for no stated C.A. purpose.
Experience has often warned us that nothing can so surely destroy our spiritual heritage as futile disputes over property, money, and authority” Churches tend to be benevolent in the efforts of the 12 step meetings that meet at their locations. Your group might want to start by asking the church if this is a service, they provide to all tenants that rent space at the church. If this is not the case, the question that your group will have to ask itself is whether the acceptance of the dinner compromises the group being fully self-supporting since you are paying rent, or creates an obligation on the group to the church. As you and your group review this we suggest that you all remember Rule 62.
Don’t take this situation or yourselves too seriously.
Sincerely,
World Service Board of Trustee, Cocaine Anonymous
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MOTION:
Motion made to approve the inquiry response to Rufus Carter.
Seconded. Motion passes unanimously.
CORRESPONDENCE:
From: Rufus Carter [mailto:rufus@recoveringworks.com]
Sent: Tuesday, December 18, 2018 11:47 PM
To: cawso@ca.org
Subject: Please take a look at my guest article pitch
Hello!
Entering recovery is a wonderful and life-changing experience. But, unfortunately, doing so doesn’t mean all other aspects of one’s life fall into place overnight.
For example, getting a job can be especially difficult and intimidating. I understand the stress associated with looking for that first job out of rehab because I experienced it myself.
I’d like to help by offering tips to those new to recovery on how to get their career back on track after rehab, whether they’re entering the job market or starting their own business. I could put this information in an article for your website. Would that be ok?
Thank you for taking a look!
Rufus
Rufus Carter | rufus@recoveringworks.com
RECOVERINGWORKS.COM
APPROVED RESPONSE
Dear Rufus,
We appreciate your enquiry with regard to providing a guest article for publication on our website. We are however obliged to decline your offer… The experience of 12 Step Fellowships over the past 80 years has led us to adopt a policy on non-affiliation or endorsement of outside enterprises, however laudable their endeavors may be. This is described in our Sixth Tradition which reads as follows…
A C.A. group ought never endorse, finance, or lend the C.A. name to any related facility or outside enterprise, lest problems of money, property and prestige divert us from our primary purpose.
A full copy of our Traditions can be found at the following address: http://ca.org/service/12and12/
That being said, it appears from your email and a brief review of your website that you are an addict in recovery. If you are a C.A. member then maybe you would like to submit an article to
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the NewsGram, which is our quarterly newsletter. Please note that in accordance with our Sixth Tradition the NewsGram article would have to be in the form of sharing your experience without any endorsement of your website, book or services. The NewsGram submission page can be found on our website at the following address: https://ca.org/service/world-service-conference/cocaine-anonymous-newsgram/submit-an-article-to-the-newsgram/
The following is an excerpt from the disclaimers that can be found on our website at the following address: https://ca.org/about-ca/disclaimers/
‘We regret being unable to offer links to non-C.A. sites, due to our longstanding tradition of non-endorsement of outside enterprises, whether related to our goals or not. While we are grateful for all links from other Web sites, we do not endorse any product, service or opinion offered by any outside organization’.
We hope that you will appreciate this response to your enquiry has no specific bearing on you or your organization and that our Traditions exist to protect our ability to pursue the purpose of our Fellowship. They are borne out of hard-won experience.
Kind regards,
World Service Board of Trustees
Cocaine Anonymous
CORRESPONDENCE:
From: Marie Miguel [mailto:mariemiguel0617@gmail.com]
Sent: Monday, December 10, 2018 7:16 AM
To: cawso@ca.org
Subject: Question About Partners/Sponsors
Hello, I’m reaching out because I’m helping one of the leading mental health & wellness companies find opportunities to partner with other organizations. Personally, I’ve been featured in Yahoo, ADAA, The Mighty, AMHCA, GoodMenProject, etc… and as a result, mental health & wellness has become something I’m increasingly passionate about. I noticed that you may have had other partners and sponsors for your initiatives in the past, and I’m wondering if you can provide me with more information if you’re still accepting sponsors/donors/partners. After looking at a page on your site, specifically here: https://ca.org/literature/choosing-your-sponsor/ , I figured I would reach out. If you’d be interested in providing more details, feel free to let me know. If not, I understand and don’t necessarily expect a response. Thanks for your consideration & have a great day. Marie
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APPROVED RESPONSE
Dear Marie,
We appreciate your inquiry with regard to partnering and sponsorship. The members of our Fellowship are addicts who have a desire to stop using and once having achieved that goal we go on to assisting others achieve the same freedom. When we use the term ‘sponsor’ we are referring to one of our members who shares experience and provides guidance to another.
We do not accept any external financial assistance, which we realize is the usual understanding of the term ‘sponsorship.’ This is described in our Seventh Tradition which reads as follows.
‘Every C.A. group ought to be fully self-supporting, declining outside contributions.
With regard to partnership we are also obliged to decline your offer. The experience of 12 Step Fellowships over the past 80 years has led us to adopt a policy on non-affiliation or endorsement of outside enterprises, however laudable their endeavors may be. This is described in our Sixth Tradition which reads as follows.
A C.A. group ought never endorse, finance, or lend the C.A. name to any related facility or outside enterprise, lest problems of money, property and prestige divert us from our primary purpose.
A full copy of our Traditions can be found at the following address: http://ca.org/service/12and12/
The following is an excerpt from the disclaimers that can be found on our website at the following address: https://ca.org/about-ca/disclaimers/
‘We regret being unable to offer links to non-C.A. sites, due to our longstanding tradition of non-endorsement of outside enterprises, whether related to our goals or not. While we are grateful for all links from other Web sites, we do not endorse any product, service or opinion offered by any outside organization’.
We hope that you will appreciate this response to your inquiry has no specific bearing on you or any organization to which you belong and that our Traditions exist to protect our ability to pursue the purpose of our Fellowship. They are borne out of hard-won experience.
Kind regards,
World Service Board of Trustees
Cocaine Anonymous
APPROVED RESPONSE
Dear Angelica,
We have discovered that our reply to your inquiry regarding the use of material from “A Quiet Peace” on an area web page was erroneous.
From the current (2018) WSCITC Workbook and Guidelines:
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“c) No website may post material in violation of copyright law.
- d) UNDER NO CONDITION SHALL ANY AREA, DISTRICT, GROUP OR INDIVIDUAL POST MATERIAL FROM THE BOOKS “HOPE, FAITH & COURAGE”, “HOPE, FAITH, AND COURAGE II” and “A Quiet Peace”, except for such sections as might be distributed as part of Conference-approved meeting formats.”
This provision specifically restricts posting any excerpts from any of the C.A. books. Please accept our apologies for any confusion or disturbance that our erroneous reply may have caused. You might consider submitting a referral to the IT committee through the conference to modify this provision.
Thank you for your continued service to C.A.
Sincerely,
World Service Board of Trustee – Cocaine Anonymous
REFERRALS COMPLETED:
WSBT 2018-2 From Cynthia C. Washington State Area (In-Conference) (Kevin)
As the guardians of the Twelve Traditions, I would appreciate your weighing in on Referral S&B 2017-15 regarding the process to change the Steps or Traditions. A lengthier referral was also submitted to S&B, but I believe there is a critical first question to be answered: 1 Does the existing language in the first paragraph of Article 4 of the Charter set a threshold of 3/4 of the C.A. Groups known to exist, or only those Groups voting as stated in the referral? Other thresholds in the WSM are explicit, as in further down in section 4 (“a three-quarters vote of all the voting Conference members registered and present”) and the TEC process (“Abstentions will not be considered a vote, and the election will be affirmed by two-thirds of the voting members”). For a decision of this magnitude, I believe the existing language should be construed literally to mean three-quarters of *the* C.A. groups, not just those voting. It seems to me that anything less would not provide the group conscience originally envisioned when the Charter was drafted. Thank you for your consideration.
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POST-CONFERENCE REFERRALS TO BE ADDRESSED:
WSBT 2018-1 From Linda M. Quebec Area (In-Conference) (Wade)
Please consider removing remove the name Back to Basic or B2B from meeting names and meeting lists because it refers to an organization outside of CA that sells books and give consultations that we CA should not endorse as per our 6th Tradition.
WSBT 2018-3 From Susan B. OSA (In-Conference) (Send to WSO)
That the Trustees investigate the process by which our literature can begin to be provided in Braille and audio book format to help the low visioned, blind, and learning challenged find recovery.
Thanks for your consideration!
WSBT 2018-4 From Susan B. OSA (In-Conference) (Send to WSO)
That the Trustees take the necessary action to make www.ca.org ADA compliant in the next 2 years.
C.A. is not accessible to those addicts with disabilities who need available technology to interact with the world around them. Although addiction could be seen as a disability on its own, we are neglecting those with sight, sound and mobility challenges on our website, thereby not fulfilling our primary purpose. The OSA website faces these same issues.
Here’s a good place to start: https://www.npgroup.net/blog/ada-compliance-checklist-is-your-website-accessible/
WSBT Conference Call – Sunday, May 11, 2019 at 9:00 am PDT
Summer Quarterly – Monday, July 1 at 9:00 am – Monday, July 8 at 1:00 pm
WSBT Group Inventory – Tradition 11
Motion made to close. Meeting closed with the Serenity Prayer at 1:00 p.m. PDT
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For all attached documents are reports see PDF: 019-03-02-03-2019-03-23-WSBT-Quarterly-Minutes.pdf