Tom P. presents the LCF Closing
CLOSING REPORT C.A. WORLD SERVICE CONFERENCE 2015
LITERATURE, CHIPS AND FORMAT REPORT
INTRODUCTION AND OPENING COMMENTS
Opening Comments
The majority of this committee’s efforts deal with literature that aids the membership in applying and understanding the 12 Steps and Traditions; that carries the message to the addict who still suffers; that supplies valuable information to the professionals with whom our members would most likely come into contact; and that clarifies the nature of addiction to the general public. Over the past few years many items on our projects chart have been completed and put into publication.
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Committee Introductions
Chair: Tom P.
Vice-Chair: Ginger L.
Co-Secretaries: Lauri C. / Chuck B.
WSBT Member: Rob W.
WSOB Liaison: Chris J.
Members:
Adam O.
Cathal Mc.
Chiel B.
Cynthia C.
Devin R-F
Elizabeth S.
Jason L.
Jay F.
Jeannette J.
Kellie F.
Kevin M.
Rose G.
Rudy R.
Ryan A.
Sheyan S.
Thomas W.
COMMITTEE WORK THAT RESULTED IN MOTIONS
Devin R-F presented motion
1. Motion: Pursuant to Point 12 of the C.A. Pamphlet Approval Process, to approve the revised version of “To the Newcomer” as set forth in Attachment A.
Tony D. – Made and seconded. Would you like to speak to the motion?
Devin R-F – Not at this time.
Tony D. – Is there any debate?
Tony D. Goes over the voting procedures.
Vote 039 – 118 for, 11 against, motion passes.
Rose G. presents the motion
2. Motion: To approve the revised version of “We Can Recover” as set forth in Attachment B.
Tony D. – Motion made and seconded. Do you care to speak to your motion? Rose G. – No.
Tony D. – Is there any debate?
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Ronald Mc. – I haven’t seen the attachment. I’m voting blind. I don’t have a laptop. Tony D. – Who doesn’t have access to a smartphone, tablet, laptop? We are trying to get a count so we can make printed copies.
Jim S. – I’ve got the info in front of me, but it would be useful to have it in a ‘red-line’ version to see what has changed.
Tom P. – The SR-14 included a ‘red-line’ version.
Jim S. – Yes, but it would be helpful to have the ‘red-line’ in the report to make it easier to review.
Jessi G. – I have it in front of me, but it is so long, can you give the specific changes? Tony D. – It was sent out in the SR-14 for review.
Michael C. – I believe one of the first changes ‘manifest …..’ This is a change, correct?
Tom P. – Yes.
Michael C. – That is really the only change I can see. Presently I can’t speak in favor of this motion. I know this piece of literature has been picked on a lot over the years. There comes a time when we take what we got, we use it and we go on with it. We can’t help everyone, we can’t please everyone. We need to stop doing that with this reading. I am not in favor of this motion.
Stu E. – Against. I agree with Michael. I don’t agree with changing it every year. You
also don’t address something I don’t like, the ‘abstinence’ sentence as that is not part of the Big Book. I am against this motion.
Jim S. – I’d like to motion to table this.
Tony D. – Motion made and seconded. Until when?
Jim S. – Table for half an hour.
Tony D. – Motion made and seconded to table for half an hour.
Vote 040 – 79 yes, 51 against, motion carries
Ginger L. presents motion – Do we need to read the entire thing?
Tony D. – Only read the revisions
- Motion: To approve revisions to the C.A. suggested meeting formats as follows:
SUGGESTED PARTICIPATION MEETING FORMAT
Welcome to the (________) meeting of Cocaine Anonymous. My name is (________) and I am an addict.
(OPTIONAL: Would you please join me in a moment of silence followed by the Serenity Prayer?)
Are there any other addicts present? Welcome! Not to embarrass you, but so that we could get to know you better, will those of you in your first 30 days of sobriety please let us know who you are? Would you please stand and state your name and your disease? If you’re visiting from out of town or new to the Area, please introduce yourself.
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Cocaine Anonymous is a Fellowship of men and women who share their experience, strength and hope with each other that they may solve their common problem and help others recover from their addiction. The only requirement for membership is a desire to stop using cocaine and all other mind-altering substances. There are no dues or fees for membership; we are fully self-supporting through our own contributions. We are not allied with any sect, denomination, politics, organization, or institution. We do not wish to engage in any controversy and we neither endorse nor oppose any causes. Our primary purpose is to stay free from cocaine and all other mind-altering substances, and to help others achieve the same freedom.*
We use the Twelve Steps of recovery because it has already been proven that the Twelve-Step recovery program works.
It is a custom in Cocaine Anonymous to read We Can Recover, taken from the C.A.
“Storybook.” “Hope, Faith and Courage”. I’ve asked (________) to read for us.
The Twelve Traditions are to the group what the Twelve Steps are to the individual. I’ve asked (________) to read for us.
(OPTIONAL: It is also a custom to read Who is a Cocaine Addict?, Who is a C.A. Member?, or Alcohol. I have asked (________) to read for us.)
(OPTIONAL: LEADER QUALIFIES FOR 5-10 MINUTES) This is a 11⁄2-hour participation meeting. We encourage newcomers to ask any questions they may have regarding the program and recovery. Please do not share if you have had any drugs or alcohol in the last 24 hours. There is no cross-talk at this meeting, and all questions should be directed at the speaker. Please limit your sharing to 3-5 minutes. Who would like to start?
(FIVE MINUTES BEFORE COFFEE BREAK) We are fully self-supporting through our own contributions. At this time we will observe the 7th Tradition. Newcomers need not feel obligated to contribute. Please remain quietly seated while the baskets are being passed.
(Optional)-(AFTER BASKETS ARE COLLECTED) We will now have a 5-minute coffee break.
(AFTER COFFEE BREAK)
(OPTIONAL) We give chips at this meeting for 30, 60 and 90 days, 6 and 9 months, 1 year, 18 months, and 2 or more years of continuous sobriety—free from all mind-altering substances. Please keep your sharing brief so that we may have time for participation afterward. Is there anyone here in their first 30 days of sobriety who wishes to take a newcomer chip? 30 days? 60 days? 90 days? 6 months? 9 months? 1 year? 18 months? 2 or more years?
(Optional)We give a cake for every 365 days of continuous sobriety. We have (________) birthdays.
Now we will continue with participation.
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(TEN MINUTES BEFORE THE MEETING ENDS) Our time is up. If you have any questions that went unanswered, or if you feel the need to share, please introduce yourself to someone after the meeting and exchange phone numbers. We are all here to help. Are there any secretary’s announcements?
(AFTER SECRETARY’S ANNOUNCEMENTS) I would like to close by having
(________) read The Promises, A Vision for You, or Reaching Out or Unity (from the
Unity pamphlet).
After a moment of silent meditation for the addict who still suffers, would (________)
lead us in the prayer of his/her choice?
SUGGESTED STEP STUDY MEETING FORMAT
Welcome to the (________) meeting of Cocaine Anonymous. My name is (________) and I am an addict.
(OPTIONAL: Would you please join me in a moment of silence followed by the Serenity Prayer?)
Are there any other addicts present? Welcome! Not to embarrass you, but so that we could get to know you better, will those of you in your first 30 days of sobriety please let us know who you are? Would you please stand and state your name and your disease? If you’re visiting from out of town or new to the Area, please introduce yourself.
Cocaine Anonymous is a Fellowship of men and women who share their experience, strength and hope with each other that they may solve their common problem and help others recover from their addiction. The only requirement for membership is a desire to stop using cocaine and all other mind-altering substances. There are no dues or fees for membership; we are fully self-supporting through our own contributions. We are not allied with any sect, denomination, politics, organization, or institution. We do not wish to engage in any controversy and we neither endorse nor oppose any causes. Our primary purpose is to stay free from cocaine and all other mind-altering substances, and to help others achieve the same freedom. *
We use the Twelve Steps of recovery because it has already been proven that the Twelve-Step recovery program works.
It is a custom in Cocaine Anonymous to read We Can Recover, taken from the C.A.
“Storybook.” “Hope, Faith and Courage”. I’ve asked (________) to read for us.
The Twelve Traditions are to the group what the Twelve Steps are to the individual. I’ve asked (________) to read for us.
(OPTIONAL: It is also a custom to read Who is a Cocaine Addict?, Who is a C.A. Member, or Alcohol. I have asked (________) to read for us.)
It is the format of this meeting to read from the Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions of Alcoholics Anonymous. This is followed by a discussion of the reading. Tonight we are on Step __________.
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(LEADER READS STEP) We will now go around the room and each read a paragraph. (AFTER READING OF THE STEP) We are fully self-supporting through our own contributions. At this time we will observe the 7th Tradition. Newcomers need not feel obligated to contribute. Please remain quietly seated while the baskets are being passed. (AFTER BASKETS ARE COLLECTED) We will now have a 5-minute coffee break. (Optional)(AFTER COFFEE BREAK)
(OPTIONAL) We give chips at this meeting for 30, 60 and 90 days, 6 and 9 months, 1 year, 18 months, and 2 or more years of continuous sobriety—free from all mind-altering substances. Please keep your sharing brief so that we may have time for participation afterward. Is there anyone here in their first 30 days of sobriety who wishes to take a newcomer chip? 30 days? 60 days? 90 days? 6 months? 9 months? 1 year? 18 months? 2 or more years?
(Optional) We give a cake for every 365 days of continuous sobriety. We have (________) birthdays.
We now have time for participation. We ask that you limit your sharing to your experience, strength and hope as it relates to the Step that was read. If you have not taken the Step, we welcome you to ask any questions regarding this Step. We also ask that you not share if you have had any drugs or alcohol in the last 24 hours. There is no cross-talk at this meeting, and please limit your sharing to 3-5 minutes. Who would like to start?
(TEN MINUTES BEFORE THE MEETING ENDS) Our time is up. If you have any questions that went unanswered, or if you feel the need to share, please introduce yourself to someone after the meeting and exchange phone numbers. We are all here to help. Are there any secretary’s announcements?
(AFTER SECRETARY’S ANNOUNCEMENTS) I would like to close by having
(________) read The Promises, A Vision for You, or Reaching Out. Or Unity (from the Unity pamphlet).
After a moment of silent meditation for the addict who still suffers, would (________) lead us in the prayer of his/her choice?
*************************
Nick A. – POINT OF ORDER – Doesn’t this fall under SR-14 for changes to Literature? Tony D. – My ruling is no. I looked at this for the committee and determined the changes being made were not substantial changes and do not fall under SR-14. Nick A. – I’d like to challenge the Chair.
Trevor S. – Explains the process of a Challenge to the Chair. The issue is if the Chair’s decision on this ruling is going to stand. The chair has waived the right to debate first. Is there any other debate? Seeing no other debate, the Chair has the right of final debate. Tony D. – Reads SR-14 into the mic. This committee did come to us ahead of time. Taking out minimal words such as ‘optional’, etc, felt like very minor changes and I didn’t think it needed to go through the SR-14 process.
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Trevor S. – Should the opinion of the Chair stand is the issue up for vote. Yes vote means you agree with the Chair. No vote means you want to overturn the Chair decision.
Vote 041– 106 yes, 24 no, the Chair’s decision stands.
Tony D. – Please start your motion over. Actually, hold please. Now several people are stating they want paper copies.
Carla S. – Point of Order – When you asked about the printed copies, you only offered them to people without computers. I prefer to work with paper even though I have a computer.
Tony D. – We will try to accommodate this request. (go back to Ginger reading motion) Ginger L. presents the motion again
Motion: To approve revisions to the C.A. suggested meeting formats as follows:
SUGGESTED PARTICIPATION MEETING FORMAT
Welcome to the (________) meeting of Cocaine Anonymous. My name is (________) and I am an addict.
(OPTIONAL: Would you please join me in a moment of silence followed by the Serenity Prayer?)
Are there any other addicts present? Welcome! Not to embarrass you, but so that we could get to know you better, will those of you in your first 30 days of sobriety please let us know who you are? Would you please stand and state your name and your disease? If you’re visiting from out of town or new to the Area, please introduce yourself.
Cocaine Anonymous is a Fellowship of men and women who share their experience, strength and hope with each other that they may solve their common problem and help others recover from their addiction. The only requirement for membership is a desire to stop using cocaine and all other mind-altering substances. There are no dues or fees for membership; we are fully self-supporting through our own contributions. We are not allied with any sect, denomination, politics, organization, or institution. We do not wish to engage in any controversy and we neither endorse nor oppose any causes. Our primary purpose is to stay free from cocaine and all other mind-altering substances, and to help others achieve the same freedom.*
We use the Twelve Steps of recovery because it has already been proven that the Twelve-Step recovery program works.
It is a custom in Cocaine Anonymous to read We Can Recover, taken from the C.A.
“Storybook.” “Hope, Faith and Courage”. I’ve asked (________) to read for us.
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The Twelve Traditions are to the group what the Twelve Steps are to the individual. I’ve asked (________) to read for us.
(OPTIONAL: It is also a custom to read Who is a Cocaine Addict?, Who is a C.A. Member?, or Alcohol. I have asked (________) to read for us.)
(OPTIONAL: LEADER QUALIFIES FOR 5-10 MINUTES) This is a 11⁄2-hour participation meeting. We encourage newcomers to ask any questions they may have regarding the program and recovery. Please do not share if you have had any drugs or alcohol in the last 24 hours. There is no cross-talk at this meeting, and all questions should be directed at the speaker. Please limit your sharing to 3-5 minutes. Who would like to start?
(FIVE MINUTES BEFORE COFFEE BREAK) We are fully self-supporting through our own contributions. At this time we will observe the 7th Tradition. Newcomers need not feel obligated to contribute. Please remain quietly seated while the baskets are being passed.
(Optional)-(AFTER BASKETS ARE COLLECTED) We will now have a 5-minute coffee break.
(AFTER COFFEE BREAK)
(OPTIONAL) We give chips at this meeting for 30, 60 and 90 days, 6 and 9 months, 1 year, 18 months, and 2 or more years of continuous sobriety—free from all mind-altering substances. Please keep your sharing brief so that we may have time for participation afterward. Is there anyone here in their first 30 days of sobriety who wishes to take a newcomer chip? 30 days? 60 days? 90 days? 6 months? 9 months? 1 year? 18 months? 2 or more years?
(Optional)We give a cake for every 365 days of continuous sobriety. We have (________) birthdays.
Now we will continue with participation.
(TEN MINUTES BEFORE THE MEETING ENDS) Our time is up. If you have any questions that went unanswered, or if you feel the need to share, please introduce yourself to someone after the meeting and exchange phone numbers. We are all here to help. Are there any secretary’s announcements?
(AFTER SECRETARY’S ANNOUNCEMENTS) I would like to close by having
(________) read The Promises, A Vision for You, or Reaching Out or Unity (from the Unity pamphlet).
After a moment of silent meditation for the addict who still suffers, would (________) lead us in the prayer of his/her choice?
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SUGGESTED STEP STUDY MEETING FORMAT
Welcome to the (________) meeting of Cocaine Anonymous. My name is (________) and I am an addict.
(OPTIONAL: Would you please join me in a moment of silence followed by the Serenity Prayer?)
Are there any other addicts present? Welcome! Not to embarrass you, but so that we could get to know you better, will those of you in your first 30 days of sobriety please let us know who you are? Would you please stand and state your name and your disease? If you’re visiting from out of town or new to the Area, please introduce yourself.
Cocaine Anonymous is a Fellowship of men and women who share their experience, strength and hope with each other that they may solve their common problem and help others recover from their addiction. The only requirement for membership is a desire to stop using cocaine and all other mind-altering substances. There are no dues or fees for membership; we are fully self-supporting through our own contributions. We are not allied with any sect, denomination, politics, organization, or institution. We do not wish to engage in any controversy and we neither endorse nor oppose any causes. Our primary purpose is to stay free from cocaine and all other mind-altering substances, and to help others achieve the same freedom. *
We use the Twelve Steps of recovery because it has already been proven that the Twelve-Step recovery program works.
It is a custom in Cocaine Anonymous to read We Can Recover, taken from the C.A.
“Storybook.” “Hope, Faith and Courage”. I’ve asked (________) to read for us.
The Twelve Traditions are to the group what the Twelve Steps are to the individual. I’ve asked (________) to read for us.
(OPTIONAL: It is also a custom to read Who is a Cocaine Addict?, Who is a C.A. Member, or Alcohol. I have asked (________) to read for us.)
It is the format of this meeting to read from the Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions of Alcoholics Anonymous. This is followed by a discussion of the reading. Tonight we are on Step __________.
(LEADER READS STEP) We will now go around the room and each read a paragraph.
(AFTER READING OF THE STEP) We are fully self-supporting through our own contributions. At this time we will observe the 7th Tradition. Newcomers need not feel obligated to contribute. Please remain quietly seated while the baskets are being passed.
(AFTER BASKETS ARE COLLECTED) We will now have a 5-minute coffee break.
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(Optional)(AFTER COFFEE BREAK)
(OPTIONAL) We give chips at this meeting for 30, 60 and 90 days, 6 and 9 months, 1 year, 18 months, and 2 or more years of continuous sobriety—free from all mind-altering substances. Please keep your sharing brief so that we may have time for participation afterward. Is there anyone here in their first 30 days of sobriety who wishes to take a newcomer chip? 30 days? 60 days? 90 days? 6 months? 9 months? 1 year? 18 months? 2 or more years?
(Optional) We give a cake for every 365 days of continuous sobriety. We have (________) birthdays.
We now have time for participation. We ask that you limit your sharing to your experience, strength and hope as it relates to the Step that was read. If you have not taken the Step, we welcome you to ask any questions regarding this Step. We also ask that you not share if you have had any drugs or alcohol in the last 24 hours. There is no cross-talk at this meeting, and please limit your sharing to 3-5 minutes. Who would like to start?
(TEN MINUTES BEFORE THE MEETING ENDS) Our time is up. If you have any questions that went unanswered, or if you feel the need to share, please introduce yourself to someone after the meeting and exchange phone numbers. We are all here to help. Are there any secretary’s announcements?
(AFTER SECRETARY’S ANNOUNCEMENTS) I would like to close by having
(________) read The Promises, A Vision for You, or Reaching Out. Or Unity (from the Unity pamphlet).
After a moment of silent meditation for the addict who still suffers, would (________) lead us in the prayer of his/her choice?
Tony D. – Motion made and seconded. Tony re-reads the motion into the mic. Does the maker of the motion want to speak to the motion? Is there any debate?
Jay P. – As it stands, I am against this motion. I personally take objection to the part of newcomers not standing when they introduce themselves. This simple request has saved many lives as this process helps identify newcomers. I also object to ‘newcomers need not feel obligated to contribute.’ Effective sponsorship will help teach that process. I object to the strike of ‘optional’ from the section about joining in Serenity Prayer. Stu E. – In favor, this is a suggested meeting format. Meetings don’t have to use this.
I’ve found this to be format to be helpful, but it has been adapted to meet our needs.
Each meeting is autonomous, they can use it or not.
Nick A. – What was the logic in removing ‘newcomers don’t feel obligated to contribute?’
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Tom P. – This was input from our trustee, especially for areas that are newly established. The main population of their fellowship could be newcomers and their financial support is necessary for that new Area. Suggested meeting formats are heavily used by new areas. Our trustee guided us to this revision.
John W. – Question, is it Hope, Faith, and Courage I or Hope, Faith and Courage II? Ginger L. – Neither book is actually titled Hope, Faith, and Courage so we just put Hope, Faith, and Courage in a general meaning.
Maurice S. – In favor of removing the part about newcomers standing or not. Newcomers are full of fear and forcing them to stand to introduce themselves could cause them to not come back.
Rob W. – In favor of these changes. Our clientele here is primarily people starting new meetings. New areas don’t know anything about starting new meetings. These changes will help with the global perspective, how to read it, how to use it, etc. Everyone in the room on LCF spoke on how things go in their area and each Area had different processes. Some things that only appeared to happen in one or two areas were removed. Jay P. – Friendly amendment, to leave the word ‘stand’ in the section when newcomers introduce themselves and leave the word ‘optional’ in front of the closing moment of silence/Prayer section?
Ginger L. – We decline the friendly amendment. You can make it as a referral.
Tony D. – Seeing no debate, I will not re-read the motion.
Marie M. – Friendly amendment, to keep the word ‘optional’ before “join in a moment of silence/prayer” as removal of this word takes away the autonomy of the group/members. Tom P. – Decline the friendly amendment. We were instructed by a past Conference to remove that word.
Tony D. – Prepare to vote.
Vote 042 – 73 yes, 56 no, vote carries.
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REFERRALS THAT RESULTED IN MOTIONS
2015 LCF 6
To create a new pamphlet called “Honesty, Opened-mindedness & Willingness.”
Lauri C. reads the motion
Motion: to approve pamphlet called “Honesty, Opened-mindedness & Willingness.” Point One of the C.A. PAMPHLET PUBLICATION PROCESS. (specific names of individuals removed from motion)
Tony D. – Motion made and seconded. Do you want to speak to your motion? Lauri C. – Not at this time.
Jim S. – Against the motion. As far as I’m concerned, this pamphlet has no place in our fellowship.
Elizabeth S. – This was a referral brought to us. Many 12 Step fellowships use a process like this to review a concept for an idea. This is to identify in more details what this pamphlet could mean. This is just a concept, not the pamphlet itself.
Susan B. – Speak in favor, if I had not embraced Honesty, Open-mindedness and Willingness, I’m not sure I would have continued in recovery.
Maurice S. – I go into a lot of H&I facilities. This would be an excellent tool for people still on the fence as to whether they should be here or not. Give them something to hold onto and keep coming back.
Richard L. – Friendly amendment, remove specific names of people from the motion to make it to be the LCF committee in general. Lauri C. – Accept friendly amend.
Tony D. – Prepare to vote.
Vote 043 – 112 yes, 18 against, motion carries
Jay P. – 5th concept statement – On the previous motion to change the suggested meeting formats. Knowing our audience are the new meetings that is the specific reason why I think the way they close the meeting needs to stay there. A new person in a new group may not know that joining in a prayer was optional. When they read it in a PDF that can’t be edited, they may think that is the way it HAS to be. That is not fair to be dictated to. This for meetings in US based and non-US based areas. I have no idea how they handle the prayer part of their meetings. Leaving in the word ‘optional’ is very clear. They know they can use it or not.
Tony D. – Thank you.
Jim S. – Motion to reconsider the previously accepted revisions to the Meeting Formats.
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Tony D. – Motion made and seconded. Tony outlines the reconsideration process. Is there any debate on the motion?
Duane M. – I believe the 5th concept statement brought in info that would have me change my vote.
Carla S. – Good idea, the original vote was very close.
Tony D. – Any other debate? Please prepare to vote.
Vote 044 – 105 yes, 29 against, motion carries.
Tony D. – Now the motion is back on the floor as if the original vote never happened. Tom P. – We would accept a friendly amend to leave in the word ‘optional’ before the silence/prayer section.
Tony D. – Committee makes that friendly amendment to their motion. Seconded. Prepare to vote (amended motions shown below) Vote 045 – 110 yes, 26 against, motion carries.
Motion with friendly amendment is as follows –
Motion: To approve revisions to the C.A. suggested meeting formats as follows:
SUGGESTED PARTICIPATION MEETING FORMAT
Welcome to the (________) meeting of Cocaine Anonymous. My name is (________) and I am an addict.
(OPTIONAL: Would you please join me in a moment of silence followed by the Serenity Prayer?)
Are there any other addicts present? Welcome! Not to embarrass you, but so that we could get to know you better, will those of you in your first 30 days of sobriety please let us know who you are? Would you please stand and state your name and your disease? If you’re visiting from out of town or new to the Area, please introduce yourself.
Cocaine Anonymous is a Fellowship of men and women who share their experience, strength and hope with each other that they may solve their common problem and help others recover from their addiction. The only requirement for membership is a desire to stop using cocaine and all other mind-altering substances. There are no dues or fees for membership; we are fully self-supporting through our own contributions. We are not allied with any sect, denomination, politics, organization, or institution. We do not wish to engage in any controversy and we neither endorse nor oppose any causes. Our primary purpose is to stay free from cocaine and all other mind-altering substances, and to help others achieve the same freedom.*
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We use the Twelve Steps of recovery because it has already been proven that the Twelve-Step recovery program works.
It is a custom in Cocaine Anonymous to read We Can Recover, taken from the C.A.
“Storybook.” “Hope, Faith and Courage”. I’ve asked (________) to read for us.
The Twelve Traditions are to the group what the Twelve Steps are to the individual. I’ve asked (________) to read for us.
(OPTIONAL: It is also a custom to read Who is a Cocaine Addict?, Who is a C.A. Member?, or Alcohol. I have asked (________) to read for us.)
(OPTIONAL: LEADER QUALIFIES FOR 5-10 MINUTES) This is a 11⁄2-hour participation meeting. We encourage newcomers to ask any questions they may have regarding the program and recovery. Please do not share if you have had any drugs or alcohol in the last 24 hours. There is no cross-talk at this meeting, and all questions should be directed at the speaker. Please limit your sharing to 3-5 minutes. Who would like to start?
(FIVE MINUTES BEFORE COFFEE BREAK) We are fully self-supporting through our own contributions. At this time we will observe the 7th Tradition. Newcomers need not feel obligated to contribute. Please remain quietly seated while the baskets are being passed.
(Optional)-(AFTER BASKETS ARE COLLECTED) We will now have a 5-minute coffee break.
(AFTER COFFEE BREAK)
(OPTIONAL) We give chips at this meeting for 30, 60 and 90 days, 6 and 9 months, 1 year, 18 months, and 2 or more years of continuous sobriety—free from all mind-altering substances. Please keep your sharing brief so that we may have time for participation afterward. Is there anyone here in their first 30 days of sobriety who wishes to take a newcomer chip? 30 days? 60 days? 90 days? 6 months? 9 months? 1 year? 18 months? 2 or more years?
(Optional)We give a cake for every 365 days of continuous sobriety. We have (________) birthdays.
Now we will continue with participation.
(TEN MINUTES BEFORE THE MEETING ENDS) Our time is up. If you have any questions that went unanswered, or if you feel the need to share, please introduce yourself to someone after the meeting and exchange phone numbers. We are all here to help. Are there any secretary’s announcements?
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(AFTER SECRETARY’S ANNOUNCEMENTS) I would like to close by having
(________) read The Promises, A Vision for You, or Reaching Out or Unity (from the Unity pamphlet).
After a moment of silent meditation for the addict who still suffers, would (________) lead us in the prayer of his/her choice?
SUGGESTED STEP STUDY MEETING FORMAT
Welcome to the (________) meeting of Cocaine Anonymous. My name is (________) and I am an addict.
(OPTIONAL: Would you please join me in a moment of silence followed by the Serenity Prayer?)
Are there any other addicts present? Welcome! Not to embarrass you, but so that we could get to know you better, will those of you in your first 30 days of sobriety please let us know who you are? Would you please stand and state your name and your disease? If you’re visiting from out of town or new to the Area, please introduce yourself.
Cocaine Anonymous is a Fellowship of men and women who share their experience, strength and hope with each other that they may solve their common problem and help others recover from their addiction. The only requirement for membership is a desire to stop using cocaine and all other mind-altering substances. There are no dues or fees for membership; we are fully self-supporting through our own contributions. We are not allied with any sect, denomination, politics, organization, or institution. We do not wish to engage in any controversy and we neither endorse nor oppose any causes. Our primary purpose is to stay free from cocaine and all other mind-altering substances, and to help others achieve the same freedom. *
We use the Twelve Steps of recovery because it has already been proven that the Twelve-Step recovery program works.
It is a custom in Cocaine Anonymous to read We Can Recover, taken from the C.A.
“Storybook.” “Hope, Faith and Courage”. I’ve asked (________) to read for us.
The Twelve Traditions are to the group what the Twelve Steps are to the individual. I’ve asked (________) to read for us.
(OPTIONAL: It is also a custom to read Who is a Cocaine Addict?, Who is a C.A. Member, or Alcohol. I have asked (________) to read for us.)
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It is the format of this meeting to read from the Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions of Alcoholics Anonymous. This is followed by a discussion of the reading. Tonight we are on Step __________.
(LEADER READS STEP) We will now go around the room and each read a paragraph.
(AFTER READING OF THE STEP) We are fully self-supporting through our own contributions. At this time we will observe the 7th Tradition. Newcomers need not feel obligated to contribute. Please remain quietly seated while the baskets are being passed.
(AFTER BASKETS ARE COLLECTED) We will now have a 5-minute coffee break. (Optional)(AFTER COFFEE BREAK)
(OPTIONAL) We give chips at this meeting for 30, 60 and 90 days, 6 and 9 months, 1 year, 18 months, and 2 or more years of continuous sobriety—free from all mind-altering substances. Please keep your sharing brief so that we may have time for participation afterward. Is there anyone here in their first 30 days of sobriety who wishes to take a newcomer chip? 30 days? 60 days? 90 days? 6 months? 9 months? 1 year? 18 months? 2 or more years?
(Optional) We give a cake for every 365 days of continuous sobriety. We have (________) birthdays.
We now have time for participation. We ask that you limit your sharing to your experience, strength and hope as it relates to the Step that was read. If you have not taken the Step, we welcome you to ask any questions regarding this Step. We also ask that you not share if you have had any drugs or alcohol in the last 24 hours. There is no cross-talk at this meeting, and please limit your sharing to 3-5 minutes. Who would like to start?
(TEN MINUTES BEFORE THE MEETING ENDS) Our time is up. If you have any questions that went unanswered, or if you feel the need to share, please introduce yourself to someone after the meeting and exchange phone numbers. We are all here to help. Are there any secretary’s announcements?
(AFTER SECRETARY’S ANNOUNCEMENTS) I would like to close by having
(________) read The Promises, A Vision for You, or Reaching Out. Or Unity (from the Unity pamphlet).
After a moment of silent meditation for the addict who still suffers, would (________) lead us in the prayer of his/her choice?
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****Going back to We Can Recover Motion that was previously tabled ****
Motion: To approve the revised version of “We Can Recover” as set forth in Attachment B.
Maria M. – Speak for the motion. Thanks to LCF for all work done on this reading. Changes have brought up lots of debate in our region, there is overwhelming support to these changes from our region.
Maya B. – In favor, my home group has inserted our own language to it anyways. I am happy to see these changes.
Sandra A. – Against these changes. I don’t see why we want to change it if nothing was in there before that offends people. ‘Spiritual malady’ applies to me, I get that, but newcomers don’t get the HP thing. To take away ‘drugs and or alcohol’, I came in as a person who didn’t use drugs, came in with attitude that I was ‘just’ an alcoholic and didn’t want to read something for a ‘drug addict’. If we don’t have the ‘and/or alcohol’ it is limiting.
Jim S. – Against the changes. Coming from the UK, there are lots of votes on a very contentious issue. The Big Book states we don’t talk to the newcomer until he understands what he suffers from. Why hit them with this right at the beginning? This is a very contentious issue.
Michael C. – Against. Reads portion from reading…. Obsession is in the head, allergy is in the body… this is true of many substances, not just drugs/alcohol. If I was new and someone said ‘3 fold’ to me, I wouldn’t have understood this. We get referrals in S&B that refer back to old issues over and over again. In S&B, we eventually started stating we can’t fix the issue. LCF should start responding the same way.
Tom P. – Speaks in favor, reason why is these suggestions/changes were made was because of many, many referrals we have received. When changes are made to readings, those changes have to be made in several places. These suggestions are not taken lightly, but are taken in conscious of the fellowship. We can’t just state we aren’t doing that. We have considered this extensively and are looking for the approval or denial of this floor on these changes. I’ve asked many, many others to look at this version and many do like it. Tom asks to read the revised version to the floor. Tom P. reads the revised version of ‘We Can Recover.’
Stu E. – First off, how do I follow that? I am still against the motion, we do have to answer referrals that come to our committees. We don’t have to approve that or not, but we have to answer them. The floor then had to vote on it as a group conscious. Leave it the way it was, it has worked for years.
Daniel G. – In favor, thank you for addressing allergy/obsession/malady. This helps me understand that just putting the needle down is not the answer. We need to address all
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of it. This is already in the reading. This shows them what Step 1 is. This has
everything to do with HP.
Nick A. – Call the question.
Tony D. – Motion made and seconded to call the question. We are only voting on ending debate.
Vote 046 – 106 yes, 26 against, motion to end debate passes.
Tony D. – Vote on original motion. Motion: To approve the revised version of “We Can Recover” as set forth in Attachment B.
Vote 047 – 63 for, 64 against, Motion fails.
REFERRALS OR ITEMS TABLED UNTIL NEXT YEAR; AND ITEMS THE COMMITTEE WILL CONTINUE WORKING ONTHROUGH THE YEAR
None.
REFERRALS OR ITEMS REFERRED TO OTHER COMMITTEES; WORLD SERVICE OFFICE, OR BOARD OF TRUSTEES
2015 LCF 2
Please create an “A Quiet Peace” app! This would be a good revenue-producing opportunity for the fellowship!
We like this idea! We are referring it to WSOB.
2015 LCF 7
Our first step refers to “drugs and alcohol” instead of mind altering substances. WSO once approved this translation. We think it’s important to translate the text as meticulous as possible. The appropriate translation is: “….. cocaine en alle andere geest-veranderende middelen…….”
Referred to the WSOB.
2015 LCF 8
A very important reading has been omitted from the Newcomer booklet – “who’s a C.A. Member”. Although this reading was not yet written when the original booklet referral was made, it seems a glaring oversight. Please add this at the beginning of all future printings of the Newcomer booklet! Thank you.
Referred to the WSOB
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2015IT3 T LCF
Create a podcast of C.A. speakers. This maybe out of reach of C.A., but it would be nice to have a podcast that has some. The reason I am asking is because there are AA speaker ones….
Referred to the conference committee
REFERRALS THAT DID NOT RESULT IN MOTIONS
2015 LCF 1
Add a section to the book process that allows the conference the right to remove a book from being worked on. There is no point in the process that allows the conference to remove a book from the process for any
Reason. Please feel free to talk to me, thanks.
Thank you so much for your referral. The LCF Committee feels that the current conference structure allows the conference to rescind previously made motions and this covers removal of books from the process.
2015 LCF 3
Frequently at the end of a ca meeting, the slogan “keep coming back” is said. Some of our members have taken offence to this stating that it is an NA / AA slogan. They want “We’re here and we’re free” used instead of “keep coming back” in our CA meetings. We would like to promote our slogan.
We appreciate the referral but “Keep Coming Back” is not a part of our suggested meeting format and each group is autonomous.
2015 LCF 4
I nor many in my area are a fan of writing and implementing a CA workbook. Why would “we” reinvent the wheel? If it is not broke we should not try to fix it…as the saying goes. I do not like the idea of CA going in the direction on another fellowship (that shall remain nameless). Had I wanted a workbook type program to work I would have joined that fellowship. I am all for change and growth, just not with a workbook. Thank you!
No Action
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2015 LCF 5
My area and I are strongly against the workbook and ask that yall reconsider continuing the project. We feel it unnecessary and that it will blur the message. The big book and 12/12 is more than sufficient and we believe the workbook will take away from what our program is about.
No Action
2015 LCF 9
In the following paragraph (excerpted from We Can Recover), I would change the words “In short” to “In other words”, since the latter sentence segment is actually one syllable longer than the first. “Cocaine Anonymous is a spiritual program, not a religious one. In CA we believe each individual can choose a Higher Power of his or her own. In short, a God of his or her own understanding.” “Higher Power of his or her own” versus “God of his or her own understanding”. To read as follows: “Cocaine Anonymous is a spiritual program, not a religious one. In CA we believe each individual can choose a Higher Power of his or her own.
In other words, a God of his or her own understanding.”
No action taken as item has been addressed in the We Can Recover revisions distributed in accordance with SR-14.
2015 LCF 10
The pamphlet “The First 30 Days” says: “We wish to assure you that there is a solution and that recovery is possible. It begins with complete abstinence from cocaine and all other mind-altering substances. It continues with practicing C.A.’s Twelve Steps of recovery, one day at a time…” I cannot find any information in the Big Book or 12 Steps and 12 Traditions that supports the statement that “It begins with abstinence… and continues with practicing C.A’s Twelve Steps of recovery…” I don’t know about you but if I could be abstinent I wouldn’t need the fellowship. “It begins with Surrender” or “it begins with the admission that I can’t stop on my own” would be more appropriate.
Thank you for your referral. The LCF Committee believes the existing wording is consistent with other CA literature – the CA Website, Tools of Recovery, Crack pamphlet & We Can Recover.
2015 LCF 11
There have been many complaints about the third paragraph of “Reaching Out”. I personally have no problem with the content and can relate to the author. The folks who have a problem with the content merits no value and their concerns are not valid. There
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is only one reason I can see why we need to cut the third paragraph out of the “Approved reading”: The 3rd paragraph changes the subject/topic. The first two paragraphs are about reaching out and the value of that action. The third paragraph has nothing to do with reaching out. It is about self-forgiveness. I hope the committee will see the merit of this Referral and vote to remove the 3rd paragraph on the basis that it is unrelated to the intention.
No action. The readings are suggested only and each group is autonomous.
2015 LCF 12
I propose that we remove the third paragraph in “Reaching Out” reads as follows: “Something else I have done is that I have forgiven myself. I have forgiven myself for being an addict. I have forgiven myself for all the damage I did to my life, to my physical health, and to my career and finances. But most of all, I have forgiven myself for all of the horrible, negative and unloving things I have felt about myself. It was not until I offered and accepted my own forgiveness that I was truly able to grow in my sobriety.” IT REMINDS ME MUCH OF WHAT I USE TO HERE A LOT IN MEETINGS… “DON’T DRINK OR USE NO-MATER-WHAT…. EVEN IF YOUR
ASS IS FALLING OFF…” I USE TO TAKE GREAT ANGER WITH THIS BECAUSE I SIMPLY COULD NOT DO THAT… I TRIED IT A MILLION TIMES. I NOW UNDERSTAND WHY THEY SAID THAT… BECAUSE IF A PERSONS HAS ALREADY FOUND A SOLUTION, IT MAKES SENSE. THEY HAVE REGAINED SOME POWER. BUT A PERSON THAT HAS NO SOLUTION, THAT STATEMENT HAS THE POWER TO KILL. AND HAS DONE SO REPEATEDLY. JUST A THOUGHT…
No action. The readings are suggested only and each group is autonomous.
2015 LCF 13
Greetings: I am writing in regards to the third paragraph in “Reaching Out” reads as follows: “Something else I have done is that I have forgiven myself. I have forgiven myself for being an addict. I have forgiven
Myself for all the damage I did to my life, to my physical health, and to my career and finances. But most of all, I have forgiven myself for all of the horrible, negative and unloving things I have felt about myself. It was
Not until I offered and accepted my own forgiveness that I was truly able to grow in my sobriety.” This great piece of writing is taken from the Hope, Faith and Courage storybook. It’s a beautiful story, and speaks well of that person’s experience. But does it speak well for the rest of us? There are many of us who feel strongly that it was actually writing inventory, making amends, seeking a power greater, and helped
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someone that enabled us to grow in our sobriety. And that once we were able to commit to those things, we were able to forgive ourselves. I’m grateful I was rooted in the BB before I ever heard that reading, enough to see through the message. To my understanding, there isn’t a word in the BB that speaks to that sentiment.
As we continue to watch people die by not grasping the program outlined in the book, is this the message we want our newcomers to hear? Another conflicting truth? Just forgive yourself and everything will be ok… that’s the message of the paragraph. It’s one thing to include a person’s experience in a storybook, it’s something else entirely to make it a reading in every meeting. Something we impress upon people from the first day and continue to reinforce over and over at every meeting. I am a committed CA member, I started and named the H&I service body CA Lifeline, Erica D. and Michael H. brought it to conference and had it approved. I was also the banquet speaker the 30th World Convention. Those things don’t make my experience more valid than anyone else’s, just sharing my commitment and love for CA. I would like to propose that we strike the third paragraph from that reading. I am willing to come to conference to speak to the motion if need be.
No action. The readings are suggested only and each group is autonomous.
2015 LCF 14
The reading “Reaching Out” should be eliminated from recommended CA readings. It gives the impression that forgiving myself will assure my growth in sobriety. Forgiveness will bring about serenity, but without the Effort for a spiritual awakening sobriety could be limited.
The readings are suggested only and each group is autonomous.
2015 LCF 15
We should offer HFC books in a digital format for sale from the ca.org website. Everyone is using e-readers these days and selling digital books would be 100% profit for the fellowship since once the digital copy is created you don’t have to keep buying more.
We understand this is already being done.
NEW COMMITTEE STRUCTURE AS OF THIS CONFERENCE
Chair: Ginger L.
Vice-Chair: Chuck B.
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Secretary: Rose G.
WSOB Liaison: Chris J.
WSBT Liaison: Rob W.
CLOSING COMMENTS
LCF is excited as this conference comes to close. In summary, we anticipate that great progress will continue on the development of literature for C.A. Specifically, the “12 Steps & 12 Traditions” book subcommittee has reported exciting developments in their work. A layout has been completed, databases of information relating to specific C.A. experience throughout the fellowship with respect to the Steps and Traditions has been gathered and organized. 9 new members have joined the subcommittee in the last month and a draft book is anticipated to be available for LCF main committee review by next conference. The subcommittee is hoping to have this product available to the C.A. World Service office for publication sometime in 2017.
New LCF member Devin R-F has enthusiastically stepped forward and volunteered to take over lead on the “12-Step Workbook” subcommittee. The entire LCF main committee is solidly in support of this piece and we expect significant progress in the next year.
We also anticipate completion of the “12 Concepts Inventory” and, if approved as a concept by this conference, the “Honesty, Open-Mindedness and Willingness” pieces in time for SR-14 mailing next year. Finally, with these anticipated accomplishments we expect to make substantial progress towards bringing forth the “12 Traditions and Concepts Illustrated” booklet.
I am sure I speak for this entire committee in thanking this conference for the privilege of serving our fellowship.
Respectfully Submitted:
Tom P. LCF Chair (outgoing)
(see attachments A and B following)
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Attachment A (To The Newcomer)
To the Newcomer
Who is a Cocaine Addict?
Some of us can answer without hesitation, “I am!” Others aren’t so sure. Cocaine Anonymous believes that no one can decide for another whether he or she is addicted. One thing is sure, though: every single one of us has denied being an addict. For months, for years, we who now freely admit that we are cocaine addicts thought that we could control cocaine when in fact it was controlling us.
“I only use on weekends,” or
“It hardly ever interferes with work,” or
“I can quit, it’s only psychologically addicting, right?” or “I only snort, I don’t base or shoot,” or
“It’s this relationship that’s messing me up.”
Many of us are still perplexed to realize how long we went on, never getting the same high we got at the beginning, yet still insisting, and believing—so distorted was our reality—that we were getting from cocaine what actually always eluded us. We went to any lengths to get away from being ourselves. The lines got fatter; the grams went faster; the week’s stash was all used up today. We found ourselves scraping envelopes and baggies with razor blades, scratching the last flakes from the corners of brown bottles, snorting or smoking any white speck from the floor when we ran out. We, who prided ourselves on our fine-tuned state of mind! Nothing mattered more to us than the straw, the pipe, the needle. Even if it made us feel miserable, we had to have it.
Some of us mixed cocaine with alcohol or other drugs and found temporary relief in the change, but in the end, it only compounded our problems. We tried quitting by ourselves, finally, and managed to do so for periods of time. After a month, we imagined we were in control. We thought our system was cleaned out and we could get the old high again, using half as much. This time, we’d be careful not to go overboard. But we only found ourselves back where we were before, and worse.
We never left the house without using first. We didn’t make love without using. We didn’t talk on the phone without coke. We couldn’t fall asleep; sometimes it seemed we couldn’t even breathe without cocaine. We tried changing jobs, apartments, cities, lovers—believing that our lives were being screwed up by circumstances, places, people. Perhaps we saw a cocaine friend die of respiratory arrest, and still we went on
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using! But eventually we had to face facts. We had to admit that cocaine was a serious problem in our lives, that we were addicts.
What Brought Us to Cocaine Anonymous?
Some of us hit a physical bottom. It may have been anything from a nosebleed which frightened us, to sexual impotence, to loss of sensation in or temporary paralysis of a limb, to a loss of consciousness and a trip to an emergency room, to a cocaine-induced stroke that left us disabled. Maybe it was finally our gaunt reflection in the mirror.
Others of us hit an emotional or spiritual bottom. The good times were gone, the coke life was over. No matter how much we used, we never again achieved elation, only a temporary release from the depression of coming down, and often, not even that. We suffered violent mood swings. Perhaps we awoke to our predicament after threatening or actually harming a loved one, desperately demanding imagined hidden money. We were overcome by feelings of alienation from friends, loved ones, parents, children, society, from the sky, from everything wholesome. Even the dealer we thought was our friend turned into a stranger when we went to him without money. Perhaps we awoke in dread of the isolation we had created for ourselves—using alone, suffocated by our self-centered fear and our paranoia. We were spiritually and emotionally deadened. Perhaps we thought of suicide, or tried it.
Still others of us reached a different sort of bottom when our spending and lying cost us our jobs, credit, and possessions. Some of us reached the point where we couldn’t even deal; we consumed everything we touched before we could sell it. We simply could no longer afford to use. Sometimes the law intervened.
Most of us were brought down by a medley of financial, physical, social, and spiritual problems.
When we found Cocaine Anonymous, we learned that addiction is a progressive disease, chronic and potentially fatal. We were relieved to be told that addiction is not simply a moral problem, that it is a true disease over which the will alone is usually powerless. All the same, each of us must take responsibility for our own recovery. There is no secret, no magic. We each have to quit and stay sober; but we don’t have to do it alone!
What is Cocaine Anonymous?
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We are a Fellowship of addicts who meet together to share our hope, faith, and courage for the purpose of staying sober and helping others achieve the same freedom. Everything heard at our meetings is to be treated as confidential. There are no dues or fees of any kind. To be a member, you only have to want to quit. We also exchange phone numbers, and give and seek support from one another between meetings.
We are all on equal footing here. We are men and women of all ages, races and social backgrounds, with the common bond of addiction. The Twelve-Step program of Cocaine Anonymous is gratefully borrowed from Alcoholics Anonymous. Many years of experience have demonstrated the value of one addict helping another.
We welcome newcomers to C.A. with more genuine warmth and acceptance in our hearts than you can probably now imagine—for you are the lifeblood of our program. In great part, it is by carrying the message of recovery to others like ourselves that we keep our own sobriety. We are all helping ourselves by helping each other.
What is the First Thing?
To the newcomer who wonders about the first thing he or she must do to achieve sobriety, we say that you have already done the first thing: you have admitted to yourself, and now to others, that you need help by the very act of coming to a meeting or seeking information about the C.A. program.
You are at this very moment doing what is necessary to stay sober: you’re not getting loaded. Cocaine Anonymous is a one-day-at-a-time program. We suggest that you not dwell on wanting to stay sober for the rest of your life, or for a year, or even a week. Once you have decided you want to quit, let tomorrow take care of itself. But sometimes it is too much for us to project even one whole day drug-free. That’s okay. Take recovery a day at a time, an hour a time, or even a minute at a time if necessary.
In the C.A. Fellowship, you are among addicts who are living without drugs. Make use of us! Take phone numbers. Between meetings, you may not be able to avoid contact with drugs and people who are still using. Some of us had no sober friends at all when we first came in. You have sober friends now! If you begin to feel restless, irritable and discontented, don’t wait. Give one of us a call, and don’t be surprised if one of us calls you when we need help!
It may surprise you that we discourage the use of any mind-altering substances, including alcohol and marijuana. It is the common experience of addicts in this and other programs that any drug use leads to relapse or substitute addiction. If you’re
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addicted to another substance, you’d better take care of it. If you’re not, then you don’t need it, so why mess with it? We urge you to heed this sound advice drawn from the bitter experience of other addicts. Is it likely you’re different?
We thought we were happy in our active addiction, but we were not. In C.A., we learn to live a new way of life. Cocaine Anonymous is a spiritual but not a religious program—our spiritual values are accessible to everyone.
We who are grateful recovering addicts ask you to listen closely to our stories. That is the main thing—listen! We know where you’re coming from, because we’ve been there ourselves. Yet we are now living drug-free, not only that, but living happily; many of us, happier than we have ever been before.
No one says that it is easy to arrest addiction. We had to give up old ways of thinking
and behaving. We had to be willing to change. But we are doing it, gratefully, one day
at a time.
– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –
Attachment B (We Can Recover)
WE CAN RECOVER
Welcome to Cocaine Anonymous. We are all here for the same reason—our inability to stop using cocaine and all other mind-altering substances. The first step towards solving any problem is admitting that there is a problem.
The problem, as we see it, is three-fold: a physical allergy, a mental obsession, and a spiritual malady. The physical allergy is an abnormal reaction that creates an inability to stop using once we begin. The mental obsession is a continued and irresistible thought of the next high. The spiritual malady manifests itself as unmanageability in our lives, separating us from a Higher Power, each other and eventually ourselves. If the spiritual malady is not addressed, the obsession returns and we may use again.
We wish to assure you that there is a solution and that recovery is possible. It begins with abstinence and continues with practicing C.A.’s 12 Steps of recovery, one day at a time. The means by which we move from the problem of drug addiction to the solution of recovery is the Twelve Steps of Cocaine Anonymous:
- We admitted we were powerless over cocaine and all other mind-altering substances—that our lives had become unmanageable.
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- Came to believe that a Power greater than ourselves could restore us to sanity.
- Made a decision to turn our will and our lives over to the care of God as we understood Him.
- Made a searching and fearless moral inventory of ourselves.
- Admitted to God, to ourselves, and to another human being the exact nature of our wrongs.
- Were entirely ready to have God remove all these defects of character.
- Humbly asked Him to remove our shortcomings.
- Made a list of all persons we had harmed, and became willing to make amends to them all.
- Made direct amends to such people wherever possible, except when to do so would injure them or others.
- Continued to take personal inventory and when we were wrong promptly admitted it.
- Sought through prayer and meditation to improve our conscious contact with God as we understood Him, praying only for knowledge of His will for us and the power to carry that out.
- Having had a spiritual awakening as the result of these Steps, we tried to carry this message to addicts, and to practice these principles in all our affairs.
Cocaine Anonymous is a spiritual program, not a religious one. In C.A., we believe each of us can choose a Higher Power or God of our own understanding.
No one comes into Cocaine Anonymous to find God. We came here desperate to get rid of a terrifying drug habit. Look around this room. You are surrounded by people who came to C.A. as a last resort. We were emotionally, financially, and spiritually bankrupt. We had lived through many of the same experiences as a result of using cocaine, alcohol, or other drugs. Yet today, we are free from the misery, terror, and pain of addiction.
Maybe some of us were worse off than you; maybe some of us didn’t hit as low a bottom as you. Still, the fact remains that those of us who are recovering have come to believe that a Higher Power of our own understanding can restore us to sanity.
There is a solution; we can recover from addiction. One day at a time, it is possible to live a life filled with hope, faith and courage. *****************************************************
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Tony D. – Thank you. Any questions for the LCF committee?
Stu E. – I cannot express how pleased I am with results of A Quiet Peace. The committee does great work. There were lots of referrals on Reaching Out. Getting the 3rd paragraph out is now a big issue. Did you consider putting the word ‘Optional’ before that 3rd paragraph or making the reading without that 3rd paragraph? I hate to see people taking our readings and ‘editing’ them. Why not make it an option to read in either form?
Tom P. – Yes, we have considered both those options, but chose to respond with ‘no action.’ This is an excerpt from a story in one of our books. There are many who like the 3rd paragraph. We think the proper course is to leave it the way it is. Those who do like the 3rd paragraph aren’t writing referrals to keep it in because the 3rd paragraph is already there, so we are not seeing that side of it
Henry A. – Question about 12 Step/12 Tradition book. The 12×12 by Bill W. outlines this already. Another 12 Step program re-did the book entirely. What is LCF’s intention with this book?
Tom P. – Going to be more in line with the CA fellowship in regards to the steps. With the traditions, it will be along lines of referrals received by the WSBT about tradition issues. This workbook is going to be more on questions raised and answers given. Lance D. – Motion to rescind the motion that approved the concept of the 12 Step & 12 Traditions Workbook.
Tony D. – Motion made and seconded. We did get notice of this previously.
Duane M. – Heard Tony D. state that they had been given notice, but this is a significant issue, should this go to SR-14?
Tony D. – This notice was given in previous session, and we’ve done this in the past. Tony D. – Clarifies the motion to ‘rescind the motion that approved the concept of a 12 Step Workbook.’
Lance D. – As stated in one of my referrals, my area is strongly against this workbook as it blurs what the Big Book and 12×12 conveys. Feels as if we are drifting towards another fellowship.
Tom P. – Against the motion to rescind, there has not been a lot of progress made on this project. We’ve had 2 different Leads for this project, but they encountered personal issues and had to roll off project. We had extensive debate on this and I asked the LCF committee to meditate on this issue over night and then we discussed it again. LCF committee feels this project needs to be continued. We have new people and new energy on the committee and progress will be made on this project. There are many workbooks out there, we see great benefit of carrying the message to the suffering addict on how to get through the Big Book.
Barbara N. – Point of Order – I am confused, we were on discussion on 12 Step/12 Traditions, then this motion came up. Was that previous motion finished? Tony D. – Yes, that was finished, this is a new motion.
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Nick A. – In favor of motion to rescind. I came in to CA and was given a Big Book. I was confused, but was told ‘this is what works.’ I went to another fellowship and was given a workbook by a sponsor, told to work through the workbook and get back with said sponsor in a couple weeks. I think a workbook leads to lazy sponsorship.
David C. – In favor to rescind, the Big Book of AA saved my life. My attempts to do workbooks in the past almost killed me. This has been in the queue of LCF for many many years and is a massive task. I’m nervous that it won’t get done at all. Think we need to stick with what we have.
Devin R-F – I am against the motion to rescind, I came here with a passion for CA by providing me to build a life beyond my dreams. I come from a struggling Area and have sought ES&H from many of you. You have all helped me. We have been given guidance to move forward in our service from a HP. We need to be helpful to the new addict. This is another tool to help the suffering addict. I’ve stepped forward to help with this project. We do know this is a large project, but we need this to help the addict that still suffers. LCF has a strong belief in this project and we have the drive to work on. We need this to help addicts still suffering in all areas. This could make a real difference in a life and death struggle. Give us the opportunity to see what we can create before you stop this work.
Sheyan S. – Against the motion to rescind. Can I have permission to read some previous debate?
Tony D. – Yes.
Sheyan S. – Kevin M. made this referral back in 2004. (Sheyan reads the original referral) I heard a couple people in their opening reports ask LCF to make a book. Please let LCF do their job and address those request.
Heidi J. – Against motion to rescind, I was one of the ones who fought against this for a long time as AA had done it right, why change it? While editing the NewsGram, I’ve learned that we have many, many members who know lots about Steps and Traditions, and this would just take that knowledge and put it in language newcomers might understand better. It costs nothing for us to work on this concept. If it is made and passes, it raise funds for this fellowship. Sales of meditation books may decrease as so many people have already bought it. Funds are raised with literature sales, books bring money in. We now have 33 years of people working steps, give us a chance to use/present this knowledge.
Jimmy Y. – Is for the motion to rescind, there are plenty of workbooks out there. A workbook affiliated with us may not be a good thing. Each workbook is slightly different and offers different views on each step. The point of one addict working with another addict is essential. I’m against a workbook being affiliated with CA, I feel we should be more open-minded.
Elizabeth S. – Against motion to rescind, I haven’t always been a fan of this concept. Then something happened for me when Sheyan read Kevin M.’s referral. It gave me a
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different perspective. My sponsor when I got here wasn’t very strong at the time. A guide to help my sponsor walk me through the steps might have helped my progress quicker through my character defects. LCF just wants to move forward with this to see what can create. If you have things you have used with your sponsees, submit them so we can consider including them in the workbook. This is an opportunity to have a tool to help people that we sponsor. Not everyone makes the best sponsor, it just is the way it is, this tool could help with that.
Susan B. – Call the question
Tony D. – I am calling the motion out of order. There are many people on the list who want to talk and that could be pivotal info. Next up is Sandra.
Sandra A. – For the motion to rescind, we have had this discussion in our area and our area doesn’t see the use of having this workbook. Lot of our members found CA in Sweden and have a love for how we work out of the AA Big Book. Added literature is amazing and am for those pieces of info.
Ginger L. – Point of Order – I feel that we are debating underlying motion.
Tony D. – I have been giving leeway as this is a very powerful issue.
Sandra A. – We are doing great in Sweden and we don’t want to come away from working out of the Big Book.
Richard L. – Against rescinding, want to rescind as very little work has been done on this project. We do need a book and other 12 Step fellowships have asked us to create a book. Our whole program is in the literature rack. I think LCF should be working on a little program book to explain how we do it in CA. Tony D. – Were you in favor of rescinding or not?
Richard L. – I am speaking to rescind.
Rudy R. – Speaking for the motion to rescind. When I first heard about this concept, I was against it. I feel that this workbook would help.
Earnest M. – In favor to rescind. This is where spirituality and finance meet. I think the book is missing about finance only. One alcoholic working with another… eye to eye. Maria M. – In favor to rescind. I’d like to see a workbook. This motion could allow debate on an original outline by LCF.
Stu E. – I speak in favor to rescind. I’m afraid this piece could cause harm to someone that does not use it, should it become the end all piece.
Brian T. – I speak against the motion to rescind. This is just another tool. Give the committee the opportunity to get this to the floor.
Michael C. – I am against the motion to rescind. I didn’t know anything about recovery. I went to a facility 25 years later. I opened the Big Book and still didn’t know anything. This is a good idea. We need another tool.
Sarah T. – I am against the motion to rescind. We have the enthusiasm of the committee.
I’d like to see a piece come out next year.
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Susan B. – Speaking against the motion to rescind. When I got here, I was told about contempt prior to investigation. Don’t judge this piece before we see it. More tools are better. You do not have to use the tool. It may be the best chance for someone else. I use every tool I can to carry the message.
John W. –Point of Information – I’ve heard a lot of debate…
Carla S. – I am against rescinding. I am here to support the Online Service Area. I’d like being able to offer this tool. I think we could reach so many more people.
Valerie C. – I am against rescind. We are here for our Area. We speak for them; they trust us. In the 9th concept…. we are here to make change and grow. I trust the committee. I need to work with them.
Scott S. – I am not for or against the motion to rescind. Remember “Let us not let the better stand in the way of the good”. All we have is a concept. Let the committee do the work. Then we will have something to debate on.
Dana V. – I am against rescinding. All of my points have been made. I hear a little fear coming on. I would hate to shut this down before we get it started. It could save lives. Lance D. – I speak for rescinding. I’ve had experience with workbooks and my experience has been that workbooks do not work well.
Nick A. – Point of Information – Should this motion fail … Tom P. – The point of approval
Nick A. – I vote to rescind. The fellowship does not see the product until it is finished. Tony D. – Restates the motion to ‘rescind the motion that approved the concept of a 12 Step Workbook.’
Tony D. – Prepare to vote. Motion to rescind fails 98 to 38.
Carla S. – POI – When did someone make a motion to set aside the original approval process?
Tony D. – Tom already stated that this material coming to floor is not a part of the approval process
Tom P. – What is happening here is that the concept would now be in the hands LCF to begin.
Susan B. – I am happy this project will go forward. Are you interested in outlines of how this will transpire?
Tom P. – Yes
Scott S. – Is the committee going to work on that throughout the year?
Tom P. – We revised the guidelines 2 years ago.
Tony D. – With all the debate this morning …
Earnest M. – With the anticipated referrals how will it be reviewed? Tom P. – There is extensive review on this project with the Trustees.
Stu E.- Is this going to be a 12 X 12? I would like to see a book regarding the concepts.
Tom P. – There is currently a project regarding the 12 Traditions and Concepts.
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Trevor S. – When a committee takes no action on a referral…come see me and I will help you with it.
Unknown person – I need clarification about the part where newcomers need not contribute.
Tom P.- Some smaller and newer meetings have more newcomers than anything and need the contribution.
Richard L. – Have you all considered a pamphlet about the spirit of rotation? Tom P. – No
Maria M. – Do we have an outline of the workbook?
Tom P. – Yes, it is with the subcommittee.
Maurice S. – Did you ever consider adding the word heroin?
Tom P. – Personally I have never considered it. Our literature states “and all mind altering substances”.
Tony D. – Any more questions? Seeing now, we will break until 11:32 am