Sept 1, 2021 – Day 1 – WSBT Opening Report

Cocaine Anonymous World Service Conference 2021 –

Committee Opening Conference Report Guidelines

The purpose of the Cocaine Anonymous World Service Conference (CAWSC) Opening Conference Report is to provide an update to the CAWSC of the progress your committee has made since the previous CAWSC on committee business and update it on any referrals that you have received throughout this year. 

Attached as Appendix 1, is the Committee Opening Conference Report template which is to be used when submitting your committee’s Opening Conference Report. This report must be submitted by uploading to the appropriate folder on The Box by no later than 10 DAYS PRIOR TO THE FIRST DAY OF CONFERENCE. Reports must be uploaded to the Box by no later than 5pm PST on Sunday 22^nd August 2021.

Summary guidance for completing your report is set out below and a more detailed example of a completed report is attached as Appendix 2.

In order to preserve anonymity Committees are required to submit two separate versions of the same report:

• Version one is the ‘full’ version and should detail full last names
• Version two is the ‘redacted’ version and should detail only the first initial of the last names;

Reports submitted in any other format (i.e.: not using this template or where the template has been altered) will be returned to you to re-submit in the correct format.

These WSC reports will be copied and inserted into the Conference minutes by the Conference secretaries. To assist with this please observe the following when writing your reports:

• Do not insert page numbers, headers or footers onto your report.
• Do not use italics when writing your report.
• Make referral numbers bold.
• Make sections of ‘insert new language’ bold.
• Only use standard outline formatting.
• Avoid inserting text boxes, tables or images as these features can cause problems when reports are inserted into the Conference minutes.

You do not need to provide hard copies of your reports to the Conference Committee however please make your own hard copies for your committee to use as required during your presentation.

Please upload your report to the appropriate folder in The Box using the following naming convention and number attachments in the order they will appear during your report. 

Committee Name – Opening Report 2021 – Full final 8-22-21

Committee Name – Opening Report 2021 -Redacted final 8-22-21

Committee Name – Opening Report 2021 – Attachment 1 or more (if necessary)

Note:

During your Conference Opening Report (COR) presentation, you may be joined by any or all of your Committee members at the podium while presenting.

Traditionally motions are rarely made during COR’s however, due to the adjusted agenda and format of CAWSC 2021, it will be possible for motions to be made during your COR.

Timings:

Both the full and redacted versions of your committee’s Conference Opening Report must be uploaded to the appropriate folder in The Box by no later than 5pm PST – Sunday August 22nd 2021.

APPENDIX 1

OPENING REPORT

C.A. WORLD SERVICE CONFERENCE 2021

WORLD SERVICE BOARD OF TRUSTEES REPORT

INTRODUCTION AND OPENING COMMENTS:

Your World Service Board of Trustees (WSBT) has worked tirelessly throughout the past two years. As you are all aware this was accomplished with a Board that consisted of only eight members. We suffered the loss of two of our members Vanessa M.-J. TAL-2, and Chris R. ASRT to Covid-19. They are truly missed. Our fellow Trustee Yvette H. after completing her full term of 4 years, due to personal responsibilities she could not fulfil her duties as WST for an additional year and was obliged to resign. We thank her for her service. The board during this period endeavoured to work within the dictates of the WSM which states that it is the responsibility of your WSBT to help deal with anything that affects C.A. either internally or externally. This was exceedingly challenging over the past 18 months.

___________________________________________________________________

COMMITTEE INTRODUCTIONS:

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

• Kevin M. – WSOT
• Tom P. – PSRT Acting WST
• Sarah T. – ERT 
• Wade S. – PNRT
• Kerry W. – SWRT WSBT Assistant Secretary
• Clay P.- MWRT/ WSBT Secretary
• Jason L. – TAL1 Acting MERT/WSBT Vice-Chair
• George M. ANRT/Acting ASRT/WSBT-Chair

___________________________________________________________________

SUMMARY OF COMMITTEE BUSINESS:

Being the principal financial planners for the fellowship we are tasked to review expenditures and revenue. In fulfilment of this duty the board had to make some very difficult decisions all related to effects of the pandemic; the temporary closure of the World Service Office and furloughing the staff. The cancellation of CAWS 2021 convention in New York. There were unavoidable circumstances driving these decisions, the office due to state mandates and New York due to uncertainty on an actual date for not only the reopening of the hotel but NYC in general. We did have on-going negotiations with the hotel but as time passed it became increasingly apparent to the WSBT and Hyatt management that the best option was to cancel. In doing so C.A. did NOT incur any penalties and our deposit was refunded.

Some highlights since last Conference:

• Approved new “Fellowship Branding” document which is to be presented to conference
• Reviewed and approved “The Twelve Step Companion Guide”
• Updated our internal documents
• Issued Covid-19 guidance letters when warranted
• Gave temporary status to Indonesia and Wales as Areas awaiting Conference recognition.
• Communication with members in China, preparing for recognition.

For the remainder of 2020 and for 2021 the WSBT decreased Trustee travel budgets across the board so funds could be allocated where needed. We continue to stay well within budget.

The board continued to use virtual platforms to conduct our quarterlies and conference calls. We are weighing the possibilities of continuing this practice going forward, hoping to limit face to face meetings to two a year. This in an effort to be more fiscally responsible.

The WSBT continues to receive communications from both inside and outside of the Fellowship, from individuals and organizations. We give all such inquiries our full attention and endeavour to provide thoughtful consideration and respond accordingly.

The World Service Office Board (WSOB) and the WSBT have been working diligently to deal with any and all matters that are submitted to the WSO. As there have been some changes in the structure at the WSO, I would like to take this opportunity to thank Randy Moss for his efforts as the past Chair and Linda Francisco for her service as the former Director of Operations (DOO). I would also like to welcome the new Chair Brenda Mabin and our new DOO Lolita Smith and thank them for their hard work during these trying times. I can only say that their efforts have been herculean in managing the office. As chair of the WSBT, Brenda and I have had bi-weekly calls regarding any issues and the state of the office.

We will have four Trustees rolling off this year and the TEC will be electing seven new members including the new Mainland Europe Region Trustee. My heartfelt thanks to those members who have put in an extra year to continue to serve the Fellowship we all hold so dear.

Again, we ask the Fellowship to adhere to SR 21 which reads “Materials to be distributed to the fellowship by World Service Conference Committees shall be approved on the Conference floor prior to distribution with the exception of financial budgets.”

Members of the board many of us doing double duty have participated on nearly all World Service Conference committee meetings and online business.

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

• Regular Quarterly WSBT meetings and conference calls
• One Board to Board meeting and meetings with individual members of the WSOB
• Ratified the WSOB Vice Chair and Treasurer.
• Addressed trademark and copyright issues around the world
• Submitted articles for publication in NewsGram
• Reviewed and approved each quarterly edition of NewsGram
• Addressed email correspondence
• Addressed all referrals submitted
• Regular participation in various conference committee activities including conference calls, reviewing, and signing off on any new and/or revised guidelines
• Reviewed and negotiated various contracts on behalf of C.A. including but not exclusively upcoming CAWS Conventions and Conferences

Preparing minutes from WSBT meetings and calls for inclusion in delegate mailings throughout the year.

Below are the individual ‘At Conference’ reports from WSBT members:

World Service Office Trustee

Respectfully submitted by Kevin M.

WSBT Service/Activities/Committees/ Duties

• Attended all Trustee conference calls
• Attended all Trustee quarterly meetings.
• Attended all special Trustee meetings dealing with the Covid-19 crisis.
• Attended all WSOB Meetings.
• Reported the Group Conscience of the World Service Office Board to the WSBT
• Reported the Group Conscience of the Board of Trustees to the WSOB.
• Attempted to keep both Boards in constant communication between meetings, reporting to each Board and their Chairs.
• Served as Trustee of the Office for service-related questions.
• Participated in all online business via each Board’s email group.
• Served as Trustee member of the Conference Committee
• Served as Trustee member of the IT Committee
• Participated in various Whatsapp groups and email lists in furtherance of above
• Assisted the board of Trustees in responses given to the fellowship
• Participated on Trustee Election Committee
• Assisted WSOB in finding a replacement Director of Operations at the Office.
• Assisted WSO transition, both in DOO and new WSOB chair.
• Assisted WSOB in researching insurance plans for employees.

WSBT Subcommittees 

• Long-range Planning
• International Structure & Development
• Conference

WSC Committees

• Conference (primary)
• IT (primary)

Comments:

When I interviewed for this job, I was asked “What is the job of a Trustee?”  My response was that a Trustees first job was to maintain the Fellowship and hopefully leave it stronger than when he started.  This has been tested in the extreme in the last 18 months.  The suddenness with which this pandemic struck, taking two of this Board’s members — one of whom had been a friend for almost 30 years – made our task most urgent.  We had to do what we could to preserve CAWS and protect our members, while refraining from acts of governance.  Sometimes this left us only narrow choices.

I think that our Board has done more work in the last 18 months than in the previous 3 ½ years I served.  I saw this whole board rise to a task that none of us had contemplated, and I will forever be proud of each and every member and this board as a whole.  Every action we took was after thorough discussion and a clear consensus had been reached.  Some of them were very difficult personally, and I’m sure that was true for all of us, but the Fellowship’s needs had to come first.

Last time (2019) I spoke of how I was attending the WSOB meetings virtually and how well it seemed to work for service.  I don’t think I need to mention that ever again.

But it’s not all been about Covid.  The Fellowship continues to grow.  We have new Areas to admit, and local Fellowships in new countries to welcome and support.  Some of these new areas have never held a face-to-face meeting, and we expect that online meetings are going to remain with us, even after the crisis has passed.

The old problems remain, of course, and we are seeing some new solutions.  The Office is finding a better system for translations, relying more heavily on local members and resources.  The Office staff has greatly improved their technical abilities, and are available through text and email, and can work with service groups via Zoom and Whatsapp.  The old royalty system for pamphlets is being phased out and replaced by Area Licenses, which allow uncounted duplication of pamphlets for a year, based on the number of Area meetings.  It’s simpler for everyone concerned, and, we hope, fairer to small Areas.

When I was a new Delegate (100 pounds lighter and not yet bald), I saw the UK area admitted to the Conference.  It was a watershed moment as our first Area outside of North America.  Now the UK is I-forget-how-many Areas, and we have meetings in mainland China.  There is a C.A. presence today in about 25 countries and the number continues to grow.

Oh, and the new book.  Back in 2005 as a Delegate, I made a motion for LCF to take on the concept of a Workbook.  Now, it’s here in the form of the “Companion Guide.”  Sometimes patience is key.

This has been a great journey and I hope that everyone here can experience it like I have.  For fun, and for free.

Thank you for letting me be of service,

Kevin M.

World Service Office Trustee (outgoing)

Pacific South Region Trustee/Interim World Service Trustee

Respectfully submitted by Tom P.

WSBT Service/Activities/Committees/Duties

• Participated in all WSBT conference calls, email and online business
• Participated in all WSBT Quarterly Meetings
• Participated in all WSBT/WSOB Board-to-Board Meetings
• Served as WSBT secretary for 2020
• Regularly attended various WSC committee virtual meetings
• Regularly attended various WSBT subcommittee virtual meetings
• Regularly attended virtual and in-person WSOB monthly meetings
• Responded to C.A. fellowship emails, texts, and phone communications   
• Assisted the WSBT in responses to the Fellowship
• Attended the Pacific South Regional convention in Carlsbad, CA, September 2019
• Attended all Pacific South Regional caucuses and assemblies
• Organized and participated in Pacific South Regional online email correspondence/groups.io; Whatsapp and private PSR social media platform
• Direct negotiations with hotels and other entities regarding issues resulting from public shutdown orders
• Worked closely with our attorneys to maintain our CA logo/ trademarks

WSBT Sub-Committees

• Finance
• Trustee Negotiating Committee
• LTP, chaired Finance and Attracting Members to Conference Committees sub-committees

WSC Committee Responsibilities

• Archives (Lead)
• Unity (Lead)
• Finance (2nd)

Comments

I am deeply grateful to God and Cocaine Anonymous for my life and for the great privilege to participate in C.A. service through the Pacific South Region. I am also grateful for the spiritual principle of rotating leadership. As a result of this principle, I have been graced with the privilege of having served Cocaine Anonymous throughout the C.A. service structure. I am grateful to rotate off the World Service Board of Trustees with the personal experience and deep belief that God continues to guide this fellowship through its loving and passionate trusted servants. So, I am grateful to all those in Cocaine Anonymous who give their time and resources to continue carrying the C.A. message to the addicts who still suffer.

I am also grateful to the many long-term members of C.A. who serve the fellowship in the different areas of the Pacific South Region. Their leadership and influence as trusted servants are invaluable. Additionally, many new and younger members are being introduced to Cocaine Anonymous in this region and throughout the world; their excitement and enthusiasm is inspiring and contagious.

In gratitude,

Tom P.

PSRT/WST (interim)

European Regional Trustee

Respectfully submitted by Sarah T.

WSBT Service/activities/committees/duties

• European Regional Trustee
  • Participated on all Trustee conference calls
  • Participated on all online email correspondence/groups IO
  • Participated at all WSBT Quarterly Meetings
  • Participated in all Board to Board Meetings
  • Participated in all WSBT Conference calls
  • Address any correspondence regarding the region that is received by the World Service Office.
  • Respond to emails and phone messages from European Region
  • Assist the board in responses to the fellowship
  • Facilitated and chair ¼ Caucus meetings & Assemblies
  • 2019 – 2020 – 2021 Area visits via zoom
    • C.A. London ASC
    • C.A  London Area Assembly
    • C.A. London Unity Day
    • C.A. London convention
    • C.A. Wales ASC
    • C.A. Wales Unity Day
    • C.A. UK Service Workshops
    • C.A. UK Area Assembly
    • C.A. UK Area ASC
    • C.A. Ireland Area Convention
    • C.A. Ireland Tradition Workshop
    • C.A. Hong Kong Service Workshop
    • C.A. Central Area Assembly
    • C.A. Central Area ASC
    • C.A. South Africa special meeting
    • C.A. West Country Petition meetings

• WSBT Sub-Committees:
  • Chair International Structure & Development
  • Participated Long Term Planning
  • Participated Trustee Negotiating Committee
  • Vice Chair Trustee Election Committee

• WSC Committee responsibilities:
  • World Service Conference Convention Committee  (lead) 2020/21
  • World Service Conference S&B Committee   (2^nd Trustee) 2020/21
  • Participated World Service Conference Committee (lead) 2019/20

Overview:

This is my 2nd year as ERT due to the continued current pandemic.  It has been an exhilarating and exasperating year in the world of C.A. I am overwhelmed of Gods plan for the WSBT over the past year and how He has worked through us as a board.  The decisions the WSBT have had to deal with have been immense, but we continued to believe that God was in the mix and the right decisions were made for our fellowship when needed.

The growth in the European Region continues, last year in the absence of World Service Conference the WSBT temporally recognized Wales as an Area with a view for their petition to be presented in the SR14 pack as a motion to become an area in 2021.  I have had the pleasure of watching Wales area grow, their P.I campaigns have been phenomenal in carrying the message. West Country District has submitted their petition after 18months of deliberations.  They are moving forward with the backing of the C.A.UK and C.A. Central, who are the bordering areas. Sussex has voted in an ASC and will petition to become a recognized area 2022. Hong Kong and Thailand continue carry a message of hope and communicate well with each other.  South Africa has adapted well throughout all the turmoil of the pandemic with the constant restriction changes within their country. Ireland has grown into Northern Ireland; they are hoping to host an Area Convention end of 2021. 

The C.A. London Convention took place recently face to face; this was most welcomed by our fellowship.  Scotland and CAUK have upcoming conventions in October and November, all very exciting!    C.A. Central were successful within the European Region to host the next European Convention, this will be held Easter Weekend of 2022 at Birmingham Hilton.

I am looking forward to the Trustee Election Committee where we get the opportunity to interview for seven new Trustees.  The TEC is an amazing experience which I totally believe God does prevail throughout the process and the right members will once again be voted in as “He reveals himself in our group conscious”.

I’d like to thank you for the opportunity to serve Cocaine Anonymous as one of your Trustees, it’s an honour.  I’d also like to thank those Trustees rotating off the board and look forward to welcoming the new members.

In love and service

Sarah T.

European Regional Trustee

Pacific North Regional Trustee

Respectfully submitted by Wade S.

WSBT Service/Committees/Activities/Duties:

Pacific North Regional Trustee

• Participated in all WSBT Conference Calls, all Email and Online Business of the WSBT
• Participated at all WSBT Quarterly meetings and all Board to Board meetings
• Addressed any correspondence and Starter Kits for our region that was received by the CAWSO
• Assisted the WSBT in responses to the fellowship
• Responded to enquiries from members of the region
• Maintained and participated in the Pacific North Regional online communications group
• Attended the B.C. Area Convention September 13-15, 2019
• Attended the Southern Alberta Area Online Convention Nov 7-8, 2020 (Online)
• Attended and served at the PNRC 2021 hosted by Southern Alberta Area April 10-11, 2021 (Online)
• Coordinated and served at the Pacific North Regional Assemblies and the Regional Caucus (Online)
• Elected to serve as WSBT Chair and performed those duties through 2019/2020 term
• Elected to serve as TEC Chair and will continue this work through until the close of Conference 2021

WSBT Sub-Committees:

• International Structure & Development
• Long Term Planning
• Trustee Orientation
• TEC
• TNC

WSC Committee Responsibilities:

• IT Committee (lead – 2019/2020 term)
• H&I Committee (second – 2019/2020 term)
• H&I Committee (lead – 2020/2021 term)
• Archives Committee (second – 2020/2021 term)

Overview:

   I extend my gratitude to all of you for entrusting me to serve the Fellowship in this capacity. It has been an honor to assist our members in service of the welfare and continued growth of C.A., and a pleasure to work with so many dedicated people in all the Areas of the Pacific North Region and around the globe. I have met many of our members throughout the world over these past years and we’ve shared in some amazing new experiences and a multitude of service opportunities together. I appreciate all of our dedicated WSBT and WSOB members, past and present, for their diligence, wisdom, and strength. I’d like to thank all of my fellow outgoing Trustees for their dedication to and support of our Fellowship, particularly through many unprecedented and challenging times. I extend this to every one of you in C.A., as we all overcame these challenges together. I thank ALL of our dedicated and trusted servants all around the world and acknowledge your tireless efforts each year. Whether at this World Service Conference or in your many service activities throughout the year, you continue to step up and do the amazing work which allows us to continue to carry the message to the addict who still suffers and to all those reaching out for hope. Thank you.

In the spirit of unity and service,

Wade S.

PNRT

Southwest Regional Trustee

Respectfully submitted by Kerry W.

WSBT Service/activities/committees/duties

• Southwest Regional Trustee
• Participated on all Trustee Zoom calls
• Participated on all online email correspondence/What’s App group
• Participate on the Southwest Regional What’s App Group
• Address any correspondence regarding the region that is received by the World Service Office.
• Respond to emails and phone messages.   
• Assist the board in responses to the fellowship
• 2020 – 2021 Area visits
• Oklahoma Area- 2021 Area Convention
• Texas Area Service Gulf Coast Area Convention 2021
• Participated at all Quarterly meetings, and on Zoom calls.
• Attended 2022 WSCC Steering Team in Austin Texas
• WSBT Sub-Committees
• Trustee Negotiation Committee
• Finance
• Trustee Election Committee
• Long-Term Planning
• WSC Committee responsibilities:
• Finance ( lead)
• Unity ( second)
• Hospitals and Institutions (second)

Overview:

            It is an honor and a privilege to serve as the Southwest Regional Trustee. Due to COVID19 I did no travel during 2020.  I serve on the WSBT Sub-committees-TNC, TEC, Long Term Planning and Finance. For Conference committees, I serve as lead Trustee on the Finance Committee and second on Unity and Hospital and Institutions Committees. The WSBT approved the preliminary 2022 Budget. 7^Th tradition donations have been up helping the office to sustain itself financially during the pandemic. The Southwest Region did its regional assembly via Zoom this year on March 27, 2021. I attended Oklahoma Area Convention July 9-11, 2021. 

Respectfully submitted –

Kerry W.

SWRT

Midwest Regional Trustee/WSBT Secretary

Respectfully submitted by Clay P.

WSBT Service/Activities/Committees/Duties

• Participated in all WSBT Conference Calls, email and online business
• Participated in WSBT Quarterly Meetings
• Participated in all Board to Board Meetings
• Assisted the Board in Responses to the Fellowship
• Participated in World Service Conference Public Information Committee Conference calls and online business
• Participated in World Service Conference Literature, Chips, and Formats Conference Calls and online business
• Participated in World Service Conference Committee Conference Calls and online business
• Addressed any correspondence regarding the Midwest Region received by the World Service Office
• Responded to emails and phone messages
• Attended the 2019 Midwest Regional Convention/Assembly in Omaha, Nebraska
• Attended Area meetings at the Areas’ request via Zoom for all Areas within my Region
• Conducted a Traditions Inventory at the request of the Columbus District of Cocaine Anonymous
• Served as the Boards Assistant Secretary in 2020

WSBT Sub-Committees

• Newsgram (2020)
• Long Term Planning (Vice Chair 2021)

World Service Conference Committee Responsibilities

• Public Information (2^nd in 2020 and 2021)
• Literature, Chips, and Formats (Lead in 2020 and 2021)
• Conference (2^nd in 2021)

Comments

The past 18 months has been an unprecedented time both in history and within our fellowship. The world has lost millions of humble souls and our fellowship has lost members to both the pandemic and relapse. Through what I have learned within the fellowship from my sponsor, my service sponsors, people I sponsor, home group members, fellows within the fellowship, newcomers, and from those who have come into and out of my life; I am forever grateful. Through learning I grow and evolve into what my Higher Power has intended me to be when he placed me upon this world.

It has been two years since I was selected to sit upon the World Service Board of Trustees. If you had asked me two years ago if I would have thought I would have had to make decisions like furloughing employees or closing down the World Service Office I would have been astonished. I never would have believed some of the decisions I have been called upon to make. With the guidance of the Board I serve with and that whole list of people mentioned before I have been able to make the informed decisions necessary.

I would like to thank the Fellowship of Cocaine Anonymous for allowing me to serve it for the past two years. As I have said it has been an interesting two years, not all what I had expected, but a period that has allowed me to learn and grow. As was told to me early on in recovery if I become stagnant or like the rock growing moss I will whiter and die, but if I continue learning and growing in recovery I will continue to thrive.

In love and service,

Clay P.

MWRT/WSBT Secretary

Trustee at Large 1, Acting Mainland Europe Region Trustee & WSBT Vice Chair 

Respectfully submitted by Jason L.

World Service Board of Trustees (WSBT) Service/Activities/Committees/Duties

• Served as WSBT Vice Chair for 2020-2021.
• Participated in all WSBT conference calls, email, and online business.
• Participated at all WSBT Quarterly Meetings.
• Participated at all WSBT to World Service Office Board meetings.
• Participated on and chaired WSBT ad-hoc committees.
• Acted as Mainland Europe Region Trustee for 2019-2021.
• Set up communications for the new Mainland Europe Region.
• Attended and chaired Mainland Europe Region Assemblies and Caucuses.
• Carried out online workshops for Areas within the Mainland Europe Region.
• Assisted existing Areas and with development of new Areas within the Mainland Europe Region.
• Liaised with the World Service Office to further translations of C.A. literature for the Mainland Europe Region Areas.
• Participated in World Service Conference Public Information (WSCPI) conference calls and online business for 2019-2020.
• Participated in World Service Conference Structure & Bylaws (WSCS&B) conference calls and online business for 2020-2021.
• Participated on WSBT Trustee Negotiation Committee contract reviews.
• Participated on WSBT International Structure & Development conference calls and online business.
• Supported Groups and Fledgling Areas Mainland Europe and in Asia & Oceania.
• Assisted the TAL2 with the new WSBT External Communications sub-committee.
• Responded to Starter Kit requests.
• Responded to emails and phone messages.   
• Assisted the Board in responses to both external and Fellowship correspondence.
• Attended European Region assembly and caucuses and acted as Secretary.
• Chaired the WSBT Long Term Planning sub-committee.
• Chaired the Fellowship Long Term Planning Committee.
• Participated on and chaired Fellowship Long Term Planning project groups.

WSBT Sub-Committees

• Long Term Planning (LTP) – Chair 2019-2021
• Trustee Orientation – Chair 2020-2021
• Trustee Negotiating Committee (TNC)
• Trustee Legal Committee
• Trustee International Structure & Development (ISD)
• External Communications

WSC Committee Responsibilities

• Public Information – Lead Trustee 2019-2020
• Finance – Second Trustee 2019-2020
• Structure & Bylaws – Lead Trustee 2020-2021
• Literature Chips & Formats – Second Trustee 2020-2021

Overview

The past two years has been an extraordinary period for all. It has been an honor to serve with such fantastic fellow Trustees as we endeavored to steer our Fellowship through such choppy waters. We have had to make some difficult decisions and, for my part, I don’t regret any of them. Our two fellow Trustees that so tragically were lost to Covid 19 are very much missed. I worked very closely with Vanessa MJ, who was an absolute ray of sunshine, and she is so often in my thoughts.

There has been a lot of positive news since our last Conference. The new Mainland Europe Region came into being in 2019 and I was charged by The Board with serving as the Trustee for that Region until they were able to bring forward their own Trustee slate to the 2020 Conference. As that didn’t happen, I have had the privilege of serving as their Trustee for two years. This year the Region has brought forward a superb Slate with two long term members, with bundles of service experience, both of which would make fine Trustees.

The unity of the new Region has been a joy to be part of. Several fledgling Areas have come into being including Greece, Poland and Italy, and we expect Area petitions will be presented next year. Lots of translation works has been carried out and our World Service Office have been very supportive of this. I would particularly like to mention C.A. Indonesia who The Board granted temporary Area status to, pending recognition here, as they have translated a considerable amount of C.A. literature into ‘Bahasa Indonesia’ to facilitate participation by the indigenous population. C.A. China are petitioning here and are looking to join the mainland European Region so that they can receive support in growing an Area where English is not the first language. I like to share this with you as I find it so inspiring that our Fellowship is expanding and carrying our message to more and more suffering addicts and alcoholics around the globe every day.

Serving as Lead Trustee on the Public Information and Structure & Bylaws Conference Committees has been a pleasure and so inspiring. The enthusiasm and dedication of the committee members is a wonder to behold. The workload of both committees over the past two years has been immense. Stuart J and Taylor F have been fantastic Chairs of those committees. I have also served on several WSBT sub-committees, and we have been very busy. As the Chair of the WSBT Long Term Planning Committee I have facilitated the inclusion of many trusted servants and the ‘Advisory Committee’ formed of Trustee and Non-Trustee members now operates throughout the year in project groups, one of which developed our C.A. Branding Guidelines which we are bringing forward to this Conference and were included in your SR14 mailing. The latest projects chart is included with our Trustee Quarterly minutes.

I would like to very much like to thank Wade S, Tom P, Kerry W and Kevin M, who have served an additional year as Trustees and rotate out at this Conference. Their dedication and guidance has been phenomenal. Serving an additional year as a Trustee after already having served for four is a Herculean effort.

Thank you for allowing me to be of service,

Jason L.

Trustee at Large 1, Acting Mainland Europe Region Trustee & WSBT Vice Chair

Atlantic South Region Trustee & WSBT Chair

Respectfully submitted by George M.

WSBT Service/Activities/Committees/Duties

• Participated in all WSBT conference calls, email and online business
• Participated in WSBT Quarterly Meetings
• Participated in  Board to Board Meetings
• Responded to emails and phone messages   
• Assisted the board in responses to the Fellowship
• Attended the Atlantic South Regional Convention in Nashville, TN May 7th-9th, 2021
• Participated in the CAWS 2023 Steering Committee meetings
• Participated in a few Area meetings in the region via Zoom when possible.

WSBT Sub-Committees

• PI (Lead)

WSC Committee Responsibilities

• Newsgram (Lead)
• IT (2nd)

Comments

With the untimely passing of Chris Redd I assumed the role of ASRT. Upon assuming his role I was welcomed by the Areas and was made aware of how much he was loved and respected by his fellows. He is sorely missed by us all. I have endeavoured to serve the region to the best of my ability. I held a Regional Assembly during the ASR Convention where two candidates were elected to the TEC slate. The need for an alternate TEC delegate was also accomplished. I participated in the re-negotiations with the Marriott Hotel in Atlanta regarding moving CAWS2022 to 2023, with a positive outcome. I saw a group of young members without any convention experience put together a great Regional convention in Nashville, They are on FIRE!!! I also witnessed a great show of unity where members from Memphis stepped up to lend a hand.

My hope is that the incoming Trustee will know that under the circumstances I did the best I could. I will be there to assist in any way I can to make the transition as smooth as possible. It has been an honor and a privilege to serve the ASR. I was truly humbled by the experience.

Humbly Submitted

ILAS

George M.

Acting ASRT

Atlantic North Regional Trustee

Respectfully submitted by George M.

WSBT Service/activities/committees/duties

• Atlantic North Regional Trustee
  • Participant of online email correspondence/groups.io.
  • Attended WSBT Quarterly Meetings.
  • Participated in Board to Board Meetings.
  • Participant on WSBT Conference calls.
  • Monitored and responded to inquiries on the Atlantic North Regional  groups.io
  • Addressed any correspondence regarding the region that is received by the World Service Office.
  • Assist the board in responses to the fellowship.
  • Served as WSBT Chair
  • Served as Acting ASRT
  • Active participant on various LTP committees.

• 2020/2021 Visits

• • • Attended CANY Area Meetings. (Virtually)
    • Attended PANJDE Area Meeting.(Virtually)
    • Attended New Jersey District Meeting.
    • Attended ANRC2020 Convention March of 2020.
• WSBT Sub-Committees:

Newsgram

• WSC Committee responsibilities:

Public Information (Lead)

                      IT Committee       (Second)

Comments

Although as I am coming to the end of my fourth year serving as ANRT, my tenure is not over. During the past 18 months it has been trying, but gratifying. I have been humbled by the by the unity and love being shared throughout the region. The efforts of members to hold virtual conventions, Zoom meetings, workshops, etc. has been extraordinary. As conditions are improving, I’m confident that growth within the region will continue. It is my hope that the coming year will see not only my Region but the Fellowship as a whole continues to thrive. We are “not a glum lot” and have showed remarkable resilience. It is an honor to serve my region and the fellowship of Cocaine Anonymous.

Please accept my humble thanks for allowing me to serve.

Respectfully submitted,

In love and service

George M.

Atlantic North Regional Trustee

REFERRALS UPDATE

REFERRALS STILL IN COMMITTEE:

WSBT 2016-05 Structure and Bylaws   Add Internet to 11th Tradition

WSBT 2017-02 LCF    Social Media 11th Tradition

WSBT 2019-01       Stuart J WSCPI Chair (Pre-Conference)

Please can each Regional Trustee provide details of each Area’s Helpline number and website address in their quarterly reports so as to allow the WSCPI Committee to collate and make available to the World Service Office? This is to allow for this information to be available when the World Hotline is back up and running.

WSBT 2021-01 Structure & Bylaws

“Please remove all references to a Non-addict Trustee from the Cocaine Anonymous World Service Manual (WSM).

We do not believe there is, any longer, the need for a Non-addict Trustee and whilst the position remains in the WSM then Regions may put forward candidates that the Trustee Election Committee will be obliged to interview.

As a Board we have considered the requirement for a Non-addict Trustee and also consulted a large number of previous Trustees. We note that the position has not been filled for many years and that in that time our Fellowship has matured to the point that we no longer require a moderating influence as a member of the World Service board of Trustees. We believe that the skills sets afforded by our addict Trustee candidates adequately provides for the needs of our Fellowship.

With two new Regions having formed since the last Non-addict Trustee was in place we now have a larger Board. We do not believe that the cost of an additional Trustee, without portfolio, can be reasonably justified.”

Yours sincerely,

C.A. World Service Board of Trustees

WSBT 2021-04 Russell S.

Revision to Page 77 World Service Manual to support and assist any requirements for mail/online vote scenario

Page 77 – WSM

Whenever, in the judgment of one-third of the Director Trustees present at a meeting, a decision to take any action involves a matter of principal or basic policy and in the judgment of at least one-third of the Director Trustees a delay in arriving at a decision will not adversely affect the Fellowship of Cocaine Anonymous, the matter shall be submitted to a mail vote of
Conference Delegates, and if a majority of the Conference Delegates votes against the taking of such action, then the Board of Directors Board of Trustees will be expected to refrain from deciding to take such action.

Whenever a mail vote is taken of Conference Delegates, at least two-weeks’ notice shall be given, and the vote shall be determined in keeping with an analysis of such vote by the President and Secretary, or in their absence, by the Vice President and Treasurer, at the end of such two-week period. An announcement of the result of such vote shall thereupon be mailed by
the Secretary or Treasurer to Conference Delegates and to Director Trustees.

When, in the opinion of the WSBT, such a vote be needed, all credentialed Conference Delegates (to include all voting members), are to be presented with a motion for consideration. A period of not less than 1 week, and not more than 3 weeks, for consideration and discussion must be observed. After the discussion period has ended, voting shall take place as directed by the WSC Chair. All votes will be tabulated by the Conference Chair and Vice Chair. A result will be announced following confirmation of the vote totals.

WSBT 2021-05 Russell S.

Revision to Bylaws section, pages 72 through 80, of the World Service Manual to limit confusion and clarify the WSBT and its Trustee members within the scope of this document.

WSBT 2021-06 Courtney R.

Create an Accessibility Committee for Members with disabilities.

WSBT 2021-08     Liv W.

Proposal to change ‘men and women’ to ‘people’, in the Preamble.

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 to recover from their addiction.

SUMMARY OF SR14 MATERIALS:

Re: Notice of Motions, Pursuant to Standing Rule 14 for the C.A. World Service Conference

14. Any motion that has a significant effect on the World Service Conference including but not limited to WSC bids, literature changes, petitions etc. that is to be reviewed by the Delegates for possible consideration by the Conference must be received by the WSO at least 90 days before the WSC so that all Delegates can receive and review the motions at least 60 days prior to the Conference.

Dear Delegates:

Your World Service Board of Trustees is pleased to provide you with drafts of the following motions to be presented at C.A. World Service Conference 2021:

Motions 1 & 2 are in response to the following referrals:

WSBT 2019-2 Referral forwarded from S&B – S&B number is 2017-15 Referral Subject: To develop a process to change Article 10 of Conference Charter, one of the 12 Steps or 12 Traditions.

WSBT 2019-3 Referral forwarded from S&B – S&B number is 2018-13 Referral: To develop a process to change Article 10 of Conference Charter, one of the 12 Steps or 12 Traditions and clarification of ¾ of the groups.

Motion 1:  Change Conference Charter Article 3 to include AA’s later* clarification.

See full details of Motion 1 below.

Motion 2:  Adopt the following procedure for polling the Groups of C.A. to make any changes defined in Article 3 of the C.A. Conference Charter, to be placed in the WSM following “Referrals.”

See full details of Motion 2 below.

Motion 3:  To approve and adopt the attached ‘Cocaine Anonymous Brand Guide’, to be accessible from our World website.

Please distribute these materials as widely and as quickly as possible within your Area for review and input. Feedback may be e-mailed to the World Service Board of Trustees, or submitted at the beginning of the Conference. We encourage comments from your Areas prior to or during this year’s Conference.

Thank you for allowing us to be of service.

Cocaine Anonymous World Service Board of Trustees

E-mail: wsbt@ca.org

Historical background to Motions 1 & 2:

Prior to Conference 2016, the following referral was sent to WSBT:

04/07/2016 WSBT 2016 – 5

This is a referral for the consideration to amend our 11th Tradition.

11. Our public relations policy is based on attraction rather than promotion; we need always maintain personal anonymity at the level of press, radio, television and films.

The amended version would be:

11. Our public relations policy is based on attraction rather than promotion; we need always maintain personal anonymity at the level of press, radio, television, films and internet.

We think it’s important to recognize that when Bill W, wrote the 11th Tradition it was before the widespread use of television, and yet the language of the tradition is flexible enough to cover that form of media. I believe that if the Internet would have existed then, it would have been included in the 11th Tradition as well. CA will continue to grow and change with the years. The “Principal of Anonymity” must remain our primary and enduring safeguard. This change will ensure that we recognize the ever-emerging technology around us and adapt to these changes.

Following Conference 2016, the WSBT discussed this and decided to pursue a change to Tradition 11 that would then read:

11. Our public relations policy is based on attraction rather than promotion; we need always maintain personal anonymity at the level of public media.

This goal was announced at Conference 2017, along with the recognition that such a change would require polling the C.A. Groups. A procedure for such a poll needed to be developed, as no 12-step Fellowship had attempted a change of this sort.

After several years of discussion, research, work with the Structure & Bylaws committee and the input of several interested members, we developed the procedure in our first two motions. 

Motion 1:  Change Conference Charter Article 3 to include AA’s later* clarification:

1. Conference Relation to C.A.: The Conference will act for C.A. in the perpetuation and guidance of its world services, and it will also be the vehicle by which the C.A. movement can express its view upon all matters of vital C.A. policy and all hazardous deviations from C.A. Tradition. Delegates should be free to vote as their conscience dictates; they should also be free to decide what questions should be taken to the Group level, whether for information, discussion, or their own direct instruction.

But no change in Article 10 of the Charter or in the Twelve Traditions of C.A., or in the Twelve Steps of C.A. may be made with less than the written consent of three-quarters of the C.A. Groups. except by first asking the consent of the known C.A. Groups of the world. [This would include all C.A. Groups known to the recognized Areas around the world.] These Groups shall be suitably notified of any proposal for change and shall be allowed no less than six months for consideration thereof. And before any such Conference action can be taken, there must first be received in writing within the time allotted the consent of at least three-fourths of all those Groups who respond to such a proposal (not counting abstentions).

*  See AA World Service Manual, 2018-2020 edition, Appendix B, page 104

(see highlighted section of copy below)

AA World Service Manual, 2018-2020 edition, Appendix B

A Resolution

Offered by Bill W. and Adopted at the

20th Anniversary Convention of A.A., in 1955.

(This Resolution Authorizes the General Service Conference

to Act for Alcoholics Anonymous

and to Become the Successor to Its Co-Founders.)

We, the members of the Twentieth Anniversary Convention of Alcoholics Anonymous, here assembled at St. Louis in July of the year 1955, declare our belief that our Fellowship has now come of age and is entirely ready to assume full and permanent possession of the Three Legacies of our A.A. inheritance — the Legacies of Recovery, Unity and Service.

We believe that the General Service Conference of Alcoholics Anonymous, as created in 1951 by our co-founders, Doctor Bob S. and Bill W., and authorized by trustees of the Alcoholic Foundation, has now become entirely capable of assuming the guardianship of A.A.’s Twelve Traditions and of taking over full guidance and control of the world service of our Society, as provided in the “Third Legacy Manual of World Service”¹ recently revised by our surviving co-founder, Bill W.,² and of the General Service Board of Alcoholics Anonymous.

We have also heard with approval Bill W.’s proposal that A.A.’s General Service Conference should now become the permanent successor to the founders of Alcoholics Anonymous, inheriting from them all their former duties and special responsibilities, thus avoiding in future time all possible strivings for individual prestige or personal power; and also providing our Society with the means of functioning on a permanent basis.

BE IT THEREFORE RESOLVED: That the General Service Conference of Alcoholics Anonymous should become, as of this date, July 3, 1955, the guardian of the Traditions of Alcoholics Anonymous, the perpetuators of the world services of our Society, the voice of the group conscience of our entire Fellowship, and the sole successors of its co-founders, Doctor Bob and Bill.

¹ Now called The A.A. Service Manual.

² Bill died January 24, 1971.

AND IT IS UNDERSTOOD: That neither the Twelve Traditions of Alcoholics Anonymous nor the warranties of Article XII of the Conference Charter shall ever be changed or amended by the General Service Conference except by first asking the consent of the registered A.A. groups of the world. [This would include all A.A. groups known to the general service offices around the world.]³ These groups shall be suitably notified of any proposal for change and shall be allowed no less than six months for consideration thereof. And before any such Conference action can be taken, there must first be received in writing within the time allotted the consent of at least three-quarters of all those registered groups who respond to such proposal.⁴

WE FURTHER UNDERSTAND: That, as provided in Article XII of the Conference Charter, the Conference binds itself to the Society of Alcoholics Anonymous by the following means: That in all its proceedings, the General Service Conference shall observe the spirit of the A.A. Tradition, taking great care that the Conference never becomes the seat of perilous wealth or power; that sufficient operating funds, plus an ample reserve, be its prudent financial principle; that none of the Conference members shall ever be placed in a position of unqualified authority over any of the others; that all important decisions be reached by discussion, vote and, whenever possible, by substantial unanimity; that no Conference action ever be personally punitive, or an incitement to public controversy; that though the Conference may act in the service of Alcoholics Anonymous and may traditionally direct its world services, it shall never enact laws or regulations binding on A.A. as a whole or upon any A.A. group or member thereof, nor shall it perform any other such acts of government; and that, like the Society of Alcoholics Anonymous which it serves, the Conference itself will always remain democratic in thought and action. (This Resolution was adopted by the Convention by acclamation and, in the Conference, by formal resolution by vote.)

St. Louis, Missouri, July 3, 1955

³ Resolution: It was resolved by the 1976 General Service Conference that those instruments requiring consent of three-quarters of the responding groups for change or amendment would include the Twelve Steps of A.A., should any such change or amendment ever be proposed.

⁴ Bill uses the term “registered.” A.A.W.S. neither monitors nor oversees the activities or practices of any A.A. group. Groups are listed solely for purposes of accurate communications.

Motion 2:  Adopt the following procedure for polling the Groups of C.A. to make any changes defined in Article 3 of the C.A. Conference Charter, to be placed in the WSM following “Referrals”:

1. Upon authorization by a 2/3rds vote of the World Service Conference (WSC), the Structure and Bylaws Committee (S&B) shall prepare a ballot describing any such change to the 12 Traditions of C.A., the 12 Steps of C.A. or Article 10 of the Charter, along with such arguments for and against that it deems proper, along with instructions for Areas and Groups, and present these to the World Service Board of Trustees (WSBT).
2. The WSBT will review this material and may return it to S&B for revision.
3. Upon WSBT approval, the ballot question and all related materials will be submitted to the next WSC for final approval by a 2/3rds vote.  This submittal must conform to the Standing Rules of the WSC.
4. Upon WSC approval, the ballots will be disseminated by a Delegate mailing from the World Service Office (WSO) to all known Areas in such a time and manner that every Group therein could expect to have 6 months to consider the requested changes.
5. Groups not yet within an Area, but known to the WSO, shall be sent a ballot directly.
6. Areas (or Districts) shall disseminate a ballot to each and every Group therein, previously validating each ballot with the Area Chair’s signature.
7. Groups shall return their ballots as per the instructions provided.
8. Upon the conclusion of the voting period, the WSO will tabulate the votes, resolve any ballot defects by contacting the Area’s Delegates or Chair, and report the vote totals, along with the estimated Group response rate, to the WSC S&B Committee and the WSBT.  Abstentions received do not affect the percentages for and against but are reported in the response rate.
9. Should 3/4ths of the ballots returned, not counting Abstentions, be in the affirmative, the question, along with the vote counts and estimated percentage the Groups responding will be presented to the WSC for final approval.  The WSC may, but is not required to, consider the percentage response rate in its deliberations.
10. A final 2/3^rd ratification vote by the WSC causes the change to be put into effect.

Motion 3:  To approve and adopt the attached ‘Cocaine Anonymous Brand Guide’, to be accessible from our World website.

As part of the work of the World Service Board of Trustees Long Term Planning sub-committee a ‘Brand Review’ was undertaken, please see document attached. Based on the findings of that review a definitive ‘Brand Guide’ has been developed to assist the efforts of our Fellowship, in particular our publications and Public Information work. It is hoped that this ‘Brand Guide’ and associated ‘Downloadable Logos’ and ‘Starting Documents’ (as described within the guide) will prove useful resource to all our Conference Committees and Areas around the World

See attachment 1 and 2

SUMMARY OF COMMITTEE MOTIONS TO BE MADE AT CONFERENCE OPENING REPORTS:

Not Applicable

REFERRALS THAT WERE FORWARDED TO OTHER COMMITTEES:

WSBT 2021-07 Justine K.

Can an on-line or virtual ‘world service conference’ be looked into for future years?

2020 proved that we don’t necessarily need to be meeting face to face for a world service conference.

I know that 2022 & 2023 are already in planning status so I’m not sure if we could change these but thereafter there is no need for us all meeting face to face every year.

We have the capability to put on a virtual conference (as proved by the work undertaken by the conference committee this year) and propose we look at this for future years.

The reasons and benefits of this would be that it would be more inclusive for a number of reasons;

– Smaller and new areas can’t and won’t always be able to afford to send a delegate. If it was online or virtual, although there would still be a cost to register, it should be significantly less than sending someone in person.

– An online/virtual conference would encourage more members to step up and do service. Some of our members couldn’t physically attend a conference due to family commitments so would be more inclusive to those with families.

– Some of our members have disabilities and are unable to travel the distance to conference. By having a virtual/online conference, this would be more inclusive for those with restricted health issues.

– It would also save the fellowship a huge amount of money. As an estimate based on the 2019 attendance, it costs approx $220,000 in travel costs for the attendees to go to conference, most of which comes from tradition 7 money. This is completely unnecessary in this day and age. I believe the money could be much better spent with tradition 5 in mind.

In addition to the travel costs, there is the physical cost of holding a face to face conference (as an estimate ~$40,000.

– It would help our carbon footprint to have a virtual/online conference.

I understand that there may be some challenges – ie. time zones but this can be worked through ie. just working a reduced number of hours per day or a reduced agenda?

Do we really need committee breakout sessions for as long as we have them? These work perfectly well throughout the year as does the regional assemblies and caucus’.

Perhaps consider having 1 face to face conference every 4 years and the remainder online?

There are so many positive changes that could occur by having an online or virtual conference, the inclusivity of our members to attend and to step up and do service in addition to the $000,s we could save or put to better use, when are we going to move with the times?

Forwarded to Conference Committee

WSBT 2021-10   Hayley B       Meeting Search by Time Zone

Forwarded to IT and WSOB

CLOSED REFERRALS:

WSBT 2019-04        Susan B. OSA (In-Conference)

There was information in your opening report about seeing to it that our trademarks are up to date and used properly. I respectfully ask that the WSBT make sure that the block letters C.A. are used with the periods in all your forms, minutes and reports. We depend on and look to you for guidance and consistency. Thank you for your consideration!

Have spoken with referral maker and are taking all efforts to implement this in our reports.

WSBT 2020-01        Request for quarterly delegate reports to be in same format 

Have spoken with referral maker and are taking all efforts to implement this in our reports.

___________________________________________________________________

COMMITTEE STRUCTURE AT START OF THIS CONFERENCE:

Position

Name

Email

Phone

Chair George M. anrt@ca.org 7322618314

Vice Chair Jason L. tal1@ca.org 44 792063165

Secretary Clay P. mwrt@ca.org 2163224316

Assistant Secretary Kerry W. swrt@ca.org 7137259516

Wade S. pnrt@ca.org 7809649236

Sarah T. ert@ca.org 44 7903 086171

Tom P. psrt@ca.org 7196482482

Kevin M. wsot@ca.org 3103377948

CLOSING COMMENTS:

In closing I want to take this opportunity to express my sincere gratitude  

to our out-going Trustees Kevin Murphy WSOT, Kerry Wesley SWRT, 

Wade Staples PNRT, and Tom Phelan PSRT. Their dedication and personal 

sacrifices over the past year exemplifies their love of our Fellowship. 

We wish them well as they continue to trudge the road to happy destiny. 

We look forward to welcoming the newest members of the Board. 

It continues to be an honor and a privilege to serve C.A. and I pray that 

I will live up to the task in my last year. 

 Humbly Submitted  

George Mooney 

ANRT/WSBT-Chair 

Acting ASRT