World Service Conference of Cocaine Anonymous Daily Minutes – Day 2 – Friday – September 1, 2023
Literature, Chips and Formats
INTRODUCTION AND COMMENTS
The Literature Chips and Formats Committee have been hard at work serving our Fellowship by implementing recommendations and referrals concerning new and existing literature, chips and meeting formats. LCF relies on the continued input from our broad Fellowship, whether it be an idea for a new book, pamphlet, or a new format or chip, or changes to any of our existing LCF work, the committee strives in bringing these projects to fruition. LCF is made up from members all over the world that meet regularly as a main Committee along with regular meetings of the project’s subcommittees. The LCF Committee are passionate about our C.A. members having the tools to carry the message to the addict who still suffers. Please note that some of the referrals listed as still in committee are awaiting a decision on any action to be taken.
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ACTIVE PROJECTS
Recalling the Early Days of C.A.
This short story book that includes interviews with 24 of the first members of C.A. is currently being professionally edited. The project is at point 12 of the book approval process. The project lead is Jami D.
12 Steps and 12 Traditions
The 12×12 book project has assembled a vast amount of information from our Fellowship over the years, from our archives, to shares, referrals and literature.
The subcommittee is working diligently to complete Cocaine Anonymous’ own 12 Step and 12 Tradition book. Project lead is Matt L.
12 Traditions & 12 Concepts Illustrated
This project is currently being written and illustrated. The project lead is Jay F.
Traditions Group Inventory
This project will be worked on throughout the year to review and update this piece of literature. We are currently looking for a lead on this project, maybe a new Delegate that will join us this year.
Impact of Addicts Behaviour On Others
This is a new pamphlet, the concept for which was approved at last year’s conference. The current working title is “I Thought I Was Only Hurting Myself.” It is currently being worked on by a subcommittee, at Point 5 of the Pamphlet Approval Process. The project lead is Terry M.
Yes You Can Start a C.A. Meeting
A Subcommittee has been formed to amend our existing pamphlet “Yes You Can Start a C.A. Meeting” to include current and future meeting platforms. The Project lead is Jason L.
Twelve-Step Companion Guide
Committee is reviewing the second edition which will include a new Part C. The process is at Point 15 of the Book Approval Process. Subcommittee lead is Elizabeth S.
COMMITTEE STRUCTURE AT CONFERENCE:
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| Position | Name | Phone | |
| Chair | Matt L. | Lancley5@hotmail.com | 34 6776 43833 |
| Vice Chair | Cath E. | catherinee66@hotmail.co.uk | 44 75777 30130 |
| Secretary | Jacob M. | jacobmerrion13@gmail.com | 1 720 429 7814 |
| Co Secretary | Kelly D. | kmdrust@aol.com | 1 609 462 7458 |
| Trustee 1 | Barry H. | swrt@ca.org | 1 405 5703168 |
| Trustee 2 | Aurora L. | psrt@ca.org | 909 251 9527 |
| Members | |||
| Brent O. | brentolsen58@gmail.com | 780 201 7356 | |
| Cynthia C. | cynthia@bgr8ful.net | 1 425 985 4808 | |
| Elizabeth S. | esaldebar@aol.com | 1 626 689 6999 | |
| Heidi J. | hjjonathan@comcast.net | 1 415 816 2410 | |
| Jami D. | james.s.davisiii@gmail.com | 1 719 648 2482 | |
| Jason L. | Jason_LRNC@yahoo.co.uk | 44 779 206 3165 | |
| Jay F | finesilver1988@gmail.com | 1 303 596 5592 | |
| Jen S. | jencolst@gmail.com | 44 864 011 628 | |
| Jenn S. | jenniferlscheible@gmail.com | 1 403 589 5561 | |
| Jud W. | judsonwing@gmail.com | 1 205 999 9381 | |
| Nadz L. | nadia.leclerq@yahoo.ie | 353 85 759 7288 | |
| Nicole L. | nicole.langlois4@videotron.com | 1 514 570 5396 | |
| Phil J. | philip.antony.jones@gmail.com | 44 7771 633018 | |
| Rob W. | Rction@yahoo.com | 1 303 885 0422 | |
| Terry M. | mred007@aol.com | 1 602 697 9510 | |
| Ulysses T. | Utownselljr335@yahoo.com | 1 209 624 6961 | |
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SUMMARY OF COMMITTEE MOTIONS
12254827
Individual Submission.
“I would like to see if we or the committee can have a “topics” page for meetings. Such as life in recovery, what does service mean to you, why CA? etc. Topics for discussion I believe would be helpful to discuss CA based topics in H&I panels as well as meetings. We have how to answer questions and pamphlets but would be a great benefit for a page devoted to it in meeting formats.”
Motion: Pursuant to Point 3 of the Pamphlet Approval Process, motion to approve the concept of a topic meeting format.
202001
Individual Submission
Please reconsider my request for the attached Anonymity statement to be made available to all our membership by approving it as suggested be read at meetings and available to download from the CA.org website.
Motion: To add the Anonymity Statement as per Attachment LCF001 and LCF002 to the meeting formats before the last paragraph.
205505
Group Submission
As you are aware a project group of the WSBT Long Term Planning Sub-committee has been working on a rough draft of a Service Sponsorship’ pamphlet. We would like to submit this to you in accordance with point 1 of the C.A. Pamphlet Approval Process.
A copy of the May report from the project group, containing the draft pamphlet is attached. Cynthia C was the Lead on the project group and will be able to provide you with a .doc version of the draft.
Motion: Pursuant to Point 10 of the Pamphlet Approval Process. Motion To approve the Service Sponsorship Pamphlet as per Attachment LCF003.
11750092 & 12887759
Individual Submission
To approve the concept of a new C.A. Storybook based on Online Recovery. The pandemic years produced a new dynamic in carrying the message to the addict who sƟll suffers and opened C.A. up as a beacon of recovery as never before. Addicts are recovering online, and their stories need to be told and celebrated.
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Dear friends, kindly consider: – developing of a piece of literature with more diverse stories from our fellowship; or – beginning a concept of HFC III, with new stories; Reasoning: Our collective experience is our greatest asset, but it does not necessarily reflect our fellowship of today. Millennials and generation z started using long after the stories in HFC II were written. Many non-English speaking areas formed after the stories in HFC II were wriƩen. Addict recovered on Zoom long aŌer HFC II was wriƩen. To make sure we will attract future generations of suffering addicts, it is paramount that we keep stories current for identification, similarly to AA’s practice of renewing them in the second part of the Big Book. Please be aware that the Mainland European Region stand behind this referral per delegates’ conscience at caucus. Thank you very much for everything you do –
Motion: Pursuant to Point 3 of the Book Approval Process, motion to approve the concept of a book, Hope Faith and Courage Volume 3.
REFERRALS THAT WERE FORWARDED TO OTHER COMMITTEES
- 13049090: Individual Submission
- Online: Pre-conference 5.17.2023: Revise 7th tradition pamphlet to discuss collecting 7th tradition online: Referred to Finance Committee:
REFERRALS STILL IN COMMITTEE
- 12633382: Individual Submission
- Pre-Conference: 2.27.2023: Can you put the 12 Step Companion Guide English version onto an audio book for our fellowship members to listen to. We have individuals who suffer from dyslexia and those who don’t know how to read as well as the visually impaired individuals who would love to listen to this guide.
- 12009109: Individual Submission
Pre-Conference: 10.23.2022: Would it be possible to create a further batch of Commemorative Chip Sets, as per the details on the attached file. There is a huge demand for these in the UK, but we have been advised that these are no longer available. May we also suggest that you extend the set to run from 24 hours through to 1 year, so the set would include the following: 24 Hours 30 Days 60 Days 90 Days 6 Months 9 Months 1 Year Many thanks. ILAS, – The Steps We Took (Fulham, London, UK)
- 12833171: Individual Submission
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- : Pre-Conference 4.06.23: Referral for the LCF Committee to bring a motion at the next WSC for approval of the concept of a new pocket-sized meditation book. Brief description: While A Quiet Peace is a fantastic and necessary piece of C.A. literature, printed copies can be cumbersome to carry around. The proposed concept of a “pocket-sized” meditation book would result in a finished work similar in size to Hazelden’s Twenty-Four Hours a day (3.35 x 0.7 x 5.7 in; 8.5 x 1.8 x 14.5 cm) or A.A.’s Daily Reflections (4 x 1.1 x 6 in; 10.16 x 2.8 x 15.24 cm). Submissions for the daily entries would be sought from C.A. members throughout the Fellowship. Potential entries could include members’ freestanding thoughts or perhaps their personal reflections on quoted material from existing WSC approved literature. These entries could possibly be accompanied by a meditation, prayer, or action for the day. The proposed book would be an additional tool of recovery for our members, add to CAWS literature offerings, and would be revenue positive for the Fellowship.
- 11715383: Individual Submission
Pre-Conference 9.3.2022: The concept I have is for a book with stories from members with long-term sobriety. Centred around challenging life events and how they stayed sober through those events. Divorce, Child Custody, Death, Loss of Employment, marital problems etc. Something that our members could use when they face similar experiences. The reason I suggest long time sobriety and it doesn’t have to be. Is that sometimes years into sobriety things happen that can really rock us spiritually and emotionally. I think it would be a useful tool to have for our members.
CLOSED REFERRALS
- 13233743: Individual Submission
- Pre Conference: 6.22.2023: To refrain from using quotes from the Big Book of AA in all C.A. literature. I believe we have enough of our own literature – pamphlets, books, and the News Gram – to quote from without getting into copyright problems such as we currently have with A Quiet Peace. I certainly don’t discount the Big Book as an important tool of recovery, I just think it’s time for C.A. to stop being AA’s cash cow:
Response: Motion No action taken. LCF feels utilising AA literature fulfils our primary purpose. No money is given to AA when we quote their literature in our publications. AA has given us permission to use their literature (See 1st advisory opinion passed in 1989 and the 2nd in 2004, Page 100 of the 2023 WSM).
- 13042207: Individual Submission
- Pre-Conference 5.16.2023: Submit a concept for a Rule 62 coin. To share with
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sponsors, sponsees and the fellowship at large. We are not a glum lot.
Response: LCF Committee decided not to proceed due to AA trademark and association.
- 12990817: Recovery is not a Meme: Universe: Pre-Conference 5.06.2023: We need chips to show how many spiritual memes I have posted in a day and how many people I have spammed with the memes.
Response: we understand that this referral was made as a test and no further action is needed.
- 12810307: Individual Submission
- Pre-Conference: 4.02.2023: That the CA Preamble’s wording is not changed and remains the same. To suggest that the wording is exclusive is simply false. If the wording is changed to ‘gender neutral’ language like ‘people’, who else does that wording include except men and women? Our fellowship is based on honesty and truth, to change the language used based on a very few people’s self-identification is an attack on truth and reality. No matter what people identify as, they are either male or female genetically. That is the truth. If the wording is changed to gender neutral language, a dangerous precedent will be set. If enough people identify as dogs and make the same argument in the future, will the Preamble change to, ‘a fellowship of mammals’? If members and groups have such an issue, they can just change the words of the reading when it is being read at their specific meetings. The matter of CA engaging in gender ideology is an outside issue, that contravenes our traditions. Over 99% of our fellowship know that we are a dimorphic species, that every human being is either male or female. Much of our fellowship think that this should not be changed, why would CA even consider alienating those people to satisfy the ‘feelings’ of a few people. This issue is beyond CA’s scope and the literature should be left alone.
Response: This is a moot point, we will not be taking action at this time.
- LCF2022-05:Individual Submission
- . Pre-Conference. I would like to suggest breaking up each step in the new step working companion booklet by inserting sections, or headings for different ideas or thoughts within each chapter. I have used the step working companion guide with sponsee’s, and it’s been a great tool, but I find it hard to go through each step almost without pause. The addition of headings or sections would be a great queue for each sponsor and Sponsee to pause and discuss.
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Response: It has already been broken up in the companion guide.
- LCF 2022-04: Individual Submission
- I would like to propose that a leaflet be created that is like the principles of the steps but the principles behind the traditions. I have attached an example although the principles would have to be agreed on as they differ from fellowship to fellowship.
Response: The Committee felt that current projects would address the referral and the referral maker was invited to attend the 12 Steps and 12 Traditions Book Project Subcommittee meeting.
PRESENTATIONS OF CURRENT ACTIVITIES OR TASKS (no motions)
Share cover and table of contents for the 2nd edition of the Companion Guide.
CLOSING COMMENTS
Your Literature, Chips and Formats Committee continues to work diligently throughout the year to provide the fellowship with the resources they request so that they can continue to carry the message to the still suffering addict. We are grateful to have a small part in being able to help bring to your fingertips the tools and asked for guidance that can help us all carry out our primary purpose in the beautiful fellowship of Cocaine Anonymous. It is our honour to work together throughout the year to create literature that we hope will reach those who want or need it, literature that we hope will stand the test of time. We have been joined this year by new members and we are grateful for their enthusiasm in joining us in this work.
We thank you for entrusting us to write for you.
in love and service.
Respectfully Submitted:
Matt L
Chair
Literature Chips & Format Committee
Matt L – Read the opening report from the LCF report.
Nadz L –Motion 15: Pursuant to Point 3 of the Pamphlet Approval Process, motion to approve the concept of a topic meeting format. Seconded
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Russell S speak to your motion, not at this time.
Prepare to vote.
All in favor/all opposed.
Motion passes with minor opposition
Brad S – Motion 16: To add the Anonymity Statement as per Attachment LCF001 and LCF002 to the meeting formats before the last paragraph. Seconded
Russell S – speak to your motion.
Not at this time,
Any debate? Seeing none prepare to vote
Motion passes with minor opposition.
Jacob M. – Motion 17: Pursuant to Point 10 of the Pamphlet Approval Process. Motion To approve the Service Sponsorship Pamphlet as per Attachment LCF003. Seconded
Russell S – would you like to speak to your motion, yes.
Jacob M. – We did make some removals at the end of the pamphlet; the initializations made a result to change.
Russell S – There’s been no actual changes? That is correct. Any debate Gary P – Does the link send us to an AA page.
Jacob B – They all go to conference approved literature.
Susan B – is this the pamphlet about taking them through the AA service manual. Matt L – no
No further debate
All in favor/all opposed.
Motion passes with minor opposition
Gillian Mc – It references the AA manual and the CA manual.
Russell S – Our literature states that the AA program is valuable to our program. Susan B – 5th Concept — Any piece of CA literature, that has to go to AA to print it, it’s time we grow up.
Point of Order by Jennifer – Susan voted on the prevailing side.
Russell S – I will allow the 5th concept
Renzo L – Motion 18: Pursuant to Point 3 of the Book Approval Process, motion to approve the concept of a book, Hope Faith and Courage Volume 3. Seconded
Russell S – Would you like to speak to your motion Renzo L – Not at this time
Patrice F – Could you tell me what the difference between volume 2 and 3 would be? Renzo P – New stories of this new generation and our growth in Europe Daniel Su – same question — just answered.
Jimmy D – Speaking in favor of the motion. statement given. 16 years since volume 2
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came out.
Denise R – Speaking in favor of the motion. Statement given. We do need new stories.
Europeans need to identify with the fellowship as well.
Michael C – Speaking highly in favor of this motion. Statement given. Thanks to our growth in digital, we are no longer unknown. New stories are vital to our program. It’s important for us to move forward and give back.
Susan B – The time has come to talk about the pandemic experience that has grown our fellowship that is also online in great form. It’s all CA recovery.
Barry A – Speaking in favor of motion. Statement given. We are growing, and we’re excited to have our new stories in the book.
Jacob M – Speaking in favor of the motion. Statement given – new drug stories for newcomers to identify with.
Joe C – Speaking in favor of the motion. We need more stories in the book.
Justine Su – Call the question.
Motion 19 Call the question.
Seconded
all those in favor
motion passes
Motion 18 – All those in favor/opposed?
Motion passes unanimously.
Catherine E – closing comments from the report.
Harry A – Will we be notified when the stories are needed.
Matt L – This is just a concept, but we do want the whole fellowship voice to be heard.
Renzo L – Speak to me about this book.
Peter M. – In the sr14 mailing there was a proposal for concept inventory.
Russell S – That was withdrawn.
Matt L – It wasn’t ready for the conference floor.
Marcel V– Will there be a set of topics available on the website?
Matt L – Good question this is something we will consider.
Brad S – Thank you guys. A fan of anonymity statement that was passes. Could someone help with some ideas or thoughts and convince Home Groups to add to their format.
Russell S – Im sure the LFC will write an enthusiastic report.
Jennifer Go – This was a healthy conversation.
Judd w – remembering the early days is in editing is there a release date and the companion guide.
Jamie D – The early days we have 24 stories from members and is almost completed in professional editing then will go to WSO for publishing. Hopefully end of this year. Handbook guide waiting for publishing so hopefully very soon.
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Russell S. – Seeing no further questions for LCF Please join me in thanking them. Dinner break – please be back at 7pm
Session reopened at 7:07pm
Russell S – thank you for bringing up the issue with the tradition 6 for the flyer. Sydney P — S&B report