WORLD OFFICE SERVICE BOARD REPORT
INTRODUCTION AND COMMENTS:
My name is Earl H., I am your Outgoing World Service Office Chairperson. A huge thanks to our World Service Board of Trustees for their ongoing support and a very special thank you to my fellow Directors on the WSOB for their tireless willingness to serve the fellowship I crave. Welcome to all our new and returning Delegates as well as our WSC Committee Chairs to this 2024 WSC. Attending last years’ WSC gave us an opportunity to meet and discuss a multitude of issues at the WSO with our worldwide fellowship. We received some very valuable feedback.
We would also like to take this opportunity to thank David C. and Jo M., our outgoing Directors in the UK, who have served our fellowship during some very challenging times. They both brought many years of experience, knowledge, and selfless service to our Board. We wish you both well. Efforts to fill the WSOB throughout the year were productive with the recruiting of a new Director of Conventions and Conferences was completed with the addition of Jesse G. from Texas. We then recruited two new Directors at Large. Randy G. and Jason S. who were elected to the WSOB by the WSBT.
During the year, I also continued to search the job market and fellowship to hire a new office manager for the WSO during the 3rd and 4th quarter of
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2023. I continued to utilize Patty F as a part time, temporary Office Manager while her consulting company created a manual to list the duties and responsibilities for our Office manager and Bookkeeper. We have completed our contract with JH2H. I continued to assume many of the Director of Operations duties and responsibilities. In November I hired Tai B, a former delegate and member of the fellowship, to be our new Office Manager, she has successfully completed her initial training. In December, knowing that the WSO would be moving to Arizona, I hired Dawn S., also a member of the fellowship, from the Phoenix area to fill the vacated Customer Service position. Dawn completed her initial training in Long Beach, and we set her up in Arizona to work remotely from a temporary home office. She returned in March for some additional training. We continued our restructuring plan by consolidating some bookkeeping duties within our staff and changing to another part time contracted bookkeeper, Laurie R. to improve accuracy and save money.
Going back to California after the 2023 WSC our theme became “Into Action”. The WSBT had just passed a motion on August 8th of last year to move the WSO to Arizona. They then delegated that task, appropriately, to the WSOB to execute. We received a timeline and a budget from the WSBT as well as support of our ongoing efforts. We created a Sub-committee, and we began meeting regularly, planning, and researching. We recruited members of the Arizona fellowship for their intimate knowledge of the area real estate market. We began our search for a property with an office/warehouse to lease in earnest in February 2024. Our WSOB Move subcommittee reached out to real estate agents recommended by members of the AZ Fellowship. I travelled to AZ at my own expense and visited several potential properties with members from the Arizona area including our WSOB Treasurer. After considering many locations we finally found a location that would meet our needs and fit into our budget. We presented the property to the full WSOB for approval. A motion was passed unanimously to move forward with a lease request for negotiation. We presented the proposed lease to the WSBT, and they approved it. The landlord agreed to do some Tenant Improvements for us, and we requested to do some of our own. Our new WSO is located at 11460 North Cave Creek Road Suite 12 Phoenix, AZ 85020 USA. We needed to build in our new warehouse area a climate-controlled repository for our C.A. archives
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with a separate electrical service and air conditioning unit. Install a new local area data network for our existing computers and printer’s operations. Many of these improvements were donated by numerous members of the fellowship, all licensed contractors.
The WSO hired a Software consultant to evaluate various Customer Relationship Software solutions that would fit the needs of the WSO going forward. The WSO worked with the WSBT and S&B to create a system to distribute “Tradition 11 Ballots”, then receive via special email, tabulate, track and report results to the WSOT. The WSO hired a website designer Joe B. with Studio Global to help with the creation of a new Website for C.A. Joe will also implement the CRM software when selected.
The WSOB Translations Subcommittee continues to meet monthly. This committee started work on projects already in process to work through any blockages and is in contact with local Literature Translations Committees (LTC) to provide updates. Currently we are working with Portugal on translating 5 of our most popular pamphlets. Please check out the easy to follow, and much improved Process for fellowship translations: Attachment 1.
Our WSOB, along with the excellent support and service of Jesse G., Director of Conventions & Conferences, helped the CAWS2024 Convention committee exceeded all expectations in terms of a global spiritual experience of “Hope, Faith, & Cour’4ge” as well as being a fundraiser for World Services. Thank you, Jo M. our DAL, for your willingness to step up and attend the steering Committee meetings and a huge thank you to the entire CAWS2024 Committee!
In 2019 the World Contribution Program, which was started in 2005, was rebranded as the Freedom Fund. We are much better off with recurring donations to help us project donations and build our budget. A regular reliable income means more resources to carry the message to the still suffering addict. We will be active at this year’s WSC to motivate members to sign up. I signed up in 2005 and stuck with it ever since because it is safe, secure and reliable A super easy way to give to a great CAWS.
We worked closely with LCF members throughout the year on the 2nd
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edition of the 12 Step Companion Guide which have been printed and delivered to our new WS Office in Phoenix. We are very close to being able to print “Recalling the Early Days of C.A.” in both hard and soft cover. There will be a special roll out that is planned for October 1st. Stay tuned for further announcements. We have a new NewsGram Editor, Kenny S. who is being trained by our previous editor Yves W. Thank you Yves for some great reading these past few years. After many years of planning, research, study, cost analysis, and vendor interview the WSOB has moved into an agreement with General Central Plastics in the UK to produce key/tag chips locally. We have had several meetings with them, working out the details and have placed a purchase order for 50,000 chips of a 150,000 agreed upon initially. We have sent them startup funds for die presses and they agreed to send us 5 samples of each of the chips they are going to produce for our inspection and approval prior to mass production. We are expecting to see the samples very soon. This vendor should save the UK Fellowship substantial shipping costs. We hope this model will work out in time for the rest of mainland Europe. The WSO was instrumental in getting the new C.A. Meeting App launched on both the Google and Apple app stores, working closely with the IT committee to get the necessary paperwork and fees paid.
During 2023-2024 the WSOB Board achieved the following
- Moved the WSO to Phoenix AZ
- Hired new staff
- In the last 9 months, the WSO has shipped out 66,925 pamphlets in four languages and 241,000 chips in eight languages
- The WSO has published the 2nd edition of the 12 Step companion guide.
- Printed 1000 copies of HFC Vol. 1 & HFC Vol. 2 and sent to Phoenix
- The CAWS and CAWSO Inc. are both fully insured.
- Complied with Conflict-of-Interest and Workplace Abuse Policy
- Continued support and coordination with CAWS convention committees.
- Continued support of the WS Conference event and their standing committees.
- Continued support of the WSBT, working hand in hand to serve the
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Fellowship.
- Maintained our international bank account with HSBC bank in support of CAWS 2024 & future European commerce and endeavors.
WSO financials
- Recap of 2023
- Total Ordinary Income: $697,064.45
- Total Cost of Goods Sold: $237,755.01
- Gross Profit: $459,309.44
- Total Expense: $383,171.42
- Net Ordinary Income: $76,138.02
- Total Other Income: $258,994.15
- Total Other Expense: $206,797.95
- Net Other Income: $52,196.20
- NET INCOME: $128,334.22 o
- Recap of 2024 through July 31, 2024
- Total Ordinary Income: $441,636.15
- Total Cost of Goods Sold: $105,406.07 o Gross Profit: $336,230.08
- Total Expense: $284,105.41
- Net Ordinary Income: $52,124.67
- Total Other Income: $218,273.59
- Total Other Expense: $76,118.07
- Net Other Income: $142,155.52
- NET INCOME: $194,280.19
- 2023 Profit & Loss: Attachment 1
- 2023 Balance Sheet: Attachment 2
- 2023 Statement of Cash Flows: Attachment 3
- 2024 Profit & Loss: Attachment 4
- 2024 Balance Sheet: Attachment 5
- 2024 YTD 7-31-24 Statement of Cash Flows: Attachment 6
- PIE CHARTS Revenue & Expenses Fiscal Year 2023: Attachment 7
- PIE CHARTS Revenue & Expenses January to July 2024: Attachment 8
Translation
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- We have 4 areas that now have a local translation committee and are part of the translation process: CA Denmark, CA Portugal, CA Quebec, and CA Sweden
- Translation Process Tabulated. Final July 2023: Attachment 9
NewsGram:
- We published 4 editions in the last year. We received 30 articles from members, including one in Danish and one in Swedish and 13 from different committees.
- Coming year schedule and themes: Attachment 10
COMMITTEE STRUCTURE AT CONFERENCE:
Position | Name | Email | Phone
Chairperson Earl H. wsochair@ca.org
Vice-chairperson Randy G. wsovchair@ca.org
Treasurer Jonathan H. treasurer@ca.org
Secretary Yves W. wsosecretary@ca.org
Director of Conv. & Conference Jesse G. docac@ca.org
WST Joni E .wst@ca.org
WSOT Robert B. wsot@ca.org
DAL David C. .davidcroslandwsobdal@ca.org
DAL Jason S.dal02@ca.org
DAL Joanne P. wsobdal@ca.org
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SUMMARY OF COMMITTEE MOTIONS:
WSOB 2023-09 Pre-Conf 2023
Jay F. Colorado
Please add a blank service resume to ca.org
A. Motion: to approve the WSOB Position Resume Form 202309V2F (as a template for those positions requesting such and to be added to the Service Document Downloads section of the website upon Conference approval.: Attachment 11
REFERRALS THAT WERE FORWARDED TO OTHER COMMITTEES:
WSOB 2023-08 Pre-Conf 2023
Maggi. UK
It was brought to my attention whilst hosting my home group that the Preamble along with other readings state we are a Fellowship of Men & Women, I was asked if we could say ‘People’ however it’s not for me to say. The world is evolving and we are all inclusive, therefore we would like to propose that it’s read as … we are a fellowship not stating ‘Men or Women’
WSOB response:
Refer to LCF Committee – motion was originally missed but is not a decision to made by the WSOB.
WSOB 2023-12 Post-Conf 2023
Catherine A. E. CAUK Area
“I would like the WSOB, working with the collaboration of H&I to look into the creation of a distinct “”newcomers”” H&I chip. For those newcomers who “”got the message in H&I”” this could be a metal chip or a new coloured chip to give to potential new members and to honour the special relationship for those that meet Cocaine Anonymous in hospitals, institutions, treatment centres etc.
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Thank you for reading my referral.
Referred to LCF Committee
REFERRALS STILL IN COMMITTEE:
None
CLOSED REFERRALS:
WSOB 2023-10 Post-Conf 2023
Nadz L. Ireland
Can a full audit of the ca.org website to streamline its content and remove so many of the hyperlinks to documents are added. There are discrepancies from one page to another with different versions of the same document.
Response: No action taken: The WSOB appreciates this input and we are in the process of constructing a new website and the issues brought to light in this referral will be considered, included or addressed in that process.
No conference action is necessary prior to the web site’s completion for conference approval.
WSOB 2023-11 Post-Conf 2023
Nadz L. Ireland
I am not sure if this should go to the WSOB or to the WSITC but here is my referral.
I would like to see the website supporting the WCAG 2.1, in support of our disabled community (e.g. learning difficulties, visual impairment, …).
Response: No action taken: The WSOB appreciates this input, and we are in the process of constructing a new website and the issues brought to light in this referral will be considered, included or addressed in that process.
No conference action is necessary prior to the web site’s completion for conference approval.
WSOB 2023-12 Post-Conf 2023
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Wade G. Utah Area
“Be it Resolved:
That the new website of CA:
1-be centered to be a resource for the general public unfamiliar with CA first.
2-information for existing members of CA, CA delegates, WSBT, etc be secondary to the meeting the needs of the general public
3-that public information be the primary aim for the website
Response: No action taken. The WSOB appreciates this input. CA’s 5th tradition is “ Each group has but one primary purpose — to carry its message to the addict who still suffers.” In line with the group’s primary purpose, the WSOB maintains that same priority in construction of the website. The WSOB does recognize the importance of our public information efforts and our responsibility to that information as well. We have always given an avenue to the public on our website to learn more about our efforts. The WSOB is in the process of constructing a new website and the issues brought to light in this referral will be considered, included or addressed in that process. No conference action is necessary prior to the web site’s completion for conference approval.
WSOB 2023-13 Post-Conf 2023
Renzo P. Holland Area
“To put an option to buy the Quit Peace in the app. It can be a paid add-on. But it would be amazing if get a pop-up every day. Thanks for considering it. ”
Response: No action taken. The WSOB appreciates this input and we are in the process of constructing an app for our fellowship. The possibility of providing access to the Quiet Peace brought to light in this referral will be considered, included or addressed in that process. No conference action is necessary prior to the app’s completion for conference approval.
WSOB 2023-15 Post-Conf 2023
Nadz L. Ireland
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I was wondering if there could be an option to have the physical books available via Amazon (or another similar worldwide distributing company), as the Kindle versions are, so that it helps reduce the shipping and custom costs from Areas outside the US. This has been a constant struggle at least for Ireland to get easier access to the physical C.A. books
Response: No action taken. The WSOB appreciates this input. The physical delivery of our literature is a very complex issue and is always open to consideration of new avenues. It is currently cost prohibitive to provide our literature through these distribution avenues. No conference action is recommended.
WSOB 2023-16 Post-Conf 2023
Russel S. Thailand
After discussion with key members/groups within CA Thailand I must notify you of our decision to address a continuing lack of attention by our WSO with regards donations from groups here. The commitment from WSO to provide a simple and timely confirmation of receipt of money is lacking.
While I’m sure you may have what seem like legitimate reasons and excuses as to why a donation is not acknowledged within a period of 7 days none of them are credible or respectful of the concern shared by members after many handling failings at WSO. As a small business owner with a turnover larger than CAWSO and with multiple payments received each day (using several payment transfer platforms) I am staggered that such a simple task cannot be prioritised and managed in a timely manner.
At WSC this year (2023) the floor was assured that this issue was dealt with, yet this is obviously not the case.
*I there ask that you please clarify the SOP regarding timelines for donation receipts and present this concern, with a clear solution, at WSC 2024*.
After much consideration please also accept this as notice that no further donations will be made under CA Thailand until this issue is resolved accordingly. While we await a receipt of a donation, we will not be sending another. If the timeline exceeds 7-10 days, we may sadly cease donations to CAWSO.
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Response: No action taken. The WSOB recognizes the importance of timely recognition of our group’s donations and the accountability to respond quickly with the confirmation of those donations with a receipt. The WSOB welcomes and appreciates the fellowship’s efforts to make us aware of how we can better serve the fellowship. As we actively refine our processes and procedures, the WSOB will address these concerns and continue to get better in our efforts. No conference action is recommended.
WSOB 2024-01 pre-Conf 2024
Susan B. OSA
Please include a copy of the most current conference -approved C.A. Brand Guide in all Starter Kits sent out from the C.A. World Service Office. In the spirit of our 1st Tradition, proper use of the C.A. logos and trademarks should be encouraged and begin with the source.
Response: No action taken. The WSOB shares the concerns regarding the utilization of our logos and trademarks. Though it is cost prohibitive to send that out with every starter kit that is requested. We trust our area delegates and representatives to inform our new groups as to the proper use of our logos and trademarks.
WSOB 2024-02 pre-Conf 2024
Susan B. OSA
Please update the C.A. NewsGram Release Form to include permission to translate and publish content in languages other than English.
Response: No action taken. The WSOB believes that the current release form inherently gives permission to take any “released” articles to be translated in languages other than English at our discretion. Since 2018, the NewsGram already has a practice of taking any submission from our international fellowship and publishing it in the submitter’s language with an English translation.
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World Service Conference of Cocaine Anonymous Daily Minutes – Day 1 – Thursday – August 29, 2024
PRESENTATIONS OF CURRENT ACTIVITIES OR TASKS (no motions)
CLOSING COMMENTS:
Respectfully Submitted:
Earl H
Chairperson/World Service Office Board
COMMITTEE STRUCTURE AT END OF THIS CONFERENCE:
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Earl H– introduced board members.
Jesse G– Holland convention raised a lot of money; it was very successful there were about 1200 participants in attendance plus there were a lot of newcomers there.
Jason S– the fellowship has been asking for the website to be updated and we have finally found someone to do it who is in the fellowship but we’re not ready to show it to all of you just yet. We are in the process of getting our CRM (customer relationship management) software – this will be more efficient in orders and in being more responsive to order requests.
Robert B– we’re working on getting chips to being produced in the UK to help the costs of the shipping prices to be lower than it is to ship it from the US. We are going to be getting chip samples sent to us so that it can be reviewed. We’ll make announcements when we’re closer to this going live.
Randy G – We appreciate your patience with distribution. We have moved our offices over to Arizona and we still have work to do and positions to fill. We will meet the October opening of the first week and then the week afterwards, there will be an open house party.
Russell S – Any questions for the WSOB?
Peter M– Now that the chips have been taken care of can we put the focus on books now because we were charged a lot of money for the shipping of these items.
Kevin M – What steps are being taken to get our companion guide into recovery houses/programs/hospitals?
Earl H– There should be some promotion and advertising of our companion guide.
Russell S – asked for other questions.
Miram F– I’ve noticed that there are C.A. logos that have been translated into other languages, why are they not available to others?
Earl H- I will find out and get back to you.
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Earl H- In closing I would like to introduce the New WSOB chair Randy Groen.
Randy Gr– Our office was in a difficult position and individuals stepped up. Earl stepped up. Its difficult for us to understand the time and effort it took. I would like to thank Earl for his service.
Earl Hendersen – we shipped lots of chips and pamphlets in several different languages.
Russell S – We are ready for the finance committee
Garrett M – Gave an overview of finance, breaking down what finance reporting is and how budgets are looked at and created. He went off of a PowerPoint slide that was shared with the audience.
Russell S – Questions?
Robert H – Is it possible to have an executive summary of where we are and is it possible to have multiple years of the items?
Jim G– Everything that went into the BOX at the time, are drafts and not final proposed budgets. We just received updated numbers from the Holland convention and we’re hoping to getting them into the BOX soon.
Russell S pointed out that the purpose of this presentation was to show how a budget is made and that financial committee will come up and provide their report.
Peter M – could you provide this presentation to us?
Garrett M – yes
Louissin B – thank you for providing this presentation, it was very helpful. Parti T – where will this presentation be located? Garrett M – in the BOX
Russell S – Is there any objection to the finance committee passing the bucket for the 7th tradition? No objection from the floor.
Jim G– it was done
Russel S – Thank you.
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Next up is the H& I committee.
Booker B– I’d like to recognize Magnus R who was our interim H&I Chair during the year. Thank you for your service.
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For Day 1 reports see: https://documents.historyofca.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/2024-08-29-WS-Conference-Day-1-Minutes.pdf