Aug 30, 2024 – IT Committee Report – WS Conference – Day 2

CONFERENCE REPORT

C.A. WORLD SERVICE CONFERENCE 2024

WSC IT Committee REPORT

INTRODUCTION AND COMMENTS:

The WSC IT Committee has been meeting monthly throughout the year to coordinate our work.

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We had a productive year, building, testing, and publishing the app C.A. Meeting Finder, engaging with Areas to get their Districts, Groups, and meetings into the database.

We have reviewed C.A. websites, supported the World Service Office in their work with translation policies and tools, and website.

The Virtual Services Subcommittee has produced language for the Virtual Services Guidelines.

COMMITTEE STRUCTURE AT CONFERENCE:

Position	Name	Email	Phone
Chair	Tom T.	tom.mobilen@gmail.com	+46 703224490
Vice-chair	Milton L	miltonathm@hotmail.com	+1 9172076767
Secretary	Nakea B	nakeab017@yahoo.com	+1 9093002622
2nd Secretary	Jacqueline	recoveredjax@gmail.com	+1 2899292483
VSC Chair	Wesley B	Realwblount0309@gmail.com	+1 3475411451
VSC Vice-Chair	Harry P	hrrphllps@gmail.com	+1 3239019411
VSC	Patty S	pjscott@mac.com	+1 9173180425
Secretary	Kalob T	kalob.taulien@gmail.com	+1 7809522696
Developer	Chris V	chris.vodak@gmail.com	+1 3255134055
Developer	Gustav E	gustav.eiman@protonmail.com	+46 734457600
Developer	Eileen C	emcullinan85@outlook.com	+1 2083585810
Emeritus	Susan B	mirthfully@aol.com	+1 8182618643
Website	Robert H	Robert.hanger2013@gmail.com	+44
reviewer	Ellen U		7720890799
App	Nadz L
Campaign	Sophie
Lead	Samir
Area	Linus P
Outreach	Chris M	asrt@ca.org
Lead			+1 2393625928
Trustee	Joni E	wst@ca.org

SUMMARY OF COMMITTEE MOTIONS:

The WSCIT Committee has 3 motions to bring to the floor of the 2024 CAWSC. 1. MOTION: that language will be removed, and new language added, to page

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3 of the IT Workbook.

This 2023 revision provides new guidance for Social Media, and begins to address the scope of our online meeting presence as it continues to develop.

This 2024 revision adds new guidance for our Online and Hybrid meetings.

2. MOTION: that new language, as item l, will be added in the IT Workbook, on page 11, after item k.

.Do not list meetings from other Areas as being part of your Area on your Area’s webpage.

3. MOTION: to approve the addition of the Virtual Services

Guidelines, that gives guidance for online meetings, into the IT Workbook on page 16 through the end of the document.

Virtual Services – Coming Soon

Introduction

Statement of Purpose

Starting an Online Meeting –

Disclaimers
Collecting the 7th Tradition / Matters of Finance

Meeting Service Positions

Anonymity and Security – pdf draft available

Chit System – Meeting attendance confirmation – pdf draft available

Virtual Helpline/Hotlines

Virtual Services Committee Guidelines Virtual Service Committee Structure

ADD: Helpful Links

INTRODUCTION

The C.A. Virtual Services is a subcommittee of the World Service Conference IT Committee. We work in tandem with the IT Committee to produce a comprehensive handbook to help the C.A. Fellowship navigate the ever-changing virtual landscape. We welcome the participation of all C.A. members interested in helping us achieve this goal.

Please reach out to us with information or questions at VirtualServices@ca.org.

STATEMENT OF PURPOSE

The purpose of the Virtual Services Committee is to make available C.A.’s collective experience while adhering to the Traditions. This committee offers resources for virtual C.A. groups and events.

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HOW TO START A VIRTUAL OR HYBRID MEETING OF COCAINE ANONYMOUS

If you are interested in starting a virtual meeting, contact your local C.A. Area to see if it supports virtual meetings. If it does not support virtual meetings, or if you live in a location where C.A. is not available, contact one of the C.A. online Districts or Areas. If the group does not want to join an Area/District, a group representative should contact the World Service Office for recognition as a C.A. group, and obtain approval to distribute any trademarked media content (i.e. C.A. logo). If the group wants to join a district/area the meeting information should only be listed on the associated meeting schedule. Please see the C.A. World Service Manual, Statement of Policy.

Virtual Meeting Platforms

The group will decide which virtual platform to use to facilitate its C.A. meeting. Virtual platforms generally enable users to connect via video, audio, phone, and/or chat. Different platforms have different specifications. For example: many platforms require an internet connection and a supported device. Check with the platform provider for its specifications. An internet search should result in a list of virtual platforms available for facilitating meetings.

Cocaine Anonymous does not offer troubleshooting. All troubleshooting matters should be addressed with the platform service provider. Some groups have designated an IT service position as a liaison between the platform provider and the group. There are helpful video tutorials online. Cocaine Anonymous does not recommend or endorse any one platform over any other.

What is a Hybrid Meeting?

A C.A. hybrid meeting is a gathering of members both in- person and virtually. It offers support for individuals seeking recovery from cocaine and all other mind-altering substances, accommodating those who may be unable to attend physically, but still want to engage in the Fellowship and sharing of experiences. Typically, a hybrid meeting begins with an in-person group deciding to offer virtual access to its meeting.

Before the group decides to operate in a hybrid setting, there are some things to consider. These may include devices to facilitate a hybrid meeting, cost and storage of equipment, and access to a stable internet connection. 

Technology: a stable internet connection (ideally Wi-Fi), a device capable of hosting a dependable virtual conferencing account, and a speaker or sound bar that can connect to your device, to allow virtual sharing to be heard by all members.   

Optional equipment also includes: a camera to show who is speaking, an omnidirectional microphone and two-way speaker (this ensures sound quality for both the virtual and in-person participants), and a monitor or projector that will display the virtual participants. 

Online or Hybrid Meeting Disclaimer

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It is suggested by the WSCIT Committee to read and/or post this meeting disclaimer regarding the technology being utilized to facilitate the C.A. Online or Hybrid Meeting: “Due to the technologies being used for these meetings, your anonymity could be compromised at a public level. You may choose your level of participation in this meeting. Our group conscience reminds us that Anonymity is the Spiritual Foundation of all our Traditions. Additionally, in the spirit of Tradition Six, C.A. is not allied with any sect, denomination, politics, organization, or institution and as such does not endorse and is not affiliated with any of the specific technology providers utilized to facilitate this meeting.”

7th Tradition

Many options exist for virtual payments. However, there may be difficulties in creating group accounts (legal requirements, fees, etc.). Groups can decide whether and how to accept virtual donations.

SERVICE POSITIONS

Each C.A. group may create such service positions with care, as they deem necessary to carry on the group functions with such job duties and sobriety requirements, as they feel appropriate.

Each C.A. group can decide in their group conscience how to structure their service group depending on the virtual platform utilized and the number of members available for service.

Each C.A. group should train and inform all service members on the security protocols for the group’s platform as decided by the group consciousness to maintain a safe and secure meeting according to the first tradition.

Virtual Meeting Host

The Virtual Meeting Host is a trusted servant whose responsibility is to provide the meeting with the leadership best suited to assist the recovery of the members through utilization of the C.A. Program.

Suggested sobriety time: 6 months

Term: 6 months

Duties and Responsibilities:

Sees that the Traditions are followed within the Meeting.
Opens the virtual meeting ahead of the start time.
Helps with security to guard against Internet attacks.
Assists with other service responsibilities and when applicable assumes some of the responsibilities.

Virtual Meeting Chairperson

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The Virtual Meeting Chairperson is a trusted servant whose responsibility is to provide the meeting with the leadership best suited to assist the recovery of the members through utilization of the C.A. Program.

Suggested sobriety time: 6 months

Term: 6 months

Duties and Responsibilities:

Sees that the Traditions are followed within the meeting.
Chairs the meeting and follows the format in accordance with the group conscience.
Sees that the responsibilities of the other Meeting servants are met.
Assists with other service responsibilities and when applicable assumes some of the responsibilities.
Sees that announcement for the 7th Tradition collection is made.
Announces where to find C.A. literature and meeting schedules when applicable.
Documents the meeting history such as number of members per meeting, main speakers, service members present, number of members celebrating clean time.

Meeting Verification / Chit Coordinator

(See the Public Information Handbook at pi.ca.org for more information.) Suggested sobriety time: 6 months

Term: 6 months

Duties and Responsibilities:

Makes a chit announcement at the start of the meeting.
Verifies the participants stayed for the entire meeting.
Emails the chit verification after the meeting*.

*We suggest the group have an email address for this purpose to maintain security and anonymity.

Sponsor Representative

Suggested sobriety time: 6 months

Term: 6 months

Duties and Responsibilities:

Helps coordinate available sponsors for participants seeking sponsorship.

For the following positions, the length of clean time and commitment are left to the group’s discretion.

Timekeeper

Duties and Responsibilities:

Keeps track of the time of each share and informs when time is up. Screen Sharer

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Duties and Responsibilities:

Shares on screen meeting’s readings, literature, announcements, etc. Welcome Person / Greeter

Duties and Responsibilities:

Joins the virtual meeting ahead of the start time.
Welcomes participants as they come into the meeting.

Answers participant’s questions about the meeting and platform.

ANONYMITY AND SECURITY

Upholding anonymity is essential to building and maintaining trust among members. It is equally important to maintain a secure environment, free from harassment and predatory behaviors. This section gives guidance on how to run the meetings as securely as possible while still giving members options to communicate and share our message of recovery.

Considerations for Virtual Meetings

In addition to the regular group service positions, the virtual meeting platform normally requires one or more additional service positions to ensure a safe and secure meeting environment.

Know your platform! It’s important that the group’s service team be knowledgeable about the platform the group has decided to use. This allows the service team to know how to protect the meeting should anything happen.

Stay updated and informed of any platform changes made.
Training Workshops can be held on a regular basis for service / home group members for training.
Most platforms offer free training and support.
The group should have a conscience around how to handle emergencies and security problems, and all group members should follow them.

Personal Device Security

Keep all devices updated and secured, and be knowledgeable about common threats related to your device.

Most vendors offer free training and support.

Group Anonymity Considerations

The anonymity of the members in a virtual meeting is much more exposed than in a physical one. There is no reliable way to detect if someone records identities, messages, video and voice from the meeting or the virtual platform.

We can and should inform all participants of this at the start of the meeting using the following anonymity disclaimer:

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Meeting Security Considerations

Where the physical meeting chair needs to open the venue, put up a sign, make coffee and assign a meeting chair, the virtual one needs to be a greeter, a platform host and a security guard against Internet attacks. This may well be work cut out for more than one person.

We strongly recommend that the meeting chair role and the platform host role be assigned to separate persons. If these roles are placed on one person, it is our experience that as soon as something happens with the platform or the participants’ security or integrity that will draw the single chairs full attention thus halting the meeting until the issue is resolved.

Recording In General

Although speaker tapes have enormous value to the C.A. fellowship, recording meetings is not encouraged due to anonymity and tradition violation concerns.

Recording features capture audio and video, leaving a member exposed to identification. There is no guarantee where the content will end up or that the video portion will be scrubbed (deleted) prior to virtual posting.

CONFIRMATION OF MEETING ATTENDANCE

Although we are an anonymous fellowship, we realize some members may benefit from being able to provide evidence of attendance at meetings. The confirmation does not confirm attendees are clean, sponsored or working a program. They simply confirm they attended the meeting. [See “The C.A. ’Chit System’” in the WSC PI Handbook at pi.ca.org.]

Who Gets a Confirmation?

Anyone attending a virtual meeting can request confirmation. Groups should specify their requirements for receiving confirmation (i.e., cameras on or off, being in the meeting from start to finish). Confirmations should be sent from the group to whomever the attendee designates.

Needed Resources

It is suggested that a group have its own email address from which to send the confirmation. Ideally the address will reflect the group’s name (i.e., broadbandhighway@[provider].com). Many groups already have one in place, as it is used for other group processes. Using a personal email address can compromise anonymity; groups can decide how to handle this issue.

It is suggested that handling confirmations be assigned as a service position or incorporated into an existing position. Anyone requesting confirmation should contact that service person via the platform’s chat function.

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Creating a Confirmation

Attendees will often ask for confirmations when they arrive at the meeting. An announcement can be made at the beginning of a meeting directing those needing confirmation to the designated service member. The designated service member should send a chat response to the person requesting the confirmation:

“Hi, I am the confirmation person for this meeting. Please message me again at the end of the meeting with your first name, and the name and email address of the recipient of the confirmation.”

An email will be sent when the meeting is over. It should look something like this:

To whom it may concern:

This email is to confirm that [first name of person needing confirmation] attended [name of meeting] of Cocaine Anonymous on [date of meeting].

Regards,

[Confirmation service member]

[Name of meeting/group]

The email is sent from the group to the recipient to maintain anonymity. Each time a person wants confirmation, a new request must be made.

Confirmation of Attendance Copyable

This message confirms that [attendee name] attended the [meeting name] of Cocaine Anonymous on [date/time]. Please let us know if you have any questions.

[Name of person confirming attendance]

[confirmation representative/secretary/chair/other position]

VIRTUAL SERVICES COMMITTEE GUIDELINES

Works within the WSCIT and VS Committee Guidelines
Researches and incorporates pertinent information from our international fellowship.
Collaborates with other WSC Standing Committees as needed.

4. Motion for the WSCIT to test feasibility by making available 5 sample recordings on the CA Mobile App.

REFERRALS THAT WERE FORWARDED TO OTHER COMMITTEES:

13583004, Individual submission:

“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

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meeting the needs of the general public 3-that public information be the primary aim for the website”

RESPONSE: Your referral has been forwarded to the Word Service Office Board, who will take it into consideration. Thank you for your service!

1934420, submission type missing:

“Please consider adding language under P.I. and/or Outreach encouraging and outlining the appropriate use of social media (secret Facebook groups, Twitter, Instagram, etc.) to ‘announce’ the convention. Thank you.”

RESPONSE: Transferred to P.I. as it suggests language for the P.I. handbook.

14571066, Individual submission:

“Hi, I am trying to find out if there is any way of having conference as a hybrid meeting so all can attend and anyone can be part of that service structure if they meet the requirements with without having to physically be there I am part of the online district in CAUK and part of my disability means I physically sometimes mentally won’t be able to make the flight.

This is just something I’m enquiring about if I ever wanted to serve at that level I am very interested and a very very grateful member of cocaine anonymous.

If there was no way of doing this, it wasn’t to be or not voted in or not even looked at. Would there be any way that it could be like televised? One way? Sort of zoom so you can kind of see what goes on but not speak as a CA member, a bit like the houses of Parliament in the UK. I think there’s a channel where you can watch it not that I’d want to anyhow in loving service lots of love and light. Looking forward to hearing back from you. Maggie m”

RESPONSE: Thank you for your referral. While we see that this is possible from a technical standpoint, there is more things to consider. We will transfer Your referral to the WSBT, and to the Conference Committee with our findings.

REFERRALS STILL IN COMMITTEE:

13798673, Individual submission:

“Consider adding additional features to the app.

The ability to purchase and read our books.
Access to all of our pamphlets.
Meeting in a Pocket.
Link to the CA.org store.
Link to NewsGram (past and current).
A spot check inventory where you have fillable fields to for Who you are resentful at, the cause, affects, and my part. (This could be something we charge a small 1 time fee and make this like an add on which could help generate money for world).

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7. Have our daily meditation come up for people who have purchased the electronic copy of Quiet Peace.

8. Add nightly review (could also be something we charge a 1 time fee for) with questions such as:

Did I pray and meditate today? Where was I resentful? How was I selfish? How was I dishonest? How was I afraid? Do I owe an apology?

Who did I help today? Was I kind and loving? Was I thinking of myself most of the time? Was I thinking about what I could do for others? What defects did I live in today?

What could I have done better? What did I do well? What am I grateful for? Who needs my prayers? Did I use my 10th step throughout the day?

7. A place for a gratitude list.

8. A place for a journal.

These are all just ideas to provide extra tools to our members. On the ones where we charge we could maybe make those part of a “premium” option and charge a small monthly fee or a yearly fee to generate funds.

I appreciate all you do. Keep up the great work!”

14448815, Individual submission:

“Hello, I’ve been trying to find out when WS committees meet – it’s really not been very easy. It would be very useful to have a calendar of WS committee meetings on the CA.org website. Just so that If people want to join a committee or even just attend a meeting to see what goes on there all the info is in one place

Maybe a simple Committee, Chair contact details, day / frequency, time, link to join. Thank you for your service”

12241136, Submission on behalf of a committee:

The IT committee of WSC to explore current and future meeting platforms for C.A. Meetings.

Discussion

C.A. has grown to include more and more members throughout the world. With that we have crafted our guidelines and manuals to advise the fellowship a way to facilitate growth through starting new C.A. meetings. At some point new types of meeting were included in both the WSM and the pamphlet “Yes, You can start a C.A. Meeting”. The wording of the part of new meetings are as follows:

Quote WSM:

ONLINE MEETINGS:

Email meetings – These are email based and run 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Voice meetings – These are voice only, voice over internet protocol meetings and are similar in format to face to face meetings.

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These few lines are no longer sufficient, as they don’t include Video meetings online via Zoom or other similar platforms. These meeting is not included in either the manual or literature such as “Yes, You can start a C.A. Meeting”. Furthermore, we assume that the future might create possibilities for C.A. meeting in other settings that we know nothing or very little about.

In our discussions we touched the idea that the wording might benefit of being technology neutral to be able to include current and hopefully also future types of meetings and platforms. We also debated the actual definition of a C.A. meeting or group. The current wording is clear:

Quote, WSM:

DEFINITION OF A COCAINE ANONYMOUS “GROUP”

Two or more C.A. members meeting regularly to share their experience, strength and hope with each other, may call themselves a Cocaine Anonymous Group when:

The only requirement for membership is a desire to stop using cocaine and all other mind-altering substances.
It is fully self-supporting.
Its primary purpose is to help addicts recover through the Twelve Steps of C.A.
It has no outside affiliations.
It has no opinion on outside issues.
Its public relations policy is based on attraction rather than promotion

We leave the decision of any action to the respective committee and have no suggestion or opinion on wording or details regarding, but we believe it would be of great benefit to the fellowship to be up to date and current and reflect the fellowship we have today, and that we seek in the future.  We also believe that S&B and LCF could work on these matters in co-operation.

Respectfully submitted by WSBT”

WSCIT COMMENT: The request for language in this multi-part referral is addressed by the S&B, and the LCF Committees.

The first part, regarding “The IT committee of WSC to explore current and future meeting platforms for C.A. Meetings.”, remains with the IT Committee.

CLOSED REFERRALS:

10402400, Individual submission:

“Simcoe Group Member since 10th of October 2018”.

Response: We have not been able to establish communication with the referrer to find out more. Conference Committee has no more info. We consider this referral broken.

13598406: Individual submission:

“Awesome job on the digital archives! Authorization must be a massive pain in the ass though — especially when we talk about mass-password sharing.

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Referral (or maybe its just an idea, I’m not certain how this works): Rate limit user accounts on certain web views. Or tokenize requests – each account gets like 5 archive requests per month (those are made up numbers/times btw). Or make users change their password frequently so it’s a HUGE hassle to keep sharing the password. Or MFA, ideally via text since technology is not the strongest skill amongst our fellowship.

Food for thought. Happy to discuss more ideas if anybody reads this and wants to brain storm. Keep up the good work, my friends!”

RESPONSE: The Committee is grateful for your input and look forward to more discussions on the subject.

9197805, Submission on behalf of a Committee:

“During the 2021 North American PI Summit a breakout group developed this document in hopes of assisting groups that are having or establishing hybrid meetings. Thank you,

WSCPI Committee”

RESPONSE: Thank You, we appreciate all Your input, this has been addressed in our motion to add language to the IT Workbook regarding Virtual Service Guidelines.

6488841, Individual Submission:

“WSM p18 lists online meetings as email meetings and voice meetings. Please consider adding “video conferencing meetings”.”

RESPONSE: The referral came from S&B, they are doing a great job with this and they are addressing this referral in their SR-14 submission.

PRESENTATIONS OF CURRENT ACTIVITIES OR TASKS (no motions)

While the C.A. Meeting Finder app has been published, the meeting database for the app are still missing a lot of Area’s meetings. We need Your Area’s help to make sure that the addicts who is still suffering can find Your meetings, to get our message of recovery. Please reach out to us!

CLOSING COMMENTS:

This has been a very productive year for the for the Committee.

Our Committees diversity, providing unique skills and experiences, has been of great resource in our work to support our fellowship.

It has also helped us to see the bigger picture of Cocaine Anonymous.

I am still awestruck by the members unique skillsets, and their massive dedication to our work. The Committee wants to give a special Thank You to the WSO for their great support and

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cooperation leading up to the publishing of the app. We could not have done this without Your active support.

I also want to thank the Committee, and all of Cocaine Anonymous for letting me chair the Committee through the year.

It has been a humbling and loving experience for which I am truly grateful.

We look forward to continuing our work for the fellowship.

Respectfully Submitted:

Tom T

Chair/WSC IT Committee

COMMITTEE STRUCTURE AT END OF THIS CONFERENCE:

Tom T. – Read IT report.

Aaron G. MOTION 35: that language will be removed, and new language added, to page 3 of the IT Workbook.

This 2023 revision provides new guidance for Social Media, and begins to address the scope of our online meeting presence as it continues to develop.

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This 2024 revision adds new guidance for our Online and Hybrid meetings.

Seconded

Duane M. – Would you like to speak to your motion?

Aaron G. – Not at this time

Duane M. Is there any debate? Seeing none, Motion re-read, please prepare to vote All in favour/all opposed

Motion passes with significant unanimity

Milton L. MOTION 36: that new language, as item l, will be added in the IT Workbook, on page 11, after item k.

l. Do not list meetings from other Areas as being part of your Area on your Area’s webpage.

Seconded

Russell S. – Would you like to speak to the motion?

Milton L. – Not at this time

Russell S. Is there any debate? Marcel V. Speaking against the motion

Parti – Question – Buffalo is part of area but listed on NY area would this affect that?

Milton L. yes – the area needs to make it clear meetings which are not part of area

Candice I – Speak in favour of the motion.

Jesse G – Speaking against this motion

Joseph B – Speaking against the motion.

Marc G – Asked a question

Judson W. Friendly amendment? Can you change the wording? If not from your area state which area you are from?

Wesley B. If you list meetings outside your area please delineate.

Wesley B. friendly amendment – To avoid confusion when listing meetings from other areas please indicate the separate area.

Russell S. any objection to the friendly amendment? Seeing none.

Motion36: that new language, as item l, will be added in the IT Workbook, on page 11, after item k

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l).To avoid confusion when listing meetings from other areas please indicate the separate area.

Russell S. – We’ll go back to debate.

Daniel S. – Question – was this brought up by a referral or to sort a problem we are not aware of?

Milton L. – It was from a referral but to match language in WSM.

Alan S – Speaking against the motion

Barry He – Speaking against this motion.

Chris M – Some delegates pull their numbers off website. This motion is to reduce the issue.

Miriam F. – Speaking against the motion.

Sydney P – Speaking in favour of the motion.

Jacqueline R. – question – What is the purpose of making this change?

Milton L. – To make clear which meetings are part of area and not so they are not counted in a count for your area.

Leslie R – Speaking against the motion. Paul M – Speaking against the motion Daniel S. – Speaking against the motion Nadz L. – Speaking in favour of the motion **& – Speaking

Louissin B. – Motion 37 Call the question Seconded

All in favour/all opposed/

Passed

Motion 36 passes.

Naketa B – MOTION 38: to approve the addition of the Virtual Services Guidelines, that gives guidance for online meetings, into the IT Workbook on page

16 through the end of the document.

Virtual Services – Coming Soon

Introduction

Statement of Purpose

Starting an Online Meeting –

Disclaimers

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Collecting the 7^th Tradition / Matters of Finance

Meeting Service Positions

Anonymity and Security – pdf draft available

Chit System – Meeting attendance confirmation – pdf draft available

Virtual Helpline/Hotlines

Virtual Services Committee Guidelines Virtual Service Committee Structure

ADD: Helpful Links

INTRODUCTION

We welcome the participation of all C.A. members interested in helping us achieve this goal.

Please reach out to us with information or questions at VirtualServices@ca.org.

STATEMENT OF PURPOSE

HOW TO START A VIRTUAL OR HYBRID MEETING OF COCAINE ANONYMOUS

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the C.A. World Service Manual, Statement of Policy.

Virtual Meeting Platforms

What is a Hybrid Meeting?

A C.A. hybrid meeting is a gathering of members both in-person and virtually. It offers support for individuals seeking recovery from cocaine and all other mind-altering substances, accommodating those who may be unable to attend physically, but still want to engage in the Fellowship and sharing of experiences. Typically, a hybrid meeting begins with an in-person group deciding to offer virtual access to its meeting.

Technology: a stable internet connection (ideally Wi-Fi), a device capable of hosting a dependable virtual conferencing account, and a speaker or sound bar that can connect to your device, to allow virtual sharing to be heard by all members.   

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Online or Hybrid Meeting Disclaimer

It is suggested by the WSCIT Committee to read and/or post this meeting disclaimer regarding the technology being utilized to facilitate the C.A. Online or Hybrid Meeting:

“Due to the technologies being used for these meetings, your anonymity could be compromised at a public level. You may choose your level of participation in this meeting. Our group conscience reminds us that Anonymity is the Spiritual Foundation of all our Traditions. Additionally, in the spirit of Tradition Six, C.A. is not allied with any sect, denomination, politics, organization, or institution and as such does not endorse and is not affiliated with any of the specific technology providers utilized to facilitate this meeting.”

7th Tradition

SERVICE POSITIONS

Each C.A. group may create such service positions with care, as they deem necessary to carry on the group functions with such job duties and sobriety requirements, as they feel appropriate.

Each C.A. group can decide in their group conscience how to structure their service group depending on the virtual platform utilized and the number of members available for service.

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the first tradition.

Virtual Meeting Host

Duties and Responsibilities:

Sees that the Traditions are followed within the Meeting.
Opens the virtual meeting ahead of the start time.
Helps with security to guard against Internet attacks.
Assists with other service responsibilities and when applicable assumes some of the responsibilities.

Virtual Meeting Chairperson

Suggested sobriety time: 6 months

Term: 6 months

Duties and Responsibilities:

Sees that the Traditions are followed within the meeting.
Chairs the meeting and follows the format in accordance with the group conscience.
Sees that the responsibilities of the other Meeting servants are met.
Assists with other service responsibilities and when applicable assumes some of the responsibilities.
Sees that announcement for the 7th Tradition collection is made.
Announces where to find C.A. literature and meeting schedules when applicable.
Documents the meeting history such as number of members per meeting, main speakers, service members

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present, number of members celebrating clean time.

Meeting Verification / Chit Coordinator

(See the Public Information Handbook at pi.ca.org for more information.)

Suggested sobriety time: 6 months

Term: 6 months

Duties and Responsibilities:

Makes a chit announcement at the start of the meeting.
Verifies the participants stayed for the entire meeting.
Emails the chit verification after the meeting*.

*We suggest the group have an email address for this purpose to maintain security and anonymity.

Sponsor Representative

Suggested sobriety time: 6 months

Term: 6 months

Duties and Responsibilities:

Helps coordinate available sponsors for participants seeking sponsorship.

For the following positions, the length of clean time and commitment are left to the group’s discretion.

Timekeeper

Duties and Responsibilities:

Keeps track of the time of each share and informs when time is up.

Screen Sharer

Duties and Responsibilities:

Shares on screen meeting’s readings, literature, announcements, etc.

Welcome Person / Greeter

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Duties and Responsibilities:

Joins the virtual meeting ahead of the start time.
Welcomes participants as they come into the meeting.
Answers participant’s questions about the meeting and platform.

ANONYMITY AND SECURITY

Upholding anonymity is essential to building and maintaining trust among members.

It is equally important to maintain a secure environment, free from harassment and predatory behaviors. This section gives guidance on how to run the meetings as securely as possible while still giving members options to communicate and share our message of recovery.

Considerations for Virtual Meetings

In addition to the regular group service positions, the virtual meeting platform normally requires one or more additional service positions to ensure a safe and secure meeting environment.

Stay updated and informed of any platform changes made.
Training Workshops can be held on a regular basis for service / home group members for training.
Most platforms offer free training and support.
The group should have a conscience around how to handle emergencies and security problems, and all group members should follow them.

Personal Device Security

Keep all devices updated and secured, and be knowledgeable about common threats related to your device.

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Most vendors offer free training and support.

Group Anonymity Considerations

We can and should inform all participants of this at the start of the meeting using the following anonymity disclaimer:

Meeting Security Considerations

Recording In General

Although speaker tapes have enormous value to the C.A. fellowship, recording meetings is not encouraged due to anonymity and tradition violation concerns.

CONFIRMATION OF MEETING ATTENDANCE

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the meeting. [See “The C.A. ’Chit System’” in the WSC PI Handbook at pi.ca.org.]

Who Gets a Confirmation?

Needed Resources

It is suggested that a group have its own email address from which to send the confirmation. Ideally the address will reflect the group’s name (i.e., broadbandhighway@[provider].com). Many groups already have one in place, as it is used for other group processes. Using a personal email address can compromise anonymity; groups can decide how to handle this issue.

Creating a Confirmation

An email will be sent when the meeting is over. It should look something like this:

To whom it may concern:

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This email is to confirm that [first name of person needing

confirmation] attended [name of meeting] of Cocaine Anonymous on

[date of meeting].

Regards,

[Confirmation service member]

[Name of meeting/group]

The email is sent from the group to the recipient to maintain anonymity. Each time a person wants confirmation, a new request must be made.

Confirmation of Attendance Copyable

This message confirms that [attendee name] attended the [meeting name] of Cocaine Anonymous on [date/time]. Please let us know if you have any questions.

[Name of person confirming attendance]

[confirmation representative/secretary/chair/other position]

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World Service Conference of Cocaine Anonymous Daily Minutes – Day 2 – Friday – August 30, 2024

VIRTUAL SERVICES COMMITTEE GUIDELINES

Works within the WSCIT and VS Committee Guidelines
Researches and incorporates pertinent information from our international fellowship.
Collaborates with other WSC Standing Committees as needed.

Seconded

Russell S would you like to speak to you motion?

Naketa B – Not at this time

Russell S. – Any debate?

Stu E – Question – I’m confused? Is there guidelines?

Russell S. yes

Miriam F. – in section 7^th tradition collection is there a reason why the information from financial guidelines was not entered here?

Wesley B. – We did reach out to finance, and we would like to link this up and we can take this

Miriam F. – can we add see finance guideline to reference it?

Wesley B. – Yes, we want to refer people, however in terms of this we are trying to provide a sense on how to approach this without being to specific.

Naketa B – There are several money platforms, and we cannot be so specific without governance.

Miriam F. – I am referring to safety within finance and this is clear in financial guidelines.

Naketa B – that is not in our purview

Sydney P – Speaking in favour of motion.

Russell S. Seeing no further debate

Prepare yourself to vote

All in favour/all opposed/

Motion passes unanimously

Wesley B. Motion 39 for the WSCIT to test feasibility by making available 5 sample recordings on the CA Mobile App. Seconded

Russell S. re – read motion

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World Service Conference of Cocaine Anonymous Daily Minutes – Day 2 – Friday – August 30, 2024

Would you like speak to your motion

Wesley B. Not at this time

Jennifer G – Question – Would you be selecting audio files that are redacted Wesley B. – They are being selected from existing recordings. We are working on the process to review them and that they will meet our guidelines. Jennifer G – Will you work with Archives

Wesley B. yes

Crawford B. – Question – 5 sample recordings do they come with audio release

form and is it WBST approved

Wesley B. – It will be approved form

Crawford B. – It was stated that the audio forms is not WBST approved Wesley B. – Working with WBST we will make sure we use correct forms Randy G – Is IT committee on app being getting guidance from the floor Wesley B. – comes from a referral from WBST Randy G – But conference has not

Wesley B. Correct

Johan T. – Speaking for the motion.

Russell S. Any further debate

Seeing none prepare yourself to vote

All in favour/all opposed/

Motion passes with minor opposition

Tom T. Any question

Cameron F. – How is the app coming along

Kalob T – great question 2200 1800 users on both. 1900 meetings on app now. Peter M. – last year discussions with app it was a beta version. Anyone new to C.A. will have no clue as to where Bedfordshire sits in an area. Will we be able to look at fixing this.

Kalob T – We are looking into this as it is an issue across the world.

Joesph B – What you are doing is amazing. Will it be possible to use this as a website to maintain anonymity with the app on your phone. Kalob T – We are looking into this.

Jesse G – I love the app. Every single person I know that has an app is someone in recovery. Is there a strategy on how to get this app to people who is not in recovery.

Kalob T – Not in IT remit. Newcomers are told about the app.

Harry P – How many people in room on app?

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The room raised their hands.

Russell S. no further question. Please join me in thanking the IT Committee

Russell S. we will now break for dinner. Please return by 7pm

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