Aug 31, 2024 – Convention Committee Report – WS Conference – Day 3

CONFERENCE REPORT

C.A. WORLD SERVICE CONFERENCE 2024

WSC CONVENTION COMMITTEE REPORT

INTRODUCTION AND COMMENTS:

To whom it may concern,

My name is Andrew Carter and I am the acting chair of the WSC Convention Committee. I Speak on behalf of our committee when I say what a pleasure it is to serve Cocaine Anonymous. This year we have been diligently reviewing our guidelines page by page in an attempt to clean up any issues and make life easier for those serving our fellowship by hosting World Conventions. Unfortunately, we have had a lot of turnover in committee membership and leadership over the past year and some referrals that were being worked on by individuals got neglected or became lost and we did a poor job of keeping tabs on these things and they were forgotten about. We hope to have most, if not all of the referrals that are in committee wrapped up before the conference. Moving forward we will strive to do better. We’re delighted to continue to serve and look forward to seeing you all in August!

COMMITTEE STRUCTURE AT CONFERENCE:

Chairperson: Andrew C – Andrew@grayfoxdandb.com – +1 860 414 4897
Vice-chairperson: Seth N – snewsome@nwlaborers.org – +1 425 626 7996 Secretary: Crawford B – crawfordbrown60@gmail.com – +44 7539 372791 Misc. Positions

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DOCAC: Jesse G – docac@ca.org – +1 504-6464 Member

SUMMARY OF COMMITTEE MOTIONS:

Motion: Insert new language on page 7 of the WSCCC Guidelines after CONVENTION STEERING COMMITTEE section.

SELECTION OF CAWS CONVENTION CHAIRPERSON Once the convention hosting area/region has been selected at the World Service Conference, the hosting area/region shall, within 3 (three) months, submit a minimum of (two) (preferably three) candidates for Convention Chairperson, with resumes and recommendations, to the WSCCC. A Selection Board consisting of the WSCCC Chair, Vice-Chair, Secretary(s), and Hosting Area Trustee will schedule a meeting to be attended by the candidates and any other members wishing to attend.

1. Only WSCCC Selection Board members will have a vote.
2. Candidates will be notified by the WSCCC Chair once the decision has been made.

CHAIRPERSON

SOBRIETY REQUIREMENT: Five years continuous sobriety.

PAST SERVICE WORK REQUIRED: Prior experience on a C.A. convention committee. QUALIFICATIONS: Strong leadership skills.

CHAIRPERSONS DUTIES:

1. Within ninety (90) days of appointment, the WS Convention Chairperson shall submit a minimum of two (2) candidates with resumes along with recommendations for officers of the Steering Committee consisting of Vice-Chairperson, Secretary, Treasurer, Program Chair and Hotel/Events Venue Liaison to the Selection Board consisting of the WSCCC Chair, Vice-Chair, Secretary(s) and the Regional Trustee. Verification of approval by above-mentioned board will be done within forty-five (45) days of submittal. Any positions rejected or replacements needed must be resubmitted to the above-mentioned Selection Board, within sixty (60) days for approval. This last procedure should be repeated

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until all positions are filled. each of the Convention Steering

Committee officer positions to the WSCCC. These positions are:

1. Vice-Chairperson
2. Secretary
3. Treasurer
4. Program Chair
5. Hotel/Events Venue Liaison.

2. A meeting will be scheduled by the selection board consisting of the WSCCC Chair, Vice-Chair, Secretary(s), CAWS Convention Chairperson, and Hosting Area Trustee This meeting may also be attended by any member.
3. The WSCCC Selection Board shall, within 45 days, notify the Convention Chairperson of their selections. If any candidates are rejected, or replacements are needed, resumes must be resubmitted to the WSCCC within sixty (60) days for approval. This last procedure shall be repeated until all positions are filled.

Motion: Insert new language on page 55 of the WSCCC Guidelines before section titled BIDDING GUIDELINES AT CONFERENCE:

SUGGESTED BID COMMITTEE STRUCTURE

1. Chairperson

a. The Chairperson oversees the entire bidding process, ensuring that all procedures are followed correctly, and timelines are met. The Chairperson is also responsible for setting meetings and maintaining order during discussions.

b. Responsibilities:

• • Schedule and chairs committee meetings.
  • Coordinate with other committee members to ensure tasks are completed.

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• • Serve as the primary point of contact for bidders alongside the “Hotel Liaison”
  • Helps the committee to follow the WSCCC Guidelines.

2. Vice-Chairperson

a. The Vice-Chairperson assists the Chairperson and fills in for the Chairperson if they are unavailable.

b.Responsibilities:

• • Support the Chairperson in their duties.
  • Assume the Chairperson’s responsibilities in their absence.
  • Help coordinate committee activities and communication.

3. Secretary

a. The Secretary is responsible for all documentation related to the Bid Committee.

b. Responsibilities:

• • Record minutes of all committee meetings.
  • Maintain records of all bids received.
  • Ensure that all necessary documents are properly filed and accessible.

4. Hotel Liaison

a. The Hotel Liaison is responsible for searching out hotel locations and collecting bids for the World Convention.

b. Responsibilities:

• • Collects bids from hotels in the local area including, but not limited to, room night cost, capacity, food and beverage, meeting spaces, amenities, and activities in the area as well as distances to major travel hubs.

5. Special Events Chair

a. The Special events chair is responsible for finding unique events that would be possible at a World Convention to include in the bid.

b. Responsibilities:

• • • Collecting activity ideas, costs, and relevant travel information for anyone

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submitted, with a mind towards accessibility and cost.

REFERRALS THAT WERE FORWARDED TO OTHER COMMITTEES:

None

REFERRALS STILL IN COMMITTEE:

Conv 2023-13

13459851- Individual Submission

Pre-Conference

“Cocaine Anonymous experienced a new level of growth and fellowship during the pandemic years. Access to C.A. meetings reached the still-suffering addict as never before. Our fellowship unified online, in cyberspace.

“Though we are different, we are the same,” says our Unity reading. We simply use a virtual way of communicating C.A.’s message of recovery and will continue to do so online.

The need for the World Service Conference to occur virtually was costly and an exercise in meeting probably most significant the greatest challenge in our history. It was an extraordinary feat. It wasn’t perfect, but business was done.

Did this leave the impression that the words “Virtual Presence” alone strike fear and close the minds of every District, Area, Regional, and World Convention Steering Committee?

The truth is that our fellowship continues to be available only to those who can attend these events in person, with few exceptions. We’re still partying like it was 1999.

However, we believe there is a solution because the program teaches that we can get out of a problem and find a way to solve it. Although these suggestions may not work in all cases, at least a beginning can be made.

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1. Charge a virtual registration fee to defray the costs of access to speaker meetings and workshops.
2. Arrange for a space off-site to link the proceedings and again charge a virtual registration fee.
3. Arrange for replays to accommodate our fellows in different time zones.
4. Conduct online fundraising events and virtual auctions for this purpose.
5. Arrange for Regional hubs for access (this occurred during the hybrid WSC)
6. Ask C.A. Regions to contribute. All regions have members who cannot access C.A. conventions other than online!
7. Add Virtual Fundraising and Virtual Program Chairs to Convention Committees to investigate possibilities.

Will this require effort, collaboration, and a new level of planning? Yes. Is it worth it for the hand of C.A. to be there where it’s needed? YES!

We, the Online Service Area (OSA), estimate that there are probably around 500 online meetings plus the number of hybrid meetings in the world right now. It is on behalf of thousands of C.A. members that cannot visit conventions in person that this referral is made.

Our membership is now 2-fold. This is the new normal. We urge the WSC Convention Committee to begin to meet this challenge with Hope, Faith & Courage.

In Unity, Love & Service,

The C.A. Online Service Area”

Conv 2023-11

12955784- Individual Submission

Pre-Conference

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“Please review the duties for both the Public Information Chairperson and the Outreach Chairperson.

-Public Information is generally seen as getting info about C.A. (and, in this instance, the CAWS Convention) out to members of the public. ‘Public’ is generally seen as people who are not currently members of the C.A. Fellowship.

-Outreach is generally seen as getting info about C.A. related announcements to members of the C.A. Fellowship.

• Why is contacting the Professional Community currently part of the Outreach Chairperson duties instead of the Public Information Chairperson duties?
• Which of these Chairpersons needs to be overseeing any social media platforms used to get info about the upcoming CAWS Convention out to the public?
• Which of these Chairpersons needs to be overseeing any social media platforms used to get info about the upcoming CAWS Convention to the existing C.A. Fellowship?
• Do these duties really need to be handled by two different Chairpersons or could these duties be combined into one position?

Under Public Information Chairperson Duties, please specifically review the following points –

#3 – Why would the Chairperson need to communicate regularly with the WSC PI Chairperson, especially during the convention? Other than possibly making suggestions for how to do Public Info in general, what input would the WSC PI Chairperson have for a CAWS Convention Committee?

#4 – Please include a reference to virtual press in this duty outline

#7 – Exactly what position is being referred to as the ‘WSC PI Liaison?’ This is not a current position in the WSC PI Committee Guidelines nor is it a position referenced in the current WSM.

Under Outreach Chairperson Duties, please specifically review the following points –

#4 – Awareness of needs of foreign language translations of/for what? Is this referring to translation of speakers at the convention or translation of Outreach materials for distribution to the C.A. fellowship that may read/speak a language different then what is read/spoken in the Convention Host City?”

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Conv 2023-8

13294416- Individual Submission

Pre-Conference

“Insert into the WSC Convention Committee Guidelines, under the appropriate Chairperson’s duties, “Coordination of services for professional quality recording of the CAWS Convention speakers and workshops.””

Conv 2023-6

13128622- Committe Submission

Pre-Conference

“The WSCITC, by vote of the committee with substantial unanimity, refers to the Convention Committee the material currently on Page 9 of the IT Handbook, for such disposition as the Convention Committee deems appropriate for their guidance materials:

 

WORLD SERVICE CONVENTIONS

In addition to Area Events policies the following also apply:

Three (3) HTML pages will be created for the upcoming CAWS convention, including:

Main page with artwork and basic information.

Page listing events / schedules.

Page at discretion of Hot Convention Committee.

Information must be provided in MS Word or Word Perfect format.

Convention registration form will be posted in Acrobat format if:

Printer provides Acrobat or other format convertible to Acrobat

Form is readable after shrinking to 8½” x 11” form factor. It may span

several pages, but must be printable on letter-sized paper.

An email “alias” of cawsxxxx@ca.org will be created, where “xxxx” is the year of the convention. All mail to this address will be forwarded automatically to the existing email address specified by the Host Committee. All convention email links on the website will go to this address.

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Future conventions will be listed only on the regular event page until the year in which they are to be held, but may have an email “alias” for purposes of organizing (e.g., “To be of service, contact caws2010@ca.org”)

The CAWS Convention main page on C.A. web properties will include the following disclaimer: POLICIES FOR POSTING ON C.A. WEB PROPERTIES – AREA EVENTS – f)

Please feel free to reach out to the WSCITC as needed.

Conv 2023-3

12955784- Individual Submission

Pre-Conference

“In the Bidding Guidelines section, provide guidance on a suggested structure for an Ad Hoc Bid Committee. Beyond a Chairperson, what Committee positions are needed? Areas that have never created an Ad Hoc Bid Committee need some guidance on what positions to even start with.”

Conv 2023-2

12633718 – Individual Submission

Pre-Conference

Please provide basic guidance for recording speakers and workshops when not using a 3rd party recording company. Please cover the following points, plus any others that may be needed.

1. Create/provide an Authorization/Release form that all Speakers and Workshop Presenters must sign to have a session recorded. (Right now, each CAWS is creating their own Auth/Release form. A standardized form would be beneficial and would help local convention committees also.)
2. Procedures for these authorization/release forms to be kept on file at WSO after the CAWS Convention is done.

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Conv 2023-12

13445921 – Individual Submission

Pre-Conference

“Please create guidelines specifically for recording speakers and workshops that address the following items –

* When working with a 3rd party to record workshops/speakers

—Obtain dual-ownership of recordings whenever possible.

—When dual-ownership of recordings is obtained, copies of the consent form(s) signed by the speaker or workshop presenter need to be obtained and kept by the service committee overseeing the event.

==Specifically, for CAWS Conventions – signed release forms need to be forwarded to WSO for long-term, archival holding

—Specifically, for CAWS Conventions – ensure that physical or digital copies of all speaker and workshop recordings are forwarded to WSO to be uploaded to the WS Archives Audio Library

*When the committee is recording the workshop/speaker themselves

—Obtain a signed release form from each speaker or workshop presenter.

==Specifically, for CAWS Conventions – release forms need to be forwarded to WSO for long-term, archival holding

—Specifically, for CAWS Conventions – ensure that physical or digital copies of all speaker and workshop recordings are forwarded to WSO to be uploaded to the WS Archives Audio Library

*Create a proposed release form to be included in the WS Convention Committee Guidelines”

CLOSED REFERRALS:

Conv 2023-15

14092651 – Individual Submission

Pre-Conference

“Could the Convention Committee produce guidelines that cover, proportionally, Conventions at Region, Area, District and Group level.”

Response:

At this time the committee did not feel that it was in our purview to create guidelines for conventions at other levels. There are other areas and

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regions that have created guidelines for themselves when hosting such conventions. If other levels wish to use the world guidelines as a template, they are free to do that when creating guidelines for themselves.

Conv 2023-14

13900659 – Individual Submission

Pre-Conference

“First off, thank you so much for all of your tremendous service to our amazing fellowship.

Recently applying for a position for CAWS 2027 in Seattle, I noticed the service resume form is a little dated. I had to use a secondary program in order to fill it out. Then ended up having to explain to a couple others how to do the same thing. This document resides on page 57 of the convention guidelines. I think it would be helpful to update this form to a more user friendly, interactive document that could be filled out easier without the need for a secondary program as an addendum to the guidelines, or a link (just my initial thoughts)? There are so many positions to fill when it comes to the convention, I think it would be great in the spirit of unity to present this form in the most user friendly manner. Thanks for your time.”

Response:

Although no motion is being made for this referral there was a decent amount of work that was done to resurrect this issue. We tried to create a google form but there wasn’t any way to create one that could be used by all upcoming conventions. Our current solution was to create an editable pdf version of the resume that exists in the current guidelines so that it can be filled out easily with any word processing program. This document will be available upon request from the convention committee and also in the box. For now that is the best solution we could come up with but we will be revisiting this if we come across an efficient way to make an interactive document. If you have any suggestions we would be happy to re-open this issue.

Conv 2023-7

12633718 – Archives Committee

Pre-Conference

“Each World Convention would create a print (hardcopy) of a Convention program of speakers, workshops and events.

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This could be sold for a few dollars as a memorabilia item

or Convention souvenirs. This would also be a significant item for the World Archive too as a document of the World Convention and all that happened to make it successful.

Response:

It is already in the guidelines for the hosting convention committee to produce printed copies of the program. These are available if the archives committee would like to request them for records

Conv 2023-1

12633718 – Individual Submission

Pre-Conference

“Broadcast the banquet (whether it’s in the States or not) so that members of CA can view a World Service Convention event who are unable to travel due to various reasons (illness, disability, economic reasons, etc.)”

Response:

After discussion of this referral the opinion of the committee is that broadcasting the banquet opens up lots of potential anonymity issues as well as lots of additional costs. therefore, as of now we will not be adding guidelines for broadcasting of the banquet

 

PRESENTATIONS OF CURRENT ACTIVITIES OR TASKS (no motions)

We received two bids for the 2028 World Convention from the Toronto area and Scotland area. Both bid packages are attached to this report with any applicable documents that were submitted to our committee.

CLOSING COMMENTS:

We are working diligently to catch up on these referrals that are still in committee and hope to have closure on them prior to conference. Respectfully Submitted:

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Andrew Carter

Acting Chair (vice chair) / WSC Convention Committee

Conference Parliamentarian to complete

Date of receipt of Conference Report: _10_Aug_24

Comment:

Date of receipt of final Conference Report: ______________

Parliamentarian Signature: __DM 11_Aug_24

COMMITTEE STRUCTURE AT END OF THIS CONFERENCE:

Andrew C. – There are two new referrals, and we were wondering if we can suspend SR14?

Russell – I don’t see an issue with SR14 and these motions. IMO they are in order.

Stu E. Motion 71: Insert new language on page 7 of the WSCCC Guidelines after CONVENTION STEERING COMMITTEE section.

SELECTION OF CAWS CONVENTION CHAIRPERSON Once the convention hosting area/region has been selected at the World Service Conference, the hosting area/region shall, within 3 (three) months, submit a minimum of (two) (preferably three) candidates for Convention Chairperson, with resumes and recommendations, to the WSCCC. A Selection Board consisting of the WSCCC Chair, Vice-Chair, Secretary(s), and Hosting Area Trustee will schedule a meeting to be attended by the candidates and any other members wishing to attend.

1. Only WSCCC Selection Board members will have a vote.
2. Candidates will be notified by the WSCCC Chair once the decision has been made.

CHAIRPERSON

SOBRIETY REQUIREMENT: Five years continuous sobriety.

PAST SERVICE WORK REQUIRED: Prior experience on a C.A. convention committee. QUALIFICATIONS: Strong leadership skills.

CHAIRPERSONS DUTIES:

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1. Within ninety (90) days of appointment, the WS Convention Chairperson shall submit a minimum of two (2) candidates with resumes along with recommendations for officers of the Steering Committee consisting of Vice-Chairperson, Secretary, Treasurer, Program Chair and Hotel/Events Venue Liaison to the Selection Board consisting of the WSCCC Chair, Vice-Chair, Secretary(s) and the Regional Trustee. Verification of approval by above-mentioned board will be done within forty-five (45) days of submittal. Any positions rejected or replacements needed must be resubmitted to the above-mentioned Selection Board, within sixty (60) days for approval. This last procedure should be repeated until all positions are filled. each of the Convention Steering

Committee officer positions to the WSCCC. These positions are:

1. Vice-Chairperson
2. Secretary
3. Treasurer
4. Program Chair
5. Hotel/Events Venue Liaison.

2. A meeting will be scheduled by the selection board consisting of the WSCCC Chair, Vice-Chair, Secretary(s), CAWS Convention Chairperson, and Hosting Area Trustee This meeting may also be attended by any member.
3. The WSCCC Selection Board shall, within 45 days, notify the Convention Chairperson of their selections. If any candidates are rejected, or replacements are needed, resumes must be resubmitted to the WSCCC within sixty (60) days for approval. This last procedure shall be repeated until all positions are filled.

Seconded

Russell S. Motion has been made and seconded. Would you like to speak to your motion?

Stu E. During the past years, we looked for any issues and this was one of them. Spoke for the motion.

Russell S. Any debate?

Jesse Go. Would you consider friendly amendment? Remove preferable 3, because it already says minimum 2? It looks like saying that no less

Stu E. We had a long discussion over this. We have been in numerous situations and there are only 2 candidates and while we prefer to have 3

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candidates we don’t want to create a problem to the host cities.

Robert B. Why isn’t the DOCaC included on the selection committee? They are a valuable member of this committee.

Andrew C. It may have been an oversight. And most likely because DOC doesn’t currently have a vote.

Stu E. Any member interested in attending is invited.

Miriam F. It says WS convention chairperson, and not WSCCC and wondering if there can be consistency.

Stu E. WSCCC is the selection chair. WS convention chairperson who is chair of the actual convention.

Russell S. – it’s a valid point. We have the WSCCC and WSCC, any further debate, prepare to vote. All in favour/all opposed. Motion passes unanimously.

Russell S. – We will break for lunch now. Please be back here at 1pm.

Lunch Break…

Day 3 – August 31, 2024 – Afternoon Session Russell S. – Welcome back, it is now 1:05pm

Keith H. ** Motion 72: Insert new language on page 55 of the WSCCC Guidelines before section titled BIDDING GUIDELINES AT CONFERENCE:

SUGGESTED BID COMMITTEE STRUCTURE

1. Chairperson

a. The Chairperson oversees the entire bidding process, ensuring that all procedures are followed correctly, and timelines are met. The Chairperson is also responsible for setting meetings and maintaining order during discussions.

b. Responsibilities:

• • Schedule and chairs committee meetings.
  • Coordinate with other committee members to ensure tasks are completed.

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• • Serve as the primary point of contact for bidders alongside the “Hotel Liaison”
  • Helps the committee to follow the WSCCC Guidelines.

2. Vice-Chairperson

a. The Vice-Chairperson assists the Chairperson and fills in for the Chairperson if they are unavailable.

b.Responsibilities:

• • Support the Chairperson in their duties.
  • Assume the Chairperson’s responsibilities in their absence.
  • Help coordinate committee activities and communication.

3. Secretary

a. The Secretary is responsible for all documentation related to the Bid Committee.

b. Responsibilities:

• • Record minutes of all committee meetings.
  • Maintain records of all bids received.
  • Ensure that all necessary documents are properly filed and accessible.

4. Hotel Liaison

a. The Hotel Liaison is responsible for searching out hotel locations and collecting bids for the World Convention.

b. Responsibilities:

• • Collects bids from hotels in the local area including, but not limited to, room night cost, capacity, food and beverage, meeting spaces, amenities, and activities in the area as well as distances to major travel hubs.

5. Special Events Chair

a. The Special events chair is responsible for finding unique events that would be possible at a World Convention to include in the bid.

b. Responsibilities:

• • • • Collecting activity ideas, costs, and relevant travel information for anyone

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submitted, with a mind towards accessibility and cost.

Seconded

Russell S. – The motion has been made and seconded. It’s been cut and pasted into the minutes.

Would you like to speak to this motion?

Keith – Yes, this is great for any area that has never put on a convention, and we found it important to have in our guidelines.

Russell S. – Any debate?

Stuart J. – Speaking against the motion Randy G. Speaking against the motion

Stuart J. – Q – Friendly Amendment Please add /Venue to hotel liaison.

Andrew C – We accept this.

Russel Sedman – Please prepare to vote, all for/all opposed. Motion passes

Andrew C – 2025 convention committee present a hype video! Clinton R – We have some of the committee that put together the convention

The hotel is completely booked. We have an overflow hotel a block away and we have some vans and golf carts to shuttle you to the convention. CAWS25.org there is lots of info. The hotel links are on the website. Overflow Hotel is open for booking. We have a new survey and polled addicts for real world answers!

There are some amazing Workshops and speakers. Horse riding, visiting lakes, bonking bronco also visit a ghost town Lots of things to do but our focus is on C.A.

Now we play the video!

Registration is open!

Andrew C – We have received 2 bids!

SOCA and Scotland.

Parti – I like to party and want to help others to party.

Jesse Go – Introduced himself.

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Parti – Our bid chair is unable to make it here today, we will do our best to present the bid and answer question.

We have 123 meeting a week. We are a thriving fellowship. World conventions opened my eyes to the whole fellowship. We have three hotels on our bid. Everything is centrally located.

Jesse Go – Toronto is one of the best cities in the world. You can walk to anywhere you want. We have a subway system and bus routes. Great exchange rate. The $ goes a long way. An aquarium, lots of different sports team. We have a countdown which is amazing.

Parti – We average 400 people at our area convention our region convention had 500. We are an excited and hungry fellowship.

Video played.

Parti – The border it is not true you can get in. We have videos and will support this process.

Russell S. – Questions?

Robert B. – Clarification – your preferred hotel is the Sheraton, which one as there are two in the bids.

Parthi T. The first one on the bid document.

Robert B. When I look at this hotel bids, I see nightly rates, and a F&B budget that the fellowship has to meet. The numbers are high and I’m unrealistic. Do you really feel that these are 3 realistic bids to put in front of us? And the F&B are extremely high.

Parthi T – Yes, we believe we can achieve that. We are projecting 900 attendees, and we believe we can achieve the rest with the addition of food. If we do not meet the requirement, it will be a 10k cost to us and we believe this is feasible and workable. The other Sheraton has an overflow hotel next to it. They really want to focus on the very first Sheraton. The hotel really wants us so we’re hoping for some negotiating power. Magnus R. – London and Amsterdam and other places are listed for flights to/from, you don’t have other countries.

Parthi T. In the bidding guidelines, we have specific places that we’re supposed to list. We only followed the bidding guidelines. Russell S. – Any further questions?

Kevin M. All the $ amounts are Canadian?

Parthi T. – Canadian and US.Judson W. – What inflation costs did you put in

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place?

Parthi T. – I don’t believe we did – I cannot answer that question 100% Miriam F. – Accessibility in hotels – do you know the availability of accessibility?

Parthi T. – it’s a large hotel and I believe they have accessibility accommodations.

Russell S. – no further questions, please join me in thanking them. Next Bid up: Scotland

Crawford B. – Good afternoon delegates, trustees and fellow service junkies. My name is Crawford, I’m a recovered addict and I’m here as part of the team to present Scotland’s bid to host the 2028 world convention. It is an honour and privilege not only to be part of presenting this bid but to also live my life in the best ‘wee’ country in the world, and our beautiful fellowship is something I’ve gratefully been a part of for the last 11 years. The first meeting of Cocaine anonymous in Scotland was held in Glasgow in 2001 when a very small group of addicts attended a convention for another fellowship in England, and while there they found C.A. (or C.A. found them) and they brought it to Scotland and the rest as they say is history. Our fellowship and annual area conventions grow rapidly in numbers and positive revenue each year and I’m certain it will continue to do so for many years. If you haven’t had the pleasure of visiting Scotland, you may have seen it depicted by way of film or t.v. but that doesn’t come close to picturing how magnificent it is, with its rolling hills, stunning lochs and glens, amazing castles, world famous golf courses, vibrant city culture and by no means least, a fellowship that has saved thousands from the pain and terror of addiction and continues to do so at a phenomenal rate. If Bill were alive today, I’m sure he would call Scotland “indescribably wonderful”.

So why are we here? Were here because the Scottish bid committee worked tirelessly creating this bid document over the past two years, were here because of Cocaine Anonymous and a higher power without which, we all wouldn’t be here today or possibly not be alive, were here because those that have gone before us held the door open to our first meeting and showed us the way, leaving the light on so we may find a life filled with hope, faith and courage. And were here for Scotland. A place where unity,

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service and recovery come together as one to make the perfect area to hold the Cocaine Anonymous world convention in 2028. And to finish, I’m sure y’all all have preconceived ideas about the Scottish weather but in the words of one of our most famous exports, Sir Billy Connolly said “In Scotland, there is no such thing as bad weather- only the wrong clothes”

Thank you.

We’re open to any questions.

Russell S. – Any questions?

Louissin B – How far away are the mountains from the hotel. Crawford 15-20 minutes

Jake M. – Occupancy in the hotel

Magnus R. – Do you have the prices for Sweden or other countries? Ewan C. We went off of the same bidding process but costs from Europe will be around $300/$400

Robert B – Hotel rental rates, in the bid? I don’t see them. Do you have the different rates for the hotels? We need to know how many people can fit in the hotel.

Ewan – The 1^st hotel is our preferred hotel. All the information is in our bid documents.

Russell S. – Can I move these two bids through the selection voting? Andrew C. – Yes

Russell S. – We are going to vote. It’s all those in favour of Toronto and then all those in favour for Scotland. You cannot vote for both. Then I will ask you to vote on the outcome of the vote. We would like substantial unanimity.

Motion 73: Majority vote to who will host 2028 World convention.

All those in favour of SOCA Toronto

All those in favour of Scotland

Scotland held the majority vote.

Motion 74: for Scotland to host the 2028 World Convention. Motion passes with significant unanimity

Congratulations Scotland.

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World Service Conference of Cocaine Anonymous Daily Minutes – Day 3 – Friday – August 31, 2024

Russell S – Any questions for the convention committee? Seeing none, lets thank the convention committee. Let’s take a short bio break. Please return at 2:25pm

Break

Russell S. – Welcome back at 2.26pm. We had technical difficulties on opening night, we’ll play the office video again.

Jim G. –

Finance Report

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