COCAINE ANONYMOUS WORLD SERVICE BOARD OF TRUSTEES MEETING
May 14, 1988
Regular Quarterly Meeting
May 14, 1988
Los Angeles, CA
Meeting was called to order at 9:24 am, PST.
Quiet time Serenity Prayer 12 Traditions read Concepts 7, 8, 9 read
TRUSTEES PRESENT
Chairperson: Ray G.
Vice-Chair: Jennifer R.
Secretary: Fenn P.
H. Lee S.
Greg D.
Bob L.
Reggie L.
Jack P.
Minutes were read.
Correction of the hotel rate of $75 for the convention.
Motion: To accept the amended minutes – Motion carried
TRUSTEE COMMITTEE/CONFERENCE REPORTS
Structure and By-Laws – Ray G. and Bob L.
Committee has been very active. Three sub-committees formed to develop map for areas of U.S. Attempting to outline and describe what constitutes an area. Hope to have material out to the fellowship next month. Also working on formula for re-election dates, length of terms of trustees. Bob is working with AA. Question raised: Is this going to be sent out the the fellowship or presented to the sub-committee in L.A.? Bob wants trustees to contact delegates in their areas for response.
Literature, Chips, Formats – Reggie
Completed since last meeting: 23 pages of literature, including general service speaker / general participation / speaker formats, preamble, How It Works, Promises, Who Is an Addict?, Vision for You, To the Newcomer, Choosing a Sponsor. Reggie stated that Alan S. has been working hard. Committee has “a lot of energy, good chemistry.” Intend to cover 70-30 Plan and receive stories for a CA book. Steps’ and Traditions’ scrolls being prepared at a proposed cost of $15 apiece. Hope to have them camera-ready by the conference. Jack is going to copy 70-30 Plan and get it out to the delegates.
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Finance – Jack P. and H. Lee S.
Jack said he has gotten very little cooperation. He’s First draft, whose main Focus is the 70-30 Plan out to trustees. There has been no discussion with the chair response From written correspondence.
Hospitals and Institutions – H. Lee S.
H. Lee said he has had no communication with anyone and apologizes For being derelict in his responsibilities.
Convention – Greg D.
Greg stated that his committee has good documentation of everything done to submit to the conference For.guidelines and procedures For Future use. Everything is proceeding on schedule. Extended discussion on having a closed convention and setting a precedent. Ray sent 1000 pieces each of literature. Bob had a legal question on the 12-step vendor. This was put under new business For further discussion.
1989 World Service Convention – Jennifer R.
The convention will be held in New York. Fourth Step theme called “Steps to Liberty” to be held over the July 4th weekend. The site will be the Grand Hyatt, grand Central Station, $100 for a triple rate. Questions were raised on these issues: Trustee meeting at the convention, CA’s connection with Coc-Anon and their participation in the convention, discussion regarding traditions and Fund-raising.
Conference – Fenn P. and Greg O.
Fenn said the minutes are just now ready From the last conference. The next WSC will be Four days, August 11-14. Suggested changes: Do the readings at the First meeting of the day; one Formal roll call per day, the rest verbal , stating First and last name, position, number of votes; secretary will be a non-elected position; a volunteer will be used to take down names of delegates for the chair during roll call; smoking and ‘ non-smoking seating; agenda – one page per day with a spread sheet For the entire conference with a map of the hotel, phone locations, etc. The conference will be held at Stouffers Concourse by LAX. Discussion on welcome breakfast and evening social.
Greg will look into discrepancy in room rate at Stouffers.
Motion: To have a welcome breakfast on a cash basis paid For by
individual delegates.
Friendly amendment: For a 10-15 minute unity speaker to be added.
Motion carried
Motion: To shelve the evening social.
Motion defeated 5-3. Turned over to the conference committee.
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Public Information – Jennifer R.
Jennifer has sent a letter out to the committee. Bob G. resigned for personal reasons. Jennifer is working to clarify issues he left standing. Discussion on PSAs from New York, which are on one inch open reels that have to be transferred to cassettes and have local phone numbers inserted. The tapes are to be entrusted to Bob and Fenn for viewing to see what is on them. Greg will also send tapes to Bob. Bob is to look into what format is being used on TV around the country.
WSO Report – Ray G.
Ray wanted to clarify that WSO does not work for the Trustee committees.
Financial reports submitted and the board asked to go over receipts. Final revised financial report for April and May (1-12) submitted. Linda closed out books on her term of service as WSO Treasurer. Minutes of the last WSO meeting distributed. Thank yous to old board have been sent; copies distribute.
Filing for non-profit ‘status proceeding. Culver City license filed for. Application to State Franchise Tax Board made. Articles for incorporation, filing of by-laws proceeding. New inventory system for chips and literature set up. Metal chips ordered for six, seven, eight years. Signs and decals are sold out. A job description is needed to detail who does filing of tax forms.
Ray stated that WS Convention is covering the cost of the WSC; however, annual projection shows that there will be a minus balance.
Bob suggested better communication between WS Treasurer and conference finance committee.
Legal Committee – Jack P.
CA is now part of the public domain and has first protection; and as such, CA permission is not need name in a movie, to do an historical account, etc.
Break for lunch
Meeting resumed at 3:00 pm, PST
Nominating Committee – Bob L.
Recommendations pertinent to the WSBT’s future:
- Since two trustee terms will conclude in July, one of which is the chair, recommendation is for five-year-term with the chair being elected one year at a’: time and having a capacity of seven years in office. A class B trustee, at the end of his term or upon resignation, has no possibility of re-election.
- If a trustee resigns or dies, there should be a specific process of appointment. If there is one year or less left in the term, do not replace him. If there is more than one year left, elect a trustee from the body for a full term.
- There should be three types of trustees, including a general service trustee.
- Increase the board to 10 members.
- Increase sobriety requirement to three years.
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6. Each region should submit a candidate to the nominating committee (a slate, is not a healthy way to get candidates). The conference will ratify the nominaton only.
7. Possible division of the country into regions based upon concentration of meetings.
The Nominating Committee proposes a delay in taking action of selecting new trustees and to implement new nominating procedures until after the next WSC.
Bob is to give Jack a written proposal before the WSC, detailing the procedures dealing with re-election and terms.
Fenn suggested specific items to be approved now by group conscience as follows;
- Less than a full term may be re-elected for a full term by this board only from the original group of trustees. Group conscience affirmative – present to Structure and By-Laws.
- A person is not eligible to be a trustee again when the term has expired with the exception of the chair. Group conscience affirmative.
- Chairperson on an annual basis may be re-elected for two years when term has commenced. Group conscience affirmative,
- The concept of a regional trustee. Group conscience affirmative.
- Sobriety requirement increased to three years. Group conscience affirmative.
6. In addition to regional trustees, three people from S. Calif. to be WSO trustees. Group conscience affirmative. ‘
- The concept that one of the WSO directors be a trustee. Group conscience affirmative.
Motion: The WSBT does not take action on the replacement of two trustee positions vacant as of July 1988, that this action be taken at the WSC in August 1988, that any action then decided will be retroactive to July 1988.
Motion carried with one abstention.
The Connection – Reggie L.
The Connection is in the process of gathering material. Susie S. is working hard. Flyers went out to delegates in each chips and literature order. A letter is to go out to past contributors honoring their subscriptions . A subscription will cost between $4-5 per year.
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NewsGram – Reggie L.
Jim G. is complimented for his work. There has been discussion on Helen doing a chair’s corner, distribution, possible use as drawing card for Connection. Five thousand copies have been published.
Bob L. stated that the reason for problems in distribution is that mailing lists are not accurate.
Ray suggested distributing the Gram and announcements to central offices, and not send as many copies to the delegates or area service chairs.
AA Liaison – Jennifer R.
If the trustees need to call AA for their own committees, suggest they do so. AA will let us know after the WSC about our trustee meeting with their.
Chairman’s Report – Ray G.
Communication among trustees needs to improve and more interaction with local areas is needed.
OLD BUSINESS
Cocaine Anonymous World Services, Inc. Trademark Report – Jack P. and Ray G.
There is still no answer from the holder in Texas of the name Cocaine Anonymous, Inc. They have until May 20, 1988 to respond; however, Jack pointed out that the letter probably was sent to the wrong address again which will further delay the matter.
H. Lee will check the address and call Jack.
CA trademark was applied for at the U.S. patent office. It was turned down because something wasn’t done correctly. Reapplication was made. A bill was submitted by B. Gans, attorney. Jennifer suggested approaching him to work on a reduced-rate basis.
CA Aftercare, Inc, Report – Jack P. and Ray G.
Letter sent from B. Gans to Bobby Shriver suggesting he get an attorney knowledgeable in trademark law, and to cease and desist from using the initials “CA” within 90 days. There is a sliding-scale program in Las Vegas called Cocaine Outreach having CA meetings. Ray will go to a meeting there to see what’s going on,
WSO Insurance Liability Policy – Ray G.
Can’t get insurance in Calif. Greg is going to look into getting a policy from Illinois.
Trustee Calling Cards – H. Lee S.
AT & T has an 80$ surcharge on all calls outside the originating area code. Suggested getting individual cards and submit the bills to avoid surcharge. Greg will further look into it because he may be able to get hourly packages. He will call Ray by Wednesday.
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Motion: That the trustees will submit phone bills quarterly at the same time as other expenses, starting May 14, 1986.
Motion carried.
Starter Kit Letter – Jack P. and Ray G.
The letter will go in the starter kits to inform new groups: (1) of their license agreement in using CA name, (2] they ere to follow traditions, C33 list of six principles for forming a new group. While the letter is a trustee issue, it will be explained to the WSC.
The letter was approved with the following changes: In the first paragraph, the words “non-profit” to be added in front of corporation; in the last paragraph, the portion that reads “so long as you abide by the principles of our organization” to be placed in bold face type; on page two, the words “National Directory” be changed to “World Directory.”
Conventions Information – Bob L.
The use of the CA name in connection with conventions in general was discussed. It was decided that a review board should be established to look into structural errors and breaks in traditions .
AA on Our Mailing List – Jennifer R.
Jennifer will take over the job for Cory and prepare a packet to include NewsGram, Connection, conference-approved new literature, convention material, program from the convention, minutes from the conference, and legal information — to be sent to AA to show them how we differ.
Motion: Package of material of information to go to GSO AA to be brought to each quarterly trustee meeting for approval. The package will include the above listed items.
Motion carried.
Motion: To resume at 8:30 am, PST, tomorrow.
Motion carried.
Meeting adjourned with the Serenity Prayer at 7:46 pm, PST.
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COCAINE ANONYMOUS WORLD SERVICE BOARD OF TRUSTEES MEETING
May 15, 1988
Meeting called to order at 8:42 am, PST
Quiet time observed
Serenity Prayer
12 Traditions read
Concepts 10, 11, 12 read
Roll call:
Chairperson: Ray G.
Vice-Chair: Jennifer R.
Secretary: Fenn P.
H. Lee. S.
Greg D.
Bob L.
Reggie L.
Jack P.
OLD BUSINESS
70-30 Plan – Jack P.
The pamphlet proposal was distributed. The term “prudent reserve” was discussed as being relative and needing definition. In paragraph two add a statement about reaching the still-suffering addict on a world level. Consensus was arrived at on the following items: (1) give specific dates and costs of WSC, (2) to have the 70-30 Plan at all levels, (3) change east/west coast, (4} add primary purpose and 7th Tradition statements.
NEW BUSINESS
Discussion of trustees resigning and guidelines for dismissal.
Added to agenda:
Should CA sponsor events such as dances, bar-b-ques, etc.
-CA club houses, re: use of logos, etc.
Motion: To read the long form of one of the 12 Traditions at
WSBT meetings and have a 15-minute discussion.
Motion carried.
WSO Issues – Helene H.
Discussion of Cory’s duties, which include various office work, Board of Trustees’ work, directors’ committee work, conference mailings. Discussion of hours, vacation/sick pay. Helene is organizing, combining and streamlining office systems.
Recommendations: (1) Try to help Cory become more organized, (2} Get someone else to work with her or over her, (3) Limit her duties. She is trying to do too much. Possibly have the treasurer make bank deposits.
Ray said a better definition of the directors’ positions are
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needed and clarification of WSBT and WSO board’s working relationships.
Further issues: The purchase of a new copier for WSO and WSC, and the purchase of a fireproof safe.
Reggie and Fenn will draft a letter to the fellowship asking for funds, stating contributions have equalled about $1 per month per meeting for the first four months of 1988. This is not helping WSO to be self-supporting.
Ray, Reggie, and Helene are to work on finding someone to participate on the PI Committee.
Hazelden Pamphlet – Jennifer R,
Discussion of the benefits and drawbacks of a working relationship with Hazelden. The contents of the published pamphlet need several corrections.
Ray will discuss legalities with Bernie.
Further discussion on CA Conference-approved literature being sold to Hazelden. What is Conference approved, copywrites, etc.
Jennifer will send copywrite forms to Reggie.
Santa Barbara Convention – Reggie L.
The convention was not a CA function. It was produced by Quo Vadis and was a profit-generating venture. Discussion of breaks in tradition with information to go to our lawyer.
Greg presented a question from Atlanta about proper use of the logo on merchandise/recovery tools.
Greg will ask Georgia for specific uses,
CA Clubhouse – Greg D.
Statement: No CA1s, other than acting on their own, should buy property.
Bob L. petitioned the chair for a change in agenda to discuss whether the banquet meeting and marathon meetings at the WS Convention in Chicago will be open.
Motion: At the July 1988 WS Convention, the speaker/banquet meeting and marathon meetings are to be open meetings.
Motion defeated,
Fenn will refer the issue to the convention committee chair and secretary.
The next quarterly WSBT meeting will be held August 9, 10, starting at 9.00 am, PST at Stouffers Concourse.
Meeting was adjourned at 2:45 pm, PST.