CA WORLD SERVICE BOARD OF TRUSTEES RECORD OF CONFERENCE CALL
April 11, 2010
APPROVED
Since this report is a confidential CA document, for members only, it may contain members’ full names. This usage to facilitate communication within the fellowship was approved by the 1990 WS Conference. Such confidential use does not, of course, violate in anyway out Tradition on anonymity in public communications media (press, radio, TV, etc).
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April 11, 2010 – 10:00 A.M. PST
- Trevor opened meeting at 1003am/PST:
Begin meeting with a moment of silence followed by the “We” version of Serenity Prayer.
- Roll call – all present.
Lawrence Matlock – ASRT
Robert Lyle – ANRT
Joy Hutcheson – PSRT
Randy Groen – SWRT
Willie Bailey – WSOT
Richard Schafer – TAL/”acting” WST
Kim Sherwan – MWRT/Secretary
Nicholas Lynn – ERT/Vice Chair
Trevor Scheible – PNRT/Chair
Chair Announcements: NONE
- CAWS Convention updates:
-CAWS 2010 (Kim)
Kim: Committee voted to have OPEN meetings at the convention. Current cash balance as of 3/7 – $12,279.78. Quin and Karmen worked with the hotel to confirm room assignments, and to secure lower room rate/and guarantee the 10.00 rebate on all lower price rooms. They were also able to confirm the wireless internet access in the Board room/meeting space. The hotel will provide us with a password to access. They have an “online” auction for suite. They have submitted the final memorabilia expense/spending request. Main speaker slot was filled with Michael K. from the UK. Working on fundraising/baskets/silent items – still accepting items. Special Events are falling into place. At this time, they have over 80 H&I people registered. I have dealt with several emails regarding Co-Anon…statement in the program…etc…Final on print for program follows:
Co-Anon Family Groups
While being mindful of the impact of our disease on those who care about us and the support we receive from them, we in Cocaine Anonymous are guided by our Sixth Tradition. As such, we must ensure that our desire to cooperate with Co-Anon in thought, action and spirit does not result in affiliation, either outright or implied. You can find a schedule of Co -Anon meetings and events at Co-Anon¹s Registration Table outside the ____________ room.” All other committees are working well. Request all Regional Trustees post a push to register on their yahoo groups, as well as the silent auction for the suite.
-CAWS 2011 (Randy)
Randy: All is good, did get permission from Wisconsin to internet “point to point” meeting to the Arizona group. Arizona will be having a special event where this will be broadcasted. Fundraising will put up cost of getting the feed line. Dealt with Kim regarding Co-Anon issues, regarding special events…how does the Co-Anoner register for these events? C.A. member can always buy two, or if someone is registered for Co-Anon, they are welcome to purchase special events, without registering for the C.A. Convention. Committee will make a decision regarding coffee….leaning towards just having the 300 gallons for the speaker meetings…may not sell the coffee…more will be revealed. They will probably not be considering the bottomless cup
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Joy: My experience is if someone is registered for Co-Anon, they can register for C.A. events.
Randy: Thank you.
Richard: How does the coffee usage effect the contract, includes 300 gallons, and any additional coffee that will be billed per the contract.
Randy: none.
-CAWS 2012 (Nicholas)
Nicholas: Talked about the funding of travel for the committee…will keep this under
consideration. Theme: “Keys of the (United) Kingdom. – This is under consideration. Russell is filling in while Jackie is out due to an accident. Regarding contract, have passed on the remarks from the WSOB, and the WSBT to the hotel liaison.
PLACE MARKER BUSINESS ITEMS
MARKER 2006.02.20 Copyright and trademark protection (Trevor)
- To remain on agenda for quarterly review NOTE: renewal of CA logo in US due date April 24, 2010
Status: Richard requested the communication regarding this from the WSO, but has not received anything as of yet.
Willie: Check was signed, and he thought that the info was sent to Richard. Will follow-up on this.
Additionally: Richard: Status regarding the movement of the “r”, it can be placed inside the circle, lower right. This was confirmed by our attorney.
| Service Marks | Where Protected | ||
| We’re here and we’re free | USA, Canada, and EU | ||
| Cocaine Anonymous name | USA, Canada, EU | ||
| C.A. | USA, Canada | ||
| CA logo | USA, Canada, EU (new) | ||
The following marks have been registered in Canada:
1.Trademark:WE’RE HERE AND WE’RE FREE
Renewal Date:September 30, 2012
2.Trademark:CA HOPE FAITH COURAGE & Design
Renewal Date:August 9, 2021
3. Trademark:COCAINE ANONYMOUS
Renewal Date: December 13, 2021
4. Trademark:CA
Renewal Date: June 12, 2022
MARKER 2006.08.13 Signature of annual corporate documents (All) – Completed
- To be completed @ at fall Quarterly MARKER 05.09 Financial status CAWS Inc. – UPDATE
Joy: Have not seen any financials since December, with the office move, there may be a delay in distribution;
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Willie: Have requested that these be sent to Joy and Willie. I have requested this from Barry and Yvette.
OLD BUSINESS – MARKERS
- NADCP – (Boston, MA) (Richard, Robert) – MARKER
Richard: The hotel reservations are made; persons are registered, but have not been assign floor space. Yvette has spoken with them, waiting on floor assignment, requesting to be between NA and AA. Robert will be there, as well as Bruce W.
- TEC – (Kim, Joy) – MARKER
Kim: Need TEC delegate and candidate information ASAP. Need resumes for open positions only at this time. Questions have been updated based on previously discussion and approval of changes – at the last quarterly. Kim sent revised questions to Joy, Trevor and Nicholas for final review. There has been question as to consistency with the questions across the board, for all positions. I have revised once again; will forward them to Joy, Trevor, and Nicholas again for review. Joy will make copies of resumes, and questions for the interview process. At this time it looks like there will @15 interviews to be completed. Joy will send out confirmations to the TEC Delegates and candidates next week regarding their attendance at the Convention and or the Conference. Will begin the scheduling process of interviews.
- Canadian Region – (Trevor) – MARKER
Trevor: Nothing new to report, it will be on the LTP agenda at the Convention. The discussion at the Trevor’s Assembly was that they are not in favor.
Randy: Do we have a Canadian “area” that is in favor.
Trevor: Northern Alberta and Manitoba are interested.
Kim: Manitoba feels it would allow them to travel easier for Assemblies, and Regional Conventions.
Robert: Toronto is interested, but Quebec and Montreal are not, due to distance.
OLD BUSINESS
- Approval of minutes:
0912 – WSBT/WSOB Board to Board minutes (tabled) – DONE approved online 3/31/10
Kim: Is there an update on the 1002 WSBT Quarterly minutes, Board to Board minutes?
Joy: Barbara is working on them. They should be done before the convention.
2008.04.14 CA Helpdesk site (Trevor) – UPDATE at Quarterly
Trevor: Still looking for a new webmaster, have not had a qualified candidate. We are still working on “guidelines” for this position. There is someone in my region that is interested. Richard: Has sent another email to Mike requesting the follow-up on qualifications for this position.
- AA permission (WSBT, WSOB) – DONE – REMOVE from the agenda.
- Status of document: Johnny_AA_Howitwork s.pdf
Johnny_AA_Howitwork s.pdf
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Trevor: Has sent an email to Phyllis with “Johny Letter” attached, and has followed up with her 10days ago regarding, there has been no response. Trevor, Nicholas, and Kim meet to discuss a letter to further the closure of this issue.
Richard: Motion to approve letter to the fellowship with amendment, adding the word USE in the first paragraph. Second by Willie.
Motion passed.
>LETTER to fellowship regarding position of WSBT
Proposed Letter:
The World Service Board of Trustee’s would like to thank the fellowship of Cocaine Anonymous for allowing us to serve. We are always mindful of our role, and strive to fulfill it to the best of our ability. We have had some trying times over the last year and a half dealing with one issue in particular, the use of “How It Works”.
It started at the World Service Conference in 2008. The Literature, Chips, & Format committee brought forth a motion to change some language in the CA version of “How It Works”. This brought up the question as to whether we had permission to use the reading in an altered state. At the time, we were told that we did in fact have permission, in writing, to alter and adapt “How It Works” as we saw fit. In our due diligence, we asked to locate and have ready on file the permission in question. After many hours spend searching the World service Office, members own personal archives, and anywhere else we could think of, we simply could not locate any document granting us permission to alter “How It Works”.
The WSBT, at that point, set out an action plan to deal with the matter. We stopped the sale and distribution of any literature containing any altered AA readings. We expanded our search for any documentation granting us permission to use any material borrowed from AAWS. As well, a meeting was set up between Cocaine Anonymous and Alcoholics Anonymous. The meeting took place in New York City on September 17, 2009. It was attended by three members of AA’s World Service Structure, as well as Trevor Scheible (WSBT Chair), Robert Lyle (Atlantic North Regional Trustee) and Tom Phelan (WSOB Chair).
The agenda of the meeting consisted of an overview of our history as a fellowship, and the progression of using AA literature. We put forth the CA fellowships desire to continue to use “How It Works” in its altered state. We left the meeting with their thanks for coming forward, and having the matter decided at their next board meeting, which took place that weekend.
The decision we got back was not what the fellowship was hoping for. AA had asked that we not use any readings in an altered format, and went further to suggest that we use our own literature in the future. They did grant us permission to use “How It Works” in its original form, along with a disclaimer regarding non-affiliation.
It was at this point that the WSBT were forwarded a copy of a letter sent from AAWS to a member of CA. It was dated back November 29, 1990. It granted us permission not only to use, but adapt to use “How It Works”. The letter also contained an AA supplied disclaimer we were to use as a condition of consent. The WSBT had some questions regarding the source of the
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document, and started to investigate. We have attempted to locate the original document, to no avail. As part of our search, we have sent the document to AAWS to see if they have any record of it being sent. As of Friday March 26, 2010, we have yet to hear back from AA regarding their findings. They were however, doubtful of the success of such a search.
The WSBT has issued the following opinion:
Update as of December 5, 2009: It is the position of the World Service Board of Trustees that the C.A. version of How it Works is not considered C.A.-approved literature. In the spirit of unity, our common welfare, and our observance of the Twelve Traditions, we suggest that your group have a business meeting to determine the well-informed group conscience as to what readings shall be used in your meeting formats.
As a board, the Trustees have explored every avenue available to us. We have worked many long hours on this issue. We are of the opinion that the matter is now concluded. If in the future something new comes to light, we are always able to reopen the discussion. We feel, however, satisfied that a loving Higher Power who guides us all has spoken, and that any more time spent pursuing this is not in the best interest of Cocaine Anonymous.
In Love & Service
Your WSBT
2009.12.02 WSO move – Staff issues – DONE – REMOVE from agenda
Trevor: Changes at the office with staff, the move is done, and hopefully we are up and
running. There have not been any additional issues with phone/internet/
Kim: Is Shannon working for C.A. – why is she sending out emails?
Richard: The computer that Denise is using has not been updated as of yet, and still has
Shannon’s info on it.
Joy: Have made several requests for her Region, and has not received any info, etc…with the death of Yvette’s Mom, she is being patient with responses.
Willie: She is not working at the office. Will follow-up on this.
2009.12.03 Facebook pages reflecting tradition violations, and policy issues: re: C.A. logo, website address, etc… (Nicholas) Cease and Desist. 1/13/2010
UPDATE online and at the Quarterly.
Kim: Motion to table, move online. Trevor and Richard will work on this, to get letter completed.
2010.01.01- Sales of HFCII outside of the US (Nicholas) – UPDATE at Quarterly
2010.01.02- Licensed Printing of Literature (Nicholas)
******Combining both agenda items
Kim: Motion to table, and move to next Quarterly meeting. Second by Joy. Motion passed.
2010.02.02Online meeting/Skype– Randy – UPDATE at Quarterly
Randy: Reported during CAWS 2011 report – would like to volunteer to write a referral
regarding further action of “point to point” internet meetings.
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*****Change item to “Online conference software”
Joy: Wondering if these are popping up all over, should these be referred to “Online Area”. Will follow-up on this at the quarterly. Looking to have policy and guidelines for these types of meeting.
Responses to correspondence received from the fellowship:
2010.15.01 – Correspondence from Quin – MOVED TO ONLINE FOR COMPLETION
From: Quin B.
Sent: Wed 1/13/2010 9:11 AM
To: Board of Trustees; CAWSO; Tom Phelan; Willie Bailey; Yvette
Cc: Diane W.; Michael W.; Karmen K.; Michael K.; Sharon S.
Subject: Continual confusion
I wanted to share with you a couple of recent examples as to why the WS Convention Committee guidelines are of little use. Yesterday our Trustee, Paid Director and members of CAWS 2010 had total confusion as what to do with getting approvals regarding secondary artwork and items afforded us in our contract.
First, relating to our artwork, we received this feedback. our Trustee sent out back to back emails stating “On the side of caution I would submit it to the WSOB for approval” and then “I would submit any artwork that you want to use to the WSOB for approval”,.
Second, relating to items afforded us in our contract, our Paid Director stated that “I would think that the committee could/should decide, however I am new to this and that’s just my thoughts”.
And third, our Decoration co-chairs stated right out of the guidelines that there are no requirements for approval.
I am not knocking our Trustee, Paid director or our Co-Chairs. What I am knocking are the guidelines and the process. Nobody knows, so we should just have everything approved to be safe??? Puts a lot of undo work on the WSO and WSOB and stalls the Host City.
A member of our committee stated to me that there is a real disconnect between the Host City, WSO, WSOB, WSBT and the WS Convention Committee. As Chair of CAWS 2010 I have no idea who the WSCC Chair or Vice-Chair is, was never informed to keep them apprised as to our journey and struggles
I am just giving you examples of the lack of guidance in our guidelines and how it is playing out and causing confusion for committees that are working so hard to have a great convention.
As I stated in previous emails to the WSOB and WSBT, there is a huge problem here that is going to cause this fellowship great financial distress real soon. Possibly as soon as 2013. Solution: start giving control back to Host City. Once the hotel contract and budget is approved the Host City requests checks with corresponding information, WSOB & WSBT approves
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anything that has the CA logo, name and block letters on it, and the WSO handles registration. All else the Host City takes care of. Very simple and could free up our paid employees and volunteers to inform people that “Were Here and Were Free”. Q.
In-Conference Referrals to be addressed:
Referral # 6021 (Quin B.) – Joy-lead, Richard, Willie, Kim – Moved to Online
We currently have a line item in the budget that pays for the trustee banquet dinner at the world convention. I have been told by the trustees that this is part of their job description. It is for appearance reasons and the WSOB feels they should be present. I am also told that the members of the WSOB also receive the same. They are not announced or present at the meal so who would know they come out of there. Banquet meals are expensive ($50-60) and for the majority of the fellowship who can not afford or choose not to pay for an expensive meal like this. This is not a situation where we as a fellowship should foot the bill for this. I think there are better ways to use the fellowships money.
Referral #6140 (Nick A.) – Richard–lead, Joy, Nicholas – Moved to Online
Create a trustee manual. Every other committee has a manual or more detailed information. I think it would help the fellowship better understand what the trustees do and how they do it.
Referral #6045 (David C.) – Randy-lead, Lawrence, Robert. – Moved to Online – Trevor will assist with this.
The election procedure for electing trustees is not transparent. It happens in secrecy behind closed doors with members not allowed to attend. Why is this? Why can’t we echo the process in AA and described in their manual?
Referral #6150 (Susan B.) – Trevor-lead, Willie, Joy
Joy: Motion to approve. Second by Willie – Motion passed. DONE
That when a meeting with AA regarding C.A. language in “How it Works”, the WSBT make sure that it has international approval of such language in writing for the purpose of C.A. unity and a resolution to this issue once and for all.
Proposed Response:
Thank you for taking the time to bring this question to us. The WSBT has and will, to the best of our ability, insure this matter is dealt with correctly. As of this writing, the meeting has taken place, and AAWS has issued their decision. CAWSO has not been granted permission to use an altered version of “How It Works”, and it is the decision of the World Service Board of Trustees of CA that the altered CA version of this reading is not considered Approved Literature.
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Referral #6303 (Gerald C.) – Lawrence-lead, Robert, Trevor – Approved-02/2010 DONE
As a delegate from Quebec, I ask that this attached inquiry be addressed in the form of a motion or a statement.
Referral #6305 (Gerald C.)- Robert-lead, Nicholas, Lawrence – Approved-03/2010 DONE What do we say to members who say (and enforce in their group) that you need to be a cocaine user to be allowed to share or hold a service function?
Post-Conference Referrals to be addressed:
Referral #6315 (Kevin M.) – Joy-lead, Richard, Trevor. DONE
Put a moratorium on area splits. Develop a trustee methodology for mediating intra-area disputes to minimize the requests for splits of this sort.
Joy: Motion to approve. Second by Richard. – Motion passed.
Proposed Response:
Thank you for taking the time to bring this before the board of trustee’s. The trustee’s are of obvious concern over the health and growth of C.A. It is always amazing to see new area’s come into the fellowship, and carry the CA message further and into more places.
There can, however, be some challenges we face along the way. Sometimes, when addicts are involved, our own thoughts and ideas on how to make things better come to the forefront. We all bring our own experience and opinions on how things should get done. This can and has created problems for us in Cocaine Anonymous. Members who once worked together are now pulling in opposite directions.
The WSBT is always looking to be of maximum service to the fellowship, and we are usually aware that these challenges are taking place. It is sometimes best for all involved if we are asked in to lend a hand rather than step in and start giving direction. The WSBT is not the governing body of CA, but our service background and love of the fellowship can sometimes provide a resolution to these disputes.
As to the matter of setting guidelines on area splits, it is the opinion of the WSBT that this is an act of governance, and therefore outside the scope of both our board, and the conference itself. Our 12th Concept speaks to this issue. We would be well advised to heed the experience of our predecessors. Sometime, as well, growth can come from the most unlikely places or events. Our loving Higher Power is the only one who sees all ends, and ultimately guides us as well strive to grow in love and unity.
In Love & Service, WSBT
NEW BUSINESS
2010.04.01- DOO Effectiveness (Nicholas)
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2010.04.02- CAWS 2010 (Nicholas)
2010.04.03- Mail Outs (Nicholas)
**** Combining three issues (2010.04.01, 2010.04.02, 2010.04.03) with regard to the DOO.
Nicholas: Regarding the above three items…Concerned about the DOO.
Richard, Kim: Also concerned.
Willie: Agrees, but would like to give the “timeline” with Tom a chance.
Richard: Motion made regarding the WSOB Chair taking action involving the C.A. World Service Director of Operations, effective immediately. Second by Joy.
Richard: Speaks in favor of the motion.
Randy: Speaks against the motion.
Willie: Speaks against the motion.
Richard: Further speaks in favor of the motion.
Nicholas: Speaks in favor of the motion.
Kim: Speaks in favor of the motion.
Lawrence: Speaks in favor of the motion.
Randy: Further speaks against the motion.
Richard – Point of Information – What do Kim’s notes say regarding the timeline?
Kim – WSBT meeting with Tom P.*** Tom will review and update within 90days regarding the position of DOO.
Trevor – Entertains a motion to table this based on what Kim’s notes say.
Richard: Motion to table, Second by Willie.
Kim –Suggest that there be a meeting with Tom, Trevor, Richard, and Willie regarding this ASAP.
Trevor: Agrees, and confidentiality must be honored regarding this matter.
Motion passed.
Meeting with Willie, Richard, Tom, and Trevor will take place in the next couple days.
Trevor will email Tom.
2010.04.04- Travel Dates for Caws 2010 (Trevor) – DONE Trevor: Will start on Monday night, May 24th…7pm, dinner at 5pm. Get travel / hotel info to Trevor.
2010.04.05- Overseas Printing (Trevor) – REMOVE – covered on previous agenda item.
2010.04.06 – Transcriber (Joy) – UPDATE ONLINE
Joy: Barbara will be giving up her position, and we will need to look for someone new.
Please post to yahoo groups, and get the message out to any interested members.
Any other items of Business:
1) “Meeting in a pocket” – Willie
Trevor: “Meeting in a Pocket” – has “How it Works” in it, we have about 3000 pieces, and we are currently sending it out in the US.
Randy: How is this different than HFC II? We currently are stickering HFC II, we should be doing the same with this.
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Kim: This originated out of Wisconsin, they wanted to use it for the registration packets…has “How it Works” in it…seems to be in conflict of WSBT position.
Richard: Will take some responsibility, I did not talk against this when it was brought up at the WSOB.
Randy: We took a position; the C.A. version of “How It Works” is not approved literature. Is it a dollar consideration?
Willie: It is not a dollar consideration, it would cost about $250.00 to correct this…the discussion was that this piece is important to those traveling, and that the WSOB wanted to know why it was being pulled.
Trevor: That was the intent of his email regarding this, to stop distributing this piece. LCF must meet to discuss this, to update it…at the Conference.
Willie: Can it be distributed to H&I…
Kim: NO…dilutes our message…must consider “unity” when it comes to our literature. Why would we send out this to H&I or jails…every potential member deserves OUR literature.
2) Request for extension of May 1 delegate mailing — Willie
Willie: Regarding May 1st mailing…getting the pieces into the office in time for the mailing.
Info must be into the office by May 1st…for distribution to the fellowship by July 1st.
Joy: Motion to adjourn. Second by Richard. Meeting closed at 112pm/PST
Respectfully submitted, Kim S. – MWRT/WSBT Secretary
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