WSBT Trustee Conference Call
April 19th, 2009
10:00 A.M. PST
- 10:06 am/pst – Begin meeting with a Moment of silence followed by the “We” version of Serenity Prayer.
- Roll call
Joy Hutcheson – PSRT
Willie Bailey – WSOT
Randy Groen – SWRT
Robert Lyle – ANRT
Richard Schafer – TAL – not present
Nicholas Lynn – ERT
Trevor Scheible – PNRT
Kim Sherwan – MWRT/Secretary
Lawrence Matlock – ASRT/Vice Chair
Hayward Hunt – WST/Chair
Chair Announcements: Hayward H.: talking with John, and Willie regarding the WSO, some things that are very concerning. Will get into them later in the agenda. Richard is out until after April 22.
1) CAWS Convention updates:
–CAWS 2009 (Randy/Richard) – Randy: Talked with Beth, everything is going fine, Randy feels a bit out of the loop has Richard has being involved. Tried to talk with Patty, unable to talk with her as she was out on vacation last week. Randy has questions for Richard. Randy has not talked with Richard in two weeks. He is getting copies of the minutes. CAWS 2009 is meeting weekly; Randy will look into doing teleconferencing.
-CAWS 2010 (Kim) – Doing well, fundraising is going very well. Continue to fill open positions. Quin has decided not to use the budgeted items for air, 2nights, and banquet, and the committee voted to use those funds to host a raffle at the CAWS 09 for someone to come to CAWS 2010. Committee also decided to use the word “pic nic” on their registration form despite the suggestion from the WSOB/DRPD/MWRT not to use it. Still looking for cd’s and tapes for speakers.
Question:
Joy: Whose budget is the air, 2nights, and banquet in:
Kim: Denver’s…
Joy: does Milwaukee have that authority?
Hayward: NO…there needs to be contact with Denver a nd the DRPD and the WSO.
Budget is Conference approved, Milwaukee is not in direct authority to move around that budget line, and there needs to be a motion via Denver and the WSO.
-CAWS 2011 (Randy/Richard) – Randy: Pleasure to work with the committee, and the chair. Negotiations are continuing, getting everything that we have asked for…room rate is at
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124.00 plus rebate…@135.00 to the fellowship. Ever Fundraising is going well…Evan Anderson is the chair.
-CAWS 2012 (Nicholas) – Everything is going fine… have gotten a hold of Ter ry and had a two hour call…have steering committee in plac e. Committee members of 2011 are mentoring members of the 2012 committee. Looking at hotels. Having a face to face meeting this month. Setting up yahoo group. Please copy the Trustee to the WS Convention Committee regarding progress. Jackie sent an email to Hayward, introducing Steve/Hotel Liaison, regarding what to ask the hotel – has sent info, and is looking forward t o working with the committee.
OLD BUSINESS
- Approval of minutes:
Minutes of November 2008 WSBT Quarterly Meetings
*Kim: Motion to approve said minutes. Second by Joy. Motion passed.
Minutes of November 2008 WSBT/WSOB B2B Meeting
*Kim: Motion to table said minutes. Second by Joy. Motion passed.
2) Old business from the March Quarterly:
2007.10.14 TEC Status (Kim, Trevor)
UPDATE: Kim: Waiting for additional info regarding TEC delegate, and candidates from the different Regions. Looking to do interviews on Tuesday, this should help keep cost down for an additional night stay for the TEC Delegates. Update in May.
2008.08.01 Per Diem (Nick, Kim) travel reimbursements (present 0.17 per mile) UPDATE: On line discussion: Motion by Joy H.: to leave mileage reimbursement at $0.17. Second by Robert L.
>Randy G.: I speak against the motion – IF the IRS has truly set the reimbursement for volunteers of a non-profit organization at .14/mile – then I don’t see how we can use something different. The integrity of our organization and trustees should never be in question regarding expenses. If we drive vehicles that don’t get the miles/gallon necessary for .14 to cover the gas expense – we already have the option to be reimbursed 100% for gas used by submitting actual gas receipts as explained to us at the last quarterly.
>Kim S.: I also speak against the motion, for the same reasons as stated by Randy…
I believe that we need to further research options to reduce our costs, and/or rework our budgets so that we can effectively do the traveling that we need to do. >Joy H.: I withdraw my motion.
Item can be removed from agenda, will follow current reimbursement standards. Question, Nick: Can be reimbursed by mileage, or actual gas used? Yes…the way to do it is to fill your tank, drive, and fill your tank again…that is the receipt that you submit for reimbursement. – DONE
2008.08.03 NADCP, June 10-13, 2009 – (Richard) – Not present, no report.
UPDATE: Tabled – Update in May
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2008.11.03 WSO Bank Accounts Consolidation (Willie)
UPDATE: On whether or not the statement end date will be the end of the month, numbering of accounts…and if fees have been negotiated.
Request to merge with 2009.04.05 in New Business. Remove item 2008.11.03 from Old Business.
2008.11.05 Office Restructure Project (Willie)
UPDATE: Request to merge with 2009.04.06 in New Business. Remove 2009.11.05 from Old Business agenda.
2008.11.11 AA permission (Trustees, WSOB)
UPDATE: Hayward: Submitted the agenda to the WSO, John worked on, and sent to the WSO, it was then sent back to the WSBT…it is about the writ ten documentation…has there been any follow-up regarding motion 2: no feedback from Richard, Hayward has asked Willie to work on as Richard has not reported status. Patty has not provided anything in writing either. AA has pushed us back two or three weeks with a response, Willie has asked if Richard or Patty has sent something written requesting info, AA office would not answer that. AA has not been proactive in responding to us.
Motion 1: WSO is working on…letters are going out regarding the distribution of HFC I and HFC II, and the availability of those publications. There has been positive response from some Areas/Regions regarding the forth coming changes to regarding the motions..
Motion 2: Have asked Willie to investigate, there has been no evidence that Richard or Patty have contacted AA regarding this.
Motion 3: WSO/Patty is working on coordinating meeting. Motion 4: No action at this time Motion 5: No action at this time Update in May
- Motion to cease publications and distribution of any material and or literature containing “How It Works” in any medium. Second, passed.
- Motion to have TAL investigation as to whether or not we have permission to re-print with redistribution (all media) of other AA literature/phrases…ie: “The Promises”, and “A Vision for You”. Second, passed.
- Motion for WSO to set up meeting, face to face, with AA to address the problem and ways to solve it, make amends, ask forgiveness, and how can we make further restitution. Record of meeting via minutes should be distributed to the WSOB and WSBT. Meeting to include the local Regional Trustee. Second, passed.
- Motion that a letter regarding this issue be drafted with members of both Boards involved in the writing of it. Letter should be approved by both Boards before distribution. Second, passed.
- Motion to address the issue with the fellowship via letters to the delegates, Newsgram articles, CA website, assemblies, and delegate mailings…after the meeting with AA. Second, passed.
2008.11.12 Accounting internal procedures (Joy, Willie)
UPDATE: Willie: Have not received any response from the WSO as of yet. Gave them to Tom. Has not been fully addressed. Will be addressing this at the next WSOB meeting. Update in May
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2008.11.14 Trustee Event – combine with next item of business (Richard) – Not present, no report. UPDATE: No activity online, Tabled. Need update
2008.11.15 Trustee to the DRPD – TAL with rotation of Regional trustee (Richard) – Not present, no report. UPDATE: Status: No activity online, Tabled. Need update
Joy: Do we need to assign some else to this item. Hayward: Let’s wait until April 22 to see if Richard is back online.
2009.03.04 My Space and FaceBook user/violation of copyright/trademark CA logo/motto (Kim, Nick)
*Kim: Motion to work online. Seconded by Joy. Motion passed. Sub-committee, Trevor, Joy.
DONE/PASSED RESPONSE AND NEWSGRAM ARTICLE ONLINE MAY 1, 2009 April 29, 2009
Motion by Kim S.: MOTION to approve attached item for response to agenda item 2009.03.04, and also for publication in the Newsgram. Second by Nick L.
Friday, May 1, 2009
Motion passed
Agenda Item: 2009.03.04 “ My Space” and “FaceBook” user/violation of copyright/trademark CA logo/motto (Kim, Nick) Sub-committee, Trevor, Joy.
As the WSBT continues to address the concerns of the use of our copy written logo, motto, and trademarks on a webpage, and websites, as well as anonymity issues for those connected to the webpage/website, we felt that an article regarding the position of the WSBT was warranted. Most questions/concerns are what our protected trademarks are, and what is acceptable and appropriate use of them, and by whom.
Cocaine Anonymous has the following trademarks protected in the USA, Canada and European Union:
“We’re Here and We’re Free”
Cocaine Anonymous name
CA logo Hope, Faith and Courage
C.A. (USA and Canada only)
If a C.A. group wishes to use any of the above C.A. trademarks on the C.A. group’s website, The Service Committee for the Area (or District) must have approved the site, and the Cocaine Anonymous World Service Office (CAWSO) must be contacted by an elected officer of the Area (or District) where the group resides with a statement to this effect.
If a C.A. group chooses to be a “stand alone”, mean ing not attached to the Area (or District) where the group resides then the Cocaine Anonymous World Service Office (CAWSO) must be contacted by an elected officer of the group with a statement to this effect.
In either of the cases above the request is forward to the CAWSO Web servant, Regional Trustee, Area/District Service Committee and World Service Conference Information Technology (IT)
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Committee to verify that the site is in compliance with the Information Technology (IT) Committee Workbook and Guidelines, these guidelines are available for review on the service section of www.ca.org.
In accordance with the above, the use of the CA logo and our protected trademarks on “Facebook” , “My Space”, and other similar sites is not appropriate, or acceptable. Additionally we need always be mindful regarding the anonymity of our members, even when they “innocently” are not. Also, we need to be cautious as to how the public may perceive this “page” and how the website represents Cocaine Anonymous as a whole. And lastly, as guardians of the Twelve Traditions, and concerned members that stand behind the effective voice of the fellowship as directed through the CA World Service Manual, we need to further educate our fellowship as to the potential harms this “page” might have. To elaborate, we refer to the fo llowing traditions:
>Tradition 6: A C.A. group ought never endorse, finance or lend the C.A. name to any related facility or outside enterprise, lest problems of money, property or prestige divert us from our primary purpose
>Tradition 10: Cocaine Anonymous has no opinion on outside issues; hence the C.A. name ought never be drawn into public controversy.
>Tradition 11: Our public relations policy is based on attraction rather than promotion; we need always maintain personal anonymity at the level of press, radio, television and films.
>Tradition 12: Anonymity is the spiritual foundation of all our Traditions, ever reminding us to place principles before personalities..
The WSBT’s position is that the use of the CA logo and our protected trademarks on “unauthorized” webpages/websites is not within the traditions, and we are concerned as to the interpretation of possible affiliation, endorsement, controversy, and over all anonymity.
Additionally, we are guided by the long form of the Fourth Tradition which provides in part: “And no group, regional committee, or individual should ever take any action that might greatly affect [C.A.] as a whole without conferring with the trustees…. On such issues our common welfare is paramount.” Also in the narrative text of the Fourt h Tradition (page 147), the inquiry seems to turn to whether the action taken would/might “greatly” i njure C.A. as a whole. In that same paragraph is the notion that the group’s sole objective has to be “Sobriety;” and “in all other respects there was perfect freedom of will and action. Every group had the right to be wrong.”
We trust that an individual and or group who may “l aunch” a “page” on the internet have done so without intent to harm or desire to injure CA, or the membership/fellowship.
As we attempt to educate the fellowship, we refer to our “Statement of Policy”, stated below, from the CA World Service Manual, 2009 edition, page 13, that sets forth specifically who can and who can’t use our registered trademarks, etc.
STATEMENT OF POLICY
Who may use the name “COCAINE ANONYMOUS,” the block letters “C.A.”, the official COCAINE ANONYMOUS LOGO* (hereinafter “logo”), future variations of the logo, the book title
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“HOPE, FAITH & COURAGE: STORIES FROM THE FELLOWSHIP OF COCAINE ANONYMOUS,” and the motto “WE’RE HERE AND WE’RE FREE”:
A. A Cocaine Anonymous “Group” as defined herein, f or its function of organizing and operating a regularly scheduled C.A. meeting. A C.A. Group may not use the name, letters or logo for any other purpose (including without limitation, dances, conventions, memorabilia, or fund raising events) without the prior written consent of its Area/District Chairperson after a vote taken by the Area/District Service Committee.
B. A Cocaine Anonymous “District,” “Area,” or “Regi on.”
C. Cocaine Anonymous World Service Office, Inc. (a California corporation) and Cocaine Anonymous World Services, Inc. (a California corporation). The service body granting the use of the CA logo shall be responsible for ensuring that the proper CA logo, with applicable trademarks as shown below, is used on printed materials and memorabilia.
No other individual or entity may use the name “COC AINE ANONYMOUS”, the block letters “C.A.,” the official COCAINE ANONYMOUS LOGO* (herei nafter “logo”), future variations of the logo, the book title “HOPE, FAITH & COURAGE: STORIE S FROM THE FELLOWSHIP OF COCAINE ANONYMOUS, and/or the motto “WE’RE HERE AND WE’RE FREE” without the written permission of the Cocaine Anonymous World Service Board of Trustees.
Cocaine Anonymous groups, meetings and service committees should only use, display, distribute or sell the following literature and materials: the WSC Approved Literature set forth in the Appendix, the books “ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS,” “TWELVE STEPS AND TWELVE TRADITIONS,” and “The A.A. Service Manual, combined with the 12 Concepts For World Service,” and Cocaine Anonymous World Service, Regi on, Area, District and group/ meeting approved flyers, meeting directories and other materials displaying the CA logo as described above.
The WSBT feels that the manual is clear on who can use the service marks, and for what they may be used. Anything outside of that is a violation. Our position in the future will remain as stated above, and in attempt to protect our traditions, will be working with the World Service Internet Technologies Committee to contact those in violation, encourage them to willingly remove the CA Logo, the Cocaine Anonymous name, CA motto, and any service marks on the “page”. If no satisfactory outcome is reached, The WSBT will then set forth correspondence that will involve a “cease and desist” letter. In all cases we are fai thful that with the proper understanding of the traditions, and the World Service Manual there will be a positive outcome.
Serving with love and tolerance,
2009 World Service Board of Trustees
3) Outstanding Correspondence:
2009.02.07 Forums and chat rooms from Lorraine A – Richard (Le ad)
STATUS: Hayward: Richard not present… nothing has been done. Respon se is way overdue.
Suggested that someone else take lead on this.
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Nick: will volunteer, will be working on this online. Kim please send an email to Lorraine regarding this, and that there will be a follow-up by the end of the week. Sub-committee: Richard (lead), Nick, Trevor, Willie Update needed
Below is the result of your feedback form. It was submitted on Saturday, January 24, 2009 at 03:26:24
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Name: Lorraine A.
City: London
StateProvince: England
AreaRegion: UK
Subject: Forums and chat rooms
Message: I recently have had to face up to My addiction, and have joined your site and attend your meetings when I can, NA have a site with forums and more importantly chat rooms, I wanted to suggest that this would be a great addition to your site, The help, comfort and support I found from the chat rooms on NA was enormous and it was instant, A lot of people cannot attend meetings for many reasons.
Is there any chance of that happening? You are doing a fantastic job, and you are making a huge difference to a great many people. Thank you,
Sincerely
Lorraine.
Picnic 2 items from Quin – additional item from Mik e R. – WSOB (lead)
STATUS: Kim: WSOB needs to craft a response, and additionally research the action taking by CAWSO 2010 regarding the change in the registration form. Has that has taken place. Willie: nothing yet. Update needed
#1 – Below is the result of your feedback form. It was submitted by on Tuesday, March 24, 2009 at 17:49:34
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Name: Quin B.
City: Milwaukee
StateProvince: WI
AreaRegion: WI
Subject: Picnic
Message: The WSO changed the name of our event for the CAWS 2010 from picnic to BBQ. Come to find out some members were offended by this word back in the 1990’s. This clearly an outside issue.
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What should of and should be said is if you want to use the word BBQ that is fine and if another group wants to use the word picnic that is fine also. Q.
#2 – Additional Comments From Mike R.
Trustees,
I too have to speak up about this as I ran into the same forced change on the Nebraska newsletter. The worst thing is that those who were offended, didn’t even know the correct history of the word. sighting http://www.allabouthistory.org/origin-of-the-word-picnic-faq.htm
What is the origin on the word picnic?
You may have read the gossip sweeping the Internet on the origin of the word picnic. Some claim that picnic is derived from lynching parties of blacks. This is incorrect.
Instead, the origin on the word picnic is French (piquenique) and was invented long before the atrocities towards blacks took place in America. This French word – piquenique – signifies an outing with food – similar to the word’s meaning in English. At these piqueniques, the attendees would all bring food to the occasion, similar to what we call potlucks today. The outdoor concept of a picnic did not originate until the 19th century.
So, how did this word originate? We are unsure what the word pique actually means. There are two options: leisurely eating (picking) or a delicacy of food. Nique was selected since it rhymed with Pique.
Historians have found this French word in references outside of the French language as early as 1748 and into English by around 1800.
Thank you for letting me be of service.
- Mike R. 01/15/01 Webservant@ca.org
#3 – Below is the result of your feedback form. It was submitted by on Monday, March 30, 2009 at 14:51:47
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Name: Quin B.
City: Milwaukee
StateProvince: WI
AreaRegion: WI
Subject: Picnic
Message: You may want to check out page 29, item 7 of the WS H&I Comm guidelines where it suggests as a people raiser you have a “picnic”.
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2009.03.02 Inter-group – Joy, Randy, Nick
Online discussion: >Joy H. I am still researching Shawn’s question regarding Intergroups. I will try and have a draft response by the conference call on Sunday
STATUS: Joy: is working on response, and will post this for review and approval this week.
DONE/PASSED RESPONSE ONLINE MAY 1, 2009
Motion by Joy H.: Motion to approve this response to Shawn Q. regarding Inter-Groups.
Second by Kim S. Willie B.: with minor changes>accepted.
Below is the result of your feedback form. It was submitted on Tuesday, March 31, 2009 at 02:32:07
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Name: Shawn Q
City: Torrance
StateProvince: Ca
AreaRegion: CALA
Subject: Inter-Groups
Message: I am the Director-at-Large for our area, and I have receive a request for information concerning Inter-Groups, and what CA’s position is on them.
Response:
Shawn Q.,
Thank you for your question regarding inter-groups.
Currently there is no statement of suggestion in the CA World Service Manual to answer your question. As such, the Trustees do not have an opinion on this subject.
The WSBT has collectively elaborated on your situation and thus we do suggest in the wisdom of the Twelve Traditions, please refer to we refer to Tradition One, Two and Tradition Four, which state:
Tradition 1: Our common welfare should come first; personal recovery depends upon C.A. unity.
Tradition 2: “ For our group purpose there is but one ultimate authority — a loving God as He may express Himself in our group conscience. Our leaders are but trusted servants; they do not govern.” Tradition 4:“Each group should be autonomous except in matters affecting other groups or C.A. as a whole.”
Let us always keep the primary purpose first and foremost in our minds. Additionally as we embrace Tradition Two, suggesting that with a well informed group conscience the group can decide what works best for it and what best encourages unity.
If a meeting in question has taken a well informed, well educated group conscience and they have made a decision regarding an “Intergroup”, (to send a small group of members/representatives to a
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District meeting), and they feel it is in the best interest of the group, then that is what the group desires.
Lastly, maintaining an honest open mind, along with love and tolerance as our code, each member of the group is insured with an opportunity for personal recovery, with no evidence on harmful intent, the process will remain true to Tradition Three.
Shawn, we encourage you to be proactive in this endeavor, please have your delegates submit referrals to the CAWS Conference, that would suggest a further look at incorporating guidelines for “intergroup” in the CAWS Manual.
2008.11.16 Earmarking – Randy
Online discussion: >Randy: I had forgot that this is still open and it seems to have found its way on to the shelf. Everyone had approved the response on our yahoo except Richard – who had responded to me directly to consider adding some more verbiage regarding Cynthia’s desire for the Trustees to actually “change/add language” to the guidelines/can. As surprised as I was that she asked something from us that she knows we can’t and don’t have the right/power to do, I have thought about that and I think the response is probably hard enough for her to swallow without antagonizing her further. That being said – I’m asking that you go ahead with sending her the response as is. That will take one minor item off our plate before the call this weekend. I’ve attached the response again for convenience.
Hi Randy. I really appreciate your taking the time to write an additional personal response. I read it when I first received it and decided to let it sit while I processed the issue some more. This past weekend, while I was putting together the NewsGram, I had the chance to re-read the WSBT article, as well as your Trustee Corner piece, and it got my wheels spinning again. I don’t wish to beat a dead horse, but I’m still not quite understanding the WSBT’s position.
Response sent to Cynthia, April 15, 2009
In an effort to bring a specific issue by issue response to your continued inquiry, we chose not to repeat all of the traditions that were followed and support the H&I Can effort through its inception and including its current delivery, but responded in this informal way as to not skip any of your concerns.
What I do understand is that we’re both very passionate about our service work and this fellowship, and that you’ve spent even more time involved in H&I than I have on LCF. My experience over the years has taught me that I sometimes see things through a bit of an LCF filter, if you will. Because I know how the various literature processes are supposed to work, or at least how I’d like to see them work, I sometimes have to make a deliberate effort to step outside the box and view things from a less-involved perspective. I’m hoping you can do the same with regard to this issue of earmarking and H&I.
A few years ago, when the issue of redefining CA’s relationship with Co-Anon was brought to the WSBT, we struggled a bit. We could see some potential for clarification, but there was also some fear about ‘rocking the boat’ and a temptation to just leave things as they were. My personal ‘aha moment’ on that issue was when one of our members said, “Just because we’ve always done things a
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certain way doesn’t make it right.” With respect, I think that’s where we are with the H&I can.
The WSBT response says that “earmarking” might be b est defined as “any unsolicited funds sent to the district, area, region or world that have been tagged by the giving party to only be used for a specific intent.” So, is the WSBT saying that if funds are solicited, they are not earmarked, even if the donor expresses a specific intent? The dictionary.com definition of earmark is “to set aside for a specific purpose, use, recipient, etc.” To me, the addition of “unsolicited” seems like a bit of an end run to avoid the H&I can issue.
It is not an “end run” at all because the solicited /unsolicited question is a very important aspect of the issue. In the dictionary definition for earmarking cited above, that definition would include all groups, districts, areas, regions and worlds budgetary processes (setting aside funds for future rent, utilities, salaries, prudent reserve etc). So responsible planning and budgeting (setting aside funds for a specific purpose) is not against traditions, but responsible accounting practices. When we solicit fundraising requests for 7th tradition basket donations, we let our members know that we are “fully self supporting” (meaning the money being do nated will be used for a specific purpose or intent – to pay our bills and help carry the messag e) – pure and unadulterated “earmarking” in the most positive, responsible and constructive way. And the reason it is positive, responsible and constructive is – we have established committees and guidelines – approved by the conference and in line with the traditions – to give direction as to the budgeting/spending of those solicited funds.
When we pass the 7th tradition basket, we request/solicit the donations and those donations have been identified (and yes – what we consider general another may consider quite specific) – by the solicitor – for their use. When we request/solicit funds through fund raisers such as Celebrate Around the World, etc, we request/solicit funds that have been identified for use – by the solicitor – to assist in funding delegate participation in the conference. The members donating to these approved fund raising avenues must feel confident that the moneys put in those baskets are going to be used for the effort we solicited them for. As the prior responses to this issue addressed, the ability to raise funds in many different ways is in line with the traditions. The responsibility of committees to establish guidelines and give responsible direction is also in line with the traditions.
The issue of earmarking as a negative activity – an d therefore discouraged – stems from the unsolicited donations that may be received with ties or instructions by the giver (not the requester) for use. For all of the right reasons, unsolicited funds received in this manner were returned.
In fact, both your personal response and the WSBT response seem to indicate that the funds raised via the H&I can are indeed earmarked, as I understand earmarking. Your personal response says:
“The H&I Guidelines are very specific regarding the sanctity of the Can and its use. Rightfully so in that a fellowship that would donate to a specific identified purpose and then find out later that the monies were used for something outside of what we told them we raised them for would surely stop donating and it would create a lack of trust in our fellowship.”
Clearly, you believe the giving party is tagging the funds for a specific intent. The WSBT response
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says “that funds collected from the optional use of an H&I Can should be spent according to the intent of its donation,” again implying that the giving party tagged those funds for a specific intent.
Not at all – the donating party is not doing any ta gging/earmarking at all. These conference approved solicitations/fund raisers (7th tradition collection, Celebrate Around the World, H&I Can and numerous other fund raising efforts) all expressly or inherently imply the intent of their solicitation. The utilization of those monies then given to those efforts were decided in principle (expressed in detail or implied) by the solicitor prior to the effort taking place.
Is the Board really saying that this is not earmarking if the funds were solicited? Under that logic, CAUK could have said back in 2004 that since World Services was asking for financial support, its donation was solicited and it therefore had a right to tag the funds for a specific intent.
Not at all – to answer your presented scenario – if the issue was the solicitation by World Services was for financial support. That request does not and would not give the donator (CAUK in your scenario) any right to tag the funds they donated for a specific intent. Any solicitation of funds can only receive donations as a participation in the intent of the solicitation. But the traditions would allow the CAUK to bring referrals, motions and participate in a proven process at the conference and have a say in the budgeting/spending practices of the requestor.
You also said in your personal response that, “I’m not sure as to how a group conscience to pass an H&I Can for its intended purpose and use of the funds in that way “bypasses” the group conscience. It seems to be in perfect alliance with it.” I know Arizona has a much larger fellowship than we have here in Washington, with a much larger H&I presence, so this is where I’d ask you to step out of the box a bit. Sometimes, even though the group conscience is to use the H&I can, the consequences of that decision aren’t apparent until it’s too late.
The size of any group, district or area doesn’t change the position regarding a group conscience. If your group – fully informed – took a group conscien ce to pass an H&I Can – that is your group conscience. If the group was not informed as to the existing guidelines (approved by the conference as to the intent and direction given for that decision), then we would strongly suggest re-evaluating the group’s decision with the correct information and being fully informed. The use of an H&I Can is optional and may not be the right solution for some groups.
At my home group, for example, where we used to do the H&I can, we often collected more in H&I donations than in regular 7th Tradition. I’ve simplified the math, but here’s the basic dilemma we were facing: If rent was $30 a month, and we spent $10 a month on chips & literature, we needed $40 a month to cover our expenses. Let’s say the monthly 7th Tradition was $20 and H&I contributions were $30. The $50 received was more than enough to cover the monthly expenses, but because $30 of it was contributed to H&I, the group conscience did not have the authority to use any of those funds to pay the rent — that’s under the WSBT’s position, your position, and the way we practice the H&I can here. That is how I believe those funds bypass the group conscience, because the group conscience no longer has the power to allocate the funds where they are most needed. Instead, the decision is left in the hands of the donor, who is typically less than fully informed as what the group’s ongoing financial needs are.
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To answer your presented scenario – there are many groups suffering from small 7th tradition donations and have had to increase their fund raising efforts to keep their meetings afloat. Some of these groups had to make some serious decisions in regards to their expenses as well. Monthly recognition of the shortfall of any group to meet its financial needs is as important to the 7th tradition as is the raising of the funds itself. But to by-pass the group conscience’s decision to participate in the use of an H&I Can and take/borrow/utilize those funds as the answer to the group’s 7th tradition collection shortfalls is NOT being fully self-supporting – or – honest to the members that donated to that H&I Can for its intended and expressed purpose. The H&I Can is not an additional tool to help assist groups, districts, areas or regions in meeting their expenses. It is a proven option to raise funds for chips and literature for addicts confined.
I understand your passion for H&I, and the desire to make CA meetings and literature available to each and every institutionalized addict, but in smaller Areas such as mine, we often have to prioritize in favor of keeping our existing meetings open, so that those institutionalized addicts have somewhere to go when they get out. My local experience is in keeping with a line from the 2004 WSBT’s response to CAUK, “if earmarked funds were to be accepted, this practice might then lead to diminished un-earmarked funds to the point that there would not be sufficient general un-earmarked funds within which to operate.”
What I’ve been seeking all along is a way we can still utilize the H&I can, which is a proven and successful fund-raising effort, but without having those funds ‘tagged,’ ‘earmarked’ or otherwise allocated exclusively to H&I. What the WSBT seems to be saying is that funds raised via the H&I can are indeed ‘tagged,’ but it’s not ‘earmarking’per se, because we’re asking for the money, so that’s alright. To me, the principle is the same even if the terminology isn’t, and that’s what I don’t understand — why is the WSBT okay with this? No matter what we’re calling it, we’re saying that the money has to be spent the way the donor intended.
To answer your presented scenario, we hope to have cleared up the confusion as to the solicited/unsolicited differentiation in our fundraising and earmarking question. If we solicit funds, inside the guidelines and direction of years of World Service Conferences, we would hope that we are true to the intent of those requests. In regards specifically to the optional use of an H&I Can, it has been our experience and therefore our deepest concern that if the sanctity of that effort was to be compromised, the donations would dramatically decrease and the effort would suffer greatly.
I’m not seeking to get rid of the H&I can, but to improve the way we utilize it. This is why I was hoping the WSBT could come up with some new language to go on the can or be added to the meeting format which would say something like, ‘these funds will help make sure we can adequately fund our efforts to fund H&I,’ but not tie the hands of the group, District or Area if it needs to use a portion of those funds for a more pressing need. If the funds raised via the H&I can were not ‘tagged,’ ‘earmarked’ or otherwise exclusively H&I’s to begin with, I sincerely believe we’d see a lot less ‘stockpiling’ of funds by local H&I committees. Here, for example, if funds were given to the District, and District felt it had the authority to set a budget for H&I because it was no longer separately and exclusively funded through the can, excess funds would be regularly passed on to Area and World Services (in fact, WSCA District 3 is listed in the new NewsGram as contributing
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$216.90 last quarter). Unless and until we eliminate the perception that funds raised via the H&I can are never to be used for anything other than H&I, no matter how dire the need to use them for another purpose, I don’t see this problem going away.
To answer your presented scenario, we believe the H&I Committee will continue to educate our fellowship in the positive advantages of following the guidelines and direction of the CAWS Conference. We believe that they are going to keep reaching out to those groups, districts, areas and regions that reportedly “stockpile” H&I funds a nd educate them that holding those monies is as much against the guidelines as spending them outside of their intent. It has been interesting to note though, that since the last conference, the actual verifiable quantity of H&I committees holding excess funds is MUCH smaller with MUCH less money than what was spoke to at the 08 Conference.
We hope this additional information assists in clearing this matter up. It is our role to take these questions out into the open, comb them for violations/collisions of our traditions, our manual, and our guidelines. In relationship to the optional use of the H&I Can – we have not received any information from anyone or found anything in our research that identifies any violation/collision with our traditions, manual or guidelines.
I, on the other hand, am at the point where I’d rather go away than be a nuisance, lol, so I’ll leave it up to you whether you wish to discuss this further with the rest of the WSBT.
I know you’re at your quarterly meeting this weekend, so if you run out of things to talk about, I would welcome some additional feedback. If your agenda is full, as my Board’s often was, please feel free to put this off to a later date. My thanks to you and the rest of the Board for all you do, and I hope you have a fabulous meeting —
Cynthia
We appreciate the time you took in your enquiry and encourage all of our members to participate as you do in our fellowship’s success.
ILAS
WSBT
STATUS: Randy: Everyone has approved this…response has b een sent to Cynthia…
Richard sent personal email to Randy; his comment was that we could have addressed the change of verbiage by the WSBT…??? Randy did not think that it was necessary.
Item can be removed from agenda. DONE
To be Completed by or Updated at the April Conference Call:
2008.04.14 CA Helpdesk site (Hayward)
UPDATE: Hayward sent email regarding this, “ The helpdesk is up, updated, and ready for use. All we are looking for is where to link it from, and the procedure for checking questions and answering
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them. I had suggested that it be linked from the Trustees page so as not to be confused with the feedback page”.
Hayward: Since the WSO owns the website they don’t want me to go directly to Mike, so I have been sending things to the WSO…John sent response…M ike suggested how it should operate…all is good with it at this time. Update in May
2009.02.09 November minutes/Transcriber – Hayward/Trevor
UPDATE: Trevor: He is trying to retrieve the equipment from the current secretary, and pay her for the work she has done. He is hoping to see her this week. Equipment will then be sent on to Barbara for her to start working. November Board to Board minutes need to be completed, as well as March WSBT and March Board to Board minutes. Update in May
| Referrals Status | |||
| WSBT In conference referrals | |||
| Referral #5788 | Approved/done | ||
| Referral #5794 | Approved/done | ||
| Referral #5821 | Approved/done | ||
| Referral #5632 | Approved/done | ||
| Referral #5778 | Approved/done | ||
| Referral #5789 | Approved/done | ||
| WSBT Post Conference Referrals | |||
| Referral # 5784 | Approved/done | ||
| Referral # 5771 | Approved/done | ||
| Referral # 5858 | Approved/done | ||
| Referral # 5817 | Approved/done | ||
Referral # 5796 – to be completed.
Referred from LCF committee to WSBT – lead Trevor, Lawrence, Kim, “With AA approval add the first 164 pages of Big Bo ok to HFC II.”
Trevor: is currently working on the response…will have it posted this week for subcommittee, and then to the WSBT for approval.
DONE/PASSED RESPONSE ONLINE MAY 13, 2009 Saturday, May 9, 2009
Trevor S.: Motion to approve the attached response to referral 5796.
Second by Nick L. With minor changes>accepted
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
Motion passed.
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Response:
Thank you for your referral. Your request certainly raises many issues, and although the WSBT can see the simplicity of the referral in regards to the “logistics” of adding our basic tool to the CA “Storybook”, the WSBT is not in favor of such actio n.
The primary reason first and foremost is that the “ Big Book” belongs to Alcoholics Anonymous. Requesting them to change their “copy written” mate rial would surely be an expense that neither fellowship wishes to pursue. Also, Tradition 6 states that “A C.A. group ought never endorse, finance or lend the C.A. name to any related facility or outside enterprise, lest problems of money, property, or prestige divert us form our primary purpose.” Such an endeavor would surely be affiliation with AA. Next, it is highly unlikely that AA would grant such permission as their book is their primary means of raising money to help the “alcoholic” that still suffers. We developed and published the CA Storybooks to accompany our basic tool not to replace it.
NEW BUSINESS
2009.04.01 – SR16 and Delegate Mailing (Nick)
Nick: Concern about the WSO, at recent assembly there was a lot of questions regarding mailings and how does the WSO follow the Standing Rules…he r esponded that the WSO is going through a transition.
Willie: Will be addressing this with the WSO regarding the mailing. Should have update after April 23 meeting. Update needed
2009.04.02 – Publication Process referred to WSO (Trevor)
Trevor: As of LCF conference call: LCF has approved some literature at the 2007 Conference, and yet has not been published. What is the timeline? Hayward: Can you provide name of pieces?
Trevor: Yes.
Willie: Please provided by April 23 so that he can take it to the WSOB meeting on April 23.
Update needed
2009.04.03 – Reprint of HFC2 without AA literature (Willie)
Willie: Motion passed, by the WSOB. There is a motion that was passed at the WSOB meeting 4/9/09 involving printing HFC II without AA literature. This is a new inventory item; I have passed out the particulars prior to this call. The motion passed without substantial unanimity and passed by the chair breaking the tie.
*Willie: Motion to re-print HFC II without any AA literature, not to exceed $7000.00. Second by Joy.
Discussion: Willie: WSOB has asked that this motion be made to the WSBT, there was a spilt in the voting, and broken by the Chair…He is concerned about the current budget…we are getting extremely close to our Prudent Reserve… have not co nfirmed the inventory currently in stock. Can this be done after the Convention? He does not like the timing of the funds distribution.
Kim: When was the last inventory?
Willie: In February…not finalized.
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Kim: Speaks in favor of the motion to insure that we have inventory of the book without AA literature, to insure that our International fellowship has the book available to them without AA literature (copyright laws regarding international distribution), and to secure financial gains. Motion passed. DONE
2009.04.04 – Communication to and from office (Willie)
Willie: Communication is most effective, if it is allowed to flow as it is intended. I am experiencing difficulties doing my job effectively because of all the information being transmitted to and from the office, I know it may be easier for you to communicate with the office directly and vice versa, but this is not how the process works and we should stick with the process that has been set in place. How can we expect the fellowship to follow procedures when we don’t set an example for others to follow.
Hayward: Requested that we all remain diligent to this procedure. DONE
2009.04.05 – Bank consolidation – Authorization (Wi llie)
>Merged with Old Business item 2008.11.03
Willie: Bank Consolidation/ Authorization, it has been brought to my attention from the accounts manager at the Palms branch where we opened new accounts, that all the accounts that were opened 12/12/08 have been transferred to the San Francisco Office to be managed. I contacted Ben Hagan at the San Francisco office and was told that Patty F. and Susan D. have been contacting him concerning our accounts and wants to keep Ben as the managing accounts officer, this is not what was passed by this board and ultimately passed on to the WSOB and the office, this is blatant disregard of authority, and if indeed this happened this way and without permission to make these changes, whomever is responsible should be reprimanded.
Hayward: WSBT made a motion to merge everything under one branch, Paid Director has disregarded this, and has continued to work with the person she prefers to. Joy: Who is our current contact at the Palms?
Hayward: Chris.
Joy: Is recommending that we send correspondence to those involved and indicate who we have decided to continue working with, Palms Branch, Chris. Additionally, the statements will be dated at the end of the month, and fees will be incurred only on the new accounts.
Willie: Copies of the bank reconciliations for February and March will be forwarded to the Board. Not sure if he has received the March one. Timeline? Should have them by the 15th of every month.
*Joy: Motion to receive draft financial statement, and bank reconciliation statement by the 15th of every month. Second by Willie.
Joy: Should be draft, before anyone at the WSO receives it, without any changes.
Joy: Amend: that Oliver send to Willie, Hayward, Tom, and Patty draft financial statements, and bank reconciliations statements by the 15th of every month.
*Amended Motion: That Oliver send to Willie, Hayward, Tom, and Patty – draft financial statements, and bank reconciliation statements by the 15th of every month. Motion Passed. Update in May
2009.04.06 – Paid Directors Cap on Service Commitment (Willie, Hayward)
>Merged with Old Business item 2008.11.05
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Willie: Thought, I wasn’t sure why we went to 2 paid director model at the office, and why did we create a position, assistant to the DRPD who is part time, and this was not even in the projection for this position. We are here working under 1 director and will be for some time, what if we went back to the old model where there was an Office Manager full time, the 1 paid director DRPD with an assistant to DRPD and consider limiting the service term of the 1 paid director, as we do with other entities in our service structure, e.g.. Trustee, this keeps some stability at the office with the Office Manager and assistants. In place to carry on with projects until the new elected Paid Director is firmly in place.
*Willie: Motion to put a limit on the term of DPRD to be four years, with a one year extension. Second by Joy.
Randy: Speaks against the motion, this is not a volunteer or election position. This is a hired position. We need to find a person to fill this position, and that can do an excellent job. If we have an annual review for these positions, we should do this. Joy: Also speaks against the motion, ditto Randy.
Lawrence: Speaks against the motion, similar reasons.
Trevor: Also feels that we need to address the current situation with current employees. Randy: Speaking against the motion, does not reflect the current need to terminate any one employee.
Joy: Feels a quarterly review needs to be put in place.
Willie: Agree with quarterly review, or semiannual review at the Board to Board meetings.
The WSBT needs to be proactive in what direction we need the WSO structure to precede.
Motion Fails Update in May (should we merge Office Restructure Project, item 2008.11.05 with 2009.04.07 ?)
2009.04.07 – Interim restructure project (Willie)
Willie: There is a bit of a rift at the office with the new interim plan, it was my understanding that Susan would continue as Asst. DRPD and Yvette would act as assistant. DOO being trained in duties and responsibilities of DOO, being overseen and trained by Patty. Well there are some problems, and these problems can be viewed as an hostile work environment, this concerns me because I feel as if this plan was misrepresented when it was laid out to us at the board to board. There is little or no supervision being done and staff feels as if they cannot share their concerns without breaking protocol. There is a shift in duties and responsibilities. Exclusion of Yvette. There is no progress report. Joy will be sending out info regarding the need for a Director of Operations to the PSR in the near future. Willie has offered to act as a liaison to those involved. Joy: Is John doing his job?
Willie: Not at this time…supervising, no. There is no communication going on between the three employees at the office. Yvette is not comfortable talking with John regarding this. Hayward: The WSOB chair is not supervising the paid director at all.
Joy: If Tom is the going to be the new chair, and he can spend time at the office, are we sure that he will be effective in his position, supervising, and allow the three employees to do their current jobs. Willie: Tom is just sitting back for his term to begin, trying to stay out of stuff, looking to have a transition period…??? Don’t see that being done. Not sure if Tom will be more proactive.
*Joy: Motion that we allow Hayward and Willie to oversee the WSO as John is not fulfilling his position. Second by Trevor.
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Joy: Speaks in favor of motion, the current motion speaks to the fact that the WSBT is in favor of a “working” environment for all those working at the office.
Kim: Not sure if I am in favor or against the motion. Very concerned with the situation at the WSO. I have tried to contact Taffy regarding her concerns, but she has not called back. Do we really want to move to have Hayward and Willie “ove rsee” John, or rather how they can possibly be of help to him, or just talk with him?
Randy: Against the motion, we have to be very careful with action to replace, punish, or supersede their work. We may need to address the situation with this volunteer. We need to address the problem.
Willie: Have been in contact with Taffy, to have an “exit interview.”
*Amend: That Hayward and Willie will assist in the supervision of the WSO.
*Amended motion: Motion that Hayward and Willie will assist in the supervision of the WSO.
Hayward: Does John continue in his position, or does Tom step in…?
Randy: Let’s talk with John, and imitated the transition.
Hayward: We meet with John and Tom regarding the situation, and ask how we can help.
Would like to hear from both of them as to where they are currently.
Motion passes with two abstentions.
Hayward: Would like to hear from the two abstentions.
Kim: Not sure we are heading in the right direction is our authority of “assisting” with the job of th e volunteer. I think that we need to assist in the timeline of the transition.
Willie: Feels the same way…we need to provide them with the info that we are ready to see a transition of the position of WSOB Chair. How can we help them?
*Joy: Motion to reconsider. Second by Lawrence.
Trevor: I am against the motion to reconsider, feel the original wording, and trusts that Hayward and Tom will act in our best interest.
Randy: Speak in favor, what we made the motion for: isn’t it the job of Hayward and Willie to act accordingly.
Joy: Concept 8: I think it is our job to act/assist them in the business affairs of CA if it is not getting it done.
Motion fails Update in May
2009.04.08 – H&I (Randy)
Randy: regarding correspondence that he has received:
Randy: Individual had conversation with Patty that the office will be willing to take on the expense of shipping. Don’t feel this is financially responsible. Kim: Patty is looking to reduce the inventory.
Joy: Someone needs to address this with Patty.
Willie: Question the individual as to whether or not this is happening…go to Patty and ask.
I would like to ask Patty as to whether this is going on.
*Randy: Motion to move this issue to online. Second by Joy. Motion passed. Update in May
Correspondence: Our local H&I chips and literature ordering person has told our local committee that he has had conversations with Patty and that she has informed him that he could encourage
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prison and jail institutions to directly request – from the WSO – copies of HFC. And these requests would be handled the same way as if they came from an individual inmate and the books would be sent to them free of charge. This validity of this conversation has not been verified but needs to be addressed.
- I am not aware of any budget line item for the WSO to take on the expense of shipping what could be a large dollar amount of literature to jails and institutions directly. I support the WSO in responding to small number of individual requests and the process in place to track those and give info to the H&I committee as to where they come from. But I don’t believe the WSO has the right to encourage this activity without going through normal budgetary planning and approval.
- I am very concerned that this encourages the local H&I committees to be less responsible towards their local efforts of being tradition 7 compliant of “self supporting”. There were comments made at the local H&I committee meeting for why should they continue to buy this literature IF the WSO would send it for free.
I would ask that the WSO stop encouraging local groups, districts and/or areas to engage in offering free direct shipments of chips and literature upon institutional requests that I feel should be the active responsibility and fiscal responsibility of the local groups and districts.
Questions:
Joy: Willie sent info regarding announcement of need to fill Treasure position…need to discuss the announcement date. August 1st – all good with that.
- Motion to Adjourn – Joy: Motion to adjourn. Second by Lawrence – 127pm/pst.
Respectfully submitted by Kim S., MWRT, and WSBT Secretary.
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