OPENING REPORT C.A. WORLD SERVICE CONFERENCE 2008
WORLD SERVICE BOARD OF TRUSTEES REPORT
INTRODUCTION AND OPENING COMMENTS:
We would like to thank the Fellowship for allowing us to be of service. I would like to thank the members of the Board for an outstanding job. We have had our challenges, but in the spirit of unity, love and hard work, we persevered.
Our quarterlies and conference calls are getting shorter, yet maintaining a higher volume of emails. We are working at a very high pace, with all the procedures we have implemented in the past two years. We are spending less time in the boardroom, giving us what we strived for from the beginning, spending more time with the Fellowship.
With this latter goal in mind, the Trustee Election Committee has already conducted all of the candidate interviews so we can begin voting when the TEC reconvenes Wednesday evening. This year, the TEC is charged with filling five vacancies on our Board. The Southwest Regional Trustee position, presently open, Earl Henderson, the World Service Office Trustee, Bruce Watson, the Atlantic North Regional Trustee, Bobbie Harmon, the Trustee at Large and WSBT Vice Chair and me, the Pacific South Regional Trustee and WSBT Chair are rotating out at the end of the Conference.
Again it has been our great honor to serve the Fellowship. We are forever guided by God in thought and action.
WSBT INTRODUCTIONS:
WSBT Members:
Kimberly Sherwan, Midwest Regional Trustee
Nicholas Lynn, European Regional Trustee
Trevor Scheible, Pacific North Regional Trustee and WSBT Secretary
Lawrence Matlock Atlantic South Regional Trustee
Bruce Watson, Atlantic North Regional Trustee
Approved Page 7
Hayward Hunt, World Service Trustee
Earl Henderson, World Service Office Trustee
Bobbie Harmon, Trustee at Large and WSBT Vice Chair
Carl Warlick, Pacific South Regional Trustee and WSBT Chair
REFERRALS THAT WERE WORKED UPON DURING THE YEAR:
We have worked diligently on our referrals throughout the year and will present our responses in our report to be given when the Conference reconvenes on Friday.
CONFERENCE REPORTS BY INDIVIDUAL TRUSTEES:
*Midwest Regional Trustee Conference Report
Kim S. August 2008
During this first year of my term, the fellowship in the Midwest has kept me very busy. I have answered and fielded emails, and phone messages from many of you. I have also had the opportunity to talk with those of the public sector about the program of Cocaine Anonymous. It has been awesome to share and chat with each of you regarding Cocaine Anonymous.
It has been wonderful to watch H&I explode in Wisconsin and in Illinois, PI continues to pursue new ways to get the message out that “we are here and we are free”. I have felt the growth of Ohio as they inform and educate their local fellowship about the traditions and concepts of CA. It is awesome is it to watch both the Missouri and Nebraska areas work to individually host the regional conventions in 2008, and 2009. Indiana, Kentucky, and Michigan continue to support local meetings and share the program of CA. It is really exciting to watch areas which have not yet sought recognition, Iowa, and West Virginia, request starter kits, and grow one meeting at a time. And despite a concern about the lack of service experience, and service commitment in Manitoba, they were able to have a wonderful and successful area convention. One of the most memorable experiences of this year was my trip to Minnesota. I accepted an invitation from them to attend a “Meet and Greet” with Area board members, followed by an “Information Forum.” It was a one day trip that I hold near and dear to my heart, nine hours of love and service that I was very honor to be a part of. I have found that each Areas has its own personality, growing pains, challenges, and triumphs. Universally I see the need and desire to stay to the course, and do the best for the group conscience. The Midwest Region has provided me with knowledge, experience, and opportunities to grow and change. In regards to 7th tradition, it has risen over this past year in the Midwest…a tribute to the growth and commitment to CA’s growth by you.
Approved Page 8
As the first year of my term comes to an end, I need to reflect just for a moment. I need to tell you that this position is everything that I thought it would be, and nothing that I expected…
Fortunately, I have not gone on my own, but have moved forward with the assistance, love and kindness of this fellowship, and most of all the WSBT. This trustee job…yes it is a job, has brought me great joy and pride. There has been an opportunity to elaborate on skills of patience, tolerance and acceptance. Listening has become a great educator. Faith has become refuge that “all will be as it should be”. How fortunate are we to have one another on this journey. I am so blessed to be here today~!
In closing, I wish to thank the WSOB, and the staff at the World Service Office for their commitment to CA, and all of their help through out the year. I remain blessed to have my friend and service mentor, Tony D., my “buddy”, Carl W., and the friendship of the WSBT. To Bobbie, Earl, and Bruce, and Carl, thank you so much for being a part of this awesome journey. I know that you will never be to far away. (This is when I will cry L)
And, To My Fellowship…CA, thank you for this opportunity to serve. Kim S.
*European Regional Trustee Conference Report
Nicholas Lynn August, 2008
Overview
This year has brought both usual and unusual challenges as I have tried to serve The Fellowship under God’s grace. I have grown a little, learned a lot as has the region .With the support of The Board, The Office Board and the Office I get to help ; Cocaine Anonymous continues to allow me to grow and be of service one day at a time.
Service
I have served on the Legal, Long Term Planning, Trustee Negotiating, and Finance sub-committees and lead the International Outreach committee and have participated in all conference calls throughout the year: and as a member of the board have continued to work on referrals with WSBT members online and by telephone in order to get the work done in a timely manner. As trustee attached to both the PI & H&I committees I have worked with these group by email , conference call and one to one to address the Conference Referrals during the last 12 months ; helping both committees bring SR14 items to the Conference floor this year. I attended the WSC in Salt Lake City and took part in “meet the Trustees, TEC interview, helped out on Memorabilia sales and the
Approved Page 9
Unity Breakfast as well as WSBT business and got to meet and be of maximum service to the Fellowship.
In Conclusion
This year again has been fantastic for Cocaine Anonymous as the fellowship continues to expand in Europe; new meetings start, the Fellowship in Europe grows and with this growth come new challenges! These have to be met on a daily basis with courage and fortitude and with the help and experience of the membership we are beginning to come of age.
Lastly I would like to wish –
Carl Warlick (PSRT) – Chair of the WSBT, Bobbie Harmon (TAL) – Vice Chair of the WSBT and Earl Henderson (WSOT) and Bruce Watson (ANR) all the very best as they move on with their lives, having served Cocaine Anonymous so diligently as members of the WSBT.
Area / District Visits
This year I got to visit Germany, Sweden, Holland and Scotland in an endeavor to carry out the mandate of The Conference and help these Areas in the European Region.
7th Tradition Contributions
The European Region continues to make donations all of which are received with much gratitude.
By God’s grace I get to serve Cocaine Anonymous – thank you all for allowing me to be part of the Fellowship which I love.
Respectfully submitted – Nicholas L.
Pacific North Region Trustee Conference Report
Trevor Scheible August, 2008
This past year has been amazing. I attended all 4 quarterly meetings, all conference calls, served on my conference committee, and various WSBT Subcommittee’s. I also served as secretary to the WSBT.
I traveled to Northern Nevada for the PNRC, as well as Northern Alberta and the district of Saskatoon. I also had the pleasure of helping the 2008 World Service
Approved Page 10
Convention Committee. I was able to work with Terry M. and a wonderful group of very dedicated people. They did a truly amazing job for the fellowship of CA. It was an all-around success.
It is always a pleasure to do what I love. I really do have the greatest job in the world, and while I look forward to the upcoming challenges, I am saddened to see so many friends and fellow Trustee’s leave. I am grateful to them for showing me how best to serve this fellowship we all love. I wish them all the best in wherever their lives lead them. I hope we as a Board can continue to walk with each other and with God, and always remember just what a blessing it is to serve in this capacity.
Respectfully Submitted, Trevor S. PNRT
* Atlantic South Regional Trustee
Lawrence B. Matlock Jr. August 2008
Overview:
I am grateful to the God of my understanding, the WSBT, and fellowship of Cocaine Anonymous for letting me be of service as the Atlantic South Regional Trustee. This past year has brought maturity in my recovery and in my position as the Atlantic South Regional Trustee. I have enjoyed serving with this WSBT. As we look forward to selecting five new trustees, I know with the new makeup of the WSBT we will continue a high standard of service.
I participated in new Trustee orientation, all conference calls, quarterly meetings and online business of the WSBT. During this business I participated in the selection of Taffy W. as Office Manager of the WSO and then a new Director of Operations completing the implementing of the two Director System. Also the selection of Richard L. as a Director on the WSOB. Stayed in contact with the Conference Archives Committee during the year, while they were preparing the Archive guidelines for areas and districts to be submitted at this Conference. I was in communication with members in South Carolina who set up an Area structure and prepared an area petition for presentation at this conference. I would like to thank Carl W. PSRT and WSBT Chair, Bobbie H. Trustee-at-Large and WSBT Co-Chair (my buddy) and Earl H., World Service Office Trustee for their service the last four years and their support the last two years.
I have been serving on the following subcommittee of the WSBT: Long Term Planning Committee, Trustee Election Committee, Trustee Negotiating Committee, Finance Committee, and the Outreach Sub-Committee as Chairperson.
Approved Page 11
Area visits
Attended the Arkansas Area Convention in Little Rock, AR
Keep it Real Group Anniversary in Pine Bluff, AR
Spirituality and Serenity Group Anniversaries in Little Rock, AR
Arkansas Area’s Celebrate Around the World Event Little Rock, AR
Tennessee Area Convention in Memphis, TN
Atlantic South Regional Convention in Birmingham, AL where I presided over the Regional Caucus and was the Closing Speaker.
CAWS 2008 Salt Lake City, UT
Solution Group Anniversary Columbus, MS
Again thanks for letting me service in this capacity In Love and Service,
Lawrence B. Matlock Jr.
* Atlantic North Regional Trustee
Bruce Watson August, 2008
I have been blessed to serve as Atlantic North Regional Trustee from August 2006 through this Conference. In the past year, I attended three of the four quarterly WSBT meetings in person; while I was not able to physically attend the November quarterly meeting because of illness, I participated via conference call in that quarterly meeting’s deliberations.
On the World Service Board of Trustees, I served as a member of the following subcommittees: Finance, International Structure and Development, Orientation, Trustee Election, and Long Term Planning. I also Chair the Legal Subcommittee. I participated as necessary and appropriate during the year in all these assignments. I also served as the Trustee assigned to the Literature, Chips and Format Committee of the World Service Conference. I participated in all but one of the telephone conference calls, and interacted appropriately with committee members via email throughout the year.
The most challenging issue I faced over the past year concerned my ability to continue to serve as Atlantic North Regional Trustee. As some of you know, the small business of which I am a co-owner is facing serious financial problems, and – after discussing this matter with my business partner, my sponsor and asking God for direction – I advised the WSBT that I would of necessity resign as ANR Trustee at the end of this conference.
This was a difficult decision. My service as ANR Trustee has been a wonderful experience, and I have had the opportunity to grow in understanding and effectiveness as I served the Fellowship of Cocaine Anonymous over the past two years, the Fellowship which saved my life. I will always remember the
Approved Page 12
friendships that I made, the issues that I participated in addressing, and the opportunity to give what help and guidance I could to this wonderful Fellowship of ours.
I close with the words that one hundred men and women chose to conclude the book Alcoholics Anonymous, which give me a feeling of wonder and profound gratitude every time I hear them. These words remind me, and I believe all of us, to be open-minded, to continue to improve conscious contact with God as we each understand God, to carry the message with God’s help as best we can, and to celebrate the joy of the journey, instead of obsessing about the destination.
Our book is meant to be suggestive only. We realize we know only a little. God will constantly disclose more to you and to us. Ask Him in your morning meditation what you can do each day for the man who is still sick. The answers will come, if your own house is in order. But obviously you cannot transmit something you haven’t got. See to it that your relationship with Him is right and great events will come to pass for you and countless others. This is the Great Fact for us.
Abandon yourself to God as you understand God. Admit your faults to Him and to your fellows. Clear away the wreckage of your past. Give freely of what you find and join us. We shall be with you in the Fellowship of the Spirit, and you will surely meet some of us as you trudge the Road of Happy Destiny.
May God bless you and keep you – until then.
* World Service Trustee
Hayward Hunt August 2008
I thank God for my life by continuing to be of service to the C.A. fellowship. As a 3rd year Trustee I continue to maintain the “WE” perspective in thoughts, actions and spirit in representing the world service boards at all times.
WSBT/WSOB Activities
Attended, participated in and provided written reports for the required quarterly meetings, conference calls, regional assemblies and caucus. Actively participated in all listed subcommittees to include answering correspondence received from the fellowship and various other projects. As the previous year WSBT Board Secretary provided a pass it on to the new Secretary and provided guidance when requested. Finalized all contracts for goods and services for the CAWS 2008 convention and conference.
Approved Page 13
Attended, participated in the required bi-weekly meetings of the WSOB. Teamed with Directors on various projects to support the WSO. Accompanied the PSRT on area visits, participated in a 12 Traditions and 12 Concepts workshop.
Committee Activities
WSC committee is: Conference
WSBT subcommittees are: International Structures and Development, Long Term Planning, Trustee Election Committee (TEC), Conference, Finance, Legal, Trustee Negotiating Committee (TNC) and Orientation.
I would like to again thank both the WSBT and WSOB for their continued support in my 3rd year of serving at this level. I invite all the conference in wishing Carl Warlick (PSRT) – Chair of the WSBT, Bobbie Harmon (TAL) – Vice Chair of the WSBT, Earl Henderson (WSOT), and Bruce Watson (ANR) our very best as they rotate off the board thank you all so very much for all your help and for your 4 years of dedicated service to Our Fellowship.
I continue to contribute monthly to the CA Contribution Program and support C.A.’s primary purpose of carrying the message to the addicts and alcoholics that still suffers.
Thanks for letting me be of service
* World Service Office Trustee
Earl Henderson August 2008
It is with a heart full of gratitude that I submit my last report to the WSC as your World Service Office Trustee. For the last six years, I have been honored to serve on the WSOB as a Director and for the last four years as the WSOT. This is my sixth WSC, at my first I knew a handful of members, today, and I am blessed to have many, many friends all over the Globe. Thank you for enriching my life.
The composition of previous boards and current boards I have served on has always been in a state of evolution. I have been privileged to serve with some very dedicated, talented, and generous members; generous with their time and talent and generous with their love for this Fellowship. I have been blessed in so many ways. You have taught me so much over the years, thank you for letting me stand on your shoulders.
I have been this past year very busy, communicating issues between the WSOB board and the WSBT Board, which is my primary responsibility. I have attended
Approved Page 14
all of the bi-monthly WSOB Board meetings during the year. I attended all Quarterly meetings of the WSBT and participated on all of their Conference Calls.
I have been serving on the following sub committees of the WSBT:
- Chair, Trustee Election Committee
- Chair, WSBT Finance Committee
- Long term Planning Committee
- International Structure and Development
I am the Trustee to the WSC Finance Committee.
What I have worked on this past year:
This was a year of Transition.
Right after last year’s WS Conference we were charged by you with implementing a Two Director WSO. After years of careful consideration and thought, it was now time to make it happen. The WSBT worked diligently during the first quarter refining the duties and responsibilities of the Director of Operations under a new office structure and also the new position of Director of Resource and Project Development needed to be filled. Having accomplished this task after much discussion and a little debate at the November quarterly meeting, it was now up to the Chair of the WSOB, John B., at the direction of the WSBT to perform a job search. He was to bring the top three candidates to the February WSBT quarterly meeting for final interviews.
The second quarter was a very busy quarter for the WSOB. After the holidays the job search went into high gear. We posted the job opportunity to the fellowship as well as the usual job internet sites. John spent countless hours talking with potential candidates, sifting through resumes, trying to bring us worthy people for consideration. To his credit, after many days and nights of unanticipated work he was able to narrow the field. I want to thank John for going above and beyond for the Fellowship in this effort. The entire WSOB participated in a day long process of interviewing all the finalists and making recommendations. Finally the field was narrowed down to the top three prospects.
The WSBT had developed an interview questionnaire and all three candidates had a level playing field to compete on. The process was very fair and comprehensive and very successful. Taffy W was selected as the new office manager and reported to work March 3rd. Patty F was selected Director of Resources & Project Development.
Approved Page 15
The WSOB nominated Taffy in May, after her very successful 90-day probationary period, for the position of Director of Operations. The WSBT unanimously approved her directorship. The last six months has been filled with training and transition. We are on our way. Thanks again to all the efforts by Taffy, John, Patty and the Office staff for making it a smooth and successful transition.
During the past year, I participated in our Regional Unity Day and supported our Pacific South Regional Trustee during the regional assembly in the new West Inland Empire Area where a Regional slate of 6 was selected.
This brings me to the TEC. It is an honor to Chair this committee. I would like to thank Kim S. MWRT, for assisting the committee as Vice-Chair; her help was definitely needed and appreciated this year, and all who serve on this committee. After the various regional assemblies brought forth their slates, we found ourselves looking at the possibility of having to interview over 20 candidates for the following openings: W.S.O.T., T.A.L., P.S.R., S.W.R., and to our surprise the A.N.R. We got busy early in the year, then contacted our TEC delegates and candidates to try and get as many interviews scheduled at CAWS 2008 as possible. We were successful in that endeavor having completed 10 in Salt Lake. We looked at another 10 coming into LA, just prior to the start of the WSC in August. As we started planning for LA, we began to be surprised. Three candidates withdrew their names from their slates and the European Region declined to bring a slate. So we had 6 more interviews to be completed instead of 10 or 12. Our committee will come together over the next few days and follow the TEC election process; this is where Concept Nine and the Second Tradition come together.
I worked with the spending committee of the WSOB throughout the year reviewing contracts for goods and services for the W.S.O., CAWS 2008 and the WSC. I would especially like to thank the Pacific North Region, the Utah Area, and the entire CAWS 2008 Convention Committee, who contributed tremendously their many hours and days to our fellowship. What a fabulous celebration. Special thanks to Terry M. for his leadership and “coolness” under pressure. Thanks for letting me help out selling all that great stuff in memorabilia and to everybody involved with the auction Sunday Night.
Regarding Finance, as Chair of the WSBT Finance Committee, I helped revise the WSBT Spending/ Transfer/ Pay Raise Policy, first formulated in August 2007. It needed some fine tuning in order to provide the oversight the WSBT needed while providing the WSOB a written policy guideline to adhere to. Passed at the last quarterly meeting in May, by the WSBT, it seems to be working very well. I worked with the members of the WSBT on Budget issues and will be communicating them to the WSC Finance Committee at this Conference.
Approved Page 16
Throughout the year, I would review all bills of the WSO and sign checks at the WSO twice a month before our Board meetings. I also reviewed the bank accounts’ reconciliation reports and forwarded them to the rest of the WSBT for their review. Finally in relation to Finance, I would urge all of you to participate in the WS Contribution Program. I have been a participant in the WS Contribution Program, since its inception in 2004; I find it a convenient, private, and safe way to support World Services. It allows for a predictable stream of income for planning purposes and makes me feel good knowing my “contribution” goes straight to World without delay.
Looking Forward: More Transition.
Words fall short in describing just how honored I have been to serve with these two World Boards. I thank them for their support and wish them the very best as they go forward in service to the Fellowship. The composition of both Boards are about to change substantially. A new WSOT, a new TAL and 3 Regional as well will impact the WSBT significantly. The current returning Trustees are a great group and are now well seasoned but there will be a period of a learning curve with all the new folks. I thank Bruce W, Carl W., and Bobbie H., for their years of dedicated service to the Fellowship. It has been a real pleasure to serve with them. The faces on the WSOB will be changing as well. The terms of Kathy Jo and I are up. Kathy Jo and I are rotating out at the end of this Conference. We have put the word out to the fellowship that there are Directorship openings and are hopeful that others can experience the joy and growth that we have been blessed with as a result of this great opportunity. Thank you John for volunteering to serve another term as Chair of the WSOB, your leadership and continuity will be needed and much appreciated.
In Conclusion
Words somehow fall short to describe what I’m feeling at this time.
It’s not quite time to say farewell yet, as we have much to accomplish this week. A great deal of work awaits us, so even though you may hear me say “outgoing” during the week, I’m not gone yet but I know my days are numbered as your WSOT. It’s all about Change for the Better and I embrace that while keeping in mind what our primary purpose is. God is in the mix here and I need always be mindful of that fact when my ideas conflict or coincide with yours.
I want you to know that I really appreciate the opportunity to have served the Fellowship that saved my life and the wonderful changes it has brought to my personal life and recovery.
It has been a challenge and a learning experience serving the Two World Boards at the same time but very rewarding one. I leave my post feeling concerned about the Spiritual well being of our Fellowship after what we have had to witness
Approved Page 17
this last year at the same time feeling very good about the state of World Services. When I came to the WSOB 6 years ago we were broke financially and the two Boards had been a little contemptuous of each other. I was totally intimidated by everyone else’s knowledge and experience, but I became a sponge and listened. Each year we made progress while chasing perfection. There were a lot of Trustees and Directors working well together. Each Board becoming more sophisticated in the way they got their work done, free conference calls, on line business and on line motions, email, better communicating. Today, I feel serene in my departure. We have a very nice financial reserve, a sizable inventory of books, chips and soft literature not to mention the best office staff ever, and two very qualified, dedicated, paid directors. While I would love to take credit for all this progress, I must confess it has been a slow but steady improvement over the years by a lot of dedicated servants. Always striving for better, a lot of good people made it happen over time, thank you again for your trust, confidence, patience, and love and of course letting me be of service and a small part of your success.
* Southwest Regional Trustee & Trustee at Large
Bobbie F. Harmon August 2008
Overview
During the 2007-08 year, I have had the opportunity to serve the fellowship in the following ways:
- The WSBT quarterly meetings and conference calls.
- The CAWS Convention in Salt Lake City, UT.
- All WSBT on-line discussions and activities.
- Attended the Texas Area convention in Houston, TX.
- Attended an Area meeting and Unity fundraiser in Wichita, KS.
- The WSBT sub-committees.
- Assisted in the selection of the Steering Team for CAWS 2011.
- Russell S. (WSC PI Chair), Patty F. (DRPD) and I attended the 2008 National Association of Drug Court Professionals (NADCP) in St. Louis, MO this past May.
Saying Farewell
For those of you sitting here for the first time, you are probably feeling a little in awe, hesitant, slightly intimidated and maybe even a little scared. Don’t worry; you are right where you’re supposed to be. I walked in this room seven years ago and never imagined that it would turn out the way it has for me.
As a delegate, I didn’t think highly of the elder statesmen who were here. I felt insecure, inferior and a little jealous. What I have found out is that they were in
Approved Page 18
my shoes when they first got here too. While I was the Chair for my Area, I was told that each person does what they think is best for CA. I know that to be true today. We all want the same thing; we just go about it in a different way.
In the past four years, I have gained a new respect for the program and the fellowship. I was told that if you want to learn humility, get into service work. In doing so, I have reached a new level of honesty, faith, hope, courage, integrity, willingness, humility, love, forgiveness, discipline, awareness and service.
I have been blessed to meet and work with a lot of people from different places around the country and the world. I thank God for what He sees in each of us, and how He places us where He knows we will do our best with what He has given us. I also want to thank each of you for what you do for the fellowship that has assisted in saving my life. Keep doing what you do, it can only make you better.
In love and service,
Bobbie F. Harmon, Trustee-At-Large and Acting Southwest Regional Trustee
*Pacific South Region Trustee Conference Report
Carl W. August, 2008
Conference Report
August 23, 2008
As always I want to thank the Fellowship, for allowing me to serve you. I wish to thank the members of the conference past and present. Most of all I want to thank the delegates for all their hard work over the past years.
The last year started like my first, with a road trip with Hayward, Earl, John and myself. We cruised down to San Diego supporting Unity Day. Had dinner with our friend Mike G., and attended the evening beach meeting. Thank you guys, in 4 years we logged a lot of miles.
Over the last six months, I did very little traveling in the region. I made a lot of phone calls and sent a lot of e-mails. As everyone knows we had our share of challenges this year, with the lawsuit in CALA, and the forming of a new district in San Fernando. Watching the new West Inland Empire area grow. As usual, we had a host of events; all in all, it was a fun year.
I attended the convention in Salt Lake, great job folks. Along with the quarterly meetings and conference calls, I also attended quite a few other events, they were C. A. related, and the Illinois area convention it was “COLD.” Spoke in the Milwaukee Area on a Tuesday night.
Approved Page 19
Wow four years ago Elizabeth said,” take care of my damn fellowship.” I wish I knew what 1460 days meant; I wish I knew what each interview question meant at the time. I wish I could have understood the emotions as I watch old friends roll out, and new friends roll in. I experienced the change in the board. From the people that were stuck in the board rooms, to people that are engulfed by the Fellowship. My personal experience with the conference began at the Radisson. Stacks of paper, thick black binders with a deer in the headlights look. We now have laptops, cds, text support, and removable drives. As a service entity, look around. We’ve come a long way; the flying blind period is over. “WE ARE GROWN!” Today we are a very professional organization. We’ve hired the right people in your office. The TEC process works! At some point you all will start debating on having, the Conference every other year and outside the continental US. I’m damn proud of you!
To the people I served with, I can only say thank you. Any other words will do you all an injustice. I will share a couple of stories with you, sitting in the lobby at three o’clock AM in Memphis. Making so much noise we were asked to keep it down. Or sitting in the back of the hotel 12-stepping a gentleman, he stated I’m not ready. Doing new Trustee’s orientation at the Colorado Area convention and enjoy a football game on a late Sunday afternoon. (Yes Bobbie I put it in). Watching a very tough lady go to the microphone and petitioning an Area to become to a Unity Regional (CAUK). We have our first European Trustee, along with our first Canadian Trustee. (Who know nothing about hockey?) It’s saddening that our good friend Bruce will not be able to finish his term. Thank you Bruce, in every situation, in the back of my mind I will always ask the question “Where is GOD in this?”
Kim, the new kid on the block hit the ground running. She has not missed a beat, great work ethics. Thank you for being my buddy.
Touring Little Rock with Lawrence, having long conversations, and sharing e-mails. Thank you Lawrence you’ve taught me so much.
I was reflecting a passage from AA Comes of Age: Bill was about to relinquish his authority to the conference. He had mixed emotions, as his mind raced he thought about all the years he spent with Doctor Bob. Facing his own immortality he became very clear. “The Fellowship was safe, even from HIM.” As I look to the people in front of me your WSOB. The people to my right, plus the newly elected. The last four years, I have been a part of something, truly in my wildest dreams. I could have never ever imagined this for a homeless guy with a prison record. Thank you, Cocaine Anonymous, thank you World Service Conference, thank you World Service Delegates our fellowship is safe because of you.
In love and service, Carl W. Pacific South Regional Trustee
Approved Page 20
CLOSING COMMENTS:
Thank you for allowing us to be of service. We will now welcome any questions from the Conference floor.
Respectfully,
The World Service Board of Trustees
Steve Edwards – any questions from the floor? Seeing none. We will now hear from the WSOB but we will take a 10 minute break. Please be back at 10:13 pm.
BREAK
Approved Page 21