OPENING REPORT
C.A. WORLD SERVICE CONFERENCE 2007
WORLD SERVICE BOARD OF TRUSTEES REPORT
INTRODUCTION AND OPENING COMMENTS:
We would like to thank you all for giving us this opportunity to serve the fellowship of Cocaine Anonymous. I would also like to thank the rest of the Board for all their hard work. It has been a very busy year, but also a very enjoyable year for us.
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In addition to our quarterly meetings and conference calls, we have exchanged approximately 3,000 e-mails during the course of conducting business online. We have also implemented a number of new procedures and guidelines to help us operate more efficiently. As a result, the amount of time we need to spend meeting face-to-face has been significantly reduced. We also want to have more time to interact with the fellowship at the World Service Convention and to work with our respective Committees during the Conference.
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 Thursday evening. This year, the TEC is charged with filling two vacancies on our Board. Tony Drake, the Midwest Regional Trustee and WSBT Chair, and Jay Finesiiver, the Southwest Regional Trustee and WSBT Vice- Chair, are rotating out at the end of the Conference.
We strive to always remember that we are here to serve, and to allow a loving God to express Himself through our group conscience. It is a tremendous pleasure to be of service to CA in this capacity, and to work with this group of extremely talented and dedicated individuals.
WSBT INTRODUCTIONS:
WSBT Members:
Nicholas Lynn, European Regional Trustee
Trevor Scheible, Pacific North Regional Trustee
Bruce Watson, Atlantic North Regional Trustee
Lawrence Matlock Atlantic South Regional Trustee
Hayward Hunt, World Service Trustee and WSBT Secretary
Earl Henderson, World Service Office Trustee
Bobbie Harmon, Trustee at Large
Carl Warlick, Pacific South Regional Trustee
Jay Finesiiver, Southwest Regional Trustee and WSBT Vice Chair
Tony Drake, Midwest 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:
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*European Regional Trustee Conference Report
Nicholas L Submitted: August, 2007
1 need to thank you ali for Setting me be of service to this wonderful fellowship called Cocaine Anonymous and to remind me I do this by the grace of God . It has been a tremendous year for me: stepping up to serve as the first ever European Regional Trustee and I have endeavored to carry out my tasks as enthusiastically as I can. My understanding of the job in front of me has been revealed during the past year and been made easier with the help of the WSO ,WSOB & WSBT ( past and present ) God’s help and that of the fellowship – growth has been steady and the learning curve steep .
I have served on the Legal, Long Term Planning, Trustee Negotiating, and Finance sub-committees 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 the Pi committee I have worked with the members of the group by email , conference call and one to one to address the Conference Referrals during the last 12 months. Attended the WSC in Kansas and was privileged to facilitate a Men’s Workshop and be of service to the fellowship.
This year has been fabulous for me and Cocaine Anonymous as the fellowship expands in Europe; new meetings spring up most months and with this continued growth, l get to witness and be part of this international change. Established areas are helping and encouraging the newer members of the region and the message is carried in more languages and in more countries as I imagine the founding members dared to dream.
Area / District Visits
I have been fortunate to travel widely this year and got to meet members in Holland, Sweden, Spain and most of the UK: this gave me the opportunity to present various workshops – Love & Service , Traditions , Concepts and answer many questions. At all these events I was greeted with love and got to watch the fellowship grow and celebrate recovery. I look forward to visiting more countries next year especially Germany who are petitioning to become an Area at Conference 2007.
7th Tradition Contributions
As always funds flow to the office and 2 countries donated to World Services for the 1st time – any monies are gratefully received and are used as always to carry the message to those in need. The region passed on $9000.23 this year.
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Thank you for allowing me to be of service – through service to others I might grow!
Respectfully submitted – Nicholas L.
*Pacific North Region Trustee Conference Report
TrevorS. Submitted: August, 2007
Overview: This past year has been a wonderful experience, i can’t believe how fast it has flown by. There is so much to learn, and to do. I am in awe that my higher power allowed me to take part in this amazing journey.
I have attended all 4 quarterly meetings, been on ail conference calls, as well as being in Kansas City for the World Convention. They put on a heck of a show, and l had a blast. I also served on International Structure and Development, Long Term Planning, Newsgram, TEC, Trustee Negotiating, Outreach, and the Worid Service Conference Committees.
Regional: The Pacific North is a great region to be a part of. Some of the most beautiful places in the world, with the friendliest people. I attended the PNRC in Vancouver, Washington in March. ! was a little scared chairing my first Regional Assembly, but l had my friend and former Trustee Cynthia sitting beside me and it went very smoothly. We elected a slate of 3 Trustee candidates.
Area Visits: In addition to the PNRC, I attended conventions in Northern California, Northern Nevada, Northern Alberta, Southern Alberta, as well as a Christmas party in Northern Alberta, and a few local district events. The opportunity to travel and connect with new and old friends alike has been a wonderful experience.
Closing: I am grateful to my Higher Power for the chance to enhance my recovery by having the opportunity to serve the fellowship of Cocaine Anonymous. I look forward to the next 3 years with much excitement.
Respectfully Submitted, Trevor S. PNRT
*Atlantic North Region Trustee Conference Report
Bruce W. Submitted: August, 2007
As I conclude my first year as Atlantic North Regional Trustee, I am struck by how little I appreciated what was in store for me as I began my term. First and foremost, I have grown ~ and continue to grow – emotionally and spiritualty as I serve the Fellowship to the best of my ability. Second, l have learned – and continue to learn – from everyone with whom I have an opportunity to serve, from the area delegates to all the trusted servants at the world service level. Finally, I
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am even more committed to carrying the message of recovery and practicing the principles of recovery in ail aspects of my service to Cocaine Anonymous. Over the past year, I have observed that some of the Board’s time is spent addressing disputes which in my opinion are driven by selfish, dishonest, resentful, and fearful motives. I am ever mindful that the Big Book of Alcoholics Anonymous instructs us that ‘love and tolerance of others is our code.’ I am committed to encouraging more love and tolerance’ in the governance of our Fellowship. Additionally, we are all instructed that ‘we have stopped fighting anybody or anything. We have to!’ In that spirit, and with God’s help, I will continue to serve Cocaine Anonymous to the best of my ability.
WSBT Meetings and Sub Committees
Over the past year, I attended all meetings of the WSBT, participated in all WSBT conference calls and email discussions, i served on the International Structure and Development Subcommittee, the Legal Subcommittee, the Long Term Planning Subcommittee, and the Trustee Election Subcommittee. I also attended the World Convention in Kansas City in May 2007.
Conference Committees
I also served on the Unity Committee and the Literature, Chips & Format Committee, participating in numerous conference calls and extensive email discussions in support of the LCF Committee’s activities.
Area Visits
l attended the 20th Anniversary Quebec Convention in Montreal, where I chaired the Atlantic North Regional Assembly in November 2006. I attended the New York Area Spring Convention in Connecticut in May 2007. I attended the 2nd Anniversary Celebration of the rebirth of CA in Rhode Island in July 2007. 1 attended the 10th Annual CA Cookout hosted by the Massachusetts Area in July 2007. I look forward to scheduled visits to Pennsylvania and Ontario in October 2007.
Thank you for allowing me to be of service to Cocaine Anonymous.
Respectfully submitted, Bruce W. Atlantic North Regional Trustee 617-512-4333 brucew950@yahoo.com
*Atlantic South Region Trustee Conference Report
Lawrence M. Submitted: August, 2007
Overview:
I am grateful to the God of my understanding, the WSBT, and fellowship of
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Cocaine Anonymous for letting me be of service as the Atlantic South Regional Trustee, My first year has been exciting, challenging and very informative.
After returning home the year started with me attending the Arkansas Area Convention in Little Rock, AR., enjoying the fun and fellowship. The work started with orientation conference cal! on October 15, 2007, where myself and the other new members of the WSBT became familiar with the functions of the WSBT. Getting use to the “WE” perspective in thought, action and spirit at all times takes a while. I attended and participated in all quarterly meetings and WSBT/WSOB meeting. Participated in all quarterly conference calls and online business.
I have been serving on the following subcommittees of the WSBT:
- Long Term Planning Committee
- Trustee Election Committee
- Trustee Negotiating Committee
- Outreach Committee, service as Chairperson
Area visits
Attended the Arkansas Area Convention New Life Group Anniversary Pine Bluff, AR
Shreveport District of the Louisiana Area, where I did a presentation on Financial Guidelines
Celebrate Around The World, Arkansas Area, presented workshop on CA Structure
Tennessee Area Convention Memphis, TN, presented workshop on CA Structure Atlantic South Regional Convention Fort Myers, FL, where I presided over my first regional caucus CAWS 2007 Kansas City, MO
Again thanks for letting me service in this capacity
In Love and Service, Lawrence M.
*World Service Trustee Conference Report
Hayward H. Submitted: August, 2007
I thank God for my life by continuing to be of service to this fellowship. My 2nd year started by taking on the commitment of board Secretary and continuing to maintain the “WE” perspective in thoughts, actions and spirit in representing these boards at all times.
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WSBT Activities
Attended, participated in and provided written reports for all required quarterly meetings. Participated in subcommittees in answering correspondence received from the fellowship and various other projects. As board Secretary developed minutes from all meetings, conference calls and records of online business for distribution to the fellowship. Maintained records of alt board approved responses to correspondence received from the fellowship. Finalized all contracts for goods and services for the 2007 convention and conference.
WSOB Activities
Attended, participated in and provided written reports for required bi-weekiy meetings. Finalized a new lease for the WSO. Teamed with Directors on various projects to support the WSO. These projects will be outlined during my report with the WSOB.
Committee Activities
WSC committees are: Hospitals & Institutions (H&l), Conference
WSBT subcommittees are: 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 2nd year of serving at this level. I invite all the conference in wishing Tony D. MWRT – Chair of the WSBT also Jay F. SWRT – Vice Chair of the WSBT our very best as they rotate off the board thank you both 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 challenge all Regions to see which one can out do the others in total contributions to the program and to increase their 7th Tradition donations to better support the efforts of the WSO. I continue to support the C.A. primary purpose of carrying the message to the addicts and alcoholics that still suffers and I truly believe that growth of our fellowship is through continued service in H&l and PI.
Thanks for letting me be of service, Hayward H.
*World Service Office Trustee Conference Report
Earl H. Submitted: August, 2007
I continue to be grateful to God, the WSBT, the WSOB, and the fellowship of Cocaine Anonymous for giving me the opportunity to serve as the World Service Office Trustee. It has been an honor and a privilege to serve at this level.
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I have been for this past year very busy communicating issues between the WSOB board and the WSBT board, I have attended all but two of the bi-monthly WSOB board meetings during the year. I attended all Quarterly meetings of the WSBT and participated on all Conference Calls.
I have been serving on the following sub committees of the WSBT:
- Chair, Trustee Election Committee
- Long term Planning Committee
- Chair, WSBT Finance Committee
- International Structure and Development
I am the Trustee for the WSC Finance Committee.
I serve on the Finance committee and the Ad hoc Storybook publishing & marketing subcommittee of the WSOB.
What I have worked on this past year:
Right after last years WS conference Hayward and I made it our top priority to get our 800 Referral Line computer replaced. We worked many long hours with the help of David, a member from the New York Area, to install hardware and a new customized software program to put our computer back in service. We got the system up and running in 3 weeks and it has been running great ever since. And yes that’s my voice on the computer!
Last year I found a better calling plan for the Office which saves us $300 a month in long distance charges over our previous calling plan. This year I upgraded the WSO phone system equipment so we could easily transfer calls off site with the touch of one button. This has allowed for greater productivity of the office staff as well as making our Paid Director accessible while working from home or off site.
Another project I have been working on is the concept of a Two Director World Service Office. This concept has been evolving over the past several years but took on an even greater sense of urgency when our one Paid Director took ill last summer. I brought a preliminary plan to the WSBT last August and it was approved in concept. Our growing fellowship, our need to be more responsive and efficient calls out for this change. During the past year the WSOB, the Long Term Planning Subcommittee of the WSBT have been working to bring this concept to a working plan. We would divide the current responsibilities between two directors so we can serve the needs of the fellowship with the World Class service it deserves. A referral has been brought to this WSC via SR14 and you will be hearing much more on this topic. Chairing the TEC has kept me very
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busy this summer contacting TEC Delegates and scheduling candidate interviews for the South & Mid West Regions.
I worked with WSBT subcommittee members and Directors of the WSOB on a number of issues; Translations, Vendor licenses, Interviewing the new Newsgram Editor, Preparation to publish MFC Vol. II, Staff pay increases at the WSO-the process. Helped in developing an interview process & questions for when a new Paid Director is selected. I monitored the Trustee budget throughout the year to help us stay within budget. We responded to correspondence and worked on referrals from the fellowship throughout the year I continue to review all bills and sign checks at the WSO twice a month before our Board meetings and review the bank accounts and reconciliation reports.
I was honored to attend the Pacific Northwest Regional Convention in Vancouver last February where ! shared my story and facilitated a workshop on sponsorship. It was great to celebrate recovery with the fellowship in the great Northwest.
I was very blessed to be able to go to the UK in April, at my own expense, and attend their convention in Brighton, England. I was welcomed and treated very warmly by the fellowship and our new European Trustee, Nicholas. I met a lot of new friends and had a chance to visit with members from all over Europe.
I attended the CAWS2007 Convention in Kansas City where I participated in the WSBT Quarterly meeting prior to Convention kick off. I would especially like to thank the leadership of the CAWS2007 Committee members and volunteers of the Missouri Area for a very successful convention, thanks again for a wonderful experience.
It is with sadness I must say goodbye to Tony D. MWRT and Jay F. SWRT as they rotate off the WSBT board. Their contributions as Chair and Vice-Chair of the WSBT were many. Their leadership made it possible to accomplish a tremendous amount of work on our agenda items throughout the year. They helped our 4 new Trustees throughout the year feel welcomed and engaged. Jay and Tony have contributed tremendously to our fellowship. Words fall short in describing just how honored l have been to serve with them. I thank them for their support and wish them the very best.
1 want you to know that I really appreciate the opportunity to serve the fellowship that saved my life. It has been a challenge and a learning experience serving two boards. I would like to thank you again for your patience, love, and tolerance.
Thank you for your trust, confidence and allowing me to be of service. Earl H.
*Trustee at Large Conference Report
Bobbie H. Submitted; August, 2007
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Overview
During the 2006-07 year, 1 have the opportunity to serve the fellowship in the following ways:
- I have been in attendance at all of the WSBT quarterly meetings and conference calls.
- I attended the CAWS Convention in Kansas City, MO.
- I participated in on all WSBT on-line discussions and activities.
- I attended the Texas Area convention in Houston, TX.
- I participated on various WSBT sub-committees.
- Carl W., Teresa N. (WSOB Director) and 1 attended the 2007 National Association of Drug Court Professionals (NADCP) in Washington DC this past June. Approximately 3000 members of the Drug Court, Recovery community and the Judicial System were in attendance. At the Cocaine Anonymous booth, we were privileged to meet and give information about our fellowship to 202 interested parties. Next year’s NADCP Conference will be held in St. Louis, MO from May 28 through 31, 2008, and preparations to insure that our presentation is even better will begin in December 2007.
I would like to thank the fellowship for allowing me to serve in this capacity this past year.
In love and service, Bobbie H. Trustee-At-Large
*Pacific South Region Trustee Conference Report
Carl W. Submitted: August, 2007
Overview: l want to thank the Pacific South region; the Board of Trustee’s and the fellowship of Cocaine Anonymous for allowing me to be of service. It’s been a very challenging year for this region, particularly in the inland Empire, and CALA. We have 17 stand alone meetings, petitioning to become a new area.
Along with all our problems, we have had some exciting times. I want to welcome Central California back; I had an opportunity to visit them this year. We held our regional assembly at San Gabriel convention. We were able to meet with some members there, and one of them is here today, serving as a delegate, CALA is still in the planning stage of its cruise, the Foothill District is planning its second convention. We had our second unity day hosted by Orange County great job folks. This year’s event will be held in San Diego. There will be numerous marathon meetings in the months to come. And we just returned from Palm Springs great convention.
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Our seventh tradition is up $7,000, while our meeting count is down. But we seem to find money. When our fellowship needs it the most. So thank you delegates for your hard work.
! attended ail the quarterly meetings and conference calls. The Convention in Kansas City, we had a great time. I also attended the National Drug Court in Washington, DC; this year was different from the past. We’re not getting those nagging questions, who are you guys. This year, everyone was very happy that we chose to attend a third-year. I worked on subcommittees and responses to the fellowship. The four new members, hit the ground running brought some new and exciting ideas. We learned about the three Russians, new words like (brilliant). Where is God in all this? And how to smile in rough times, thank you guys very much for ail your hard work.
To my brothers, a simple thank you would not do. A simple handshake or a hug, could not express all the ways to say thank you. For the first board meeting, the late-night calls, our first convention in Memphis. For standing on the shore line at Apache Lake, Arizona wondering why two thugs, were here and not in jail or dead. For a football game on a Sunday afternoon watching Bobbie cry during the flyover. For the wedding and birth of little CJ or JC. To the wedding to come, dinner on 15th’, comedy club and jazz on a lazy Saturday afternoon. Serving with you both was more than a long hours in the Board room. It was the start of a friendship that will last through the ages. So I will not say goodbye, and l can not say thanks for the memories. But! will say thank you for the experiences. I will see you both real soon.
In love and service, Carl W. Pacific South Regional Trustee
*Southwest Region Trustee Conference Report
Jay F. Submitted: August, 2007 303-596-5592
finesilv@hotmail.com
Overview: As l complete my final year as a Regional Trustee representing the Southwest Region, I am heartened by the growth and continued maturation of the entire Southwest Region. Seven of the nine areas in the Region hosted or will host some sort of convention event this year and all nine have active responsive service structures in place. We were blessed to have Texas Area and South Centra! Texas Area jointly host the CAWS World Service Convention in our Region in May 2006. The Region was most unified behind the planning and attendance of this event.
During this past year l have continued to be active within the Region and all the various WSBT commitments. I have attending and/or participated in all four of the WSBT Quarterly meetings, all the scheduled conference calls and have found these interactions with fellow trustees be most rewarding and important for
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out fellowship. 1 have remained on the Legal, Finance, Negotiation, Newsgram, Conference, Orientation, Outreach and TEC Trustee sub-committees as well as the newly formed International Structure & Development sub-committee. I have also served this past year as the Vice – Chair of the WSBT, I also have served as the trustee member of the steering committee which was responsible for planning CAWS 2006 in Houston this past May. I am also most pleased to now serve as the trustee member of the steering committee which is planning CAWS 2009 in Colorado, my home area.
I am most honored to serve on a board with such talented, dedicated, spiritual trusted servants. Our board has really jelled this past year into a most cohesive body. These members have become like family to me as wei! which is a wonderful byproduct of this service commitment.
Regional: The 2006 Southwest Regional Assembly was held in Wichita this past October. We are pointing toward this year’s SW Regional to be held in Austin in October, 2007 and the next regional in fall, 2008 in Tucson to be hosted by the Arizona Area, Representatives from eight of the nine of our active Areas attended the Assembly in Wichita. A slate of two candidates was ratified and will be presented to the Trustee Election Committee, after forma! approval by the Conference
Area Visits: I have been blessed to have been in eight of the nine areas in the Southwest Region this past eighteen months. New Mexico for the SW Regional in fall, 2004. I was in Kansas, for a service workshop in December, 2004 and was there again in October, 2006 for the SW Regional. I was in Arizona for the State Convention in July, 2004 and at their Unity Day event the next month. I was blessed to speak at a meeting in Phoenix last August. As my travel schedule permits I remain active in my home area of Colorado. I was in Oklahoma in summer 2005 for a District Meeting in Oklahoma City. ! was in South Central Texas for their first ever Convention in March, 2005 and again one time in October, 2005 for a CAWS 2006 planning meeting and dance. I have been in Houston (part of TAS) many times for the planning of the CAWS Convention and at the Convention itself. I was in North Texas in Dallas last August for their Area meeting and a service workshop. It remains a profound experience to get to see CA grow and flourish all over the SW Region. I also was able to attend the second ever CA Scotland Convention last November, 2005 and an Area inventory for the UK Area last November as well.
Thank so very much for allowing me to be of service. I truly appreciate the chance to serve and to be a part of our great CA fellowship. In love and service, Jay F.
*Midwest Region Trustee Conference Report
Tony D. Submitted: August, 2007
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WSBT Activities
I attended all four quarterlies and conference calls. Additionally, I participated on all conference calls, conference committees and WSBT sub-committees, as well as, the MW Regional Convention, Assembly and visiting the Missouri Area to help plan the CA World Service Convention in Kansas City.
Midwest Region Activities & Updates
Area Activities
I continued to be blessed with wonderful service workers in the Midwest. The membership here challenges me, teaches me and helps me grow. Overall, I see a slight decline in meetings and H&l panels through out the Midwest. Many areas are reporting a stronger financial position, primarily due to fundraising and stronger 7th Tradition. The areas that seem to grow are the areas and districts with strong H&l committees. Illinois will host the Midwest Regional Convention this year.
7th Tradition
This year, the 7th Tradition donations for the Midwest equaled $17214,50. Our 7th tradition this year was down approximately $4,000,00. I attribute this primarily to the declining membership in the Midwest.
Mv Thoughts
Over my four years as the Midwest Regional Trustee and the last year as the Chair of the WSBT, I have had the blessing to travel around and help areas and districts and meetings in a variety of different ways. I am often asked, what is the job of the trustee? I think after four years the answer has finally become clear. My job is to educate. So many of the problems l encounter are clearly due to the fact that service workers have not yet been taught our manuals and by-laws, concepts and traditions. But, just as I had to be taught these steps, how can I expect a service worker to do the right things if! have t done my job in teaching them how. This is why I believe that the future of our fellowship falls clear on each and every one of our shoulders. It is OUR job to teach our fellow members the concepts, traditions and manuals. I can’t expect them to know how to act if I have not done my part to teach them.
The 12 Traditions were originally written and adopted to help save AA from its own members. AA before us struggled through periods of growth and developed the traditions to be a spiritual guide, to keep us focused and on track. They were never intended to be used as weapons. But I continually get calls an emails where various members perceive their positions in CA to be those of power and continually attack and attempt to destroy each other.
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Tradition One talks about Unity. At the core of our program, is it not about reaching out to the new or struggling man? Is it not about getting that new person through their wall, so that they listen and for the first time hear that there is someone who understands them? Let’s be here to share and identify with the new man. That seems to be our one common thread. We can identify and help where every one else has failed and cast us aside as the scum of the earth. It is so important that new members identify and that we are here. We must cast aside our differences and let go of our illusions of power and prestige.
I continually am reminded of the 1st International Convention of AA in Cleveland in 1950. Dr. Bob was 15 years sober and dying of cancer, he got up and spoke and gave what many people refer to as the “Gettysburg Address” of Alcoholics Anonymous. In summary he said…
I welcome you all to Cleveland please go home and let your fellows know that we still all get out of AA what we put into it. I look over this vast group and l am glad that some small thing I did 15 years ago helped bring this about. I want to apologized for my ill health, I have spent most of the past few months in bed and my health has not returned the way I thought it would. But, l want to call your attention to 2 or 3 things that may be of interest. First, let us remember to keep our program simple, let’s not spruce it up with Freudian complexes, which may be of interest to the scientific mind, but have nothing to do with our work here. Our work here consists of love and service and we all know what love is and we all know what service is. Secondly, let us guard that airing member the tongue and try to use it with kindness and understanding and compassion. Finally, none of us would be here today if someone did not take the time to explain things to us, take us to a few meetings, give us a pat on the back when we needed it. Let us never reach that stage of smug complacency when we don’t have the time to help the fellow who still suffers to help him understand what we are here for…
Dr. Bob died soon after that speech, in hind sight, how right he was, who amongst us can’t relate to our tempers, we are ail very nice people when things are going our way, but let someone hurt our feelings or threaten us and we attack, verbally and sometimes physically. I have witnessed members try to destroy one another in their fits of emotional upset. When ! think about it, it almost brings tears to my eyes, he was almost giving a dying testament, he was trying to explain to people to ignore all the drama, what it boils down to is this, what we are here for is love and service, let’s watch our mouths and not get caught up in the politics and the illusion of power and the FEAR and let’s not get too smug that we are too busy to pat our feliows on the back, to reach our hands out, our lives consist of sharing and hopefully allowing the new man to IDENTIFY and find a way to live.
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More addicts and alcoholics have gotten sober in the last 60+ years than at any point in time. Our program has changed history! That is miraculous! Let’s not forget why we are here.
Imagine a life, imagine a conference, imagine an area meeting, imagine a district, imagine a group business meeting, in fact imagine a day in your life where you were capable of living life in that moment free of conflict, where you ceased fighting anything and anyone. Imagine a day where during that meeting, you could listen and hear someone else’s opinion and truly listen and consider it. Imagine a day where you listened instead of waiting to talk. Imagine that day when we could disagree on a motion, express our opinion and have an informed group conscience. And imagine that day that we can trust GOD and how GOD works through the informed group conscience and we could walk out of that meeting feeling at peace with GOD’s work and have true love in our hearts for all those that were there doing GOD’s work.
I challenge you!
After all, each and every one of us in serves is here because we love Cocaine Anonymous. Even if! disagree with your opinion, ! have to respect that fact that you give your free time and volunteer for this fellowship that saved us all. If I am working a program of love and forgiveness, how could it even be possible to attack you? I must respect you and the work that you put it. If I am filled with emotion and anger, maybe I need to work steps 2 and 3. Maybe 1 need to remember that I will do the foot work and leave the results to GOD and I will TRUST GOD with the outcome.
CA in one regard is the same today in Los Angeles as it was on June 10th, 1935 in Akron, OH. It’s not the book, it’s not the meetings, after all they had nothing. But, what we have and what they had was this: one addict talking to another addict to help him reduce his feelings of difference, at least enough so he will begin to take actions he does not yet believe in. And, that is the beginning of sobriety in every life.
The last eight years at this conference has been a truly amazing experience, i have laughed, learned, cried and met my truest friends. I have experiences that have molded my life.
In the words of one of my mentors, Spenser, take care of my fellowship,
in the long form of traditions, the last phrase is so important to me, it explains exactly what we are doing here, it says
This to the end, that our great blessings will never spoil us, that we shall forever live in thankful contemplation of him who presides over us all.
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May God bless us all!
Thank you for allowing me to be of service!
Tony D. Midwest Regional Trustee / 414-232-3865 / tdrake@wi,rr.com
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 – We will not have time for the Office report. We will stand adjourned until 8 o’clock tomorrow morning. Get some rest. It is 11:21 we are adjourning.
Kim Sherwan – Take all your things. All conference chairs, please meet up front for a meeting. Thank you.