Duane M.– report for S&B
OPENING REPORT
C.A. WORLD SERVICE CONFERENCE 2012
STRUCTURE AND BYLAWS REPORT
INTRODUCTION AND OPENING COMMENTS:
Welcome to the 2012 World Service Conference. The purpose of the Structure and Bylaws Committee is to formulate Bylaws, Guidelines, and Structure by which Cocaine Anonymous can operate day to day at Conference and elsewhere around the world. One goal as a Committee is to leave this Conference knowing that we have done the job that the Fellowship has empowered us to do. Another
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goal is to diligently continue that work throughout the year. This Committee has worked hard to address all referrals left in our care. To that end, during this past year, the Structure and Bylaws team has addressed over eighty referrals. That is an eight followed by a zero to the left of the decimal point. Last year we made sure to address all current and post conference referrals. This year we took it to another level going back five years to address past referrals. We noticed that the same referral would show up year after year. Members were complaining, and rightly so, that the submitted referrals were not being addressed. Structure and Bylaws heard you and we have responded.
The great body of our work is detailed in this report. I understand that this Committee is not perfect; therefore, if we have missed anything I can assure you that when it is brought to our attention, it will be addressed. There will be motions forthcoming and these are also detailed in this report. Ok it’s time for me to start gushing. This is my fifth year as a part of this Committee and I am here to report that all and I do mean all goals that we set as a team have been accomplished: Old referrals, check; newly formatted manual, check; guidelines, check; greater monthly conference call participation, check; entering all referrals in an electronic format (PDF), check; getting rid of the S & B backpack, (the backpack contains paper copies of the referrals for the last seven years), check; (Archives I have gift for you. It’s the S & B backpack, we no longer require it; arriving at Conference well prepared and with a clean slate, check.
We are committed to delivering the Fellowship the most accurate and updated Manual. We are also committed to responding thoughtfully to concerns presented to us. The aforementioned task would never be completed without the steady and careful guidance of our Trustee Advisor Joy, our resident elder statesman Earl, our secretaries, Jon and Cynthia, Janice, always willing to lead a team and produce (as if she doesn’t already have enough to do), Suzanne and John M, for
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making a way to participate from across the ocean, and last but not least, the workhorse, the go to man, our Vice chair Eric.
COMMITTEE INTRODUCTIONS:
Duane M., Chair
Eric T., Vice Chair
Cynthia S., Secretary
Jon H., Secretary
Joy H., Trustee
Robert S.
Earl H. (elder statesman)
Janice W.
Valerie C.
Greg T.
John M.
Suzanne V.
Siobhan A.
Willie B.
Mark C.
Vilisia C.
Brandi D.
Teresa N.
Ronald W.
REFERRALS THAT WERE
WORKED ON DURING THE YEAR:
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REFERRALS RESULTING IN NO ACTION TAKEN
Referral # 3262 8.31.07
Consider a standing rule regarding a limitation on when a 5th Concept statement can be given. For example: Only on main motions and/or only if immediately requested. (and maybe this goes to the Trustees)
Response: No action taken:
The 5th concept is there to insure that the minority voice is heard. Attempts to misuse this right will surely be attempted. The process should be trusted. The chair also has powers to prevent misuse.
Referral # 3569 9.01.07
Please revisit the Regional Assembly section on page 26 to clarify what is meant by “voting member” in the chairperson section. That the chair is elected from the voting members or the chair has a vote? If the chair had a vote then loses when elected is there a proxy allowed? If an area has its chair + 3 delegates present and the area has 3 votes does its chair get an additional vote? Or does it area votes get divided among its representatives in a number not to exceed the number of votes it would be entitled to at the Conference?
Response: No action taken.
Regions just like groups are autonomous in determining their voting procedures.
Referral #3874 8.26.08
Remove the necessity to use the transcripts of the Conference to validate the next year’s WSM. The minutes taken by the Conference secretary are read directly before the vote and with today’s technology we can trust what the Chair says and is typed correctly.
Response: No action taken.
The WSOB and the WSBT are looking into this.
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Referral #5505 9.01.07
Please take look at possibly changing the qualifications for a non-addict trustee – Trustees are major policies decision makers. Non-addict not having served/volunteered WSC, giving me great concerns of whom can fill this position. Non-addict Trustee should have a working knowledge of the 12 Concepts and Conference Charter and have had served C.A. Also have working knowledge of Roberts Rules.
Response: No action taken
It is required that Non-Addict Trustee’s know of our 12 Traditions. The Traditions are a guiding factor for all Trustees. The Traditions are the key to Unity, the Functioning & the Survival of CA. Non-Addict Trustee’s are in the position for their specific skill set(s) – to contribute Wisdom, Time, Effort, Financial Sense, Special Fields of Literature, Social Service, Finance &/or Law. We believe that the current qualifications are more than sufficient for them to do their job.
Referral #5582 8.27.08
A candidate wishing to be considered for the regional trustee slate/TAL must submit his or her resume to all Delegates in their region at least 30 days prior to their respected regional conference. This will provide the Delegates the opportunity to review the list of candidates with their districts and area to assure the best possible leadership.
Response: No action taken
Regions, just like groups are autonomous.
Referral # 5586
One Person, One Vote. This is a spiritual fellowship, not a government, and the person and their voice should be far more important than squabbling over votes.?
Response: No action taken.
Areas that can’t afford to send representation shouldn’t lose the right to be counted via proxy.
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Referral # 5656
To clarify the guidelines as to the requirements to be a C.A. Group / REASON: There is a faction in our local Area that is under the impression that “if two or more people gather for the purpose of recovery, & call themselves a group, then they are in fact a group.
Response: No action taken
We believe that the outline regarding the constitution of a C.A. Group within the 2012 WSM is sufficient information. In these existing Guidelines, there is room for God to work. We currently feel that adding anything more to these, could potentially violate out Traditions whether by suppressing the Groups Autonomy or by Squelching Gods Voice.
Referral # 5657
To clarify the guidelines regarding the definition of a “group meets on a regular basis” / REASON: There is a faction that proposes that if two or more people meet once a year, that constitutes a “regular basis”.
Response: No action taken
The definition of Regular is as follows: occurring in a fixed, unvarying, or predictable pattern, with equal amounts of time or space between each one. With this definition in mind, this “Faction” spoken of is correct.
REFERRAL # 5770
That all votes taken by the Conference & TEC be conducted by a majority of the quorum necessary to conduct business (rounded up to the next number 67% because 2/3 =66.666666%) This is intended to preclude the cases where only a few votes are cast & leaving a large number uncast or for abstention. The same approach be taken with simple majority & 3/4 votes. This be entered into the WSM as a suggestion for Areas, Districts & Groups.
Response: No Action Taken
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Currently this “rounding up” of the count is in effect & the other aspect of this referral regarding “abstention” is a right we don’t feel that we have the authority, nor responsibility, to take away from our members.
REFERRAL # 5771
I ask that the “Third Legacy” Voting Procedure be adopted by the TEC.
Response: No action taken
We have responded to this through Referral # 6419 in 2011
REFERRAL 5804
Although every group is autonomous, shouldn’t there be a guideline somewhere suggesting that The Lord’s Prayer is a Religion specific Prayer, but that C.A. as a whole is not Religion specific.?
Response: No action taken
We do have guidelines supporting the fact that C.A. is a spiritual program, not a religious one. It lies within our Traditions. While each Group is autonomous to determine the set format of their meetings, including, but not limited to; prayers, etc. each Member has the right to bring their individual thoughts & feelings about such issues to the Group Conscience of said meeting.
Referral # 5830 8.27.08
Consider amending TEC guidelines to exclude TEC members from abstaining. Reason-the abdication of voting should not be allowed. Their TEC specific appointment/task/duty is to vote on and elect with substantial unanimity a qualified candidate. An abstention is not a vote and should only be utilized if a TEC member is directly involved on a personal level with the nominee. If a TEC member is unable to make an informed choice between candidates, they may want to consider serving in another capacity.
Response: No action taken
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Referral # 5831 8/21/08
Consider only allowing TEC member to abstain from a vote regarding a Trustee election if they have a direct relationship with the nominee. (i.e. spouse, sponsor, lover, best friend) It is why we have alternates
Response: No action taken
Refer to Referral # 5830
Referral # 5847 8/27/08
If abstentions are 50% or more of the voting members present the proposal must be addressed again.
Response: No action taken.
Refer to referral # 5661
Referral # 6349 8.3.2008
Add Saskatchewan to the Pacific North Regional in the WSM re: motion WSC 2008.
No action taken
Saskatchewan is not an Area. Rather, it is part of the Southern Alberta Area.
Referral # 6389
That individual groups may read C.A. adopted excerpt from the Big Book of Alcoholics Anonymous.
Response: No action taken
This is a mute issue. Every C.A. Group may read the C.A. adopted excerpts from the Big Book of Alcoholics Anonymous, keeping in mind that the only C.A.
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adopted excerpts from the Big Book of Alcoholics Anonymous are the 12 Steps & the 12 Traditions.
Referral # 6405:
The term of service for the WSOT should fall in line with all other Trustee terms (4 years). Each 2 years the WSOT is limited in their right of participation when it comes to interviewing & voting on the WSOT position WHY???
Response: No action taken.
This referral asks us to change the structure of the WSOB, which is outside the scope of our responsibility. The WSOT is a member of the WSOB, whose members have a term of service consisting of 2 years, per the 2012 WSM, page 60.
Referral # 6443
Advise Committees to distribute reports more than 5 minutes before giving report, so that Delegates can have time to review them properly to make an informed decision.
Response: No action taken.
The reports are distributed as soon as they are available.
Referral # 6481 9.1.10
World approved training packet for Areas new GSR’s, Secretary, Chair, and Vice-Chairs.
Response: No action taken.
Each Area has its own bylaws and training specific to that Area, and providing a training packet should be the responsibility of the body in which they serve.
Referral # 6622 8.30.11
Can we consider changing SR14 “So that all Delegates can receive & review the materials at least (90 days) prior to the Conference”
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In the UK we need time to compile reports, get them out to the fellowship to consider and get the fellowships conscience on the material. Maybe we could consider sending reports and minutes as they become available rather than waiting for the slow submitters to arrive before mailing. This is vital for the UK to give our members the right to participate.
Response: No action taken
We have reviewed this referral again, as well as the summaries from Conference in regards. We have discussed this in Committee on more than one occasion & t this is the best use of time for neither our severely understaffed WSO, nor the workers therein.
Referral # 6671 8.31.10
Add verbiage to the manual to specify the term of an Alternate Delegate. It is stated clearly that the term for Delegates but the term for an Alternate is not
Response: No Action Taken
WSM 2012 pg 28 item 4
Referral # 6672: Refine & Clarify Guidelines for Trustee Election
Response: No Action Taken.
Thank you for your referral. Each year, the S & B committee receives referrals for specific changes to the TEC process. We trust that this process will continue to make our Trustee Election procedure better and in line with what the Fellowship wants.
Referral # 6688:
Please add as the final step in the TEC process a “God Bowl”. This would ensure that no trustee position would go vacant.
Response: No Action Taken.
Our 2nd Tradition reminds us that God speaks through the group conscience, and our 9th Concept reminds us of the importance of taking great care in electing
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our trusted servants. If the TEC is unable to reach substantial unanimity with regard to a candidate, we already have a procedure in place for the Trustee-at-large to assume those responsibilities, and thus allowing us to still honor the process.
Referral # 6701 9.1.10
Please clarify if it is acceptable for Trustee slates to contain candidate(s) who do not meet the requirements in the WSM. If it is should the TEC be required to inform the conference floor which candidate(s) do not meet which requirements when submitting the slate for ratification? Where is the line ultimately drawn- at the nomination, at slate ratification, or in the TEC? Based on this year’s precedent my concern is that future slates (and TEC interview schedules) may be flooded with candidates who do not meet the requirements.
Response: No action taken.
There are plenty of places in the WSM to stop this.
Referral # 6763
To resend motion passed on conference floor in 2010 to pass out brief resume’s of each nominee on trustee slate. We have to trust that each region that approved the slate knows what they are doing as informed trusted servants of that region. That resumes that are given are a waste of paper and aren’t going to say anything to have a massive impact to keep from being approved on slate.
Response: No action taken.
While the referral has merit it is beyond the power of S& B to resend motions. Perhaps making a motion to suspend the rules, requesting the WSC Chair to take this item of business out of order would be the way to proceed. Also alerting the WSC Committee in advance of your intention to do so could be helpful and save the paper waste.
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Referral # 6786 9.2.11
Add to pg 41 c. A Delegate serving as a Committee Chairperson does not hold two votes: therefore, if the Delegate proxies his/her vote to another Delegate or Alternate Delegate he/she does not also get to vote as a Committee Chairperson.
Response: No action taken.
Please refer to SR 1.
REFERRALS RESULTING IN HOUSEKEEPING CHANGES Referral # 5296 8.26.08
Pg 15 of the WSM under “Book Study” change to reflect our new literature and other pieces of new literature in the future.
Housekeeping
Referral # 5354 8.26.08
Define time lines for terms of duty Alt Delegate. Whether it is from the time they get elected or number of conferences that pass since elected.
Housekeeping
Referral # 5355 8.26.08
Add on Page 20 under “Area Meetings” “voting procedures: determined by Area” some examples
Check for a place to put under District Also on page 17 Why are the Area + District meeting so different?
Housekeeping
Referral # 5812
Fix what the 2 motions made from the opening remarks made into the WSM Check “Calculating Votes” in RR of O for obtaining votes.
Housekeeping
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Referral # 6317 9.4.2009
To review and change the list of Areas currently in the European Region on page 26 of the WSM. Requesting this info from the Regional Trustee
*This would be helpful especially to the H&I Committee with their map.
Housekeeping
Referral # 6662 8.31.10
Reorganize the bullets on page 12 in each box to be alphabetic.
Response: Currently on page 11 2012 WSM.
Housekeeping.
Referral # 6663 8.31.10
Page 16 under “GSR” change “suggested sober time” to “suggested sobriety time”. Same on pg 17 under Treasurer and secretary. Sober is a term associated with alcoholism Housekeeping
Referral # 6664 8.31.10
On page 30 of the WSM WSC Committee statement of purpose item D has the word “and” at the end of the sentence. It is not necessary.
Response Note pg 37 2012 WSM. The word “and” definitely needs to be removed.
Housekeeping
Referral # 6665 8.31.10
Standing Rule # 5c needs to have the word “area” capitalized to be “Area” Note this is page 44 2012 WSM
Response It does need to be capitalized and also in Standing Rule # 1 Alternate Delegate also needs to be capitalized
Housekeeping
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Referral # 6673 8.31.10
Make font and text type uniform for the Table of Contents shorten by at least one page. Missing a line break or 2 in the pdf. Fix so subject headers are on the top of the page.
Housekeeping
Referral # 6712 No Date
On page 13 of WSM – Where it talks about using, displaying, distributing or selling materials or lit / ADD “& all fundraising materials displaying the approved CA logo”.
Housekeeping
Referral # 6770 8.31.11
The new WSM as lovely thank you! But we still need some housekeeping to the appendix:
Transgendered should be Transgender:
Do’s and Don’ts of should be Do’s and Don’ts for: Fun in Recovery should be Having Fun in Recovery: Self Test should be Cocaine Anonymous Self Test Thanks
Housekeeping
Referral # 6785 9.2.11
WSM pg 10 location of WSO is no longer Los Angeles. It is Long Beach. Please revise under “The Structure of Cocaine Anonymous” 3rd paragraph
Note on pg 11 2012 WSM
pg 29 end of 1st paragraph- refers to a chart located on pg 27. But there is no chart on page 27.
Note currently pg 30 2012 WSM
Change sentence to read after “WSC” are listed on page 29
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Housekeeping
Referral # 6815 9.3.11
To insert on the page immediately following the Table of Contents, in the list of acronyms CA or C.A, as both are correct representations and don’t violate the sanctity of our trademark status.
Housekeeping
REFERRALS REFERED TO OTHER COMMITTES Referral # 3874
Remove the necessity to use the transcripts of the Conference to validate the next year’s WSM. The minutes taken by the Conference secretary are read directly before the vote and with today’s technology we can trust what the Chair says and is typed correctly?
Refer to the WSOB
Referral # 5534
Again this year I have heard numerous comments regarding small areas with 3 votes. Consider some other vote assignment for very small areas. Ex: less than 5 meetings = 1 vote; less than 10 meetings (but 5 or more) = 2 votes.
Refer to Conference Committee
Referral # 5767 8.26.08
That the committees develop a basic set of guidelines for forming a District, including a notice of intention to form a District, so that no Area will be unprepared for this transition and growth
Refer to the WSOB.
The S&B committee does not make guidelines.
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Referral # 5817 8.26.08
Our Area Bylaws conflict with the 12 Concepts and the 12 Traditions.
How can we as an Area conduct our business without violating 12 Concepts and the 12 Traditions if our Area Service Board does not want to recognize this problem and continuously state that our bylaws supercede the 12 C & 12 T?
Some of us understand that any Area Bylaws should be formed under 12 C & 12 T and Bylaws should not conflict with such. Our ASB goes against this.
Refer to the WSBT
Referral #6089
Add to the present petition: Have the GSR’s of the area from which the district wishes to move from agreed in writing to the change. Have the GSR’s of the Area to which the district is going to move agreed to in writing to the change. Has the area to which the district wishes to move submitted an SR14 petition to have an expanded area. Have the GSR’s of an area which borders the district change been contacted and agreed to in writing. Have 2/3 of all the GSR’s from the district or 2/3 of the member of the GSR’s approved this petition in writing. Submit written documentation. Is it necessary in #4 and #5 to have the total populations of each area?
Refer to Conference Committee.
They own the petition process. It is not part of the WSM. Petitions are available from the WSO but they do nothing but send the blank petitions out, then they are returned to the Conference Committee.
Referral # 6126
Please add Guideline Link/Site Details, to each of the Committee Sections as listed in the WSC Committee Statement of Purpose.
Refer to the Information Technology Committee
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Referral # 6280
To revisit the “Petition for an Area to Change Regions” and make changes to make simpler and to ensure the necessary and important information for the delegates to make an informed and educated decision. I had a hard time filling out the form and found the required info confusing and unnecessary.
Refer to Conference Committee.
They own the petition process.
Referral #6301
That the Conference considers formation of a new Conference Committee titled “Fundraising & Entertainment” and for this Committee to be adopted at World, Area & District levels. Please include officer’s duties and qualifications and clearly defined responsibilities. We believe there was another referral similar to this, and that it was referred to Finance Committee.
Refer to the Finance Committee
Referral # 6352
Please limit individuals debate at microphone to a reasonable amount of time – maybe 5 minutes, IMO -10 minutes speeches are not in the best interest of Conference time.
Refer to the Conference Committee
Referral # 6590 8.31.11
Is it possible to adjust our 11th Tradition to include “internet” after “television”? Refer to Conference Committee
The simple answer is yes. It is possible to change a Tradition. It would be require that every group in the CA fellowship pass the proposed change by a 2/3’s vote of its members. You are free to propose and circulate the change.
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Referral # 6645 8.31.10
Can guidelines/questions be crafted for the Trustees to use at the Regional caucuses when filling the Regional Slate? Example Do you service on your committees throughout the year? Do you write quarterly reports to your Trustee? Do you meet all requirements?
Refer to the WSBT.
A service resume form for WSBT nominee candidates exists
REFERRAL # 6661
Eliminate the redundant need to have both a “Delegate Proxy Form” & “Delegate Certification Transfer Form” – create one form to serve both purposes. Make it printer friendly & look pretty
Refer to the Conference Committee
REFERRALS RESULTING IN MOTIONS in closing report.
Referral# 4759
On page 23 of the World Service Manual under World Service Conference Delegate to add verbiage related to Delegates representing should sit together during the WSC. Delegate proxying can be done at anytime during the WSC when an emergency occurs. A Delegate can be dismissed by its area chair if the Delegates behavior in not in line with the principles, traditions or group conscience as representatives at area. Delegate must be present during voting times at the WSC despite how late the conference runs unless in case of an emergency.
Response: Motion:
To insert on page 27 number 2 as the second sentence. “Conference Delegates should be present during all voting times until the end of the Conference day.
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Referral # 5539 9.02.08
Please define “proposed materials” as outlined in SR 14. If we are using SR 13 as the guide for SR 14 please define.
Response: Motion:
To change SR 14 to read “Proposed material Any material that has a significant effect on the World Service Conference including but not limited to WSC bids, literature changes, new Areas etc. that is to be reviewed by the Delegates for possible consideration by the Conference must be received by the WSO at least 120 days before the WSC so that all Delegates can receive and review the material at least 60 days prior to the Conference
Referral # 5661 8.27.10
That the WS Manual gives an explanation as to the voting procedure, paying particular attention to abstentions. This is so that our fellowship when voting on behalf of their groups/members/committees may understand exactly what it means to cast a vote by choosing to abstain.
Response: Motion:
to insert of page 78 of the WSM under “Elections”:
Abstention Votes
In an election where either a majority vote or a two-thirds vote is required, abstentions have absolutely no effect on the outcome of the vote since what is required is either a majority or two thirds of the votes cast.
Referral # 5558
Manual include under Area Finances, that the distributions out of Area should be split 70/30. In Financial Guidelines no split? Committee? is suggested as there is no other service structure?
Response: Motion:
to add on page 24 of the 2012 WSM “according to the 70/30 plan.” at the end of the sentence on bullet “L”. This is how it is worded for the District Treasurer. &
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then to remove the word “Area” from the sentence. Then refer to the Finance Committee for their review.
Referral # 6764 8.13.11
Attached verbiage for consideration regarding CA and Co-Anon.
Cocaine Anonymous and Co-Anon
The relationship between the fellowships of Cocaine Anonymous and Co-Anon is a special one. As the disease of addiction affects many, our recovery process inherently affects many as well. Yet the Twelve Traditions, the General Service Boards and Service Conferences of both fellowships suggest that remaining “separate” makes each more effective. The policy of “co-operation but not affiliation” is recognized as important in maintaining separate fellowships.
Consistent with that premise, Cocaine Anonymous provides the following position regarding the relationship with Co-Anon:
“While being mindful of the impact of our disease on those who care about us and the support we receive from them, we in Cocaine Anonymous are guided by our Sixth Tradition. As such, we must ensure that our desire to cooperate with Co-Anon in thought, action and spirit does not result in affiliation, either outright or implied.”
Response: Motion:
To insert on page 13 of the WSM under the Statement of Policy Cocaine Anonymous and Co-Anon
The relationship between the fellowships of Cocaine Anonymous and Co-Anon is a special one. As the disease of addiction affects many, our recovery process inherently affects many as well. Yet the Twelve Traditions, the General Service Boards and Service Conferences of both fellowships suggest that remaining “separate” makes each more effective. The policy of “co-operation but not affiliation” is recognized as important in maintaining separate fellowships.
Consistent with that premise, Cocaine Anonymous provides the following position regarding the relationship with Co-Anon:
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“While being mindful of the impact of our disease on those who care about us and the support we receive from them, we in Cocaine Anonymous are guided by our Sixth Tradition. As such, we must ensure that our desire to cooperate with Co-Anon in thought, action and spirit does not result in affiliation, either outright or implied.
CLOSING COMMENTS:
The Structure and Bylaws team is a group of very dedicated individuals. Our guidelines will further clarify what we do to the person who may be interested in joining our team. The knowledge gained from your participation in S&B can only help one to better serve their respective groups, districts, areas and regions.
Questions-
Jason L.: re: referral #5771, states we have responded to this previously, the response is not listed, is there a place to access this? Duane M.: I will get this to you.
Jason L.: re: number of referrals in the report was lengthy, can we ask question regarding them during the closing.
Cynthia C.: Does this committee have any motions, and shouldn’t they be done before questions?
Tony D.: No, my understanding is that they will be doing the motions during their closing report.
Cynthia C.: Re: referral #3569, re: voting at regional assembly, without addressing this referral – according to S&B, it is allowed for any to vote on the TEC slate at the assembly?
Joy H.: The manual states who can vote.
Cynthia C.: How do we interrupt this? It is not clear…need further clarity. Can we address this off line?
Duane M.: YES
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