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WORLD SERVICE BOARD OF TRUSTEES (WSBT) Report
INTRODUCTION AND OPENING COMMENTS:
This year the World Service Board of Trustees, along with the World Service Office Board have taken budget cuts in order to keep our Fellowship running. Based on the current trends, CA is not out of the woods yet and the WSBT will hold the line on spending in the coming year to help. What this means is that your Trustees will still be limited to the number of visits in their Regions, reduced quarterly, face-to-face, board meetings and number of conference calls. This is of great concern to the WSBT. These reductions affect the Trustees from being as effective in overseeing the business of Cocaine Anonymous and interacting with its members for education and problem solving. By being limited to meet our obligations to the Fellowship, the WSBT, recognizes that we are presently on a slippery slope, which, in the long term, will have a very negative affect on CA as a whole.
REFERRALS THAT RESULTED IN MOTION:
#2541: To approve the Trustee Election Committee Guidelines (see Attached)
Motion: To approve and include the Trustee Election Committee Guidelines in the World Service Manual.
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Second
Motion Passes unanimously
REFERRALS OR ITEMS TABLED UNTIL NEXT YEAR; AND ITEMS THE COMMITTEE WILL CONTINUE WORKING ON THROUGH THE YEAR:
#1137: The Trustee Election Committee should obtain the names of at least five persons from the office of the California Secretary of State from the registry main turned pursuant to California Corporation Code Section 18 of qualified women and minority persons who are available to serve on corporate boards for evaluation and review for selection as a new non-Addict Trustee.
Investigation into this matter continues.
#2228: Please define special interest meetings or groups
The WSBT continues to discuss the sensitive issue.
#2861: Is it a tradition violation for a District to receive contributions for donations from outside sources for District or Area events?
#2863: That the proceeds from the Regional conventions go directly to the Trustees to be used to defer cost for their travel, food and lodging cost that incur during the year. (In other words; to the Trustee fund or budget.)
#2868: What is the original referral number and final response regarding CA announcements at CA meetings?
#3501: Per the attached Newsgram article, “CA and the AA Big Book” Vol. 7, No. 2, 4th Quarter 1994, page 7: please propose another advisory opinion allowing use of Bill W’s “Twelve Concepts of World Service” at CA meetings. CA has adopted AA’s Steps, Traditions and Concepts but until Bill’s AAWS- published writings are similarly available, it remains a violation of CA tradition to use these valuable writings for, as a “Concept Study” meeting by a CA group. We desperately need this tool to educate our Fellowship about these vital Concepts. (See Attached)
#3516: Please construct and write a statement such as “Cocaine Anonymous uses the Big Book of AA as our basic text.” We have been somewhat divided on this issue for the past 4 to 5 years. In my 13+ years of recovery in Cocaine Anonymous, neither I or any of many other recovering addicts have had a question as to the value of the Big Book in our recovery or the fact that using it does not affiliate us with AA. I would like to see a WS Conference approved statement which would, once and for all, affirm what we have been saying informally for the past 20+ years.
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#3583: Is there anything wrong or a violation of any Tradition, By-Laws, Concepts or Charter to sell water as a fund-raiser, or to sell past memorabilia, as a fund-raiser, to raise funds for upcoming events. Clarification: a group or meetings
REFERRALS OR ITEMS REFERRED TO OTHER COMMITTEES; WORLD SERVICE OFFICE, OR BOARD OF TRUSTEES:
#2642: Is the ‘World” upholding the definition of “Cocaine Anonymous” were it states: “We are not allies with any sect, denomination, politics, organization or institution. By not specifically naming events with holidays, i.e., Christmas, Easter, 4th of July, Hanukah, etc. If we do it in one Region, is it being done in all? Or does it have to be done at all?
As stated below this referral was sent to Structure and Bylaws in May 2003 for review with recommendation to included in the World Service Manual. This was also addressed in the January 2002 Newsgram article written Jahi B, TAL #2.
Referral 1996: “In support of the Sixth and Tenth Tradition, CA events should be named without reference to any holidays, keeping in mind that our Fellowship includes people of many faiths, countries and traditions; for example Christmas, July 4th, Victoria Day, Thanksgiving, etc.”
#2085: That this committee carry the message to their local committees that withholding funds from the areas and districts to which they are responsible is eroding our primary purpose.
Memo drafted and forwarded to the WSO for approval. The WSBT is awaiting response from the WSO in order to review for Tradition violations.
#2668: As stated in guidelines, only Conference Approved Literature be posted on websites. As ca.org places Newsgram on ca.org. It is reviewed by board before posting. A few Areas are now posting Area Newsletters without being viewed by anyone. Suggestion only: Any newsletter, before being placed on already linked sites, is reviewed by Regional Trustee for compliance with Traditions
The WSBT has referred the following to the Internet committee with a recommendation to be included in the Internet Committee Guidelines. Referral #2508 “It is suggested that any District/Area Newsletters or personal stories not only be approved by the Area that they also be approved by the Regional Trustee before being posted on the District/Area’s websites. Reason: If an District or Area is linked to the CAWSO website the Trustees have an obligation to insure there are no violations of CA’s Traditions.”
#2705: Clarify whether CA has adopted an official ’12 Principles” or simply sells a coin with 12 Principles on it.
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Referred to the World Service Office to research and report back to the WSBT.
#2752: Define the procedure that protects/honors Tradition Seven in regards to members making donations from business accounts using either checks or corporate credit cards with the business name associated to those accounts as it relates to the WSO.
The WSBT agrees that policy regarding should be in place. Refer to the WSO to 1) determine if procedures currently exist and 2) if one does not exist to develop one.
#2794: Amend the membership article of Incorporation of the California non-profit cooperation, CAWS to provide one class of members consisting of voting delegates and officers of the CAWSC.
Referred to World Service Office to complete and report back to the WSBT.
REFERRALS THAT DID NOT RESULT IN MOTIONS:
#2584: Revisit the subject of Regional forums in lieu of travel to conventions for the purpose of building unity, understand and respect for all levels of CA within our Fellowship.
As the regional assembly serves the purpose as stated in the referral, the WSBT feels no further action is required
#2779: As a firm believer that full disclosure on every level of service in our service structure is mandatory, I propose that every business meeting of CA be recorded for accurate accounting of that meeting. Bearing in mind that sometimes inflammatory comments can at times be made, “in the heat of the moment” the group who are meeting can request that those portions be “off the record” until cooler heads prevail. This provides several opportunities a) accurate, full, unbiased minutes & the ability to review and confirm any motions or actions with complete accuracy and can e used as archival information; b) the removal of mistrust and fears of others not present at the meeting by providing any opportunity if chosen, to listen to the whole process and discussions that lead the way to decisions that are taken by that said group. I envision a “keep it simple” way for recording — by cassette and the most cost effective without the need for transcription unless the group conscience deems it necessary.
Both Tradition 11 and Concept 11 are compromised by this referral so the Trustees and the TEC will take no action.
#2838: To elect a non-addict trustee by the start of the 2003 conference.
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Due to the current financial constraints, this position cannot be filled.
#2839: The term length for Trustees is shortened to a maximum of three years, preferably two-year term.
The WSBT agrees that the four-year commitment of the Trustee is in line with the four-year commitment of the delegate and in compliance with Concept 11.
#2840: That we create a “Junior” trustee position, i.e. a “co-trustee” for each trustee position to act in a learning capacity for one year w/o voting and self-paying (not reimbursed for costs). This person will have gone thru the TEC process and after one year will rotate into the official trustee position for a two-year term.
The WSBT feels that this is dealt with in Concept 11 and would limit right of participation.
#2876: That the PNR Trustee attend all area conventions in their region by the end of their term. Other than paying their way up to speak, Alberta has not had our Trustee up since Andy White.
At this time, due to current financial constraints, there can be no increase to the Trustee budgets, which allow Trustees to increase the number of Area visits at this time.
#2909: Review and make recommendation to conference as to the need of a non-addict member to the WSOB as the chairperson.
WSBT would always fill the WSOB Chair position with the most qualified candidates and as such would consider the appointment of a non-addict Director if they were qualified.
#3150: Could the Trustees do a feasible study, survey or even research regarding travel and food expenses, when away from home doing CA business for their or others districts, regions or areas. (Like the good old days, when fellow recovering addicts could and would pick-up, shelter and possibly fed the Trustee’s while the Trustee is doing CA business. My home is your home.
Due to financial constraints, for the past year, the WSBT has incorporated these measures to insure maximum use of the reduced Trustee budgets.
NEW COMMITTEE STRUCTURE AS OF THIS CONFERENCE:
The WSBT Officers for 2003/2004 are as follows:
- Chair: Teri K.
- Vice Chair: Jahi B.
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- Recording Secretary: Cynthia C.
The CAWS, Inc corporate officers for 2003/2004 are as follows:
- President: John B.
- Vice President: Jackie S.
- Corporate Secretary: Elizabeth S.
CLOSING COMMENTS:
Outgoing WSBT Chair remarks.