WORLD SERVICE BOARD OF TRUSTEE’S REPORT:
Teri Knight
INTRODUCTION AND OPENING COMMENTS:
We would like to thank you all for a great year of service to and by the fellowship. Thanks, too, to the entire World Service Board of Trustees (WSBT) for their hard work this year.
Between our quarterly meetings and conference calls, the WSBT has continued to work on many matters of business by e-mail. In our ongoing efforts to communicate with the Fellowship we are now providing records of all motions which are passed as a result of our online business.
As always, the World Service Board of Trustees continues to strive to do what is best for Cocaine Anonymous as dictated by a loving God that guides us through the World Service Conference and our group conscience.. It is our great pleasure to be of service to the CA Fellowship.
WSBT INTRODUCTIONS:
WSBT Members:
Teri Knight, Atlantic South Regional Trustee & WSBT Chair
Cynthia Cronkhite, Pacific North Regional Trustee & WSBT Vice Chair
Jay Finesilver, Southwest Regional Trustee and WSBT Secretary
Jackie Schickler, Atlantic North Regional Trustee
Bobbie Harmon, Trustee at Large
Tony Drake, Midwest Regional Trustee
Carl Warlick, Pacific South Regional Trustee
John Bodkin, World Service Trustee
Earl Henderson, World Service Office Trustee
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REFERRALS THAT WERE WORKED UPON DURING THE YEAR:
We will report on the referrals we have received and acted upon over this past year, in our Report to be given when the Conference reconvenes on Friday.
OTHER REPORTS BY INDIVIDUAL TRUSTEES:
We have attached to this Report, the respective individual Conference Reports to be given by each of the trustees.
Jackie Schickler – Atlantic North Regional Trustee
During this past year I have continued to be active within the Region and all the various WSBT commitments. I have attending all four of the Quarterly meetings, the scheduled conference calls and have found this to be both rewarding and challenging. As new member joined the WSBT it has been a pleasure to work with them and I believe that we as a group have been diligent and have been guided by the principles of the concepts and traditions, and of course a loving Higher Power.
I have remained on the Legal, Long Term Planning, Newsgram, Outreach and TEC trustee sub-committees and Chair the newly formed International Structure & Development sub-committee. Additionally, I have worked with others on referrals and the general activities of the WSBT that take place throughout the year. Our online agenda is continuous and although at times it feels like the work is never complete, nevertheless we have made progress.
The Public Information conference committee has maintained its email group and we are all looking forward to working together face to face at this years conference.
I have been blessed to be a Regional Trustee at a time of growth and change internationally. This has led to being able to be of service over a geographical area that includes the older established Areas of North America and Canada and the new and growing Areas in Europe. In spite of the time differences and the vast territory I believe that the level of communication amongst the Areas has been quite amazing. I have had the opportunity to travel and was able to visit the East Coast twice. Once for our Regional Assembly which was hosted by the Pa/NJ/Del Area in Allentown and was very well attended by the delegates from within the region. I also visited New York, Connecticut and Rhode Island recently and wherever I went I was shown warmth and hospitality from the fellowship.
I have also traveled to Scotland and was present for there 1st Convention “Rocketed” last November and it was amazing. I have returned to Scotland for an Area meeting and also to Amsterdam, Holland for an Area meeting. I am looking forward to returning there next month for there 5 year birthday and 1st celebration day. At home in the UK, I attended the Area convention, as well as participated at workshops on ‘The Traditions’ in Brighton,
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‘Love & Service’ during ‘Celebrate Around the World’, and many of the UK Area meetings.
I maintain contact with South Africa regularly and it is wonderful to see that within the last year they have grown from one to six meetings and have an enthusiastic fellowship. Likewise the meetings in Marbella, Spain are flourishing, and the doors are open in Majorca, Gerona (outside of Barcelona) and in Paris.
I am very aware as I write this report that by the time I read it at the conference there may, or may not, be another Region of Cocaine Anonymous. This is an exciting time in our history and again my thanks for the honour and privilege of allowing me to be of service.
In love and service,
Jackie Schickler
Atlantic North Regional Trustee
Cynthia Cronkhite – Pacific North Regional Trustee Report
Overview: As I complete my third year in this position, I find myself very grateful for the opportunity to serve a full four-year term. Had I rotated out at the end of last year’s Conference as originally planned, I would have been leaving a great many projects unfinished. I would also have missed out on some truly amazing spiritual experiences and growth opportunities. There is still much to be learned and much to accomplish, so I’m looking forward to whatever experiences my fourth and final year may bring.
This past year, I have attended every quarterly meeting and participated in every conference call. Being the WSBT Vice Chair has given me the opportunity to assist the Chair with crafting our agendas and other administrative responsibilities. I also serve on the WSBT Ad Hoc Convention, Long Term Planning, Negotiating, NewsGram, Orientation, Trustee Outreach and Trustee Election subcommittees. I also continue working with a very small but dedicated group of individuals on the Literature, Chips & Format Committee, as well as the Storybook Subcommittee. I am also involved with the CAWS 2008 Committee, which has done a great job of hitting the ground running since last year’s memorable coin toss awarded them the convention.
Starter Kits: There was only one starter kit sent out to my Region this past year, but its timing was impeccable. Just weeks after I learned that the last open CA meeting in Alaska had folded, a correctional facility in Kenai requested a starter kit. That meeting has now been up and running for several months and it is my hope that it will help CA re-establish a foothold in Alaska.
Regional: The 2004 Pacific North Regional Assembly was held in Reno this past April. The Northern Nevada Area’s young and growing fellowship did an excellent job of putting on their first convention and a good time was had by all. Representatives from all nine of our active Areas attended the Assembly. A slate of two candidates was ratified and presented to the Trustee Election Committee.
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Area Visits: I attended the River Unity convention in Northern California in October, the Oregon/Southwest Washington Area convention in February and the PNRC in Reno. I went to British Columbia twice, once for an Area meeting and once for a birthday meeting. I also went to Utah in early August to speak at a campout. As always, it is a pleasure to see old friends and make new ones wherever I go in the CA fellowship.
Thank you for allowing me to be of service.
Respectfully submitted,
Cynthia Cronkhite
Carl Warlick, Pacific South Regional Trustee Report
WSBT Activities
I would first like to thank the Pacific South and the Conference for allowing me to be of service. As a 1st year Trustee, this has been an amazing year. From learning to love the people I server with, Tony talked about it last year the hour’s and hour’s you spend away from the norm. The learning process, someone told me this was a 3-year commitment I agree wholeheartedly. I attended all conference calls, quarterly meeting, and some WSOB meeting. Committee’s I sit on are the convention, conference, TEC, LTP, Outreach. I saved Memphis for last we had a blast thank you all who you attended. My one special memory is on the last day sitting in the back of the hotel with Bobbie and Jay. This gentleman came up hands burned, the smell, the look in his eye’s, clothes dirties and ask is this the convention. We all started talking, 12 stepping he listen to each of us share our experiences. He stood and said I’m not ready yet, turned and walked away. Thank you Cocaine Anonymous had it not been for you.
Region Activities & Updates
We have been very busy in the Pacific South .We had three Conventions’ hosted by SGPV, Southern Nevada and CALA. In addition to three campout’s host by SFVCA, Central Cal, and Inland Empire. A state line turn around with a marathon on the bus, a few more marathon meeting just a few ( lol ). Yes have a lot of funs but we did do some work, we started a yahoogroup to improve communication, post events, talk about problem. We will also meet once a quarter; we started moving the meeting to every area to get to know everyone. We will have our First Unity Day on September 17 this will also move from area to area. We are working toward a regional convention one-day at a time.
Area Visits
I’m very lucky; I can reach most of the region by car in 2 to 4 hours. Thank my friend’s John and Earl for taking many road trips with me. We went to San Diego someone stated we have not seen a Trustee in 10 year’s, that was the general concenus in the region. A lot of my travel like most of us was on our own dime. I know we have a small budget for traveling. With more trustee travel we can bring in more 7th, put out fires before they start, and help in over all growth of the fellowship.
In love and service,
Carl Warlick
Pacific South Regional Trustee
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Jay Finesilver 303-596-5592 – Southwest Region Regional Trustee Conference Report
Overview: As I complete my second year as a regional trustee representing the Southwest Region, I am heartened by the growth and continued maturation of the Southwest Region. Eight of the nine areas in the Region hosted some sort of convention event this year and all nine have active responsive service structures in place. We will be blessed to host the CAWS World Service Convention in our Region in May 2006 and the Region is most unified behind the planning and attendance of this upcoming event.
During this past year I have continued to be active within the Region and all the various WSBT commitments. I have attending all four of the WSBT Quarterly meetings, all the scheduled conference calls and have found this to be both rewarding and challenging. I have remained on the Legal, Long Term Planning, Finance, Negotiation, 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 WSBT Secretary. I also serve as a member of the steering committee which is responsible for planning CAWS 2006 in Houston next May.
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 well which is a wonderful byproduct of this service commitment.
Regional: The 2004 Southwest Regional Assembly was held in Albuquerque this past November. We are pointing toward this year’s regional in Houston and next Spring’s World in Houston as well. Several of the areas have hosted fundraisers to support the Houston World Convention. Representatives from all nine of our active Areas attended the Assembly. A slate of two candidates was ratified and will be presented to the Trustee Election Committee. We formed an ad hoc convention rotation committee to look at how the conventions and related assemblies rotate through our Region and how we would add new areas to that rotation as they are created. This work should be completed at the Regional assembly this coming October.
Area Visits: I have been blessed to have been in eight of the nine areas in the Southwest Region this past year. New Mexico for the Regional last fall, Kansas, for a service workshop in December, 2004, Arizona for the State Convention in July and at their Unity Day event next month; of course, my home area of Colorado; Oklahoma a few weeks ago for a District Meeting in Oklahoma City and great fellowship, South Central Texas for their first ever Convention in March, in Houston (TAS) many times for the planning of the CAWS Convention and to attend other Area events and meetings; and most recently in North Texas in Dallas last weekend for their Area meeting. It remains a profound experience to get to see CA grow and flourish all over the Region. I also was able to attend the first ever CA Scotland Convention last November and the Celebrate Around the World event in London this Spring. At both events, Jackie S. and I were blessed to present a Love and Service Workshop to the respective fellowships.
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Thank you for allowing me to be of service.
In love and service,
Jay Finesilver
Earl Henderson – World Service Office Trustee
I continue to be grateful to the WSBT and the fellowship of Cocaine Anonymous for giving me the opportunity to serve as the World Service Office Trustee.
I have been for the past year been 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 3 Quarterly meetings of the WSBT and participated on all Conference Calls.
I have been serving on the following sub committees:
- Trustee Election Committee
- Long term Planning Committee
- WSBT Finance Committee
- Trustee of the World Service Conference Finance Committee
- International Structure and Development
I attended the CAWS2005 Convention in Memphis where I participated in the WSBT Quarterly meeting prior to Convention kick off. After our meeting I assisted in helping to decorate the Hospitality Room, sold memorabilia, worked the World Contribution program table and on Friday facilitated a workshop on Sponsorship that was well attended. I stayed available to the host committee, and our Office Manager to help out wherever needed.
During the year I attended “BIG SUR-entity”, hosted by Central California CA. I spoke at my SGPVCA Area Convention; I accompanied our Pacific South Regional Trustee to San Diego as well as to our Regional Caucus meetings.
I appreciate the opportunity to serve the fellowship. This has been learning process for me during my 1st year as a Trustee serving two boards. I ask God to guide me, to keep an open mind and a soft heart. Thank you for your trust and confidence.
Bobbie F. Harmon Trustee-At-Large
First I would like to thank the fellowship for allowing me the opportunity to be of service. It is an honor and a privilege to be entrusted to do the business of Cocaine Anonymous.
This past year has been a wonderful learning experience for me. I have had the opportunity to sit on a number of Trustee subcommittees, participate in the online business meetings, the telephone conference calls and work on referrals with other Trustees. I have also been present at all quarterlies including in Memphis before the CAWS 2005 convention.
As Trustee-at-Large, one of my responsibilities is international meetings. I have interacted with people from South Africa, Indonesia, Morocco, West Indies, Venezuela, Puerto Rico, Germany and the Philippines. Thank God for the Internet, travel is so much cheaper, just a
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touch of a keyboard. I have worked with Jackie S., the ANRT, on two petitions; one for a new Region and one for a new Area.
I have also participated as an ad hoc member on the CAWS 2006 Convention committee that will be held in Houston, TX in May.
I look forward to my continued participation with the fellowship in whatever capacity that I am needed. Again I thank you for the chance to serve.
In love and service,
Bobbie F. Harmon
Trustee-At-Large
Tony Drake, Midwest Regional Trustee Report
WSBT Activities
In my second year as the Midwest Regional Trustee, I learn a lot, grew spiritually and was given the gift of watching CA grow in the Midwest Region. I am truly blessed to have the opportunity to serve as a Trustee.
Midwest Region Activities & Updates
Area Activities
There has been growth in some areas and a loss of meetings in others. On average I think the Midwest has stayed at an even level with the number of meetings and H&I panels. 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&I committees. Ohio will host the Midwest Regional Convention, the first weekend in November. The Wisconsin Area is also submitting a bid for the 2009 World Convention, they have put together a very experienced committee and are extremely excited to present the bid.
Area Visits
I attended our Midwest Regional Convention in the Michigan Area and our Midwest Regional Assembly. In addition I also attended all quarterly trustee meetings, conference calls, the world service convention and the conference. In addition, I attended the Missouri area for a “Love and Service” workshop in while attending the area meeting, area convention meeting and the 2007 CAWS meeting. I did receive a request for a visit from Manitoba Canada and Indiana, but was unable to make the trips due to budgetary constraints. I continue to stay in contact with my areas and help in any way that I can through email and telephone contact.
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7th Tradition
At all of our Regional gathering there has been a lot of discussion about 7th Tradition. We have had long discussions regarding both the Donor Program and Area and H&I Committee’s that are sitting on large bank accounts. I am pleased that some of the areas in the region have gotten rid of the large bank accounts. The areas in the region that do donate the excess funds find that fundraising and participation in the fellowship increases due to necessity. I do still have a few areas that are sitting on large amounts of excess funds, I encourage you to donate the extra funds to carry the message to the still suffering addict. This year, the 7th Tradition donations for the Midwest equaled $31,159.56. The total sales, including chips and literature, H&I and PI, equaled $32,042.95.
I am incredibly grateful to have been blessed with this position. I come from a great Region, the best Region! And, I am truly grateful to serve CA.
In love and service,
Tony Drake
Midwest Regional Trustee
Teri Knight – Atlantic South Region Report
WSBT Activities
This year has been a very busy one for me as Atlantic South Region Trustee and as a member of the World Service Board of Trustees.
- Served as Chair of the WSBT and worked closely with members of the WSBT.
- Attended all WSBT quarterly meetings and conference calls except one in July 2005.
- Attended the CAWS Convention in Memphis,TN which was hosted by the Atlantic South Region and Tennessee Area.
- Maintained weekly participation on all WSBT on-line discussions and activities.
- Attended my regional assembly which convened during the CAWS Convention in Memphis, TN in an effort to minimize expense to Area delegates and encourage participation during the CAWS Convention.
- Attended my regional caucus which is held during the CAWS Conference in 2005.
- Worked on various WSBT sub-committees including; NewsGram including submission of articles for Trustee Corner..
- Held weekly calls with the WSOB Chair to insure open lines of communication between the two Boards.
- Worked with CAWS Conference Chair to insure open lines of communication between the WSBT and the Conference.
- Attended on CAWS 2005 Convention Committee meeting in September 2004 and January, 2005; participated in a number of conference calls with the CAWS 2005 Steering Committee and WSOB regarding convention finances and budget to insure that an open line of communication with the CAWS 2005 Chair, Treasurer and the CAWS Convention Committee Chair was maintained.
Atlantic South Region Activities & Updates
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Area Growth and Activities
Grow in the Atlantic South Region remains slow but steady. This fact is supported by a small bu regular number of starter kits being sent by the World Service Office to the Atlantic South Region. Numbers are slightly higher this year with around one and one half dozen of starter kits going out since the last World Service Conference. However, this report does not include any starter kits supported by the Areas within the Atlantic South Region (no numbers are available.
A very special “THANK YOU” is extended to the Tennessee Area for all of the hard work and outstanding hospitality they showed to all of Cocaine Anonymous for CAWS Convention 2005. This event was extremely successful both financially and in terms of fun, fellowship and unity.
Area Visits
Although there were budget restrains continue for this year, I have had the opportunity to visit only five of the ten areas in the ASR which include:
- Georgia: attending several Atlanta district events
- Alabama: two visits during the year; one area meeting in Birmingham, a speaker meeting in Jasper.
- South Carolina: attending a meeting and cook-out to discuss process for South Carolina’s petition to become an area which is still an open item for the local group conscience.
- Tennessee: Attended two CAWS 2005 convention committee meetings.
I continue to work to build and maintain relationships all of the Areas in the region by e-mail and telephone especially when area visits are difficult however in each instance where I have visited (out of Georgia), there has been financial assistance and hospitality provided directly to the Trustee to defray costs so that I could attend. I wish to thank the Atlantic Region for their support any my gratitude for the privlidge to be of service!!!
7th Tradition
In addition to financial support provided to the Trustee, there has been a lot focus on 7th Tradition this year in the Atlantic South. The appeal to the Areas to support CA World Services through the 7th Tradition continues to hold steady. Donations also came from areas where they gave what they could. South Carolina made contributions for the first time in the amount $131.20 as well as an anonymous donation of $100. This year, contributions are down by $2,167.58 with an annual contribution across the region of $9,292.98. Although this total annual donation is a decrease from the previous year, it in no way represents the financial support the Region is providing to CA as a whole considering the contribution made by the proceeds from CAWS 2005 and donations made to directly to support Trustee travel.
7TH TRADITION SUMMARY
| Area | YTD Total |
| Alabama | 368.84 |
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| Arkansas | 750.00 |
| Florida | 578.03 |
| Georgia | 6963.90 |
| Louisiana | 319.01 |
| Mississippi* | 0 |
| North Carolina | 0 |
| South Carolina* | 131.20 |
| Tennessee | 82.00 |
| Virginia | 0 |
| Anonymous | 100.00 |
| ASR Total | 9,292.98 |
*Areas not currently recognized by the CAWS Conference.
As you may know, this is my last report! I have now reached the end of my journey as your Atlantic South Regional Trustee. In this five years of service, I have had the opportunity and privilege of meeting many, many fellow addicts who love this new way of life we have been given and who love Cocaine Anonymous as much as I do. To serve this Fellowship and each of you has been an extreme honor and gift. When I was first selected by the Trustee Election Committee and ratified by the Conference, I had absolutely no idea what lay ahead and I was overwhelmed with doubt about my abilities. The one thing that I was certain is that I could trust God and His plan for me. At the time of my first quarterly board meeting, I felt so inadequate, fearful, just like when I first came into the rooms of CA. The good news was that just like when you are a newcomer, the members of the WSBT supported me and the members of the Atlantic South Region supported me and slowly I came to the place where I am today. Please know that although I am no longer serving in the position of Atlantic South Regional Trustee, I am still a trusted servant of Cocaine Anonymous so please don’t hesitate to contact me. I am here to help.
Thank you, for allowing me to be of service!
In love and service,
Teri Knight
Atlantic South Regional Trustee
John Bodkin – World Service Trustee Report
Thank you for allowing me to be of service. Thank you for your trust.
It should go without saying that I have been humbled in this opportunity to serve at this exciting time in our history as a fellowship. The incredible gift of the fellowship’s confidence placed in me over the last four years is a gift that I shall carry with me and cherish for lifetime. This commitment has helped me to grow, not only in my service life, but personally and professionally as well. You have allowed me to feel so very useful, and I thank you.
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In my years of service to CA I have learned to trust the process, (TTP), and have felt and witnessed a higher power reveal many miracles in both great and small ways to the betterment of the CA fellowship. As a new delegate in year one, I was determine to go home to San Diego and never return after all I had seen and heard in that first conference. What a difference sticking around to see the miracle happen makes… If you are a first year delegate… TTP… TTP… TTP…
I have witnessed the conference and its active service boards evolve before my eyes with respect to our approach to the business of Cocaine Anonymous, and this has manifested itself in an ever-increasing level of sophistication and ability to execute, with an ever watchful eye toward long-term and financial planning. With this in mind, and our business matters well in hand, I would like to say what distinct and unique privilege it has been to serve with World Service Board of Trustees, as well as my colleagues on the World Service Office Board, and with you, the members of the World Service Conference.
You allowed me to be your voice in our fellowship’s business affairs. You allowed me to make and keep commitments all over the world for our fellowship, but most amazingly of all, you allow me to be the signer on your checking account. Clearly some of you had not heard my pitch…
As I depart your service, I would like to leave you with some thoughts on our future betterment not only as a business, but as a spiritual and principled twelve step society. I have often seen and signed communications to you, “In love in service”, which is something I have been thinking a lot about lately with respect to the way we transmit our experience to new members willing to be of service. And I have personally witnessed many misunderstanding and misinterpretations when it comes to the way we do our service work. Always be mindful that the traditions, the concepts, the manual, and bylaws are guides to help us work together… not an action plan for our growth. Reject prejudice and embrace open-mindedness always remembering that while the ways we used and the situations we used in may be different…. The disease never changed, nor did the solution…
Stop using rules and manuals to get rid of each other when we disagree, and begin a new way of thinking; that each one of us is responsible for the choosing of our trusted servants and the manner in which they are chosen.
Make time at every service board to remember why we are here and that we can’t do this alone… mentor and love one another other in the name of Unity knowing that a higher power is guiding it all… for when it comes to the precious newcomer, the message of unity is only as strong as its foundation… and that foundation begins with each of you.
Be good… God shreds!
John B. World Service Trustee
Teri Knight
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CLOSING COMMENTS:
Thank you for allowing us to be of service. We now welcome any questions from the floor.
Respectfully,
The World Service Board of Trustees
Questions:
John Whitaker – International subcommittee, what does it do and how does it work?
Jackie Schickler – The international structure and development is a new subcommittee. Basically we are looking into copyrights and trademarks. There will be a referral with a more defined definition.
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