May 23 – 25, 2005 – WSBT Regular Quarterly Meeting Minutes – Documents Archive for Cocaine Anonymous

CA WORLD SERVICE BOARD OF TRUSTEES REGULAR QUARTERLY MEETING MINUTES

May 23-25, 2005

Final Approved Minutes

Since this report is a confidential CA document, for members only, it contains members’ full names. This usage to facilitate communication within the fellowship was approved by the 1990 WS Conference. Such confidential use does not, of course, violate in any way our Tradition on anonymity in public communications media (press, radio, TV, etc.).

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The regular quarterly meeting of the CA World Service Board of Trustees, at the Marriott Hotel, Memphis, Tennessee, was called to order at 7:38 p.m. on Monday May 23, 2005.

Quiet time & Serenity Prayer
Roll Call

Personal sharing completed
Reading of the 12 Traditions – Earl
Read & Discuss Tradition Twelve (Limit discussion)

Anonymity is the spiritual foundation of all our Traditions, ever reminding us to place principles before personalities.

Discussion by Board Members:

It is so true, second half of this tradition is one that is very important in service and at these conventions, this helps us stay grounded and ready for the meetings and service we do, it can help at work – serenity prayer issues too, and also helps us to feel comfortable when we take strong positions in service, we need to say this on a regular basis. The first half of this tradition is important too, anonymity of others is important too as well as our own; we need to be conscious of who we are as we may be the only CA’er a normal person might ever meet.

We get to sit and discuss the traditions together which is quite a gift. The spirit of anonymity is key in this tradition, some of the most significant recovery has been done anonymously. The key basis is humility here, kind of giving backing silently and freely with love and more. This humility can lead to a gratitude check and more also. This can lead us to be able to defend the traditions which we in service are charged with doing. For him, the 12^th Tradition is about serving humbly above all else. This serving humbly can quiet a person.

In order to place principles over personalities we need to eradicate personalities to seek humility.

Dr. Bob was the greatest example of humility in his business, in his life and in all of his affairs. From AA comes of age. It is not who I am but what I am – remember that we are addicts first.

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Are we every day in our affairs representing ourselves appropriately as addicts, as members of a fellowship and as spiritual people?

From a PI perspective, anonymity needs to be protected but we still need to carry to message to the still suffering addict. Knowledge of all the traditions is really important in this regard, the more we know about them all and how they connect is key so that we can exercise and protect our own and other’s anonymity.

From the CA group inventory piece, question 3- do I complain about someone in the fellowship’s personal behavior. This takes extra love and tolerance and awareness not to do this. Also, if we can make the same point of saying what we need to say in a meeting or even in a business meeting of CA, in a principled spiritual way we are often more effective and can be able to further carry the message. Perhaps we could or should spend more times in the rooms talking about anonymity.

Service leaders in CA and as sponsors cannot be too anonymous, can share inside the fellowship, just not at the level of press, radio, television and films.

Read & Discuss Concept VI (Limit discussion)

On behalf of CA as a whole, our General Service Conference has the principal responsibility for the maintenance of our world services, and it traditionally has the final decision respecting large matters of general policy and finance. But the Conference also recognizes that the chief initiative and the active responsibility in most of these matters should be exercised primarily by the Trustee members of the Conference when they act among themselves as the World Service Board of Cocaine Anonymous.

Discussion by Board Members:

This can apply to us as we discuss the level of support of the WSBT of the proposed European Region that we will discuss this weekend. The key words are “chief initiative and the active responsibility…”

There is some wisdom here about not having 100 or more people trying to make a decision or find a conscience in every case, sometimes a smaller group can and should be charged with such responsibility. We need to be mindful of some of these decisions and how they might affect CA as a whole. The concept talks about acting among ourselves – with God as he may express himself in our group conscience.

Chair’s Opening Remarks – Teri

Initial discussion of approving the reports en masse as contrasted with what we did last quarter by approving them all in one blanket vote: perhaps we can discuss highlights, especially also about the convention reports for each convention as approved, some validity of saving time versus the need to know and communicate. Perhaps we can hit the highlights instead of approving them in one motion as to what we did last quarterly. What might serve us is that we can approve them as a group

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Now to Teri’s opening remarks:

Thanks for all of your work, the regional trustees have had some extra challenges this quarter. The efforts and service to the fellowship are awesome. Now to the needs of CAWS 2005 for service opportunities: Some for Monday bazaar, for hospitality and for memorabilia during the week. In your free time please do go in and offer to be of service.

Review of Agenda

New agenda items added under new business

10:46 pm adjourned for the evening until 8:20 am on Tuesday morning.

Re-adjourned 8:45 am Tuesday morning – all present May 24^,2005

Approval of Quarterly Minutes and Related Items

WSBT Quarterly Minutes
November 2004 WSBT/WSOB minutes

Motion to approve second unanimously approved

Motion to accept the next three sets of minutes, second, unanimously approved

February 2005 WSBT quarterly minutes
February 2005 WSBT/WSOB minutes
April 2005 WSBT conference call minutes
Record of Online Business
Between February 2005 and May 2005 quarterly meeting

Discussion of whether to include full response of the WSBT to a member

Motion to send out original version, second passes with one abstention.

WSBT OFFICER REPORTS

Chairperson – (Teri)
Vice Chair — (Cynthia)
Secretary — (Jay)

Motion to accept all three officer reports as submitted, second, passes with one abstention.

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TRUSTEE REPORTS

Trustee Reports (Discussion on reports previously submitted for review)

– World Service Office Trustee Report (Earl)
– World Service Trustee Report (John)
– Trustee At Large (Bobbie)
– Regional Trustee Reports
– Midwest (Tony)
– Pacific North (Cynthia)
– Pacific South (Carl)
– Atlantic North (Jackie)
– Atlantic South (Teri)
– Southwest (Jay)

Motion to accept the trustee reports as submitted excluding reference of last names of all other members of the fellowship, second.

Discussion of removing all last names on all reports of all other members this was included into the motion as amended- to include all other members except the trustee members

Passes with 2 abstentions

TRUSTEE COMMITTEE REPORTS

(Discussion on reports previously submitted for review)

Finance (Earl, Jay)
Conference (John, Carl)
Long Term Planning (Bobbie, Teri, Cynthia, Jackie, John, Carl, Earl, Jay)
Trustee Election Committee (Cynthia, Tony, Jay, Earl, Carl, Jackie)
Legal (Jackie, Jay)
Orientation (Teri, Cynthia, Jackie, Jay)
Negotiation (John, Cynthia, Jackie, Tony, Ken, Teri, Jay)
NewsGram (Cynthia, Jackie, Teri, Bobbie)
Convention Committee (Ad Hoc) (Jay, Teri, Jackie, Cynthia, Bobbie, John)
Outreach (Cynthia, Bobbie, Carl, Jackie, Jay, John)
International Structure & Development (Jackie, Cynthia, John, Jay)

Motion to accept trustee committee reports second, no discussion, passes with one abstention

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TRUSTEE CONFERENCE COMMITTEE REPORTS

Reports (Discussion on reports previously submitted for review)

– Finance Committee (Earl)

Motion to accept report, second, passes with one abstention

-Conference Committee (John)

Jay S. was officially removed as Conference Coordinator for lack of participation. Carl is participating on Conference calls also.

Everyone should have been notified of new hotel, there will be a new mailing in early June which sets forth this information again.

The proposed agenda for the WSC was sent, question when will this be final versus proposed, John said very shortly, it will be finalized. John thought there will be no additional changes, such that the proposed agenda will actually be the final agenda.

Scott B. is the Conference co-coordinator.

Motion to accept report, second, passes unanimously.

-Convention Committee (Carl)

Motion to accept report, second, passes with one abstention

CAWS 2005 (Teri)

Motion to accept report, second, passes with one abstention

CAWS 2006 (Jay)

Beale room 7:30 Friday May 27^th the CAWS 2006 steering committee will meet, please come.

Motion to accept report, passes with one abstention

CAWS 2007 (Tony)

Motion to accept report, second, passes unanimously.

CAWS 2008 (Cynthia)

All going very well, intent to execute hotel contract before WST rotates off.

Motion to accept report, second, passes with one abstention.

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– Structure & Bylaws Committee (Jay)

Motion to accept report, second, passes unanimously.

-H&I Committee (Bobbie)

Question of the status of working on the referrals by H&I Bobbie will continue to follow up.

Motion to accept report, second, passes unanimously.

-PI Committee (Jackie)

Motion to accept report, second, passes with one abstention

– Unity Committee (Teri)

Motion to accept report, second, passes unanimously.

-Internet Committee (Tony)

Fullest agenda they have had in years.

One question about mp3 streaming media has come up. which will be discussed in committee. John asked whether committee would consider what the rules should be for our fellowship re articles, stories, and more and how it relates to approval of a website.

Motion to accept report, second, passes with one abstention.

– LC&F Committee (Cynthia)

Discussion of committee dynamics, Cynthia shared that last chair called everyone once a month to encourage members and that seemed to work. The committee is working through the summer.

Storybook subcommittee is present and participating, still not getting feedback from rest of committee. They are working through this as a committee.

There are a couple of literature pieces the committee is working to revise before being included in the book – And All Other Mind-Altering Substances and We Can Recover.

Timeline for release of the book, on an “as soon as they can” basis, not tied to the Conference this year. There are some questions of financial planning related to when the book is released. This will be looked at further over this summer. Comment: the WSOB needs to give feedback to LCF of when the WSOB would like to have the finished product done.

Motion to accept report, second, passes with one abstention.

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OLD BUSINESS

Trustee section in the Delegate notebook (Teri)

To remain on agenda pending status of inclusion in the Delegate handbook and updates in the WSM.

This item is to remain on agenda until after close of WSC in 2005 pending inclusion in the new edition of the WSM.

Referral 006 (Jahi)

Jahi to draft a response to this referral (completed at August quarterly)
Confirm that WSO has complete presentation for the CA archives (Tony)

We do not have this confirmation. Tony will get this to them as soon as possible. He will get this done forthwith.

Review procedures for selection of WSOB Directors (John)

To remain on agenda pending status of inclusion in the WSM

This item is to remain on agenda until after close of conference in 2005 pending inclusion in the new edition of the WSM.

Referrals we are to be working on throughout the year (All)

First Group (Jackie, Jay, Bobbie):

#3562 – With the Adoption of Holland, Sweden, Hong Kong & Scotland as new areas – Should we now consider adopting a NEW REGION to include the U.K. area; Holland Area; Sweden Area; Hong Kong Area & Scotland Area as well as other European areas that became independent areas in the future? As it stands, the Atlantic North Region contains 18 areas with 5 of those abroad making Regional Trustee travel a financial burden to the Fellowship.

#4101 – Request that there be two (2) Trustees to represent the Atlantic North Region due to the vast scope and size of the region. This would permit one Trustee to cover the North American sector and another to cover the European sector. This would represent an opportunity to save dramatically on travel expenses within the region.

#4217 – To explore the process, structure, timeline and financial implications of creating and supporting European region: to be created at WSC 2006.

We have been working on these, may combine the first two into a single response, and separate the third one. We will continue over the summer. A draft is working and was read. Tabled until after new business discussion number 9. We are discussing how detailed a response needs to be and what part of 4217 gets referred to Finance committee. Tony suggests also calling the WSO to get some of this information too. Teri added that we can answer the parts we can and then

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referral to Finance for the parts that it has their expertise. Question: some clarity needed on the term “financial implications.”

Jackie also suggested that the recommended changes to the WSM would be included also as a part of the referral and the petition to form the new region. Still questions to timing and effective date. Carl offers to join this too because there are questions of how districts get formed.

Proposed response to 4217 motion to accept with one opposed.

The process, structure and timeline are already covered by the WSM 2.14, Refer on to WSC Finance Committee.

3562 and 4101 motion to table until new business number 9, second, passes unanimously.

Second Group (John, Carl):

#4114 – Does the word (Addict) on a T-shirt with the CA logo, a violation of any kind.

#4122 – Is this a violation when put on a t-shirt? Our ideas did not work. Truth; a. That we were addicts and our lives were unmanageable, The Light; b. That probably no human power could relieve our addiction, The Way; c. That God could and would if He were sought. But the God idea did.

Note: these two referrals are combined for response:

Proposed response:

In these two referrals, we are guided by the principle of anonymity as set forth in the WSM at pg. 1.6 as follows:

THE IMPORTANCE OF “ANONYMITY”

Traditionally, C.A. members have always taken care to preserve their anonymity at the public level: press, radio, television and films: We know from experience that many people with drug problems might hesitate to turn to C.A. for help if they thought their problems might be discussed publicly, even inadvertently, by others. Newcomers should be able to seek help with complete assurance that their identities will not be disclosed to anyone outside the Fellowship. We believe that the concept of personal anonymity has a spiritual significance for us: it discourages the drives for personal recognition, power, prestige, or profit that have caused difficulties in some societies. Much of our relative effectiveness in working with addicts might be impaired if we sought or accepted public recognition. While each member of C.A. is free to make his or her own interpretation of C.A. Tradition, no individual is ever recognized as a spokesperson for the Fellowship locally, nationally or internationally. Each member speaks only for themselves. While some people might find these shirts to be offensive, there is no apparent tradition violation. As to a modification of ‘How It Works” on the one shirt, such a design is

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violative of the agreement by and with AA for CA to NOT modify the AA Big Book without AA permission.

Motion to approve response, passes unanimously.

Individual Referrals:

#3726 – Develop guidelines that address the issue of streaming audio links of CA speakers on area websites – I am the webmaster of our area’s website (casandiego.org). We have added a page to our website that allows one to click on a link and listen to CA speaker tapes. I believe we need guidelines on this issue so as to assure that we stay within the 12 traditions of CA. (Cynthia, John, Jackie)

Discussion by John suggests we let the WSC Internet Committee look at this, goes beyond streaming media to more contact. Tony would like us to just refer to the Internet Committee

Motion to refer this to the Internet Committee, second. Passes unanimously.

#3899 – Please see attached regarding dis-accreditation of “the truth, the light and the way.” Meeting was disaccredited; can this be overturned by whom? And if so by whom? (Carl, John)

Combined with 4057 for response

Note: the responses for these two referrals are combined below:

Proposed response:

The actions referenced in these two related referrals are very unfortunate. Members of the WSBT have had the chance to look into these matters in depth. We are mindful of the materials from the CA World Service Manual related to groups:

THE C.A. GROUP

The basic unit in C.A. is the local Group, which is autonomous except in matters affecting other Groups or C.A. as a whole. The Group has but one primary purpose, which is to help others to recover through the Twelve suggested Steps. Each Group is self-supporting through its own contributions. As the Twelve Steps are our guide to recovery, the Twelve Traditions are our guide to Group unity, growth and discipline. Its members maintain their personal anonymity at the level of press, radio, television and films. The importance of the Group, what it constitutes and its functions cannot be stressed enough. Maintenance of our recovery depends on the sharing of our experiences, strength and hope with each other, thus helping us to identify and understand the nature of our disease. Most addicts in C.A. achieve and sustain their recovery as a result of their participation in the activities of the Group. The Group is the heart of Cocaine Anonymous and it is vital to the new member. It is equally important to those who have achieved recovery as a result of the program. They may continue to participate and receive assistance from the Group

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The Group’s total responsibility is perhaps best expressed by the First Tradition:

“Our common welfare should come first; personal recovery depends upon C.A. unity.”

In this instance, the meeting referenced was found to not be following this framework with the result being dis-accreditation. The meeting itself and its individual members possess rights of appeal under Concept 5. To exercise these rights, please contact the appropriate district or area.

To respond to the question of who can overturn such a decision, it would be the same service body that disaccredited the meeting in the first place.

Motion to approve above response. Second. Passes unanimously.

#3945 – Review the Area Structure in Pacific South with reference to several very small Areas. Consider whether in the interests of CA Unity, and in the interest of creating more viable areas, several PS Areas should be combined. Particularly, merging Orange County and San Diego together and incorporating Cen Cal into SF Valley. (Carl, Earl, John)

Moved to the WSBT Online agenda

Taken off of online.

Proposed response:

Thanks for bringing this matter to the attention of the WSBT. The PSRT has discussed the matter with the Central California Area and SGPVCA and both areas declined to combine. San Diego and Orange County are still considering the matter.

The areas within CA, once made, are for the most part, autonomous and it is our understanding that the WSC should not attempt to or actually restructure any area without a compelling need, which we do not see here.

Motion to approve response passes unanimously

#4005 – Grant authority to WSBT to allow spending not granted on WSC approved budget. This allows for conservative budgeting and guidelines while giving authority to complete projects, slated but not budgeted in the current year. (Teri, Jay)

Will move to online and Teri and jay will discuss.

#4057 – When a group has lost sight of the primary purpose, as well as the 12 Traditions, has no respect for the District or Area, this was the resulting action taken. (Carl, Jay, John)

See above.

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#4084 – Re-work Trustee ratification process on pg. 6.7 WSM Paragraph 1. Require at least a 30-day notice of any ratification vote taking place. (Teri, Jackie, Jay)

Group attempted to contact maker, will continue to do so. Will have response for next quarterly.

#4157 – Make it a point to visit each committee chair to remind them that there is a 12 point and a 7 point approval process for literature and media. My concern is that committees are not adhering to this process by presenting items to the floor without going through these processes. (Teri, Tony)

Proposed response:

Referral to CAWS Conference Committee with suggestions that they consider the creation of an education segment for Conference committee chairs (both new and returning) that would outline the roles/responsibilities of each committee chair both at the conference and throughout the year and would include instructions related to the 12 point approval process for any literature and/or media to be considered for conference approval. At this time, there is no 7 point approval process in place regarding media for Cocaine Anonymous.

Motion to approve proposed response with one friendly amendment, Second. (Friendly amendment strike and/or media and 7 point or other -accepted).

Now it reads:

Referral to CAWS Conference Committee with suggestions that they consider the creation of an education segment for Conference committee chairs (both new and returning) that would outline the roles/responsibilities of each committee chair both at the conference and throughout the year and would include instructions related to the 12 point approval process for any literature to be considered for conference approval. At this time, there is no 7 point or other approval process in place regarding media for Cocaine Anonymous.

Passes with one abstention.

#4218 – Suggest CAWSC (CA World Service Conference) initiate and/or establish a separate committee for memorabilia and/or CA Approved materials not covered by Literature, Chips and Format (LCF) (Teri, Earl, John)

No comments now, will move to online agenda

#4226 – What happens to the copyright if and when the logo is translated into foreign language? (Bobbie, Jackie, John, Jay)

Move to online, John will comment then, another issue later on which ties on to it, we are awaiting this information.

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#4302 – Review the AA “12 Concepts Illustrated” booklet and determine whether CA groups and service workers may use this booklet, or whether the LCF Committee needs to re-invent it. (Bobbie, Jay, Cynthia)

Status of referral to LCF

Teri to transfer to Conference Committee then to LCF

#4375 – On page 4 of the newly approved “Financial Guidelines for Groups” etc., under the sub-heading “Special Donations,” does one group donating to a “Special Cause” aiding another group violate Tradition 7? (Bobbie, Earl)

Written response to be posted online

Response was posted as follows:

Motion to approve response as follows:

The “Financial Guidelines for Groups” on page 4 assumes all these groups are CA groups or CA members. It does not violate Tradition 7 for a group or individual to earmark or designate a “Special Donation” to a particular project or fund within CA. We, as a fellowship, are self-supporting through our own contributions. We, as a fellowship, are able to donate, via the group conscience, to various projects at different levels of CA.

Extensive discussion of what is earmarking,

Tabled motion to online. Passed unanimously.

4397 – There is a treatment center in Las Vegas named EOB Treatment that requires CA members to breath into a breathalyzer to enter its facility for an open CA meeting. This goes against our traditions personal rights of privacy. (Carl, John, Cynthia)

Moved to the WSBT Online agenda

Proposed response:

As stated in the WSC Hospitals and Institutions Committee Guidelines and Information, “There is a distinct difference between H&I meetings and regular C.A. Meetings… Certain facilities may require H & I participants to be subject to sobriety requirements, dress and conduct codes.” We would encourage local H&I committees to always be mindful of any additional requirements when announcing events at such facilities. With regard to this particular incident, we spoke with the director of EOB and he stated that CA members were not singled out. The facility’s policy is that all persons entering the center are to be tested. Please be mindful that in locked down facilities, their standing rule is to search all persons entering. We also spoke with the gentleman who helped put on the event, and he stated in the future he would find a facility that is better suited for everyone’s needs.

Motion to approve, second, passes unanimously

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#4689 – Does a Director or Trustee member of a Service Board, such as the WSBT or WSOB, have the right to proxy a vote? (Bobbie, Jackie, John, Jay)

Draft in progress, will have online.

#4718 – To add to the WSM, page 3.5, under WSC Committee Chairperson (duties and responsibilities) item (j) “work to insure wherever possible that the vice-chair or another delegate committee member is willing and able to assume the chair position the current chair term is completed.” This member feels that when a large committee of say 15-25 members feels the necessity to elect a non-delegate chair, then that committee and chair is doing something wrong. (Jay, Teri, Cynthia)

Status of referral to S&B?

Teri to see that this gets to S&B (to locate, sign hard copy and then forward).

#4729 – Please investigate the legalities of using the Public Information poster on a postcard. “Federal Postal Law.” (Jackie, Jay, Earl)

Moved to the WSBT Online agenda

PI has supplied some information and one of its member’s views of the matter. We are still waiting for formal prototype to be forwarded from PI.

Action taken: moved to next quarterly from online agenda

Remain on agenda for quarterly review

John has much of information, WSOB did authorize a phone call and John spoke with CA’s attorney. This goes to copyright protection, this is different than trade marking.

Discussion to keep on the agenda – John will do a report on this too for the next quarterly. The new WST and WSBT Chair will have to monitor periodically so please place/keep this on this agenda.

Suggest combining item 5 and new business going forward. This Agenda item will now read as follows:

Trusted Servants: When Trust is Lost (Jay, Jackie, John, Carl)

Continue discussion

Not discussed this item this past quarter online, John gave some background. This item will continue for the next quarterly.

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Review and discussion of what CA’s (through our Board or the WSOB) response is to help areas and even other countries to incorporate as non-profits under the applicable legal structure. Comment: the forms were last updated in 1992 or something, I have three areas asking for the forms and guidance now. (Jay/Jackie/John)

Update

Discussion of what CA should do on this, we can share this information but should we make this information available, some concerns about having the WSO being administrators of this.

Some questions too about cost, logistically about how to do this even informally.

A document for the information of the inquiring party but not containing the documents themselves might be a solution.

Motion: that the WSO when it receives a request for corporate or tax information give contact information for the regional trustee and contact information for area delegates second

Discussion: in addition to this, perhaps a one page sheet of contact information from government agencies might help.

Friendly amendment accepted to remove reference to delegates:

Motion: that the WSO when it receives a request for corporate or tax information give contact information for the regional trustee second

Passes unanimously

This will now come off the agenda

Legal counsel for CA (Jay)

Update

Update, there is not need now for counsel – some of the past issues have been resolved. Also without having to proceed with crafting a set of corporate papers for use in the US (see above) there is no further need at this point.

This matter will be removed from agenda

Storage on Yahoo Group (Tony, John)

Update

When we last met, Tony told us we would be up by early March. This has not occurred. Finally, we now know that it will not be done any time soon. Tony is now asking the Internet Committee members for help. Right now there is nothing finalized. Our temporary solution works fine for now. An update next quarterly.

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Sales by members and timing of sales of items with the wrong CA logo at area and world conventions (Jay)

Update

Move online to draft a referral to the WSCCC related to the CAWS conventions

As to area issues, there is autonomy at the area convention committee planning level.

Discussion of challenges of shirts and other memorabilia of with wrong or improper logo and materials. As this relates to the bazaar at the CAWS convention this week, if it is for private gain, we should discuss this with them (the sellers), if it is areas or district, our place is to teach and instruct. We need be always mindful of being loving and tolerant on this. Jackie will write NewsGram article.

Apportionment among the regional trustees regarding growth in Mexico (Jay)

Update

Referred last quarterly to International Structure and development committee, removed from this Agenda.

Newcomer friendly web link on CA.org (Jackie)

Update
To remain on the agenda until complete

This matter is a work in progress, can remove this to the WSOT’s quarterly report

CA policy about vendors at CA conventions. (Jay, Teri, John)

Status?

Motion to refer to WSCCC to put something in place regarding vendors at CAWS conventions.

Second

Friendly amendment to refer to WSOB declined

Motion withdrawn

Motion to send WSCCC referral regarding sales at memorabilia bazaar to consider charging a fee to participate in memorabilia bazaar.

Second

Withdraw motion

Motion to remove this item, it is addressed under old business 33

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Second, Passed with three abstentions.

Lunch break 12:32 pm until 1:45 pm.

Back on the record at 2:02 pm

Agenda items Old Business #18 and #23 items are desired to be discussed at this time.

Motion to suspend the rules to take item #18 and item #23 in old business forward on the agenda – Passed.

WSBT statement regarding Co-Anon (Jay, John, Tony, Jackie, Teri)

Update

Some background given, this is a great time to have the chance to revisit the relationship between Co-Anon and CA, our joint meeting is set for Thursday at 10 am

John sees the meeting as an opening of a dialogue, and perhaps an ongoing chance to share views and communicate. This is an opportunity to converse with Co-Anon to improve on the relationship. Is perhaps broader than just the existing WSBT statement regarding Co-Anon from 1997.

This is a good chance to explore our relationship from a spiritual standpoint as ours is a family disease. Suggest as to the money aspect, let’s bring in CAWSO to that piece too.

The meeting may be a fact finding more than anything, it can open the dialogue and we can have a better feel for the dialogue and related issues.

The WSO has been involved in the current practice, $15 given to anyone who checks off the Co-Anon box on our registration. This is what is the practice now.

Discussion: We owe Co-Anon a huge debt and it is an important part of who CA is.

The agreement re convention is not correct in practice now and needs to be revisited by both CA and Co-Anon.

Consensus: this stays on the agenda for now. At next quarterly we will revisit this agenda item.

TEC interview schedule (Jay)

Motion that we conduct all TEC interviews over the phone for this year.
Motion passed to table until we get further information, to be discussed online

Report from TEC will try to do all interviews in LA or on Sunday of this week, Teri pointed out that there might be the situation that a candidate might not be at the Conference and not at the Convention to be interviewed. The TEC will need to factor this into its plans.

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Motion to remove from the table, Second. Passes with one abstention.

Main motion withdrawn to do interviews over the phone.

All interviews this year will be at the Conference except those that might result from ASR and availability of those candidates – those will be conducted at the CAWS Convention if possible. . TEC can go ahead and schedule interviews to be held at the Conference. TEC delegates will have to come in Monday night to be available first thing Tuesday. Will be covered for ½ room night plus $40 per diem.

Trustee voting procedure (Cynthia, Tony, Teri, Carl, Jay, Jackie)

To be discussed by regional trustees and updated at May quarterly

Consensus that this has been resolved and of no further concern such that it can be removed from the agenda

Atlantic North/European Region (Jackie)

Update

Also under new business number 9 – remove number 9 – all of this is under this agenda item now.

Jackie filed a full written report on this as a supplemental report

There will be a petition for a new region. Will be ready for SR 14.

The issue for when the effective date for the creation of the region is a challenge, when should it be effective and how might this affect the two divided slates. The logistics will still be need to be worked out. The proposed name will be EMEA (Europe Middle East and Africa) still then how to include Hong Kong in this into the proposed new region. May need to find a new more inclusive name too.

Motion to remove from table the two referrals (#3562 and #4101) second passes with one abstention

#4101 – Request that there be two (2) Trustees to represent the Atlantic North Region due to the vast scope and size of the region. This would permit one Trustee to cover the North American

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sector and another to cover the European sector. This would represent an opportunity to save dramatically on travel expenses within the region.

Proposed combined response to these: 3562 and 4101:

The growth of the Atlantic North Region has been considered by the WSBT, and as such, we would support a petition to create a new Region of CA when it comes to the WSC.

Motion to accept response, second Friendly amendment- enthusiastically support

The growth of the Atlantic North Region has been considered by the WSBT, and an such, we would enthusiastically support a petition to create a new Region of CA when it comes to the WSC.

Passes with one abstention.

Jackie will make sure appropriate info from her supplemental report gets into petition. Item can be removed from our agenda.

Further changes to pp 6.6 – 6.7 of the WSM (Tony, Jay, Teri)

Moved to online

Further define WSBT Chair participation during quarterly meetings (Teri)

See new Business Item #32

Will be discussed below

WS Trustee service as CAWS Conference Committee Trustee (John)

Status of update to WS Trustee guidelines? Moved to online business

To remain online.

A more formal system of labeling documents for posting and circulating them among the WSBT (Jay)

Move to online, but please try to keep process simple.

Jay gave a handout this will remain online, Cynthia to respond and work with Jay on this too.

Proposed revision to WSBT Reimbursement Policy (Teri)

Update

Teri posted this online. Mostly this was done to clarify the word ‘travel day”

Motion to approve the revised Policy as posted. Second. Passed. Earl to communicate to WSOB

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Note: the WSBT Expense Reimbursement Policy with the changes is attached to these minutes.

Revisit the Trustee Finance subcommittee responsibilities (Teri)

Update

The responsibilities currently say:

FINANCE

Oversees all WSO financial matters; ensures compliance with existing guidelines and budgets of CA World Services.

The word “all” is the concern, Teri will join Earl and Jay on this online.

Approval of non-English web sites (Tony)

Status of referral to Internet Committee – Tony will do so on behalf of the WSBT

CA Jewelry (Carl)

Update

Motion to remove from Agenda, second, passes.

Break to back-up media; Jay departed at 4:12 p.m.

The participation of the WSOB at the Quarterly Board to Board (Jay)

See Old Business Item #32

Motion to table until Jay can participate – passed.

Discussion to consider changing the WSBT quarterly meetings from 4 times per year for 3 days each to 3 times a year at 4 days each. (Jackie)

Tabled until we have better information

Remove from agenda per Jackie’s request.

World Services Mission & Vision Statements (Jay) –

Exploratory work about a mission/vision statement to commence with the assistance of the Trustee Outreach subcommittee

Status?

Motion to table until Jay is available – passed.

Referral to S&B: Guidelines for when an Area wishes to change their Area name (Cynthia)

Status of Referral?

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It was Cynthia’s understanding that Jay would be writing referral; will confirm with him. Move to online.

When legal questions arise at the local level (district, areas, etc) is the legal counsel currently available to the WSBT also available to the local Fellowship? If so, then what the process to obtain to access to the legal counsel? (Teri)

Moved to online discussion (last quarter)

To remain online per Teri.

Spending review and consideration for future Trustee budgets for 2005/2006 and 2006/2007 fiscal years (Teri)

Moved to online (last quarter)

Everyone needs to consider whether the monies allocated to your budget for the next fiscal year are going to be adequate for you to maintain status quo or do you feel there are some compelling reasons why there should be an increase to your budget? If so, how much more do you think you will need to fulfill your responsibilities? Base it on what you think is good for the fellowship, not what you can afford. Trustees on CAWS conventions usually travel more the last year before. Teri was budgeted 3 additional trips to Memphis but only took 2. Jay has traveled much more, but on his own dime. Teri will make sure our budgets get e-mailed to us by the office. Note: more travel usually leads to more 7^th Tradition contributions. Cynthia may want to include a trip to Utah for 2006/2007 fiscal year. If we travel on our own dime, we still need to submit an expense report showing a donation to help plan for future. Also perhaps the trustees with CAWS conventions in the future should plan on visiting once a year until the actual year of their event. Focus on what is the best for the fellowship, not what CA can afford. Moved to online and further discussion after budgets are available.

Review updated WSBT Chair responsibilities for approval (Teri)

Tabled to May quarterly

Motion to remove from table – passed. Some problem with all of us getting a complete copy of the proposed document from the download. Motion to table until after the dinner break – passed.

Legal committee recommendations regarding vendor licenses (Jay, Jackie, John, Earl)

Update

Motion to table until Jay returns – passed.

Future of the WST position (John, Tony, Carl, Jay, Cynthia)

Update

Moved to online; John will submit his thinking to us via e-mail. John will clarify and look at both financial and spiritual aspects.

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Worldwide Trademark Protection of the CA logo in other languages (John, Jackie, Jay)

Motion that we instruct our trademark attorneys to immediately protect our trademark CA logo in the European Union.
Motion passed to table until John obtains more information regarding feasibility of protecting the logo worldwide.

Motion to table until Jay returns; out of order since it is already on the table. Motion to remove from table – passed with one opposition. John gave update as follows: Report from counsel is accurate; CA logo at this time is not protected in U.K. Do we want to protect it throughout the European Union? Would be a reasonably substantial cost involved. Typically about $1,500 to apply for protection with the European Union (this is the most prudent approach); U.K. alone might be a little less. In the EU, would we want to protect French & Spanish versions, too? This is a big question to consider and resolve. Period of prosecution is time allowed after we assert claim to logo for others to assert possible claims. Approximately $4,500-$5,000 to cover entire European Union (English language version only), including attorney fees and filing fees for all countries in the EU. Could have attorney reflect this proposal in written correspondence to include cost and countries to be covered. Some countries need proof of use every three years that we are actively using the trademark, which creates a maintenance and administration factor that we must factor into the equation here. Most trademark rights are granted for periods of 10 years, but some have caveat of proof of use every 3 years. Translated versions would not be covered by intellectual property rights just because English version is protected. Original cost referred to of $1,500 was just for initial filing fee with European patent office. Estimate of $4,500-$5,000 includes attorneys’ fees and cost of contacting various agencies. Not sure how much cost would be reduced by using European counsel; may want to investigate. We need to look at this from a fiscal concern versus the protection afforded to CA by having these marks protected in the EU.

Friendly amendment offered by Tony to the existing motion already being considered: and accepted by Jackie so that motion now reads: Motion that we provide the Finance Committee with a proposal and request that they budget to protect our English trademark CA logo in the European Union.

Passed unanimously. Will stay on agenda for August 2005 quarterly. Jackie will follow up with someone she met in Holland who works at the European patent office and then coordinate with John.

Further discussion regarding the WSOB Chair (Jay, Earl)

Earl reported that this was followed up on conference call. Bob continues to demonstrate good leadership at WSOB meetings. Supervisory issues remain a challenge. Earl follows up on this periodically. Can be removed from agenda.

Regional NewsGram coordinator guidelines (Jay) – online

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To remain online; Jay is joining NewsGram subcommittee. Guidelines are available in draft form if anyone needs them to present at Regional caucuses this weekend. Carl has copy; Tony needs one. Perhaps we can finalize this in the next quarter.

Define timely completion of Quarterly meeting minutes – Cynthia

Update

Motion to table until Jay can participate – passed with 2 abstentions.

To make a referral to the Internet Committee to deal with the issues of: (Tony)

Online Forums or Chat Rooms,
Online Meetings hosted by area or district websites,
Ability to have email lists that members can sign up on for announcements and upcoming events both on the world website and area/district websites.
Status of referral?

Tony will follow up; moved to online for confirmation.

Registration fee at CAWS Conference (Jay/John)

Update

$5 Registration Fee has been implemented. Was intended by committee to apply to all participants, but it may not have been clear from the letter that went out. Was intended to make up for loss of $10 per room rebate. John will carry back to the Conference Committee that fee needs to be made more clear prior to everyone showing up at the Conference. No clarity by Conference Committee who pays, delegates, WSOB, WSBT and all participants. Only one WSBT member has registered and paid fee thus far. Added new business item (#20) to address revising expense guidelines to include reimbursement for WSC registration fee. Remove from agenda.

NEW BUSINESS

Date/time for the next WSBT conference call (All)

Sunday, July 10^th @ noon PDT/2:00 CDT/3:00 EDT/8:00 in U.K.

Date/time for next WSBT quarterly meeting (All)

Motion that our next quarterly meeting begin on Sunday, August 28^th at 1:30 p.m. PDT – passed with one opposed.

Group Inventory (All)

Motion to table to last item on agenda – passed.

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Motion to table items 4 through 8 until Jay’s return – second.

CAWS 2006 would like to retain the services of a photographer to take pictures of those that desire at the banquet in a designated spot. I guess that this service was allowed in Chicago and in New York at the respective world conventions in those two cities. The committee has asked that I ask our board if such a procedure presents a problem as being against our traditions. (Jay)
There is a new fellowship which started in Arizona I am told, called heroin anonymous. One of our former CA trustees is now a ‘non addict” world trustee of that fellowship. The local HA service area in phoenix has approached the phoenix CA service area (sun valley Intergroup) and asked SVI if it can use/modify its bylaws/guidelines to make them work for HA local. The CA area in Arizona has asked us for a formal approval/permission before it lets HA have access to its bylaws. What is our opinion on this- we may not have one which is ok. (Jay)
Meeting between WSBT and steering committee of CAWS 2006 (Jay)
Tradition Six and listing on convention registration forms (Jay)
What we can/should share in CAWS 2006 outreach (Jay)
Petition to form a New Region – updates for the Petition which will now be presented at this year’s WSC (Jackie)

Discussed above. Remove from agenda.

Joe & Charlie DVD – 4 years ago the WSBT responded positively to Scotland’s request to show Joe & Charlie DVD when the fellowship was forming – with a disclaimer. I have now been approached by a member who wants to start a meeting in Kent with that same format. Can we discuss. (I will try and find the original response from the WSBT to Scotland.) (Jackie)

Discussed historical and current perspective; consensus is that it’s not okay to use these non-conference approved materials in a meeting of CA.

Remove from agenda.

Recording Secretary for August 2005 quarterly (Cynthia, Jay)

Motion to table until Jay returns – passed with one opposed.

LCF story review per Point 7 (Cynthia)

Motion to table until after dinner break.

Response to the fellowship from the WSBT when we address a member inquiry (John, Jay)

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Broad discussion here of this type of inquiry and whether to include the identity of the person making the inquiry.

Motion (with friendly amendment) that responses to member inquiries be included in their entirety in our record of business distributed to the fellowship, subject to our discretion if sensitive information is involved

Motion with friendly amendment – passed unanimously.

The World Service Forum (Jay, Teri)

Saturday from 2-4; would like it to be more interactive. Each branch of the fellowships is present and presents some information to those in attendance. Perhaps we could sit up front and answer questions from the fellowship. Good opportunity to convey some information to the fellowship also. Not mandatory for us to be there, but would like Vice Chair there. Can discuss format with Bob C. when he gets here.

Long-Term Planning forum – record? (Bobbie)

Bobbie can make and distribute copies of her report. Subcommittee members should attend. Will be Friday 2-4. May want to have sign-up sheet. John suggested changing name of forum to encourage more participation. Could do referral to Convention to change name. John will work with Bobbie in wording for such a referral. Need to confirm that all workshops are being taped; if LTP is not, need to see if we can get it taped. Bobbie will follow up with Kevin and Joe C.

South Africa’s Petition for an Area (Bobbie, Jackie)

Petition has been put together and it has been submitted to Patty to comply with SR 14. They’ve had 2 meetings going for over a year. Recently set up 3^rd meeting. Good support and enthusiasm. Already a very strong 12-step fellowship movement in South Africa. Hoping to present Petition for new Region first and then present new Area Petition so it will be part of new Region. David from Johannesburg is coming to the Conference this year. Don’t need statement from us in support as a Board, but we should all be prepared to speak in support.

Literature pieces review per Point 7 (Cynthia)

Motion to table until tomorrow – passed.

Broke for dinner from 6:30 – 8:00pm

Reconvened at 9:30pm

Reviewed list of items tabled until Jay’s return (old #26, 28, 33, 38; new #4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 11)

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Motion to remove old business item #26 from the table – passed. Motion to table to online – passed.

Motion to remove old business item #32 from the table – passed.

Review updated WSBT Chair responsibilities for approval (Teri)

Tabled to May quarterly

Motion to remove this matter from the table – passed

Discussed and gave feedback, including need for clarification re selection of Recording Secretary and reading from pp. 470-471 in Robert’s Rules (Gold Copy) re chair participation in small boards. Do we follow Robert’s Rules or is Chair not participating a custom of our Board? Also issue with Chair participating last and always having last word; could be potential for abuse. Could be reworked and presented online so it can be approved at the August quarterly. John had some excellent suggested language about Chair participation in discussion (some concern with the right of participation by that trustee who also represents a region) Need to find a chair in the future who can temper his/her own participation with facilitation of the meeting also. Also a concern that even if the Chair gave the gavel to the Vice Chair, then the Vice Chair’s voice is lost temporarily for that matter. Comment: we need to be careful on the level of Chair participation. There may be times though that the Chair may have information on a matter that might affect CA as a whole. Possible language suggested: “The chair from time to time may express an opinion with the prior consent of the WSBT” Cynthia and Teri will work on and present online.

LCF story review per Point 7 (Cynthia)

Motion to remove this matter from the table – passed.

Jackie has read them all

Tony has read 5 or 6, in random order

Bobbie read them all

Carl read 6 in a row, starting at top

Earl read first 4

John read them all

Teri read 2, by titles

Want to make sure we have all read each story before making motion to approve. Asked about WSOB timeline. John feels much better about new batch of stories. Patty thinking book will be released within next 12 months. Finance may be very concerned in terms of budgeting and might have some feedback. LTP might also. Committee needs to know how long publication phase will take and what WSO’s goals are. Teri suggests WSBT shoot for closure by our quarterly conference call to have reviewed all stories which we have been presented to date. May have a few more in time for call; some others (those subject to re-review) might not get to us for approx. 90 days.

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Motion that the WSBT read all 16 stories currently at point 7 and be prepared to discuss their approval in our July 10^th conference call – passed with one abstention.

What is the approval process for media? (Jackie)

No approval process currently exists. What is definition of media – it is not clear yet to all what exactly we are talking about here. Might need separate processes for P.I. and H&I which define how materials move through each committee in conjunction with the Conference, WSBT and WSOB. Question, is “media” everything else but text, mp3, multimedia, flash, etc? This is an area which will need some attention and focus in the near term.

Jackie, Cynthia and John will work on this online. Moved to online to work on referrals from this discussion.

10:45 p.m. – adjourned until 9:00 a.m. tomorrow.

Re-adjourned Wednesday morning May 25, 2005 all present except Jay F.:

Called to order at 9:17 a.m. Moment of silent, serenity prayer

WSO wish list – is that earmarked funds? (Tony)

Discussed at length. Patty told Tony that CAWSO did specifically ask for money donations to be earmarked for computers. Similar things have happened as recently as three weeks ago. Do we need to establish criteria for what a “wish” is? How do we make sure the wishes are equitably distributed to fulfill the various needs of the fellowship? How to reconcile this with money donations which have been attempted to have been earmarked. The difference on the wish list may be that the wish list is for goods and services. However, there have been exceptions. Look also at the distinction to those items/projects that are Conference approved. Concern that this may still be earmarking of funds at some level. Earl can take back to WSOB; we can discuss with WSOB Chair. Express enthusiasm for the concept, but how can we make it something more inclusive to achieve our fellowship’s short- and long-term goals? Maybe a better way is to say “CA” needs this, not just that the “office needs” this. Result may focus on the criteria for inclusion on the wish list. Inclusive vs. exclusive wishes of needs of CA to be included.

Continuing agenda item for further discussion. Move to online to look at now before the WSC and to also continue face-to-face discussion. Also raise the awareness of the WSOB and the WSOB Chair re this matter. Anyone who wants to work on this item can do so please.

Revise WSBT reimbursement guidelines to include Conference registration fee (Teri)

Teri will make modification to include CAWS registration fee (when applicable) and post online.

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Guidelines regarding taping of WSBT meetings

Concerns re confidentiality of recordings if we use an outside transcriptionist or if we keep taping each quarterly. How can we maintain custody all the way through the process? We need to be mindful of keeping custody of the tapes (custodial responsibility). What about people inadvertently accessing the recordings on our various computers? Can we password-protect the files? Suggest taking a “wait and see” approach until the first minutes come out using the new process of taping only – and feedback from Jay as the recording secretary. Tony will look into software that converts audio to typed words as we go. Need to have checks and balances to minimize risks too. Teri, Jay and Cynthia will work on guidelines and procedures and present online.

Note the Secretary cost to bringing someone is as follows: $250 fee plus room night cost plus per diem and air fare

END OF NEW BUSINESS

Next: reviewed list of items tabled until Jay’s return to determine which ones we will handle online and which we will discuss here (minor changes done informally by consensus).

Old business item #28 – mission/vision statement – tabled to online discussion

Old business item #33 – vendor licenses – motion to remove from table passed. Jackie and Jay have discussed issue and are recommending that it be tabled to the winter quarterly. Hoping to meet with NA again in September. Carl added to project. Motion to table to November 2005 quarterly – passed.

Old business item #38 – timely completion of quarterly meeting minutes – want to discuss at this Board meeting after Jay returns; question as to whether it needs to be done in full session. Motion to remove old business item #38 from the table – passed. WSBT Chair will confer with Secretary and Vice Chair and then advise rest of Board online as to when the minutes will be completed.

New business items 4-8 were all Jay’s new business items.

New business item #4 (photography at CAWS 2006) – motion to remove from table – passed. Motion to table new business item #4 to online – passed.

New business item #5 (Heroin Anonymous) – move to online.

New business item #6 (meeting w/CAWS 2006 Steering Committee) – they are meeting at 7:30 a.m. Friday in the Beale room; perhaps a few of us could stop by? Remove from agenda.

New business item #7 (Tradition 6 listing on registration) – move to August quarterly.

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New business item #8 (CAWS 2006 outreach) – move to online.

New business item #11 (Recording Secretary for August) – motion to remove from table – passed. Motion to table to our July conference call – passed.

Motion to remove new business item #17 (approval of new literature) from the table – passed. When will mailing actually go out? Depends on Conference Committee getting everything to office. Motion to table both pieces to online – passed. Will be And All Other Mind-Altering Substances and We Can Recover.

Tony called Kevin to check on recording of service workshops. The LTP and World Service Forum will both be recorded.

New business item #3 (Group inventory) – motion to remove from table – passed. Recorder turned off. Group inventory completed.

Note: Co-Anon meeting format – let them go over their agenda and thank them for their feedback. Won’t be making any commitments without first discussing it as a Board. Any referrals to come out of that process would happen at the Conference.

12:18 pm – Close – Serenity Prayer

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For all attached reports and documents see: 2005-05-23-25-WSBT-Quarterly-Minutes-Approved

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