Nov 19, 2022 – WSOB Minutes

WSOB MINUTES NOVEMBER 19, 2022

OPEN MEETING @ 8.00 AM PST

SERENITY PRAYER – Earl invites the room to open with the serenity prayer

TRADITION – Yves reads the 11th Tradition

CONCEPT – Earl reads the 11th Concept

ROLL CALL & QUORUM DETERMINATION

Present:

• Earl H. Chair
• John B. Interim Vice-Chair
• Lolita s. Director of Operations
• Jonathan H. Treasurer
• Robert B. Director of Conv & Conf
• Yves W. Secretary, NewsGram editor
• David C. DAL, WSBT LTP and IS&D Liaison
• Jo P. DAL, PI and Unity Liaison
• Susan L. DAL, LCF Liaison
• Laurie R. WSOT
• Joni E. WST
• Mike S. CAWS 2023 Chair couldn’t attend, report was provided
• Joost B. CAWS 2024
• Jay P. CAWS 2025
• Tammy P. Guest

CHAIR ANNOUNCEMENTS

• Welcome to Tammy P. She’s here to see what work were doing for C.A.

• No announcement

• Susan reads the relevant day from ‘A Quiet Peace’.

• October 15, 2022, minutes were approved

SEVENTH TRADITION –

Observed in the office, online members are directed towards ca.org, add a note to state that it comes from the WSOB monthly meeting.

CAWS CONVENTION REPORT

CAWS 2023 (Atlanta) Michael S.

Highlights:

Page 1 of 15

• We have 64 registrations and 1,358 room night booked, met the Block Attrition Requirement as of 14-NOV-22 of 102.7% attainment.

• The registration people and RegFox have set up some training for 11/16 to train on the software, QR codes, badges, printing everything, etc.

• We have a volunteer for Outreach, Bob from New York and he is working with Melissa.

• Motion: CAWS2023 Robert B. proposed to approve check request CR-2023-11 for funds raising (Memorabilia), at the Florida Convention for the amount 370.56$, passed.

CAWS 2024 (Amsterdam) Joost van K.

Highlights:

• Did a tour with the team in our hotel. We have a video from our visit.

• We’re having fundraising event almost every weekend.

• Next priorities are Program, online (website, marketing, etc.) and budget

CAWS 2025 (Arizona) Jay P.

Highlights:

• We will have our fundraiser November 19th; we also receive a donation from Area and will have 150 T-shirts (most having been sold already)

• We will have a sign up at the event. Erica has started to assemble the mailing list for resumes. We will start the collecting the resumes process right after the event

• Few areas are interested in 2026 and 2027: Florida, have preliminary RFP’s out (Orlando Fort Lauderdale and Daytona), bids in play, good opening for negotiations. Washington Area will bid for 2027, focusing on Seattle, no news from Utah, nor Scotland.

OFFICE DIRECTOR REPORTS

Director of Operations- Lolita S.

Highlights:

• Office update:
  • Hired Front Desk/Customer Service Representative and started training her. I’m happy to report that she is a fast learner.
• Merchandise:
  • Researching prospective UK fulfillment centers.
  • HFC I – 40th Edition: Sent to printer for 1,000 books. Production date has improved, and the anticipated ship date is November 30th.
  • Unfortunately, we continue to be negatively affected by the supply chain issues. We are still expecting our regular plastic chips order in mid-December
  • Motion: That we publish an electronic version of the HFC I – 40th Edition, seconded. Passed.
• Royalty & License Agreements:
  • Signed royalty agreement for CA South Africa (October).
  • Signed royalty/license agreements for Central UK Area of CA. (October).

Page 2 of 15

DIRECTORS REPORTS

Chair – Earl H.

Highlights:

• Posted Phase 2 report dated 10-21 from our consulting firm “Just Here 2 Help” in WSOB Business folder on One Drive. I continue to communicate frequently with consulting firm President. Provided recommendations to Boards and contract to WSBT. Revised agreement approved by WSBT 11-14.

• November 2nd sent promissory notes and letters of explanation certified mail to former Directors.

Interim Vice Chair- John B.

Highlights:

• In the last month I distributed three (referrals) to board members to be worked on as we agreed, plus Robert B who worked on 5. We will call for their review and status in today’s agenda

• Executed the forms for 2021 Taxes for both CAWS and CAWSO for Federal and State.
• Activated trustee travel debit cards and will de-activated upon completion of travel.
• Still need to close out the debit cards with possible fraud attempts and have new cards issued.
  • Currently 33 Debit Cards Exist and 4 need to be closed.
  • Will have additional debit cards issued to cover all users required at Conference and Convention.
  • Need to schedule bank appointment to order this many new cards. Attempted online and only could process new cards for lost, stolen, or captured by an ATM.
• Received final deposit from Texas Convention donation to Convention account.
• Still planning to establish weekly or bi-weekly meetings with DOO and Bookkeeper to see ongoing progress, review QB entries, review chart of accounts, reviews Profit & Loss and Balance Sheet.
• Spoken with WSO Chair regarding ERTC credit for companies affected by the pandemic. Will be establishing a meeting with a provider that can possibly complete this process for relief funds, to get more information. We will also consider our Traditions and spiritual aspect to decide on this.
• Have received email for opening of HSBC UK account but still need to coordinate the international phone number call forwarding so we can get the account finalized.
• Prudent reserve calculations – still need to be calculated
• Motion: Close operating account ending in 7351 and transfer remaining balance of $4,727.30 to main operating account ending in 1145, seconded, passed

• We received 2 new referrals, these have been added to the minutes and the WSOB_REF2017-2022.xlsx file. I also updated the 2022 WSOB MOTIONS LOG.xlsx file with last month motions (in WSOB Business\Motion Referrals Log sub-folder).
• NewsGram
  • The 2022Q4 Edition, has been finalized and is now available. I did upload it in the BOX under Delegate Information Main File, in the Newsgrams folder, as requested. The next edition theme is “Home Group” and the deadline for articles submission is February 1st, 2023.

Director of Conv & Conf – Robert B.

Highlights:

• For WSC Conference 2022
  • Bill is very close to being finalized. Projected refund of $12,020.28.

Page 3 of 15

• • Need single-supplement invoices issued to individuals – Total of $3,325.26
• For CAWS 2023
  • Currently at 64 Registrations
  • Still working with the hotel to correct room night availability. Currently at the following:
    • 1124 Reserved Nights
    • 100 Staff Nights
    • 50 Suite Nights (Auction and Treasury)
    • Total Nights – 1358 Nights of 1252 Night Block
    • 102.7% Attainment.
  • Addendum negotiations have “stalled” slightly, but underway.
• For CAWS 2024
  • CA Holland has received their Government Recognition as a Non-Profit Entity as of 12-NOV-2022.
• WSC Conference 2026/2027 – TBD
  • Beginning RFP Process for Presentation at 2023 Conference

• The World Service Office Board Translation Committee (WSOBTC) next meeting to be held on Sunday 26th November at 6pm BST, 10am
  • IS&D’s approval of New Translations Policy docs will hopefully result in the new policy being sent by the WSBT after Q4 for completion and implementation.
  • There has been contact with all of the areas that have ongoing translations projects, to have a status on them.

• The 40th Anniversary Zoom meeting that held yesterday (November 18, 2022) at 12:00 pm PST. The event was scheduled to last 2 and ½ hours and we pulled it off! We had up to 529 participants worldwide.
  • We are looking for rebroadcasting the meeting and possibly have it available on-demand from the C.A. Museum, password protected and without a possibility to download (we have a waiver for all the speakers) if there is no Anonymity or Traditions issues, with the recording.
• WSOB AD HOC Committee to establish formal WSOB processes and procedures (Financial, Operational, Policies, etc.)
  • We are behind on this project, we will work on our planning
• LCF Committee
  • The Early Stories is back with the Committee for final revisions suggested by WSBT and considered at Point 11 in the LCF process. We will need get this to professional proofreader asap. The recommendation to use our previous proofreader (in the Program) is particularly important since the stories are told in a very casual nature. Someone in the Program will have first-hand knowledge of the “lingo.”.

Director at Large – Joanne P.

Highlights:

• WSOB Policies and Manual
  • The Ad Hoc committee is also looking at the current information regarding the Board as stated within the WSM and is profiling for an update to be presented for approval next Conference. We are looking to not only provide clarity to the fellowship about the WSOB’s

Page 4 of 13

roles and responsibilities, for example World Convention. Literature and Global Distribution, Treasury Management, Website and the efficient running of the Office, but also how the election process for DAL’s and the Chair, Vice Chair and Treasurer is undertaken so there is a clear process with no ambiguity.

TRUSTEE REPORTS

WST Trustee – Joni E.

Highlights:

• TNC
  • Met with the TNC to review 2 Atlanta Convention contracts for Audio and Comic. The agreements have been approved by TNC and are now in the process of full WSBT approval
• LEGAL
  • Following is a list of the emerging areas we have discussed registering our trademarks:
    • There have been several questions about the cost benefit analysis. To assist with that discussion, I am in the process of preparing a brief summary of the pros and cons which include international sales requirements to ensure we are covering all out bases.
  • Trademark Registration for the New C.A. App
    • As previously reported, the new C.A. app that is being developed by the WSCIT Committee will have to be registered for an additional class, as we currently hold the copyright for print media and books only

• WSBT
  • Attached is the briefing document regarding GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation) for the WSO to implement a policy for protecting personal data. It is up to the office how they need to conform to and protect data?
  • Follow up – Has the WSOB/WSO set a process/policy for reimbursements to be sent by PayPal for all trustees who want to be reimbursed that way.

UNFINISHED BUSINESS/PROJECT UPDATES

• Motion: to bring back the tabled motions to publish and order with 1,000 of the HFC Volume I 40th Anniversary with Special Cover, seconded, passed

• Motion: to publish and order with 1,000 of the HFC Volume I 40th Anniversary with Special Cover, seconded, passed

Referrals:

• In order to be efficient, we will ask board members to take on the responsibility to address the referrals during the year and to propose an answer for the board to vote on.
• Motion: to approve the proposed answer to referral 2018-6 as follow: No Action Taken “In the time since this referral was written; the Director of Conferences and Conventions position has been created to oversee these activities. Additionally, a new Convention Financial Bid Vetting Committee was created to properly review and predict financial performance of potential convention bids. It is the opinion of the WSOB that these two initiatives; along with better

Page 5 of 15

monitoring of convention progress, will allow better oversight of current and future conventions.” Seconded, passed

• Motion: to approve the proposed answer to referral 2019-5 as follow: Transfer to Convention Committee with Suggested Action “Modify World Service Convention Committee Guidelines to include Post-Convention activities as this currently doesn’t exist. These activities would include the following: -The WSO will strive to conclude all financial reporting for the Convention for presentation at the following World Service Conference.” Seconded, passed

• Motion: to approve the proposed answer to referral 2019-6 as follow: No Action Taken “In the time since this referral was written; we were able to experience first-hand what a lack of conventions looks like to our fellowship. Without the extremely generous nature of our fellowship to financially support World Services during this time; we would of experienced a much larger loss than what was actually realized. It is the current opinion of the WSOB that an annual convention is absolutely necessary to support our organization for the foreseeable future.” Seconded, passed

• Motion: to approve the proposed answer to referral 2020-1 as follow: Transfer to Convention Committee with Suggested Action “Modify World Service Convention Committee Guidelines, Page 21 Survey and Evaluation Coordinator 1) Coordinate evaluation process at convention. Insert New Language [It is suggested that coordinators focus on evaluation techniques utilizing the most current technological platforms (i.e. – Online Evaluation Methods, Formsite, etc.) to produce the most meaningful feedback in the easiest possible method of recovery from our fellowship. The easier it is to use, the more likely we are to receive responses.]” Seconded, passed

• Motion: to approve the proposed answer to referral 2020-05 as follow: No Action Taken “While the WSOB appreciates the intent of this referral, we believe it adversely affects our global fellowship as a whole to limit the Convention to a single US Holiday weekend. Prudent guidance and oversight of all convention activities; put into place since the writing of this referral, should ensure completed convention financials in time for the WSC regardless of timing.” Seconded, passed

• Motion: to table Succession plan for Chair, Vice Chair, DALs of WSO. Seconded, passed

• Motion: to table Summary of Motions from WSC affecting WSOB & WSO directly. Action items. Seconded, passed

• Motion: to table Summary of Motions from WSC affecting WSO indirectly. Prep for. Seconded, passed

• Motion: to go to executive session, seconded, passed

• Motion: to approve a yearend bonus, for employees including the bookkeeper, and 50$ for the new hire for a total amount of 1,150$, seconded, passed.

NEW BUSINESS

Motion to adjourn at 4:50pm

Yves W., WSOB Secretary

Page 6 of 15

REFERRALS TO WORK ON

In Committee

WSOB 2017-2 In-conf 2017

Susan B. On-Line Service Area

That the WSO produce foreign language C.A. logo stickers for all the established Areas of our Fellowship. We are a global Fellowship. It seems a great oversight to have stickers available only in English.

WSOB 2017-3 Referred from

Referral by Jason L. referred originally to Finance but Finance referred this to the WSOB

Add or increase a line-item amount to allow for the World Service Office to carry out translations of our World Service Manual for all Areas recognised by The World Service Conference that do not have English as their first language. The amount to be adequate for said translation works to be carried out by the World Service Office without the requirement for participation the individual Areas. The current number of required / outstanding translations to have adequate funding to be completed within the next two years and an ongoing line item to allow for newly required translations to be commenced immediately upon the recognition of new Area.

WSOB 2017-4 Referred from

LCF Referral Number 2016 – submitted by Susan B. was referred by LCF to WSOB

That the Committee revise Newcomer Booklet to include the reading “Who’s A C.A. Member?”

WSOB 2017-5 Referred from

Referral from WSBT to WSOB from a Referral from last Conference as follows

Please allow Areas to produce and distribute C.A. keyrings, medallions and Books under Royalty Agreement.

WSOB 2017-7 In-conf 2017

From Jay F. Colorado Area

A Motion will be brought related to this SR14 Notice which will be addressed to both the WSC Finance Committee and the WSOB to cease (not fund) for two years the participation by CA World Services at the annual United States National Association of Drug Court Professionals (NADCP) Drug Court Conference; and only then reinstated thereafter if and when it can be substantiated that the significant funds which are being spent on CA’s participation each year provide an acceptable return on CA’s investment in terms of measurable results, including without limitation: the number of new meetings started directly after CA Drug Conference participation, new CA cities/states/countries colonized where there is little if any CA now, and judges and referees sending their people specifically to CA (how many people are sent).

WSOB 2017-8 In-conf 2017

Ruby C. Utah Area

Have a contest to see who in the fellowship can make the best computer App. The creator of the winning App would get a designated prize and all rights and ownership of the App would be turned over to WSO. Ideas for

Page 7 of 15

apps

1. Meeting Formats and C.A. pamphlets
2. Find a C.A. Meeting
3. A Quiet Peace Daily Meditation App (this one could have a cost associated with it before the user could download the app)

Ideas for prized

1. Full registration to upcoming CAWS Convention

WSOB 2017-11 In-conf 2017

Dawn M. CAUK Area

The fellowship appears to not be informed regarding the cost of managing multiple currencies and converting to USD. Motion: that WSOB Finance Committee monitor, record ad report on the cost to the fellowship 2017 conference to 2018 conference of managing all financial matters in multiple currencies.

WSOB 2018-1 Post-conf 2018

Heidi J. Washington Area

That the internal WSO guidelines be updated to include under the WSO Treasurer position: WSO Treasurer is responsible for preparing the “Proposed following year WSO Budget, which is then forwarded to the Finance Committee in March of the current year, for the Finance Committee to review before forwarding onto the Office for the June Delegate mailing.

WSOB 2018-2 Pre-conf 2018

Bart CA Holland Area and David C. UK Area

Create guidelines for movements of funds, from World Service to European sub committees. Now although funds are being made available by World Service the process of moving this money is problematic and unreliable. This could involve appointing Treasurers for World Service European subcommittees?

Currently the unreliable movement of money results in members using personal funds to cover costs. European sub-committee Treasurers would open bank accounts in accordance with financial guidelines and hold seed funds for forthcoming events.

Personal experience: As Euro PI Chair I requested CAWSC PI chair on 27th of January for agreed funds for European PI summit. On 31th we received approval from trustees, On the 1st of February CAWSO got involved and agree to wire the money, On 22th February the extra details were received. On 6th of March 2018 we received finally the funds. The event is the end of March. The former European PI chair had the same experience last year!

Please reply to both of us.

Hugs and Love, Bart

WSOB 2018-4 Pre-conf 2018

Kerry-Jane G. CA UK Area

I would like to make a referral for the creation and publication of a brand style guide for our fellowship. I have

Page 8 of 15

created a basic document that could be used as a starting point that is open to improvements/amendments/further expansion as the relevant committee deems. I am happy to assign all IP rights to the fellowship accordingly. Due to its size, I will send the editable MS PowerPoint document into the conference committee via email – it is too large to attach to this referral form.

A brand style guide is a document containing the rules and guidelines for the composition, design, and general thematic look-and-feel of all of a brand’s collateral. Developing a consistent brand starts with creating a brand style guide. I believe that the more our fellowship grows, the greater the need for a consistent branding approach with clear-cut directions for our membership to follow, in particular to guide the creation of event flyers, posters and CA websites etc.

In CAUK Area, we are seeing an increasing amount of rogue CA logos appearing on literature – namely, event posters/flyers. In fact, if you Google ‘Cocaine Anonymous Logo’ and click ‘Images’ you will see that the FIRST logo that appears differs from the one that appears in the World Service Manual.

In the process of creating a Welsh CA logo for my local fellowship, I found I had created an editable CA Logo template. Upon the guidance of our Delegate and Regional Trustee, I passed this resource directly onto the WSO who are now utilising it.

I believe that logos have been recreated by local fellowships in the absence of availability of high-resolution logos that can be used for print purposes. I know from experience, when I emailed the WSO for a copy of a high-resolution logo, my response was not fulfilled for several months and indeed until a trustee became involved in the issue. I know that the creation of the WSPI website – www.pimembersarea.org will go a long way to solving this issue, however I still believe our fellowship could benefit from some really clear-cut directions in creating CA branded literature.

I believe we also need some clarification around the exact Pantone the WSO uses…the WSM states; “Although not officially adopted, when using the green color traditionally used by CAWSO Inc., the Pantone # is 3292 and the calibrated CMYK values be used.”

I believe this sentence is missing some vital information. Which Pantone 3292 are we referring to? From a graphic design perspective, there are actually 2 different options – Coated and Uncoated (potentially more if we included Extended Gamut) and the CMYK values vary depending on which one you choose.

Many thanks for your consideration. Do not hesitate to contact me should you have any further questions or if I can be of any further assistance.

WSOB 2018-5 In-conf 2018

Susan B OSA

That the WSO provide info on who received starter kits for publication in the NewsGram. Thank you for your consideration!

WSOB 2019-7 Pre-conf 2019

David J. Germany Area

Will conference recommend that the WSO examine and act on the European Data Protection Regulations and amend their data storage procedures, accordingly, offering members in the European Region reassurance that the legislation is being adhered to.

As of 25th May 2018 the European Union has implemented new laws for Data Protection. The data of all

Page 9 of 15

European citizens is now protected under the General Data Protection Regulations (GDPR). The law applies to organisations outside of the European Union (EU) who may record and store personal information. These regulations may affect the running of C.A. services where personal data is recorded. Thus, the purchase of literature, the PI Members area of our web-site, donations via the WSO or the website, Convention and Conference Registrations etc. It does not mean that the Fellowship cannot store personal information but rather should inform anyone entering data of its storage procedures and acknowledgment of the GDPR. GDPR guidelines here <https://gdpr-info.eu>

WSOB 2020-02 Pre-conference

Cynthia C – Washington

Please consider renaming the contribution program the Virtual Basket rather than the Freedom Fund. The name Freedom Fund is already associated with an organization to end modern slavery, an organization funding abortion, and likely others. The Virtual Basket easily identifies and explains the concept without risking affiliation or confusion with outside entities. Thank yo

WSOB 2020-03 Post-conference 2019

Ian Y – Thailand

“Could World Service Office create a new sub committee that can utilise all levels of Digital Communications and Social media, for instance:

Facebook for Outreach and event promotion.

Instagram for display of archived materials Mailing List (eg.Mailchimp) for messaging members around the world with exciting news / Newsgram

Twitter for PI to carry its message to the general public and press

WSOB 2021-02 Pre-conference 2021

Finance Committee jonphx602aa@gmail.com

We believe there should be a rebranding of the “Freedom Fund” to be called the “Online Basket”. This was discussed on the floor at last conference, and we feel that this better represents the nature of the contributions. This should help the fellowship understand the contribution process better, remove any negative connotations, link better with the current Covid online climate, and hopefully lead to larger contributions.

WSOB 2021-04 Pre-conference 2021

Jason L. CA London

Please would you look at the possibility of providing a domain for each region such that this could be used as a ‘Landing Place’ where those seeking recovery could more easily find contact information for the Area that will best serve them.

This could provide a link to Area websites, helplines an meeting finders etc. An example would be MER@CA.ORG, which could be used as the landing place for anyone in mainland Europe. Any Area websites would have to be vetted in the same way that they are if linked to our world website.

By the World Service Office providing the domain it means that a Region would not have to create a committee to pay for this and administrate for a Region.

Page 10 of 15

WSOB 2022-02 Pre-conf 2022

Arizona ASC

Please consider automatically including 10 free copies of the NewsGram when filling orders from Areas. I think it is an incredible publication that shockingly few people know about. I live in Arizona which is a pretty active and informed fellowship and when I brought it up recently at our Area meeting very few people had heard of it. I know there will be a cost to this but believe it would be worth it. The publication provides important information about our fellowship and upcoming events, as well as articles about our experiences, steps, traditions, and concepts that would benefit our local areas, our individual members and C.A. as a whole.

WSOB 2022-03 Pre-conf 2022

In 2021, Structure & Bylaws received a referral regarding gender neutral language in the WSM. Since then, a subcommittee was formed and has been working on gender neutral language in the WSM and other areas. These other areas fall outside the committee scope, and so the S&B committee kindly asks that you consider the following motion as relates to the original referral.

Motion to make all future and reprinted literature published by Cocaine Anonymous gender neutral, excluding

literature that Cocaine Anonymous doesn’t hold the rights to/not published by Cocaine Anonymous, and/or

personal stories as submitted by

members.

WSOB 2022-04 Pre-conf 2022

Ruby C. Utah Area

Create and document procedures for creating more complete WSOB Meeting Minutes which will include all attachments/documents referenced during the meeting.

Reason – I was recently looking through WSOB Meeting Minutes attempting to find a specific piece of information. The piece of information was referenced several times within the WSOB Meeting Minutes but was not attached to the Minutes.

Objective – To better capture necessary and important information, to better preserve archival information, to offer more transparency to the Fellowship.

WSOB 2022-07 Post-conf 2022

Jay F. Colorado

Please detail the terms of all WSOB officers and directors, when they were selected, when they were renewed, when their two-year terms and four-year terms end. Please make this information available once a year to the delegates in a delegate mailing and perhaps even in the Newsgram so that all are informed about possible vacancies and timing of any open positions.

As an adjunct to this, if there is an opening on the WSOB, that opening is well posted for a period of at least two months before selection.

WSOB 2022-08 Post-conf 2022

Catherine E. CAUK Delegate”

Page 11 of 15

I am making this referral on behalf of my fellow WSC Delegate Boab from the Scotland Area.

He has entrusted me with making this request on his behalf to ask the WSOB or whichever committee would be responsible to look at this referral to make the World Service Manual and all our other Service Manuals to be available to listen to through an audio means. This would help those who struggle with reading to feel included and for those who may have difficulties with sight.

Boab would also like to ask that books such as Hope, Faith & Courage and all C.A. literature be available in audio format too. This request also includes all pamphlets which could be made available as a listening library collection.

I will pass all correspondence I receive in reply from this request on to Boab.

In love and service

WSOB 2022-09 Post-conf 2022

Cynthia C.

Please consider adding QR codes to the front of each pamphlet as well as the literature racks that would enable people to quickly access literature via their phones. The QR code on a pamphlet could open that pamphlet on ca.org. QR code(s) on the rack could link to the main literature page and/or the store. People seem less and less inclined to pick up hard copy literature as technology evolves. This would make accessing our literature more convenient and hopefully help carry the C.A. message more effectively. Thank you.

WSOB 2022-10 Post-conf 2022

Jo P. CAUK Delegate

Please investigate an opt in email newsletter that would contain the daily Quiet Peace reading. I imagine this could then have a link to buy the book contained in the email to encourage our membership to buy the book. This could also serve to help people remain connected to C.A. if they lose their way for a time.

Page 12 of 15

CLOSED REFERRALS:

• WSOB 2018-6 In-conf 2018 Katie B. Arizona Area

I am concerned that Montreal lost so much money. I understand some of the reasons due to Airbnb and not meeting the hotel block, getting across the border, etc. I request that the WSOB take a long hard look please at what can be changed to ensure that the lessons learned from Montreal will not be repeated ever.

So, is there a better way, from the big to the small, maybe no banquet or brunch, or price registration differently. What can we do differently to meet the charge of the Conventions to promote enthusiasm and still raise funds for program services, to think outside the box. Also are there perhaps other ways to raise funds so that CA is not so reliant on the success of conventions to survive. Can/should the WSOB perhaps form an Adhoc committee of its members, some past convention trusted servants and delegates to sincerely explore all of these options and more? I would volunteer to serve on such a committee.

Summary Action – No Action Taken

In the time since this referral was written; the Director of Conferences and Conventions position has been created to oversee these activities. Additionally; a new Convention Financial Bid Vetting Committee was created to properly review and predict financial performance of potential convention bids. It is the opinion of the WSOB that these two initiatives; along with better monitoring of convention progress, will allow better oversight of current and future conventions.

• WSOB 2019-5 Post -conf 2019 Daniel H. Arizona Area

Is the WSOB able to implement a guideline in terms of how many days after the close of a World Convention final figure would be available so the entire body has the same expectations.

Summary Action – Transfer to Convention Committee with Suggested Action

Modify World Service Convention Committee Guidelines to include Post-Convention activities as this currently doesn’t exist. These activities would include the following:

• • The WSO will strive to conclude all financial reporting for the Convention for presentation at the following World Service Conference.

• WSOB 2019-6 Pre-conf 2019 Stuart E. Nevada Area

I would like the WSOB to do a financial impact study on the possibility of holding a World Service Convention every 2 years instead of every year as we do now. I have supported this idea for some time now and was moved by the impassioned speech made by the WSOB chair at conference this year. I believe that once the fellowship can see actual numbers we might be able to support this change. We might even see an increase in attendance due to the change. AA does a convention every 5 years and gets 100,000 attendees. While we probably won’t

Page 13 of 15

approach those numbers, I think we can more than double our current attendance and also increase attendance at our regional and area conventions as well…

Summary Action – No Action Taken

In the time since this referral was written; we were able to experience first-hand what a lack of conventions looks like to our fellowship. Without the extremely generous nature of our fellowship to financially support World Services during this time; we would of experienced a much larger loss than what was actually realized. It is the current opinion of the WSOB that an annual convention is absolutely necessary to support our organization for the foreseeable future.

• WSOB 2020-01 In conference Stu E – Nevada

Request for OnLine WS Convention Evaluation Form

Summary Action – Transfer to Convention Committee with Suggested Action

Modify World Service Convention Committee Guidelines, Page 21 Survey and Evaluation Coordinator

1. Coordinate evaluation process at convention. Insert New Language [It is suggested that coordinators focus on evaluation techniques utilizing the most current technological platforms (i.e. – Online Evaluation Methods, Formsites, etc.) to produce the most meaningful feedback in the easiest possible method of recovery from our fellowship. The easier it is to use, the more likely we are to receive responses.]

• WSOB 2020-05 Pre-conference 2020 Zach A – SCTA

I would like the WSOB to consider having the CAWS convention on only the Memorial Day weekend to allow the finance committee enough time to process funds. This is in hopes of having the proper financial information available to the delegates by the WSC.

Summary Action – No Action Taken

While the WSOB appreciates the intent of this referral, we believe it adversely affects our global fellowship as a whole to limit the Convention to a single US Holiday weekend. Prudent guidance and oversight of all convention activities; put into place since the writing of this referral, should ensure completed convention

financials in time for the WSC regardless of timing.

WSOB 2022-1 Pre-conf 2022

Russell S. Thailand ASC

Please can you amend all invoices and shipping documentation to remove the word COCAINE ANONYMOUS. This has, and will continue, to cause unnecessary concern when shipping items into countries that have a

Page 14 of 15

different social attitude. I’m sure there will be a flurry of verbal defence along the lines of ‘that’s our fellowship name’ and I respect and value that. However, legally there is nothing to stop you using CAWSO Inc.

I anticipate members speaking against this based on lack of awareness with regards differing attitudes around the world. I trust the WSOB have the maturity to pause, reflect, discuss and support this required change.

Response – Referral # 2022-1

It does not say it on the commercial invoice that is sent to internationals customers, but a copy of our QuickBooks invoice was enclosed in your last package, which should not have happened. We will make the change on our QuickBooks invoices. Thanks for bringing this to our attention and I apologize again for the delay in your package.

Page 15 of 15