CA WORLD SERVICE BOARD OF TRUSTEES RECORD OF ONLINE BUSINESS BETWEEN QUARTERLY MEETINGS
October 14, 2009 – December 1, 2009
APPROVED
Since this report is a confidential CA document, for members only, it may contain 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 anyway out Tradition on anonymity in public communications media (press, radio, TV, etc).
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Wednesday, October 14, 2009
Joy H.: Motion to approve the Bill Z. Response regarding “How It Works.” Second by Kim S.
Correspondence:
Below is the result of your feedback form. It was submitted by on Monday, August 17, 2009 at 22:47:54
—————————————————————————
Name: Bill Z
StateProvince: CA
AreaRegion: San diego
Subject: How it works
Message: Hi Trustees,
I don’t get the minutes from WSBT or the WSOB or any conference information anymore. Has there been a decision regarding “How It Works? Who can I contact regarding discussions or decisions on the subject?
Also, how do I get contact information on the current trustees?
Bill Z.
Response:
Dear Bill Z.,
First, I would like to apologize for this response being late. We where waiting for the outcome of our meeting with AA so we could respond with all the facts in place. Secondly, thank you for your questions regarding “How It Works.” I am enclosing a breakdown of CAWSO, Inc. communication with AA World Services and what has transpired to date:
The following has been complied in hopes of directly communicating information regarding the history of the past year in reference to our addressing the issues of publication and distribution of AA literature as single pieces and within the CA Storybook “Hope, Faith and Courage” Volume II. The decisions outlined below made by the WSBT reflect great effort to research and investigate the situation regarding the revising and reprinting of “How It Works.” The WSBT came to their responsible decisions by means of respect to legalities, the wishes of AA, freedom of action in the routine conduct of CA policy and business affairs, and spiritual need to make things right.
Last year during the Literature, Chips, and Formats Committee closing report a motion was made and passed. This action is fully outlined in the 2008 Conference transcripts, day five, August 30, 2008, page 10 – line 9 thru page 14 – line 5.
MOTION: To revise the fourth paragraph of “How It Works” as follows: To revise the 4th paragraph of “How It Works”, as follows: “Remember that we deal with cocaine [insert new language]”and all other mind altering substances” [end new language] cunning, baffling and powerful. Without help, it is too much for us. But there is one who has all power, that one is God. May you find him now. Half measures availed us nothing. We stood at the turning point. We asked His protection and care with complete abandon.”
During discussion the following question was asked:
“When we receive…maybe this is a question for the group that they may know, I guess, when we receive permission from Alcoholics Anonymous to use “How It Works”, did that permission grant us the…I mean, was that permission to just plug in “cocaine” to where it says alcohol, or do we have permission from Alcoholics Anonymous to add verbiage anywhere we see fit”?
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The conference was advised:
“We did not originally have that but we have now contacted them and have permission to do this.”
As a result of the above statements, the motion put forth to the Conference floor was passed.
This sparked an investigation by the WSBT to obtain copies of the written permission for our own records and safe keeping for future reference. After months of digging through files at the World Service Office, Conference Committee Archives, CALA Archives, talking with a number of former WSBT board members and inquiries with our outside law firm, it was determined that no written permission or documentation that indicated verbal permission to revise, edit or change “How It Works” could be found.
It was also determined that said “permission” expressed at the Conference was incorrect, and that referenced “contact” regarding “reprinting” did not include “How It Works”. Additional information obtained by the WSO reflected that AA also requested that we not revise or reprint “How It Works.”
As a result of our research and information provided to us from the WSO, at the 2009 WSBT March Quarterly meeting the following 5 motions were passed, also shown is the current status of any action items:
- Motion to cease publications and distribution of any material and or literature containing “How It Works” in any medium.
Action items:
- The WSBT instructed the WSO to immediately cease selling HFC II, remove the suggested meeting formats from our website that contain “How It Works” and replace them with “We Can Recover.”
- The WSO crafted a statement to tell members that we currently had publication issues with HFC II and that HFC I would be replacing it until those issues were resolved.
- The Regional Trustees were instructed to get the word out to the members in their regions via online communications, area visits etc.
- A motion was passed by the WSOB/WSBT to reprint HFC II excluding all AA literature. Currently that version of the book is with the typesetter.
- Chair’s of both WSBT/WSOB attended an LCF conference call to explain the situation and field questions from that committee.
2) Motion to have TAL investigate as to whether or not we have permission to re-print with redistribution (all media) of other AA literature/phrases…ie: “The Promises”, and “A Vision for You”.
Action item:
A) TAL/WSOT made contact with AA Intellectual Properties department for the above motion which produced the following results:
AA would have no objections to your reprinting excerpts from Alcoholics Anonymous, of the so-called “Promises” pages 83-84 or the paragraph in chapter 11 “A Vision for You” page 164, but would request that you indicate the source of the material, (the title and the page number), together with the following disclaimers immediately after the excerpt being used:
The excerpt from Alcoholics Anonymous, page 83-84 is reprinted with permission of Alcoholics Anonymous World Services, Inc. (“AAWS”) Permission to reprint this excerpt does not mean that AAWS has reviewed or approved the contents of this publication, or that AAWS necessarily agrees with the views expressed herein. A.A. is a program of recovery from alcoholism only – use of this excerpt in connection with programs and activities which are patterned after A.A., but which address other problems, or in any other non A.A.. context, does not imply otherwise.
The excerpt from Alcoholics Anonymous, page 164, is reprinted with permission of Alcoholics Anonymous World Services, Inc. (“AAWS”) Permission to reprint this excerpt does not mean that AAWS has reviewed or approved the contents of this publication, or that AAWS necessarily agrees with the views expressed herein. A.A. is a program of recovery from alcoholism only – use of this excerpt in connection with programs and activities which are patterned after A.A., but which address other problems, or in any other non A.A.. context, does not imply otherwise.
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Please note that currently HFC II, page 237, has the “Promises” and a “Vision For You” with the following disclaimers:
Reprinted from Alcoholics Anonymous, Page 83-84, with permission of A.A. World Services, Inc. Approved Literature, Cocaine Anonymous World Services, Inc. Copyright 1994.
Reprinted from Alcoholics Anonymous, Page 164, with permission of A.A. World Services, Inc. Approved Literature, Cocaine Anonymous World Services, Inc. Copyright 1994.
Attachment A for email history of correspondence with AA for above motion
3) Motion for WSO to set up meeting, face to face, with AA to address the problem and ways to solve it, make amends, ask forgiveness, and how can we make further restitution. Record of meeting via minutes should be distributed to the WSOB and WSBT. Meeting to include the local Regional Trustee.
Action items:
Attachment B was emailed out on May 10th 2009 by the WSOB chair
Attachment C was received by the WSOB chair on June 3rd 2009
Several calls have since been made to AA by the WSOB chair for the meeting date but nothing has been settled upon yet.
Attachment E response from AA
Attachment F response from AA sent by WSOB Chair
4) Motion that a letter regarding this issue be drafted with members of both Boards involved in the writing of it. Letter should be approved by both Boards before distribution.
Action item:
Attachment D was approved by both WSBT/WSOB boards sent to AA certified mail on June 3rd 2009, receipt was received by WSO on June 11th 2009
5) Motion to address the issue with the fellowship via letters to the delegates, News gram articles, CA website, assemblies, and delegate mailings…after the meeting with AA.
Action item:
After the meeting is completed the results will be shared with the entire fellowship in accordance with above motion.
Attachment A
From: Smith, Darlene <smithd@aa.org>
Subject: Reprint Permission
To: “wsotprinciples@yahoo.com” <wsotprinciples@yahoo.com>
Date: Thursday, May 14, 2009, 6:55 AM
Willie Bailey
849 S Normandie Ave. #208
Los Angeles, California 90005
Dear Willie:
Thank you for your recent email in which you requested permission to reprint excerpts from Alcoholics Anonymous for use in a Cocaine Anonymous publication entitled, Hope, Faith and Courage II.
AA has no objection to your reprinting excerpts from Alcoholics Anonymous, but would request that you indicate the source of the material, (the title and the page number), together with the following disclaimer:
The excerpts from Alcoholics Anonymous are reprinted with permission of Alcoholics Anonymous World Services, Inc. (“AAWS”) Permission to reprint these excerpts does not mean that AAWS has reviewed or approved the contents of this publication, or that AAWS necessarily agrees with the views expressed herein. A.A. is a program of recovery from alcoholism only – use of these
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excerpts in connection with programs and activities which are patterned after A.A., but which address other problems, or in any other non A.A.. context, does not imply otherwise.
If you are in agreement with the above, we have no objection to your use of these brief excerpts from, Alcoholics Anonymous, as described. Thank you in advance for your anticipated cooperation.
Sincerely,
Darlene Smith
Intellectual Property Administrator
AA World Services, Inc. 475 Riverside Drive New York, NY 10115
From: Smith, Darlene <smithd@aa.org>
Subject: RE: AAWS Reprint Policy
To: “Willie Bailey” <wsotprinciples@yahoo.com>
Date: Wednesday, May 13, 2009, 11:15 AM
Hi Willie,
I am drafting an email to you, however, for our records we need your address.
Darlene
From: Willie Bailey <wsotprinciples@yahoo.com>
Subject: Re: AAWS Reprint Policy
To: “DarleneSmith” <smithd@aa..org>
Date: Thursday, May 7, 2009, 11:06 AM
Ms. Smith, we are attempting to use just 2 paragraphs on page 164 in which we use as a reading titled “A Vision For You”
Our book is meant to be suggestive only, We realize we know only a little, God will constantly disclose more to you and to us. Ask Him in your morning meditation what you can do each day for the man who is still sick. The answers will come, if your own house is in order. But obviously you cannot transmit something you haven’t got. See to it that your relationship with Him is right, and great events will come to pass for you and countless others. This is the Great Fact for us.
Abandon yourself to God as you understand God. Admit your faults to Him and to your fellows. Clear away the wreckage of your past. Give freely of what you find and join us. We shall be with you in the Fellowship of the Spirit, and you will surely meet some of us as you trudge the Road of Happy Destiny.
May God bless you and keep you—until then.
Thank you in advance
From: Willie Bailey <wsotprinciples@yahoo.com>
Subject: Re: AAWS Reprint Policy
To: “DarleneSmith” <smithd@aa..org>
Date: Wednesday, April 29, 2009, 1:16 PM
Thanks for your reply, we have no intentions to reprint the entire chapter but just the “Vision for You” as it is read in most meeting formats.
From: Smith, Darlene <smithd@aa.org>
Subject: AAWS Reprint Policy
To: “Willie Bailey” <wsotprinciples@yahoo.com>
Date: Wednesday, April 29, 2009, 12:29 PM
April 29, 2009
Willie Bailey
C.A. World Services, Inc.
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Dear Mr. Bailey:
Thank you for your request to reprint the chapter “A Vision for You” and the so-called “promises” from Alcoholics Anonymous for inclusion in your Fellowship’s upcoming publication entitled Hope, Faith and Courage II.
Unfortunately, Alcoholics Anonymous World Services, Inc. (“AAWS”) reprint policy does not permit the use of more than the Steps, the Traditions (short form) or the Preamble (through the Grapevine), or a phrase, short paragraph, and the like, from text material. More specifically, it would not permit the reprinting of an entire chapter. Therefore, under these circumstances we must deny your request to reprint an entire chapter.
Additionally, it has always been the Board’s position that the so-called “promises” were written in the general context of Alcoholics Anonymous, and were not intended to be specially titled (as, e.g. “the promises”) not to be reprinted as numbered or tabulated items; the Board feels that, where the “promises” material is reprinted, it should be reprinted in the full text, and formatted just as it appears on pages 83 – 84.
We would have no objection to your reprinting the so-called “promises” provided that you use the following attribution:
This excerpt from Alcoholics Anonymous, pages 83-84, is reprinted with permission of Alcoholics Anonymous World Services, Inc. (“AAWS”). Permission to use this excerpt does not mean that AAWS has reviewed or approved the contents of this publication, or that AAWS necessarily agrees with the views expressed therein. A.A. is a program of recovery from alcoholism only – use of this material in connection with programs and activities which are patterned after A.A., but which address other problems or concerns, or in any other non-A.A. context, does not imply otherwise.
If you are in agreement with the above, we have no objection to your reprinting excerpts from pages 83-84, from Alcoholics Anonymous, as described. Thank you in advance for your anticipated cooperation.
Sincerely,
Darlene Smith
Intellectual Property Administrator
AA World Services, Inc. 475 Riverside Drive New York , NY 10115
From: Smith, Darlene <smithd@aa.org>
Subject: RE: Permission
To: “Willie Bailey” <wsotprinciples@yahoo.com>
Date: Wednesday, April 15, 2009, 7:26 AM
Hi Willie,
Thank you for your email and phone calls (I was out of the office yesterday). Willie, unfortunately, I will not be able response to your question just yet. But I will be touch in approximately two to three weeks.
Sincerely,
Darlene Smith
Intellectual Property Administrator
A.A. World Services, Inc.
From: Willie Bailey <wsotprinciples@yahoo.com>
Subject: Permission
To: smithd@aa.org
Date: Monday, April 13, 2009, 6:21 PM
Ms. Smith, My name is Willie Bailey and I am a member of the board of trustee’s CA world service, I am the World Service Office Trustee. I am contacting you regarding a request that may have been already submitted by Richard Schafer Trustee at Large or Patty Flanagan Paid Director of CAWSO Inc.. The request is for permission to use A Vision For You and The Promises, in their original version, in our story book Hope Faith and Courage II. This is not an official request, but rather to track and see if a request has already been made so we will know what the next step will be.
If in deed this request has been properly submitted, then all I would need is the status of this request. If there is no record of this request being made in writing, then I would like to know so I can formally do so in writing following all protocol in this matter. I
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will contact you by phone, around 11:00am your time 4/14/09, If you could please email back to me either way on this matter, Thank you for your time and troubles in this matter.
Willie Bailey contact info wsotprinciples@yahoo.com or baileywillie@att.net (323)573-0441 If you need a contact #
Willie B. WSOT
Attachment B
From: John Bodkin [mailto:john. bodkin@sbcglobal .net]
Sent: Saturday, May 23, 2009 11:01 AM
To: CPC
Subject: For Trustee Consideration – Cocaine Anonymous Publication Issues
AA World Services, Inc., C/O Mary Dragon, CPC P.O. Box 459
New York, NY 10163
May 10, 2009
Re: Matter for Trustee Consideration
Dear Mary,
Thank you very much for your time on the phone in the beginning of May. The following outlines a specific and important matter that the Board of Trustees of Cocaine Anonymous World Services has asked that this office present for AA Trustee consideration.
The World Service Board of Trustees and the World Service Office Board of Directors of Cocaine Anonymous would like to respectfully request a face to face meeting with the Trustee Members of Alcoholics Anonymous for the expressed purpose of discussion related to several potential publication issues outlined in the proposed agenda below:
Proposed Agenda –
A) Background / History: (What it was like)
Some time between 1986 through 1989 members of Cocaine Anonymous World Service (CAWS) met with Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) to discuss the use and modification of AA literature to help carry the CA message. The feeling the CAWS members had after this meeting was CA had permission to use/revise selected readings of AA literature.
B) What Happened:
CAWS revised some of the wording from Chapter 5 of the book “Alcoholic Anonymous” entitled “How it Works” mainly replacing the word alcohol with cocaine and reprinted it in our book “Hope, Faith & Courage Volume II – Stories and Literature from the Fellowship of Cocaine Anonymous”.
C) What it is like today:
At the 2008 CAWS Conference , held in Los Angeles, a motion was passed to further revise the portion of chapter 5, “How it Works”, by inserting new language after the word cocaine to include “and all other mind altering substances”. During discussion of the motion the following was asked:
a. Excerpt from conference transcript: “When we receive…maybe this is a question for the group that they may know, I guess, when we receive permission from Alcoholics Anonymous to use “How It Works”, did that permission grant us the…I mean, was that permission to just plug in “cocaine” to where it says alcohol, or do we have permission from Alcoholics Anonymous to add verbiage anywhere we see fit?”
During our research to the above question we have since not been able to produce any written permission, so we are contacting you at this time for the expressed purpose of asking what CAWS may do now to be current, and to make this issue right with AA. Please note that we have already counseled with your publications liaison on strictly publication issues, but our proposed agenda seeks additional information on perhaps a more spiritual level.
Yours in Fellowship and Service,
John Bodkin
Chairperson
Cocaine Anonymous World Service Office Board of Directors
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Attachment C
From: CPC <cpc@aa.org>
Subject: RE: For Trustee Consideration – Cocaine Anonymous Publication Issues
To: “John Bodkin” <john.bodkin@ sbcglobal. net>
Date: Wednesday, June 3, 2009, 9:12 AM
Dear John,
Warm G.S.O. greetings.
I have forwarded your e-mail to the General Manager for the General Service Office of A.A. for her consideration.
She is out of the country at present so please know that upon her return, we will be getting together and will respond to your important e-mail.
Cordially,
Mary Dargan
C.P.C. coordinator
Attachment D
June 3, 2009
AA World Services, Inc., C/O Mary Dargan, CPC P.O. Box 459
New York, NY 10163
Re: Matter for Trustee Consideration
Dear Mary Dargan,
Thank you very much for your time on the phone in the beginning of May. The following outlines a specific and important matter that the Board of Trustees of Cocaine Anonymous World Services has asked that this office present for AA Trustee consideration.
The World Service Board of Trustees and the World Service Office Board of Directors of Cocaine Anonymous respectfully requests a face to face meeting with the appropriate Trustee Members of Alcoholics Anonymous for the expressed purpose of discussing CA publication issues outlined in the proposed agenda below:
Proposed Agenda –
A) Background / History: (What it was like)
Some time between 1986 through 1989 members of Cocaine Anonymous World Service (CAWS) met with Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) to discuss the use and modification of AA literature to help carry the CA message. The feeling the CAWS members had after this meeting was CA had permission to use/revise selected readings of AA literature.
B) What Happened:
CAWS revised some of the wording from Chapter 5 of the book “Alcoholic Anonymous” entitled “How it Works” mainly replacing the word alcohol with cocaine and reprinted it in our book “Hope, Faith & Courage Volume II – Stories and Literature from the Fellowship of Cocaine Anonymous”.
C) What it is like today:
At the 2008 CAWS Conference, held in Los Angeles, a motion was passed to further revise the portion of chapter 5, “How it Works”, by inserting new language after the word cocaine to include “and all other mind altering substances”. During discussion of the motion the following was asked:
a. Excerpt from conference transcript: “When we receive…maybe this is a question for the group that they may know, I guess, when we received permission from Alcoholics Anonymous to use “How It Works”, did that permission grant us the…I mean, was that permission to just plug in “cocaine” to where it says alcohol, or do we have permission from Alcoholics Anonymous to add verbiage anywhere we see fit?”
During our research to the above question we have since not been able to produce any written permission, so we are contacting you at this time for the expressed purpose of asking what CAWS may do now to be current, and to make this issue right with AA. Please note that we have already counseled with your publications liaison on strictly publication issues, but our proposed agenda seeks additional information on perhaps a more spiritual level.
Yours in Fellowship and Service,
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| John Bodkin | Hayward Hunt |
| Chairperson | Chairperson |
| Cocaine Anonymous | Cocaine Anonymous |
| World Service Office Board of Directors | World Service Board of Trustees |
Attachment E
See page 9 of pdf: 2009-10-14-2009-12-01-WSBT-Online-Business-Minutes.pdf
Attachment F
From: kookoo 4U [kookoo4u@hotmail.com]
Sent: Friday, August 28, 2009 3:40 PM
To: wsotprinciples@yahoo.com ; Hunt, Hayward; wsoboard@yahoogroups.com
Cc: cawso@ca.org
Subject: First available date for meeting with AA
Just heard back from publications director. They have a monthly GSO meeting on Sept. 18 and john kane can and will be in NY at that time. They could meet with you on Thursday 17th, however, if not then they will discuss other dates and John Kane will make every attempt to coordinate his schedule to accommodate.
AA and C.A. meeting
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Thursday, September 17, 2009 – 10am
Meeting took place at: 475 Riverside Dr., New York City, NY.
In attendance:
John Kane WSB Chair
Valerie O’Neil – Publications Director
Phyllis Halliday – General Manager
Trevor Scheible – WSBT Chair
Tom Phelan – WSBO Chair
Robert Lyle – Atlantic North Region Trustee
“Well we finally had the meeting with the following folks from AA Service”
At 10am, Thursday September 27, 2009, members of C.A. met with members of AA to discuss permission to revise, and reprint “How It Works”. The folks from AA were very receptive of us. They gave us a tour of their office space and explained very briefly the different departments. The meeting took place in their window conference room at the above address.
Trevor started the conversation with an explanation of what had transpired to date; Changing the words in “How It Works” (substituting the word cocaine for alcohol), the action taken at the 2008 Conference of C.A. (group conscience to add “all minding substances” to “How it Works”). Based on the approved motion at the CAWS Conference, the WSBT put forth great effort to research and investigate the situation regarding the revising and reprinting of “How It Works.” We, C.A., were unable to find any written permission to change the “How It Works”. We were able to speak with several members of past C.A. Trustee Boards that went to AA in the mid 1980’s and had received “verbal permission to make revisions, and to reprint.
We also explained that we used the revised reading of “How It Works” in our meeting formats, which had been on our website prior to March 2009, as well as in our book, “Hope, Faith & Courage”, Volume II (HFC II) on pages 227-229. Upon finding out we did not have permission to do so we, the C.A. WSBT instructed the C.A. WSO to immediately cease selling HFC II, remove the suggested meeting formats from our website that contain “How It Works” and replace them with “We Can Recover.” Because of this action we have approximately $50, 000 worth of book inventory that we are not selling or distributing. We did present them with two copies of HFC II so they could see what we did.
John appeared willing to say go ahead with the sale of the current book inventory, while Valerie, representing the business interests, suggested that this should be a Board item. After much sharing we all came to an agreement in terms that if approved by their (AA) WSBT they will allow us to sell the HFC II books to eliminate our current inventory. We also informed them that we are currently in the process of re-typesetting our book for printing without “How It Works” and that once we sold out our current inventory no future printings would include it. They (AA) WSBT are meeting September 18 – 20, 2009. They will discuss our situation and hopefully allow us to sell our remaining inventory.
Tom had a brief discussion about employee retention. They shared they do not have that problem. They explained that all of their email is addressed to a particular job rather than a person. That way when the “Special Workers” rotate everything stays with the position and not the individual.
We have developed some relationships and they are willing to assist us. As John Kane stated “We (AA) can only keep what we have by giving it away”. They were very supportive. John, Phyllis, and Valerie stated that we were the first fellowship to come and let them know what we did. They were extremely positive with us and expressed their understanding of the financial burden regarding the “stop sale” inventory we were currently “sitting” on. John also explained some of the difficulties that AA has gone through as well. So our understanding of this is that it is now in God’s hands. More will be revealed.
Thanks for allowing us to be of service,
Trevor Scheible – WSBT Chair
Tom Phelan- WSBO Chair
Robert Lyle – Atlantic North Region Trustee
September 25, 2009
Valerie O’Neil – Publications Director for AA has contacted Tom Phelan. She has indicated that a “formal acknowledgement” from either John Kane, chair of AA Board of Trustees or the AA General Manager will be forthcoming as to the outcome of our situation at the GSO meeting.
September 29, 2009
John Kane – AA GSO Chair contacted Tom Phelan and confirmed that the A.A. Trustee Board had approved our request to sell remaining HFC II inventory.
September 30, 2009
Based on the information known as of this date, the WSBT and WSOB have decided to hold off on the selling of our book, HFC II (inventory containing “How It Works”) until we have a hard copy of the letter, “formal acknowledgement.” At that time we will move forward to liquidate that inventory. AA has stated that they will not give us permission to change or alter “How It Works.” They are not in favor of anyone altering it, as it dilutes their message. That information will be reflected in their letter to us. Currently the WSOB/WSBT are awaiting the letter.
October 11, 2009
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WSBT Conference Call:
Randy G.: : Motion based on the verbal permission that we were given at AA meeting, that the WSBT will allow the distribution of HFC II for a 30 day window while awaiting the receipt of the letter from AA. Second Richard. Amended motion to reflect effective date-October 11, 2009. Motion passed.
I hope this information helps you in understanding why the Trustee’s stopped the distribution of “How It Works” out to the fellowship.
This information will also be available at your Regional Caucus on November 21, 2009 at the Calvary Lutheran Church in San Diego at 11:00 AM.
If you have anymore question please do not hesitate to contact us at WSBT@Ca.org.
In Love and Service,
The WSBT 2009
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
>Trevor S.: With 8 of 9 votes cast, the motion passes.
Thursday, October 29, 2009
Joy H.: Motion to distribute WSBT/WSOB approved letter/article to the fellowship via the November Delegate mailing, and the C.A. Newsgram regarding the current status of the “AA, How it Works” situation, to include recent discovery of a “document” from AA to Johnny S. Also, to approve and send a letter to AA regarding the “document” from AA to Johnny S. asking them to reconsider their recent decision based on the information in the “document”.
Lawrence M., and Kim S. Friendly amendment to wording, as stated above.
Accepted by Joy H. Second by Willie B.
Kim S.: Amend the motion to have discussion for one day, and voting the next.
Joy H.: Accept amend regarding voting.
Saturday, October 31, 2009
Trevor S.: The motion has been amended, accepted by the maker, and accepted by the second. It appears that no one else objects. This motion does not include the acceptance of any of the letters. That part will come later. It is now open for discussion. Discussion>
Sunday, November 1, 2009
>Trevor S.: As there is no discussion, and if there are no objections, please cast your vote.
>Willie B.: Can the entire motion be restated before we vote, so I can be clear as to what we are voting on.
>Trevor S.: Here is the motion as stated.
Joy H.: Motion to distribute WSBT/WSOB approved letter/article to the fellowship via the November Delegate mailing, and the C.A. Newsgram regarding the current status of the “AA, How it Works” situation, to include recent discovery of a “document” from AA to Johnny S. Also, to approve and send a letter to AA regarding the “document” from AA to Johnny S. asking them to reconsider their recent decision based on the information in the “document”.
Lawrence M., and Kim S. Friendly amendment to wording, as stated above.
Accepted by Joy H. Second by Willie B.
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Kim S.: Amend the motion to have discussion for one day, and voting the next.
Joy H.: Accept amend regarding voting.
>Richard S.: I object, I motion to have 2 separate motions/divide the motions, for our clarity, the clarity of our minutes and the clarity of what EXACTLY is being done for the fellowship, I believe it is easier / simpler to have discussion when there aren’t 3 items in 1 motion.
Tuesday, November 3, 2009
>Trevor S.: We now have a motion to divide this into two motions. Do we have a second?
>Lawrence M., Nicholas L.: Second.
>Trevor S.: Motion by Richard, seconded by Lawrence and Nicholas, to divide the motion into two separate motions. Discussion will be until Wednesday at 4:00 PM PST.
The two new motions would read: Motion to divide:
#1) Motion to distribute WSBT approved letter/article to the fellowship via the November Delegate mailing, and the C.A. Newsgram regarding the current status of the “AA, How it Works” situation, to include recent discovery of a “document” from AA to Johnny S.
#2) Motion to approve and send a letter to AA regarding the “document” from AA to Johnny S. asking them to reconsider their recent decision based on the information in the “document”.
>Kim S.: Can we have a new motion to divide with the current motion on the table?
>Trevor S.: According to Roberts Rules, a motion to divide is in order, and it supersedes a main motion. I took Richards’s comments as such a motion. The motion to divide was seconded by Lawrence. The motion on the floor right now is to divide Joy’s motion into two separate motions. That is the motion we will be voting on Wednesday. If that passes, I intend to ask for unanimous consent to move right into voting on each of the two separate motions that a passed motion to divide will create. That will bring us to the point of approving the letters to CA, AA, and the Newsgram.
Thursday, November 5, 2009
>Trevor S.: All votes are in, and the motion to divide has passed unanimously. With everyone’s consent, I would like to move right to voting on the first motion.
#1) Motion to distribute WSBT approved letter/article to the fellowship via the November Delegate mailing, and the C.A.. Newsgram regarding the current status of the “AA, How it Works” situation, to include recent discovery of a “document” from AA to Johnny S.
Please remember that we have not approved any letter/ article. There are drafts available, but they have not yet been approved, and are still open for changes.
Monday, November 9, 2009
>Trevor S.: With some opposition, the first motion has passed. We will now vote on the second motion.
#2) Motion to approve and send a letter to AA regarding the “document” from AA to Johnny S. asking them to reconsider their recent decision based on the information in the “document”.
Thursday, November 12, 2009
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>Trevor S.: With lots of opposition, the motion fails. Richard and or Randy, I believe you have the floor. Randy and Richard had there hands up, you have the floor.
Thursday, November 12, 2009
>Richard S.: Randy and I would like to yield the floor while our topic (“issue with letter”-discussion posted to the yahoo group) is being reviewed for the boards business of approving our minutes.
Joy H.: Motion to approve the 0905 B2B minutes. Second by Kim S.
>Discussion
Friday, November 13, 2009
>Robert L.: Seeing this has been posted for 29 hours and no discussion I move that we call the vote. Second by Richard S.
>Trevor S.: We have a motion by Robert to call the question, seconded by Richard. If there are no objections, please vote on the main motion to approve the attached B2B minutes.
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
>Trevor S.: The motion to approve the B2B minutes has passed unanimously
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
>Joy H.: Motion to approve the Newsgram article/ letter to the fellowship.
Second by Lawrence M.
A.A.’s “How It Works” and Cocaine Anonymous
It has been a long standing tradition in C.A. to read “How It Works” at meetings, conventions and events. Many of us grew up with it, so to speak, and feel a great devotion and love for the fellowship of A.A. We owe a great debt to them for showing us the way, and allowing us to learn from them. It can truly be said that without A.A., we as a Fellowship would not be where we are today.
Over the years, as part of our growth, C.A has borrowed and adapted several readings from A.A. The 12 Steps and 12 Traditions have been gifted to all fellowships, to alter as needed. The only thing A.A. has asked of any 12 Step Fellowship was to give the credit to them for the original version. “The Promises”, “A Vision for You”, and select other readings have been borrowed as well. Almost always, we use them in their original format, completely unaltered. The exception has been “How It Works”.
As long as most of us have been around, the C.A. version of “How It Works” included the word “cocaine” instead of “alcohol”, as well as the alteration of the “3 pertinent ideas”. Somewhere along the way, we in CA thought that we had been granted permission to do so. Some old-timers assured us that verbal permission was granted, while others were sure that a written copy of such permission was out there somewhere. Events set in motion at the 2008 World Service Conference led the World Service Board of Trustees (WSBT) down a path to find a copy of this permission. After many hours spent
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diligently searching in every location we could think of, including the World Service Office (WSO), several past trustees’ files, and other long standing member’s personal archives, the WSBT had to face the facts that we did not have any record of A.A. granting us the rights to alter any readings.
The question became what we could do to make right the situation we found ourselves in. The WSBT approved motions to address the situation. The first motion was to cease publication and distribution of any material and or literature containing “How It Works” in any medium. The second was to have the Trustee At Large investigate as to whether or not we have permission to re-print with redistribution (all media) of other AA literature/phrases…i.e.: “The Promises”, and “A Vision for You”. The next was to have the WSO set up a meeting, face to face, with AA to address the problem and ways to solve it, make amends, ask forgiveness, and how we can make further restitution. A record of the meeting via minutes should be distributed to the World Service Office Board and World Service Board of Trustees. The meeting will include the local Regional Trustee. This meeting has now taken place, and we have received an answer from Alcoholics Anonymous.
The WSBT would like to thank Alcoholics Anonymous for their graciousness in these matters. They were happy to meet with us, and discuss the situation. The meeting was attended by John K. – A.A. WSB Chair, Valerie O- A.A. Publications Director, Phyllis H
– A.A. General Manager, Tom P- C.A. WSOB Chair, Trevor S- C.A.WSBT Chair & PNR Trustee, and Robert L- C.A. ANR Trustee. The entire matter was discussed at length, and much was said regarding the spiritual aspect behind what we as a fellowship were trying to accomplish. Our desire to do the right thing was acknowledged, and appreciated.
During the meeting, it was expressed to us how important it was for them to preserve A.A.’s purity of message. As a fellowship, they have a desire to help other fellowships, but they must look after their own house first, as do we. As a result, we have now received written permission to continue to use all our current readings borrowed from A.A. They have asked, however, that we use them as originally written, unaltered in any way and that we include a disclaimer supplied by them as well.
One of the other topics was our current inventory of HFCII. With, appreciation of our request to this fellowship, Alcoholics Anonymous has approved our selling the remaining inventory of HFCII in the United States. We have a large quantity of books, approximately $45,000.00 worth of inventory, and every copy contains the altered version of “How It Works”. During the meeting, we discussed ways to liquidate the supply without undo financial hardship on the fellowship of Cocaine Anonymous. There were some ideas, but none that seemed entirely feasible. We are eternally grateful to A.A. for the program of recovery and their willingness to help us work towards a solution to this situation. Books are now going back out to the fellowship, and the message continues to be carried via this important tool. Unfortunately, out of respect for their wishes, future printings of HFCII will not contain “How It Works” in the altered format, if at all.
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The WSBT started working on informing the fellowship of the outcome of this process. It was at this point, however, that a newly presented letter, addressed to a long term member, and dated November 29, 1990, was brought to our attention. We wish to assure the fellowship of Cocaine Anonymous that we will diligently pursue further the impact this document may have on the process.
As the fellowship of Cocaine Anonymous moves forward, we will realize that this outcome only helps us in our growth. Developing new readings, books, and other materials will strengthen us, and provide tools we can use to carry the C.A. message. We will never forget where we came from, and just how important A.A. and the “Big Book” have been to our development, but honoring them and their decision regarding “How It Works” will show how much we as a fellowship have grown.
Saturday, November 21, 2009
>Trevor S.: The motion to approve has past unanimously. Thanks to all for your timely participation.
Monday, November 23, 2009
Nicholas L.: Motion to send a cease and desist notice to the originators of the “CAWS 2012 FACE BOOK” group as soon as possible, regarding use of our logo and name. Second by Joy H.
Discussion>
>Nicholas L.: Want to speak to the motion here -if we do not address this matter and similar matters what would be the point of the trademarks / logos etc ……
It saddens me that members would deride service work put in by dedicated members, ignore our cherished traditions and do whatever they want; let us take a stand here not in a punitive fashion but a ” listen up ” please do not do this to our fellowship mode . What is important here is our good name. We love you, join us – do not fight us!
>Trevor S.: I completely agree.
Saturday, November 30, 2009
>Trevor S.: The motion has passed unanimously.
Tuesday, December 1, 2009
Nicholas L.: Motion to approve “cease and desist” letter (draft 3 version) and send to Richard in UK. Second by Robert L.
Dear Richard,
It has been brought to our attention that you are the originator of the ‘FACEBOOK CAWS2012 page “which might be perceived as an official site of Cocaine Anonymous. This action not only comes into conflict with our Traditions but also breaches the use of the CA Logo. Cocaine Anonymous takes great care to protect its good name and has full copyright of its trademark (CA Logo). Below is the conscience of the 2009 Conference
“Social networking, blogging, micro-blogging, and other tools have emerged as daily communications methods for individual members. When using these tools, we need always be mindful to not link to CA websites, not use the CA logo, Cocaine Anonymous
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name or other registered trademarks of CA (e.g., “CA”, “Hope, Faith, and Courage”, “We’re Here and We’re Free”, etc.) and to be respectful of anonymity and other spiritual principles in accordance with the 12 Traditions of CA.”
We, the World Service Board of Trustees, acting as custodians of Cocaine Anonymous, request that you close this page immediately and cease and desist any future use of our registered trademarks.
Should this request not be complied within 48 hours we will instruct our legal team to pursue this matter forthwith.
In love and service
The World Service Board of Trustees
>Trevor S.: We have a motion by Nicholas to send Richard draft 3 of the cease and desist letter. Robert has seconded. Since we are meeting in 3 days, and we have had some discussion, if no one objects we will vote now on this motion. Please cast your votes. Discussion>
>Richard S.: I have a concern, (sorry, I’m swamped), Nicolas, would you consider a friendly amendment to your motion, “to send FACEBOOK draft 3 version of cease and desist letter” (yes, there would have to be a modification to the letter).
I have a concern addressing a member rather that an entity since we do have an option as far as legalities are concerned.
>Nicholas L.: Richard, is not Facebook the messenger/carrier – the member is responsible for content?
>Richard S.: Facebook is the entity ‘hosting’ our (CA) logo, since this is a legal term ‘cease and desist’ there is a legal implication of a lawsuit without compliance to the request. And since the legal stance is being taken, I have concern that it is directed at a member since we have the option of addressing an entity, if we got nowhere with Facebook, I believe we could and should then proceed to this individual.
OR change it from the legal stance of ‘cease and desist’ to addressing the member as “Per our 2009 conference approved…..we request you remove all CA logos…..names and references…..
>Nicholas L.: ok Richard, will you rewrite it / edit / second option – then I can decide to accept or not…as per conference etc…. I like that I think.
>Richard S.: Yes, I will draft my amendment to your motion.
>Trevor S.: As there has been further discussion, and a possible friendly amendment, we will hold off on voting on this issue, and add it to our agenda.
>Kim S.: Motion to table, and add to our agenda at the Quarterly. Second by Lawrence M. Motion approved.
>Trevor S.: We have a motion to table and add to our agenda by Kim, seconded by Lawrence. I will ask for this to be by unanimous consent please.
Motion passed.
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