CA WORLD SERVICE BOARD OF TRUSTEES RECORD OF CONFERENCE CALL
October 24, 2010
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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WSBT Trustee Conference Call
October 24th – 10:00 A.M. PST
Minutes
Begin meeting with a moment of silence followed by the “We” version of Serenity Prayer.
Kim – reviewed etiquette & procedures for online conference call business.
Roll Call:
Russell Sedman – ERT
Robert Lyle – ANRT
Kenny Williams – ASRT
Terry Marsden – PNRT
Joy Hutcheson – PSRT
Peter DeRaffaele – WST
Richard Leve – WSOT
Richard Schafer – TAL/WSBT Secretary
Randy Groen – SWRT/WSBT Vice Chair
Kim Sherwan – MWRT/WSBT Chair
Chair Announcements:
- Please get reimbursement forms in as soon as possible.
- Reminder: Touch base with Conference Committee chairs of the committees that you are Trustee to and request invite to internet groups, and also attend conference calls.
- High importance for each of us to be online and reading emails every day, or every other day.
- Reminder… we are to be of assistance to all, we provide education, and information via communication and coordination. We provide guidance for the best well informed group consensus.
- Please remember to copy appropriate people when sending emails regarding C.A. business.
- Need to schedule Board to Board at the WSO for December 4th. (Richard L.)
- Future dates for Conference calls and Quarterly meetings (tentative).
- Conference calls: January, April, July,
- Quarterly meetings:
- December 3-5, 2010
- February 2011
- May 23-30 (Quarterly 5/23-5/25) (Convention 5/26-5/30)
- August 28-September 5, (Quarterly 8/28-8/30) (TEC Interviews-8/30)(Conference 8/30 – 9/5
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- CAWS Convention updates:
- CAWS 2011 (Randy)
Randy – Everything seems to be going fine, committee is working on program and scheduling, rooms. Couple things formulated to go to trustees, Monday morning prison link, in the past they have been audio, the prison has expressed an interest in video. The Monday morning slide show of persons at the event; the anonymity issue has been addressed. Preconvention fundraising is complete they are over 33-34K and now focusing on registration drives. All good – we’re gonna throw a party.
Peter – asked a question about what the slide show would consist of, Randy responded that it would be of persons at the event.
Peter – mentioned speaking John about a wedding being held during our convention Peter phoned Burton and Burton stated that he would be leaving town and get back with Peter.
- CAWS 2012 (Russell)
Russell – Had a conference call with the selection committee, new vice chair Ian, new hotel liaison Nicholas Lynn.
Concern that they are spending more than they are bringing in.
Transfer of funds has been an issue, the fundraiser in February still hasn’t forwarded the money.
Full committee 85% of commitments filled.
Peter – recommended contacting 2010 and 2011 for fundraising efforts.
Richard S. – asked about the banking and funds transfer issues. (Russell gave the amount 2,417.00 pds)
Richard L. – gave details of the HSBC institution being different.
Russell – discussed not having a signed contract copy and has requested that from the hotel.
- CAWS 2013 (Kenny)
Kenny- Chair – currently collecting resumes.
Host city – Miami, Ft Lauderdale, & Orlando (favoring Ft Lauderdale) Requesting bank account information?
Questions about 5013c local or CAWSO Interested in prior 3 years information / details
Joy – responded with information regarding prior experience with the CAWS Conventions, info regarding the 5013C local, vs the CAWSO.
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Discussion regarding steering committee selection ensued.
Russell – referred Kenny to the manual.
Richard L. – referenced the current board members available.
Joy H. – stated she has worked on 4 World conventions, asked who the new chair of WS convention is – Mike Higgins (AZ).
Randy – guidelines , reference timelines, reminder: 2013 is a year behind due to none being awarded at Conference 2019, Pass it On’s available from WS office or WS Convention committee.
Richard L. – offered helping to facilitate bank account
- CAWS 2014 (Joy)
Joy – Received to resumes for chair Carl W. and Sean D.
Hotel – leaning towards Queen Mary
Has forwarded the resumes to Rob W.
PLACE MARKER BUSINESS ITEMS
MARKER 2006.02.20 Copyright and trademark protection (Trevor)
- To remain on agenda for quarterly review
NOTE: renewal of CA logo in US due date April 24, 2010 – Update of where the “r” can go. When is the next renewal date?
| Service Marks | Where Protected | ||
| We’re here and we’re free | USA, Canada, and EU | ||
| Cocaine Anonymous name | USA, Canada, EU | ||
| C.A. | USA, Canada | ||
| CA logo | USA, Canada, EU (new) | ||
The following marks have been registered in Canada:
1. Trademark:WE’RE HERE AND WE’RE FREE
Renewal Date: September 30, 20122.
2. Trademark:CA HOPE FAITH COURAGE & Design
Renewal Date:August 9, 2021
3. Trademark:COCAINE ANONYMOUS
Renewal Date: December 13, 2021
4. Trademark:CA
Renewal Date: June 12, 2022
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September 4th 2020 – next US renewal date.
Richard S. – has an action item to post the documents to our group and work with Kim on dates due.
Richard L. – will follow up.
Peter – spoke with John Bodkin – and was told there are a lot of different logos, he would like to know which one is “right”.
Joy – commented on the 2010 registration submission has no ‘r’ in the artworks.
Peter – (action item) please get and provide dates of registration for all trade marking – to be provided at Dec quarterly.
MARKER 2006.08.13 Signature of annual corporate documents (All)
- To be completed @ at fall Quarterly (Richard L.)
Richard L. – confirmed he will bring to quarterly.
MARKER 2009.05.09 Financial status CAWS Inc. – (Joy, Richard L.) –
Update on previous motions (below) at 1008 Quarterly meeting
Richard L. – has sent out everything he has so far (Joy did receive)
Joy – bank statements every month? Richard L, didn’t know about that, “if that’s what you want, I will get them, Joy is requesting reconciliations.
Russell – reviewed report question the change of amount and wanted to know if it was a pounds sterling / dollar conversion.
Richard L. – answered Richard S.: person as far as his reporting on a bookkeeper, it is currently being fulfilled by a temporary person.
Joy H. – questioned who is providing the 7th tradition reporting, there are no calculated totals, we would like that. Richard L. will address that with Joy, Richard, John, Barry & Sheila
OLD BUSINESS – MARKERS
- NADCP – (National Harbor DCA Maryland) (Richard, Robert) – MARKER
Richard S. – Requested Richard L. to follow up with John about the letters contacts.
Terry – Drug court, (Canada) are we interested in attending ?
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Richard S. – yes, we were interested in attending 2010 but discussion with the WSBT & WSOB chairs, short notice has us looking at 2011.
Randy – (Conference finance trustee) will note adding it to upcoming years budgets to include at least Canada’s drug court event 2011.
- TEC – MARKER (Joy, Robert)
Joy – reported that TEC had one position to fill and that TEC would plan on meeting at the WS Conference 2011
OLD BUSINESS
- Approval of minutes:
- 1005 WSBT Quarterly minutes – TABLED
- 1005 WSBT – WSOB Board to Board minutes – TABLED
- 1008 WSBT Quarterly minutes – TABLED
- 1008 WSBT – WSOB Board to Board minutes – TABLED
- 1009 WSBT Orientation Conference call – DONE
Motion Joy – Seconded by Richard L. to approve, unanimous approved. (Can be posted to WSBT group)
Richard L. – has located the damaged recorder (mics still missing), will call Willie for microphones.
2008.04.14 CA Helpdesk site (Kim) – UPDATE
Richard S – PROVIDED DETAILS – new webservant in January – will readdress at that time.
2009.12.03 Facebook pages reflecting tradition violations, and policy issues: re: C.A. logo, website address, etc… Cease and Desist. 1/13/2010 – UPDATE
No new issues – keep on the agenda
2010.01.01 Sales of HFCII outside of the US
2010.01.02 Licensed Printing of Literature
***Combining both agenda items*** – UPDATE Kim – reported that Tom P will bring to the WSOB agenda
Russell – commented that he has had a discussion with Tom, discussed amount (Russell feels the royalty discussed is too much) the delegates leaving conference 2010 thought the agreement was already in place so it thought by Russell that it might be brought up in their area meeting in December (same weekend as our quarterly) this will be left on our agenda.
2010.05.03 CAWS 2011 (Randy) – Members of the committees, steering, sub, etc…(Randy) – UPDATE
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TABLE UNTIL COMMITTEE MAKES A DECISION AS TO HOW THEY PLAN TO MOVE FORWARD .
Randy – nothing to update, this has to do with the slide show and video conference call (jail)
2010.07.06 HFC & HFCII French printing (Robert) – UPDATE
Robert – CAWSO discovered who printed HFC I and will soon be printing HFC II Office will be printing (this item can be removed form the agenda).
Randy – asked about where our CA literate is in our book and asked if the new printing has that being considered for this printing.
Joy – can bring this to LCF committee for that consideration, LCF is currently reviewing literature. (Kim recommended moving this to new business)
Richard L. – nothing has been expressed to the WSOB yet, is this an item for conference?
2010.08.09 7th Tradition/ monies from abroad – UPDATE
Russell – issue were missing funds, brought up PayPal, brought up delivering check of checks.
Richard S. – asked to address that Russell what the issue is about sending a check to the office.
Russell – responded that the issues were on both sides.
Peter – asked about using DHL, FedEx, UPS
Russell – explained that it isn’t all on the office; there are issues on the UK side.
Richard & Joy & Kim offer to assist Russell with financials issues (money getting to CAWSO).
2010.09.01 Status of the WSO (Kim) – UPDATE To remain on agenda for further status.
Kim – reported more will be revealed in the next 2 -3 weeks
Peter – asked about the request to have the WSOB chair on this call.
Richard S. – responded that he had a phone conversation with Tom and went over what happened and expressed concern that he acted alone with payment.
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2010.09.02 Exit Interview of DOO (Kim) – DONE
Kim –reported that the WSO, John and Tom did an exit interview with the former DOO.
2010.09.03 Executive search/recruitment of open position: DOO (Kim) – UPDATE
Kim – discussed posting job opening to yahoo group and requesting candidates to be interviewed in February.
Peter – asked who would do the action.
Kim – answered John & Tom and the WSOB. The final candidates would be brought forward to the WSBT.
Richard S – stated the procedure he was informed of was that the DOO/Office Manager and the WSOB chair review the candidates then present them to the WSOB.
Joy – stated that that is correct as for the past that is how it was done.
Richard L. – reiterated that that procedure is correct and the WST is correct Peter will be included.
CORRESPONDENCE RECEIVED FROM THE FELLOWSHIP:
#C2010-05-18 – Joy – response moved to online – TABLED, pending additional info from WSO Richard L. will follow-up on getting us written conformation
From: Quin B.
Sent: Tue 5/18/2010 6:59 AM
To: Board of Trustees; CAWSO; Tom P. Willie B.; Yvette
Cc: Diane; Michael; Karmen; Michael K.; Sharon S.; psrtrustee@aol.com; pnrtrustee@yahoo.ca
Subject: Re: Response to Correspondence: RE: Continual confusion Thanks for the response.
You make my point about confusion.
Instead of just stating what is needed”All Logos must be approved by the WSOB & WSBT” The guidelines state “All Logos must be copyrighted as property of CAWS Inc.”
Myself and other members looked at the guidelines, saw that statement and assumed that is something CAWS Inc. does. Not the committee.
Is the CAWS 2010 logo copyrighted? Q.
—– Original Message —–
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From: Board of Trustees
Sent: Monday, May 17, 2010 2:48 PM
Subject: Response to Correspondence: RE: Continual confusion
Quin,
Thank you for bringing your question to the WSBT. We will do our best to answer your concerns. First off, in our WSC Convention Guidelines, on page 12, it states: “All Logos must be copyrighted as property of CAWS, Inc.” This means, in effect, that the all logos must be approved by WSOB and the WSBT. We simply must have the right and obligation to approve our own artwork.
It appears that your other questions are related quite closely. We as a fellowship are aware that the Convention Guidelines are not perfect. On Page 31 of the WSC Convention Guidelines item #16 states, “These Convention Guidelines are not comprehensive and cannot cover all specific situations that might occur in the future. When questions arise that are not addressed in these guidelines, the host city committee Chair, the WSOB Chair, WSCCC Chair, The Trustee of the Region containing the host city and the WSOB Treasurer have a group conscience to resolve the issue, as many aspects of a World Service Convention have the potential to affect the fellowship as a whole.” Therefore, we do have a process in place to handle anything outside the approved guidelines. A phone call or email to your Trustee can put you in touch with any of the members designated to assist in this process.
We are aware that you are in a unique situation. As a former chair of an event returning to serve again you will have insight that others may have missed. We welcome your experience, and invite you to craft as thorough a Pass-it-on as possible, so that we as a fellowship may learn from your experience. We would also welcome any referrals to the WSC Convention Committee regarding items your committee has found to be egregious. It is our sincere desire to learn from our past experience, make necessary changes, and move forward in a spirit of love, unity, and fellowship.
In Love & Service,
WSBT
From: Quin Brunette [mailto:qbrunette@wi.rr.com]
Sent: Wed 1/13/2010 9:11 AM
Subject: Continual confusion
I wanted to share with you a couple of recent examples as to why the WS Convention Committee guidelines are of little use. Yesterday our Trustee, Paid Director and members of CAWS 2010 had total confusion as what to do with getting approvals regarding secondary artwork and items afforded us in our contract.
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First, relating to our artwork, we received this feedback. our Trustee sent out back to back emails stating “On the side of caution I would submit it to the WSOB for approval” and then “I would submit any artwork that you want to use to the WSOB for approval”,.
Second, relating to items afforded us in our contrat, our Paid Director stated that “I would think that the committee could/should decide, however I am new to this and that’s just my thoughts”.
And third, our Decoration co-chairs stated right out of the guidelines that there are no requirements for approval.
I am not knocking our Trustee, Paid director or our Co-Chairs. What I am knocking are the guidelines and the process. Nobody knows, so we should just have everything approved to be safe??? Puts alot of undo work on the WSO and WSOB and stalls the Host City.
A member of our committee stated to me that there is a real disconnect between the Host City, WSO, WSOB, WSBT and the WS Convention Committee. As Chair of CAWS 2010 I have no idea who the WSCC Chair or Vice-Chair is, was never informed to keep them apprised as to our journey and struggles
I am just giving you examples of the lack of guidance in our guidelines and how it is playing out and causing confusion for committees that are working so hard to have a great convention.
As I stated in previous emails to the WSOB and WSBT, there is a huge problem here that is going to cause this fellowship great financial distress real soon. Possibly as soon as 2013. Solution: start giving control back to Host City. Once the hotel contract and budget is approved the Host City requests checks with corresponding information, WSOB & WSBT approves anything that has the CA logo, name and block letters on it, and the WSO handles registration. All else the Host City takes care of. Very simple and could free up our paid employees and volunteers to inform people that “Were Here and Were Free”. Q.
C#2010-09-26 – Joy H. (lead) – DONE, response approved 10/16/10.
See minutes 1008 – 1012. Richard S. – will forward response.
Below is the result of your feedback form. It was submitted on Sunday, September 26, 2010 at 23:25:26
—————————————————————————
Name: Cynthia S.
City: Calgary
StateProvince: Alberta
AreaRegion: Southern Alberta
Subject: WSM edits by S & B Committee
Message: Greetings WSBT,
I am writing in my capacity as a member of the Structure and By-laws Committee. During the
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course of working with the WSM at Conference this year, it became apparent that as changes had been made to the WSM over the years, the document had not been formatted consistently. For example, some lists are numbered while others in the same section are lettered. There are punctuation issues. For example, the incorrect use of semi-colons and commas in some of the lists. Our Committee would like to go ahead and correct such items as housekeeping in order to provide our fellowship with a more professionally presented manual. We also note that the page in the WSM that contains the Regions/Areas is not formatted in such a way as to accomodate the growth of our fellowship as more Areas are recognized. We suggest that the text boxes be eliminated allowing for a cleaner presentation of this information while also leaving space for those Areas not yet recognized.
We would propose that the above formatting changes be made in advance of sending the revised WSM (incorporating changes from Conference 2010) to our Trustee for final approval so that only one review is necessary. Please advise as to whether we may proceed in this way or whether what we propose is such that it falls under SR 14. We await your reply.
In love and service,
Cynthia S.
Co-Secretary Structure and By-laws Committee
Response:
Cynthia,
Thank you for your recent email regarding the C.A. World Service Manual. We appreciate your desire and passion to edit, housekeep, and organize the manual. We welcome your time and effort to do such work.
It is the position of the WSBT that any and all housekeeping items, such as suggested in your email, are not considered Standing Rule 14 issues, and do not need Conference approval.
Any and all actual material changes to the C.A.World Service Manual, any proposed motion that would change World Service Conference structure, World Service Conference Committee structure, or which would have a significant effect on the Conference, a committee, or the World Service Manual, or C.A. as a whole must of course go through the proper committee, and must be approved on the Conference floor. Both Standing Rule 13 and 14 speak to the process for a well informed group conscience.
The proposed changes you are referring to would not be considered items that would fall under SR13, or SR14, therefore we encourage the committee to proceed with the suggested housekeeping.
In Love and Service,
WSBT
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C#2010.10.01 – Robert (lead), Joy – TABLED
Robert – still working on it, “just got it yesterday”
Motion to table by Robert seconded by Joy, motion passed.
Below is the result of your feedback form. It was submitted
on Friday, October 1, 2010 at 15:43:28
—————————————————————————
Name: DAN S.
City: NY
StateProvince: NY
AreaRegion: Atlantic North
Subject: Subletting of NY Area Office
Message: Second attempt, Hi Everyone,
I have been asked to contact the Trustees for feedback concerning our Traditions.
As you may be aware, the NY Area has maintained office space for 18 years in order to serve the local fellowship. Sixteen CA meetings are held within our space, as well as all Area functions, committees, and literature distribution for our Area.
For many years, we have been operating at a fiscal deficit. despite our best efforts and the goodwill of our Fellowship. We resort to emergency appeals when all else fails.
Some of our Area members have been asked if CANY can consider renting our meeting space, when not in use, to other 12 step fellowship meetings.
We would not be in violation of our lease, and there is no legal impediment to this. The lease for our space is held by “COCAINE ANONYMOUS NEW YORK, INC.”, which is a not-for-profit NY corporation.
We ARE concerned about the possibility of an appearance of CANY “endorsing” or “lending it’s name” to outsiders.
Can we get your feedback, please?
Thank you.
In Love and Service,
Dan S.
Chairperson of Corporate Affairs Committee of CANY
C#2010-10-04 – Richard L. (lead), Richard S., Russell – DONE Motion to accept response by Richard L. Randy – second Joy – Remove sentence of signature Passed unanimously.
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Below is the result of your feedback form. It was submitted on Monday, October 4, 2010 at 18:13:09
—————————————————————————
Name: Quin B.
City: greenfield
StateProvince: wi
AreaRegion: midwest
Subject: Yvette Love
Message: I was told by Debbie B. of Ill who was at the conference that Yvette was let go at the conference. I asked her why and she said she couldn’t tell me. I was told that our delegates in their report to the WI area stated that she was let go and that no reason was given.
So I called Yvette and she stated that the Trustees fired her, stating that she grabbed someone by the arm and threw her in a chair and that they have proof of this.
She flat out denies this ever happened.
She also stated that she believes the real reason she was fired was that she ended the consulting contract of Robin Long. She consulted with Willie (WSO Trustee) and Tom (WSO Chair) prior to ending the contract with Robin Long. And that she brought up the issue of overtime pay for all the hours she puts in above a normal week of work. She believes this was personality motivated and not principle motivated.
While I do not speak for them, Mike K., Karmen K., Jill E., Kelly B. and myself worked very closely with Yvette for a good portion of the preparation and execution of the CAWS 2010 convention. Throughout the entire process, found her to a hardworking and honest person. Always willing to do whatever was asked of her and completing the task in a timely fashion.
She stated many times to me how much was expected of her above and beyond a normal work week and how difficult it was to try and please all of the Trustees, WS board members, convention members and members of the fellowship.
I believe with all my heart that she is being honest and straight forword as to what the reasons were that she was let go.
Question: Why is it that Debbie B. of Ill makes that statement to me.
Question: Why was there no reason given to the Delegates at the conference??
I know first hand that the reasons offered up to the fellowship by the WSBT for letting Ms. Patty go were not straight forward and were misleading.
Tom P. (WSO Chair) stated to me that we have had five WSO paid Directors in five years!!
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You need to look at your practices in hiring, training and retention. Five in five years is a huge problem that is reflected back to you as the employer of the Paid Director position.
Please answer my prior questions. Q.
Response:
Question: Why is it that Debbie B. of Ill makes that statement to me.
Question: Why was there no reason given to the Delegates at the conference??
Dear Quinn,
Thank you for your recent communication to the WSBT concerning the Director of Operations and her separation from CAWSO Inc.
Beyond confirming that the separation occurred on September 4th, 2010, The WSBT and CAWSO, Inc. are not at liberty to transmit, characterize, or discuss any specifics concerning any employment matter that occurred with CAWSO Inc., and especially where individual privacy is protected by law. The Chairman of the World Service Office Board of Directors did address the C. A. conference members at approximately 9 PM on Saturday, September 4th, at the CA World Service Conference to convey this information.
We have reviewed the suggestions contained in your note with respect to future administrative needs at CAWSO Inc., and have placed a high priority on this very issue, and will
be discussing these concerns at our very next board-to-board with the WSOB.
Sincerely,
WSBT
C#2010.10.16 – Randy (lead) – DONE, approved online 11/18/10 See minutes 1008-1012 Randy – will finish
Motion to table by Randy – second by Joy, motion passed.
To: CAWS Trustees
From: Jay R.
Subject: Our Reading- Who is a CA member. With its all-inclusive Third Tradition and First Step, Cocaine Anonymous welcomes anyone with a drug or alcohol problem and offers a solution.
This reading tells me that anyone can be a “card carrying member of CA.” Let us not confuse our membership with our primary purpose which is still to help the addict.
Our 5th Tradition states that our primary purpose is to help the addict .
Websters defines primary as “ first & formost”. Our basic fundamental.
Until our 5th tradition includes the word alcoholic, we do not offer a solution for these individuals.
We are failing to show the proper respect & it is harming the essence of our 5th tradition.
I urge the trustees to vote on eliminating the words alcohol problem from this reading.
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With much respect & love for CA
Jay R.
Response:
Thank you for your question regarding alcohol, “Who is a C.A. Member?” and C.A.’s 5th tradition. Webster’s defines addict as “one who is addicted especially to a substance.”
Even more important than any dictionary definition is the collective group conscience of our fellowship as spoken through our World Service Conference. C.A. has went to great lengths to be inclusive of the alcoholic as highlighted on our website, our readings and our literature – all conference approved. Over the years, the fellowship of C.A. has moved to take “and all mind altering substances” to more clarification and inclusiveness of alcohol.
From our website –
“SO WHAT DOES “AND ALL OTHER MIND-ALTERING SUBSTANCES” MEAN? It means that it is the collective experience of the members of Cocaine Anonymous that addiction is a problem not limited to any one substance. It means that C.A.’s Twelve Steps are not drug-specific, and that Cocaine Anonymous is not a drug-specific fellowship. It means that it doesn’t matter to us if you drank or what type of drugs you used; if you have a desire to stop, you are welcome here!”
From our readings –
“We have experienced all sorts of tragedies as a result of cocaine, drugs and/or alcohol. We have lived many of the same horrors you have, yet today we are free from the misery, terror and pain of addiction.” – We Can Recover
From our literature –
The pamphlet “And All Other Mind Altering Substances” is entirely devoted to what that means to the fellowship of C.A.
“Marijuana is a potent drug, and alcohol is a mind-altering chemical in liquid form. Many people don’t realize that these are no different from any other drugs regarding the potential to get us into trouble. One drink is never enough; just as one puff, hit, fix, bump, pill or snort is never enough. We are masters at combining and substituting one drug with another to get high.”
The collective group conscience of C.A. as spoken through the actions of the World Service Conference has defined “substance” to include alcohol. The fifth tradition’s use of the word addict (one who is addicted especially to a substance) does not contradict that group conscience, but encompasses it.
Serving with love and tolerance,
WSBT
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IN-CONFERENCE REFERRALS TO BE ADDRESSED:
Referral #6417 COMMITTEE INVENTORY -DONE
Referral 6417 is respectfully submitted to the WSBT. The referral itself is in italics. The remainder is simply supporting information / ideas / suggestions should you find them useful.
This referral is a request that the WSBT take a group inventory of itself in the spirit of assessing how well the WSBT helps the Conference to fulfill its purpose and to identify what action(s) the WSBT could take to improve the WSBT’s ability to better help the Conference fulfill its purpose.
Should the WSBT opt to take no action on this referral either at the 2010 Conference or as a post-Conference activity throughout the 2010 / 2011 year, please be kind enough to cite the WSBT’s reason(s) for not undertaking such action in the WSBT’s closing Conference report.
Rationale (aka debate):
As individuals we undertake a personal inventory to uncover and discover things about ourselves and begin the process of growing spiritually. We continue to take personal inventories to perfect and enlarge our fit spiritual conditions.
Many CA Groups find that taking a regular inventory is healthy for the Spiritual well being of the Group and to assess how well the Group is fulfilling its primary purpose. Inventory helps the Group:
- Have a clear sense of itself and its primary purpose
- Gauge its success in fulfilling its primary purpose
- Evaluate its ability to successfully carry its message
- Ponder whether it is it right sized in its perception of itself
- Appraise its role in contributing financially
- Consider how CA is improved by the group’s existence
Extending the self-examination practice of inventory to the District and Area has also proven to be a effective means to keep these bodies focused, efficient, effective, and on track Spiritually.
“A business which takes no regular inventory usually goes broke. Taking a commercial inventory is a fact-finding and a fact-facing process. It is an effort to discover the truth about the stock-in-trade. One object is to disclose damaged or unsalable goods, to get rid of them promptly and without regret. If the owner of the business is to be successful, he cannot fool himself about values.” [Alcoholics Anonymous, pg. 64].
The Big Book uses the metaphor of a business inventory as a means to underscore its suggestion that there is value in the inventory process. Then it applies the concept of taking an inventory to the personal level as a means to recover spiritually. Most CA members would agree the process of taking inventory has personal value. The Conference and its committees are the ‘business’ of CA and applying inventory at the ‘business level’ of CA becomes more than a simple metaphor; group inventory will help keep CA from going ‘broke’ spiritually, financially or in other ways. Don’t we owe the Fellowship that effort?
There are those who would argue that taking inventory at the level of Conference committees, boards, or the Conference itself is not necessary. They might argue that AA or NA don’t do this. When faced with such flawed reasoning, it might be fair to consider the size of CA’s membership relative to these other Fellowships and ask, if we are not in some need of improving ourselves, our methods, our effectiveness then why is CA’s membership comparatively so much smaller? If the answer is that there are simply fewer cocaine addicts than alcoholics or addicts in general then an inventory might cause us to ask, is it really efficient, effective, and in the best interests of CA as a whole to support and maintain the very large infrastructure that CA presently has in order to sustain our much smaller Fellowship? Undeniably, these are difficult questions. No one is suggesting that the inventory process will necessarily be easy though it may be.
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Some would argue the inventory process is too cumbersome to perform at the Conference committee or board level. Is it too burdensome if the process helps us improve such that we reach out and save ten more lives this year than we did last year? Can this board be a small part of that improvement or is it perfect as it is? Tradition Two in Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions offers for consideration that sometimes the good is the enemy of the best; is this committee functioning at it best? Consider Tradition Two again – “For our group purpose, there is but one ultimate authority – a loving God as He may express Himself in our group conscience.” Does this board specifically consider how well it functions by taking a group conscience (i.e. a group inventory)? If God expresses Him/Her Self in the group conscience then where is God in all this if there is no group conscience?
Others will point out that a referral similar to this was submitted at the 2008 Conference. They are right. The referral was submitted to a single committee for action. Effectively, no action was taken. That submission unwisely placed a very vital point of consideration in the hands of just a few people to be decided on everyone else’s behalf. That is not stated to say those individuals did anything wrong but rather to say that you most likely did not have any voice in making that decision. Now you have a voice. It is important to note that the Conference membership changes yearly and the deliberation of any individual referral may have different outcomes in any given year as different members with different ranges of experience consider a referral’s subject matter. Given this fact, and to account for the reality that sometimes it takes a long time to effect change, it is entirely proper to submit referrals as frequently as every year.
RESPONSE: The WSBT, as part of our regularly scheduled quarterly, close every meeting with a group inventory. It is a time and place for all members to discuss where we are at, what we have done, and areas where we need improvement. Members of the WSBT are encouraged to speak openly and freely, and changes to process have come as a result of these sessions.
Referral #6419 TRUSTEE ELECTION COMMITTEE Joy (lead) – Robert – Kim – Richard S. – Russell
In the C World Service Manual, on pg 46, under heading “Trustee Election Committee,” under sub-heading “Guidelines for the Election Process”, strike the language of line item 10 in its entirety “If neither candidate receives the required 2/3 ratification vote, the position will remain open until the next Conference. The members of the Board of Trustees will assume the duties of that position.” And replace with “If after the fourth and final ballot no election occurs, the TEC Chairperson announces that the choice will be drawn from the hat containing the top two (2) vote-receiving candidates. The first name out of the hat is the elected trustee.”
Referral #6420 – TEC
Joy (lead) – Robert – Kim – Richard S. – Russell
In the CA World Service Manual, on Page 44, under heading “Trustee Election Committee” insert the following language “ALL TEC interviews and voting processes and procedures shall be conducted during the CAWS Conference, shall be open to the Conference and shall be held in an area, roped off if necessary, where all Conference members can view the proceedings, if so desired.”
Referral #6421 – TEC
Joy (lead) – Robert – Kim – Richard S. – Russell
In the CA World Service Manual, on Page 44, under heading “Trustee Election Committee” strike the following language from the following paragraph: “All Trustees except the WSO
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Trustee, shall be elected from the Conference Approved Slate pursuant to the procedures outlined in this Manual. The WSO Trustee shall be selected from the candidates selected by the WSO Board not already a Trustee. In order to be elected Trustee, a candidate must receive a vote of two-thirds of the Trustee Election Committee.”
Referral #6424 NON-ADDICT TRUSTEE
Richard S. (lead) – Joy – Terry
Hi. On page 43 WSM, related to trustee slates. As I read this section it references (conference approved slate) three slates only. Regional slate, non-addict trustee, WSO trustee slate. I understood that if the regional slates are allowed and passed by the conference, that takes care of approving the TAL slate and the WST slate also by that action and so, to me, having a separate TAL slate and WST slate is not necessary.
Referral #6460 WSBT Reports-DONE, approved online, 11/12/10 see minutes 1008-1012 Kim (lead) – Russell – Randy – Richard S.
The WSBT reports are, in my opinion, rambling and somewhat self-indulgent. At the end of a 6,000 mile flight funded by my area, out of tradition 7 donations, I expect the time at conference to be spent dealing with business.
Could future reports deal, in the main, with business proposed and/or transacted. Particularly in the diabolical absence of WSBT minutes.
Response:
Thank you for your suggestion, however understanding the history of the WSBT reports is essential to knowing why there is so much information in the individual WSBT reports to the Conference floor, including transacted business, as well as the “personal” aspect of the duties, and daily interactions of each of us with the fellowship.
At one time the reports only included facts and figures. It was the opinion of the Conference floor that these types of reports were rather dry, and lacked character. The Conference floor requested to know more, to know the personal side of each Trustee in regards to their travel, and business conducted with the local and world fellowship. This touched on the loving and spiritual side of our fellowships business in the necessity to share with our fellows.
Bill W. writes in his essay on Concept One:
“In other chapters great emphasis is laid on the need for a high order of personal leadership, on the desirability of careful induction methods for all incoming personnel, and upon the necessity for the best possible personal relations between those who work in our services. The concepts try to design a structure in which all may labour to good effect, with a minimum of friction. This is accomplished by so relating our servants to their work and to each other that the chances of personal conflict will be minimized.”
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Bill goes on in Concept Four to describe our spiritual needs in service:
“All of us deeply desire to belong. We want an A.A. relation of brotherly partnership. It is our shining ideal that the “spiritual corporation” of A.A. should never include any members who are regarded as “second class.”
We feel that although the concepts layout out for us the relationships between our world servants and the groups in an often corporate style, Bill always tries to remind us of our individual and collective spiritual needs and our rights to practice and apply them. Therefore the format of the current reporting to the Conference.
Armed with that information, and a willingness to take into consideration your thoughts; moving forward, we will be sure to read the full report, all the statistics, facts, and figures, as well as the “personal” aspect to Area visits, convention visits, and quarterly visits. Also keep in mind during our reports it is also an opportunity for us to thank the fellowship, and our fellow Trustees for their friendship, fellowship and service.
Regarding the minutes of the WSBT; we believe that we explained the absence of the May Quarterly minutes in the summer delegate mailing. Other than that, all minutes are current up to that date.
Referral #6639 MORE TEC DELEGATES
Joy (lead) – Robert – Kim – Richard – Russell
Increase the number of TEC Delegates – either double (or at the very least increase by 4). Regions who are not represented by a TEC elected trustee are automatically entitled to an additional delegate.
Referral #6640 TEC QUESTIONS
Joy (lead) – Robert – Kim – Richard – Russell
Increase the number of TEC questions and rotate each year. Also, allow each delegate and trustee to ask one question not on that year’s list.
Referral #6641 VOTE ABSTENTION
Joy (lead) – Robert – Kim – Richard – Russell
Rescind the motion that an abstention in a TEC vote equals a no vote. Restore the right of “abstaining” under concepts 3 & 4.
Referral #6648 TRUSTEE QUALIFICATIONS
Randy (lead) – Kenny – Terry
On Pg 42 of the WSM; under the heading qualifications, #4
- A (suggested) minimum of eight years of continuous…
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Referral #6657 TRUSTEE CLEAN TIME QUALIFICATIONS
Randy (lead) – Kenny – Terry
To reconsider qualification #4 of the Addict Trustee as setout on page 42 of WSM. Is 8 years clean time the “right” number?
Referral #6677 HOW IT WORKS
Kim (lead) – Randy – Richard – Robert – Joy – Peter
Bring forth a motion to the floor to accept the actions taken by the trustee’s on the “How it Works” issue.
Referral #6688 GOD BOWL
Joy (lead) – Robert – Kim – Richard S. – Russell
Please add back as the final step in the TEC process to add a God Bowl.
*Please note that if the TEC have gone through each step and cannot choose a trustee – then the last 2 names would be placed in a bowl and one chosen.
This would ensure no trustee position would go vacant.
Referral #6707 LARGER BOARD
Richard L. (lead) – Peter – Richard S – Kenny
The office board should be expanded to include more members. Perhaps two more positions would be appropriate. One could/should go to a Canadian member and one should/could be for a European member. They could attend via Skype, etc.
POST-CONFERENCE REFERRALS TO BE ADDRESSED:
Referral # 6204 How it Works?
Kim (lead)– Randy – Richard S.– Robert – Joy – Peter Is “How it Works” still a C.A. approved piece of literature.
Referral # 6479 trustee committee reviewing content of recovery-related book projects Richard L. (lead) – Joy – Randy
Establish a trustee-appointed review committee to approve CONTENT of recovery-related book projects.
Referral # 6482 Russian version of Hope
Randy – Russell
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I believe that the way in which “Hope” is written in Russian on the convention t-shirts and the chips is incorrect. The character “bi” is not a letter. Rather it is a modifier to the preceding letter. It is not written is the same size as the entire word. Rather it is written smaller than the word and is written post-script. If I am correct, please fix for future printing.
Referral # 6694 Conference announcement re cell phones Richard S – Peter
That for the Conference Chair to make announcement each time before we start each Conference session that we silence all cellphones and pagers.
Referral # 6713 Approval of International PSA
Robert (lead) – Russell – Richard L – Peter
Please review under point 5 of the 8 point PSA process.
Discussion:
Kim hopes to get these online and approved by quarterly.
NEW BUSINESS
2010.10.01 Suggested roommates: (Kim) Several people have made roommate requests, below is only a suggestion based on those requests. – DONE
Kim and Joy
Randy and Terry
Richard S. and Russell
Robert and Richard L.
Kenny and Peter
2010.10.02 Hotel reservations for Quarterly in December. (Kim, Peter) – DONE Kim – provide dates of arrival to Peter, and roommates.
2010.10.03 Hotel reservations for CAWS 2011. (Kim, Peter) – DONE Kim – provide dates of arrival, and request rooming arrangements to Peter.
Randy spoke – regarding room arrangements with respect to significant others attending the convention.
Joy – already booked for her room for the convention date.
Peter – asked about what CAWSO pays for (understands 50% of occupancy is paid)
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Russell – asked about registration, each trustee registers for themselves.
Randy – provided information regarding schedules
2010.10.04 Disability Claim received by the WSO – Confidential (Richard L., Kim) (This is on the agenda as a matter of record) – UPDATE
Richard L. – sensitive issue request executive session.
Executive session enter: 1:45 MDT
Executive session ended 2:33 MDT
Joy – requested a private call / conversation with Kim
2010.10.05 C.A website: Service page, re: Updating of CAWS Conference Committees “Statement of Policy” (Kim) – UPDATE
Kim – submit changes to Kenny, Kim, & Richard L
2010.10.06 Recording Equipment (Richard L., Kim) – DONE
Kim – previously discussed, Richard L. will secure equipment by the December Quarterly.
2010.10.07 Transfer of 10K to pay for conference – DONE
Joy – motion to approve previous transfer of 10K from money market to operation to cover office expenses. Seconded by Richard L. Motion passed.
2010.10.08 Moving our CA literature to the front of our book. – UPDATE Motion to move online by Randy, second by Joy. Motion passed
Announcements:
Peter – reminder please get him travel dates for quarterly and convention.
Richard L. – Gratitude month, please use can.
Motion to adjourn, Joy, second by Randy, motion passed. Adjourned at 150p pst
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WSBT Conference Call – minutes – FINAL
October 24th, 2010
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