Jay F – We are going to post the link for the evaluation form in the box. Please complete this while waiting for S&B later. We would appreciate it. People would like some more of our shirts. We are willing to get some more printed. The winner of the centerpieces are listed in the office and the winners of the silent auction.
Randy M – presents report
CLOSING REPORT C.A. WORLD SERVICE CONFERENCE 2018
WORLD SERVICE OFFICE BOARD REPORT
INTRODUCTION AND OPENING COMMENTS
My name is Randy M, and I am a drug addict. WSOB Chair, one vote.
The WSOB has worked hard throughout the year, and through this conference, on the referrals and issues that have come before us. We greatly appreciate the C.A. members and delegates who have taken the time to express their ideas and concerns. We are eager to get to work. We
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have a full and vital board, and I have complete confidence our team and our ability rise to this occasion.
Committee Introductions
Vice Chairperson: Alesia F
Treasurer: Allison M
Secretary: Brenda M
World Service Trustee: Yvette H
World Service Office Trustee: Kevin M
Director of Operations: Linda F
Director at Large Ron D
Director at Large Pierre K
Director at Large David C
NewsGram Editor Yves W
COMMITTEE WORK THAT RESULTED IN MOTIONS
There was no WSOB work that resulted in motions.
REFERRALS THAT RESULTED IN MOTIONS
There were no referrals that resulted in motions.
REFERRALS OR ITEMS TABLED UNTIL NEXT YEAR; AND ITEMS THE COMMITTEE WILL CONTINUE WORKING ON THROUGH THE YEAR
FROM 2017
- WSOB 2017-1: CAWS Office Store –Please be sure that the Office is selling items in the CA Office Store during ALL days that the Conference is in session. It makes no sense to me and others here that the store is not open today (Saturday) since every delegate is here all day today. We missed some bi sales today. I know it was announced that the store would not be open, still, in my opinion, the store should be open today.
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a. WSOB Response: Thank you for your referral. Due to the costs associated with having WSOB office staff at the conference on Saturday (overtime), and the limited time the sales booth would be open (due to conference rules), it does not make economic sense to staff the WSOB booth on the Saturday of the Conference. However, the Director of Operations and the Vice Chair will be available to take and fill orders, if necessary.
2. WSOB 2017-2: CA Logo Stickers – That the WSO produce foreign language C.A. logo stickers for all of the established Areas of our Fellowship. We are a global fellowship. It seems a great oversight to have stickers available in English only.
a. WSOB Response: Thank you for your referral. The Director of Operations will determine minimum order sizes, will check costs and make them available to the fellowship.
3. WSOB 2017-3: (Referred from Finance 2016 1) – 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 recognized 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 of the individual Areas. The current number of required / outstanding translations to have adequate funding within the next two years and an ongoing line item to allow for newly required translations to be commenced immediately upon the recognition of a new Area.
a. WSOB Response: Thanks for the referral. This item has been reviewed by both the WSOB and WSBT, and it has been determined to be cost prohibitive, due to both the cost of translations and the frequency of changes. A smaller version of the WSM is becoming available through the work of the Structure and Bylaws committee which may make such translations possible. Please also note that an audio version is available.
4. WSOB 2017-4: (Referred from LCF 2016) – That the Committee revise the Newcomer Booklet to include the reading “Who’s A CA. Member?”
a. WSOB Response: Thank you for your referral. The WSOB will implement the suggestion and add “Who is a CA Member” reading to the Newcomer Booklet at next printing.
5. WSOB 2017-5: (Referred from the WSBT) Please allow Areas to produce and distribute A. keyrings, medallions and Books under Royalty Agreement.
a. WSOB Response: WSOB Response: Thank you for your referral. We are currently evaluating avenues to provide local printing of CA Information Pamphlets and CA books, with the intention to provide these items locally under a Royalty Agreement. C.A.
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keyrings and medallion are still pending a solution. This is a joint effort of the WSOB and the WSBT, along with input from the fellowship, and we hope to realize this goal in the coming year.
6. WSOB 2017-6: (Referral from IT 2016-1) – Digital delivery of Speaker Audio files – as we proceed in the digital world, and as more and more conventions are transitioning toward uploading digital files from workshops and speakers, should there not be a WS standard (bit rate, frequency, format, compression and production origin) for these files? Furthermore, is it possible to create on the CAWS site a file distribution system, or at least a link to a page, so that members worldwide can access the media as it is produced and posted?
a. WSOB Response: Thank you for your referral. This item has been reviewed by both the WSOB and WSBT. At this time, due to the problems of anonymity, copyright infringement, as well as who shall “represent” Cocaine Anonymous, the plan to post these recordings on the ca.org website for all to download is on hold.
7. WSOB 2017-7: (NADCP Funding) 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) participation by C.A. World Service 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 C.A.’s participation each year provide an acceptable return on C.A.’s investment in terms of measurable results, including without limitation: the number of new meetings started directly after CA Drug Conference participation, new C.A. cities / states / countries colonized where there is little, if any, C.A. now, and judges and referees sending their people specifically to C.A (how many people were sent)
a. WSOB Response: Thank you for this referral. As this is a referral to the WS Conference Committee, and remains a conference decision, the WSOB will await a decision by the WS Conference on this issue.
8. WSOB 2017-8: Best C.A. App – 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 the WSO. A contest of this nature would tap into the great technical skills that many of our members have as well as eventually providing much desired services to our entire fellowship. If an App was created for the meditation book, it could even help generate income for CAWS.
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a. WSOB Response: Thank you for this referral. As it turns out, the WSC IT Committee has been working on a mobile phone app for CA, and is nearing completion. There will be no need for a Best App Contest at this time.
9. WSOB 2017-9: Draft Publications Guidelines – Please consider adopting the attached draft Publication Guidelines (or something similar). (These Guidelines are available for review related to this Referral. Inquire to the Conference Committee for a copy please. These Guidelines are NOT attached here to this report.)
a. WSOB Response: Thank you for your referral. We continue to work on this referral.
10. WSOB 2017-10: Publication Information Repository – If this has not already been done, please consider creating a central repository for all information related to the publication of C.A.’s books. This would include source files (from original publishing software, where applicable, as well as PDF and / or “e-book” formats), lists of fonts types and sizes for each element of the book, cover art and colors, etc. Ideally, this information would be readily accessible to members of both Boards and backed up to multiple secure locations.
a. WSOB Response: Thank you for your referral. The WSOB does have this information, and is now in the process of creating this central depository.
11. WSOB 2017-11: Cost of Currency Exchange – The fellowship appears to be not informed regarding the cost of managing multiple currencies and converting to USD. Request that the WSOB Finance Committee monitor, record and report on the cost to the fellowship 2017 conference to 2018 conference of managing all financial matters in multiple currencies.
a. WSOB Response: Thank you for your referral. The Finance Committee of the WSC now has a subcommittee specifically tasked with this function. They will be making recommendations to the WSOB and the WSC with their findings. The WSOB does track the costs of managing all financial matters in multiple currencies, and we can subsequently provide this data.
FROM 2018
1. WSOB 2018-1: – 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 prior to review before forwarding onto the Office for the June Delegate mailing.
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a. WSOB Response: Thank you for your referral. We are taking this up to work on in the coming year.
2. WSOB 2018-2: From Bart CA Holland Area and David C. UK Area (Pre-Conference)
Create guidelines for movements of funds, from World Service, to European sub committees. At the moment 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?
a. WSOB Response: Thank you for your referral. We are taking this up to work on in the coming year.
3. WSOB 2018-3: From Kerry-Jane G. CA UK Area (Pre-Conference)
I would like to refer the attached Translation Process document into conference for subsequent editing, approval and publishing wherever the conscience of the conference deems fit. It is designed to be a fellowship-facing document as I am aware that there is already an internal process document.
a. WSOB Response: Thank you for your referral. We will be reaching out to the referrer for additional clarification through our Director at Large, and work on this referral throughout the year.
4. WSOB 2018-4: From Kerry-Jane G. CA UK Area (Pre-Conference)
I would like to make a referral for the creation and publication of a brand style guide for our fellowship.
a. WSOB Response: Thank you for your referral. We will be reaching out to the referrer for additional clarification through our Director at Large, and work on this referral throughout the year.
5. WSOB 2018-5: From Susan B OSA (In-Conference)
That the WSO provide info on who received starter kits for publication in the NewsGram. Thank you for your consideration!
a. WSOB Response: Thank you for your referral. We will be working on this throughout the coming year.
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6. WSOB 2018-6: From Katie B. Arizona Area (In-Conference)
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.
a. WSOB Response: Thank you for your referral. The WSOB has already begun the process of evaluating the financial results from the last convention. We are seriously considering the suggested Ad-Hoc committee. Further, we will provide a preliminary report to the WSBT and to the fellowship through the delegate mailing within the next few months. We will be working with the 2019 CAWS Convention Committee and issuing specific financial guidelines resulting from this review. We will provide a final report to the WSBT and fellowship through the delegate mailing by the next conference.
REFERRALS OR ITEMS REFERRED TO OTHER COMMITTEES; WORLD SERVICE OFFICE, OR BOARD OF TRUSTEES
We did not refer any of our referrals to other committees or the Board of Trustees.
REFERRALS THAT DID NOT RESULT IN MOTIONS
Our referrals did not result in motions.
NEW COMMITTEE STRUCTURE AS OF THIS CONFERENCE
| Chairman: | Randy M | wsobchair@ca.org | |||||||||
| Vice Chairperson: | Alesia F | alesiafleming@yahoo.com | |||||||||
| Treasurer: | |||||||||||
| Secretary: | Brenda M | mabinbrenda@gmail.com | |||||||||
| World Service Trustee: | Yvette H | wst@ca.org | |||||||||
| World Service Office Trustee: | Kevin M | wsot@ca.org | |||||||||
| Director of Operations: | Linda F | doo@ca.org | |||||||||
| Director at Large | Ron D | rwdavis59@yahoo.com | |||||||||
| Director at Large | Pierre K | pierrekennedy@mweb.co.za | |||||||||
| Director at Large | David C | davidcrosland@fastmail.fm | |||||||||
| Director at Large: | Allison M | ordesall021@gmail.com | |||||||||
| NewsGram Editor | Yves W | ||||||||||
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CLOSING COMMENTS
In closing, I am humbled to work with such an amazing group of talented and dedicated board members. We are poised and ready to face the challenges of the coming year.
In Peace, Love and Service,
Randy M
WSOB Chairman
Randy M – As I have sat here and watched the various committees and the result of their work, I am filled with gratitude for the spirit of commitment and service and the collective intellect of these committees and chair people. Despite some adversities, we will rise through all of these occasions and grow nonetheless. Some scrutiny has been placed on the WSOB with due cause based on the Montreal results, part of the issue has been alluded that it’s too close to the start of Conference for results to be provided. We apologize for not being able to provide better numbers. We are definitely going to take an intense look at the financials coming out of Montreal, not only to develop the financial results but also to keep accountability, you guys deserve that information and the education from the preliminary report – that is completely coordinated and thorough, moving forward and talking about future conventions. We have a big opportunity to take advantage of a growing home in Europe. An idea to have multiple conventions, I fully support. There are plenty of areas in Europe to have a convention. And give us a large opportunity to create unity and give our fellowship an opportunity to support the Office. We need to consider if it’s a smart move for CA to have a world convention every year. It’s a big cost on the Office and the trustees, we sign these contracts with these hotels and are on the hook for a lot of money we don’t even have. We could have larger, more successful regional conventions that are very successful, and have an even larger revenue stream for the fellowship than the world conventions can. There are other revenue streams outside of conventions that are available for us. Conventions are not the life and soul of this organization. The recurring donations are a great idea. It would greatly help the overall health of this fellowship. If there are issues with this in Europe, we can find the solution. We have a smart, intelligent board here to serve you, and we think that the climate and growth in Europe is just as important to that in the US. We together can create a financially healthy Cocaine Anonymous.
Maria K – You just said you have a smart and intelligent committee and I thank you. My question is, I feel like I am being skewed with a $3,500 budget gap in the profits or losses in the Montreal comparison, I would like some transparency.
Randy M – We thought the money we had in the committee account was not accounted in the QuickBooks budget, there was a mistake. Clearly, we are having trouble resolving these numbers, and I can imagine the alarm and concern. And that is fair, and we are trying hard to get that fixed, and you will have an account of that money and where it came from.
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Dane S – Do you know the timeframe for a full financial report?
Randy M – I do not know that there is a timeframe requirement in the guideline, you are welcome to write a referral.
Danny H – References a copyright infringement of a CA speaker at a AA convention.
Randy M – The rights to those recordings are sold, and when we have the come here to be recorded, that can develop a copyright infringement.
Sarah T – I feel a bit disconcerted, when the opening report came in and there was a $28k deficit, and I was concerned, it left a very bad flavor in the room the last couple of days. The bids that were going out today, I know people were a bit skeptical that CA’s biggest fundraiser, kind of only fundraiser, for the year, has no figures.
Randy M – It does take time for all the numbers and filing to come back and get proper numbers. It is alarming that there was a difference between what was originally reported and what the finance committee has reported tonight. We made a mistake and sometime it takes longer than we expect.
Anne M – We asked the Office to put a number in the opening report, they were hesitant. We thought it was important for transparency, we thought a general starting point was a good idea. The number is still being finalized, they have been jumping up and down as the bookkeeper and treasurer have been putting them in the right place. And it’s a very detailed budget with lots of line items. I am quite relieved that the number is in a more positive place. And the Office Board is moved to get those numbers aligned in the right place. A lot of work was done Monday through Friday on this issue.
Chris M – Your committee has no treasurer, will you resolve this?
Randy M – Yes
Maria K – If there has been so much changed in the perceived income in the last couple of days, can we get a closer set number within the next couple of weeks, or a month?
Randy M – We will be working more diligently and will work to get those numbers to the fellowship.
Maria K – That is unacceptable.
Henry A – The copyright issue, should that be a referral?
Trevor S – It would be as though we would put the CA logo on that.
John R – Recordings from the NY Area History of CA event in November, and was going to raise funds by creating downloads. We gave it to the WSO. You have four speakers, the downloads are the Office’s to sell downloads.
Trevor S- Questions only please.
Danny H – Is it accurate to say that this company that is selling these is gaining profit from non-CA members?
Randy M – I can look into it but I do not know the answer to that.
Trevor S – Join me in thanking the WSOB committee. Let’s take a 10 minute break.
———— break 10 minutes ———-
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Trevor S – Please take your seats! It is now 10:02 pm. Jason, I believe you have a motion. *****
Jason L – I would like to make a motion to suspend the rules. We’ve been going for 14 hours now, and we still have S&B and WSBT, and six motions, a series of motions referred to other committees along with new business and elections. We don’t come here to be delirious doing this until 2 am. It would be more sensible to stop now and take care of business in the morning.
Seconded.
Trevor S – Lets take this up by unanimous consent, 2/3rds vote. Any objections? Yes, there are objections. So, since this was a motion, we will have to vote. Any debate?
Michael C – Speaking as a member of S&B, I wholeheartedly agree with this motion, to do due diligence for our hard work, I believe that this motion should pass.
Henry A – What reports do we still have to go through? Trevor S – S&B, WSBT, new business, committee elections. Henry A – Can we continue on and suspend S&B? Trevor S – That is not the motion.
Jim G – Question, will we have a quorum tomorrow by 10 am?
Trevor S – That depends on how responsible everyone is willing to be. If you are going to be leaving early, you are asked to not claim your vote. We are not scheduled to stop until 1pm.
Katie B – I speak against this motion, we are not scheduled to finish until another hour tonight, we should continue.
George M – Would you take a friendly amendment and do the WSBT tonight? Jason L – Yes.
Gary M – I am against, this is my seventh conference, I’ve expected to stay up and keep going until we are done. And who is to say if we start in the morning, we will finish by noon?
Trevor S – We allow a lot of latitude, we are hooligans, but let’s refrain.
Justine K – Call to question.
***
Clicker vote 39 – for 114 // 23 against, Motion to call the question passes.
Trevor S – Prepare to vote on the original motion to suspend session to hear WSBT report tonight.
Clicker vote 40 – for 86 // 62 against. Motion fails as it required a 2/3rd majority. *****
Lucas S – 5th Concept Statement — This is my first Conference, I am absolutely exhausted, I have no confidence that I can make proper decisions and perform my position tonight.
Trevor S – Next up will be the WSBT.
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