CLOSING REPORT
C.A. WORLD SERVICE CONFERENCE 2011
STRUCTURE & BYLAWS REPORT
OPENING COMMENTS
On behalf of the Structure and By-laws Committee, I would like to thank this body, our respective Areas, Regions and God for the opportunity to serve this conference and CA as a whole. Our committee has been and continues to be committed to bringing you our very best. We thank everyone who took time, thought and effort to present referrals to our committee directly or indirectly. We assure you that each referral has received due diligence. From this work, we will be presenting 8 motions for your consideration.
COMMITTEE INTRODUCTIONS:
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Duane M., Chair
Eric T., Vice Chair
Cynthia L.A. S., Secretary
Jon H., Co-Secretary
Ronald W., Greg T., Robert S., Earl H., Janice W., Siobhan A., John M., Valerie C., Vilisa C., Mark C., Cyd S., Willie B.
Teresa N., WSOB Liaison
Joy H., Trustee Advisor
REFERRALS THAT WERE WORKED ON DURING THE YEAR
Referral 6486 New standing rules re consistent numbering of manuals
Create a new standing rule to make all committee secretaries number manuals to the same spec so numbers of printed copy is the same as pdf downloaded manual.
NO ACTION TAKEN on creating a new Standing Rule; however, we thank you for your suggestion. The WSM was completely re-typed to address formatting issues. The inconsistent lists and numbering within the WSM will be addressed by the Committee by way of housekeeping. The page numbering of the pdf will continue to be inconsistent with the printed version due to the cover page.
Referral # 5879 Standing Rule 7
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Standing Rule 7 is broken, Fix it. What does adjournment mean in reference to that Rule. Would adding the words “of that session” fix the problem? Remember to keep it simple.
NO ACTION TAKEN. Adjournment is defined in Robert’s Rules of Order. It means to close the meeting.
Referral # 6300 Regional Trustee election by secret ballot by region
To require that the regional trustee be elected by a secret ballot by the region they represent.
NO ACTION TAKEN. The Trustees are elected by the TEC.
Referral #6442 regional delegates elected at the regional level
I would like to see regional delegates elected at the regional level. I believe that the nomination and ratification process can remain the same but once the slate is ratified by the TEC, the slate is then sent back to the region for election at the regional level.
NO ACTION TAKEN.
Referral # 6441 moratorium on changes in readings in meeting formats
A moratorium of no more than 5 years and no less than 2 years be placed on any changes to readings that are listed in the suggested meeting formats.
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NO ACTION TAKEN. It is not practical to fetter the discretion of the fellowship in this way.
Referral # 6485 change to SR 10
Please consider a change to SR 10. A complete text of what the language was followed by the proposed language would be far superior to the strikethrough, end strikethrough.
NO ACTION TAKEN. Pursuant to California State law, the strikethrough and end strikethrough must be read into the minutes. At the Chair’s discretion the new verbiage can also be read aloud in its entirety.
Referral # 6255
On page 17 please delete current wording under group treasurer and replace with “Attached A”. On page 19 please delete current wording under district treasurer and replace with “Attached B”. On page 22 please delete current wording under area treasurer and replace with “Attached C”. This concept would keep the written descriptions current with the approved Finance Guidelines.
HOUSEKEEPING
Referral 6495 Election Process Summary
Please consider adding to the WSM the following insert on page 45 under “Trustee Selection Elections Process Summary:”
WSOT add #5 – in the event a standing WSOB director is not ratified through the ratification process for director, yet has been submitted for the slate
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consideration/ratification, the TEC Chair will notify the WSOB Chair and request that the candidate be removed from the slate.
Cynthia S.: MOTION: To insert on page 50 of the WSM, under World Service Office Trustee as Item #5:
In the event a standing WSOB director is not ratified through the ratification process for director, yet has been submitted for the slate consideration/ratification, the TEC Chair will notify the WSOB Chair and request that the candidate be removed from the slate. Second.
Tony D.: speak to your motion?
Cynthia S.: For those of you who were hear last year, we did some housekeeping last year. We had people who were no longer in the process and this is the final vestige of cleaning up the slates that contain selections who will not to be considered for the position.
Tony D.: Any other discussion? Seeing none, please prepare yourselves to vote. Motion passes with substantial unanimity.
Referral 6505 TEC and slates
Insert on P. 43, WSM under Conference Approved Slate:
Upon receiving such notice, the TEC Chair will notify the Regional Trustee (or WSOB Chair in the case of WSOT) and request that said candidates name be removed from the slate; and (new language in bold) The TEC shall…
To bring in line with page 44 #3 (under WSOT) and #4 (under Regional and WS Trustees).
The slate is not brought by the TED but by the regions and WSOB.
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Joy H.: MOTION: to change on page 49 of the WSM under Conference
Approved Slate: Upon receiving such notice, the TEC CHAIR shall NOTIFY THE
REGIONAL TRUSTEE (OR THE WSOB CHAIR IN CASE OF THE WSOT) AND REQUEST THAT SAID CANDIDATES NAME BE remove(d) the name of the withdrawing candidate from the slate prior to such slate being presented to the conference floor for ratification. All candidates who complete the WSC ratification process successfully shall then be considered the Conference Approved Slate of Trustee candidates. Second.
Tony D.: Would you like to speak to your motion?
Joy H.: Just more housekeeping as in the previous motion.
Tony D.: Prepare yourselves to vote. Motion passes unanimously.
COMMITTEE WORK THAT RESULTED IN MOTIONS
NONE
REFERRALS THAT RESULTED IN MOTIONS
Referral # 5366 GSR Requirements in WSM
In the role and requirements of/for GSR’s in the WSM, it states that GSR’s need only attend their home group 2 weeks in 4. This is causing difficulties in some of our Bristol/England groups. e.g, a worker in a day house telling his clients they not attend their groups to fulfill service commitments as GSR’s need not attend every week. We in our group believe it is wrong and GSR’s should attend as often as possible. When I raised this with US delegates in 2008/2009 I was informed it was because it was hard in Alberta. Can’t Alberta just be autonomous in this please? Our group asks that this attendance requirement be removed from the WSM.
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Referral # 5616 GSR requirements in WSM
My request to strike (50% of the time) from the WSM page 16, GSR Guidelines for attendance.
Referral #5366 and # 5616 resulted in the following motion:
Cyd S.: MOTION: To strike on page 16 of the WSM under GSR Position heading: As with secretaries, GSR candidates should only accept positions for those Groups that they regularly attend (50% of the time). Regular attendance is to be defined by the Groups. Second.
Tony D.: Would you like to speak to your motion?
Cyd S.: Not at this time.
Tony D.: Is there any other debate on motion? Seeing none, please prepare to vote. Motion passes with substantial unanimity.
Referral # 6252 Acronyms in the WSM
Please insert a section in front of the WSM which lists all the acronyms used within the WSM and gives a full version of each.
Jon H.: MOTION: To insert on a separate page immediately following the table of contents a list of the following acronyms used in the WSM:
CA Cocaine Anonymous
ASC Area Service Committee
ASB Area Service Board
CAWSO Cocaine Anonymous World Service Office
GSR Group Service Representative
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DSC District Service Committee
DSR District Service Representative
WSC World Service Conference
WSCD World Service Conference Delegate
WSM World Service Manual
WSOB World Service Office Board
WSBT World Service Board of Trustees
WSO World Service Office
TAL Trustee at Large
TEC Trustee Election Committee
CAWS Cocaine Anonymous World Service
HFC Hope Faith and Courage
H&I Hospitals and Institutions
IT Information Technology
LCF Literature, Chips, and Format
S&B Structure and Bylaws
CPC Cooperation with the Professional Community
PI Public Information
WSCCC World Service Conference Convention Committee
CATW Celebrate Around The World
WSOT World Service Office Trustee
TNC Trustee Negotiating Committee
WST World Service Trustee
Second.
Tony D.: Would you like to speak to your motion?
Jon H.: Not at this time.
Tony D.: Is there any debate on this motion? Please step to the microphone. Kellie F.: Friendly Amendment – would the committee please add Public Information – PI.
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Jon H.: We accept that amendment.
Susan B.: Friendly Amendment – would like to have CA listed as C.A. as to distinguish it from the State of California (CA). Jason L.: Will they be put in alphabetical order?
Jon H.: Yes, we will alphabetize the acronyms.
Gary P.: Friendly Amendment – could you please add WSCCC – World Service Conference Convention Committee?
Jon H.: We accept that amendment.
Susan B.: Would like to amend motion to have acronym for C.A. in place of CA.
Second.
Tony D.: Would you like to speak to your motion to amend?
Susan B.: Living in CA, we sometimes we get newcomers who are still fuzzy and they are not thinking of CA as Cocaine Anonymous, but the State of California. This leads to conclusion and it is my understanding that it is a correct acronym.
Joy H.: The WSBT met with our trademark attorneys and the “periods” in CA are not required to be used anywhere.
Melissa L.: Speak against the motion because throughout the WSM, it is listed as CA.
Roy R.: Speak against the motion as we are not sending these to the State of California for approval.
Mike S.: I didn’t pick up a service manual until I was about 4 years. I speak against the motion.
David B.: Call for the vote. Second.
Tony D.: Motion passes with substantial unanimity. Motion to amend fails. Susan B.: I would like to remind the floor that we are not talking about the trademarks and I would like to make a motion to reconsider.
Tony D.: You would have to have voted with prevailing side. We will go back to debate main motion.
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David B.: Friendly Amendment – Could you please add to the list “CATW” for
Celebrate Around the World to the list?
Jon H.: We accept that submission.
Peter DeR.: Friendly Amendment – Could we please add World Service Office Trustee-WSOT, Trustee Negotiating Committee – TNC, World Service Trustee – WST?
Jon H.: We accept that friendly amendment.
Jennifer S.: Call the question. Second.
Tony D.: Prepare to vote. Motion to close debate passes unanimously.
Original motion with friendly amendments passes unanimously.
Referral # 6581 Pantone Values added to Our Statement of Policy
That the Pantone and CMYK values be added to our “Statement” of Policy regarding the use of CA Logo when using it in our green color to ensure the same color is used worldwide.
Siobhan A.: MOTION: To add in the WSM on page 12 as item “G”:
Although not officially adopted, when using the green color traditionally used by CAWSO Inc., the Pantone # is 3292 and the calibrated CMYK values be used.
Second.
Tony D.: Would you like to speak to your motion?
Siobhan A.: Not at this time.
Susan B.: speak for the motion and add Friendly Amendment that this information be placed in PI handbook.
Siobhan A.: We are not responsible for requiring PI to include this information in their PI Workbook.
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Terry M.: I speak against the motion. Being in the printing industry, depending on the machine being used, the CMYK values have to be calibrated. Friendly Amendment – that the calibrated CMYK values be used. Tony D.: Motion passes unanimously.
Referral # 6613 Duties of Secretary Page 55 WSM
Insert language – strike. Page 55 Secretary: #3) Make minutes and records available to CAWSO Board, WSBT (and Delegates via the Delegate Mailing). Strike “Upon request”. Then continue (other members may receive said minutes and records upon request from the WSO).
Vilisa C.: MOTION: Insert on page 55 under the heading Secretary, point 3:
Make minutes and records available to CAWSO Board –and , WSBT and Delegates via the Delegate mailing upon request. Second.
Tony D.: Would you like to speak to your motion?
Vilisa C.: Not at this time.
Teresa N.: Friendly Amendment – Could we possibly make this into two (2) sentences. Make minutes and records available to CAWSO Board and WSBT. Make minutes available to Delegates via Delegate mailing.
Verlisa C.: we accept.
Tony D.: Motion passes unanimously.
Referral # 6618 List Motions in back of WSM in precedence
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Please list the motions in the back of the WSM in order of precedence according to Roberts Rules. Possibly even charts for the different classes of motions ex-subsidiary motions, etc.
Johnny McC.: MOTION: To replace the Table of Motions chart on page 75 of the
WSM with the following:
Robert Rules of Order Motion Chart
Based on Robert’s Rules of Order Newly Revised (10th Edition)
Main Motions:
These motions are listed in order of precedence. A motion can be introduced if it is higher on the chart than the pending motion.
For these motions see page 27 of PDF: 2011-09-02-Conference-Day-4-Summary-Final.pdf
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For these motions see page 28 of PDF: 2011-09-02-Conference-Day-4-Summary-Final.pdf
Incidental Motions:
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No order of precedence. These motions arise incidentally and are decided immediately.
For these motions see page 29 of PDF: 2011-09-02-Conference-Day-4-Summary-Final.pdf
Motions that bring a question again before the assembly
No order of precedence. Introduce only when nothing else is pending.
- indicates the section from Robert’s Rules.
Based on Robert’s Rules of Order Newly Revised (10th Edition)
Second.
Tony D.: Would you like to speak to your motion?
Johnny McC.: Not at this time.
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Tony D.: Is there any debate on the motion?
Roy R.: Do we have to include that is from Robert’s Rules of Order?
Johnny McC.: It is there already there at the top and the bottom.
Suzanne V.: The numbering of the paragraphs – they go down and then go up. Can they just go down and then go up?
Tony D.: Suzanne, they are listed in order of precedence.
Cynthia C.: Point of Information – I am comparing to existing chart. Is Motion to Rescind listed?
Tony D.: It is listed.
Elizabeth S.: Question for the Chair? This is a lot of information. Should it have been in SR14.
Tony D.: It is just adjusting information already in the WSM. They brought this referral response to Trevor and me prior to presenting in the report and it is correct. Motion passes unanimously.
REFERRALS OR ITEMS TABLED UNTIL NEXT YEAR; AND ITEMS THE COMMITTEE WILL CONTINUE WORKING ON THROUGH THE YEAR
Referral #6764 CA/Co-Anon
Please consider bringing forth a motion to insert the following section into the World Service Manual:
Cocaine Anonymous and Co-Anon
The relationship between the fellowships of Cocaine Anonymous and Co-Anon is a special one. As the disease of addiction affects many, our recovery process inherently affects many as well. Yet the Twelve Traditions, the General Service Boards and Service Conferences of both fellowships suggest that remaining “separate” makes each more effective. The policy of “co-operation but not affiliation” is recognized as important in maintaining separate fellowships.
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Consistent with that premise, Cocaine Anonymous provides the following position regarding our relationship with Co-Anon:
“While being mindful of the impact of our disease on those who care about us and the support we receive from them, we in Cocaine Anonymous are guided by our Sixth Tradition. As such, we must ensure that our desire to cooperate with Co-Anon in thought, action and spirit does not result in affiliation, either outright or implied.”
HELD IN COMMITTEE
Referral # 6590 Change to 11th Tradition
Is it possible to adjust our 11th tradition to include “internet” after “television”
HELD IN COMMITTEE
REFERRALS OR ITEMS REFERRED TO OTHER COMMITTEES; WORLD SERVICE OFFICE, OR BOARD OF TRUSTEES
Referral 5860 12 Traditions 12 Concepts particularly: Concept XII, Warranty Six. “Though the Conference may act for the service of Cocaine Anonymous, it shall never perform any acts of government; and that… the Conference itself always remains democratic in action and spirit.
Referral Submission #5860 to WSC 2008
- Introduction
The present WSC system of processing referrals and discussing and adopting proposals excludes CA groups and their members from any involvement in the decision making process. As a result of this the collective conscience of CA cannot be truly expressed and the ultimate authority cannot be fully exercised. As stated in Tradition 2 and Concept I
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both of these should lie with the groups. To ensure the survival and growth of Cocaine Anonymous the vital link between the CA groups and the WSC must be established. The following proposal is aimed at addressing this shortfall.
II. Proposal
That the WSC appoint a committee to receive, review, modify and select referrals for inclusion on the agenda of the following year’s WSC.
- That the following WSC members be considered for inclusion in this committee: WSC chairperson, WSC cosecretaries, all WSC committee chairpersons and for guidance, support and continuity 2 WSBT members and the WSOB chairperson
- That WSC set a deadline for submission of referrals from the fellowship to this committee.
- That WSC set guidelines for the selection process of submitted referrals.
- That WSC give a name to the document containing the selected referrals to be sent out to the fellowship. A possible name could be “Questions for World Service Conference”
- That WSC set a deadline for sending out “Questions for World Service Conference” to the fellowship. This date should allow sufficient time for groups to discuss the questions and pass on their conscience to their Delegates. A suggested deadline could be no later than the beginning of March to allow sufficient time to facilitate this discussion process.
- That WSC decide on a manner of sending out the “Questions for World Service Conference” to the fellowship. A suitable method could be direct mailing to all WSC Delegates and inclusion in the first quarter edition of Newsgram.
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III. Additional background information
Concept III gives the WSC and participating delegates the right of decision on how to vote and which questions it will deal with on its own responsibilities and which it will refer to the groups for opinion or for definite guidance. However Concept III also states that this should not be “an excuse for persistently failing to consult those who are entitled to be consulted before any important decision or action is taken” (The Twelve Concepts for World Service p15-16). In the present system the WSC persistently fails to consult the groups before important decisions are made and actions taken.
Although Delegates can and should vote according to their own conscience there should be some means by which the Groups share their views on important issues prior to annual WSC meeting. Under the proposed system Delegates would arrive at the WSC knowing their groups’ views on the referrals included on the agenda for discussion and voting. Referring to Delegates, Concept IX states that “These are the direct agents of the CA groups, these are the primary representatives of CA’s group conscience” (The Twelve Concepts for World Service p36.).
In the interest of transparency and trust, Delegates, as trusted servants, report back to the Groups in their respective Area Assemblies on how they voted regarding various proposals, and why. Under the proposed process, the groups would be in a far better position to hold Delegates to account as they have had the opportunity to view and discuss referrals and exercise their Ultimate authority and if needs be, in exceptional circumstances, to replace a delegate.
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The proposed alterations to WSC procedures would restore the vital link between the groups and the WSC. This link was in Bill W’s view vital for the survival of AA and in my view is just as vital for the survival of CA.
REFERRED TO CONFERENCE COMMITTEE
Referral # 6586 Adding Description to WSM of Referral Process
Please add a section to the WSM, which outlines the various facets of the Conference Committee Referral Process. Please explain “At Conference,” “Post conference” and “Inter-Conference” referrals and how they are handled, assessed for their substantive content with regard to inclusion in pre-Conference SR 14 Mailings. It appears that the current SR14 content is based on timing when the referral is submitted, rather than the content of the referral.
REFERRED TO CONFERENCE COMMITTEE
Referral # 6619 New Conference Committee called “Fundraising”
To create a new WSC Committee named “Fundraising.” We believe the title of the committee is self-explanatory. But we believe CAWS would benefit from further revenue streams and creative global fundraising.
REFERRED TO FINANCE COMMITTEE
Referral #6757 WSBT Ratification Process
Ratification Process for WSBT on page 67 of WSM does not allow for a provision to know why a Trustee is not ratified. A process that should include why the
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Trustee was not ratified so they can address that/those issues in their opportunity to be able to make a Right of Appeal. How can you change/fix something when you do not know what you did.
REFERRED TO WSBT
REFERRALS THAT DID NOT RESULT IN MOTIONS
Referral # 6250 GSR Suggestion to change commitment for GSR service from 1 year to 2 years
We proposed that the GSR Commitment be extended from 1 year to 2 years. That a revision be made to the WSM to represent the change. The reasoning is as follows: it is the standard length of the commitment term in AA, it makes the service structure stronger, it allows for better continuity between conferences/areas, it allows more time for GSRs to sponsor in their Alt-GSR’s to the commitment, it allows more time to learn practical experience of the service structure, concepts and traditions. To the argument it would discourage people taking on the commitment, we say, how strong do we want our fellowship to be? Are we after permanent recovery, or not? If we are, is two years too long?
NO ACTION TAKEN as Groups, Districts and Areas are autonomous.
Referral 6253 Schedule of Terms in the WSM
Please insert a section at the front of the WSM titled “Schedule of Terms” or similar, that gives a list of terms used throughout the document with a brief description against each.
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NO ACTION TAKEN. The definitions are already set out in the WSM.
Referral # 6393 Requirements to Change Region
WSM 2011 – Requirements to Change Region or Become Region. Any petition which comes to any WSBT will be made public to any districts, area, involved immediately, allowing for total transparency. History, in the past few years, I have been an area delegate I have noticed that changes in area, district structure has been a “shock” to areas affected and having greater transparency I believe can/will lower anxiety all around.
NO ACTION TAKEN. In response to your referral, please reference SR 14 as well as point 3 on page 29 of the WSM under the heading page Requirements to Change Region or become a Region.
Referral #6419 TRUSTEE ELECTION COMMITTEE (Note this was in from last year but referred from the trustees to S&B this year at the start of this Conference, there is also a new referral on this same topic from the referrer from last year)
In the CA World Service Manual, on pg 52, 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.
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The first name out of the hat is the elected trustee.” (the reasoning is attached to the referral itself).
Referral # 6688 God Bowl and TEC (Note this was a referral from last Conference that is being referred from the Trustees to S&B for action this year)
Please add back the final step in the TEC Process and 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 that no trustee position would go vacant.
NO ACTION TAKEN on either # 6419 and # 6688. After passionate discussion and thoughtful consideration of the TEC process, the Traditions and Concepts, we hold fast to the belief that the spiritual nature of the TEC process works as it was designed.
Referral #6443 Require committees to distribute reports sooner than 5 minutes before giving them so delegates can have time to review them properly to make an informed decision.
NO ACTION TAKEN. While the spirit of this referral makes abundant sense, it is likely not practical to enforce a time line for Committee reports.
Referral #6563 Referrals not handled last year, to be revisited this year please
Please address referral 5627 which was distributed as part of SR 14 delegate mailing in June 2010. This referral was missed by the Conference. Please note
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that 5627 made reference to a previous referral #5860 which was not included in the SR14 Mailing. Through the Conference Committee, a copy of 5860 has been requested from the WSO. Jay F. has emailed this request.
Proposal
- To improve WSC and the way referrals are received by groups and received by conference by following referral 5860
Background
Referral #5627
Introduction
Recently in CA UK we have held a pre-post conference assemblies. Each of these meetings highlighted the fact that our CA UK delegates are unable to fully act for the conscience of CAUK. The reason for this appears to be that they are unable to take the fully informed conscience of CAUK pre conference area assembly to the WSC report back from WSC to CAUK post conference assembly in a concise and informative manner as requested by the fellowship, so the fellowship fully understands what has been done in their name. Delegates and conference should always look for the conscience of CAUK on matters which are dealt with on the conference floor. This seems to be because the present WSC system of processing referrals and discussing and adopting proposals excludes CA groups and their members from any involvement in the decision making process. Consequently the collective conscience of CA cannot be truly expressed and the ultimate authority cannot be fully exercised.
A referral is often an idea/suggestion that is sent (referred) to a standing committee. Each referral is then discussed within that committee. Based on the outcome of debate the committee may or may not choose to take action. Often
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there is more than one referral based around a certain topic. A main motion may come to the conference floor as a result of a referral but may not always be specific to or fully recognizable as the referral. Referrals can and often are sent back to the relevant committee. True debate of the actual referrals takes place in committee sessions. WS Delegates only discuss/debate referrals that come to the committee they sit on. They are not involved in debating a referral that goes on in any other committee; they only get to debate a motion that may come to the floor from that referral and vote
The conference process is clearly a long and complex one. Referrals can be thrown out, made on the day, changed or even sent back to a committee. Such decisions made at conference bypass the conscience of CA as a whole. CA Members are being excluded from the process. This complex decision making process which is carried out in good faith by Conference members goes against Concept 1 because the conscience of CA as a whole cannot speak.
As a member of CA who has started getting involved in the service structure, reading approved literature and generally wanting to understand CA as a whole, it appears to me that we are not following the literature that was written to guide us. I fear we are not heading the experience of those who have gone before us and learned through trial and error. I strongly believe this needs to be addressed, hence my proposal.
NO ACTION TAKEN. With the current limited resources, the WSO distributes the materials as quickly as possible.
Referral # 6622 Changing SR 14
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Can we consider changing SR 14 “so that all delegates can receive and review materials at least (90 days) prior to the Conference”. In the UK, we need this time to compile reports, get them out to the fellowship to consider and get the fellowship’s conscience on the material. Maybe we could consider sending reports and minutes as they become available rather than waiting for the slow submittors to arrive before mailing. This is vital to the UK to give our members the right to participate.
NO ACTION TAKEN. Whilst we acknowledge the difficulties faced by CAUK, we are also mindful of the onerous task with which the WSO is charged in gathering and distributing the SR 14 materials. Every effort is made to meet the 120 day prior to Conference deadline and with the current resources it is not feasible to change this deadline.
Referral # 6583 Minutes in delegate mailings
That effective immediately, all WSO, WSBT and Board to Board Minutes be generated, reviewed and issued by the WSO via the quarterly delegate mailing no later than 3 months after the relevant meeting took place. This is to be added to the WSM.
NO ACTION TAKEN. With the current limited resources available, the minutes are generated and provided as quickly as possible.
Referral #6593 Comment on the purpose of CA
NO ACTION TAKEN. Tradition 5 states: “Each group has one primary purpose, to carry its message to the addict that still suffers.” Also please reference page 4 of the WSM under the heading “Definition of Cocaine Anonymous:
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“Cocaine Anonymous is a fellowship of recovering addicts throughout the World.”
Referral # 6604 Clarification of “participant” meeting
On page 15 of WSM, under meeting group styles, under step study and book study, I propose to exchange the word “participants” with members. Participants, in my opinion is too vague. Anyone who speaks is a participant. It is my understanding that our meetings are for addicts to share experience strength and hope, with other addicts; to carry the message to other addicts, not participants.
NO ACTION TAKEN. Tradition 4 states that each group is autonomous. As such, each group can determine what they define as a participant.
Referral #6806 – TEC
In the CA World Service Manual, on Page 48, 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.”
NO ACTION TAKEN. We trust in our 8th, 9th and 10th Concepts.
Referral #6814 Uniting Both WSO and WSBT Boards, sent in per SR14 (this was referred to both Trustees and S&B, the S&B number of the identical referral is 6807)
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To unite both the WSBT and WSOB into one Board of Trustee’s. The WSBT functions as the chief entity responsible for policy and future functioning of the Fellowship while conference is not in session. The WSOB is tasked to carry out the directives as set forth by the WSBT. Both boards have voting members. Both Boards have Votes at Conference. The WSOB is already comprised of WST and WSOT who carry votes at WSOB, WSBT and Conference. Every member of each board has a Vote respective to their board. So why should these two board stay apart? In 1991 when the Corporations where first created it was required to have Directors as residents of the State, but those rules have long since changed. Since there are two CAWS corporations it is just as easy to pick corporate officers from the pool of Trustee Board Members. Since there is no statutory or legal reason for the Boards to stay apart, we should consider the Spiritual reason why they should unite. Our 1St Tradition is reason one. The presently written 2011 World Service Manual is two. It already states very clearly that WSOB is responsible to the WSBT and acts upon directives from the WSBT and from the Conference. But it also states in our 10th Concept that every service responsibility should be matched by an equal service authority, the WSOB doesn’t have an equal, its own self-regulating board that often times acts apart from the WSBT or in some cases against Directives set by the WSBT. Apart from Chair, Treasurer, Paid Director all other Directors are interviewed and ratified by the WSOB with minimal oversight from conference (Equal Match of Authority). WSOB Directors much like Trustees should be chosen by a DEC (Director Election Committee) qualifying Directors should be interviewed by the conference and ratified by the whole. This makes the 9th concept “Good service leaders, together with sound and appropriate methods of choosing them are at all levels indispensable for our future functioning and safety.” It is the conferences responsibility to hold all Trusted Servants accountable, unifying both boards accomplishes this.
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NO ACTION TAKEN. These two separate entities have distinct duties as defined on pages 46 through 57 of the WSM; therefore, the combining of them would be disruptive to the function of CA as a whole.
NEW COMMITTEE STRUCTURE AS OF THIS CONFERENCE
Duane M., Chair
Eric T., Vice Chair
Cynthia L.A. S., Secretary
Jon H., Co-Secretary
CLOSING COMMENTS
What a year! I have been afforded the honor and privilege of serving this fellowship as a participant. I am part of a committee of doers. My teammates on Structure and Bylaws are a most committed group, no disrespect to our other fine sub committees. The commitment, long hours and hard work of this year’s committee and committees past is unquestioned. As you can tell I am enthusiastic about what we do. That enthusiasm is shared and fueled by my fellow teammates. Although I never knew that I would love this, I must thank my Area that sent me here as a delegate and told me join the Structure and By-laws Committee. I thank this most amazing team for your great work. I also thank Nick, our previous Chair and a great leader for the head start he gave us. I hope what was presented today is representative of the love and commitment of this team. I am humbled to stand here before you.
Thank you for allowing all of us to serve you as the 2011 WSC Structure and By-laws Committee.
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Respectfully Submitted:
Duane M., Chair
WSC Structure and Bylaws Committee 2011
Tony D.: any questions for S&B?
Randy G.: On # – CoAnon language which is been WSO approved. is there a position being taken that the WSO language could not be brought over to the WSM.
Duane M.: we want to place in proper place and ran out of time.
Cynthia C.: #6770 Referral that I sent regarding housekeeping about appendix list of literature and wanted make sure that it wasn’t skipped.
Duane M.: You can work with us because we will be working throughout the year.
Barbara N.: #6763 – was skipped.
Tony D.: That will be brought up under New Business.
Patrick P.: #6814 – you talked about due diligence and I’m really concerned about response – a referral about combining WSBT and WSOB – duties are well defined and combining would be “disruptive” and sounds as if the Board doesn’t want to do this. Could we take from the table and true “due diligence” be taken.
Duane M.: We respect your passion and commitment. We spent a lot of time on this referral and I’m sorry that you don’t believe that we performed enough due diligence. You may resubmit and we would look at it again, but at this time, this is our response.
Jason L.: #6622 – I don’t think that there has been a clear understanding because the response seems to indicate…Why would the mailings going out earlier?
Duane M.: We spoke to the WSO and the WSO has 2 full time employees. We respect what you said but the resources to task them with additional work just isn’t able to be done.
Roy R.: What about the white? We just got the green.
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Siobhan A.: white is white.
Paul M.: #6622 Does the Office wait until all the reports/minutes are in before sending out the SR14 mailers?
Teresa N.: We do our best to wait and additionally, we have financial reports that have to be included.
Paul M.: #6622 would it be possible for the WSO to send materials as they come available so that they can be distributed to the members in UK. Teresa N.: That is not the best use of the WSO’s time.
Jason L.: Would you please move this to work on during the year.
Duane M.: Yes.
Tony D.: Trevor tracked down Referral #6770 and it is with S&B.
Robin L.: Somebody wanted to borrow an adaptor for a MAC, please see Robin. Tony D.: We will have H&I, Conference and Archive when we come back from the break. Let’s take a 10 minute break.
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