CLOSING REPORT
C.A. WORLD SERVICE CONFERENCE 2011
WORLD SERVICE BOARD OF TRUSTEES REPORT
INTRODUCTION AND OPENING COMMENTS
Opening Comments:
On behalf of the World Service Board of Trustees, we thank the fellowship of Cocaine Anonymous for the opportunity to serve. It is an honor and a privilege to perform our duties and responsibilities as outlined in the World Service Manual. We continue to oversee and handle the business of CA with awe and appreciation of those we serve. This Quarter we have worked through our agenda items, completing them, and addressing new items that have come to our attention. Moving forward we will continue to educate those that cross our path about this program of recovery; through the Traditions, the Concepts, and our Bylaws.
Committee Introductions:
Richard L. – World Service Office Trustee
Peter DeR. – World Service Trustee
Russell S. – European Regional Trustee
Kenny W. – Atlantic South Regional Trustee
Terry M. – Pacific North Regional Trustee
Robert L. – Atlantic North Regional Trustee
Joy H. – Pacific South Regional Trustee
Richard S. – Trustee at Large, WSBT Secretary
Randy G. – Southwest Regional Trustee, WSBT Vice Chair
Kim S. – Midwest Regional Trustee, WSBT Chair
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For purposes of the record, the WSBT wishes to withdraw our response to Referral #6479 in our opening report. The following response is the result of discussion by the WSBT:
Referral #6479 Trustee committee reviewing content of recovery-related book projects. Establish a trustee-appointed review committee to approve CONTENT of recovery-related book projects.
RESPONSE:
The WSBT refers Referral #6479 to LCF.
ITEMS WORKED ON THROUGHOUT THE YEAR:
As mentioned in our opening report, all minutes are completed, and approved through the May 2011 Quarterly meeting, as well as the August conference call, and online business May through August, 2011. Our minutes reflect everything we have worked on throughout the year. They are available here to you “electronically” upon request. Please see Richard Schafer or Russell S. for these minutes. They will also be distributed in the December minutes.
COMMITTEE WORK THAT RESULTED IN MOTIONS
NONE
REFERRALS THAT RESULTED IN MOTIONS
NONE
REFERRALS OR ITEMS TABLED UNTIL NEXT YEAR; AND ITEMS THE COMMITTEE WILL CONTINUE WORKING ON THROUGH THE YEAR
The WBST regrets that we didn’t address the following referrals as we were actively working on the Trustee Election process, with our assigned Conference
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Committees, as well as WSBT business that came up during the week. We will work on the referrals throughout the year, and they will be included in our opening report at next year’s conference.
Referral #6395 Limit size of Trustees reports
That the Trustees limit their reports to 3 pages and CA business, not personal glad-handing.
Referral #6557 Dispense of Resume Submission to Conference Floor
To dispense of the rule of slate resumes from last year. The Region has already approved the slate. I think e-mail or on-screen would suffice if people want to read the resumes. Passing out paper copies is not “green.” I will try not to be out of order any more.
Referral #6585 Literature Fulfillment outside the US
We understand that active investigation has been ongoing for several years looking at options for literature fulfillment outside the USA. Please would you start a process of consultation with the areas which may be serviced by such facilities. At the recent European Regional Assembly concerns over disenfranchisement were expressed.
Referral #6587 Trustee Slate Ratification Process
Please review the trustee slate ratification that takes place at conference. It is not a ‘sound and appropriate method’ for choosing our service leaders (concept 9). Slate members have been voted on by their respective areas and regions. These are the fellows that know them and have served with them. The ratification at conference is an un-informed conscience. It is superfluous to the process and sets a bad precedence for the business of conference, in my opinion.
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Referral #6591 Comments on all addictions
AA refused to treat cocaine addicts and suggested that they opened their own meetings; why do CA should accept any and every addiction?
Referral #6596 HUB set up for European Distribution of CA Literature
It is the Area conscience of CA Scotland that we would like a European Hub set up for distribution of CA literature. We understand that this is in progress and ask that the Committee continue to push on with bringing this to a timeous conclusion. Thank you all for your service.
Referral #6601 Add Trustee Position to Resume
To put which Trustee position on each person’s resume.
Referral # 6617 Removal of Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual Transgender CA is for you IP
Removal the Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual Transgender CA is for you IP. It is in violation of Tradition #10 CA has no opinion on outside issues, hence the CA name ought never be drawn into public controversy. This is singling out a certain sector of our society and what your sexual preference is or orientation should not matter. In line with Tradition #3 that the only requirement for CA membership is a desire to quit using cocaine and all other mind altering substances. I honestly question how this got through the conference floor originally. I also question the precendence this IP sets if left available. Because next, we can request an IP especially for single parents. CA is for you. Victims of Incest if for you. Where do we draw the line? CA is for any and all who have a drug and alcohol problem and wish to quit. That’s what our IP should say.
Referral #6756 TAL Attendance at Canadian Association of Drug Court
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That CA also attend the Canadian Association of Drug Court as it does for the U.S. Drug Court. Annually that a line item be added for TAL expenses to attend & support via books, booth, pamphlets, etc.
Referral # 6758 European HUB set up
My visit to Holland as Scottish Delegate brought to my attention that there is a proposal for a European HUB for literature and that it is in committee. I have taken this back to my Area and it is the conscience of the Scottish area that this be speedily dealt with.
Referral #6792 Changes to Who is a Cocaine member
I would like to have “Who is a Cocaine member” removed or have the 3rd and 5th Tradition adapted from cocaine and all other mind altering substances to cocaine or all other mind altering substances
Referral #6783 Removal of Nominees from Trustee Slate
To give the TEC the ability to remove a nominee from a trustee slate only when:
- Nominee notifies the trustee for the Region and/or TEC that they no longer wish to be on slate.
- It is completely obvious that they no longer meet the qualifications to be a trustee.
Hopefully this will help expedite the voting on the slates during conference.
Referral # 6792 Drug Specific question
This idea that we are not drug specific is misleading. Primary purpose is the one we have to help the suffering addict.
Referral #6807 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
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referral is 6814)
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, it’s 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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REFERRALS OR ITEMS REFERRED TO OTHER COMMITTEES; WORLD SERVICE OFFICE, OR BOARD OF TRUSTEES
NONE
REFERRALS THAT DID NOT RESULT IN MOTIONS
NONE
NEW COMMITTEE STRUCTURE AS OF THIS CONFERENCE
Chair – Randy G. – Southwest Regional Trustee
Vice-Chair – Joy H. – Pacific South Regional Trustee
Secretary – Russell S. – European Regional Trustee
CLOSING COMMENTS:
As I have indicated in our opening report, this has been a year filled with excitement, challenges, change and most importantly, the promise that CA is an ever growing fellowship worldwide. We encourage each of you to remain diligent regarding the need to help one another, trust one another and uphold the integrity of our primary purpose. God is the ultimate loving force in what happens here. Time and time again, I have witnessed his results and trust that all of our hearts remain loving and tolerate.
Respectfully Submitted:
Kim S. – Midwest Regional Trustee
WSBT Chair
I now will ask Joy H. to come up and announce the results of the Trustee Election Committee process.
TEC Chair Report – Joy H./PSRT
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I would like to thank the WSBT for voting me as chair to the TEC for this year. To follow in Kim Sherwan’s footsteps is an honor for me. As the vice chair in 2009/10, I was educated in the process, procedure, and policy. Some prepare you for the outcome, some don’t. Each year brings its own opportunities for spiritual growth. This year’s process provided an equally challenging experience with spiritual growth. We had only one position to fill this year, with three interviews. I want to acknowledge the assistance of this year’s Vice Chairs, Robert L. and Terry M. The TEC started the interview process in Arizona, at the CAWS 2011 Convention. We completed two interviews there. We continued the interview process here at the Conference on Monday, August 29th. Following the interviews, the members of the TEC embarked on the journey of voting and electing a new Trustee. I would like to thank those delegates sitting on the TEC, representing their Regions, for their dedicated service. We all appreciate your unselfish service to C.A. and this fellowship.
With that, once again, God continues to act in His graceful way. He has allowed and provided a well educated, informed and passionate expression of the group conscience. The TEC has done the work that was expected of them. It has been quite an experience. I personally appreciate the opportunity for spiritual growth and change, to practice principles before personalities.
With that it is with great pleasure to announce the following member as our new Trustee.
Results of the 2011 Trustee Election Committee process:
Midwest Regional Trustee: Brian T.!!!!!!
Valerie C.: #6792, #6591 – I would like to go back to Quebec with an answer and start to do something. It would help.
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Tony D.: Valerie, you are welcome to discuss with your Trustee, but it has been long standing deal that the Trustees don’t address referrals on the floor.
Kim S.: We will suggest that the response be directed to you when completed. Jason L.: We have been made aware that there will be motion to rescind the motion regarding the resumes for the Trustee slate. I see that are 2 referrals that will be addressed throughout the year, but we are obliged to ratify by California law.
Tony D.: The question was that the blindly ratification occurs is to satify the State of California.
Kim S.: No that is not the case.
John McC.: Referral #6585 – could you please address?
Russell S.: I am aware that this project has been out there for a number of years. We have continued to bring it up with WSBT and Board to Board and there has been nothing but positive feedback. We are reviewing the costs and put together a presentable plan. We are working our way through it. Working with WSO on costs and establishment. It is on our agenda and remains on our agenda. I cannot see why I can’t give you regular updates and please keep asking the question.
Valerie C.: LCF report on #6793 was referred to WSBT. But not in the report anywhere.
Kim S.: We have not received it and will be sure that it will be addressed during the year.
Jason L.: In LCF report, it states that Referral #6793 went to S&B. Correction…it says WSBT below. Going back to the ratification of the slate, is there any legal reason why we have to ratify the slate here? Kim S.: No but it is stated in the WSM.
Wade S.: Referral #6756. Regarding the Canadian Drug Court. I am aware there has been progress in Ontario. Are you willing to put a similar process in
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place to notify the appropriate parties as to the developments as the year progresses?
Kim S.: Drug Court is a standing marker on our agenda.
Wade S.: Will you provide similar dissemination of information?
Kim S.: Yes we are willing to do that for you.
Roy R.: Does it matter that there are two (2) #6792’s?
Kim S.: Yes it does matter. We will be getting with Conference Committee.
Anthony S.: Regarding Referral #6758 – could I get an update?
Kim S.: I believe that Russell just spoke to that issue.
Russell S.: I’ve just compiled quite a complicated report after you requested it about a month ago in Holland. I will load it up to the Yahoo group as soon as I get back to my seat.
Bob L.: Regarding Referral #6756 – Drug Court – wondering if WSBT & WSOB are looking into other other organizations to represent ourselves?
Kim S.: That is a great idea and maybe you could liaise with Richard Schafer to discuss this issue in greater detail.
Randy G.: Robin just gave us #6792 – drug specific and the other one is #6795. Tony D.: Seeing no further questions for WSBT, please join me in thanking the WSBT for their report. We will take a 10 minute break now.
************************End of Day 4, Session 3********************************
Tony D.: Now we will come to order. Next up is WSOB. Linda Francisco has an announcement.
Linda F.: The hard copy of the WSM has odd numbered pages only; the electronic form is correct.
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