CLOSING REPORT
C.A. WORLD SERVICE CONFERENCE 2011
INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY (IT) COMMITTEE REPORT
INTRODUCTION AND OPENING COMMENTS
Our fellowship continues to grow and utilize new and emerging technologies to assist us in communicating and conducting business, and most importantly to assist in our efforts to carry the message. In addition to assisting the CAWSO Web Servant in reviewing web sites for linking from www.ca.org, your IT Committee continues actively researching and advising on many of these technologies. All levels of our C.A. service structure continue to explore new options for communication and organization in an effort to improve financial
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efficiency and better inform our membership. We remain mindful, respecting the principles set forth in the twelve traditions while considering these new capabilities for connection and access.
COMMITTEE INTRODUCTIONS
This Committee has 2 new members:
Roger M., Wendall S.
We have 7 returning members:
Brian K., Chair; Wade S., Vice Chair; Craig M.; Ryan E., CAWSO Web Servant; Michele D.; Keith P.; Wesley B., Secretary; Melissa L.
We have 3 returning longtime members:
Terry M.; Leon “Strange” M.; Richard S.
Our Trustee Member:
Kenny W., ASR Trustee
We have an additional 14 committee members within the WSCITC Yahoo group.
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 IT Committee will continue to review new and existing websites for possible issues related to our Traditions and Guidelines as set forth in the Workbook; and
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we are actively working on restructuring the Internet Technology (IT) Committee Workbook and Guidelines.
REFERRALS OR ITEMS REFERRED TO OTHER COMMITTEES; WORLD SERVICE OFFICE, OR BOARD OF TRUSTEES
Referral #6471 What’s New Box on C.A.org
Please could you consider adding a “What’s New” box on the CA.Org homepage. This would allow members to easily see when new guidelines, etc. have been uploaded to our website.
Committee’s Response: The World Service Office administers the World Service website. As such, this was referred to the World Service Office Board.
REFERRALS THAT DID NOT RESULT IN MOTIONS
Referral #6503 Teleconferencing
With the high cost of travel in this time of economic strain at all levels, why doesn’t the fellowship utilize teleconferencing. I have participated in them in the business setting and can be effective especially after getting used to it in conjunction of email of documents. Form a subcommittee and implement it on a trial basis. With the limited agendas and small number of participants it would be perfect of the regional assemblies as a start. Remember this is a program of action – Take it!
Committee’s Response:
Various forms of teleconferencing are already in active use throughout the business and service structure of C.A., addressing the need for both financial prudence and overall convenience.
The majority of WSC Standing Committees are actively utilizing these existing technologies. The subject is referenced in the 2010 IT Committee Workbook and Guidelines on page 4. Another example can be found within the Conference Committee Guidelines from 2010, which state on page 3 in item 12 of the general guidelines, “The Conference Committee will use the telephone conferencing service that has been secured by the WSO to conduct business throughout the year.”
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Additionally, each WSC Standing Committee, as well as each Region, utilizes Yahoo Groups to further facilitate efficient and cost effective communications and file exchange solutions.
Further consideration of and authority to implement teleconferencing at the Regional, District, or Area level ultimately rests with the appropriate body, being ever mindful of the 12 Traditions of C.A.
NEW COMMITTEE STRUCTURE AS OF THIS CONFERENCE
Chair: Brian K.
Vice-Chair: Wade S.
Co-Secretary: Roger M.
Co-Secretary: Michelle D.
CLOSING COMMENTS
We have worked hard as a committee this year to address the requests and concerns of the fellowship as they relate to our area of responsibility. The IT Committee continues to host quarterly meetings via teleconference, as well as our regular communications pertaining to the review of web sites and other matters via the Yahoo group.
This past year we have worked on and discussed a variety of subjects, including methods and tools for reviewing foreign language website translations, World Service Office infrastructure ideas and methods to improve workflow and communications, and re-working the IT Workbook and Guidelines. We have continued to assist the WSO Web Servant by reviewing requested web sites for linking from www.ca.org.
We will continue working to revise the IT Committee Workbook & Guidelines over the next year in an effort to create a better formatted and more user-informative
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document that will include better referencing and the ability for future expansion and amendment as required.
We have also conducted a Group Inventory at this year’s conference, and amongst the many things that we discovered in the process is the need for an increased diligence on the committee’s part to continue to learn and explore new & emerging technologies, in order to better serve the increasingly expanding needs and potential of our growing fellowship.
Respectfully Submitted: Brian K., WSCITC Chair
Tony D.: Any questions for the committee? Seeing none, please join me in thanking them. Next up, changing the order a bit, Structure & Bylaws. We are missing quite a few committee reports, please get them to us.
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