Sep 5, 2009 – Day 5, Daily Summary – S&B Committee Closing Report

CLOSING REPORT

C.A. WORLD SERVICE CONFERENCE 2009

STRUCTURE AND BYLAWS REPORT

INTRODUCTION AND OPENING COMMENTS

Opening Comments

Structure & Bylaws would like to start by thanking this body for the opportunity to serve you. This year this committee was committed to bringing you the “best”! We would like to acknowledge everyone that took the time and energy to craft a referral to our committee and express that due diligence went into every referral we received this year. From the work done on this committee, we are coming forth with 7 motions. (just a note: the motions follow the referrals) Once again, it has been an honor to be a part of the collective concerns of this conference.

Committee Officers

Nick Alexander: Chairperson

Gloria Bridget: Vice Chairperson

Deborah Wilbert: Co-Secretary

Janice Whitted: Co-Secretary

Nicholas Lynn: Trustee

Teresa Neighbors: WSO Director

Committee Members

Kenny Williams, Bill Burmeier, Valerie Cote, Chris Whybrow, Ronald Washington, Benjamin T. Lackey

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Michael Chiki,  Duane Miller, Ira Land, Earl Henderson, Steven Freeman, Gregory Ashley, Bob Lemon, Ronnie Tipler

REFERRALS THAT RESULTED IN MOTIONS

1. Referral #5932, #5965, #5592, #5752, #5754, #5884 

#5932

Replace WSM (Page 14) “Finances-General Guidelines” numbers 1-14 with the following words: Please refer to finance guidelines for groups, districts and areas for Cocaine Anonymous that can be found @ CAWSO Inc. or www.ca.org.

#5965,

Modify item 11 of page 13 of the 2008 WSM so that it reads:

11. All non-committed funds may be donated to World Service and the area by a group or district in accordance with the 70-30 plan, where 70% is donated to the Area and 30% to World Service. (This clarifies the 70-30 plan for all groups/areas that may not be aware of the term.)

#5592

Remove the finance guidelines from the WSM Why? Confusing! Finance guidelines just like Convention, H&I, PI, etc. these guidelines existing within 2 separate docs-WSM and financial guidelines for districts and areas. These do is continue to get “out of sync” as one is changed/updated but the other is not. These guidelines should be in stand-alone format like other guidelines. This will avoid controversy like the misunderstanding of the 70-30 plan, which is defined in the guidelines but not in the WSM.

#5752

Please clarify the language in conjunction with finance of the finance-general guidelines on p.113 new point #11.

#5754

Page 13 item 11 strike the word “may” and replace with “should”.

#5884

Page 13 item 11 –“all non-committed funds may be donated to World services, by a group, or District in accordance with 70/30 plan. “I would like to return the words, as area before by a group.” I believe that the way it is written as of the end of 2008 conference, we are limiting the growth of our area. Our financial structure the group passing up to the area, and area to World via 70-30 plan. Our area has no districts, so therefore the funds supporting the Area come directly from local groups and fundraising. I believe our area, as with other areas without districts, will possibly suffer greatly because of the new verbiage established during the 2008 Conference, and therefore CA as a whole could possibly suffer in the future.

Motion #1: On page 14 of the WSM strike the entire text of the “Finances – General Guidelines”.

FINANCES – GENERAL GUIDELINES

1. Trusted servants elected to handle money should be chosen with care.

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2. Checking accounts should require two signatures. Those authorized to sign consist of chairperson, vice-chairperson, treasurer, vice-treasurer, secretary, or finance committee chairperson.
3. The functions of collecting cash should be separated from the function of record keeping and audit of records.
4. The treasurer shall report income and expenses on a regular (monthly) basis.
5. Checks should not be pre-signed.
6. Standard accounting procedures should be utilized to record all income and expenses. Areas may consider outside professional accounting or bookkeeping services.
7. A finance/spending committee may be established to monitor and approve expenditures. All non-operating expenditures should be approved by the finance/spending committee.
8. Monies maintained in a general account should be limited to two or three months operating expenses to curtail embezzlement.
9. Receipts and/or invoices should be maintained for all expenditures.
10. Copies of all invoices and checks shall be maintained.
11. All non-committed funds may be donated to World Service, by a group, or District in accordance with the 70-30 plan.
12. An area should forward all non committed funds to the World Service Office.
13. At the Group level, it is recommended that two group members be accountable for Group funds.
14. It is recommended that each level of service set up auditing and accounting procedures with appropriate checks and balances.

Second.

Kevin Murphy: speak to motion.

Tom Walsh: Finance committee wrote referral and the reason we would like to see this happen. We need one set of guidelines. There is not a lot of depth and weight to these guidelines being stricken. We would like to direct Areas/Groups directed to the Finance Committee Guidelines. Each committee is responsible for their guidelines and we would like to be responsible for ours.

Brian Tenenbaum: speak for motion. Ditto Tom.

Kevin Murphy: prepare yourselves to vote. Motion carries with minor opposition but with substantial unanimity. 

2. Referral #5674

Standing rule 13 replace the word “major” with “foremost” The intent is to not allow other sub-committees to make motions effecting other sub-committees without their knowledge. Inclusive of WSOB WSBT ECT.

Motion #2: On page 38 of the WSM, item 13, “Any motion made at the Conference which changes the WSC structure or a WSC committee structure or which has a major significant effect upon the World Service Conference, a World Service Committee, the World Service Manual or C.A. as a whole must be referred to the appropriate committee prior to consideration.” Second.

Kevin Murphy: speak to motion?

Ira Land: not at this time.

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Kevin Murphy: any debate? The Chair actually asked a question since the Chair usually has to interpret this revision.

Ira Land: In looking at the word “major” definition, which means a large volume. “Significant” applied better because it didn’t have to be a majority change but something that we felt was the intent.

Kevin Murphy: so the threshold is lower?

Ira Land: Yes.

Kevin Murphy: this would require 2/3 vote as it is a change to a Standing Rule. Motion passes with minor opposition with substantial unanimity.

Tom Walsh: Motion to reconsider the motion regarding the Financial Guidelines. Second.

Kevin Murphy: you voted with prevailing side.

Tom Walsh: yes. I would like to reconsider. We are striking all of the information on Page 14 but we need to direct them to the Financial Committee Guidelines.

Ben Lackey: it is in the referral. But we don’t direct people to other committee’s guidelines. It is stated that the information can be gathered online.

Nick Alexander: speak against the motion. Every other committee has guidelines and in WSM, we do not direct everyone everywhere for guidelines. We want to make sure that Area/Districts/Groups need to know that there are guidelines but we don’t point them there.

Gloria Bridget: on approval list of World Service of Conference Approved Literature and the Financial Guidelines are listed there on Page 62 of the WSM. Speak against the motion.

Michael Chiki: speaks against the motion. The subject of the motion was to streamline the process and not have duplication or confusion about how to find the Finance Guidelines.

Elizabeth Saldebar: speak in favor of the motion. There has been a portion of the Guidelines in the WSM for so long, a reference to it or the entire guidelines should be inserted there.

Marc Harvey: Call the question. Second.

Kevin Murphy: Requires 2/3 vote. Motion passes with minor opposition.

Motion to reconsider fails with substantial unanimity.

3. Referral #5950, #5743

#5950

Mailing SR13 – SR14 Dates might be better served if fellowship had materials May 1^st.

#5743

Can we make it required to have SR14 due 120-150 days before conference. And to change the delegate mailings with the SR-14 due in May instead of June.

Motion #3: On page 39 of the WSM #14, to change “Proposed material to be reviewed by the Delegates for possible consideration by the Conference must be received by the WSO at least 90 120 days before the WSC so that all Delegates can receive and review the material at least 60 days prior to the Conference.”

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Second.

Kevin Murphy: speak to your motion?

Teresa Neighbors: Idea behind motion is to allow WSO plenty of time to review and organize material prior to Conference.

Joy Hutcheson: Friendly Amendment to move to page 38.

Teresa Neighbors: yes

Cynthia Cronkhite: Friendly Amendment to change 120 days to 90 days.

Teresa Neighbors: No

Rose Jones: speaks against this motion because there is not enough time.

Cynthia Cronkhite: speak against the motion. The motion doesn’t address the referral or my concerns. It talks about receiving material by May 1. You talk about the WSO receiving the information but it doesn’t get to the fellowship any soon.

Duane Miller: speaks for the motion. The motion was made because that time of the year is an amazing strain on office workers. The only thing that changed is to give them more time to get the information out. To give them an additional 30 days. They may even get the information out sooner but allows them the time to handle the work load during a busy time.

Yvette Love: speaks for the motion. This is the same time that we are getting ready for WS Convention. People who meet every two months will give them time to meet and review.

Bill Burmeier: purpose of the responsibility is to put it on the Delegates. We get our motions in quicker and they have more time to deal with it and we then receive the information in time to review it.

Teresa Neighbors: speaks in favor of motion. We did not want to put undue stress on office. Our goal is always efficiency and we are striving to reach goal soon. This will be a tough year financially. We can’t hire another worker to push things out quicker. Rather than set staff up for undue stress, the 60 days makes sense to us.

Russell Sedman: speak against the motion. The challenge is..

Kevin Murphy: The current rule and proposed rule is 60 days and you are out of order. It is not new language here.

Russell Sedman: PI – I’m not sure the content addresses the referral

Kevin Murphy: Referral does not address 60 days either.

Michael Chiki: call to question. Second.

Kevin Murphy: Requires 2/3 vote. Motion to close debate passes with substantial unanimity.

Motion #3: On page 3938 of the WSM #14, to change “Proposed material to be reviewed by the Delegates for possible consideration by the Conference must be received by the WSO at least 90 120 days before the WSC so that all Delegates can receive and review the material at least 60 days prior to the Conference.”

Motion passes with 2/3 majority.

4. Referral #6092

To insert a new paragraph on page 13, following point C: “As to alleviate our affiliation, when referencing the name Cocaine Anonymous, the block letter CA, the official Cocaine Anonymous logo (hereinafter logo), future variations of the logo, and the motto “We’re Here and We’re Free,” on publications such as flyers, newsletters, directories, the following disclaimer, should be used: “In spirit of

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Tradition six, CA is not allied with any sect, denomination, politics, organization or institution.”

Motion #4: On page 13 of the WSM, to add new paragraph following item C to read as: “To avoid implied affiliation, when referencing the name Cocaine Anonymous, the block letter CA, the official Cocaine Anonymous logo (hereinafter logo), future variations of the logo, and the motto “We’re Here and We’re Free”, on publications such as flyers, newsletters, directories, the following disclaimer should be used: “In the spirit of Tradition Six, CA is not allied with any sect, denomination, politics, organization or institution.”

Second.

Kevin Murphy: speak to your motion?

Janice Whitted: sometimes events are held at locations that are better identified as a location (such as a hotel, church, etc.), this will better identify that we are not affiliated.

Susan Bredau: speaks the motion. Understand spirit of referral. S&B should be held to a bit higher standard in stating language that will be inserting language into the WSM. There are two members who are directors and trustees and there is not representation of the registered trademarks. They are directed with protecting these trademarks for us. This was not about bowling alleys and such, it was about hospitals, churches.

Nicolas Lynn: speaks in favor of motion. This is a hot potato. Looking up words – perception, interpretation, etc. Now there are much bigger fellowships and the newcomer may or may not have a perception that bowling alley isn’t handling the event. We need to help them establish that CA isn’t affiliated with them. The simple insertion of one small sentence will make this go away and make it clear. This covers local church, local Brewers event. We have events at specific places and sometimes have to mention them.

Michael Chiki: speak in favor of motion. This came to us last year and we did our due diligence, brought to the floor, went back to committee, we did more due diligence and this works. Everyone understands Tradition 6. It fits with this and it covers all of the possible problems in one fix.

Brian Tenenbaum: speak in favor of motion. We all have some idea of the Traditions. Even some people who have been around still do not. Let’s people that we aren’t with them. We are a separate entity.

Trevor Scheible: speaks in favor of motion. Susan Bredau raises some issues about trademark and to me this is housekeeping and when S&B cleans it up, they will in fact do that when it goes into the WSM.

Ben Lackey: call the question. Second.

Kevin Murphy: out of order at this time.

Kurt Lynn: speaks in favor of motion. We live in marketing world. It is difficult to present information online without some advertisement being present. This makes it clear that we are not affiliated with AOL, etc.

Kevin Murphy: is there anyone speaking against the motion? I believe that we can treat the question as called. No further debate. Motion carries with minor opposition with substantial unanimity.

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Kevin Murphy: we are approaching the 12:00 lunch break and this looks like a good place to stop. Will the Antelope Valley District people please come talk to me when we break? Please be back here at 1:30 pm.

Break at 11:57 am.

BREAK

Kevin Murphy: Let’s take our seats. We will finish up S&B report and see what happens next. Come to order please. It is 1:43 pm on Saturday and we are returning from our noon lunch break. Susan Bredau has 5th Concept Statement regarding last motion passed.

Susan Bredau: 5th Concept Statement – I don’t believe that I’m the only delegate here that uses closing reports to go back to my Area so that they can take the guidance and know what the conscience of this body was at this Conference. It’s incumbent upon S&B to rely on housekeeping to fix motions later. In order to be a grown up fellowship and do things the right way, I don’t think that we can expect our fellowship to have correct grammar but our S&B committee should be held to higher standard.

Kevin Murphy: S&B committee has floor.

5. Referral #6095

Add language to the Service Manual “All ‘media’ available to the fellowship should be approved by groups, districts, areas. All media distributed to the membership via on the CA website should be reviewed by the WSBT and the WSOB prior to posting.”

Motion #5(A): On page 13 of the WSM to insert new paragraph, below the 5^th paragraph, to read as: “Any media (printed, electronic, or otherwise) to be made available by the group, district, or area, for the fellowship, shall have prior approval from the respective service body.” Second. 

Kevin Murphy: speak to your motion?

Michael Chiki: not at this time.

Kevin Murphy: any debate? Prepare yourselves to vote. Motion passes unanimously.

Motion #5(B): On page 13 of the WSM insert new paragraph, below the 5^th paragraph, to read as: “Any new content for the ca.org website shall be approved by the WSBT and the WSOB prior to posting.” Second 

Kevin Murphy: I have one question. Of the 2 paragraphs read, which one is first?

Michael Chiki: Paragraph A is first.

Kevin Murphy: speak to your motion?

Michael Chiki: not at this time

Susan Bredau: Friendly amendment – that this motion include a time limit…say 60 days?

Michael Chiki: No thank you.

Marc Harvey: speak in opposition to motion as written. Imposes a substantial amount of work on part of WSOB and WSBT to approve all changes made by webservant.

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However, I would be in favor if you accepted friendly amendment – any new significant content – insert significant.

Michael Chiki: Point of order – was that friendly amendment offered after debate?

Kevin Murphy: I’m sorry the friendly amendment is out of order.

Randy Groen: Is this to include events – conventions, flyers already approved by Trustee and then it has to go back to the Boards for approval?

Michael Chiki: this pertains to new information being presented to the website. I speak in favor of motion. We were asked in referral to create something for new media that comes to the fellowship. We disseminated down that it covers pretty much everything in the fellowship. The website belongs to the office so we put this together directly for the website which takes oversight by the WSOB.

Brian Tenenbaum: Point of Information – what is currently done?

Nicholas Lynn: goes by the Office Board.

Kurt Lynn: speak against the motion as written. My fear is that it uses to broad a brush for too central of a problem. Will add excessive burden to the amount of time for information to be put on the website. We are not dealing with enough detail on this motion.

Trevor Scheible: speak in favor of motion for clarity’s sake only. As former IT Committee Trustee, this is exactly how this is handled anyway. The WSOB looks at everything before it goes to the webservant. This is doing nothing to change what we are already doing. Let them put it in there.

Kenny Williams: S&B would like to withdraw the motion.

Kevin Murphy: is there any objection? Seeing none, the motion is withdrawn. At this point, I have been reminded to remind delegates not to post information on social networking sites.

6. Referral #6285

Please clarify the following the WSM:

Can the WSOT serve as the chair of the WSBT? This would appear to be a conflict of interest and would make it difficult for the WSOT to do his/her job, which is to be the voice of the WSOB on the WSBT.

Motion #6: On page 49 of the WSM add new language after the sentence “The WSO Trustee shall not concurrently serve as Chairperson of the CAWSO Board except on a temporary basis, not to exceed 120 days.” to read as: “The WSO Trustee shall not serve as an Chair/Vice Chair of the WSBT in order to eliminate any possible conflict of interest.” Second.

Kevin Murphy: speak to your motion?

Duane Miller: not at this time.

Willie Bailey: friendly amendment – WSO Trustee shall not serve as Chair/Vice Chair of WSBT…

Duane Miller: we accept that friendly amendment.

Kevin Murphy: would any like to speak to that motion?

Joy Hutcheson: Are we replacing the prior language or adding new language after old language?

Kevin Murphy: adding new language after old language.

Willie Bailey: I speak in favor of the motion. There would be a conflict in certain circumstances of the positions being held by one person.

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Elizabeth Saldebar: speak against the motion. I believe that WS Office Trustee, as well as all Trustees serve a body. I’m concerned not allowing them to serve as an Officer is not offering equal opportunity to serve. We should not hinder ourselves if that is the best person for that particular responsibility.

Teresa Neighbors: speak in favor of motion. The spirit of motion is not to limit, divide or separate but to further clarify the definition of the WSO Trustee and the communication between the two boards. Sitting as the Chair of the WSOB would limit that communication.

Duane Miller: nature of the position is the liaison between the two bodies.

Tom Svoboda: Is there a potential for the WSOB Trustee to be a Chair on that WSOB?

Duane Miller: at this time, there is.

Elizabeth Saldebar: is it in our WSM under Trustee Service Structure, is the WSBT considered an advisory board rather than a directory board?

Duane Miller: the truth is that whatever the function of the board, the Trustee is the liaison and there needs to be a means of communication that would hopefully be unbiased.

Kevin Murphy: any further debate?

Simone Talton: speak against the motion? It seems unnecessary to avoid the appearance of impropriety. I would rather trust a Trustee to be in the position for 3 months.

Kevin Murphy: Motion passes with noted opposition with substantial unanimity.

7. Referral # 5745

SR 21 Fix to exclude financial budgets.

Motion #7: On page 39 of the WSM SR-21, add new language to read as: “Materials to be distributed to the fellowship by World Service Conference Committees shall be approved on the Conference floor prior to distribution with the exception of financial budgets.” Second.

Kevin Murphy: speak to your motion:

Gregory Ashley: not at this time.

Kevin Murphy: any debate?

Cynthia Cronkhite: Friendly amendment – add and request for submissions for literature projects.

Gregory Ashley: No

Cynthia Cronkhite: I speak against the motion.

Ian Young: What is the spirit of this motion? Why are no financial documents be presented?

Gregory Ashley: The budgets are approved on the floor anyway.

Ian Young: so this motion is a No Brainer.

Glen Tucker: Flyers. Are they included in this motion?

Gregory Ashley: No

Cynthia Cronkhite: Point of Information – given what that they are stated in this motion, is this not in conflict with SR14?

Kevin Murphy: I don’t believe this is germane to this conversation.

Cynthia Cronkhite: Proposed budget doesn’t apply because it has not been approved.

Kevin Murphy: There may be a conflict there but it’s not the subject of this motion. Any further debate? Requires 2/3 majority. Motion carries 2/3 vote. Division of the

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house has been requested. Motion passes 87-41 which meets the required 2/3 majority.

REFERRALS HELD IN COMMITTEE

Referral #3874

Remove the necessity to use the transcripts of the Conference to validate the next year’s WSM. The minutes taken by the Conference secretary are read directly before the vote and with today’s technology we can trust what the Chair says and is typed correctly. 

Referral #5173

Create a guideline with timeline on what S&B does Time line on what S&B does/do they want a handbook? Let’s explain what we do and how we do it. Statement of purpose in manual page 31

Structure and Bylaws Guidelines

Statement of Purpose:

The Structure and By-Laws Committee is to formulate by-laws, guidelines and structures by which Cocaine Anonymous can operate day-to-day, at Conferences, Regions, Areas and elsewhere around the World. We execute with great diligence the task of being of maximum service to our fellowship, by introducing new verbiage into a comprehensive World Service Manual. Allowing our fellowship to grow and flourish.

Functions:

At a World Service Conference (WSC) and other necessary times during the year the Structure & By-Laws committee (S & B) are asked to investigate discrepancies in our current World Service Manual (WSM) and either challenge the request by showing a current solution in the WSM or create new verbiage to accommodate the referral, if deemed necessary or warranted.

When creating new verbiage, careful consideration is given to the solution for future practice as to not revisit the same situation in a few more years when things have changed again.

Timelines:

This section of the document is a procedural time line for what happens at the WSC and subsequent for Distribution of the updated WSM:

Referrals are received at the WSC and motions are made to add clarity and simplicity to the WSM when applicable during the S & B breakout session. After passing on the conference floor the WSC S & B secretary makes the appropriate changes to the WSM and sends out a 1^st draft modified copy of the WSM to the S & B group within 3 weeks (21 days) of the close of the WSC. Allowing 2 weeks (14 days) for response from the committee with changes or approval. If changes are necessary the WSC S & B secretary makes the changes within 1 week (7 days) from the due time of the last notification and sends out a revised copy allowing 2 weeks (14 days) for responses from the committee with changes or approvals. This process is repeated until no changes are needed. If no changes are needed the WSM is considered to be a final draft copy and is sent to the appropriate Trustee for Ratification. After Ratification the draft is now considered finalized. A copy is sent to the World Service Office for distribution to the fellowship.

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Referral # 5534

Again this year I have heard numerous comments regarding small areas with 3 votes. Consider some other vote assignment for very small areas. Ex: less than 5 meetings = 1 vote; less than 10 meetings (but 5 or more) = 2 votes.

Referral #5586

One Person, One Vote. This is a spiritual fellowship, not a government, and the person and their voice should be far more important than squabbling over votes. 

Referral #6089

Add to the present petition: Have the GSR’s of the area from which the district wishes to move from agreed in writing to the change. Have the GSR’s of the Area to which the district is going to move agreed to in writing to the change. Has the area to which the district wishes to move submitted an SR14 petition to have an expanded area. Have the GSR’s of an area which borders the district change been contacted and agreed to in writing. Have 2/3 of all the GSR’s from the district or 2/3 of the member of the GSR’s approved this petition in writing. Submit written documentation. Is it necessary in #4 and #5 to have the total populations of each area?

Referral #6142

Remove the paragraph on Page 4 of WSM about this manual being a suggestion. The Conference has created this manual to guide the fellowship.

Referral #6280

To revisit the “Petition for an Area to Change Regions” and make changes to make simpler and to ensure the necessary and important information for the delegates to make an informed and educated decision. I had a hard time filling out the form and found the required info confusing and unnecessary.

Referral #6301

That the Conference consider formation of a new Conference Committee titled “Fundraising & Entertainment” and for this Committee to be adopted at World, Area & District levels. Please include officer’s duties and qualifications and clearly defined responsibilities.

REFERRALS REFERRED TO OTHER COMMITTEES, WORLD SERVICE OFFICE, OR BOARD OF TRUSTEES

 Referral #5895

Page 48, #1 in WSM, strike “other than the paid director.” This contradicts with wording on Page 47 and the intent was that the paid director was interviewed, selected and where removed by the WSBT. Referred to WSOB 

Referral #6045

The election procedure for electing trustees is not transparent. It happens in secrecy behind closed doors with members not on the TEC not allowed to attend. Why is this? Why can’t we echo the process used in AA and described in their manual? Referred to Trustees.

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Referral #6113

To change the world service manual to allow any fellowship member the opportunity and ability to serve as an elected member of the World Service Office Board of Directors lest residency. Informal Description of Referral:

The Board of Directors should allow any qualified member of the fellowship whether in Canada, United Kingdom or New York to be allowed the right of participation on the board level. Given new technologies, it is now possible to unify members via a host of variable communications iChat, teleconferencing, Skype there are several VoIP services that allow this level of secured transmission so that members living abroad or on the other side of the coast can participate on the board level. I will speak further to this referral. The California Corporations Code is the governing regulation for all California Corporations. See Attach the Code( 5220-5227) which specifies the rules and regulations for a non-for-profit corporation responsibility for electing and disqualifying members of any Board of Directors. I will paraphrase by saying there is no regulation in the code section preventing a non-resident from serving as any board of director or officer of the corporation. As you review this referral please keep in mind our first tradition that states “Our common welfare should come first; personal recovery depends upon C.A. unity,” our first concept that states “The final responsibility and the ultimate authority for C.A. world services should always reside in the collective conscience of our whole Fellowship.” and the fourth concept which states “Throughout our Conference structure, we ought to maintain at all responsible levels a traditional “Right of Participation,” taking care that each classification or group of our world servants shall be allowed a voting representation in reasonable proportion to the responsibility that each must discharge” – Thank you for allowing me to bring this referral for consideration. Patrick Potter – 310-463-9800. Referred to WSOB 

Referral #6143

That the WSC adopt standardized language for all of the CA’s publications, committee guidelines and report and the WS Manual. Referred to WSOB. 

Referral #6286

Please clarify the term limits of the WSOB Directors, process of ratifications, ability to serve multiple terms, ability to return to service after period of separation, etc. Referred to WSOB

Referral #6304

On future geographical changes, to Areas, Districts, and or Regions, that there be 2 transparent maps. One map before the potential change of the area, district, regions and to include the existing area, district, or region on the perimeters and the second transparent map with the proposed boundaries to be placed over the original so the Delegates can see (overhead projector) the geographical changes as opposed to hearing the changes. Taking the action in this manner will allow all conference members to make better decisions for CA as whole. Referred to WSOB

Referral #6088

Statement in the WS Manual regarding the use of the CA Logo on internet: Refer to S&B, to add additional language to the Service Manual: the use of the CA logo and our protected trademarks on “Facebook”, “My Space”, and other similar sites is not appropriate, or acceptable. The WSBT’s position is that the sue of the CA logo and our

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protected trademarks on “unauthorized” webpages/websites is not within the traditions, and we are concerned as to the interpretation of possible affiliation, endorsement, controversy, and overall anonymity.

“We’re Here and We’re Free”™

Cocaine Anonymous name

CA Logo Hope, Faith and Courage

C.A. (USA and Canada only) 

If a CA group wishes to use any of the above CA trademarks on the CA group’s website, the Service Committee for the Area (or District) must have approved the site, and the Cocaine Anonymous World Service Office (CAWSO) must be contacted by an elected officer of the Area (or District) where the group resides with a statement to this effect.

If a CA group chooses to be a “stand alone”, meaning not attached to the Area (or District) where the group resides then the Cocaine Anonymous World Service Office (CAWSO) must be contacted by an elected officer of the group with a statement to this effect. 

In either of the cases above the request is forward to the CAWSO Webservant, Regional Trustee, Area/District Service Committee and World Service Conference Information Technology (IT) Committee to verify that the site is in compliance with the Information Technology (IT) Committee Workbook and Guidelines, these guidelines are available for review on the service section of www.ca.org.

Referred to IT Committee

REFERRALS THAT DID NOT RESULT IN MOTIONS 

Referral #5951

Closed meetings for Cocaine Anonymous only.

No action taken. This request goes against our basic tenet “and all mind-altering substances”. The definition of a CA group is on page 15 of the WSM; page 16 describes closed meetings. 

Referral #6090

WSM Page 26 under Regional Service Assembly. Last paragraph add line: “The regional service assembly may have the option to allow financially struggling areas within their region that cannot send delegates to meet via web conferencing.” Example of web conferencing product: gotomeeting.com

No action taken. Refer to paragraph 1 on page 27 under Regional Service Assembly. 

Referral #6147

Page 18 “District” section, 4^th paragraph, add: To this end, it is suggested that proposed District adopt the Area’s service manual and bylaws of which they are to become a District.

No action taken. Refer to paragraph 5 on page 18 of the WSM.

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Referral #6169

I would like to make a referral to make the Online Service Area an Online Service District as part of an Area. As an incorporated non-profit organization they have had tax problems with California and as a result were not able to sell memorabilia to be self-supporting. On that note, they were only able to raise a minimal amount of funds through the 7^th Tradition. They were barely able to send one delegate to the WSC. I would like to see the District reside in an Area within the Region in which it already resides, the Pacific South Region.

No action taken. It is outside the scope of this committee to disband an Area as it should be empowered to dissolve itself. 

Referral #6257

Add to Page 28, #5: If your region cannot meet the minimum number of candidates, then that region’s slate shall not be ratified. Idea: to stop region’s from not filling a slate, just because the Trustee position is not filled.

No action taken. The conference floor is responsible for determining ratification.

 Referral #6284

Please clarify in the WSM the total number of WSOB Directors that would compose a complete Board.

No action taken. The referral was withdrawn by the maker. 

Referral # 4352, #5628

Submitted to WSO, WSOBT, WSC on 5/8/2007

I am submitting this proposal to establish a new World Service Conference Committee. With the support of the 2007 WSC this new WSC conference committee’s main responsibility would be to handle the task of WSC approved literature language translation. It may be named “Translation Committee”.

A new Translations Committee could start this year to begin to take on the task of literature translation. WSC members from other countries or in US who speak/read/write other languages may be interested in joining such a committee. They can start translating our already approved literature and submit a budget for a professional proof &editing, set translation approval procedure like the older A.A. and N.A. fellowships have established.

Recently, the WSC Public Information published and distributed to the fellowship an International Public Information Survey. When asked, why this one page piece is not available in other languages I was told that due to several factors (ie: there was just not enough time, not enough financial resources, nor enough available translations resources) to make it happen this time. I feel our critical Cocaine Anonymous literature translation needs cannot be accomplished in any current WSC Committee or sub-committee thereof. We should not delay what is already an overdue outreach need to our brother and sister cocaine addicts throughout the world.

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No action taken. Suggested the maker submit a referral to the LCF committee to create a sub-committee to assist the WSOB with translation issues.

#5726

SR 10 Strike chairperson to insure that the floor how written copy’s of all main motions.

No action taken. SR10 is already in line with standard operating procedures and parliamentary procedure. 

#5861

To change item 3, page 23 of the CA World Service manual to read: After the conference, the delegate transmits the information verbally, and in writing, back to his or her area through area and district meetings, as well as to individual groups.

No action taken. It is the responsibility of each area to determine delegate reporting procedures. 

#5877

Add the WSM verbiage on How to make motions from the table of motions on page 58.

No action taken. The verbiage is already there.

#5961

Change the term “Regional Assembly” throughout the WSM and replace with “Regional Slate Meeting” after 17 years of this stuff the terms still confuse me. Make it obvious.

No action taken. Changing the verbiage would alter the purpose of assemblies.

HOUSEKEEPING

Referral #6260
Referral #5774
Referral #5775
Referral #6261
Referral #5728

NEW COMMITTEE STRUCTURE AS OF THIS CONFERENCE

Vice-Chair: Chris Wybrow
Co-Secretary: Janice Whitted
Co-Secretary: Gloria Bridget

Closing Comments

This committee is determined to work throughout the year through email, conference calls, and any other means necessary. The committee we had this year, worked with such dedication that we did not work past 12:11 a.m. (a new record for S & B). As we welcome in the next year, we want to thank you all for allowing us to be of service.

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In Love and Service,

Nick Alexander

Kevin Murphy: questions for S&B Committee? Joy Hutcheson: Mr. Chair, I’m going to recuse myself from as the PS Regional Trustee from the motion and vote regarding the Antelope Valley petition because being the Regional Trustee, I need to do the business of the region no matter what the outcome of the petition.

Kevin Murphy: so noted.

Elizabeth Saldebar: Motion to remove from the table the request from the Antelope Valley District to move to the San Fernando Valley Area to the West Inland Empire Area. Second.

Kevin Murphy: Motion to remove from table passes. I am going to recuse myself as well and swap places with the Vice Chair.

Original Motion from Day One: Motion to accept the petition for Antelope Valley District to move from San Fernando Valley Area to the West Inland Empire CA Area per the World Service Manual. Second.

Nick Alexander: Motion to limit debate to three (3) for and three (3) against. Second.

Tony Drake: Going to rule that out of order because people have come to speak to and hear about this motion.

Carl Warlick: I would like to make amends for this coming back and I thought we had resolved this issue over the last 4 years. I have made numerous trips over last 4 years to both Area meetings and we have discussed this issue over and over. It’s 105 miles from where I live and I went there about twice a month for about 36 months. Talked to folks in Lancaster. For over 10 years or more, Lancaster/Palmdale ran their own deal and I suggested they become their own Area. I’ve watched them go from a one man operation and a group that is applying steps in their lives and move forward. Their biggest complaint is that they were not getting support from San Fernando. The previous Area Chair or Delegates gave them no support. If I had a vote today, this is really about San Fernando keeping control over some H&I meetings, which are really in the control of God. You are the ones who have been supporting those facilities. If I had a vote today, I would allow Lancaster/Palmdale to go to West Inland Empire, to take the H&I facilities with them and then within 2-3 years, become your own Area.

Duane Miller: Point of order – are we still talking to the motion?

Tony Drake: I believe we were. He’s sharing his experience.

Kellie Federici: Parliamentary Inquiry – How can I expunge the slanderous and inflammatory statements previously stated. Tony Drake: We are looking up motion to expunge and see if it takes precedence over existing motion.

Carl Warlick: Can I just ask the secretary to remove the statements?

Tony Drake: yes

Carl Warlick: You have 30+ meetings now from 4 or 5.

John Whitaker: read prepared statement.

Cynthia Cronkhite: Point of order – people are not saying whether they are speaking in favor or against motion.

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John Whitaker: speaking against motion. Continued to read prepared statement.

Cynthia Cronkhite: Point of order – people are not saying whether they are speaking in favor or against the motion.

John Whitaker: I’m speaking against the motion. Continued to read prepared statement.

Julie Hanson: Parliamentary inquiry – Can we limit speakers?

Tony Drake – That’s out of order. If someone wants to make a motion, we can do that.

Cynthia Cronkhite: Parliamentary Inquiry – Do we follow Robert’s Rules which limits speakers to 10 minutes unless having received prior approval?

Tony Drake: In 10 years, we have never had that. Please wrap it up.

John Whitaker: I will finish up in 30 seconds. Continued to read prepared statement.

Tony Drake: John, we are limited to 10 minutes, that was another 3 minutes.

Kenny Williams: I don’t have anything prepared.

Nick Alexander: Point of order – can we ask the conference floor to refrain from outbursts?

Tony Drake: Kenny, for or against?

Kenny Williams: Depends.

Tony Drake: Do you have a question?

Kenny Williams: I speak against the question.

Kimberly Laveser: I speak against the motion. Reads prepared statement.

Susan Bredau: Point of order – I believe the chair is in receipt of a map for the overhead and I would like to ask that be done at this time.

Tony Drake: We have 6 different maps, and we don’t know which one is approved. They were created by individuals who think that’s what it should be.

Sam Ross: I speak against this motion. Everything I have heard today is true. The San Fernando Valley does not wish to keep Antelope Valley from moving. We have reached out only to be met with silence. You should not be deciding where the boundary line is. This is a local issue. San Fernando Valley deserves the right under Tradition 4. The action Antelope Valley is taking is affecting San Fernando Valley and CA as a whole by asking you to decide where the boundaries are. Everybody has the SR 14. Look at the first page. San Fernando Valley is not on that list. There was no discussion. We need to work this out locally. Vote no.

Gloria Bridget: I am in favor of the motion. We have our Area chair and vice-chair for West Inland Empire, and I remember sitting in the chair. We ruled this Area. The chair came to our Area meeting, is there any way you can smooth this out? At that time the chair said no. The district clearly does not want to be a part of San Fernando Valley. Why force a group to stay where they are not wanted? They are limited. So I’m trying to figure out where this change came from because last meeting was yes, good luck to you. I was also one of the members that went to Antelope Valley to do workshops, and there was no delegate present. No delegate from San Fernando Valley was there. I ask you to let this group go and grow. I speak in favor of the motion. Thank you.

Sam Ross: I am going to stand on principles before personalities. We are not finding a solution, it is getting messy. When a hand reaches out, we are here to help.

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Jeanne McClure: I speak in favor of the motion. Reads prepared statement.

Tony Drake: There are about 20 people on the list. Please don’t make the same points over and over.

Pedro Ewing: I speak in favor of the motion. As a newcomer I found West Inland Empire to be helpful. Reads prepared statement.

Robert Smith: I speak in favor of the motion. I have been in Antelope Valle the last 5 years. If you want to change something, get in there. I am now chair. West Inland Empire gave us the information we needed to train our members. Their patience gave us the understanding. From what I understand the Pacific Region said, go ahead and go. I attend all the district meetings, through the teaching from West Inland Empire we learned. My primary purpose is to carry the message to the addict who still suffers. I love my homegroup. I have never seen these people come and offer help. The people from West Inland Empire brought the paperwork for us learning how to be a part of CA as a whole. I feel we deserve to be recognized. There are people who claimed to give us help but didn’t follow through with it. This is a spiritual program based on spiritual principles and the first one is honestly. We ask to move on so that we can grow.

Carolyn Ewing: I am for the motion. I left after two years. I have come back. There are no problems with the H&I. We are not trying to stop anybody from being of service. We all go to those places. This fight is for no reason. We should not be here. We are here because we couldn’t take care of it on our own and it continued to get worse and worse. We are going to do what we can to become an Area ourselves. We are asking for the right to change our home Area to where we are comfortable.

James Parris: The Pacific South caucus had a special meeting on this matter, and the vote passed to allow Antelope Valley to go to West Inland Empire. Why are we doing this now?

Tony Drake: The Pacific South Region, that opinion was to let it happen, it is not binding on the floor.

Steven Freeman: Call the vote.

Second.

Tony Drake: Motion clearly passes.

Prepares yourselves to vote.

With minor opposition, the motion carries.

Kevin Murphy: It is 3:25 and we are taking a break.

BREAK

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