Dana V. presents S&B closing report.
CLOSING REPORT C.A. WORLD SERVICE CONFERENCE 2015
STRUCTURE AND BYLAWS REPORT
INTRODUCTION AND OPENING COMMENTS
On behalf of the WSC 2015 Structure and Bylaws Committee, I would like to thank this body, our respective areas and regions for the honor and privilege to serve this Conference and C.A. as a whole. This has been both an amazing and humbling experience. I especially want to thank my fantastic committee, they are amazing, I know every committee chair thinks they have the best committee, but I
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truly feel I have the very best committee and am honored to have them with me. Each and every one has brought so much to our committee. Their insight and experience is invaluable. We have six motions we will be making as a result of the referrals we received from end of last conference to this year’s conference, as well as three motions that resulted from committee work. For those referrals that resulted in no action taken, we hope that you will find our responses well-crafted and thoughtful.
| Committee Introductions | Maria M. | ||
| Dana V. | Chair | Suzanne V. | |
| Ernest M. | Vice-Chair | Robert S. | |
| Jon H. | Secretary | Maria M. | |
| Maria K. | Co-Secretary | Debi H. | |
| Yves W. | Trustee | Jason Mc. | |
| Scott S. | Imani A. | ||
| Michael C. | Benjamin S. | ||
| Julia C. | |||
COMMITTEE WORK THAT RESULTED IN MOTIONS
Rodney D. presents motion
MOTION: To insert on page 17 under meeting Groups and Styles
Online Meetings
Email meetings – These are email based and run 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Voice meetings – These are voice only, voice over internet protocol meetings and are similar in format to face to face meetings.
Tony D. – Motion has been made and seconded. Care to speak to motion? Rodney D. – Not at this time.
Jim S. – Think this is a grammar issue.
Tony D. – The issue fixed. Prepare to vote.
Vote 072 – passes unanimously
John H. presents motion –
MOTION: To strike on page 59 of the WSM paragraph 4: The CAWSO Board shall not exceed ten directors and then end the paragraph at ”Area or District service committee. Also, at the beginning of paragraph 5 insert The CAWSO Board shall not exceed ten directors.
Tony D. – Motion made and seconded. Do you wish to speak to your motion?
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John H. – Not at this time.
Devin R-F – For a new delegate, please explain the reason for this.
John H. – We are breaking this off into 2 paragraphs. It talks about the qualifications for this. We moved it down further, so the new paragraph makes it clearer.
Devin R-F – Then the part about not exceed 10 directors is already in there and you are
just moving it?
John H. – Yes.
Tony D. – seeing no more debate, please vote Vote 073 – 100 for, 1 against, motion passes
Maria M. presents motion
MOTION: on page 60 of the WSM first paragraph to strike through
Directors or Volunteers of the World Service Office Board (WSOB) to be interviewed by the current World Service Office Board:
- All Directors other than the WSOB Chair, WSOB Treasurer and WSO Paid Director(s).
2.TheNewsGram Editor
3.TheWebservant
- Archives
Insert new language
World Service Office Volunteers Interview Process:
Volunteers of the World Service Office to be interviewed by the current World Service Office Board:
- The NewsGram Editor
- The Webservant
- Archives
Tony D. – Motion made and seconded. Speak to your motion?
Maria M. – Not at this time
Tony D. – Any debate? Please prepare to vote
Vote 074 – 114 yes, 9 no, motion passes
Pages 59 & 60 of the current World Service Manual as they will look after passing the previous three motions:
Except for the Director of Resources & Project Development, the Director of Operations and Trustees, qualifications to be selected as a WSO Director shall
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include membership on a WSO committee, or prior Area or District service committee.
The CAWSO Board shall not exceed ten directors. The CAWSO Board shall consist of the following:
Chairperson
Vice Chairperson
Secretary
Treasurer
Director(s)-At-Large
World Service Trustee
World Service Office Trustee
Paid Director of Resources & Project Development
Paid Director of Operations
World Service Office Board of Directors Interview Process:
Directors of the World Service Office Board (WSOB) to be interviewed by the
World Service Board of Trustee’s (WSBT):
- The WSOB Chairperson
- The WSOB Treasurer
- The WSO Paid Director(s)
Directors of the World Service Office Board (WSOB) to be interviewed by the current World Service Office Board:
- All Directors other than the WSOB Chair, WSOB Treasurer and WSO Paid Director(s).
World Service Office Volunteers Interview Process:
Volunteers of the World Service Office to be interviewed by the current World Service Office Board:
- The NewsGram Editor
- The Webservant
- Archives
REFERRALS THAT RESULTED IN MOTIONS
Referral 2015 S&B 2
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Please change in the WSM…Under TEC election process 1. Discussion of candidates
****Nick A. presents motion
MOTION: To insert on page 57 as number 2 Discussion of candidates
Tony D. – Do you care to speak to your motion?
Nick A. – Not at this time
Tony D. – Any debate?
Sheree H. – Are we talking about the TEC process? Before the first vote? Nick A. – Yes & yes
Tony D. – Any other debate? Please vote
Vote 075 – 112 yes, 16 no. Motion passes.
Referral 2015 S&B 3
With regard to the Statement of Policy, could you please clarify whether the authority granted to Districts and Areas in paragraph B extends to District and/or Area subcommittees? For example, does a standing Area committee have the delegated authority to use the C.A. name and/or logo on memorabilia, or does it need to be discussed and voted on at the regular Area Service Meeting? Thank you for your consideration.
****Jimmie Y. presents motion –
MOTION: To strike on page 13 item B. A Cocaine Anonymous “District,” “Area,” or “Region.” And insert as Item B. A C.A. District/Area has the ability to delegate the use of the C.A. name and/or logo on memorabilia. Proper discussion at the Area/District Service Committee meeting shall be part of the process.
Tony D. – Motion was made and seconded. Want to speak to your motion?
Jimmie Y. – No.
Tony D. – any debate?
Carla S. – Why was ‘region’ removed?
Jimmie Y. – Regions don’t have any authority themselves, that wording could create conflict
Chris (last name unknown) – is this only for memorabilia?
Jimmie Y. – this is for everything you would use the C.A. name on.
Chris (last name unknown) – not in favor
Tony D. – please prepare to vote
Vote 076 – 108 yes, 21 no — motion carries
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Referral 2015 S&B 4
That the committee craft a transparent non-delegate chair policy as a service to the Fellowship. The current policy was established some years ago by a former WSOB Chair and a brand new DOO. Standing Conference Committees should have a clear understanding of protocols to be followed in the WSM for the WSO to follow accordingly.
*****Scott S. presents motion
MOTION: To insert new language on page 38 of the 2015 World Service Manual after “Non-delegates may serve as committee officers.” a new paragraph: Non-Delegate chair expenses must be incorporated into the Committee budget and approved by the Committee. Then the approved budget is brought to the Conference floor by the Finance Committee as part of the complete World Service budget for approval. All Committee budgets need to be submitted to the Finance Committee by noon of the last breakout committee work day.
Tony D. – Motion made and seconded. Speak to your motion?
Scott S. – Not at this time.
Brian T. – As written, I’m going to speak against motion. I like it except for the time frame of ‘noon.’ Not sure what the future holds, that timeframe could be restrictive. Tony D. – Any other debate?
Brian T. – FRIENDLY AMENDMENT: to change noon back to 9 am Scott S. – We accept.
Tony D. – Any other debate? Prepare to vote
AMENDED MOTION: To insert new language on page 38 of the 2015 World Service
Manual after “Non-delegates may serve as committee officers.” a new paragraph: Non-Delegate chair expenses must be incorporated into the Committee budget and approved by the Committee. Then the approved budget is brought to the Conference floor by the Finance Committee as part of the complete World Service budget for approval. All Committee budgets need to be submitted to the Finance Committee by 9AM of the last breakout committee work day.
Vote 077 – 116 yes, 7 against – passes
Referral 2015 S&B 8
Can we add pg. 48 the web address to the electronic referral
Imani A. presents motion
MOTION: “In the 2015 World Service Manual as the first paragraph under “Referrals”
(Page 48) insert: All referrals shall be prepared and submitted electronically. The
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location for the electronic referral submittal form is at:
http://fs22.formsite.com/F.1988/ReferralForm/index.html.
Tony D. – Motion made and seconded. Care to speak to your motion?
Imani A. – Not at this time.
Tony D. – Any debate?
Lauri C. – Against the motion because there are still people who don’t have easy access to the internet.
Lance D. – Is this website available all year long to any member?
Tony D. – Yes.
Dana V. – We are making the motion so is easier for people to access and get referrals in.
Lauri C. – FRIENDLY AMENDMENT to add ‘or by mail to CAWSO address’ Dana V. – We accept.
Tony D. – Suggest that friendly amendment should be submitted under SR-13. The current motion just updates the manual to follow a process we have used for the past 2 years.
Tony D. – Motion is now out of order. This needs to be discussed by the Conference committee.
Lauri C. – Suggest friendly amendment ‘people could also send referral to appropriate address’
Tony D. – That doesn’t change my decision on the ruling.
Carla S. – Challenge the Chair.
(Trevor S. is unavailable at this moment, Deborah W. steps in as Parliamentarian.) Deborah W.- Reads the Challenge of the Chair statement. The only issue on the appeal is the decision of the Chair and if that ruling should be allowed to stand. Chair has declined first opportunity to debate.
Carla S. – My idea was to set aside the rules as it is going backwards to start using snail mail, but the computer only option limits those who don’t have access to internet.
Deborah W. – This changes the procedure and the Conference Committee needs to be able to review this. The debate you have needs to stay with the challenge to the chair.
Trevor S. is back on the Dais.
Trevor S. – Scott is next
Scott S. – I am against the challenge. SR-13 was put in place to make sure one committee isn’t blind-sided by another committee. Once this motion was accepted, this contradicted Conference existing procedures. There is a way to suspend rules, but is a long process and not the issue at this point.
Jim S. – Scott said it better than I could.
Brian T. – Support the Chair, agree with Scott. Conference Committee should be able to look at this.
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Jay P. – In favor of the challenge. Don’t think this changes the structure of the Conference Committee. Making this snail mail option available should be an issue. Michael C. – I agree with the Chair, we have further language to maybe change this. Stu E. – Against the Chair’s decision, we are not changing the structure of the Conference committee. If info was snail mailed to CAWSO, it would then be input electronically and doesn’t change the process.
Devin R-F – Agree with the challenge, I think taking away the option to ….
Trevor S. – Please stay on point.
Devin R-F – I don’t think all info has been addressed to make an informed decision. Maria M. – I want to uphold the decision of the Chair. She reads info from SR-13. This motion was not sent to the Conference committee to review it ahead of time.
Carl R. – I am against the challenge, this doesn’t change any structure as I can’t find anyplace that says this has to be electronic. It might be the way it is, but there is nothing in the books.
Tony D. – Point of Information can’t be shouted from the floor.
Carla S. – Is there any way to fix this without all of this process as this wasn’t the way I wanted to do it.
Trevor S. – I have many suggestions, but we are now in this process and need to complete it.
Nick A. – Where is it written?
Trevor S. – No where. That is what they were trying to do with the motion.
Nick A. – I speak in favor of the challenge as there is no written process yet, so it doesn’t violate the structure.
Trevor S. – seeing no further debate….. go to the mic
Duane M. – Where is that stated what they just said?
Trevor S. – It is not in the procedures right now, it is the process that has happened for the past 2 years. Seeing no further debate……
Lauri C. – So that means it is not in our guidelines that it has to be electronic?
Trevor S. – It is not in your guidelines, but it is in our internal guidelines that it has to be electronic
Lauri C.- can we try . . . .
Trevor S. – That discussion would be out of order.
Sheyan S. – I’m looking at the June letter for the delegate mailing…. I am against the
Chair’s ruling because in the delegate mailing it states the referral needs to be sent in before the cutoff date, these forms will be forwarded to the appropriate committee…. the letter doesn’t state it has to be electronic, just preferred.
Trevor S. – Does the Chair want final debate?
Tony D. – The reason I called it out of order under SR-13, is there are lots of delegates who filled out something for other members of their Area. This motion was just to
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make the manual current with a currently used processed. SR-13 means that Conference Committee needs the time to look at the motion as amended.
Trevor S. – The issue is if the decision of the Chair will be sustained or not. A Yes vote means the decision of the Chair stands, No means to overturn the decision of the Chair. Vote 078 – 87 yes, 49 no, decision of chair is sustained.
Tony D. – Does the committee have another motion?
Referral 2015 S&B 11
Add new language under Statement of Policy item A. that No other individual or entity may use the name cocaine anonymous to coincide with the motion that passed regarding area’s incorporating using the name Cocaine Anonymous.
**** Michael C. presents motion
MOTION: to insert on pg. 13 of the 2015 WSM as a new Item H When incorporating no individual or entity may use the name ”Cocaine Anonymous” alone or within the corporation name for incorporation purposes.
Tony D. – Motion made and seconded. Speak to your motion?
Michael C. – We have concerns over the name Cocaine Anonymous being used, then possible problems with lawsuits.
Stu E. – I am against motion as written, the way it is written will effect current Areas. It needs to state ‘new’ areas. The way it is written affects existing areas with Cocaine Anonymous in their name.
Jim S. – In favor, in the UK, our experience has been that one area didn’t file tax returns on time. Their full name was written up in the national press stating we defaulted which puts a bad name on Cocaine Anonymous.
Tom P. – I am against the motion, think it is a problem. We talked about it extensively, and taking the name out won’t stop CAWSO from being named in lawsuites. Be better to take Cocaine Anonymous out of the WSO corporate info. That keeps the name safe. Cocaine Anonymous is part of a movement of anonymous fellowships and that is a big deal. For us to hide that name in the idea that we are protecting it creates its own set of confusion. If we start using C.A. in all namings, then we start to not exist. We are trying to protect the assets, which are in the WSO and CAWSO corporations. I don’t see any benefit of this motion except to make no new fellowships with Cocaine Anonymous in their name. This can’t be done just because of fear of lawsuits. It doesn’t permanently stain us if that happens.
Maya B. – I want to understand, this is just how we would list our name on one corporate filing?
Michael C. – Yes.
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World Service Conference of Cocaine Anonymous
Day 5 Daily Summary September 5, 2015
Edy R. – I speak in favor, we are required by local governments to incorporate. This keeps the name Cocaine Anonymous out of public display if any area goes into default. Stewart Johnston – Against, there is already confusion with the name Cocaine Anonymous.
Edy R. – FRIENDLY AMENDMENT, to change wording to “when initially incorporating or renewing an incorporation” …. Amended motion to read ……
Motion to insert on pg. 13 of the 2015 WSM as a new Item H “When initially incorporating or renewing an incorporation, no individual or entity may use the name ”Cocaine Anonymous” alone or within the corporation name for incorporation purposes.”
Michael C. – No, we do not accept that.
Scott S. – I am in favor of motion, comment made that current areas would have to be changed, the area that we are currently in is not going to have to change its name. There is a level of protection provided with this motion. Lawsuits require a response, time, effort, money, etc. This isn’t to take away the name Cocaine Anonymous. This is the legal incorporation.
Dwanna R. – We are incorporated in greater Missouri area with Cocaine Anonymous in our name. To have a few lawsuits to dictate to the whole world, I am against this. Be proud to belong to Cocaine Anonymous.
Lance D. – Against the motion. I agree with previous statements
Maria M. – In favor of this motion, reason is that current statement and policy already talks about the issue. This isn’t about the fellowship being called Cocaine Anonymous, this is about the name of a company. On page 13 of the WSM, it already states this. This motion just clarifies that. We don’t lend the name Cocaine Anonymous to outside entities. A business operating, even when guided by the fellowship, is still a business and an outside entity. There are a couple other reasons why I support this as well. This is not about not using the name for our fellowship, the company is just called a different thing.
Brian T. – Speak in favor, I agree with Maria. My area can still call itself Cocaine Anonymous, everything can say Cocaine Anonymous except the incorporated name. The name is owned by us, the fellowship, not any one area. I support it highly. Nick A. – Call the question.
Tony D. – Motion made and seconded to call the question. Prepare to vote Vote 079 – 100 yes, 23 no — going back to original mtn.
Tony re-reads the motion. MOTION: to insert on pg. 13 of the 2015 WSM as a new Item H When incorporating no individual or entity may use the name ”Cocaine Anonymous” alone or within the corporation name for incorporation purposes.
Prepare to vote.
Vote 080 – 95 yes, 33 against – motion passes.
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Referral S&B 2014-8
The motion as amended and referred back to S&B: To insert on page 24 of the WSM, Area sub-heading, paragraph 3, line 5 after Area Central Office: If an area chooses to or needs to incorporate be advised that the name “Cocaine Anonymous” belongs to the fellowship as a whole and should not be used as the name of any corporate entity.
**** Michael C. present motion
MOTION: to insert on page 24 of the WSM, Area sub-heading, paragraph 3, line 5
after Area Central Office: If an area chooses to or needs to incorporate, the name
“Cocaine Anonymous” belongs to the Fellowship as a whole and should not be used in the name of any corporate entity.
Tony D. – Motion made and seconded. Do you want to speak to your motion? Michael C. – We just went through something similar with the last motion, the same reasoning. We are just trying to not cause problems for everyone who sits in this room and Cocaine Anonymous as a whole. We are asking new areas to not use the name Cocaine Anonymous in your corporate name.
Tom P. – Against the motion. Think we made a big mistake on last motion. Cocaine Anonymous World Services Inc doesn’t even have the name Cocaine Anonymous. Everything is CAWSO. There are many many existing areas that won’t be able to name themselves Cocaine Anonymous when incorporating. This motion is inconsistent with other places in the manual. This doesn’t protect us nor save the assets. The real business is done at CAWSO and it does have the name Cocaine Anonymous. Lawsuits will still continue to be filed. I am concerned that we will start to diminish the name Cocaine Anonymous. If we go to C.A., we lose our affiliation to the anonymous fellowships. We don’t have any legal precedent to make this kind of change, just lots of stuff done by non-legal people.
Carla S. – The reason this motion came about was because the lawsuit that just happened. When we ran into stuff in the past, we used to call AA Central Office to ask how they dealt with this. Have we done this?
Yves W. – If you go to any AA office anywhere, there is no Alcoholics Anonymous in their name anywhere.
Jimmie Y. – Speak against. I’m trying to speak for all people who aren’t here and aren’t incorporated yet. I feel strongly against this. This is coming from a place of fear. This is effects everyone.
Devin R-F – If this motion passes, does that mean the many groups already with Cocaine Anonymous have to reincorporate with a different name.
Yves W. – Anything put in the manual starts today and goes forward, wouldn’t mean to apply to existing areas.
Jason Mc.- Call for vote
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Tony D. – Motion made and seconded. Prepare to vote.
Vote 081 – 111 for, 21 against – back to original motion.
Tony re-reads the motion. MOTION: to insert on page 24 of the WSM, Area sub-heading, paragraph 3, line 5 after Area Central Office: If an area chooses to or needs to incorporate, the name “Cocaine Anonymous” belongs to the Fellowship as a whole and should not be used in the name of any corporate entity.
Vote 082 – 57 for, 74 against – motion fails.
Yves W. – 5th concept statement – I feel we are confused about this. Cocaine Anonymous is a fellowship and we are guided by Traditions and Concepts. The corporate world runs by its own rules. We have to incorporate so we can do business with the corporate world. This doesn’t have anything to do with carrying the message to the addict who still suffers. We create corporate entities to do business. If we miss something or have problems in the corporate world, we want to protect the name of Cocaine Anonymous. This was to put a wall between the fellowship and the corporate world for protection. The groups don’t need this protection, just the business aspect. Tony D. – Thank you. Before approaching the mic, please consider if your opinion has been stated already, do not repeat.
Michael C. – 5th Concept statement – I sit on the board of my area, I am a member of that area, I get checks written to me by that Area. We are just trying to keep ourselves out of harm’s way, not lose anything that we have. We heard about fear. The result of that motion is fear. When I walk into my bank and hand them a check from Cocaine Anonymous, I tell them I’m a consultant and I got paid. I don’t tell them I used to smoke crack.
Nick A. – Motion to reconsider a previously passed motion – MOTION: to insert on pg. 13 of the 2015 WSM as a new Item H “When initially incorporating or renewing an incorporation, no individual or entity may use the name ”Cocaine Anonymous” alone or within the corporation name for incorporation purposes.”
Tony D. – We are going to address this when we come back. Be back at 7:45 pm. – – – – – – – – – –
Tony D. – Back in session at 7:50 pm. We are back on the motion to reconsider. Debate needs to be on why you think it needs to be reconsidered, not the motion itself. Nick A. – In favor to reconsider, during the course of debate, new info came to light that made me change my mind.
Stu E. – In favor to reconsider, after all arguments for/against, I think we might have been hasty in our decision.
Ben S. – Against reconsideration. I was here last year, the same motion came to the floor, it failed, we had many 5th concept statements, changed the decision, and it was a
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waste of time. Same thing this year. I am against.
Tony D. – Vote to reconsider, if it passes the original motion comes back for discussion.
Vote 083 – 58 for, 70 against, motion fails.
Lauri C. – Point of Information – I ask to reconsider the second motion that failed. I voted against it.
Tony D. – Motion to reconsider seconded. Motion to reconsider the previously passed motion to insert on page 24 of the WSM, Area sub-heading, paragraph 3, line 5 after Area Central Office: If an area chooses to or needs to incorporate,
the name “Cocaine Anonymous” belongs to the Fellowship as a whole and should not be used in the name of any corporate entity.
Lauri C. – I feel I voted against this out of fear. I think they did due diligent researching this.
Michael C. – For the motion to reconsideration. I don’t think we should make knee-jerk considerations. Don’t think we should just shoot something down because we feel passionately about it or fear. S&B does due diligent on all our motions, we are famous for it.
Alan S. – In favor to reconsider, both motions need to be on the same side of the fence. Dave T. – Have you talked with a lawyer about any of this?
Tom P. – Against the motion to reconsider, we debated it thoroughly the first time.
Nothing has been presented on the Conference floor to change this decision.
Stu E. – Speak against motion to reconsider. This is a legal issue and by due diligent, they should get legal statement on the issue.
Tony D. – Prepare to vote on reconsideration of the Motion to insert on page 24 of the WSM, Area sub-heading, paragraph 3, line 5after Area Central Office: If an area chooses to or needs to incorporate, the name “Cocaine Anonymous” belongs to the Fellowship as a whole and should not be used in the name of any corporate entity. Tony D. – A yes vote means we will reconsider.
Vote 084 – 53 to approve, 87 against – will not reconsider motion
REFERRALS OR ITEMS TABLED UNTIL NEXT YEAR; AND ITEMS THE COMMITTEE WILL CONTINUE WORKING ON THROUGH THE YEAR
NONE
REFERRALS OR ITEMS REFERRED TO OTHER COMMITTEES; WORLD SERVICE OFFICE, OR BOARD OF TRUSTEES
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NONE
REFERRALS THAT DID NOT RESULT IN MOTIONS
Referral 2015 S&B 1
Add a second delegate from each region to the TEC.
No Action Taken
Due to the recent overwhelming support for the current process the S&B committee declines to take this to the Conference floor.
Referral 2015 S&B 5
We should look into establishing a standing committee for Fundraising. This item has been a part of the finance committee and it does not get the kind of momentum/action it would get if there was a committee charged only with this vital task.
No Action Taken
This is already a function of the Finance Committee. They expressed they are undertaking specific responses to the issues of fundraising, and they will be brought forward in the future.
Referral 2015 S&B 6
In the Statement of policy first paragraph add HFC 2 and what about Quiet Peace?
No Action Taken
Housekeeping
Referral 2015 S&B 7
17 WSM book study add Quiet peace
No Action Taken
Housekeeping
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Referral 2015 S&B 9
on page 4 of the WSM 2014 ‘ACRONYMS USED IN THE WORLD SERVICE MANUAL’ please add: WSCITC World Service Conference Internet Technology Committee”
No Action Taken
Housekeeping
Referral 2015 S&B 10
ADD A NEW STANDING RULE “24” for C.A. Conference and/or wherever it may be appropriate. Not to limit debate, but because of the limited time we have at the Conference, when any motion remains for debate on the CAWS Conference floor, and at the discretion of the Conference Chair indicating that no resolution to the debate appears eminent and/or has continued for more than 1 hour, such motion will automatically become eligible for being tabled or returned to the committee that brought it to the floor. (At the discretion of the Conference Chair this standing rule would hopefully limit the number of ‘questionable’ or ‘motions that have not been thoroughly vetted’ before making it to the floor … this would by definition force a “Tabling” or “Refer to Committee” motion at @ 1:01 into the debate of the same motion.”)
No Action Taken
There are processes in place already for both the Chairman and the Conference Floor to limit debate and/or return to the committee. The Committee believes that such a limitation violates Concepts 3 and 4 and Tradition 2.
Referral 2015 S&B 12
to add to SR21 the following after financial budgets insert new language “or other items approve on the conference floor.”
No Action Taken
The committee believes that SR 21 is clear about restrictions on materials to be distributed to the fellowship.
Referral Number 2014-1
To create a policy and/or procedure for how to deconstruct a group, district or area. The WSM provides the design and structure for forming Districts and Areas, but it does not provide any deconstruction options if it were to become necessary to close a district.
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This may come as a shock, but some Areas that had districts split off to become Areas may find themselves wanted to deconstruct that choice and revert back to a district, Or an Area may elect to remove districts from its structure and revert them back to a GSR only assembly. There is no specific language in the WSM that provides guidance in the event that an Area chooses to limit its size or structure.
No Action Taken
The World Service Manual presents the structure of service in C.A.,based on the experience since its creation. It is the result of the decision process in place since the inception of the Conference. The structure in place places the groups at the top as they have ultimate authority over the service structure. The structure is there to support the groups in carrying out our primary purpose: to carry the message to the addict who still suffers. Also the decision process has at its base an informed group conscience that has ultimate authority based on the right of participation and the right of decision at any level of service (Concepts 1, 3, 4).
The WSM specifies a defined process to create and/or change an area or district in such a way that ensures all impacted and involved are part of the decision. There are also defined forms to use in order to carry any request from the groups to the Conference to take in to consideration. Also stated in Concept 10: Every service responsibility should be matched by an equal service authority — the scope of such authority to be always well defined whether by tradition, by resolution, by specific job description or by appropriate charters and bylaws.
So it is at the local area, district and group where the process resides to act on this type of request.
The role of the District or Area is to serve the groups that have created this level of service not to govern them (Tradition 2).
Referral Number 2014-2
To add where appropriate to the WSM “Districts are not autonomous” “Committees are not autonomous” or some similar language. What came first? The Chicken or the egg? An Area or a District? In Los Angeles, the birthplace of CA – meetings formed an Area and as the Area grew it realised the need for Districts to help manage the business of the Area in designated geographical territories. As the ASM clearly states 10 or more groups/meeting can petition their Area to become a district. But those districts are NOT autonomous from the Area, they are merely an extension of the Area for ‘Managing’ CA business. It needs to be stated clearly that District are not autonomous and are not indemnified by the 4th Tradition. This also true for committees or boards of any kind,
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whether a Standing Committee in a District, Area or World Service Conference – or boards/committees are not Groups and therefore are not indemnified by the 4th Tradition. This needs to be written in black and white to prevent misinterpretation.
No action taken: the World Service Manual presents the structure of service in C.A. based on the experience since its creation and is the result of the decision process in place since the inception of the Conference. The structure in place starts with the groups which sit on top of the structure and they have the ultimate authority about the service structure which is there to support them for our primary purpose to carry the message to the addict who still suffers. Also the decision process has at its base an informed group conscience that has the ultimate authority based on the right of participation and the right of decision at any level of service (Concepts 1, 3, 4).
In the WSM there is a defined process to create and/or change an area or district that ensures that all impacted and involved in this are part of the decision. There are also defined forms to use in order to present and support the request from the groups up to the Conference for approval. Also stated in Concept 10: Every service responsibility should be matched by an equal service authority — the scope of such authority to be always well defined whether by tradition, by resolution, by specific job description or by appropriate charters and bylaws.
At the end, as Tradition 2 state: For our group purpose there is but one ultimate authority — a loving God as He may express Himself in our group conscience. Our leaders are but trusted servants; they do not govern.
Referral Number 2014-12
Would the S&B’s committee please add to the world service manual a list of C.A. approved readings for C.A. meetings.
No Action Taken
It is already listed in the Appendix .
NEW COMMITTEE STRUCTURE AS OF THIS CONFERENCE
Chair – Dana V.
Vice-Chair – Jason Mc.
Co-Secretary – Jimmy Y.
Co-Secretary – Jon H.
Trustee – Yves W.
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Committee Introductions
Scott S.
Ernest M.
Michael C.
Julia C.
Maria M.
Suzanne V.
Robert S.
Maria M.
Debi H.
Imani A.
Rodney D.
Nick A.
CLOSING COMMENTS
This is my first year as S&B Chair so reading these reports has been a little nerve wrecking. What I have learned is that I am truly blessed to have these wonderful members on this awesome service committee, they are the true rockstars. If you find that we are well informed and well prepared, then that credit should go to this incredible committee. Thank you for allowing me to serve.
In Love and Service.
Dana V. Chair S&B.
Respectfully Submitted:
Dana V.
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Tony D. – Any questions for S&B to the mic.
Alan S. – I put in a referral about starting a new standing committee for Fundraising. Dana V.- It was not shot down. We talked to the Finance Committee and they are in charge of fundraising. They did not feel the need to make a new committee. They would love to have people come join the Finance committee to help with fundraising and other issues.
Stu E. – Don’t think we are talking about how to raise funds. We don’t have guidelines on how areas raise money, how they use our logo, need something a bit more focused that maybe a new committee could do. If a member asked for fundraising to be addressed in the guidelines, a new committee could do that better than the Finance committee.
Dana V.- It is not up to us to take that away from the Finance committee. It is beyond our scope.
Stu E. – I don’t think this is a dead issue. Those two motions are now not on the same side. The motion was made by a former Trustee who was a lawyer. Did that person go
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on the record to make a legal statement that the fellowship could use the name a certain way? Listening to all the debate raised a lot of questions for me. Would you consider getting legal counsel on where we should stand on our corporation stance? Dana V. – Yes, we would consider that.
Alan S. – You suggested to make a new sub-committee, I should take it to Finance. How would I recommend making a new committee?
Dana V. – Yes, that does come to us, but we won’t blindly make that decision if it effects another committee. When we got this referral, we talked with Finance. They stated they could handle this and they have a number of ideas for fundraising. They are short handed and they would love to have people to join them.
Alan S. – But to start a new sub-committee it needs to go to S&B?
Dana V. – Yes.
Stuart J. – you had a long look at the motion, if you are getting legal councel, could you
look at international consideration as well.
Dana V. – Yes.
Scott S. – I’m pretty sure that if we are going to seek legal counsel, then this needs to go to WSBT or WSOB as this is an expensive venture.
Stuart J. – All I’m asking for is to look at international as well as American if you do seek legal.
Scott S. – Not sure if our attorney handles international. We might have to retain an international attorney to get the correct answer, which is a cost. The process is to make a referral to the Trustees that this is a question that needs to be answered, then the Trustees can figure out how to answer that. This committee might not be capable of answering that kind of issue.
Tony D. – Will S&B now look at the fact that we have conflicting motions now? Dana V. – Yes, I was meaning that we would be looking at that throughout the year. Tony D. – Thank the committee. Next up is Convention.
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