Sept 16, 2023 – WSOB Minutes

WSOB MINUTES SEPTEMBER 16, 2023

OPEN MEETING @ 8.00 AM PST

SERENITY PRAYER – Earl invites the room to open with the serenity prayer.

TRADITION – Yves reads the 9th Tradition

CONCEPT – Earl reads the 9th Concept

ROLL CALL & QUORUM DETERMINATION

Present:

• Earl H. Chair
• Jonathan H. Treasurer
• Yves W. Secretary, NewsGram Editor
• David C. DAL, WSBT LTP and IS&D Liaison
• Jo P. DAL, PI and Unity Liaison
• Robert B. WSOT
• Joni E. WST
• Joost B. CAWS 2024 Chair
• Erica D. CAWS 2025 Vice-Chair

Guests:

• Anne M.
• Randy G.
• Greg B.

CHAIR ANNOUNCEMENTS

• July 16, 2023, minutes were approved.

SEVENTH TRADITION –

Observed in the office, online members are directed towards ca.org.

CAWS CONVENTION REPORTS

CAWS 2024 (Amsterdam) Joost van K.

Highlights:

• Overwhelmed by the attention and the uptake of registrations and especially hotel reservations. (212 registrations and 2196 room nights)
• Secured an overflow hotel with 80 rooms (20 minutes’ drive to the convention). It’s the same hotel chain and H hotels. We are also looking at a 3rd hotel, with 40 rooms (5 minutes from the convention).
• Online, finetuning and marketing (website, registration, marketing, etc.).
• Fundraising events are doing well.

CAWS 2025 (Arizona) Erica D.

Highlights:

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• Fundraising is selling Coffee, t-shirts and donation page.
  • We have sold ~150 bags of coffee, and ~ 1000.00 in donations.
  • Planning first major event (a festival) in the fall this year.

CAWS 2026 (Florida)

Highlights:

• Convention committee will looking for resumes for Florida,

DIRECTORS REPORTS

Chair – Earl H.

Highlights:

• The WSOB has successfully activated the International Banking Account with HSBC. We are moving to bring the bookkeeper into the process for reconciling the account monthly.
• WSO continues to work closely with Lucky Line, our primary chip/key tag vendor. We are fine tuning Purchase Orders to maintain stock and avoid backorders.
• WSO has ordered a cell phone for SMS & WhatsApp use.
• The WSOB Move Committee has been formed and is made up of Directors, Trustees, and volunteers. We will meet September 27th and discuss our Timeline to move the office to the Arizona area and fine tune our real estate request for proposal.
• We have renewed our search for a Temp Office Mgr. “Indeed ad” has been restarted.

Treasurer – Jonathan H.

Highlights:

• CAWS2023 Post-Convention
  • Majority of funds deposited and transferred. Will have update of final funds to be transferred.
  • Final bill reviewed and determined. Remaining $98 balance from slight underage of the $40k food and beverage minimum.
  • Refund from one hotel has been issued and remaining has been adjusted in the final bill.
• International Bank Account
  • Account will need to be added to QB, and determination of additional access so bookkeeper and others can see account activity.
• Freedom Fund
  • We released a new platform for the Freedom Fund that will provide many of the necessities of user management of their payments.
• Financials Included:
  • CAWSO
    • Income Statement 
      • YTD through 8/31/23
      • YTD through 9/15/23
    • Balance Sheet
      • YTD through 8/31/23
      • YTD through 9/15/23
    • Budget vs Actuals
      • YTD through 8/31/23
    • Prudent Reserve Calculation 
      • PL 2020 – 2022 w/ calculations

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Secretary – Yves W.

Highlights:

• Our summary of our motions (WSOB MOTIONS LOG.xlsx) is updated.
• IT Committee
  • Meeting App development
    • They are looking for areas to contact the IT Committee to become part of the meeting list by connecting to the global feed for their meetings.
  • They requested a budget for a Slack Pro license (Project management tool). I am looking with Techsoup Organisation to have a non-for-profit license at no costs for us, for up to 200 members.”
• NewsGram
  • The theme for Q32023 edition is “Being of Service” has been approved by the WSBT. I have added a request for applications for the NewsGram Editor position.
  • The theme for Q42023 will be “A New Beginning” and the deadline for articles will be October 10.

Director of Conv & Conf – Robert B.

Highlights:

• CAWS 2023
  • Need to get CAWSO Items Shipped Back to WSO
• CAWS 2024
  • Currently at 212 registrations and 2196 room nights as of 14-SEP-2023
  • Discuss Convention Budget as Reported by Finance Committee
• CAWS 2025
  • $5,000 Down Payment Required – Paid 13-SEP-2023.
• CAWS 2026
  • Awarded at Conference 2023 to Florida Area
• CAWS 2027
  • Awarded at Conference 2023 to Washington State Area.
• WSC Conference 2023
  • Finished with 175 Registrations
  • Finished with 627 room nights – Total Credits – $10,885.07
• WSC Conference 2026/2027
  • Awarded to DFW Airport Marriott at Conference 2023.

Director at Large – David C. Highlights:

• Translations Sub-committee
  • Update on Translations in progress.
    • Requested from Ireland to translate the CA logo into Gaelige approved. Copyright agreement signed and returned by Area chair. 
    • Denmark has translated and proofread QP which they plan to bring to Conference. The Area chair will be expected to sign a copyright agreement.

Developing “ongoing project management” procedures to facilitate project tracking.

• • We are contacting potential proof-readers to obtain quotes. Sample package (First Five
  • Next meeting September 24, 2023, 6pm GMT
• WEB Update RFP Sub-committee

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• • Draft RFP document as presented by Joe B is being edited Jo P for further discussion at next meeting. Regarding ‘content’ and ‘look and feel’ the advantages of supplying sample pages two at a time as we progress was unanimously supported.

Director at Large – Joanne P.

Highlights:

• WSOB Policies and Manual
  • We have met with the consultant to make sure that we do not duplicate efforts and we will be supporting with the review being completed of the Office policies and procedures.
  • In this meeting I was also reassured about the literature, number of orders and processes. I have also linked her to the ex CAUK Literature Chair who can provide some overseas insight.
  • I have collated all the information I can find regarding Spending Committee and other financial guidelines for the Office and WSOB – continuing to collate additional information.
• Unity Committee
  • Still waiting for further submissions for the artwork for CATW
  • They have organised a unity breakfast for conference, and they have members to support with this
• PI Committee
  • PI continues to have some challenges regarding finances, there has been a lack of clarity from the committee regarding the approved budget at Conference despite the PI Trustee’s best efforts to advise them. They also still struggle to understand the process of getting invoices paid.

TRUSTEE REPORTS

WST Trustee – Joni E.

Highlights:

• TNC
  • The 2025 CAWS Convention Hotel contract for AZ has been reviewed, approved and signed.
• LEGAL
  • Registration of C.A. Logo in Emerging Areas
    • Please note should anyone receive any correspondence regarding our trademark’s applications please forward to me. There has been an uptick in companies disguising themselves as “Trademark Bureaus” in an effort to seek funds from applicants.
  • Registration of the Mobile App
    • The WSBT approved the filing of the mobile app copyright registration for the Cocaine Anonymous and the logo for the US, EU, UK, AU, NZ, JP, and Canada. I am working with the attorney to get the filings done after we put together a final cost estimate. I have a meeting with the attorney on 08/22/23 to discuss some remaining outstanding issues and questions and to review costs and timing. 
• Translation
  • Drafted and finalized the packet to be submitted to potential proofreaders for translated materials to include the new Translation Procedure, the 5 initial pamphlets for translation, and a sample of past translated materials. The packet has been submitted to 2 of the 5 identified potential proofreading companies.

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WSOT TRUSTEE – Robert B.

Highlights:

• WSBT
  • Assigned Committees
    • WSBT Finance Sub-Committee – Lead
    • WSC Unity Committee – Lead
    • WSC S&B Committee – Second
    • TNC – Member
    • WSBT IS&D – Member
  • Reviewed Disaster Recovery document

SPENDING COMMITTEE REQUEST:

MONTHLY MEETING MOTIONS

• Motion to disperse Atlanta convention funds as follows:
  • $1500 to remain in account.
  • $9,993.42 to publication fund
  • $24,509.64 to prudent reserve
  • $59,750.42 to operating, seconded, passed.
• Motion to remove Laurie Rossi as a signer to the Bank of America account and add Robert Bird as a signer to the account, seconded,

ONLINE MOTIONS

• Motion to increase the spending threshold on the European HSBC account from £10,000 to £25,000, seconded,

UNFINISHED BUSINESS/PROJECT UPDATES

• WSOB reimbursement policy for conventions and conference.
• Nominations for Vice Chair are open.
• Referrals: See 9-2022 folder spreadsheet; divide up or set up ad hoc committee.
• Succession plan for Chair, Vice Chair, DALs of WSO.

NEW BUSINESS

Motion: to adjourn at 13:55pm

Yves W., WSOB Secretary

NEW REFERRALS RECEIVED:

None

SUMMARY OF COMMITTEE MOTIONS (For Conference):

WSOB 2022-11 Pre-conf 2022

Ruby C. Utah Area

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The WSOB create and implement a procedure for the review of the entire ca.org website at least once a year. The review of the ca.org website would include all sub -sites and web pages originating from ca.org, including the C.A. Virtual Museum and the P.I. Members Area. The review would include but not be limited to the following —

• Ensure the functionality of all hyperlinks and forms.
• Ensure the ca.org website, sub-sites, and web pages originating from ca.org are compliant with the most current version of the WSC Information Technology Guidelines
• Ensure no Tradition violations are present.

A. Motion: WSOB to create an Ad hoc committee that would be live for a month, chaired by a WSOB member that would proceed to a complete audit of the ca.org website including the following a representative for each of the following :

• WSBT for Tradition violation audit
• LCF for our literature content audit
• IT committee for WEB Site functionalities and guidelines audit
• Archives committee for Virtual Museum audit
• PI Committee for PI member page audit
• Webmaster

From the audit, the ad-hoc committee will provide a report with the findings, an action plan and recommendations if needed. The report would be part of the WSOB Conference report.

REFERRALS THAT WERE FORWARDED TO OTHER COMMITTEES:

WSOB 2019-5 Post -conf 2019

Daniel H. Arizona Area

Is the WSOB able to implement a guideline in terms of how many days after the close of a World Convention final figure would be available so the entire body has the same expectations.

Summary Action – Transfer to Convention Committee with Suggested Action

Modify World Service Convention Committee Guidelines to include Post-Convention activities as this currently doesn’t exist. These activities would include the following: The WSO will strive to conclude all financial reporting for the Convention for presentation at the following World Service Conference.

WSOB 2020-01 In conference

Stu E – Nevada

Request for OnLine WS Convention Evaluation Form

Summary Action – Transfer to Convention Committee with Suggested Action

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Modify World Service Convention Committee Guidelines, Page 21 Survey and Evaluation Coordinator

1) Coordinate evaluation process at convention. Insert New Language [It is suggested that coordinators focus on evaluation techniques utilizing the most current technological platforms (i.e. – Online Evaluation Methods, Formsites, etc.) to produce the most meaningful feedback in the easiest possible method of recovery from our fellowship. The easier it is to use, the more likely we are to receive responses.]

REFERRALS STILL IN COMMITTEE:

None

CLOSED REFERRALS:

WSOB 2018-6 In-conf 2018

Katie B. Arizona Area

I am concerned that Montreal lost so much money. I understand some of the reasons due to Airbnb and not meeting the hotel block, getting across the border, etc. I request that the WSOB take a long hard look please at what can be changed to ensure that the lessons learned from Montreal will not be repeated ever.

So, is there a better way, from the big to the small, maybe no banquet or brunch, or price registration differently. What can we do differently to meet the charge of the Conventions to promote enthusiasm and still raise funds for program services, to think outside the box. Also are there perhaps other ways to raise funds so that CA is not so reliant on the success of conventions to survive. Can/should the WSOB perhaps form an Adhoc committee of its members, some past convention trusted servants and delegates to sincerely explore all of these options and more? I would volunteer to serve on such a committee.

Summary Action – No Action Taken

Thank you for your referral. In the time since this referral was written; the Director of Conferences and Conventions position has been created to oversee these activities. Additionally, a new Convention Financial Bid Vetting Committee was created to properly review and predict financial performance of potential convention bids. It is the opinion of the WSOB that these two initiatives; along with better monitoring of convention progress, will allow better oversight of current and future conventions.

WSOB 2019-3 Post -conf 2019

Greg I H&I Conference Committee

The 2018 World Service Conference H&I Committee requests the WSOB place the already approved H&I survey link. www.esurveypro.com/s/407611/CAWSHISURVEY2018 on the www.ca.org website, prominently to simplify access for our CA global H&I users.

Summary Action – No Action Taken

Thank you for your referral. While the esurveypro.com resource is still available to you, the link provided, and by extension any year following, is not active at this time and therefore not able to be posted. Please submit a request to the world service office to post information regarding H&I committee business posted to CA.ORG for the future.

WSOB 2019-6 Pre-conf 2019

Stuart E. Nevada Area

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I would like the WSOB to do a financial impact study on the possibility of holding a World Service Convention every 2 years instead of every year as we do now. I have supported this idea for some time now and was moved by the impassioned speech made by the WSOB chair at conference this year. I believe that once the fellowship can see actual numbers, we might be able to support this change. We might even see an increase in attendance due to the change. AA does a convention every 5 years and gets 100,000 attendees. While we probably won’t approach those numbers, I think we can more than double our current attendance and also increase attendance at our regional and area conventions as well…

Summary Action – No Action Taken

Thank you for your referral. In the time since this referral was written; we were able to experience first-hand what a lack of conventions looks like to our fellowship. Without the extremely generous nature of our fellowship to financially support World Services during this time; we would have experienced a much larger loss than what was actually realized. It is the current opinion of the WSOB that an annual convention is absolutely necessary to support our organization for the foreseeable future.

WSOB 2020-02 Pre-conference

Cynthia C – Washington

Please consider renaming the contribution program the Virtual Basket rather than the Freedom Fund. The name Freedom Fund is already associated with an organization to end modern slavery, an organization funding abortion, and likely others. The Virtual Basket easily identifies and explains the concept without risking affiliation or confusion with outside entities. Thank you.

Summary Action – No Action Taken

Thank you for your referral. Renaming the Freedom Fund the “Virtual Basket” is potentially confusing as the Freedom Fund is a global initiative. In Europe and other non-US Regions, the term basket is never used for collecting money at meetings. The name change may confuse or alienate other worldwide members. Example: the word Basket may not translate literally in all languages. Freedom, however, is a universally understood concept. Regarding perceived associations: We concluded this was much overstated as the word ‘freedom’ is associated with many things, not least in our fellowship with ” We are going to know a new freedom and a new happiness.” Rebranding the name again is not seen as being necessary or advantages to the collection of funds at this time.

WSOB 2020-03 Post-conference 2019

Ian Y – Thailand

“Could World Service Office create a new sub-committee that can utilise all levels of Digital Communications and Social media, for instance: Facebook for Outreach and event promotion. Instagram for display of archived materials Mailing List (eg.Mailchimp) for messaging members around the world with exciting news / Newsgram, Twitter for PI to carry its message to the general public and press

Summary Action – No Action Taken

Thank you for your referral. This is not a decision for the WSO, it is at the committee level, regarding the tool they want to use, and how to use it. The WSO is using the BOX for delegates mailing and email distribution lists.

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WSOB 2020-05 Pre-conference 2020

Zach A – SCTA

I would like the WSOB to consider having the CAWS convention on only the Memorial Day weekend to allow the finance committee enough time to process funds. This is in hopes of having the proper financial information available to the delegates by the WSC.

Summary Action – No Action Taken

Thank you for your referral. While the WSOB appreciates the intent of this referral, we believe it adversely affects our global fellowship as a whole to limit the Convention to a single US Holiday weekend. Prudent guidance and oversight of all convention activities; put into place since the writing of this referral, should ensure completed convention financials in time for the WSC regardless of timing.

WSOB 2021-02 Pre-conference 2021

Finance Committee

We believe there should be a rebranding of the “Freedom Fund” to be called the “Online Basket”. This was discussed on the floor at last conference, and we feel that this better represents the nature of the contributions. This should help the fellowship understand the contribution process better, remove any negative connotations, link better with the current Covid online climate, and hopefully lead to larger contributions.

Summary Action – No Action Taken

Thank you for your referral. Renaming the Freedom Fund the “Online Basket” is potentially confusing as the Freedom Fund is a global initiative. In Europe and other Non-US Regions, the term basket is never used for collecting money at meetings. The name change may confuse or alienate other worldwide members. Example: the word Basket may not translate literally in all languages. Freedom, however, is a universally understood concept. Regarding perceived associations: We concluded this was much overstated as the word ‘freedom’ is associated with many things, not least in our fellowship with ” We are going to know a new freedom and a new happiness.” Rebranding the name again is not seen as being necessary or advantages to the collection of funds at this time.

WSOB 2021-04 Pre-conference 2021

Jason L. CA London

Please would you look at the possibility of providing a domain for each region such that this could be used as a ‘Landing Place’ where those seeking recovery could more easily find contact information for the Area that will best serve them. This could provide a link to Area websites, helplines an meeting finders etc. An example would be MER@CA.ORG, which could be used as the landing place for anyone in mainland Europe. Any Area websites would have to be vetted in the same way that they are if linked to our world website. By the World Service Office providing the domain it means that a Region would not have to create a committee to pay for this and administrate for a Region.

Summary Action – No action taken.

Thank you for your referral. There is an on-going project to renew our website, under LTP. Today all areas have an entry into the ca.org that point to their own website. All regional trustees have an email.

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WSOB 2021-5 Pre-conf 2021

Jason L, CA London

Please would you consider making it more obvious as to how Tradition 7 donations are to be made by Groups, Districts and Areas. When I visit the website, I am directed to the ‘Freedom Fund’ but it is not at all obvious where a Tradition 7 donation is to be made. I understand that a donation can be made using PayPal by searching for the account associated with the cawso@ca.org email address but this is widely known. Also, it would probably be a good idea to prompt the Group, District or Area to make sure they provide adequate information for you to record where the donation has come from. Maybe an additional button could be added to the Home Page. It may be that this facility is available and simply missed spotting it, but I have tried to find it. I assume that we wish to make it as easy as possible for Tradition 7 donations to be made and tracked.

Summary Action – No action taken.

Thank you for your referral. As an open agenda item presently, the WSOB is investigating implementing new bookkeeping solutions that will quickly and succinctly identify the source and purpose of all inbound contributions. Once this task is completed it will be much easier to track and source contributions for reporting purposes.

WSOB 2021-6 Pre-conf 2021

An audio recording of the WSM was created by a member of the fellowship and provided to the WSOB. Please follow through with reviewing the recording and make an official decision as to whether this recording will be placed on ca.org to be available to the fellowship.

Summary Action – No Action Taken

Thank you for your referral. While we sincerely appreciate the volunteer effort to create such a resource, The C.A. World Service Manual is modified each year and the effort to maintain such an undertaking is outside the scope of what the conference requires presently, and what resources the WSOB currently has at its disposal.

We understand that accessibility is a significant concern for all modern business. With the advent of many new texts to speech readers and emerging artificial intelligence solutions, audio accessibility for those that require it is now as easy as the touch of a button or a quick download to your personal device or in any computing platform. Therefore, the WSOB will take no action on this referral at this time pending further accessibility option being worked on at present by the I.T. Committee and the Long-Term Planning Committee who are both respectively working on ADA and other Accessibility initiatives.

WSOB 2021-7 Pre-conf 2021

I have heard in the past the orange chip was the newcomer chip, and it was replaced with the white chip which represent surrender, so my suggestion is that maybe we could look into bringing the orange chip back for 1 year of sobriety since 1 year or more is black, orange represent confidence joy enthusiasm I think this would be something that might be pretty awesome.

Summary Action – No Action Taken

Thank you for your referral. We appreciate the spirit of this referral, however, feel it is best placed with the LCF committee. The WSOB will take no action on this at this time.

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WSOB 2021-8 Pre-conf 2021

I ask that the SR14s are sent out to the Delegates so that Areas have time to filter the information to the meetings. This year (2021) this information wasn’t received with the 60 days stated in the WSM which has resulted in a large portion of our membership losing their chance to use their voice and decisions being made at World level instead of with the individual members through God.

Summary Action – No Action Taken

Thank you for your referral. The SR14 Mailings are now going out at least 60 days prior to each Conference. A system of submission, review, and distribution now exists and is administrated by the WSC Conference Committee.

WSOB 2021-10 Pre-conf 2021

Cath E

I would like to make a referral please that the WSOB look into a more sustainable and ecofriendly material for our future chips to be made from. We are living in times where we could be helping our planet more than we currently are in regard to this matter.

There are many creative ways materials can be sourced and used that can be less harmful. preferably recyclable or biodegradable. I would like to state that this is not a matter of affiliation or of outside issues ie the environment but time for us to think of our future members and our footprint and legacy in causing the least harm we can.

Summary Action – No Action Taken

Thank you for your referral. We respect and appreciate the intent of your communication. Your intuition in citing the tradition that “we have no option on outside issues” is well taken, however, in some cases Cocaine Anonymous has taken steps toward a paperless business model as a matter of convenience and efficiency in our service deliver to our customers. In the years since the pandemic, sourcing any materials for the creation of new and existing products has been more challenging than ever before in our history. At this time the WSOB has received your concern, however, will not take any action at this time until alternative vendors and cost effective materials become available to us.

WSOB 2021-11 Pre-conf 2021

IT 2020-01,

Summary of Referral Regarding the developing of the CA App, please consider adding the capability for users to make “in-app” purchases of CA e-books and e-literature.

Summary Action – No Action Taken

We already selling our e-books through Amazon kindle and other platforms.

WSOB 2021-13 Pre-conf 2021

Quiet Peace and other books written in a larger print.

Summary Action – No Action Taken

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Thank you for your referral. Unless otherwise directed by the conference, the Word Service Office will not pursue producing our current print product offerings in a larger print. We have, however, gone to some lengths to offer digital products whereby the user may adjust the print or font size to accommodate their particular needs. This referral also creates budgetary concerns as the current product offerings would need to be re-formatted and ultimately cost more to produce.

WSBT.WSOB 2021-10 Pre-conference 2021

Hayley B. Central ASC, UK

I am a CA member residing in the UK. I utilise the wonderful opportunity we have currently of attending meetings all around the world via Zoom. It is with this in mind that my suggestions come. Would it be possible to enhance the search facility? For eg, would it be possible to have an option on the meeting search page to enter “my current timezone GMT+1” and for the list of meetings happening ‘now’ to load, irrespective of country/state etc. As it is at the moment I have to click on each city, then try to establish which timezone it is in, then translate that timeline to my time. I hope I have made my suggestion clear and concise. Many thanks

Summary Action – No Action Taken

Thank you for your referral. Currently the IT committee is developing a meeting app where it will be possible to find all types of meeting depending on our location and choice.

WSOB 2022-1 Pre-conf 2022

Russell S. Thailand ASC

Please can you amend all invoices and shipping documentation to remove the word COCAINE ANONYMOUS. This has, and will continue, to cause unnecessary concern when shipping items into countries that have a different social attitude. I’m sure there will be a flurry of verbal defence along the lines of ‘that’s our fellowship name’ and I respect and value that. However, legally there is nothing to stop you using CAWSO Inc.

I anticipate members speaking against this based on lack of awareness with regards differing attitudes around the world. I trust the WSOB have the maturity to pause, reflect, discuss and support this required change. Summary Action – No Action Taken

Thank you for your referral. It does not say it on the commercial invoice that is sent to internationals customers, but a copy of our QuickBooks invoice was enclosed in your last package, which should not have happened. We will make the change on our QuickBooks invoices. Thanks for bringing this to our attention and I apologize again for the delay in your package.

WSOB 2022-2 Pre-conf 2022

Ginger L. Arizona ASC

Please consider automatically including 10 free copies of the NewsGram when filling orders from Areas. I think it is an incredible publication that shockingly few people know about. I live in Arizona which is a pretty active and informed fellowship and when I brought it up recently at our Area meeting very few people had heard of it. I know there will be a cost to this but believe it would be worth it. The publication provides important information about our fellowship and upcoming events, as well as articles about our experiences, steps, traditions, and concepts that would benefit our local areas, our individual members and C.A. as a whole.

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Summary Action – No Action Taken

Thank you for your referral. The NewsGram edition is now available on ca.org, under the following link: https://museum.ca.org/ca-newsgram/ Also it is now available for delegates, after publishing, in the BOX, under the Delegate Information Main File, in the folder NewsGram

WSOB 2022-03 Pre-conf 2022

In 2021, Structure & Bylaws received a referral regarding gender neutral language in the WSM. Since then, a subcommittee was formed and has been working on gender neutral language in the WSM and other areas. These other areas fall outside the committee scope, and so the S&B committee kindly asks that you consider the following motion as relates to the original referral. Motion to make all future and reprinted literature published by Cocaine Anonymous gender neutral, excluding literature that Cocaine Anonymous doesn’t hold the rights to/not published by Cocaine Anonymous, and/or personal stories as submitted by members.

Summary Action – No Action Taken

Thank you for your referral. It is currently outside of the scope of the duties and responsibilities of the World Service Office to apply changes to conference approved literature and publications that have been vetted using the 12-point literature process. We strongly encourage this referral to be placed with the LCF committee.

WSOB 2022-4 Pre-conf 2022

Ruby C. Utah Area

Create and document procedures for creating more complete WSOB Meeting Minutes which will include all attachments/documents referenced during the meeting.

Reason – I was recently looking through WSOB Meeting Minutes attempting to find a specific piece of information. The piece of information was referenced several times within the WSOB Meeting Minutes but was not attached to the Minutes.

Objective – To better capture necessary and important information, to better preserve archival information, to offer more transparency to the Fellowship.

Summary Action – No Action Taken

Thank you for your referral. The WSOB monthly meeting is mainly to discuss the WSO operations. It is also to stay up to date with liaison to the WSC Committees and with WSBT 2 trustees and handle motions and decisions. The minutes are to reflect our discussions and decisions.

WSOB 2022-07 Post-conf 2022

Ruby C. Utah Area

Please detail the terms of all WSOB officers and directors, when they were selected, when they were renewed, when their two-year terms and four-year terms end. Please make this information available once a year to the delegates in a delegate mailing and perhaps even in the Newsgram so that all are informed about possible vacancies and timing of any open positions. As an adjunct to this, if there is an opening on the WSOB, that opening is well posted for a period of at least two months before selection. thank you.

Summary Action – No Action Taken

Thank you for your referral. The WSOB agrees this is useful and pertinent information and will make future efforts to make such information available in our regular meeting minutes as well as delegate mailings and other outbound communications to the fellowship. Timeframes may vary based on circumstances; however,

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your suggestion is appreciated and will be acted upon accordingly. Already the regular agenda item of “succession planning” has been added to the WSOB agenda as a standing item of business, thus making it available at each delegate mailing going forward.

WSOB 2022-8 Post-conf 2022

Catherine E. Scotland area

I am making this referral on behalf of my fellow WSC Delegate Boab from the Scotland Area.

He has entrusted me with making this request on his behalf to ask the WSOB or whichever committee would be responsible to look at this referral to make the World Service Manual and all our other Service Manuals to be available to listen to through an audio means. This would help those who struggle with reading to feel included and for those who may have difficulties with sight. Boab would also like to ask that books such as Hope, Faith & Courage and all C.A. literature be available in audio format too. This request also includes all pamphlets which could be made available as a listening library collection.

Summary Action – No Action Taken

Thank you for your referral. The WSOB understand that accessibility is a significant concern for all modern business. With the advent of many new texts to speech readers and emerging artificial intelligence solutions, audio accessibility for those that require it is now easier than ever before. With the touch of a button or a quick download to your personal device or in any computing platform. We do not wish to appear insensitive to this important issue of accessibility, however, unless otherwise directed by the conference to produce this new product and authorize the costs involved, the WSOB will take no action on this referral at this time pending further accessibility options being worked on at present by the I.T. Committee and the Long-Term Planning Committee. Both committees respectively working on ADA and other Accessibility initiatives. Please Note that the Americans with Disabilities Act, (ADA), is a United States Standard and not necessarily intended to address the needs of the global community.

WSOB 2022-09 Post-conf 2022

Cynthia K. C.

Please consider adding QR codes to the front of each pamphlet as well as the literature racks that would enable people to quickly access literature via their phones. The QR code on a pamphlet could open that pamphlet on ca.org. QR code(s) on the rack could link to the main literature page and/or the store. People seem less and less inclined to pick up hard copy literature as technology evolves. This would make accessing our literature more convenient and hopefully help carry the C.A. message more effectively. Thank you.

Summary Action – No Action Taken

Thank you for your referral. The WSOB finds this both a reasonable and attainable measure to consider, however, it will take some time to reformat pamphlets to accommodate this initiative. Silk screening the Literature Racks will also require a notice to the vendor of the change and possibly a minor fee for reformatting. We will continue to work on this throughout the coming year.

WSOB 2022-10 Post-conf 2022

Jo P. CA UK

Please investigate an opt in email newsletter that would contain the daily Quiet Peace reading. I imagine this could then have a link to buy the book contained in the email to encourage our membership to buy the book. This could also serve to help people remain connected to C.A. if they lose their way for a time.

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Summary Action – No Action Taken

Thank you for your referral. The IT committee is currently working on an app for mobile devices that may contain a similar functionality. Currently the WSO is exploring mail clients that may also accommodate this suggestion. We are grateful for your suggestion and look forward to serving the needs of our members more effectively using such technologies in the near future.

WSOB 2022-12 Ginger L. Arizona Area

Post-conf 2022

What is going on with HFC1? It has been out of stock for a very long time and it literally stopped our meeting from being able to start an HFC 1 literature study we were considering doing. Also, wasn’t it supposed to be updated after the 2019 Conference? So if the fellowship (Conference) decided to update it, we clearly still want the book. So please consider getting the updates done and ordering our amazing story book so the newer members can read it!

Summary Action – No Action Taken

Thank you for your referral. Currently HFC1 is available on the CA.org website in the form of a special 40th anniversary edition for $12.50 US.

WSBT to WSOB from WSBT 2018-03

WSBT

Investigate Accessible options for our literature. “That the Trustees investigate the process by which our literature can begin to be provided in Braille and audio book format to help the low visioned, blind, and learning challenged find recovery.

Summary Action – No Action Taken

Thank you for your referral. The WSOB understand that accessibility is a significant concern for all modern business. With the advent of many new texts to speech readers and emerging artificial intelligence solutions, audio accessibility for those that require it is now easier that ever before. With the touch of a button or a quick download to your personal device or in any computing platform. We do not wish to appear insensitive to this important issue of accessibility, however, unless otherwise directed by the conference to produce this new product and authorize the costs involved, the WSOB will take no action on this referral at this time pending further accessibility options being worked on at present by the I.T. Committee and the Long-Term Planning Committee. Both committees respectively working on ADA and other Accessibility initiatives. Please Note that the Americans with Disabilities Act, (ADA), is a United States Standard and not necessarily intended to address the needs of the global community.

WSBT to WSOB from WSBT 2018-04

WSBT

Make ca.org website ADA Compliant “That the Trustees take the necessary action to make www.ca.org ADA compliant in the next 2 years.”

Summary Action – No Action Taken

Thank you for your referral. The WSOB will take no action on this referral at this time pending further accessibility options being worked on at present by the I.T. Committee and the Long-Term Planning Committee.

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Both committees respectively are working on ADA and other accessibility initiatives. Please Note that the Americans with Disabilities Act, (ADA), is a United States Standard and not necessarily intended to address the needs of the global community.

WSBT to WSOB from WSBT 2021-01

WSBT

Would it be possible to have an option on the meeting search page to enter “my current timezone GMT+1” and for the list of meetings happening ‘now’ to load, irrespective of country/state etc. “WSOB 2021-10 — Originally Referral WSBT 2021-01 from Hayley B. – I am a CA member residing in the UK. I utilise the wonderful opportunity we have currently of attending meetings all around the world via Zoom. It is with this in mind that my suggestions come. Would it be possible to enhance the search facility? For eg, would it be possible to have an option on the meeting search page to enter “my current timezone GMT+1” and for the list of meetings happening ‘now’ to load, irrespective of country/state etc. As it is at the moment I have to click on each city, then try to establish which timezone it is in, then translate that timeline to my time. I hope I have made my suggestion clear and concise. Many thanks. Referral transferred to WSOB sometime during 2021.

Summary Action – No Action Taken

Thank you for your referral. Currently the WSCIT committee is developing a meeting app, where it will be possible to find a meeting depending on our location. Since on the CA website, all meeting is from a linked Area developed web site and no standard way are used to present the meeting addresses.

WSOB 2023-01 Pre-Conf 2023

Ruby C. Utah Area

Referral – Provide the Suggested Meeting Formats and Readings download document on ca.org in languages other than English.

We currently have meetings in several countries where English is not the first language. Meeting formats and the readings currently provided in the Conference approved Suggested Meeting Formats and Readings document have already been translated by the local fellowships. Obtaining those translations could be easily facilitated by reaching out to various Regional Trustees. Not even everyone in a country where English is the first language read/speak English. Providing this document in languages other than English will help encourage growth within the fellowship.

Summary Action – No Action Taken

Thank you for your referral. We agree. Currently the IT committee and Long-Term Planning committees are working together to re-work CA.org to serve the needs of our global fellowship more effectively. While this suggestion bears serious consideration, currently the WSOB is mindful that only conference approved literature should be offered where CA.org is concerned. Clearly this is also an opportunity for our Translations committee to become more proactive. Nevertheless, we are not in a position of qualified authority in and of ourselves to determine what an approved format looks like in our emerging areas and regions. This referral has tremendous merit, and we agree that finding a way to make formats available in as many languages as possible is a valid and useful service to provide to our global fellowship. We will always defer to our WSBT, LCF, and Translations, liaisons for guidance when posting such important information to CA.org.

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WSOB 2023-02 Pre-Conf 2023

WSBT

Referral#: WSBT 2022-05

Formsite: 11450913

From: Kevin M.

Email: km@nativesun.com

Move ownership of “ca.org” domain from CAWSO to CAWS, as we do with other intellectual property, and track the registration renewal at the WSBT level, as we do with trademarks.

Summary Action – No Action Taken

Thank you for your referral. The WSOB feels that until such time as we are advised otherwise, ownership and the tracking of domain renewal is well within the scope and capability of CAWSO and shall remain the responsibility of the office at this time. The desire is to remain nimble and be able to act with efficiency when changes to CA.org are indicated. While we believe the WSBT is more than capable of managing this also, placing ownership of the domain with the WSBT we are potentially adding a step to the process of being able to make requested changes to the publication “on the fly”.

WSOB 2023-03 Pre-Conf 2023

Russell S.

Hi! For many years the WSO would supply a report from an independent financial auditor (Roger Brown). These documents allowed for an additional layer of ‘checks and balances’ and, from my experience and observations, reassured our conference that accounting at the office was robust and proven.

The RB’s stopped a few years ago…I personally believe simply because someone forgot :/ although there may be other factors… nah, they forgot or couldn’t be bothered.

To supply such an audit would help and would be a healthy practice. At a time that we have ongoing concerns with regards WS operations I would suggest you at least discuss and consider returning to such a practice. (I’m not saying it should be by Roger Brown….just that type of external audit).

My suggestion to supply such independent audits are in no way an accusation toward our treasurers and/or bookkeeper … such an audit would be to support and protect them.

I look forward to your response and hope you consider the benefits of supporting such healthy practice. Summary Action – No Action Taken

Thank you for your referral. We agree. The WSOB is currently evaluating the re-implementation of this practice and the costs associated with this spiritually healthy practice. We wish to provide this service to our members again soon.

WSOB 2023-04 Pre-Conf 2023

Jesse SCTA

That the board be as diverse as the fellowship to include AGE, gender, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender identity, education level, history of incarceration and any other relevant factor.

Summary Action – No Action Taken

Thank you for your referral. The suggested requirements and qualifications to become a board member are well defined in the World Service Manual. This request suggests that we would require additional information be

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submitted on a service resume in order to effectively evaluate the criteria suggested in your referral. The WSOB will take no action at this time.

WSOB 2023-05 Pre-Conf 2023

Justin C.

Florida

Referral that the World Service Office Board will make available to the Fellowship all contracted or authorized audio recordings of speakers and workshops from past and future CAWS Conventions.

Summary Action – No Action Taken

Thank you for your referral. This is already underway. You will find all the speakers and workshops from CAWS 2023 at the official https://caws2023.org/ website, however, it is possible that not all recordings from past conventions are available to be converted at this time. Further investigation is ongoing.

WSOB 2023-06 Pre-Conf 2023

Glenn P.

Southwest central Dorset UK

I would like to propose a motion in regard to how CA banks funds. Can we add into the financial guidelines about being mindful with banking ethically as opposed to banks that invest in the fossil fuel and arms industries. Whilst acknowledging tradition 10, I feel we have a internal responsibility as a spiritual entity to bank with institutions that divest from these corporations. Spiritual principles in all our affairs.

Summary Action – No Action Taken

Thank you for your referral. We are glad that you have acknowledged tradition 10, we need to be cautious as a fellowship that we do not deviate from our primary purpose and get involved in outside issues.

Each group, district, area and other service body is able to take its own conscience regarding who they choose to bank with, but they also need to follow the financial guidelines to ensure our monies is kept safe in line with our traditions so we can carry out our primary purpose.

WSOB 2023-07 Pre-Conf 2023

Rodney D. Missouri

Items like reorganising the WSO and Moving the WSO among others should not come to the fellowship out of the blue. I believe this creates the perception of the board operating from a position of governance. This to my perception has created unnecessary disunity. Relying on published Board minutes is not transparent. They are sent to delegates months after the meetings have happen. They are not organized to pass on information they are a record of events. I have overlooked something in the minutes because of the way it is recorded. leading to my referral: Please place in the WSBT procedures and/or guidelines: “The WSOB shall keep the fellowship as whole informed to any changes that affect the fellowship as a whole that they may be considering taking without the express consent of the World Service Conference.”

I am not suggesting that all items of importance can be taken to the conference. What I strongly suggest is the fellowship needs to be kept informed.

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Summary Action – No Action Taken

Thank you for your referral. We will begin by saying your concerns are indeed noted, however it is currently outside of the delegated authority and scope of responsibility of the WSOB to modify WSBT procedures and guidelines. That said, matters of structures and geographic development of our global service centers and global delivery of our program services are matters for serious concern and consideration. The WSOB does not take lightly decisions such as this, nor does it do so without input and direction from it’s conference committees and the WSBT. We suggest that your regional trustee member may be an excellent source for addressing this concern.

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