Cocaine Anonymous World Service Conference 2021 –
APPENDIX 1
OPENING REPORT
C.A. WORLD SERVICE CONFERENCE 2020
STRUCTURE & BYLAWS REPORT
INTRODUCTION AND OPENING COMMENTS:
To say this year and last were tough is an understatement. It was hard on everyone, everywhere. Through the tough times we become stronger, wiser, and more adaptive to the change life inevitably throws at us. This is especially true for our committee. We met every challenge head on. From getting the World Service Manual corrections made and turned in on time, to working through 32 referrals in the 2021 year and an additional 6 in 2020. Many of which will come to the conference floor as motions. This was a tremendous amount of work. I could not have asked for a better group to work with, and I am forever grateful for the hard work and dedication each member put in month after month. They inspired me to show up and do better. Our committee grew in participants just as more referrals came in. The more work we completed the more we received. It was fast and furious, but I would not have changed one thing about it. Thanks for allowing me to serve.
COMMITTEE INTRODUCTIONS:
Taylor F., Chair
Nathan B., Vice-Chair
Joni E., Secretary
Sydney P., Secretary
Lauren W., Secretary
Jason L, Lead Trustee, TAL1
Sarah T., Second Trustee, ERT
Ron D., WSOB
Lucas S., Member
Ernest M, Member
Rob W, Member
Michael C, Member
Maxine M, Member
Billy L., Member
Johnny I., Member
Julian H., Member
Claudia W., Member
Renzo P, Member
Jo P., Member
Ray M, Member
Patrice F., Member
SUMMARY OF COMMITTEE BUSINESS:
The committee has had a conference call every month since the world conference in September 2019. Throughout the year, various subcommittees and referral-specific committees met to conduct the work needed to bring motions to the conference floor. Some standout examples include work with the use of the logo, the area and regional maps, and how a global pandemic has changed the way our fellowship functions. Given the space between conferences a higher number of referrals came in, but the committee worked together to handle them.
REFERRALS UPDATE
NOTE: The status of all referrals that your committee has received should be detailed in this report including any ‘open’ referrals from previous Conferences and all referrals received in this current Conference year.
Referrals are to be categorised by four statuses:
Referrals still in Committee – SR14/Motion – Forwarded to another Conference Committee – Closed Referrals
REFERRALS STILL IN COMMITTEE:
Please list any referrals that are still in committee and will be worked on throughout this Conference or longer as necessary.
Please use the following format:
Referral number (in bold).
Referral maker information including: Name, Area, if the referral was made Pre-Conference or In-Conference (where known).
Provide the detailed information contained in the original referral.
S&B 2020-05
Pre-conference
Claudia Welz, German area
Summary of Referral WSM p18 lists online meetings as email meetings and voice meetings. Please consider adding “video conferencing meetings”.
Thank you for considering this referral.
S&B 2021-8
Pre-conference
World Service Board of Trustees
Summary of Referral Please would the WSC Structure & Bylaws Committee review the World Service Manual for any ambiguities in the event World Service Conference is not held for any reason.
S&B 2021-9
Pre-conference
World Service Board of Trustees
Summary of Referral: Please investigate and develop processes for carrying out business normally undertaken at Conference in the event that Conference is not held.
We are not requesting that you look at the facilitating of Conference, as this comes under the preview of the Conference Committee. A starting point may be the motion passed by the World Service Board of Trustee earlier this year, as sent out to the various Conference committees, a copy of which is below.
Motion: That the World Service Board of Trustees (WSBT) review for interim approval urgent World Service Conference (WSC) subcommittee, World Service Office (WSO) and Area petitions in the absence of the WSC sitting in 2020. This to be in accordance with the description of Why, What, How and When as below.
Why: To ensure that work carried out by World Service Conference (WSC) subcommittees, resulting in motions that require urgent attention, can be reviewed, and possibly approved, on an interim basis, until the WSC next sits.
What: These motions are to be only those that the WSC subcommittees consider of an order of urgency that they cannot wait for consideration at the next sitting of Conference, as scheduled for September 2021. It is left to the recognisance of each WSC subcommittee to make a judgement on the urgency of their motions and that this will hopefully significantly reduce the number of motions submitted. Please note, as the WSC Conference Committee is also a subcommittee of the WSC it is not deemed appropriate for that subcommittee to review and decide on the urgency of other subcommittees motions. That will be decided by the WSBT.
How: With the WSO being currently closed the motions are to be submitted directly to the WSC Conference Committee, in the same format and in accordance with the same timeline as if this year’s Conference were proceeding. This will allow the WSC Conference Committee to record the submission of the motions for future tracking. All received motions are then to be forwarded to the WSBT for review and possible approval. Please note, that this approval is on an interim basis and that all motions should also be submitted for the next sitting of Conference for consideration.
When: As previously noted, the motions are to be submitted in accordance with the usual by Standing Rule 14 timeline, as if Conference were commencing on Wednesday 2nd September 2020. Any motion will therefore need to be submitted 90 days before that date (end of May). Please note, it is not intended that motions will be reviewed on an ad-hoc basis throughout the year.
S&B 2021-14
Pre-conference
Russell Sedman (on behalf of Conference Committee)
Summary of Referral: Revision to Page 30 in the World Service Manual
to revise Delegate responsibilities to include knowledge of the World Service Manual, as well as
ensuring they have been credentialed. Since the Delegate is a representative of their Area to the WSC Conference, they should have a working knowledge of the World Service Manual.
In addition, the current responsibility for credentialing delegates falls on the Area Chair, but the
Delegate should assume part of the responsibility to ensure they are credentialed.
World Service Manual
Page 30
WORLD SERVICE CONFERENCE DELEGATE
The Delegate’s Job is a Spiritual One!
1. Conference Delegates are required to have a working knowledge of the Twelve Steps, the
Twelve Traditions, the Twelve Concepts of Service, the Standing Rules for the C.A. World
Service Conference and the World Services Conference Charter.
14. Delegates should ensure that they have been credentialed annually by their Area
Chairperson providing their complete name, complete mailing address, email address, phone
number, and the number of votes they are carrying using the current credentialing platform.
S&B 2021-15
Pre-conference
Russell Sedman (on behalf of Conference Committee)
Summary of Referral: Revision to Page 27 World Service Manual to assist with clarification
supporting Delegate Accreditation procedure
WSM Area Chair duties; page 27
h. To have all delegates attending the WSC credentialed at minimum 30 days prior to the WSC.
Revised:
h. To have all Delegates credentialed immediately following their [delegate] election using the
current credentialing platform.
S&B 2021-16
Pre-conference
Russell Sedman (on behalf of WSC Conference Committee)
Summary of Referral: Revision to Page 65 World Service Manual to assist with clarification
supporting Accreditation procedure for voting participants of WS Conference structure
WSM – page 65
CHAIRPERSON
1.Elected by vote of the Board of Trustees from one of the existing Directors, excluding Paid
Director, World Service Office Trustee and World Service Trustee.
2.Overall administration and coordination of all WSO activities.
3.Develops candidates for future openings of the Board of Directors and forwards all qualifying
service resumes to the Board of Trustees after a ratifying vote by the existing Board of
Directors.
4.Directly responsible for supervising the office personnel; all tasks the office workers perform
should be coordinated through the Chairperson.
5.Chairs the WSO board meetings.
6.Sets the Agenda for the Board Meetings.
7.Sits on a WSC committee.
8.To have all Directors credentialed immediately following their election using the current
credentialing platform.
S&B 2021-18
Pre-conference
Russell Sedman (on behalf of Conference Committee)
Summary of Referral: Revision to Page 49 World Service Manual to assist with clarification,
supporting Accreditation procedure for voting participants of WS Conference structure
WSM – Page 49
a. To be credentialed and carry votes at the WSC, the chair of the body you are representing must submit your complete names, complete mailing addresses, email addresses, phone numbers, and the number of votes you are carrying being carried must be submitted in writing 30 days prior to the World Service Conference using the current credentialing platform.
b. If, prior to the WSC, an elected Delegate or elected Alternate Delegate replaces a duly designated credentialed Delegate, pursuant to subparagraph 5(a), a written Certificate of Transfer form shall be submitted to the Conference Chair by the beginning of the WSC. The Chairperson of the Area shall submit a written Certification of Transfer Form to the Conference Chairperson by the beginning of the WSC. by the Area’s Chairperson.
e. Reasonable exceptions to the credentialing rules above may be made, for good cause, by the Conference Chairperson.
S&B 2021-26
Pre-conference
Kevin Murphy, WSO Trustee
Summary of Referral SR 21 currently states “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.”
This was written at a time where nearly all Conference committee business occurred at the Conference. In recent years (and this last year in particular) committees have done a great deal of work during the year. SR21 has become a roadblock to several committees’ work, preventing them from distributing program material to the Delegates and/or Areas.
So, a proposed revision:
“Materials to be distributed to the fellowship at the World Service Converence shall be approved on the Conference floor prior to distribution. World Service Conference Committee materials to be distributed by the World Service Office between Conferences shall be approved by that committee’s Trustee, and by the WSO Board.”
S&B 2021-28
Pre-conference
Christie Loyd, Public Information Committee
Summary of Referral The WSCPI Committee respectfully submits the following verbiage for inclusion on page 41 in the World Service Manual, to be inserted after the paragraph regarding the global poster campaign: The Public Information Committee shall organize an annual Public Information “Cooperating with Professional Communities” campaign to encourage the fellowship worldwide to become involved in a weeklong event during the third week of January. This week is dedicated to reaching out to Professional Communities (including, but not limited to medical and healthcare professionals, Criminal Justice organizations, Industry HR and Occupational Health departments) giving them information about who we are, what we do and how we can be of help to them and their clients / service users / employees.
Do not delete any sections – simply reply ‘None’ or ‘Not Applicable’ if no referrals are still in committee.
SUMMARY OF SR14 MATERIALS:
Provide a summary of any material from Committee submitted in SR14 Delegate Mailing. Please use the following format:
Referral number (in bold).
Referral maker information including: Name, Area, if the referral was made Pre-Conference or In-Conference (where known).
Provide the detailed information contained in the original referral.
Where a referral has resulted in a motion, please use the following format to present the motion:
- MOTION: TO APPROVE/ADOPT/INSERT NEW LANGUAGE/CREATE OR OTHER ‘ENABLING LANGUAGE’………………………………………………………………………………..
SUMMARY OF COMMITTEE MOTIONS TO BE MADE AT CONFERENCE OPENING REPORTS:
Provide a summary of any motions from Committee submitted in SR14 Delegate Mailing or other motions that are the result of Committee work throughout the year and do not meet SR14 requirement.
Please use the following format:
Referral maker information including: Name, Area, if the referral was made Pre-Conference or In-Conference (where known).
Provide the detailed information contained in the original referral.
Referral number (in bold).
Co Secretary Guidelines Changes
A. Motion to make the following changes to the S&B committee guidelines
S&B COMMITTEE CO-SECRETARIES
a. Keeps accurate minutes of each meeting of the S&B Committee.
b. General communications throughout the year with the S&B Committee.
c. Proficiency in current documentation programs for making changes to and distribution of, the
WSM
d. Responsible for maintaining and updating the groups.io for the function of the committee (referral tracker, contact sheet, minutes, and group membership and etc.). Coordinate with each other as to who will handle which tasks (i.e. minutes, housekeeping change insertions, rough drafts, final draft, etc.)
e. Take notes during the appropriate session(s) as to what changes have passed through the
Conference floor, thus allowing a rough draft to be created & distributed to the S&B Committee
in accordance with our “Timeline”.
f. Review the redacted dailies to ensure that the changes made in the rough drafts are accurate.
g. Coordinate with each other as to who will handle which tasks (i.e. minutes, housekeeping) Serves a one-year term.
h. Serves a one-year term.
S&B 2021-24 Area and Regional Maps Committee Guideline Changes
Summary of Referral: We request that S&B look at maintaining Regional and Area maps for their inclusion on ca.org.
It has become apparent nowhere does our Fellowship have correct and up to date set of Regional maps. We believe it is important that this information be available to our Fellowship and in particular the World Service Office. We also believe it important that Area maps, based on Conference recognized petitions be maintained.
A. Motion: ‘To revise the World Service Conference Structure and Bylaws Committee Guidelines, to include the new Statement of Purpose language and description of new ‘Region and Area Maps Sub-committee.’
Structure and Bylaws Guidelines
Statement of Purpose
The Structure and Bylaws Committee (S&B) is to formulate bylaws, guidelines and a structure 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, easy to read, World Service Manual (WSM). This manual will be distributed in the first quarter of the year following our conference, allowing our fellowship to grow and flourish. The committee also maintains Region and Area maps, to be accessible at ca.org.
Functions
At the World Service Conference (WSC) and other times during the year, the Structure and Bylaws Committee is asked to investigate concerns regarding our current World Service Manual and either challenge the request by identifying a current solution or create new verbiage to present to the Conference floor, through which, we accommodate the referral. When creating new verbiage, careful deliberation is undertaken in finding a solution that considers functionality and longevity.
The Structure and Bylaws Committee ‘Region and Area Maps Sub-committee’ creates and maintains maps of new Areas and Regions and / or changes to existing Areas and Regions following recognition / approval by the WSC.
REGION AND AREA MAPS SUB-COMMITTEE
Following each WSC any changes to Region or Area maps are updated and maintained on appropriate software. Once the S&B Committee has reviewed the updated individual maps, they are sent to the relevant Regional Trustee for written approval prior to the revised World map being issued to the World Service Office for uploading to the World Website. A copy of the revised World map is issued to the WSC Archives Committee along with copies of the individual Area and Region Trustee approvals.
SUB-COMMITTEE OFFICERS
Sub-committee Chair
a. Preside over all Sub-committee meetings.
b. Prepare sub-committee agendas.
c. Interact with Trustees and WSO.
d. Submit a report for monthly S&B Committee conference calls and S&B Committee reports to the WSC.
e. Serves a one-year term.
Sub-committee Secretary
a. Keeps accurate minutes of each meeting of the Sub-committee.
b. General communications throughout the year with the Sub-committee.
c. Serves a one-year term.
Logo Use:
A. Motion to change the language on page 13 of the WSM:
STATEMENT OF POLICY
Who may use the name “COCAINE ANONYMOUS,” the block letters “CA,” the official
COCAINE ANONYMOUS LOGO* (hereinafter “logo”), future variations of the logo, the book
titles: “A QUIET PEACE”, “HOPE, FAITH & COURAGE II,” “HOPE, FAITH & COURAGE:
STORIES FROM THE FELLOWSHIP OF COCAINE ANONYMOUS,” and the motto
“WE’RE HERE AND WE’RE FREE:”
A. A Cocaine Anonymous “Group” as defined herein, for its function of organizing and
operating a regularly scheduled C.A. meeting. A C.A. Group may not use the name,
letters or logo for any other purpose (including without limitation, dances,
conventions, memorabilia, or fund raising events) without the prior written consent
of its Area/District Chairperson after a vote taken by the Area/District Service
Committee.
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.
D. 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, C.A. is not allied with any sect, denomination, politics, organization or institution.” Avoid using designs that incorporate external organizations, graphics, and logos, trademarks when producing fellowship flyers or memorabilia.
S&B 2017-1 and S&B 2017-17
A. Motion to make the following change to page 31 of the WSM to take effect at the end of CAWS Conference 2021:
1. Delegates and Alternate Delegates are to be elected to the WSC by each Area. Each Area shall have three (3) two (2) votes which may be carried by up to three (3) end strike two (2) Area Delegates or Alternate Delegates in person or by proxy, as set forth in the Standing Rules for the Cocaine Anonymous World Service Conference. If an Area has more than 75 25 meetings per week of its groups (excluding H&I), then that Area will be entitled to one additional vote for every additional fifty (50) meetings per week of its groups (or portion Thereof). If an Area has any question concerning the number of votes to which it is entitled, That Area should contact its Regional Trustee or the WSO.
- S&B 2019-7
- Motion to organize the World Service Manual in three sections as follows:
- Pages 1-38: Cocaine Anonymous and Our Service Structure
- Pages 39-85: Cocaine Anonymous World Service
- Pages 86-90: Appendices
1.Robert’s Rule of Order Motion Chart
2.List of C.A. Literature
3.Advisory Opinion
4.Changes in the (year) WSM
S&B 2019-13
Changing the requirements to change region or become a region to match up with the SR-14 timeline.
- Motion to change the language on page 34 of the WSM as follows:
REQUIREMENTS TO CHANGE REGION OR BECOME A REGION
1. Two-Thirds approval in person or in writing of all GSR from the Area(s). Approval in person or in writing of the GSR from Two-Thirds of the groups in the Petitioning Area(s).
Two-Thirds approval in person or in writing of all World Service Delegates from the Area(s). Two-Thirds approval in person or in writing of the World Service Delegates from the Petitioning Area(s).- Submission of a Petition not later than 90 days prior to the World Service Conference and approval thereof.
- A change of Region or recognition of a new Region will become effective at the end of the World Service Conference at which it was approved.
- The Petition is subject to the then current deadlines and requirements of SR-14.
SB 2019-15 C.A. Green
- Motion to accept labeling of colors as presenting by the long-term planning committees “Fellowship Branding” presentation:
The C.A. color values shall be:
PANTONE 3292 C
RGB 0 89 79
HEX/HTML 00594F
CMYK 100 0 56 56
S&B 2020-01
A. Motion to add translations as a standing committee for areas.
WSM p. 25:
[…]
The Area serves the Fellowship by distributing chips and literature, carrying out local translations, handling […]
SUGGESTED AREA FUNCTIONS
1. The Area Service Committee is entrusted with local service board incorporation, if required
2. Coordinates Area telephone services.
3. Distributes, and/or sells literature and chips; carries out local translations where required.
4. Standing Committees include:
[a-k]
l. Translations
WSM p. 29:
Translations: Responsible for local translation of materials. For C.A. copyright items in accordance with the World Service office translation policy and process.
S&B 2021-1
Summary of Referral PG 49 WSM
a. To be credentialed and carry votes at the WSC, the chair of the body you are representing must submit complete names, complete mailing addresses, email addresses, phone numbers, and number of votes being carried must be submitted in writing to the World Service Office 30 days prior to the World Service Conference.
As Delegates we have to be credentialed in order to carry votes at the Conference.
My question: How does a C.A. Group become part of an Area? Where is it in black and white if I missed it or can you please add it to the WSM?
A. Motion to change language on page 17 as follows:
Those attending meetings are reminded that any opinions or interpretations they may hear are solely those of the speaker or participant involved. All members are free to interpret the recovery program in their own terms, but none can speak for the local Group or C.A. as a whole. Any group that wishes to become a C.A. group may reach out to their local district/area to be added to their area directory or register the group with C.A. World Services.
S&B 2020-02
Summary of Referral
On page 63 of the WSM, under the section beginning with “The CAWSO Board shall not exceed eleven directors. The CAWSO Board shall consist of
the following:”
A. Motion to remove and add new language on page 63 of the WSM as follows:
To Remove:
“Paid Director of Resources & Project Development
Paid Director of Operations”
and replace with
“Paid Director(s)”
S&B 2020-04
Summary of Referral The WSM/p.16 defines one meeting equaling one group, thus denying the group the autonomous decisions (Tradition 4)
To meet more often than once per week. A solution could be adding new language between the 6 bullet points and the headline “The C.A. Group:”
“A group typically meets at a regular time and place each week. Groups holding several meetings per week are known as multi-meeting-groups.”
Please consider, thank you very much.
A. Motion to change the language on page 16 of the WSM as follows:
A meeting is when Two or more people gather together C.A. members meeting regularly to share their experience, strength and hope with each other.
A meeting may call itself themselves a C.A. Cocaine Anonymous Group when:
-
- The only requirement for membership is a desire to stop using cocaine and all other mind-altering substances.
- It is fully self-supporting.
- Its primary purpose is to help addicts recover through the Twelve Steps of C.A.
- It has no outside affiliations.
- It has no opinion on outside issues.
- Its public relations policy is based on attraction rather than promotion.
THE C.A. GROUP
The basic unit in C.A. is the local Group, which is autonomous except in matters affecting other Groups or C.A. as a whole. The Group has but one primary purpose, which is to help others to recover through the suggested Twelve Steps. Each Group is self-supporting through its own contributions. As the Twelve Steps are our guide to recovery, the Twelve Traditions are our guide to Group unity, growth and discipline. Its members maintain their personal anonymity at the level of press, radio, television and films.
The importance of the Group, what it constitutes and its functions cannot be stressed enough. Maintenance of our recovery depends on the sharing of our experience, strength and hope with each other, thus helping us to identify and understand the nature of our disease. A group typically meets at a regular time each week. Those that meet multiple times a week are known as multi-meeting groups.
S&B 2021-2
Summary of Referral pg 13 WSM
Any media (printed, electronic, or otherwise) to be made available by the group, district, or area, to the fellowship, shall have prior approval from the respective service body.
WOULD YOU PLEASE DEFINE “RESPECTIVE SERVICE BODY”
Member, C.A. Group, C.A. Meeting, District, Area, Region, WSC?
- Motion: To change the language of Item E on page 13 as follows:
- Any media (printed, electronic, or otherwise) to be made available by the group, district, or area, to the fellowship, shall have prior approval from the respective service body. For this purpose, the respective service body is the Area/District Service Committee to which you are aligned or the World Service Office for groups that are not in an Area/District.
S&B 2021-4
Summary of Referral
The wording in the WSM States
“ A District is a geographical unit within an Area containing a number of groups within a close proximity, which find it necessary to unify”
In the same way that the WSM wording was altered when the OSA was set up as an Area can the wording in the WSM be changed to allow Online Districts
Ie “ A District is usually a geographical unit within an Area containing a number of groups within a close proximity, which find it necessary to unify. Areas may also recognize Districts who’s boundaries do not fit a geographical unit”
A. Motion that the wording on page 21 of the WSM, regarding Districts be amended as follows, and is also referred to the OSA:
PREFACE
The primary level of organization of Cocaine Anonymous consists of the individual meetings/groups.
District
A District is a geographical unit within an Area containing a number of groups within a close proximity, which find it necessary to unify. For an online District, ‘geography’ and ‘close proximity’ are not necessarily relevant. A District has the primary function of the unification of its groups by keeping in frequent contact with them, learning their problems and sharing ways to contribute to their growth and well-being. It is suggested that ten (10) or more gorups comprise a District and that each ten (10) groups elect a District Service Representative to sit on the Area Service Committee. When district or re-districting, approval of the groups within each current or proposed District is essential. The proposed districting or re-districting, approval of the groups within each current or proposed District is essential. The proposed districting or re-districting should be approved by the Area Service Committee. As the number of groups within a District increase, the District should either split into two Districts or elect more District Service Representatives from such groups to the Area Service Committee.
A DISTRICT SERVICE COMMITTEE (DSC) is a group made up of the Group Service Representatives from the individual groups in the District, the District Service Representatives and the DSC officers The DSC meets on a monthly basis to handle the business needs of the district. The DSC may create committees to service such needs as Telephone (Hotline), Public Information, CPC (Cooperation with the Professional Community), Hospitals and Institutions, Literature and Chips, and Special Events.
The most important function is to serve the needs of the local its meetings groups. If a meeting group has a situation it cannot handle, it can come to the District Service Committee. The active participation of each GSR is essential for a successful DSC.
Whatever endeavor or extracurricular activity is taken on by the District, they should at all times try to use or take advantage of Area resources, in order not to duplicate efforts or expenses already incurred by the Area.
Possible Voting Members:
Officers of the DSC, Groups Service Representatives, Alternate Group Service Representatives (optional); and other trusted servants.
Voting Procedures: Determined by District:
Voting examples can be found in the WSM WSC Parliamentary Procedure Guidelines.
S&B 2021-7
Summary of Referral
In the 2020 World Service Manual it outlines how many DSR’s a District is entitled to. It suggests 10 groups per 1 DSR, but it doesn’t state whether it is then ‘part thereof’ e.g. 25 groups equals 2 or 3 DSR’s.
The sections I am referring to are outlined below: Page 21 It is suggested that ten (10) or more groups comprise a District and that each ten (10) groups elect a District Service Representative to sit on the Area Service Committee. Page 22 District Service Representatives — one for every ten (10) groups in the District, elected by the groups’ GSR
A. Motion to strike language and add new language (strike groups’ GSR and add DSC):
Page 21 It is suggested that ten (10) or more groups comprise a District and that each ten
(10) groups or part thereof, elect a District Service Representative to sit on the Area Service Committee.
Page 22 District Service Representatives – one for every ten (10) groups in the District or
part thereof, elected by the groups’ GSR DSC.
S&B 2021-20
Summary of Referral: Hello, I noticed in the World Service Manual there seems to be some conflicting information with regards to the length of term for a in the ‘Procedures for Delegate/Alternate Delegate elections (page 31) and the Conference Charter (page 70). Page 30.4 it states ‘The Delegates and Alternate Delegates are to be elected for a term of four (4) Conferences, within a period of four (4) consecutive years. It is suggested that the spirit of rotation be followed.’ However, in the Conference Charter, Page 70.6 it states ‘. Term of Office of Delegates: The Area Delegates are to be elected for a term of four (4) Conferences. It is suggested that the spirit of rotation be followed. (WSC Amendment, 1996)’
- Motion to change language on page 70 as follows:
- Term of Office of Delegates: The Area Delegates are to be elected for a term of four (4) Conferences, within a period of four (4) consecutive years. It is suggested that the spirit of rotation be followed. (WSC Amendment, 1996)
S&B 2021-21
Summary of Referral: Hello. I would like to put in a request to this committee to make some changes to the World Service Manual (WSM) with regards to gender specific language. There are many examples throughout the WSM where it refers to people specifically as ‘his or her’ for example: (the page numbers provided are referencing the PDF version so may not match the printed version as the PDF includes the title page as Page 1) Page 11 paragraph 3 states ‘while each member of CA is free to make his or her own interpretation of CA Tradition…’ Page 31.2 states ‘Prior to the Conference, the Delegate transmits SR-14 material to his or her Area through Area and District Meetings as well as to individual groups’ This also occurs in 3 & 4.
The remainder of these are on:
Page 37 paragraph 3
Page 39 paragraph 1
Page 41 paragraph 6
Page 46 final paragraph
Page 47 paragraph 2
Page 48 point F
Page 50 Point 5D
Page 60.6
Page 60.7
Page 80 paragraph 3 & 7
Page 80 penultimate paragraph
Page 84 final paragraph
This language has the potential to be exclusive to any members that identify as non-binary. There is a rapid growth of LGBTQ+ members throughout our fellowship, many who identify as such. It would be considered correct use of modern parlance when referring to individuals in a nonspecific manner to use the singular pronoun ‘they/them/their’ – as a reference the American Psychological Association says in their 7th Edition of their format suggestions ‘Use singular “they” as a gender-neutral pronoun- use they instead of he or she’. I am aware that in the spirit of Tradition Six we are not affiliated with any outside enterprise but a reference can’t hurt. I feel that in the spirit of Unity we ought to do the best we can to ensure that ALL our members feel included.
- Motion: To make Cocaine Anonymous literature non-binary and non-gender specific.
S&B 2021-25
Summary of Referral Motion that the definition for a closed meeting change from “for ca members only” to “for ca members only or those with a drug or alcohol problem and a desire to stop using”
- Motion to change language as follows:
Closed: Attendance is limited to C.A. members only., and those with a desire to stop using cocaine and all other mind-altering substances.
S&B 2021-13
- Motion to create an Online Services Committee as a new World Service Standing Committee.
Where a referral has resulted in a motion, please use the following format to present the motion:
A. MOTION: TO APPROVE/ADOPT/INSERT NEW LANGUAGE/CREATE OR OTHER ‘ENABLING LANGUAGE’………………………………………………………………………………..
REFERRALS THAT WERE FORWARDED TO OTHER COMMITTEES:
Please list all referrals that were forwarded to other committees. In addition, if your committee is planning on sending a referral to another committee, this should be detailed in this portion of the report also.
Please use the following format:
Referral number (in bold).
Referral maker information including: Name, Area, if the referral was made Pre-Conference or In-Conference (where known).
Provide the detailed information contained in the original referral.
RESPONSE: Note the committee that the referral was transferred to and why.
S&B 2021-32
Pre-conference
Justin Clague, Florida Area
Summary of Referral Proposed housekeeping change to Standing Rules for the C.A. World Service Conference on pg. 49 of the WSM. Standing Rule 5(b)as currently written contains redundancy. Suggest housekeeping change to simplify.
Transferred to Conference Committee on 8/7/2021, falls under their domain
S&B 2021-31
Pre-conference
World Service Board of Trustees
Summary of Referral Process for revising the boundary of an existing Region.
Please develop a process for revising the boundary of an existing Region. Currently there are the following Petition forms:
Petition to Change Area – This for a District or Group to change Area
Petition to Change Region – This for an Area to change Region
Petition to become a Region
Petition to become an Area
None of these provide for the boundary of a Region to be changed except by the addition or omission of an Area.
The WSBT are considering expanding one of the Regions so that new Areas can grow up within it’s boundary and a Regional Trustee is able to assist with that growth. We would appreciate the development of a process, possibly through the creation of a new / additional petition, that would enable that process.
We would appreciate your consideration of this matter.
Transferred to Conference committee on 8/7/2021, falls under their domain.
S&B 2021-19
Pre-conference
Russell Sedman on behalf of WSC Conference Committee
Summary of Referral: Revision to Bylaws section, pages 72 through 80, of the World Service Manual to limit confusion and clarify the WSBT and its Trustee members withing the scope of this document. Revision to Bylaws section, pages 72 through 80, of the World Service Manual to limit confusion and clarify the WSBT and its Trustee members withing the scope of this document.
Transferred to WSBT on 3/13/21, per WSBT request, falls under their domain.
S&B 2021-17
Pre-conference
Russell Sedman, on behalf of WSC Conference Committee
Summary of Referral: Revision to Page 77 World Service Manual to support and assist any
requirements for mail/online vote scenario
Page 77 – WSM
Whenever, in the judgment of one-third of the Director Trustees present at a meeting, a decision to take any action involves a matter of principal or basic policy and in the judgment of at least one-third of the Director Trustees a delay in arriving at a decision will not adversely affect the Fellowship of Cocaine Anonymous, the matter shall be submitted to a mail vote of Conference Delegates, and if a majority of the Conference Delegates votes against the taking of such action, then the Board of Directors Board of Trustees will be expected to refrain from deciding to take such action. Whenever a mail vote is taken of Conference Delegates, at least two-weeks notice shall be given, and the vote shall be determined in keeping with an analysis of such vote by the President and Secretary, or in their absence, by the Vice President and Treasurer, at the end of such two-week period. An announcement of the result of such vote shall thereupon be mailed by the Secretary or Treasurer to Conference Delegates and to Director Trustees. When, in the opinion of the WSBT, such a vote be needed, all credentialed Conference Delegates (to include all voting members), are to be presented with a motion for consideration. A period of not less than 1 week, and not more than 3 weeks, for consideration and discussion must be observed. After the discussion period has ended, voting shall take place as directed by the WSC Chair. All votes will be tabulated by the Conference Chair and Vice Chair. A result will be announced following confirmation of the vote totals.
Transferred to WSBT on 3/13/21, per WSBT request, falls under their domain.
S&B 2021-12
Pre-conference
Claudia Welz, German area, serving on S&B
Type of Submission Individual Submission
Email Address claudiawf@gmx.de
Summary of Referral Please consider changing language WSM, p. 70, item 7:
old: “The Conference may also render advisory opinions at any time by mail or telephone poll in aid of the World Service Board of Trustees or its related services.”
new: “The Conference may also render advisory opinions at any time by mail, email, or poll in aid of the World Service Board of Trustees or its related services.”
Reasoning: The reference to telephone polling is dated, more reliable methods of polling are constantly evolving. Physical and/or electronic mails are both currently accepted business practices.
Thank you for considering this referral. ILAS – Claudia
Transferred to WSBT on 3/13/21, per WSBT request, falls under their domain.
S&B 2021-6
Pre-conference
World Service Board of Trustees
Summary of Referral “Please remove all references to a Non-addict Trustee from the Cocaine Anonymous World Service Manual (WSM).
We do not believe there is, any longer, the need for a Non-addict Trustee and whilst the position remains in the WSM then Regions may put forward candidates that the Trustee Election Committee will be obliged to interview.
As a Board we have considered the requirement for a Non-addict Trustee and also consulted a large number of previous Trustees. We note that the position has not been filled for many years and that in that time our Fellowship has matured to the point that we no longer require a moderating influence as a member of the World Service board of Trustees. We believe that the skills sets afforded by our addict Trustee candidates adequately provides for the needs of our Fellowship.
With two new Regions having formed since the last Non-addict Trustee was in place we now have a larger Board. We do not believe that the cost of an additional Trustee, without portfolio, can be reasonably justified.”
Yours sincerely,
C.A. World Service Board of Trustees
Transferred to WSBT on 1/9/21, per WSBT request, falls under their domain.
CLOSED REFERRALS:
Please list all referrals that did not result in motions, were not forwarded to another committee and not still in committee as the committee considers these referrals closed.
There MUST be an explanation why no motion or action resulted from this referral.
Please use the following format:
Referral number (in bold).
Referral maker information including: Name, Area, if the referral was made Pre-Conference or In-Conference (where known).
Provide the detailed information contained in the original referral.
RESPONSE: Note why no motion or action resulted from this referral.
S&B 2020-03
Trevor S.
Summary of Referral: There is much confusion over standing rules 5 and 6. To my mind, standing rule 5 deals with accreditation, and 6 deals
With registering for the conference itself, although 6 is the only one that actually states the word register. Please consider cleaning up the
Language, including bringing it into this century and the current way we conduct business at the conference, (i.e. it asks for it in writing).
I would be more than happy to assist in this, as I and Russell have been dealing with this for years.
No action taken, handled at 2019 Conference.
S&B 2020-06
Name Mike S., Online Service Area
Summary of Referral On Line Service Area Membership
“All VoIP Meetings should fall under the Online Service Area Structure”
With the Covid-19 outbreak the face to face meetings stopped meeting and groups/areas around the world started meeting via VoIP platforms. At the time of this writing over 300 have started, with a lot of them being reached from the f2f area website linked from the cawso.org site.
The OSA tried to sponsor CA meetings on ‘In the rooms’ but all kinds of tradition violations would happen so it was nixed. The OSA purchased GoToMeeting and then Zoom Licenses so that those tradition issues would not happen, providing a C.A approved ‘space’ to have VoIP meetings. Those meetings have GSR’s which participate in the OSA and follow the suggested CA format, which includes the 7th tradition donations and readings. These “pop-up” meetings for the most part are following the C.A. guidelines for meetings, but they are not actually in the OSA service structure. They are autonomous and can pretty much say and do what they want during the meetings. This is why we could not use the “In The Rooms” platform for C.A. Meetings. The can recommend Recovery Residences, Rehab programs or anything else they want. They can collect the 7th tradition but are not bound to disperse it.
I would like to propose that all VoIP meetings that wish to remain after the Virus belong to the Online Service Area.
Belong to the OSA meaning they have a service representative in our structure and that they use our approved literature for VoIP meetings (and behavior).
Currently we have 2 meeting lists on our website, one for the OSA and one for other areas.
If the F2F area wants to have VoIP meetings in their area, as part of their meeting count and ‘audit’ responsibility, as well as promote the meetings from their website, there is no reason for the OSA.
No action taken, handled with 2021-13 resulting in a motion.
S&B 2021-30
Kevin Murphy, WSO Trustee
Summary of Referral Revise or repeal SR21
When SR21 was adopted, nearly all WSC committee activity occurred during the Conference. As such, it made sense to require Conference approval before items could be sent to the delegates or Fellowship from a committee.
Now, committees meet and do work throughout the year, and demanding that they wait for the next Conference before distributing work product makes little sense. Recently some have suggested that a mere flyer could not be sent out until after the Conference, and with the 2020 Conference being cancelled this was particularly troubling.
So, repealing this standing rule, or modifying it to allow alternate methods of approval, has become necessary to remove an unneccesary roadblock to committee work.
Motion to take no action as this is a duplicate referral to S&B 2021-26
S&B 2021-29
Susan Bredau for the OSA
Summary of Referral For inclusion in the 2021 SR-14 mailing
Motion: That the WSC Structure and Bylaws Committee form a new Standing Committee at the Conference level for Online Meeting Services
Statement of Purpose:
The purpose of the Online Services Committee is to streamline, maintain and share the collective experience of our worldwide online presence, and to support C.A. online meetings at every level of outreach service in Cocaine Anonymous.
Abstract
The past 18 months have seen the proliferation of our Fellowship online. No one could have foreseen the international crisis that separated the Fellowship physically. Attending location-based meetings has been the foundation of carrying the message of C.A. recovery since our inception in 1982. The only minimal preparation for such catastrophic change in our delivery of recovery was the creation of the Online Service Area in 2000. There is no doubt that a virtual presence will need to be structured and maintained for online recovery after the current circumstances are over.
Thousands of addicts have found Cocaine Anonymous during the pandemic. Many of them began their recovery online without ever going to a bricks-and-mortar meeting. Online C.A. meetings and the technical solutions for holding them are in a constant state of evolution. The means of delivering C.A. recovery has changed, but our message has not; it is solid. We Can Recover – Online!
Online recovery is viable and valuable to anyone that had no way to connect with us before and may not again without a plan. It is incumbent upon us as a Fellowship to keep the virtual connection alive and well. In service of C.A. Unity, our online members and groups need to depend on the longevity, reliability, and availability of online meetings. The upcoming generation of addicts relies heavily upon technology as a matter of preferred communication.
FAQs
Q: Why should this new committee not be under the WSC Internet Technology (I.T.) Committee banner?
A: The WSC Internet Technology Committee serves to develop an online relationship with the individual members of C.A. as a whole. The proposed Online Services Committee would support and facilitate the collective service needs of the online groups.
Q. How would an ongoing online presence be structured within C.A. Districts, Areas, and Regions?
A. This is where our shared collective experience can guide us. Online meetings are different from location-based meetings in 1. the way they are accessed, and 2. the service positions needed to keep them self-supporting. There have already been pioneering efforts with success to this end implemented by the C.A. Online Service Area, the U.K. Online District, and C.A. Holland.
Q. Why is this new Standing Committee necessary?
A. To ensure that C.A. online is given the same attention location-based meetings enjoy and offload issues related to online from other World Service Conference Committees.
Q. If the Online Service Area (OSA) has no geographical boundaries, why aren’t they doing this?
A. We do provide these services to OSA meetings. Online recovery has grown to more significant proportions than we ever imagined it would. Any online meeting can request become a part of the OSA if guided by the 12 Traditions of C.A. and our Bylaws.
Q. Do online meetings have to join the OSA?
A. No. We do not, nor should we claim any authority over a District, Area, or C.A. Group’s rights to autonomy under Tradition Five. That is why the OSA has never insisted that online meetings belong to the OSA. The OSA was born out of the spirit of the 9th Tradition to serve a new way of conducting C.A. meetings. This new Committee would be born out of the same necessity.
Motion to take no action, there is a similar referral already S&B 2021-13
S&B 2021-22
Russell Sedman (WSConf Committee)
Summary of Referral With respect to the WSM page 40. Please consider attached draft to allow for clearer description of WSC.
This referral assists in clarification and confusion regarding what conference is and how its referred to in keeping with other substantiated service literature etc.
Take no action, WSM is clear as is.
S&B 2021-10
World Service Board of Trustees
Summary of Referral: Please review the World Service Manual for any ambiguities in the event that the World Service Conference is not held for any reason.
Examples:
Terms of trusted servants etc.
Types of referrals.
Operation of Trustee Election Committee (ratification of slates).etc, etc, etc.
Example of language from page 11 of the WSM that may require adjustment.
The World Service Office is responsible to the World Service Board of Trustees.
The C.A. World Service Conference, consisting of Delegates from C.A. Areas throughout the Fellowship, Trustees of C.A. World Services, and World Service Office Directors and staff members, meet annually, and provide a link between the Groups within the Fellowship and the Trustees who serve as custodians of C.A. Traditions and interpreters of policies affecting the Fellowship as a whole.
We understand that registration and credentialing of Delegates is being addressed by the WSC Conference Committee as this comes under their preview. There do however appear to be a significant number of other items that will not be addressed by that committee.
Take no action, duplicate referral.
COMMITTEE STRUCTURE AT START OF THIS CONFERENCE:
(include name, position held on committee, email address and telephone number)
Please use the following format:
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Position |
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Phone |
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Chairperson |
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Vice-chairperson |
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Secretary |
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Misc. Positions |
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Member |
CLOSING COMMENTS:
As we come to gather once more in the spirit of service I’m filled with a deep sense of gratitude at the journey that I have found again and again as I walk forward in the Fellowship of Cocaine Anonymous. That gratitude is accompanied by an appreciation and a love for those who walk beside me. I thought I understood my love for service until I stood on the floor of my first conference and I walked into the breakout room of Structure and Bylaws. What I found was overwhelming, beautiful, chaotic, and exactly where I was supposed to be.
In the last two years between Conference in 2019 and today the diligence of the S&B committee has never ceased to amaze me. I can’t begin to express my admiration for the work this committee and each one of it’s members has put in. Committee meeting after committee meeting, sub-committee meeting after sub-committee meeting, we completed goal after goal and it served as a constant reminder to me of the importance of Fellowship of Cocaine Anonymous as a whole and of the spirit found in the World Service Manual as the consciousness of our membership has grown throughout the years.
I found my home in S&B. Filled with late nights and hard work. Filled with passion and love for Cocaine Anonymous. Come give us a look and you may find yours too.
P.S. We have snacks.
Respectfully Submitted:
Taylor Franco
Chair/Structure & Bylaws