CLOSING REPORT
C.A. WORLD SERVICE CONFERENCE 2021
LITERATURE, CHIPS, AND FORMATS COMMITTEE REPORT
INTRODUCTION AND OPENING COMMENTS:
Your Literature, Chips, and Formats Committee has been working diligently to move forward through our approval processes the concepts which have been approved by the WSC in years past. We have received several referrals from members and feedback on the items mailed to Delegates as per Standing Rule 14. The committee has reviewed and discussed these items, as well as others which have arisen from our own committee work, in the weeks leading up to and during this Conference session. These discussions have resulted in the below motions, actions, and responses, which are an expression of the LCF groups conscience:
SUMMARY OF COMMITTEE MOTIONS:
1. LCF 2019-5 (Terry C., Florida Area, Pre-Conference)
Hi, I would like to see the reading “Who is a C.A. member” added as one of our information pamphlets. I feel that someone who may not identify with Cocaine may pick that pamphlet up and discover that C.A. is not drug specific and open to anyone with an addiction problem. It is a wonderful representation of our fellowship and who may qualify. Thank you for your consideration.
A. MOTION: APPROVE THE DRAFT PAMPHLET, “WHO IS A C.A. MEMBER”, AS PER POINT 10 OF THE C.A. PAMPHLET APPROVAL PROCESS.
<LCF Attach 01>
2. LCF 2017-7 (John B, CAUK Area, In-conference): A lot of members at our group conscience have asked if CA can have a “just for today” card, along the lines of the one that exists in AA. It is felt that this could be of great help to the newcomer as it is at present to many in A.A.
A. MOTION: APPROVE THE DRAFT WALLET SIZED CARD, “THUS WE GROW” AS PER POINT 10 OF THE C.A. PAMPHLET APPROVAL PROCESS.
<LCF Attach 02>
3. LCF 2019-3 (Lucas Strangis, Southern Alberta Area): To create a pamphlet called “Our Common Welfare”
The pamphlet idea is to empower our membership with the importance and obligation of Tradition 1 and properly teach how to use the rest of the traditions to properly deal with membership issues.
The long form of tradition 1 states “Each member of Alcoholics Anonymous is but a small part of a great whole. A.A. must continue to live or most of us will surely die. Hence our common welfare comes first. But individual welfare follows close afterwards.”
This tradition tells us that no individual is more important than the welfare of C.A. as a whole. I believe that as a fellowship we are unable or unaware of how to protect this tradition and protect our meeting spaces and fellowship.
My concept of this pamphlet is not to dictate how everyone should act but to enlighten our membership of the importance of protecting the fellowship as a whole and empower our membership to take action and protect the fellowship through our trusted servants and our group conscience.
The pertinent information I would like to see included in this is:
-Tradition one states that our common welfare comes first. This means that if someone is harming the group we have an obligation and a right to ask that person to leave; this would be a last resort. We could include suggestions on how to go about dealing with membership prior to asking someone to leave (talking to the person, warning the person, etc.). If a person is stealing from the church and the church has said that they will no longer rent us space to hold our meeting because of the theft we absolutely need to act on this as the welfare of the individual should not cost the group the ability to host that meeting and continue to help the rest of the suffering addicts that have not had the opportunity to reach that room.
-Tradition 2 talks about our group conscience. A decision to remove a member from a group or a meeting should never be done by an individual conscience; it should always be done by a group conscience.
-Tradition 3 states that the only requirement for membership is a desire to stop using cocaine and all other mind altering substances. This tradition tells me that we cannot remove someone from C.A. as a whole and that if that member comes back and asks to be allowed back in we are obligated to hold another group conscience for reinstatement.
-Tradition 4 states that each C.A. group should be autonomous except in matters affecting other groups or C.A. as a whole. This tradition is the tradition that tells us we cannot remove someone from C.A. as a whole; each group can make its own decision if the issue follows the member to other groups.
-Whenever a decision is made to remove someone we should always do it with love, tolerance and in the spirit of teaching. We should always give this member information on where to find another meeting, we should always inform this member of why the decision was made and we should always inform them that if they have a change of heart they can absolutely reach out and ask to be allowed back at the meeting.
a. MOTION: APPROVE THE DRAFT PAMPHLET, “OUR COMMON WELFARE” AS PER POINT 10 OF THE C.A. PAMPHLET APPROVAL PROCESS.
<LCF Attach 03>
4. LCF 2019-1 (Susan B., Online Service Area): That the LCF Committee adds to their 2018-19 project rosters the concept of creating an “About the Online Service Area” pamphlet. The OSA will furnish the content for LCF to approve and pass onto the Trustees, so that this pamphlet may be made available after next year’s Conference.
A. MOTION: APPROVE THE DRAFT PAMPHLET, “COCAINE ANONYMOUS ONLINE: UNLIMITED SEATING 24/7/365”, AS PER POINT 10 OF THE C.A. PAMPHLET APPROVAL PROCESS.
<LCF Attach 04>
5. LCF 2021-01 (Caroline Hogan, Submitted by P.I., Pre-conference) I’d like to submit this new PI leaflet ‘The Power of PI’ in the hope the LCF committee will agree to take it up and take it through the new pamphlet process. It’s a collaborative effort from the EuroPI PI and the North American PI Summits 2020 It’s designed as PI equivalent to the New High from H&I leaflet -it’s purpose is to explain some different aspects of PI Service and encourage fellowship members into PI service. It is laid out in a leaflet format, I can send it as a plain text doc if necessary
Thank you
A. MOTION: APPROVE THE CONCEPT OF A NEW PAMPHLET “THE POWER OF PI” AS PER POINT 4 OF THE C.A. PAMPHLET APPROVAL PROCESS.
<LCF Attach 05>
6. LCF 2021-07 (WSBT, Preconference) Dear LCF, As you are aware a project group of the WSBT Long Term Planning Sub-committee has been working on a rough draft of a ‘Service Sponsorship’ pamphlet. We would like to submit this to you in accordance with point 1 of the C.A. Pamphlet Approval Process.
A copy of the May report from the project group, containing the draft pamphlet is attached. Cynthia c was the Lead on the project group and will be able to provide you with a .doc version of the draft.
Regards,
WSBT
A. MOTION: APPROVE THE CONCEPT OF A NEW PAMPHLET ABOUT SERVICE SPONSORSHIP AS PER POINT 4 OF THE C.A. PAMPHLET APPROVAL PROCESS.
<LCF Attach 06>
7. MOTION: APPROVE THE 2021 LCF COMMITTEE GUIDELINES REVISION
<LCF Attach 07>
8. LCF 2019-11 (David C., WSOB DAL/Ad Hoc Committee Chair)
The LCF Committee create a Tradition 7 Group Reading Card designed to be read out at meetings to better inform members of the importance and purpose of Tradition 7 and how the funds raised are helping the addict who still suffers.
The background to this Referral can be found in the report from the WSOB Ad Hoc World Convention Review 2019. In short the referral is part of measures to reduce the Fellowships financial dependency on CAWS Conventions through better awareness of Tradition 7 and how the funds are helping the addict who is still suffering. We are aware of the good pamphlet on this subject but feel a reading card would have a much greater reach and increase Tradition 7 income across the whole Fellowship.
The WSOB Ad Hoc especially like the following section from the existing pamphlet.
“The basket is the place where spirituality and money mix. The next time you put money in the basket think of all the things that are being accomplished with those funds and how you are helping the addict who is still suffering”. <LCF Attach 05>
A. MOTION: EDIT THE EXISTING LANGUAGE AND ADD NEW OPTIONAL LANGUAGE IN THE 7TH TRADITION SECTION OF THE SUGGESTED PARTICIPATION MEETING FORMAT, THE SUGGESTED STEP STUDY MEETING FORMAT, AND THE SUGGESTED GENERAL SPEAKER MEETING FORMAT:
(PARENTHETICAL LANGUAGE REMAINS UNCHANGED) We are fully self-supporting through our own contributions. At this time we will observe the 7th Tradition. Please remain quietly seated while the baskets are being passed.
(OPTIONAL) The Seventh Tradition is where spirituality and money mix. Our members’ contributions support C.A.’s primary purpose by paying meeting expenses such as rent, literature and chips. Leftover money is then passed on to our District/Area and World Services to help maintain websites, publish and translate literature, provide chips and so much more, enabling C.A. to grow and flourish around the world. When you contribute, remember that you are helping carry the message to the addict who still suffers. We are here and we are free!
9. LCF 2020-05 – (Nina, Germany, Pre-Conference)
Dear committee,
the referral is about the CA LGBT-Flyer. I am really happy that this flyer exists and that we are actively approaching the LGBT-Community. I myself am a member of that community and feel that the title of the flyer has an exclusive character due to the words “IS ALSO”: “C.A. is also for the Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual or Transgender Addict” provokes the opposite feeling of inclusion.
First I propose the title “C.A. for the Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender or Queer Addict” and second would like to initiate thoughts about extending the wording to the more current “LGBTQ+”.
Thank you for your service
Nina
A. MOTION: EDIT THE TITLE OF THE PAMPHLET “C.A. IS ALSO FOR THE LGBTQ+ ADDICT” AS FOLLOWS: C.A. IS ALSO FOR THE LGBTQ+ ADDICT
10. LCF 2021-08 (Monica P., Pre-conference) Suggestion getting monthly chips. Its a long time to go between 60 day and 6 month
a. MOTION: APPROVE THE CREATION OF THE FOLLOWING CHIPS AS PER POINT 4 OF THE C.A. CHIP APPROVAL PROCESS: FOUR MONTHS, FIVE MONTHS, SEVEN MONTHS, EIGHT MONTHS, TEN MONTHS, ELEVEN MONTHS
11. MOTION: UPDATE THE TWELVE-STEP COMPANION GUIDE TABLE OF CONTENTS BY INSERTING A NEW SECTION C AND RELETTERING REMAINING PART AS FOLLOWS:
TABLE OF CONTENTS
[Existing unchanged Parts and Sections]
PART C: CONNECTION
The Miracle of C.A.
A Higher Power of Our Own Understanding: Questions of God, Belief and Faith
Sponsorship
To the Inmate and Those in Treatment
Staying Connected With C.A.: Keep Coming Back
Life With an Addict or an Alcoholic: Our Family Experience
PART D: APPENDICES
[Existing Unchanged Appendices]
<LCF Attach 08>
12. MOTION: UPDATE THE TWELVE-STEP COMPANION GUIDE TABLE OF CONTENTS APPENDICES SECTION BY INSERTING A NEW APPENDIX “A” AND RELETTERING THE REMAINING APPENDICES AS FOLLOWS:
TABLE OF CONTENTS
[Existing unchanged Parts and Sections]
PART D: APPENDICES
A. The Nature of Addiction
- . . . And All Other Mind-Altering Substances
- Cocaine Anonymous Self-Test
- Twelve Steps of Cocaine Anonymous
- Twelve Traditions of Cocaine Anonymous
- Twelve Concepts of Cocaine Anonymous
- How to Start a C.A. Meeting
- Acknowledgements
- More About Cocaine Anonymous
- Suggested Meeting Formats
13. LCF 2021-13 (Cynthia C., Washington Area, In-conference) Please consider the idea of a Service Companion Guide offering original C.A. narrative content regarding the Traditions and Concepts along with exercises to help our members become more effective trusted servants. It would be intended for studying along with A.A.’s Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions and Service Manual, as well as C.A.’s own service-related literature and guidelines, all of which would be referenced and/or quoted with appropriate citations.
With the Steps having been so thoroughly covered in the Twelve-Step Companion Guide, please also consider modifying the existing Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions book concept rather than presenting this as a separate new book concept. The Service Companion Guide could also incorporated other pending pamphlet/booklet projects such as the Twelve Concepts Inventory, Twelve Traditions and Concepts Illustrated, and potential new projects such as Service Sponsorship, either as chapters within the book or as appendices.
A proposed Table of Contents is included below. There has been some informal discussion of doing a separate book or workbook on the Concepts, but I think combining them with the Traditions is the best way to bring them to the attention of members who might not otherwise realize how much they can benefit from studying the Concepts. Thank you for your consideration.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
PREFACE
PART A: INTRODUCTION
Benefits and Rewards of Service
Opportunities to Be of Service
Becoming a More Effective Trusted Servant
Service Sponsorship
PART B: THE TWELVE TRADITIONS OF COCAINE ANONYMOUS
[Narrative and exercises]
PART C: THE TWELVE CONCEPTS OF COCAINE ANONYMOUS
[Narrative and exercises]
PART D: APPENDICES
- Resources for Further Reading
- Definitions of Acronyms and Initialisms
- Traditions Group Inventory
- Twelve Concepts Inventory
- Twelve Traditions and Concepts Illustrated
- Twele Steps of Cocaine Anonymous
- Twelve Traditions of Cocaine Anonymous
- Twelve Concepts of Cocaine Anonymous
- Acknowledgements
- More About Cocaine Anonymous
- Suggested Meeting Formats
A. MOTION: TO MODIFY THE CONCEPT OF A C.A. STEPS AND TRADITIONS BOOK APPROVED AT THE 2003 WSC TO BECOME A BOOK ON THE TRADITIONS AND CONCEPTS.
14. MOTION: TO UPDATE POINT 9 OF THE C.A. BOOK APPROVAL PROCESS AS FOLLOWS:
Point 9: An initial rough edit of the book will be performed by subcommittee members. Although correcting spelling, grammar and punctuation is generally desirable, the subcommittee may opt in favor of preserving the author’s voice and the original flavor of the submission. Once the subcommittee has approved a draft, the book is forwarded to LCF. LCF’s involvement in cover design varies from project to project. If the subcommittee wishes to propose language and/or artwork for the front or back cover, it should be included with the draft book reviewed by LCF and by the WSBT in Points 10 and 11, respectively.
15. MOTION: TO UPDATE POINT 14 OF THE C.A. BOOK APPROVAL PROCESS AS FOLLOWS:
Point 14: The book is delivered by the WSO to a professional book designer or volunteer typesetter, who will prepare the book for production. If LCF has not provided cover language and/or art, the WSO shall be charged with completing these tasks as part of the overall design and publication process, subject to review and approval by LCF and the WSBT. If the WSO wishes to make substantive changes to any cover elements provided by LCF, these changes must go back to both LCF and the WSBT for review and approval. This process should be completed within ninety (90) days of LCF’s approval of the edited draft in Point 13.
REFERRALS THAT WERE FORWARDED TO OTHER COMMITTEES:
1. LCF 2021-06 (Liv V. from London Area, Pre-conference) Proposal to change ‘men and women’ to ‘people’, in the Preamble. Cocaine Anonymous is a fellowship of men and women who share their experience, strength and hope with each other that they may solve their common problem, and help others to recover from their addiction.
Response: Thank you for your referral. Due to the preamble being used with permission from A.A. Grapevine Inc., and adapted for use by C.A., we felt that there is a legal issue which may need to be addressed prior to any changes in our literature. Transferred to WSBT
2. LCF 2021-09 (Wesley B, New York, Pre-conference) Per our NY member Becca, CANY voted to bring this to WSC: AA has changed the Preamble to the gender neutral “people” from “men and women.” We propose that CA follow suit and change the CA preamble to the gender neutral people” as well
Response: Thank you for your referral. Due to the preamble being used with permission from A.A. Grapevine Inc., and adapted for use by C.A., we felt that there is a legal issue which may need to be addressed prior to any changes in our literature. Transferred to WSBT
3. LCF 2021-11 (John R., AZ Area, In-conference): 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 enthusiamism I think this would be something that might be pretty awesome.
Response: Thank you for your referral. The color of the plastic chips is decided by the World Service Office. Transferred to WSOB.
REFERRALS STILL IN COMMITTEE:
1. LCF 2020-01 – (Ian Y., Thailand, Pre-Conference). Could LCF please reconsider my request for the attached “Anonymity Statement” to be made available to all of our membership by approving it as a suggested “Anonymity Statement” to be read at meetings and available to download from the CA.org website.
To clarify the response (*see below for copy of your response), that I feel is inadequate and unsatisfactory, and also ill considered, that there already exists literature that covers this topic, I believe this to be incorrect. Existing Anonymity Statements that I can see speak only to the 11th Tradition around anonymity at the level of press, radio, television and film.
The anonymity statement I’ve submitted speaks to the spiritual practices of conduct around anonymity in meetings and the spirituality of anonymity, as mentioned in Tradition 12. It is a beautiful reading full of sentiment and suggestion for appropriate spiritual behaviour at our meetings and outside.
By introducing this as a reading to be read in meetings around the world will only make our meetings a safer and kinder place to attend and share.
I respectfully request you reconsider the submission of this Anonymity Statement as a reading available to this meetings that wish to have a CA standard Anonymity Statement to be read during our meetings.
<Anonymity Statement.
In closing this meeting, let me remind you that the opinions expressed here are strictly those of the individual. Remember that anonymity is the spiritual foundation of all our traditions.
The things you see here, hear here and share here are spoken and shared in confidence, please treat them that way.
Listen with an open mind, try to absorb what you see and hear, then you are bound to get a better understanding of yourself, your problem and your way of life.
Talk with each other, reason with each other, but let there be no gossip and no criticism of each other. Instead, let the love, acceptance, understanding and companionship of this meeting and the program grow inside you every day. Would you please help me close this meeting with the serenity prayer
2. LCF 2020-02 – (Robby S., Southern Alberta, Post-Conference). Make a Social Media pamphlet outlining how we can use social media and still follow our traditions on anonymity. The does and don’ts and how to use it. For example, don’t check in on a meeting and don’t tag people on FaceBook. And the proper use of photos. Please see the attached conference approved presentation for your consideration. <insert attached power point LCF2020-02 Attachment>
3. LCF 2020-04 – (Rai W., CAUK Area, Pre-Conference). The Homegroup members of the Hackbridge Tuesday meeting in England would like to make an addition to the questions asked on the ‘Traditions Group Inventory’ re: Tradition 10.
This currently reads…
‘Tradition 10: Cocaine Anonymous has no opinion on outside issues; hence the CA name ought never be drawn into public controversy. Am I ever mindful that Cocaine Anonymous has no opinion on outside issues, especially when I share my personal experiences concerning treatment centers, churches, hospitals, jails, and my opinions about such topics as alcohol, legalizing marijuana, religion, etc.? Do I understand that if Cocaine Anonymous expressed any opinions on outside issues, it could create exclusion and controversy? Do I make every effort not to breach this tradition, even in the slightest way? Do I continually remind myself that I cannot control anyone’s thinking or beliefs, especially other addicts, sponsees, etc.?
At the group level, do I refrain from expressing my opinions on outside issues?’
We would like to see the first question read as….
‘Am I ever mindful that Cocaine Anonymous has no opinion on outside issues, especially when I share my personal experiences concerning treatment centers, churches, hospitals, jails, and my opinions about such topics as alcohol, legalizing marijuana, religion, prescription medication etc.?’
The addition being the words ‘prescription medication’.
Thank you for your consideration,
Hackbridge, Tuesday Homegroup Members
LCF 2021-13 (Jay F., Colorado Area, In-conference) I remain concerned that in the translation of our approved literature, in this instance, A Quiet Peace, into another language that there were changes made to that work without any involvement by LCF or sign off. The changes made on at least one meditation was a complete rewrite of one day’s meditation. As a member of LCF involved in the authoring and assembly of this book, where we struggled with every comma and quote, this practice seems not aligned with LCF’s or the Conference’s charge. Plus it sets a really bad precedent for future translations.
To me, literature translation and the sales of that product/publication needs to be about preserving the piece not making money.
I’d like to see the WSOB work with LCF to come up with an agreeable solution please.
Thank you.
Response: Thank you for your referral. We have attempted to address this issue in our 2021 Guidelines update but feel that the conversation should continue with both the WSOB and the WSBT. As such we will consider this referral as remaining open until a unified solution is reached.
CLOSED REFERRALS:
1. LCF 2020-03 (Claudia W., Germany, Post Conference). Would the LCF Committee please look into compiling experience, strength and hope stories from the current, diverse fellowship to be included in a future HFCIII publication?
Reason: The second half of the Big Book does not reflect the CA experience, HFC does. Our primary purpose would be well served by updating our stories for better identification of future newcomers.
Response: Thank you very much for your submission. There is no current plan for HFCIII. However, should one be considered in the future we welcome your input.
2. LCF 2021-02 (Scott B., Kansas, Pre-conference) Proposal to design a “homecoming” chip or similar designation for those that went out to see the world again and are returning home.
Response: Thank you very much for your submission. At this time the LCF committee feels that our current C.A. chips meet this need for the Fellowship.
3. LCF 2021-03 (Brian O., C.A. Scotland, Pre-conference) I request that CA collect members Spiritual Experiences and put them in a volume about the same size as The Service Handbook.
Thank you
I look forward to hearing from you
Thank you for all your support:)))
Response: Thank you very much for your submission: There is currently literature that has been drafted that we will be seeking approval on soon which answers your
referral.
4. LCF 2021-04 (Gregor B., Holland Area, Pre-conference) In the reading who’s a cocaine addict: respiratory arrest should be a cardiac arrest because the first medical condition is not known for cocaine abuse. And the second medical condition is more likely to happen. This is discussed with a doctor who saw our reading card.
Response: Thank you very much for your submission. While we admit we are not medical experts we feel the reading should remain unchanged at this time.
5. LCF 2021-05 (Christie L., Arizona Area, on behalf of CAWS P.I. Committee, Pre-conference) The WSCPI Committee would like the LCF Committee to accept the “What is Hope?” pamphlet containing already Conference approved material as a concept to be made available to the Fellowship.
Response: Thank you very much for your submission. At this time the LCF committee feels that much of the content of this submission is adequately covered in existing material.
6. LCF 2021-10 (Eli W., Los Angeles, Pre-conference) A Quiet Peace Daily Meditations C.A. book has grammatical/spelling error on page 172 which is for June 13. The 11th word, in the 3rd sentence, of the first paragraph is incorrect. The correct word should be “through” not “though”. Thanks for your time and support correcting this.
Response: Thank you for you submission, great catch. This will be addressed through housekeeping.
COMMITTEE STRUCTURE AT END OF THIS CONFERENCE:
Chairperson – Jami D. James.s.davisiii@gmail.com 1-205-999-9381
Vice-chairperson – Matt L. Lancley5@hotmail.com +0034-677-643833
Co-Secretary – Jenn S. jenniferlscheible@gmail.com 1-403-589-5561
Co-Secretary – Tamarah W. tamarah.wilson@icloud.com 1-780-870-0510
1st Trustee Clay P. mwrt@ca.org 1-216-322-4316
2nd Trustee Jason L. tal1@ca.org +44 792063165
Members
Brenda M. bmorrow49@gmail.com 1-567-694-0403
Cynthia C. cynthia@bgr8ful.net 1-425-985-4808
Elizabeth S. esaldebar@aol.com 1-626-689-6999
Heidi J. hj-jonathan@comcast.net 1-415-816-2410
Tom P. t3wharfrat@aol.com 1-719-648-2482
Jeannette J. jeannettejohnson@sbcglobal.net 1-314-494-3055
Leslie R. leslieinphuket@gmail.com 1-816-786-7865
Terry M. mred007@aol.com 1-602-697-9510
Rob W. robartinaction@yahoo.com 1-303-885-0422
Jay F. finesilver1988@gmail.com 1-303-596-5592
Debs M. debmaidment2019@gmail.com +447748614933
Joe H. josephehynes@aim.com +4405107963059711
Nicole L. nicole.langlois4@videotron.ca 1-514-570-5396
Justin C. justinclague1@gmail.com 1-863-510-4350
Catherine E. catherinee66@hotmail.co.uk +075 77730130
Michael A. soberhippie@aol.com 1-414-837-4447
CLOSING COMMENTS:
As we move into the next working year, your LCF Committee continues producing materials that bring Hope to the hopeless, reveal Faith to the faithless, and inspire Courage in the still faint-of-heart. This work, that you so graciously allow us to perform, will endure long after each of us have completed our individual programs and been promoted to our eternal homes. That’s the true legacy of literature, the nature of what we do here, the essence of the program of Cocaine Anonymous. We realize that still, we know only a little and that we are merely willing vessels being used to pour out what has freely been given to us. Our prayer is that through this work, and the work of our Fellows, a life will be saved and forever changed.
It has been both my honor and privilege to serve as Chair of this wonderful committee. I have learned and grown so much as the result of my involvement here on LCF. Thank you so much for allowing me to be of service to this Fellowship which I love so dearly and which saved my life.
Respectfully Submitted:
Justin C.
Chair – Literature, Chips, and Formats Committee