Category: Conference

Cocaine Anonymous World Service Conference Charter

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1. Purpose: The World Service Conference of Cocaine Anonymous is the guardian of the world services and of the Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions of Cocaine Anonymous. The Conference shall be a service body only, never a government for Cocaine Anonymous.

2. Composition of World Service Conference: The World Service Conference shall be composed of Area Delegates, the World Service Board of Trustees, Directors of the World Service Office, staff members of the World Service Office, and any other members of the Fellowship who wish to attend.

3. Conference Relation to C.A.: The Conference will act for C.A. in the perpetuation and guidance of its world services, and it will also be the vehicle by which the C.A. movement can express its view upon all matters of vital C.A. policy and all hazardous deviations from C.A. Tradition. Delegates should be free to vote as their conscience dictates; they should also be free to decide what questions should be taken to the Group level, whether for information, discussion, or their own direct instruction.

But no change in Article 10 of the Charter or in the Twelve Traditions of C.A., or in the Twelve Steps of C.A. may be made except by first asking the consent of the known C.A. Groups of the world. [This would include all C.A. Groups known to the recognized Areas around the world.] These Groups shall be suitably notified of any proposal for change and shall be allowed no less than six months for consideration thereof. And before any such Conference action can be taken, there must first be received in writing within the time allotted the consent of at least three-fourths of all those Groups who respond to such a proposal (not counting abstentions)

4. Conference Relation to the World Service Board of Trustees and its Corporate Services: It will be understood, as a matter of tradition, that a two-thirds vote of a Conference quorum shall be considered binding upon the World Service Board of Trustees and its related corporate services. A quorum shall consist of two-thirds of all the voting Conference members registered and present.

But no such vote ought to impair the legal rights of the World Service Board of Trustees and the service corporation to conduct routine business and make ordinary contracts relating thereto. It will be further understood, regardless of the legal prerogatives of the World Service Board of Trustees, as a matter of tradition, that a three-quarters vote of all the voting Conference members registered and present may bring about a reorganization of the World Service Board of Trustees and the Directors and staff members of its corporate services, if or when such reorganization is deemed essential. The term “reorganization” shall mean the removal of one or more Trustees and/or directors.

Under such a proceeding, the WSC may:

  1. request resignations of WSBT and/or WSOB members,
  2. remove members of WSBT and/or WSOB
  3. nominate new Trustees and/or WSOB members;
  4. make all other necessary arrangements, regardless of the legal prerogatives of the World Service Board of Trustees.

5. Delegate Elections: Area Delegate elections are held by Area service committee meetings or assemblies composed of elected General Service Representatives of all C.A. Groups desiring to participate, District Officers, Area Officers, Service Committee Chairpersons, and other members who are involved in C.A. service. Area Delegate elections may be held as needed 120 days prior to the next World Service Conference.

6. 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)

7. Annual Meeting: The Conference will meet at least once a year unless otherwise agreed upon by voting Conference members. Special meetings may be called as necessary by voting Conference members. 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.

8. The World Service Board of Trustees: Composition, Jurisdiction and Responsibilities: The World Service Board of Trustees of Cocaine Anonymous shall be an incorporated trusteeship, composed of addicts and non-addicts whose successors are elected by the Trustee Election Committee, these choices being subject, however, to the approval of the Conference. The World Service Board of Trustees is the chief service arm of the Conference and is essentially custodial in its character. (WSC Amendment, 1992)

Except for decisions upon matters of policy, finance, or C.A. Tradition, liable seriously to affect C.A. as a whole, the World Service Board of Trustees has entire freedom of action in the routine conduct of the policy and business affairs of the C.A. service corporations and may name suitable committees and elect Directors to its subsidiary corporate service entities in pursuance of this purpose.

Except in great emergency, neither the World Service Board of Trustees nor any of its related services ought ever to take any action liable greatly to affect C.A. as a whole without first consulting the Conference.

9. The World Service Conference: Its General Procedures: The Conference will hear the financial and policy reports of the World Service Board of Trustees and its related corporate services. The Conference will advise the Trustees, Directors, and staff members upon all matters presented as affecting C.A. as a whole, engage in debate, appoint necessary committees, and pass suitable resolutions by a two-thirds majority of voting members present for the advice or direction of the World Service Board of Trustees and its related services.

The World Service Conference Charter, the Bylaws of Cocaine Anonymous World Services, Inc., and the World Service Conference Standing Rules, or any amendments thereto, should always be subject to the approval of the World Service Conference by a two-thirds vote of all its voting Conference members present.

The Conference may also discuss and recommend appropriate action respecting serious deviations from C.A. Tradition or harmful misuse of the name “Cocaine Anonymous.”

The Conference may draft any needed Bylaws and will name its own officers and committees by any method of its own choosing.

The Conference at the close of each yearly session will draft a report of its proceedings, to be supplied to all Delegates and committee members; and also a condensation thereof, which will be sent to C.A. Areas throughout the world.

10. General Warranties of the Conference: In all its proceedings, the World Service Conference shall observe the spirit of the C.A. Tradition, taking great care that the Conference never becomes the seat of perilous wealth or power; that sufficient operating funds, plus an ample reserve, be its prudent financial principle; that none of the Conference members shall ever be placed in a position of unqualified authority over any of the others; that all important decisions be reached by discussion, vote, and whenever possible, by substantial unanimity; that no Conference action ever be personally punitive or an incitement to public controversy; that though the Conference may act for the service of Cocaine Anonymous, it shall never perform any acts of government; and that, like the Fellowship of Cocaine Anonymous which it serves, the Conference itself will always remain democratic in thought and action.

World Service Board of Trustees (WSBT)

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Description

The World Services Board of Trustees (WSBT) has the broadest scope of any branch of our service structure. The responsibility of this Board is to help deal with anything that affects C.A. as a whole, either internally or externally. All things that may endanger the existence of our Fellowship or limit our growth are of concern to WSBT.

The WSBT does NOT govern. Its nature is that of custodian only, providing guidance. The WSBT may consist of both addicts and non-addicts as may be needed for professional areas of expertise and to broaden our perspective. Its members are known as Trustees. The only interest of the Trustees is to serve the best interest of our Fellowship. They are given such authority by and through the World Service Conference.

The WSBT, like the World Service Office, functions as an entity apart from the program. All actions by the WSBT are guided by the Traditions.

The World Service Office is responsible to the WSBT. In order to perform their various functions, the WSBT utilizes a subcommittee system.

The World Service Trustee is the primary signatory of all contracts negotiated by the Trustee Negotiation Committee.

Responsibilities of the WSBT Subcommittees

These committees are composed of Trustees, Fellowship members, and if needed, a non- addict. Members are selected on a “what they have to offer” basis. Internal structure of the WSBT is different from the rest of the service branches. The Trustees do not represent; they serve.

1. Finance

Participates in the review and oversight of all WSO financial matters; ensures compliance with existing guidelines and budgets of C.A. World Services.

2. Legal

On an ‘as needed’ basis, this committee investigates the legal implications of any business of C.A. World Services. This includes, but is not exclusive, to copyright, royalty and vendor licenses agreements. It is suggested that at least one member of this committee have some knowledge of legal matters.

3. World Service Conference

This committee, working with the WSO and the World Service Conference Committee, researches future venues for holding the World Service Conference. Also is responsible for bids and contract negotiations in collaboration with the Trustee Negotiating Committee. It is suggested that the World Service Trustee and the Pacific South Trustee sit on this committee. Note: this committee is only active every two years. 57World Service Manual 2025

4. Trustee Negotiation

To assist the World Service Trustee by serving as a group conscience in the review of all contracts negotiated on behalf of Cocaine Anonymous, involving the amount of $500 USD or greater prior to engagement on the part of Cocaine Anonymous. A contract is defined as any signed document between Cocaine Anonymous and any other person(s) or business (es), that indicates a commitment of services or goods between the two defined entities.

5. Trustee Election

This committee coordinates and oversees the Trustee Election process. See Trustee Election Committee Guidelines for addition information.

6. Long Term Planning

To plan and guide the future of Cocaine Anonymous to insure that the addict that still suffers can receive the message of recovery. This committee is not limited in participation by current WSBT members and it is suggested that former Trustees be included in this committee.

7. Orientation

To assist new members of the World Service Board of Trustees regarding the current matters being worked on by the WSBT, review the roles, responsibilities and guidelines for spending and subcommittee projects, board participation and meeting preparation and to serve as a point of contact for any questions regarding their new role as a member of the WSBT.

8. Newsgram

To review all articles of the NewsGram for tradition violations prior to publication and distribution to the C.A. Fellowship. Work with the WSO, NewsGram Editor, Regional Trustees and designated NewsGram coordinators within the regions to generate articles, poems, anecdotes, etc. for the NewsGram. Topics should include those about; Steps, Traditions, and Concepts, C.A. Finances, Long Term Planning objectives, etc. It is suggested that the WSBT provide one article per quarter for submission to the NewsGram in addition to the Trustee Corner.

9. Outreach

To work with past members of the WSBT to elicit, on an as-needed basis, their assistance and experience, strength and hope on any of a variety of issues affecting C.A., including, without limitation, soliciting input from the fellowship as a whole on surveys, literature projects, fellowship growth, etc.

10. International Structure and Development

To examine structure trademarks, expansion, development, language issues across our fellowship internationally.

The Officers of the WSBT are:

  • Chairperson
  • Vice-Chairperson
  • Secretary

The WSBT Service Structure

Purpose:

To ensure the continuation and growth of C.A.

Functions:

1. To deal with matters, both inside and outside the Fellowship, which affect the continuation of C.A. growth.

2. The guardians of the Twelve Traditions.

3. To actively seek and encourage ways of carrying the message of recovery to the addict who still suffers.

Membership

All Trustees serve the fellowship as a whole. The number of Trustees serving at any time is limited to a maximum of 12 active Trustees serving the World Service Conference. At least three-quarters are to be addict Trustees.

There are five types of Trustees:

  1. World Service Trustee
  2. Regional Trustee
  3. World Service Office Trustee
  4. Trustee-at-Large
  5. Non-Addict Trustee Regional Trustee:

Regional Trustees are from the various designated regions. While no Trustee can be said to represent a geographical section of the country or world, Regional Trustees bring an invaluable regional point of view to the WSBT,

World Service Trustee: World Service Trustee: Must be a fulltime resident of the country where CAWS is incorporated. The Trustee will be chosen from all the applicable regions of Cocaine Anonymous. World Service Trustees are chosen for their special experience, talents, or background. They should be comfortable reviewing and discussing contractual and legal issues and serve on both the WSBT and the WSOB.

World Service Office Trustee: The WSO Trustee is an active volunteer director, who is not already a Trustee, on the WSO Board of Directors.

Trustee-at-Large: The Trustee will be chosen from the eight regions of Cocaine Anonymous. Trustees at Large are chosen for their special experience, talents or background. They should: have the ability to be versatile, fill positions where needed on various committees, attend regional caucuses/conventions, and be, in the purest sense, a servant to the entire Fellowship.

Non-Addict Trustee: Non-Addict Trustees are from the various designated Regions.

The WSBT may consist of the following:

  • Regional Trustee 8
  • World Service Trustee 1
  • World Service Office Trustee 1
  • Trustee-at-Large 2
  • Non-Addict Trustee 1

Trustee Qualifications

Qualifications of Addict Trustees

1. Willingness to serve.

2. A commitment to service as shown by experience; working as a member of other C.A. service committees; and contributions to the continuation and growth of the Fellowship.

3. The time and resources necessary for active trusteeship.

4. A minimum of eight years of continuous abstinence from cocaine and all other mind-altering substances at the time of the election to the Regional slate.

5. A good working knowledge of the Twelve Traditions.

6. Has to have served as a voting member or committee chair at a prior WSC.

7. A working knowledge of the Twelve Concepts and the Conference Charter.

Qualifications of Non-Addict Trustees

1. Willingness to serve.

2. The time and resources necessary for active Trusteeship.

3. A knowledge of the Twelve Traditions.

4. A good understanding of the disease of addiction and the Twelve Step Program of Recovery.

WSBT Meetings

1. The Trustees shall hold regular meetings up to four times per year at the discretion of the WSBT.

2. Additional special meetings are held upon 60 percent of WSBT approval, whenever needed. Trustees will be notified by the Chairperson.

3. Attendance of at least 60 percent of the Trustees constitutes a quorum.

4. Each Trustee is expected to attend three out of four regular meetings. A Trustee who is unable to attend may be asked to resign.

5. Minutes are kept of all meetings.

6. A copy of the minutes is sent to:

  1. Each Trustee;
  2. The World Service Office;
  3. Each Delegate and Area central office; 60SECTION II: Cocaine Anonymous World Service
  4. All Conference committee chairpersons;
  5. All Conference officers.

The WSBT is an advisory board rather than a directive board. It is their responsibility to offer guidance to members, Groups, and service committees in matters concerning the Traditions or matters, which affect C.A. as a whole.

The Trustees do not have the authority to control C.A. or to change the nature of the Fellowship. Our Second Concept ensures that major policy decisions can only be made by the group conscience of the World Service Conference.

WSM 2025 pp. 57 – 61

WSC APPROVED LITERATURE, BOOKS, AND GUIDELINES

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From the World Service Manual 2020 pp. 88-89

Books:

A Quiet Peace
Hope, Faith & Courage: Stories from the Fellowship of Cocaine Anonymous
Hope, Faith & Courage Volume II: Stories and Literature from the Fellowship of Cocaine
Anonymous
Pamphlets:
. . . And All Other Mind Altering Substances
12 Principles
A Guide to the 12 Steps
A Higher Power
A New High from H&I
Anonymity
Being of Service
C.A is Also for the Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, or Transgender Addict
Cocaine Anonymous Self Test
Choosing Your Sponsor
Crack
Do’s & Don’ts for 12th-Step Calls for Addicts
Having Fun in Recovery
Newcomer Booklet
Reaching Out to the Deaf and Hard of Hearing
The 7th Tradition
The First 30 Days
The Home Group
Tips for Staying Clean & Sober
To the Newcomer
Too Young to Recover?
Tools of Recovery
Unity
What is C.A.?
Yes, You Can Start a C.A. Meeting
Other Materials:
C.A. Fact File
C.A Infoline Numbers
Reaching Out Card
Suggested Participation Meeting Format
Traditions Group Inventory

Guidelines And Workbooks

1. Cocaine Anonymous World Service Conference Committee Guidelines
2. Cocaine Anonymous World Service Conference Hospitals and Institutions Committee
Guidelines and Information
3. Cocaine Anonymous World Service Convention Committee Guidelines
4. Cocaine Anonymous World Service Literature, Chips, & Formats Committee Guidelines
5. Cocaine Anonymous World Service Manual
6. Cocaine Anonymous World Service Public Information Workbook
7. Cocaine Anonymous World Service Structure & Bylaws Guidelines
8. Financial Guidelines for Groups, Districts & Areas of Cocaine Anonymous
9. Information Technology Workbook and Guidelines
10. Unity Guidelines/Duties

ADVISORY OPINIONS

In addition, the World Service Conference has passed the following Advisory Opinions:

August 20, 1989: “THE BOOKS ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS AND TWELVE STEPS AND
TWELVE TRADITIONS OF ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS ARE TWO OF OUR MOST
VALUABLE TOOLS OF RECOVERY AND AS SUCH, IT IS THE OPINION OF COCAINE
ANONYMOUS THAT MEETINGS SHOULD BE ALLOWED TO HAVE THESE BOOKS
AVAILABLE TO SUPPORT MEMBERS IN THEIR RECOVERY.”

September 4, 2004: “THE BOOK, “A.A. SERVICE MANUAL”, COMBINED WITH THE
“TWELVE CONCEPTS FOR WORLD SERVICE” IS A VALUABLE TOOL OF RECOVERY
IN SERVICE, AND AS SUCH, IT IS THE OPINION OF COCAINE ANONYMOUS THAT
MEETINGS AND SERVICE MEETINGS WITHIN THE FELLOWSHIP SHOULD BE
ALLOWED TO HAVE THIS BOOK AVAILABLE TO SUPPORT THE MEMBERS IN
THEIR RECOVERY.”

WORLD SERVICE CONFERENCE DELEGATE

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The Delegate’s Job is a Spiritual One!

  1. Conference Delegates are required to have a working knowledge of the World Service Manual, in particular the Twelve Steps, the Twelve Traditions, The Twelve Concepts, the Standing Rules for the C.A. WSC, and the Conference Charter.
  2. Prior to the Conference, the Delegate transmits SR-14 material to their Area through Area and District Meetings as well as to individual groups. It is important that the information about the WSO and WSC be passed on with enthusiasm, encouraging the continued health and growth of C.A.
  3. Attend the World Service Conference (WSC) prepared, in order to be able to vote knowledgeably. Conference Delegates should be present during all voting times until the end of Conference. Every Conference Delegate, after their election, will notify the World Service Office (WSO) in order to be placed on the mailing list, gain access to relevant document storage folders, and to receive all Conference materials, which require several hours of study.
  4. After the Conference, the Delegate transmits the information back to their Area through Area and District Meetings as well as to individual Groups. It is important that the information about the WSO and WSC be passed on with enthusiasm, encouraging the continued health and growth of C.A.
  5. Delegates shall encourage their Areas to generate funds to help support World Services.
  6. Delegates must be prepared to attend District, Area and Regional service meetings. They must understand the issues in their Areas to be better able to present them to the Conference.
  7. Delegates cooperate with WSO by providing local meeting schedules and local C.A. information numbers.
  8. Delegates provide C.A. leadership by helping to solve local problems involving the C.A. Traditions. In the spirit of this leadership need, it is suggested that, if possible, Delegates and Alternate Delegates not hold any other service commitments at the District or Area level. Further, in the spirit of rotation, wherever possible, Delegates should only serve one term and not consecutive terms.
  9. Delegates visit Groups in their Districts/Areas and are sensitive to their needs and reactions. They should learn how the Groups have reacted to Conference reports. Delegates know communication is a two-way street, with information moving in both directions.
  10. Delegates serve on a World Service Conference Committee and work closely with Committee members throughout the year. It is the Delegate’s responsibility to work closely with other members of their WSC committee to ensure that it is in action throughout the year.

page 32 – 2025 Edition Reflecting actions from the 2024 World Service Conference – Last updated: April 7, 2025

  1. Delegates keep Alternate Delegates fully informed including access to documents and processes on WSC participation requirements, so that the Alternate can replace the Delegate in an emergency.
  2. Delegates shall help all newly elected WSC Delegates and Alternate Delegates from their Areas by passing on knowledge of WSC procedures including, but not exclusively, Credentialling, WSC Registration, access to document storage platform, referrals etc.
  3. They are also responsible for contacting the Regional Trustee at least once per quarter to provide the Trustee with Area reports and updates.
  4. Delegates and Alternate Delegates must ensure that they have been credentialed by their Area Chairperson or an authorized individual upon election, but no later than 30 days prior to the WSC, providing their full name, email address, phone number, and the number of votes they carry. If attending, Delegates must also ensure they are Registered a minimum of 30 days prior to WSC. Note: Alternate Delegates must also be Credentialed and, if attending, Registered online even if they are allocated no vote [0 vote] as this then permits them to accept a proxy vote should the situation arise.
  5. Delegates and Alternate Delegates are to access the web-based document storage platform allowing them to review and familiarize themselves with all WSC materials, including Delegate Mailings.

Procedure for Delegate/Alternate Election to The Cocaine Anonymous World Service Conference

  1. Delegates and Alternate Delegates are to be elected to the WSC by each Area. Each Area shall have two (2) votes which may be carried by up to two (2) Area Delegates or Alternate Delegate(s), 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 25 meetings per week of its groups (excluding H&I), then that Area will be entitled to one additional vote for every fifty (50) meetings per week of its groups (or portion thereof). This takes effect after conference 2026 for all existing areas, and after conference 2022 for new areas recognized at WSC. If an Area has any question concerning the number of votes to which it is entitled, that Area should contact its Regional Trustee. Areas should ensure that Groups and /or online groups are aligned with only one (1) Area, avoiding inaccurate Delegate counts, and permitted Area votes at Conference.
  2. The purpose of the Alternate Delegate is to assist the Delegate and to assume the responsibilities of the Delegate when necessary. Suggested requirements and qualifications are the same as those for Delegates. Any Alternate who replaces the Delegate at the WSC will remain on the WSC and Regional mailing list as that Area’s delegate for the balance of the unexpired portion of the original Delegate’s term until the WSO and the Regional Trustee is informed otherwise by the Area Chairperson. Such

page 33 – 2025 Edition Reflecting actions from the 2024 World Service Conference – Last updated: April 7, 2025

  1. an Alternate Delegate succeeding to a Delegate position is eligible to run for election to a full Delegate term.
  2. The Area must decide at the Delegate election who is eligible to be a Delegate and who is eligible to vote for the Delegate. It is suggested that the GSR, District Officers, Service Committee Chairpersons, Area Officers, and other members who are involved in C.A. service qualify for election. It is further suggested that Delegates have four years of continuous sobriety.
  3. The Delegates and Alternate Delegates are to be elected for a term of four (4) conferences, within a period of four (4) consecutive conferences. It is suggested that the spirit of rotation be followed.
  4. When necessary, Delegate elections are to be held 120 days prior to the World Service Conference. It is recommended that all new Delegates for the current WSC be elected prior to the Regional Service Assembly.

page 34 – 2025 Edition Reflecting actions from the 2024 World Service Conference – Last updated: April 7, 2025

C.A. Service Structure

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Whether you are already involved in service, looking for opportunities to serve your Fellowship, or just interested in knowing how your fellowship accomplishes its mission, this section of the website provides a resource that C.A. members may find helpful and informative.

If you have any questions regarding our service structure please review the information outlined in our fellowships ‘World Service Manual’ and other service materials available ca.org. You can also contact your local District or Area Service Committee. Alternatively you can also contact your Regional Trustee or World Service Board of Trustees by emailing wsbt@ca.org.

Download Current CA World Service Manual (WSM)

From the World Service Manual:

“Cocaine Anonymous is not organized in the formal or political sense. There are no governing officers, no rules or regulations, no dues or fees. While we are guided by the Twelve Traditions of Cocaine Anonymous, each group is generally free to conduct its business as it sees fit, as stated in Tradition 4: ‘Each group should be autonomous except in matters affecting other groups or C.A. as a whole.’

“However, the need for services to addicts throughout the world is very important to the Fellowship. Inquiries from both within and outside the Fellowship have to be answered. Literature has to be written, printed and distributed, and requests for help be followed up. The main service body of the Fellowship is C.A. World Services, which is centered at the World Service Office in Los Angeles, California. Here employees and service volunteers maintain communications with local Groups and with persons outside the Fellowship who turn to C.A. for information on the program of recovery. C.A. Conference-approved literature and chips are prepared, published and distributed through this office.

The Service Structure of C.A.

 

“The World Service Office, through its Board of Directors, is responsible to the World Service Board of Trustees. The Trustees, who serve as custodians of the Traditions of Cocaine Anonymous, as well as interpreters of policies affecting C.A. as a whole, in turn are responsible to the World Service Conference.

“The World Service Conference meets annually to unify the Fellowship and consider those actions which affect the Fellowship as a whole. Comprised of Delegates from all the recognized Areas of C.A., as well as the Trustees and the World Service Office Board, the Conference considers how best to carry the message of recovery from addiction to those outside, as well as inside, the meeting rooms of Cocaine Anonymous. Committees of the Conference cover various areas that affect carrying that message of recovery: Literature, Hospitals and Institutions, Public Information, Convention (responsible for the annual World Service Convention), and Unity. Other Committees address the internal functions of the Fellowship: Conference, Finance, and Structure & Bylaws.

“All of the service structure of C.A. is based on our 9th Tradition: “C.A. as such ought never be organized, but we may create service boards or committees directly responsible to those they serve.’”