Feb 28    Annual GSR Meeting    10-12:15
SHARE Center, 5521 Grosvenor Avenue, Los Angeles    N/A

Mar 28    SCDA RAG Meeting    10-12:15
SHARE Center, 5521 Grosvenor Avenue, Los Angeles    N/A

I. Meeting Opened by Chair Richard at 10:06 a.m.

II. Officer Reports

A. Secretary (Virginia)
Erik said that his name was misspelled and the IOC name was incorrect in the September minutes. Virginia said that she will update the minutes to make these corrections. The September minutes were approved by acclaim.

Following up on the action voted on at the September meeting, Virginia set up a free conference call for members in geographically distant locations, such as Fresno, Palm Springs, Santa Barbara, Hesperia, Ventura, and Morro Bay, to virtually attend the RAG meeting. Seven GSRs were invited and reminded via phone and e-mail, but no one called in.

B.  Treasurer
Not present. No report provided. Richard committed to ask Mark DT and Janet for a report by the next RAG meeting.

C. Meeting Liaison (Lynda)
No report provided.

III. Intergroup Announcements (Mary and John S.)

ISR Mary was unable to attend but provided a report. She has drafted her spending plan for the GSR conference in Dallas, and estimates that she needs $1,700, and has communicated this to the SCDA Intergroup. Mary also said that the SCDA Intergroup is selling member-donated “I _ Me” t-shirts.

John S. reported that SCDA Intergroup is now forwarding outreach calls they receive to volunteers because of reduced office hours for the staff. Richard suggested that the SCDA Intergroup use software to forward voice mails to volunteers. John S. said that the Visions Retreat will be held in May and October in 2009, and that there will be no SCDA Intergroup workshop in December 2008.

IV. Conference Committee and Caucus Reports:

A. Conference Committee (Dianne)
Dianne reported that the committee has written a charter amendment that will come up for a vote at the 2009 conference. She mentioned that groups need to re-register every year. She said that the Board Liaison subcommittee convenes only when an issue is raised with a GSB member.

B. Fellowship and Communications Committee (Julia and Richard)
Julia reported that the Adopt-a-Loner subcommittee members are approaching other 12-step Fellowships to see how they have handled this type of outreach. She said that the FCC is writing responses to the issues and concerns assigned to the committee at the last conference.

Richard reported that he plans to write an article for the Ways and Means on the topic of SCDA RAG’s discussion of DA’s primary purpose.

C. Literature Committee
No report provided.

D. Public Information Committee (Michael, Lynda, and Charlotte)
Michael reported the following:
• Dionne has resigned from the committee.
• The College Students Outreach subcommittee has been disbanded.
• The Armed Services Outreach subcommittee has plans to conduct outreach to the ombudsmen at the USO, Veteran’s Administration, USO, and Illinois Warriers organizations.
• The Hispanic Outreach subcommittee has found a non-conference-approved DA web site in Spanish, and has sent the URL to the GSO along with a proposal to purchase the web site for $1.
• The Foreclosure/Lending Institution Outreach subcommittee has plans to conduct outreach to brokers.
• The Outreach to Professionals subcommittee is preparing a PowerPoint presentation for outreach. Peter K. is currently conducting media training conference calls. 15 people have been trained so far; the goal provided by the GSO to PI is 30. The requirements for media outreach volunteers are one year of abstinence, two PRGs, and a familiarity with the 12 Traditions. This subcommittee is also compiling an e-mail outreach list of credit counselors, and has plans to contact the Southern California Broadcasting Association (SCBA), as well as the Employee Assistance Program (EAP) coordinators in the Washington D.C. and Maryland areas. Richard said that PI gave out fliers at the EAP conference in San Francisco in October 2008.

E. Resource Development Committee
No report provided.

F. BDA Committee (Marianne and Faith)
Faith and Marianne reported that at the 2008 Conference, the BDA Committee GSB Liaison undermined the orderly flow of committee work with lengthy and repetitive unsupportive commentary about the focus of the BDA Committee, repeatedly expressing an opinion doubting the value of its service to DA as a whole. Marianne informally reported this issue to GSB Chair Willie at the Conference. Dianne said that in a situation like this, the BDA Committee could ask the GSB to assign a different trustee that was a better match for the BDA Committee. If the issue remained unresolved, the BDA Committee could refer the issue to the Board Liaison Subcommittee of the Conference Committee for resolution.

Marianne also reported the following:
• Sam B. from Chico has been conducting group sponsorship conference calls with London BDA groups.
• The BDA Business Plan Subcommittee is working on a first draft of a pamphlet, which is almost completed. Michael C. and Monica A. are writing it jointly, and the Subcommittee as a whole is deciding who should be the designated “writer” for the pamphlet in order for it to go forward with the Literature Services Committee after the first draft is completed.
• The BDA Numbers Booklet Subcommittee is conducting trials of the booklet to business owner debtors in Washington D. C. and Sacramento.
• BDA is recruiting members to write business debt recovery stories to be posted on the DA web site. Requirements to submit a story are three years of abstinence, as well as a signed release submitted to the GSB Board Liaison Aishlin or to the GSB Communications Committee.
• A new BDA Step Study Supplement subcommittee was formed to create a booklet that contains group step-study questions from the BDA perspective.

G. Intergroup Caucus (John S.)
John S. reported the following:
• The Intergroup Caucus was asked by the GSB to assess their performance since the last conference.
• The SCDA Intergroup has updated the SCDA Resource List of members willing to speak. This is the first update in three years.
• Caucus members suggested that intergroups serve food at their meetings in order to increase attendance.
• Speakers, sponsors, and PRG givers are needed for members attending the 18 phone meetings.

H. Hospitals, Institutions, and Prisons Committee (Starr)
Starr reported that this is her final GSR RAG meeting due to rotation of service. She said that GSB Liaison Paul presented the HIP-created FAQ to the GSB for approval. The GSB rejected the proposal because the GSB felt that there were overlaps between the FAQ and the current PI manual. Starr also said that the proposed outreach to Kaiser Permanente was not carried out.

I. Internal Operations Committee (Erik)
Erik reported the following:
• GSB Liaison Jan plans to make his annual visit to the GSO in the November/December timeframe.
• The IOC is looking into the possibility of selling literature and accepting donations from the DA web site, and members are currently experimenting with online payment services. Michael said that no 12-step group can accept donations online because of the 7th Tradition.
• The IOC is recruiting volunteers to help out at the office. This is an ongoing effort.

J. Diversity Caucus (Lynda)
Lynda reported that the Caucus was asked by the GSB to assess their performance since the last conference.

K. Technology Caucus (Virginia)
Virginia reported that the Caucus has prioritized the list of suggestions that came out of the last conference, and is working on creating regional web templates and One member of the Caucus has volunteered to act as a resource to provide web support to regional web masters.

V. GSB Report

No report provided. No trustees in attendance.

VI. Unfinished Business

None

VII. New Business

Michael moved that a phone tree be created of GSR volunteers who would call other GSRs before meetings and remind them to attend. Ruth seconded the motion. The motion carried.

Dianne moved that the SCDA RAG adopt a tradition of doing one outreach project a year to carry the message. Ruth seconded the motion. Marianne called the question. The motion carried.

VIII. Good and Welfare

Since the Treasurer and Co-Treasurer were not in attendance, no count was provided for the 7th Tradition taken at the meeting. Richard took possession of the 7th Tradition at the close of the meeting.

Faith and Marianne reported that the BDA Committee has a GSB Liaison who is undermining the work of the committee. Marianne has reported this issue to GSB Chair Willie. Dianne said that if the GSB does not assign a different trustee to the BDA Committee, the BDA Committee can refer this issue to the Board Liaison Subcommittee of the Conference Committee for resolution.

Lynda said that the SCDA Intergroup is talking about doing a Steps retreat in partnership with SCDA RAG.

Ruth and Michael volunteered to be service sponsors to new GSRs.

IX. Next Meeting:  Regular Meeting, Saturday, January 24, 10am-12:15pm
X. Closing Prayer
XI. Meeting Adjourned at 12:16 p.m.

I. Meeting Opened by Chair Richard at 10:10 a.m.

II. Officer Reports

A. Secretary (Virginia)
Richard reported that he changed the date of the minutes from the last meeting from 7/27 to 7/26. The minutes from the last meeting were approved by acclaim.

B.  Treasurer
Not present. Richard passed around the Treasurer report given to him by Dominique. The RAG ending balance is $1,931.13.

C. Meeting Liaison (Lynda)
Not present.

III. Intergroup Announcements

ISR Mary distributed copies of the October Checks and Balances for all the GSRs present. She reported that two new people have been hired to work in the SCDA office, that $697 was made at the business plan workshop, and that there are currently 71 meetings in the area served by the SCDA intergroup.

IV. Conference Committee and Caucus Reports:

A. Conference Committee (Diane)
Diane reported that the Conference Committee is planning to resubmit charter amendment by the deadline for consideration at the 2009 conference. The amendment is to change the charter to say that “75% of all responding groups have to approve any changes to the charter” instead of “75% of all groups have to approve any change to the charter.” Diane also said that the Board Conference Liaison Subcommittee is planning to create a panel to address any accountability issues that the WSC Committees have with the GSB.

B. Fellowship and Communications Committee (Julia)
Julia reported that during the last FCC conference call, the issues and concerns assigned to the FCC were reviewed, and that the committee plans to draft letters to each group that had an issue assigned to the FCC. Richard added that GSB Liaison Alan K. created a high-level design document of the new Adopt-A-Loner online form, and that the FCC has taken over from the PI committee the task of distributing literature grants to new meetings.

C. Literature Committee
No report provided.

D. Public Information Committee (Dionne)
Dionne reported that seven subcommittees were formed:

• Outreach to Professionals
• Armed Services Outreach
• College Students Outreach
• Foreclosure/Lending Institution Outreach
• Public Service Announcements
• Hispanic Outreach
• Outreach to the PI Committees of Other 12-Step Programs

E. Resource Development Committee
No report provided.

F. BDA Committee (Marianne and Monica)
Marianne reported that several BDA literature pieces (BDA Clarity in Business Finances pamphlet, BDA Recovery Stories book, and BDA Newcomers pamphlet) were being discussed, and that a BDA Sponsorship Outreach subcommittee was formed with a member in London who was planning on test the use of audio and video conferencing to communicate with a member in L.A.

Monica reported that a BDA Business Plan subcommittee was formed, and was in the process of reviewing 14 questions to include in the BDA Business Plan proposal.

GSB Trustee James stated that the Literature Services committee is responsible for selecting the volunteers and paid writers who write DA literature and is responsible for editing DA literature.

G. Intergroup Caucus (Mary)
Mary reported that the Intergroup Caucus discussed whether the phone meetings should have their own intergroup.

H. Hospitals, Institutions, and Prisons Committee (Starr)
Starr reported that GSB Liaison Paul plans to present to the GSB for approval a draft of Frequently Asked Questions for groups interested in doing HIP service work. GSB Trustee Willie stated that AA has their HIP annual conference in April.

I. Internal Operations Committee (Erik)
Erik reported that the IOC is planning on working with the Technology Caucus to streamline office operations so that e-commerce can be conducted for donations and literature purchases. GSB Trustee James suggested that the e-commerce design include a provision for rejecting credit card payments so that DA’s primary purpose is not violated.

J. Diversity Caucus (Beth)
Beth reported that the first Diversity conference call will be held on October 12.

K. Technology Caucus (Virginia)
Virginia reported that during the first Technology Caucus conference call, the list of ideas presented at the conference were reviewed and prioritized, that a list of regional web masters is being compiled, and that GSB Liaison Alan K. presented to the Technology Caucus a high level design document of the Adopt A Loner online form that had been approved by the FCC.

V. GSB Report

GSB Trustee Willie reported that GSRs should report to their groups that the $26,000 shortfall in the proposed 2008-2009 spending plan presented at this year’s conference included the following proposed expenses:

Translation:     $12,000
Web site design:     $5,000
Web master:     $6,000
PI literature distributed at the AARP conference in Washington:    $3,000
Total:    $26,000

GSB Trustee James reported that Round 2 of the GSB’s Request for Proposals to find a writer for the DA 12&12 has begun. The deadline for submissions by DA members is November 1. Currently, $61,000 has been set aside to cover the initial costs of publishing the DA 12&12 book.

VI. Unfinished Business

Marianne volunteered to serve as the RAG Vice Chair.

Janet volunteered to serve as the RAG Co-Treasurer. She collected the Seventh Tradition, and reported that $70 was donated; of that, $17.35 went to meeting expenses.

VII. New Business

Virginia made a motion to invite GSRs from areas that are geographically distant from L.A. and Orange County to attend the November RAG meeting by dialing into a conference call service and listening in on the meeting via speaker phone on her cell phone. The motion was carried by acclaim.

VIII. Good and Welfare

Janet mentioned that when she gave her conference report to her group, a member objected to some of its content and indicated that his objection should be communicated to the RAG, which she did.

Virginia invited all GSRs to the DA workshop in Orange on Sunday, September 28.

IX. Next Meeting:  Regular Meeting, Saturday, November 22, 10am-12:15pm

X. Closing Prayer

XI. Meeting Adjourned by Vice Chair Marianne at 12:15 p.m.

I. Opening:
A. Serenity Prayer
B. Introductions
C. Welcome to new GSRs
D. Richard announced that Willie, James, and Wally would not be attending today’s meeting.

II. Officer Reports

A. Secretary (Virginia)
The minutes from the last meeting were amended by Richard H. and Michael M., and approved by acclaim.

B.  Treasurer (Deborah)
Deborah distributed the GSR RAG Treasury Report, which included income that was collected in May and deposited in July. She reported that $116 was collected during the seventh tradition. Deborah also resigned as GSR and as Co-Treasurer for the GSR RAG.

C. Meeting Liaison (Lynda)
Lynda distributed the GSR roster for everyone to update their contact information and GSR term of service.

III. Intergroup Announcements

Mary distributed a detailed report of the SCDA group activities and finances, as well as a workshop flier for a GSR fundraiser. She announced that there is a part-time job opening at the SCDA office. She reported that new meeting registration forms should be sent to John S. at resource@socalda.org. She said that all signups to the SCDA speakers list should be submitted by September 20.

IV. Conference Committee and Caucus Reports:

A. Conference Committee (Deborah)
Deborah reported that the John Henderson Fund distributed $6,400 to 13 applicants. She also said that a Board Conference Liaison Subcommittee was created.

B. Fellowship and Communications Committee (Virginia)
Virginia reported that the Adopt-A-Loner service proposal submitted by the FCC to the GSB was sent back for revisions that exclude the use of an online form or access to loner contact information by anyone other than the GSO.

C. Literature Committee (John)
Dominique reported that out of the 560 submissions received, only 160 have a valid signed release form.

D. Public Information Committee (Richard and Michael)
Richard said that PI has awarded $300 worth of literature packets to new and struggling meetings. Michael said that PI plans to participate at a national AARP convention in Washington D.C. in September.

E. Resource Development Committee
No report was provided.

F. BDA Committee
Timothy reported that a BDA numbers booklet has been created and is being reviewed by business owners in DA.

G. Intergroup Caucus
No report was provided.

H. Hospitals, Institutions, and Prisons Committee
No report was provided.

I. Regional Trustee Selection Study Commission
Mary reported that in the future the Regional Trustee Selection Study Commission may be merged with the Intergroup Caucus.

V. GSB Report

No report was provided.

VI. Unfinished Business

None

VII. New Business

None

VIII. Good and Welfare

Richard asked each GSR which committee they were considering joining this year. Several GSRs suggested bringing a laptop, USB device, and paper punch, if possible, to the conference.

Michael M. volunteered to coordinate the breakfast meetings of the RAG GSRs who are attending the conference.

Virginia B. invited all GSRs in the RAG to give their committee reports on Sunday, August 24, from 2 to 4 p.m. at the Kaiser Permanente Orange Health Pavilion, which is located at 200 N. Lewis, at Chapman, in Orange, right across the street from Crystal Cathedral.

The Treasurer and Co-Treasurer distributed checks to the GSR who requested funds.

Dionne made a motion to close the meeting, and Ivy seconded it. This motion was carried by acclaim.

IX. Next Meeting:  Regular Meeting, Saturday, September 27, 10am-12:15pm

X. Closing Prayer

XI. Meeting Adjourned at 12:15 p.m.

I. Opening:
A. Serenity Prayer
B. Moment of Silence in memory of Robert V.
C. Introductions
D. Welcome to new GSRs and to honored guest SCDA Intergroup Member At Large Sarah

II. Officer Reports

A. Secretary (Virginia)
The minutes from the last meeting were approved.

B.  Treasurer (Deborah)
Deborah distributed the GSR RAG Treasury Report.

Treasurer Mark D.T. reported that he had contacted former Treasurer Mark L. regarding checks cashed in January and February and deposits made in March and May which were not recorded in the check register. Mark D.T. read the phone mail response he received from Mark L. Michael M. made a motion to no longer follow up on this issue. The motion was carried by acclaim.

Deborah asked for volunteers to serve on the Finance Committee.

Deborah asked that all GSRs who think they might need funding to go to conference submit funding requests today and at the next meeting, based on their current conference spending plan.

III. Conference Committee and Caucus Reports:

A. Conference Committee (Deborah and Dianne)
Deborah reported that the conference spending plan is included in the conference packet that was mailed to all registered GSRs.

B. Fellowship and Communications Committee (Virginia)
Virginia reported that FCC has submitted a proposal via their GSB liaison to the GSB in order to partially automate the Adopt-A-Loner service.

C. Literature Committee (Jennifer)
Jennifer reported, and James confirmed, that the Literature Services committee is still accepting applications for the paid writer to work on the 12&12.

D. Public Information Committee (Richard and Michael)
Michael said that PI is planning to rent a booth at a national AARP convention in Washington D.C. in September.

E. Resource Development Committee (Brad)
Brad said that the RDC mission is to increase revenue and membership.

He said that the RDC’s Event Service Guide is in the literature approval process.

F. BDA Committee
There was no report provided.

G. Intergroup Caucus (Mary)
Mary reported that a survey by regional trustee study commission was sent to all intergroup reps for completion by June 15.

Mary committed to providing James Q. with a copy of the liability insurance policy that the DA intergroup has.

H. Hospitals, Institutions, and Prisons Committee (Anike)
Anike had no report.

I. Regional Trustee Selection Study Commission (Brad)
Brad read aloud last year’s motion from this commission. He said that the gist of the motion is that the commission wants to grow DA by establishing regional areas that support the GSB and to allow more GSB members to come from the New York and California regions.

IV. GSB Report
Trustee: Willie W.
Service Concept 6

Trustee: James Q. reported that there will be GSR training phone calls in June and July.

V. Reports of this GSR RAG - Committees and Projects

A. Meeting Liaison Committee (Lynda)
Lynda reported that one GSR donated a ream of paper to SHARE.

B. RAG Workshops (Brad)
Brad reported that the March step study workshop made a profit of $567.72, and 25 people attended. He also said that the May step study workshop had a loss of $19, and 14 people attended.

C. Subcommittee on Percentage Distribution Change Letter to SCDA (Jennnifer)
Jennifer read aloud and distributed the letter she had written to be sent from the GSR RAG to the SCDA Intergroup. She asked that any edits be given to her after the meeting.

VI. Unfinished Business
None

VII. New Business

None

VIII. Intergroup Announcements

Mary reported that there is a job opening at the SCDA Intergroup office.

She said that the speaker resource list will be updated in the July/August timeframe.

She also said that there will be a meeting of the SCDA Intergroup Audit Committee on June 20.

IX. Good and Welfare

Richard announced that Peter K. will be conducting a conference call to train DA members to talk to the media.

Brad thanked everyone who helped with the step study workshops. He said that he has stepped down as Events chairperson, and that the Events subcommittee has been disbanded.

Michael suggested that a Carry The Message subcommittee be created. No motion was formally made.

Richard committed to obtain the keys to the SCDA Intergroup office.

X. Next Meeting:  Regular Meeting, Saturday, May 24, 10am-12:15pm

Richard stated that GSRs need to bring their third funding request to the July meeting.

XI. Closing Prayer
XII. Meeting Adjourned at 12:14 p.m.

SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA GSR REGIONAL AREA GROUP
February 23, 2008
Annual Meeting Minutes

I. Opening:
A. Serenity Prayer
B. Introductions
C. Welcome to new GSR’s and Guests

II. Officer Reports

A. Secretary: Approval of 1/26 minutes
Dominique – Secretary - minutes approved.
Postponed approval of 11/24/07 minutes either to next meeting or we will review via email.

Motion to move the meeting to 3/29 is not passed. We will meet on 3/22 as scheduled.

B. Treasurer: Report and 7th Tradition – Mark DT and Deborah
Still trying to get clarity for 2007 year end report. Report was distributed. Current balance: $1859.47. Trying to resolve “stale” checks (over 6 months old).

By-laws call for 2 or 3 people on the Finance Committee to review finances with Treasurer(s). Paulette and Jennifer volunteer to join.

Brad suggests publishing list of contributing meetings in Checks and Balances.

III. Conference Committee and Caucus Reports:
No committee reports for Annual Meeting

IV. GSB Report
Trustees: Willie W.
Service Concept 4

V. Reports of this GSR RAG – Committees and Projects

A. Meeting Liaison Committee (Lynda L)
Haven’t contributed hours (4 per quarter) or supplies yet to Share. If don’t contribute that way, need to contribute $40.

B. GSR RAG/Event Brad B
Everyone who wants to help, please show up early and you will be put where you are needed.

Please read the Capitol Area Group format for working the steps (posted on Yahoo group). Please note this literature is not Conference approved.

Bring your Big Books if you have them.

Get there at 8 a.m. to help set up.

Please try to be there all day.

VI. Unfinished Business

VII. New Business

A. Elections: secretary. Virginia is nominated and accepts.
B. Discussion: Should Annual Meeting be moved to September after Conference?
This motion requires a change to the by-laws. To change the by-laws:
∑ Motion must be passed by a 2/3 vote of the entire GSR body (not just those present)
∑ Motion needs to be distributed in writing before voted on (“notice”)

VIII. Good and Welfare
A. Open Forum

What is the purpose of this GSR body?

By-laws are posted on the Yahoo group. Richard will email it to all.

Bringing issues from our meetings.

Fellowship. Hard to function as GSR with support of other GSRs.

Staying up-to-date on activities of committees.

Spiritual growth.

Learning about Traditions, Concepts.

We don’t do enough to reach out to unrepresented meetings.

Having a GSR gives sense of completion to meetings.

GSRs don’t do service beyond committee work.

I have enough service on my conference committee.

Some of the events this body has done: Abundance Ball, upcoming step study workshop.

We could use service sponsors.

Adopt-a-Loner flyer. Loner DA’s can contact GSO and get support. Please volunteer and take this info to your meetings. Virginia sent flyer.

Motion: Chair ask at every meeting, who is willing to be service sponsor for new GSRs, all willing raise their hands.
Motion carries.

Jennifer: Concerned that SoCal Intergroup has voted to change suggested 7th Tradition distribution to 60% SoCal DA, 30% GSO, 10% GSR RAG (from 45%, 45%, 10%). What is the job of the ISR? How could the GSR RAG be involved in SCDA’s decision making?
Each group is autonomous; if you disagree with this decision you can recommend the group keep with the WSO suggested distribution.

How about a letter to SCDA?
Could be divisive. Depends on the tone.

IX. Next Meeting: Regular Meeting, Saturday, March 22, 10am-12:15pm

X. Closing Prayer
XI. Meeting Adjourned

General Service Board Motions

Motion 1:
The General Service Board moves that the Conference adopt the following Commentary on the Primary Purpose of Debtors Anonymous:

Far and above any other issue that faces the D.A. Fellowship today is our need for strong clarity around our primary purpose. We come together for one reason: because we are compulsive debtors, and the only way we can not debt, one day at a time, is by helping another debtor practice the Twelve Steps. When we are willing to do anything not to debt, our underearning and compulsive spending habits are removed. Visions, prosperity, and abundance are all wonderful side benefits of not debting, but they are not our primary focus. Clutter is an outside issue with its own Twelve Step program and does not have a place in D.A. Procrastination, called “time debting” by some members, is a character defect and is not part of how we define compulsive debting. Our focus must return to our primary purpose, carrying the message to the debtor who still suffers. We believe it is crucial that this Fellowship refocus every aspect of D.A. back on our primary purpose. We must be united on one simple message, “Don’t debt.” We believe if we can do that, the Fellowship of Debtors Anonymous will prosper and grow.

Motion withdrawn by GSB Chairperson.

Motion 2:

Pursuant to the spirit of rotation and in accordance with Recommendation 2 of the Conference Committee of the 2006 World Service Conference, the General Service Board moves that beginning with the 2008 WSC, GSRs and ISRs may serve on the same World Service Conference Committee for a total of no more than three (3) years.

The following amendment was proposed:

Pursuant to the spirit of rotation and in accordance with Recommendation 2 of the Conference Committee of the 2006 World Service Conference, the General Service Board moves that beginning with the 2008 WSC, GSRs and ISRs may serve on the same World Service Conference Committee for a total of no more than three (3) consecutive years with three years off.

Amendment approved by general consent.

Pursuant to the spirit of rotation and in accordance with Recommendation 2 of the Conference Committee of the 2006 World Service Conference, the General Service Board moves that beginning with the 2008 WSC, GSRs and ISRs may serve on the same World Service Conference Committee for a total of no more than three (3) consecutive years with three years off.

Motion carried by general consent.

Motion 3:

In the spirit of rotation of service, dedication of all to a common goal, selfless service, and seeking a balance of membership among the committees, the GSB moves that beginning with the 2008 WSC, GSRs and ISRs will be assigned to their World Service Conference committees by a method of random selection to be determined by the host committee and designed to ensure that approximately equal numbers of GSRs and ISRs are assigned to each WSC committee. This motion shall continue in effect for a trial period that shall encompass the 2008, 2009, and 2010 World Service Conferences, to be re-evaluated by the 2010 World Service Conference.

The following amendment was proposed:

In the spirit of rotation of service, dedication of all to a common goal, selfless service, and seeking a balance of membership among the committees, the GSB moves that beginning with the 2008 WSC, first-time GSRs and ISRs will be assigned to their World Service Conference committees by a method of random selection to be determined by the host committee and designed to ensure that approximately equal numbers of GSRs and ISRs are assigned to each WSC committee. This motion shall continue in effect for a trial period that shall encompass the 2008, 2009, and 2010 World Service Conferences, to be re-evaluated by the 2010 World Service Conference.

Amendment approved, then reconsidered, then withdrawn.

In the spirit of rotation of service, dedication of all to a common goal, selfless service, and seeking a balance of membership among the committees, the GSB moves that beginning with the 2008 WSC, GSRs and ISRs will be assigned to their World Service Conference committees by a method of random selection to be determined by the host committee and designed to ensure that approximately equal numbers of GSRs and ISRs are assigned to each WSC committee. This motion shall continue in effect for a trial period that shall encompass the 2008, 2009, and 2010 World Service Conferences, to be re-evaluated by the 2010 World Service Conference.

Motion fails; Vote: Y=51, N=48.

WSC Conference Committee Motions

Motion 1:

The Conference Committee moves to amend Article 9, Amendment to the Conference Charter, to state the following: “Amendment of the Conference Charter will require that the text of such amendment be sent to the General Service Representatives of all registered groups and to the Intergroup Service Representatives of all registered Intergroups postmarked one hundred and twenty (120) days prior to the first day of the annual meeting of the Conference, except that any change to Article 3 of the Conference Charter will require that the text of such amendment be sent to the General Service Representatives of all registered groups and to the Intergroup Service Representatives of all registered Intergroups postmarked one hundred and eighty (180) days prior to the first day of the annual meeting of the Conference.

Motion fails. Vote: Y=69, N=27, 6=Abstaining. 104 members present, quorum is 73.

Vote is reconsidered but motion fails again.
Vote: Y=82, N=20, 5=Abstaining.
117 members present, quorum is 82.

Minority appeal.

Vote is reconsidered and motion carries.
Vote: Y=87, N=13, 8=Abstaining.
118 members present, quorum is 82.

Motion 2:

The Conference Committee urges the D.A. fellowship to reaffirm D.A.’s primary purpose as stated in the preamble: “Our primary purpose is to stop debting one day at a time and to help other compulsive debtors to stop incurring unsecured debt.”

Motion carries by general consent.

Motion 3:

The Conference Committee moves to establish an Underearners Caucus.

Vote: Y = 54, N = 39. Motion fails. Minority Right of Appeal is invoked. Vote is reconsidered: Y = 62, N = 35.

Motion fails.

Motion 4:

The Conference Committee moves to have the 2009 conference in Dallas, TX.

Motion carries by general consent.

Motion 5:

The Conference Committee moves that the GSB Treasurer include a budget and actual report for the previous year’s conference in the annual treasurer’s report for the current year’s conference to ensure transparency and clarity of conference accounting.

Motion carries by general consent.

WSC Internal Operations Committee Motions

Motion:

The Internal Operations Committee moves that D.A. Meetings and Intergroups renew their meeting registration annually in order to be a registered group.

Motion carries by general consent.

WSC Literature Committee Motions

Motion 1:

The Literature Committee moves that the Literature Approval Process be amended to include the following: All new D.A. literature, including literature in process, be written in such a way that all references to Higher Power and/or God are gender neutral. The language of the 12 Steps and 12 Traditions will not be changed as a result of this motion.

The following amendment was proposed:

The Literature Committee moves that the Literature Approval Process be amended to include the following: All new D.A. literature, including literature in process, be written in such a way that all references to Higher Power and/or God are gender neutral except for personal stories. The language of the 12 Steps and 12 Traditions will not be changed as a result of this motion.

Amendment approved by general consent.

The following amendment was proposed:

The Literature Committee moves that the Literature Approval Process be amended to include the following: All new D.A. literature, including literature in process, be written in such a way that all references to Higher Power and/or God are gender neutral save and except for the 12 Steps and 12 Traditions and personal stories. The language of the 12 Steps and 12 Traditions will not be changed as a result of this motion.

Amendment fails. Vote: Y = 45, N = 48.

A motion was made to refer this motion to committee.

Motion fails.

The Literature Committee moves that the Literature Approval Process be amended to include the following: All new D.A. literature, including literature in process, be written in such a way that all references to Higher Power and/or God are gender neutral except for personal stories. The language of the 12 Steps and 12 Traditions will not be changed as a result of this motion.

Motion carried by substantial anonymity

Motion 2:

The Literature Committee moves that all existing D.A. literature be revised when reprinted in such a way that all references to Higher Power and/or God are gender neutral. The language of the 12 Steps and 12 Traditions will not be changed as a result of this motion.

Motion withdrawn by the Literature Committee Chairperson.

Motion 3:

The Literature Committee moves to approve the concept of a D.A. 12 Step Study Guide which shall include content specific to both D.A. and B.D.A. for each step.

Motion carries by general consent.

Motion 4:

The Literature Committee moves that the Literature Approval Process be amended to include the following: the word “International” be used rather than the word “National” in all future D.A. literature, including literature in process, when referring to the D.A. Fellowship as a whole. Existing literature to be revised when reprinted.

Motion carries by general consent.

Motion 5:

The Literature Committee moves to approve the concept and outline of an Income Plan pamphlet.

Motion carries by general consent.

Motion 6:

The Literature Committee moves to approve the concept of a Beginner’s Meeting Format, to be made available for download on the D.A. Web site.

Motion carries by general consent.

Motion 7:

The Literature Committee moves to approve the concept of a <group> Business Meeting format to be made available for download on the D.A. Web site.

Motion carries by general consent.

Motion 8:

The Literature Committee moves to approve the concept of a D.A. Glossary.

Motion fails.

Motion 9:

The Literature Committee moves to approve the concept of a Newcomer’s Welcome Booklet.

Motion carries by general consent.

Motion 10:

The Literature Committee moves to approve the concept of a “Starting and Financing a Business Without Incurring Unsecured Debt” pamphlet, as recommended by the BDA Committee.

Motion fails.

Motion 11:

The Literature Committee moves to approve the concept of a D.A. basic text (How It Works) book.

Motion carries by general consent.

Motion 12:

The Literature Committee moves that the 2007 WSC approves the following statement regarding conference approved literature in lieu of the statement that was approved at the 2006 WSC:

“In the spirit of clarity of the D.A. message and the unity called for in the First Tradition, the Debtors Anonymous World Service Conference strongly suggests that only conference approved literature be displayed or distributed at D.A. meetings. We encourage all D.A. meetings to recommend conference approved literature to newcomers. We also encourage and welcome all D.A. meetings who have developed literature for local use to submit it to the Literature Committee of the World Service Conference for conference approval consideration.”

The statement passed as the WSC 2006 is as follows, with the proposed edit highlighted:

“In the spirit of clarity of the D.A. message and the unity called for in the First Tradition, the Debtors Anonymous World Service Conference strongly suggests that only conference approved literature be displayed or distributed at D.A. meetings. If a group chooses not to follow this recommendation, and makes non-conference approved literature available at its meeting, it is suggested that it be placed in a different area from the D.A. conference approved literature and that it be clearly designated as outside literature. We encourage all D.A. meetings to recommend conference approved literature to newcomers. We also encourage and welcome all D.A. meetings who have developed literature for local use to submit it to the Literature Committee of the World Service Conference for conference approval consideration.”

Motion fails.

WSC Resource Development Committee Motions

Motion:

To add to the current RDC mission statement the following phrase:
Encouraging member participation in service at all levels

The proposed new RDC mission statement is:
Revenue for D.A. is the focus of the Resource Development Committee, including:
Encouraging member participation in service at all levels
Reminding groups about the seventh tradition
Addressing income needs through special events, such as World Service Month
Communicating with the Fellowship about the concept of self-support in D.A.

Motion carries by general consent.

Regional Trustee Selection Study Commission Motions

Motion 1:

The Regional Trustee Selection Study Commission moves that its tenure be extended from August 15, 2007 until August 15, 2008, for the purpose of developing and presenting to the 2008 World Service Conference a five-year strategy and action plan for creating a structure for the regional selection of trustees. Development of the five-year strategy and action plan will be based on the 2007 report entitled, “Toward a Regional Selection Consensus.”

Motion carries by general consent.

Motion 2:

The Regional Trustee Selection Study Commission moves that the membership of the Commission be expanded to a total of fifteen (15) members, according to the following criteria:

(a) Five actively serving GSR members from the following WSC Committees – Conference, Resource Development, Fellowship Communications, and Internal Operations – and the Intergroup Caucus. These members must be either the Chair, Vice-Chair, or a member appointed by each Committee or Caucus.
(b) Five serving Intergroup Service Representatives (ISRs) from areas that represent a cross-section of D.A. meeting locations, such as the East and West coasts, the Midwest, the South, and the Southwest. The Chair of the General Service Board will first ask for volunteers from the Intergroup Caucus. If a total of five caucus members do not volunteer, the Chair of the GSB will be empowered to invite members from the available Intergroup Service Representatives. These ISRs must represent registered D.A. Intergroups.
(c) Five members appointed by the Chair of the GSB and ratified by a majority vote of the total number of Trustees serving at the time of the appointments.
(d) Each duly elected ISR or GSR member presently representing a registered group or Intergroup will serve a maximum of one two-year term as part of their suggested six year service at the World Service Conference. If a Commission member resigns before his/her term is complete, the Chair of the GSB, with the consent of the General Service Board, will fill the vacancy within 30 days of the effective vacancy date. The replacement appointee (also a serving GSR or ISR of a registered D.A. group or Intergroup or a member chosen by the GSB) will serve only the remainder of the term of the original member.

Motion carries by substantial unanimity.

DEBTORS ANONYMOUS
Southern California Regional Area Group

Minutes from meeting of August 4, 2007

Meeting opened by Chair
Introductions
Those in attendance:
∑ Richard, chair – Michael, temp. sec’y – Mark D.T., treasurer – Wally R., parliamentarian - Jo G. – Virginia B. – Deborah O. – Arthur K. – Denise B. – Donna A. – Chuck M. – Melissa – Charlotte – Jennifer S. – Rick A. – Lynda – Paulette B. – Mireya M. – Patricia S.

New GSRs: Arthur K.

Officer reports:
∑ Chair asked for motion to approve minutes.
o Virginia B. asked that her name be spelled correctly.
o Temp. sec’y noticed an error in date of minutes. Reads: ‘Minutes of 7/14/07 approved as amended. Should read ‘Minutes of 6/2/07…’
ß Minutes of 6/2/07 should be approved at next DA meeting as amended w/correct date.

∑ Treasurer Report
o Prudent Reserve 144.00
o SCDA GSR AG Checking 441.74
o Net Worth 585.74
ß It was brought up that Prudent Reserve was approved to be a total of $300.00.
ß Treasurer stated he had no previous history, from Jennifer’s end of tenure to present.
ß Treasurer stated SCDARAG was locked out of post office box due to lack of payment. Treasurer made payment of $41.00 for another year and received extra key, which was given to chairperson.

Committee Reports
∑ Conference Committee
o Donna reports the site for the 2008 Salt Lake City has been approved, contract has been signed with hotel, spending plan for conference (not GSR spending plan) is almost complete. There will be more information at the conference.
o Jo reports a conflict resolution committee for committees or individuals who may not agree with Board Decisions is ‘in the works’.
o Deb agreed to pursue asking that the GSR spending plan be available much sooner than in the past.
o Melissa asked when conference was coming back to Los Angeles. It was noted, probably not before 2010.

∑ Fellowship and Communications
o No information available
o Deb talked about the New Ways and Means that includes a complete history of the World Service Conference. Consensus is it’s a great read.
o Melissa suggested the article is a good way to encourage people to become a GSR.

∑ Literature
o Jennifer said James sent out a report on the Yahoo Group. There was someone connected with the committee that stepped off due to a recovery issue. Any questions to carry back to James.
o Discussion ensued about a new piece of literature that is circulating about ADD and Debting.
o Denise said she would take a piece of ADD literature to conference.
o Melissa mentioned the need for members of DA to have concise way to work the steps. Melissa is currently trying to collect non-approved way to work the steps.
o Deb shared that the yellow questions step book is copyrighted by a DA member and can’t be revised.
o Jennifer talked about generating DA literature for step work.

∑ Public Information
o Richard reports that the last PI meeting was held on July 21, 2007. That the original spending plan of over $800.00 had been spent down to $13.00. PI developed a new program called Literature Grants and eight beginner’s packets have been mailed to date to two meetings in Houston.
o Also mentioned was the issue of weak and struggling meetings that PI was asked to address. PI sent it back to the Board, indicating it was too global to be tackled by just PI. The Board has indicated it wants PI to tackle the issue.
o Richard also briefly discussed the Carry The Message Network and reported that it is now conference call meeting every Sunday evening at 6:00 p.m. and the telephone number is 714/432-9998, access code 1028781#.
o Also addressed that Jeff from Internal Operations Committee (a Board level committee), made a presentation to the PI Committee and asked for PI support in a motion they are presenting to the WSC this year. The PI Committee voted to support the motion, which is:
ß Meetings to re-register annually to the WSO, in order for each meeting group to receive accurate information from WSO. If meetings don’t register, they will be placed on an inactive list.

∑ Diversity Caucus
o No report
o Denise indicated that she wants to set up conference call before WSC to determine what the Diversity Caucus will be working on during WSC.

∑ Business Debtors Anonymous
o Chuck reports that the Literature subcommittee is working on a BDA Big Book, like Currency of Hope but more comprehensive. Recovery stories of 2500 words or less are being sought. Work is also being done on suggestions to newcomers, contact info. Once per month conference calls have occurred. Proposed completion date unknown.

∑ Intergroup Caucus
o No information available

∑ Technology Caucus
o No information available

∑ Hospitals, Institutions and Prisons
o Patricia and Paulette report a panel has been established and will be brought into the group home that Paulette works at, in order to share experience, strength and hope with teens ranging in age from fourteen years to nineteen years old. Paulette has been attending AA panels to gather experience, strength and hope on how they are run. Mini PRGs are being considered for the population, in order to develop action plans for the young men.
o It was shared that a member of the national committee has recently been released from being incarcerated, and letters are being received from incarcerated debtors who want new information.
o HIP has a spending plan and can buy literature to be brought to panels.

∑ General Service Board
o Willie absent but suggested through the chair that he begin reading the Concepts, one at a time, at each SCRAG meeting. This was agreed upon.

SCRAG committee reports

∑ Meeting Liaison Report
o Linda asked that all please sign up on rosters.
o Discussion ensued regarding volunteer time at Share office. No one has donated time.
o Melissa volunteered two hours, Linda volunteered one hour, Jennifer will bring realm of paper. It was noted that $10.00 worth of goods, i.e., file folders, pens, paper, etc., could also be used to fulfill the four hours per month.
o Richard suggested it be posted on Yahoo, who has volunteered or who wants to volunteer.

∑ GSR Regional Area group fund raiser
o To have a fundraiser which will discuss all the events at the World Service Conference.
ß Brad is working on this and Jo is also interested.

Unfinished Business
∑ None

New Business
∑ Chuck made a motion to create a mailing list and allocate resources to reach the debtor that still suffers. Melissa seconded.
∑ Discussion ensued.
∑ Vote: three in favor, twelve opposed, two abstentions. Motion does not carry.

Intergroup
∑ SCDA did elect a new service Board

Ground transportation
∑ Patricia reports the bulk of GSRs are arriving on 8/15 and leaving on 8/19.
∑ A reminder for early or late check-ins:
o CONTACT HOTEL AND LET THEM KNOW AHEAD OF TIME
∑ Patricia will post the ground transportation chart on the Yahoo website.

Good and Welfare of the Order

∑ Jo asks for experience, strength, and hope on meeting officers debting.
∑ Discussion ensued about what various meetings have done with slips of their officers, or active debting.
∑ Consensus appeared to be that it is only up to each individual member of DA to practice their program to the best of their ability, not to insist or attempt to force others practice theirs.

Melissa asked if someone could purchase CD of WSC to bring back to her if she gave money. Said goodbye as her term is up.

Closing prayer
Meeting ends at 12:16 p.m.

Southern California Regional Area Group
Minutes from the meeting of June 2, 2007

I.
Need new parliamentarian
Jo G. acts as parliamentarian

II. Officer reports

Secretary: Minutes of 1/27/07 approved as amended.
Treasurer: Mark T. not present. Full report is needed. GSR balance: $2294.39

III. Conference Committee and Caucus Reports
A. Conference Committee
i. Diane L.: Board accountability. Committee submitted a report to the board, they felt they were dismissed by the board. There’s no grievance process. Proposed process: If board doesn’t address grievance, can go to “grievance board” to appeal. Four volunteers who are chairs of committees, three board members not involved with the grievance. Vote on whether to address. Meet only when needed. Discuss it, render a solution within a few weeks.
Discussion:
Misa: Likes idea of grievance process but wants to be careful not to disparage the board who work so hard and sacrifice so much.
Jo: It has nothing to do with the board personalities, it’s just a procedure to ensure there’s oversight.
Can be discussed further on Yahoo group.
ii. Donna: no report
B. Fellowship and Communications
Ways and Means subcommittee: no rep
C. Literature
i. James Q. not present. Dominique gives report on meditation subcomm. No further reports
D. Public information
i. Michael: Newcomer packets sending to intergroups nationally to isolated meetings. Two Ways & Means articles: reaching the infirm and elderly.
ii. Richard H.: Proposing website for Carry the Message Network, the support meeting for PI reps. Meeting needs support from long-term abstinent people. Elect a PI rep who will attend monthly PI meeting. Need to be grounded in traditions. There’s a Yahoo group for PI. GSR is guardian of the traditions, PI rep is contact for debtor who still suffers.
E. Resource Development
i. Brad B.: Prosperity appeal flyer from Needham. Make copies and make announcements at meetings. Service events manual will be given to Lit Comm. and at Conference for feedback. Brad sent it out via email. He will post on group.
i. Diane: Concerned that we’re asking for money for too many DA needs.
ii. Denise: tight rope to walk, but important to ask for what we need, be grateful for what we get.
iii. Jo: spiritual is first category. Encourage spiritual contribution for recovery. Self supporting is a way to live in the real world.
iv. Jennifer: Donations are tax deductible
v. Michael: Have a PRG for the group, develop a spending plan.
vi. Brad: treasury pamphlet has been developed. There’s also info on web site.
F. BDA
i. Star: BDA numbers booklet finished. Misa: how to form new business w/o debting. Haven’t had any contact from the chair, so no meetings. BDA numbers book was given to Lit Comm last conference. Lit Comm approved it.
G. Intergroup Caucus: no reps
H. Technology Caucus: no reps
I. Hospitals Institutions and Prisons
i. Linda: Linking with a church to hand out 12 step bibles to prisons. We need more information. HIP will meet with church group and report back to this body.

IV. GSR Report

No Willie. Read Tradition 11.

V. Reports of this GSR RAG – Committees and Projects

A. Lynda: Three new GSRs: Miraya, Evelyn, and Anike, Chuck takes over for Deborah, Virginia takes over for Melody, Mary W. going to conference for Ruth
B. Funding Subcomm: Michael not here
C. Info Tech Subcomm: no rep

VI. Unfinished Business: none
VII. New Business:
A. Motion brought by Brad B.: The GSR area RAG Group sponsor an “event” in mid or later September, focusing on providing a forum to give feedback on the DA World Service Conference.
Discussion:
Brad B.: Regionalization, meeting contributions down. Not a fundraiser. Might not give thorough report on all committees; a way to get clear message to fellowship about DA needs. Could collect money for John Henderson fund.
Linda: pro. So much info is lost communicating to fellowship. Could be a way to get more fellowship involved in committee work.
Jennifer: against. Doesn’t include details of how logistically it will happen. How will it be funded?
Diane: against: Don’t think people will show up.
Jo: against: We need a committee to explore. The money questions are irrelevant. Do we want to do it or not?
Mary: against. Goal to inform? We can share reports with each other.
Ruth: pro. I’m in favor of all pilot projects. New paths in the snow.

10 in favor.
5 opposed.
Motion carries.

B. Conference Funding Requests
Need to get funding requests to Mark DT, spending plan, how much raised to date. Conference fees due by July 15 (discounted).
Jennifer: I move that requests need to be submitted by 6/23 with all necessary information.
Motion carries

Diane is driving from Boston to Sturbridge has room for carpool
Mary W: Kayak.com has best ticket prices

VIII. Intergroup announcements
i. no rep

IX. Good and Welfare
Deborah: Quickbooks workshop
Lynda: garage sale this month fundraiser
Brad: one individual can have a yard sale and donate, but your group cannot (unless you could guarantee that only DA members will attend the yard sale). You can, but it’s a violation of tradition 7.
Brad will send draft of pamphlet on fundraisers within tradition.

Denise will be no longer be GSR after August so need new refreshments.

Richard will decide on the date for the next meeting and will email this body.

Meeting closes