CODA PREAMBLE

Motion Name: Update the CoDA Preamble with one change to its first sentence.

Motion/Issue: A move to make our Preamble more inclusive in its language. The suggestion is a change in the first line by replacing the language stating “men and women” with the word “people.”

Current wording: Co-Dependents Anonymous is a fellowship of men and women whose common purpose is to develop healthy relationships.

The suggested change is: Co-Dependents Anonymous is a fellowship of people whose common purpose is to develop healthy relationships.

Remarks: CoDA has always been an inclusive Fellowship, this continues our striving in that regard.

TRADITION ELEVEN

Motion: Update Tradition Eleven to reflect the current modes of communication.

Current wording: 11. Our public relations policy is based on attraction rather than promotion; we need always maintain personal anonymity at the level of press, radio, and films.

We propose this wording: Our public relations policy is based on attraction rather than promotion; we need always maintain personal anonymity at the level of all public forms of media.

Intent, background, other pertinent information: Tradition Eleven does not reflect the current forms of communication.

S E C O N D M O T I O N | S A M E S U B J E C T

TRADITION ELEVEN

Motion passed by 2/3rds Majority

THIS LANGUAGE WILL BE BROUGHT BACK TO THE CSC NEXT YEAR FOR FINAL 3/4 VOTE BECAUSE OF THE CHANGE IN HOW FOUNDATIONAL DOCUMENTS ARE PROCESSED. IF APPROVED THEN IT WILL BE CHANGED. (See Motion #20023)

Motion Name: Add “and all other public forms of media” in Tradition 11

Motion/Issue: To replace the words “at the level of press, radio, and films” in Tradition 11 with “at the level of all public forms of media”.

The current Tradition reads:

Our public relations policy is based on attraction rather than promotion; we need always maintain personal anonymity at the level of press, radio, and films.

The modified Tradition will read:

Our public relations policy is based on attraction rather than promotion; we need always maintain personal anonymity at the level of all public forms of media.

Intent, background, other pertinent information: To stay current with new technology this motion is intended to clarify that all public forms of media are included where we need to always maintain personal anonymity.

This motion was originally submitted last year as a Voting Entity Issue by Florida and then as a motion by SSC at CSC 2019. Although it received a majority vote, the CoDA Board chose not to implement it because they believed the ByLaws prevented its implementation. Board Motion 3 this year seeks to change that which, if passed, will make this motion implementable either this year or next.

This motion was originally submitted requesting the addition of “and all other public forms of media” at the end. Arizona submitted a Voting Entity Issue (VEI) this year suggesting the shorter version as currently submitted in this motion. SSC reviewed the VEI and decided that we prefer the shorter and all inclusive version suggested by Arizona.

RESULT:

QUESTIONS -Yes

PROS & CONS

Pros - think its a good idea and will cover all media; for this motion because even with Zoom meetings and CoDA Service Items 8/27/2020 5:18 PM Page 5 of 24 recordings, it is doable to keep anonymity; agree with this because have heard of abuse in social media, important to make the distinction; needs to be a change to the wording - all forms of communication - so much that has changed in the world, need to encompass that;

Cons - wording in motion, would like to see crafting; feels the current motion is redundant and the current wording covers everything; con because not sure what forms of media it refers to; thinks we need to contact AA for any changes.

CRAFTING - yes

VOTE: Yes-28; No-10; Abstain-1 ; Motion passed by 2/3rds Majority

THIS LANGUAGE WILL BE BROUGHT BACK TO THE CSC NEXT YEAR FOR FINAL 3/4 VOTE BECAUSE OF THE CHANGE IN HOW FOUNDATIONAL DOCUMENTS ARE PROCESSED. IF APPROVED THEN IT WILL BE CHANGED. (See Motion #20023)

RECOVERY PATTERNS POINT OF VIEW

Motion Name: Updating Meeting Handbook Tab

Motion Issue: In the "Recovery Patterns" packet, there are 2 columns. The first says "Codependents often" and the 2nd says "In Recovery." For some reason, these are said from 2 different perspectives.

The motion is to make a packet with uniform perspectives in one first person perspective or, if 2 packets are allowed and preferred, to make 2 different packets : 1 with the "I" uniformity and 2 with passive 2nd

Intent, background, other pertinent information: CODA encourages I statements and there is currently 2 differing perspectives of statements on the Recovery Packet. Not only is this confusing but it loses the suggestion of communication with "I" perspective.

Remarks:

WSO CODA SUBMIT PROPOSAL

As a member of CODA of 13 years and chair of several meetings over the years, I propose to adapt a communication of the recovery patterns as two different, fluent tenses of speech and from the same point of view.

Currently there is PDF download available on the WSO CODA website, an example is as follows.

Codependents often...

Have difficulty identifying what they are feeling I am aware of my feelings and identify them, often in the moment.

In Recovery...

I know the difference between my thoughts and feelings.

You notice this format has a “Codependency Pattern” column and a “Recovery Pattern” column. For whatever reason, these 2 are not both said uniformly in either the third/passive second person “you/codependents” or the first person “I” format. This reads instead, as if they’re two different people or perspectives, either teaching “those codependents” or “owning what I see when I am in recovery.”

Generally, CODA does encourage “I” statements (to avoid cross talk and encourage self-care) and it seems that some people may still prefer “you” or the passive generality. I propose that, rather than split the language perspectives of speech, instead keep the language uniform in “I” or “you/general” in TWO different packets of Recovery Patterns. In this way, the reader can see the difference and choose accordingly, what their preference would be for recovery. If WSO “had to” pick just one format, I would of course lean toward the “I” statements uniformity to encourage self-awareness and avoiding the potential codependency pattern of starting a meeting with the “you” statement, as this language may enable and build into cross-talk or care taking (teaching) tendencies.

In summary, I am simply proposing to make 2 different uniform formats in the “I” or “you” phrasing, or to do away with the “you” altogether and support uniform clarity on the material, aligning with the recovery goals of self-care perspectives. In essence, the encouragement of healthy options is the essence of recovery and it starts with awareness, that is my proposal.

Here are the final examples of resolution. Sincerely, Nick B., CODA member of AZ/TX

PACKET 1 Ex : The preferred “I” option

In codependency...

I have difficulty identifying what I am feeling.

In Recovery...

I am aware of my feelings and identify them, often in the moment. I know the difference between my thoughts and feelings.

. . .

PACKET 2 Ex :

Codependents often...

Have difficulty identifying what they are feeling.

In Recovery...

They are aware of feelings and identify them, often in the moment. They know the difference between thoughts and feelings.

CHANGE THE WELCOME WORDING

Motion Name: Change latest wording of The Welcome

Original: Many of us were raised in families where addictions existed - some of us were not. In either case, we have found in each of our lives that codependence is a most deeply rooted compulsive behavior and that it is born out of our sometimes moderately, sometimes extremely dysfunctional ​families ​and other systems.

Revised: Many of us were raised in families where addictions existed - some of us were not. In either case, we have found in each of our lives that codependence is a most deeply rooted compulsive behavior and that it is born out of our sometimes moderately, sometimes extremely dysfunctional ​family ​and other systems.

Intent, background, other pertinent information: By changing “families” back to “family”, we would change from a noun to an adjective. This makes the statement more readable. Also, since the purpose of the latest change prior to now was to be more inclusive, this goes one step further by equating “family systems” with “other systems”.

SUMMARY OF CSC MOTIONS

Motion Name: Motion Summary

Motion/Issue: It is daunting for intergroups or delegates to ask the area membership to review the entire delegate package in order for them to provide their thoughts to their delegates for their voting preferences. If a summary were made available through the CoDA.org website or other means easily accessible, then the membership and the newcomer may be more involved in the process of voting on the motions.

Can a new section be added to the VEI or Sub-committee motion forms for an approximately 50-word summary of the motion? For more complicated issues, the 50-word summary can be used to describe the overall concept of the motion. This could then be used by delegates and members to more fully understand the original meaning of the author’s request (Voting Entites, Sub-Committees, the CoDA Board, etc.).

For example, these are a few summaries of 2019 motions:

1. Removing the foundational documents as a requirement at meetings

2. Removing the following questions from the Am I Codependent pamphlet- "Do you have to believe in God to belong to CoDA?" "What is the difference between CoDA, Al Anon and ACA?" "Can you recommend any books, therapists, hospitals that treat codependence?"

3. Adding Crosstalk to the Attending Meetings pamphlet

4. Adding a brief history of CoDA to the “What is CoDA” pamphlet

Intent, background, other pertinent information:

The general CoDA membership needs to have a basic understanding of what motions are going to be presented at CSC, and the current package is lengthy making it difficult for the delegates to represent the opinions of their intergroup at CSC. SoCal has collaborated with NorCal to create an on-line survey with summaries of each motion, however those summaries may not accurately represent the author’s original intent/idea creating a boundary crossing. See link to 2019 CoDA World Survey below as an example of what has been done in the past.

CoDA World Survey 2019

Remarks: FYI – here’s what’s on the LA CoDA webpage; see the link below and scroll down to the section titled “Sept. 7 Voice Your Vote” to see the reviews of the motions and summaries. The membership felt this was very helpful and the local delegates can put this together more accurately with the summary being provided by the original authors.

https://sites.google.com/view/lacoda/news

GIVE MOTIONS TO FELLOWSHIP LATER

Motion passed with 2/3rds majority

Motion Name: Posting Deadline Adjusted

Motion/Issue: Move to change this sentence from part 4, section 2 of the Fellowship Service Manual,

· The bylaw motions, motions, and Voting Entity Issues will be posted on coda.org website and email notification of availability will occur no later than 75 days prior to the start of the CSC. (page 11)

as follows:

· The bylaw motions, motions, and Voting Entity Issues will be posted on the coda.org website and email notification of their availability will occur no later than 70 days prior to the start of the CSC.

Intent, background, other pertinent information: Provide the webmaster and email list coordinator with enough time to accomplish this task.

RESULT:

QUESTIONS - yes

PROS & CONS

Pros-want to give more time to those that have to post for those that procrastinate to the last moment; gives 5 days to email coordinator to receive the motions and get them to the webmaster, a lot to do with all those documents.

Cons- wondering if the number of days is wrong.

CRAFTING - yes

VOTE: Yes-37; No-0; Abstain-5; Motion passed with 2/3rds majority

ADD ANNUAL BOARD & CHAIRS FORUM VIRTUAL MEETING

Motion Name: Annual Board and Chairs Forum Meeting

Motion/Issue: The CoDA Board and the Chairs Forum shall meet at least once annually via a video conferencing app. A meeting can either be some time before CSC to work together to agree on areas of focus for motions for the upcoming CSC or after CSC to develop an annual work plan based on the motions that were passed at CSC. Either the Board or the Chairs Forum can initiate a planning meeting.

This information will be added to Parts 1 and 5 of the Fellowship Service Manual (FSM).

Intent, background, other pertinent information: This motion is an Adhoc Committee suggestion to encourage communication and cooperation to establish common goals and priorities for the coming year. This will include implementation of the motions that have been approved by CSC.

STOP REFFERING TO CODA FELLOWSHIP AS CODA INC.

Motion Passed with 2/3rds Majority

Motion Name: Stop referring to the CoDA Fellowship as CoDA, Inc.

Motion/Issue: Effective immediately, the following guidelines shall be followed when referring to CoDA:

● CoDA Fellowship refers to our recovery program and the members in it and can be used at any level

● CoDA World or CoDA International refers to anything at the world/international level of our service organization

● CoDA, Inc. refers to the Corporation

Intent, background, other pertinent information: Some years ago a decision was made to always use CoDA, Inc. when referring to CoDA. CoDA is made up of two parts: the Fellowship and the Corporation. We believe that only the Corporation should be referred to as CoDA, Inc. and that the Fellowship should be referred to in some other way. We hope that this will help people to better understand the distinction between the two parts.

RESULT:

QUESTIONS -Yes

PROS & CONS

Pros - for this because it is important that we delineate that there is a difference between the corporation and its responsibilities and the Fellowship; there is confusion in some of the legal documents and feel this clears that; thinks this is important because what happens at World level and Fellowship level is very different; feels this is the heart of the issue that Adhoc Committee has been working on - has to do with authority - helps to clarify what the Fellowship is;

Cons - concerned it feels divisive, what the Board does it does as the Fellowship and this feels labeling and separating; no written motion needed, feels SSC just needs to correct their error; CODA as a whole is irregardless of where the entity starts, we are a Fellowship and the Board is responsible for the Fellowship;

CRAFTING - NO

VOTE: Yes-31; No-9; Abstain-2; Motion Passed with 2/3rds Majority

TWO YEAR PROCESS TO AMEND DOCUMENTS

Motion Passed by 2/3rds Majority

Motion Name: FOUNDATIONAL DOCUMENTS

Motion: Move that amending three of our Foundational Documents – the Twelve Steps, Twelve Traditions and Twelve Service Concepts –be a two-year process. Any motion to amend these Foundational Documents must receive a minimum of two-thirds (66%) vote to be placed on the next year’s CSC agenda for a second vote. At the following year CSC, a three-quarters (75%) vote must be obtained to establish the proposed change.

Intent: This is a high bar and is deliberately difficult by design, to provide stability and continuity to our Foundational Documents – the Twelve Steps, Twelve Traditions and Twelve Service Concepts. The CoDA Board is charged with protecting these three Foundational Documents in the Guidelines section of the CoDA Bylaws (quoted below), because they encapsulate program wisdom.

Amending these Foundational Documents to satisfy popular semantic trends places the serious nature of our Foundational Documents at risk. This motion is consistent with the duty placed on the Board of Trustees to protect the Foundational Documents.

Remarks: Per the CoDA Bylaws:

Guidelines

"The Trustees claim no property rights for the CoDA Twelve (12) Steps and Traditions in a recovery program, as all spiritual truths may now be regarded as available to all humankind. On behalf of the Fellowship, the Trustees shall act to prevent, within their power, any modifications, alterations or extensions of these Steps.

Accordingly, the Trustees in their deliberations and decision making process shall be guided in spirit by these CoDA Twelve (12) Steps, Traditions and Service Concepts and shall use their best efforts to insure that these Steps, Traditions, and Concepts are upheld. On behalf of the Fellowship, the Trustees shall act to prevent, within their power, any modifications, alterations or extensions of these Traditions or Concepts."

RESULT:

QUESTIONS - yes

PROS & CONS

Pros - want to see a slow process for which foundational documents would be done; strong on not changing any of the foundational documents; appreciate the motion to affirm the responsibility of the board to protect the foundational documents; in favor, based the vote level to make the bar high; Fellowship moves slowly on items like this, which this helps.

Cons - to know that the foundational documents have helped people in many 12 step programs, don't know of any other organizations that have changed them, thinks it will continue to work; concerned about the 3/4 vote at 2nd year CoDA Service Items 8/27/2020 5:18 PM Page 4 of 24 CSC might be difficult and questions why it needs to be at that level; believe this is a fear motivated motion and believe this might put us in a bind for changes that need to be made.

CRAFTING - no

VOTE: Yes-32; No-9; Abstain-2; Motion Passed by 2/3rds Majority

12 SERVICE CONCEPT PRINCIPLES

Motion Name: The principles of the 12 Service Concepts [The 12 Service Concepts on LACoDA.org have titles added that were approved by the Los Angeles Virtual Office Committee. The CoDA International 12 Service Concepts are the same, but without any titles.]

Motion/Issue: Have available on the coda.org website the principles of the 12 Service Concepts:

• Concept One – Unity

• Concept Two – Conscience

• Concept Three – Trust

• Concept Four – Equality

• Concept Five – Consideration

• Concept Six – Responsibility

• Concept Seven – Balance

• Concept Eight – Delegation

• Concept Nine – Ability

• Concept Ten – Clarity

• Concept Eleven – Humility

• Concept Twelve – Guidelines

(a) Selflessness

(b) Realism

(c) Representation

(d) Dialogue

(e) Compassion

(f) Respect

Intent, background, other pertinent information: The 12^th Step says to “practice these principles in all our affairs”. The 12 Steps, the 12 Traditions, and the 12 Service Concepts all have individual principles. This helps anyone desiring a healthy and loving relationship to know spiritual principles to practice or aim for.

Remarks: These principles are referred to in AA as The 36 Principles. Unknown whether they are copyrighted or not. OA also has these principles.

12 TRADITION PRINCIPLES

Motion Name: The principles of the 12 Traditions

Motion/Issue: Have available on the coda.org website the principles of the 12 Traditions:

• Tradition One – Unity

• Tradition Two – Trust

• Tradition Three – Identity

• Tradition Four – Autonomy

• Tradition Five – Purpose

• Tradition Six – Solidarity

• Tradition Seven – Responsibility

• Tradition Eight – Fellowship

• Tradition Nine – Structure

• Tradition Ten – Neutrality

• Tradition Eleven – Anonymity

• Tradition Twelve – Spirituality

Intent, background, and other pertinent information: The 12th Step says to “practice these principles in all our affairs”. The 12 Steps, the 12 Traditions, and the 12 Service Concepts all have individual principles. This helps anyone desiring a healthy and loving relationship to know spiritual principles to practice or aim for.

Remarks: These principles are referred to in AA as The 36 Principles. Unknown whether they are copyrighted or not. OA also has these principles.

FORM LITERATURE MATERIALS TASK FORCE

Motion or Voting Entity Issue Name: Materials Task Force (MTF)

Motion: That a Materials Task Force (MTF) be established to proactively identify and bring to CSC existing materials written and used by CoDA entities around the globe.

The MTF, a CoDA initiative, composed of trusted servants, would be tasked with communicating with entities requesting that they send up any pieces they think should be considered for CSC endorsement. If the material is appropriate, the MTF would encourage and support the VE bringing the recovery material to CSC via the process described in motions #17001 and #17002, passed at 2017 CSC (see below*)

Intent:

1. To Enhance Recovery

These materials could enhance recovery by providing materials covering more behavioral aspects of codependence or by approaching from another perspective.

2. To boost CoDA income through the sale of additional CoDA recovery materials.

Background & Remarks:

1. A budget is not thought necessary.

2. In CoRe’s recent survey, numerous members of the Fellowship expressed interest in doing service to assist in making more recovery materials available.

3. We know of other highly regarded materials written by members of the fellowship in Voting Entities and not brought to CSC for various reasons and think that this is a valuable untapped resource.

4.The Task Force would initiate the expansion of the CoDA materials offered by making materials developed by the Fellowship in Voting Entities anywhere, possibly even in languages other than English, to the entire Fellowship.

5. In the past six years only six new pieces of English literature have been published, four of which were submitted by a VE.

In response to the recent CoRe Survey demonstrating a widespread demand for more recovery materials, it seems appropriate to actively solicit new ones.

*For reference:

Motion Number: 17001

Motion Key: 4874

Item Type: MOTION

Date: 10/10/2017

Vote: 2/3 Vote

Committee: Board

Member Names: CoDA Board

Subject: Literature previously approved by a VE or CSC committee can be presented as a motion to CSC for endorsement.

Description: Literature that has been previously approved by a VE (voting Entity) or CSC (CoDA Service Conference) standing committee can be presented as a motion to CSC for CSC endorsement. It is presented (either by the VE or their spokesperson) one year as a motion to consider for a year and distributed as a draft, with a "CoDA Service Conference Endorsement Pending" as a footer on every page.

The following year, it is presented as a motion for CSC endorsement.

Intent: To create a way for literature to come directly to CSC.

The year lapse between presentation and endorsement allows for feedback from the Fellowship. Instructions in Motion #3.

Remarks:

Pros -

1) see as good procedure to get more literature for Fellowship, many voting entities are creating recovery items that could be used for the entire Fellowship

2) opportunity to move literature forward more quickly, the voting entities are vetting these items and would be able to get out before CSC.

3) Point out the motion is recognizing autonomy of countries as well.

Cons -

1) concern that a small group or entity can approve something that as a group we may not be comfortable with and may be available from sometime before it is approved or denied at CSC

2) vote for this if don't want to 2) its a very complicated detailed process, literature committee's intention is not to hold up literature, but concerns about literature coming to CSC without CLC able to look over it to edit, vet it, etc.

Crafting - YES - crafting was done.

Vote - 34 in favor; 0 opposed; 2 abstentions. Motions carries

NEW LITERATURE: SERVICE CONCEPTS BOOKLET

VE Issue Name: Service Concepts Booklet

Motion/Issue: That the attached digital version (click to read) of the Canadian new piece of literature called – CoDA’s Twelve Service Concepts “The Service Concepts, Alive & Strong!” be accepted as CoDA Endorsed Literature and be made available to the Fellowship as a service piece in digital form, thus permitting trusted servants to use in their service work. CoDA Canada is currently ready to publish this booklet as a piece of Canadian literature in printed (hard copy) format.

Intent, background, other pertinent information: The booklet can be used by individual members seeking to deepen their understanding of the Service Concepts and how service translates into more recovery. The Concepts may be a source of study between sponsors and their sponsees and are another recovery tool for workshops and regular meetings.

Remarks: The following Introductory Message taken from the booklet, found on the next page, provides greater understanding of the purpose of the booklet:

Introductory Message

CoDA is a spiritual program with elements of spirituality interwoven throughout its code of principles and guidelines (Steps, Traditions, Promises, and Service Concepts). Spirituality is found in healthy groups and healthy sponsor-sponsee relationships, and it is found in healthy recovery. It is the glue that unifies the entire Fellowship to work together for the common welfare of all its members. CoDA promotes its spiritual principles and guidelines at all levels of the CoDA structure, including our service work, which is guided by the Twelve Service Concepts.

The Twelve Service Concepts may be underappreciated. One purpose of this booklet is to provide a different perspective on the significance of these principles in personal recovery as well as service work. They are another set of tools, so to speak, that we can “practise in all our affairs.” This booklet will hopefully convey how CoDA’s Twelve Steps, Twelve Traditions, and Twelve Concepts come together to help us experience the Twelve Promises, one day at a time. We will learn that the Service Concepts provide principles and guidelines that codependents can apply in their service work while considering “attraction rather than promotion.” It can be added that the Concepts provide a specific application of the principles found in our Traditions. These Service Concepts are tools that we can put into practice in our recovery work.

Together with the Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions, the Service Concepts open up another level of spiritual connection that codependents can experience with one another and with the Fellowship as a whole. They are a source of spiritual guidance for all members of CoDA, and not solely for those in service work. The Service Concepts do serve as a framework providing trusted servants with direction and making them accountable for the work they do, like a spiritual lighthouse shining its light outward.

The Service Concepts are the next level in our recovery, as our Step Twelve states; this program of ours teaches us how to “practise these principles in all our affairs.” Furthermore, Tradition 3 encourages us, as codependents, to learn about how to build healthy relationships in our work with others. The founding fathers of the 12-step program model discovered service to be a crucial component in their recovery. As codependents in a 12-step program, we move forward in our explorations, learning how the Service Concepts can aid in our continued transformation towards healthier lives and more loving relationships.

Through principles and guidelines, there is a spiritual interaction between the members, especially in the group conscience decision-making process that is used in service work. No matter where our HP leads us in our daily lives—CoDA’s SERVICE CONCEPTS MATTER IN ALL OUR AFFAIRS!

Some of the acronyms that appear in this document are:

• HP = Higher Power

• FSM = Fellowship Service Manual

• GC = Group Conscience

• GSR = Group Service Representative

• CSC = CoDA Service Conference

The format used for the following Service Concepts recovery work presents each of the Twelve Service Concepts along with an explanation of their significance. At the end of each Service Concept is a Summary of the Service Concept, including a major topic, the essence of the message, and each Concept’s Spiritual Principles within. Afterward, there is a list of questions for personal contemplation and/or group discussion.

** NOTE: To download The Service Concepts: Alive & Strong booklet, click here, then Motions Zip File, then Voting Entity Literature, then Canada. To view online, click here.

ADD SERVICE AS 5TH PART OF PROGRAM

Motion Passed by 2/3rds Majority

Motion Name: Highlight the importance of Service in the Meeting Handbook, Part 2, of the Fellowship Service Manual (FSM)

Motion/Issue: Include this paragraph from Codependents Anonymous (CoDA Blue Book) page 85 Chapter 4 Service to Others in the Meeting Handbook, Part 2 of the Fellowship Service Manual in Foundational and Meeting Document between the 12 Promises and the Patterns and Characteristics.

"Our Twelve Steps and their spiritual principles help us to establish our recovery in our relationships with God, ourselves, and others. They offer us spiritual guidelines to help us work with others. Service work in CoDA enables us to put these spiritual guidelines into practice. It embraces a healthy spirit of giving and enables CoDA to exist. Through service work, we acknowledge and esteem every person and their recovery, talents, and abilities. Service work enables us to deepen the recovery we experience and allows God's gift of recovery to touch the hearts and minds of other codependents."

When revising existing literature and creating new literature, the CoDA Literature Committee will add “Service” as the 5^th part of the CoDA program as appropriate.

Intent, background, other pertinent information: Service is important for deepening individual recovery and preserving the health, vitality, and survival of the fellowship. To expand the original Four Parts of the CoDA program to Five Parts:

I Attending Meetings

II Sharing and Fellowship

III Working the Steps

IV Sponsorship

V Service

Remarks: It’s not too late to begin emphasizing the recovery benefits and the importance of service from the home group throughout the service structure.

RESULT:

QUESTIONS - yes

PROS & CONS

Pros - important motion, especially for newcomers, really good idea to put this statement in the FSM; for the motion but glad they are open to crafting; for this motion to put this out for newcomers right up front; feels like this will highlight service so newcomers can find it and more people get on that path, this accelerates personal recovery.

Cons - concerned about references to God in the paragraph; feels like this should be two different motions; like purpose of motion, confused about way it is written; feels like two different issues.

CRAFTING - no

VOTE: Yes-35; No-3; Abstain-0; Motion Passed by 2/3rds Majority

SERVICE CAMPAIGN

Motion Name: Service Campaign

Motion/Issue: We move that the CoDA Service Conference declare 2021 the year of service to the Fellowship. We ask that every CoDA meeting, every standing committee, and the CoDA board, all mount a campaign emphasizing service as a basic part of recovery.

Intent, background, other pertinent information: Service is foundational alongside Recovery and Unity. The importance of Service unfortunately may have slipped through the cracks in the history and culture of CoDA. This is a great loss to the Fellowship.

Remarks: This could be encouraged in individual sharing, in new and revised literature, on the website, in email list messages, and in Co-NNections. Below is one example of a service piece a group has included on their literature table:

CoDA Service

10 CoDA Community Committee Group Rep (Rep)

Share the message with other codependents

Be a shining example of what the program can do

9 Sponsor another CoDA member

8 Participate in a Step Study

7 Take the role of Literature person

6 Serve as Secretary or Treasurer

5 Lead a meeting

4 Share at a meeting

3 Read at the meeting

2 Help set up/tear down a meeting

1 Show up and listen at a meeting

SERVICE PRAYER

Motion Name: Service Prayer

Motion/Issue: We motion that the CSC approve options for a CoDA Service Prayer as written:

Unity Service Work Prayer

From Service Concept 7

“Higher Power, please help us stay mindful in our service work, reminding us that we do not seek personal power, nor do we govern or control others to advance our personal agendas. Instead, we practice:

● Anonymity

● Humility

● Tolerance

● Gratitude

● Amends, and

● Forgiveness

Intent, background, other pertinent information: The intent is to raise awareness and the importance of service work and how it relates to our recovery

Remarks: This prayer was written based on the service concepts and submitted from a member of our Adhoc Committee.

UPDATE SERVICE STRUCTURE PYRAMID

Motion Name: Replacement of the existing Codependents Anonymous Structure Chart in Part 1 of the Fellowship Service Manual (FSM).

Motion/Issue: That the revised chart of Codependents Anonymous structure shown here shall replace the current chart in part 1 of the FSM.

--------> [See image here]

Intent, background, other pertinent information: To provide a clear, simple chart of the CoDA structure as an inverted pyramid.

Remarks: The above link also shows the current CoDA Structure chart which is on page 11 of Part 1 of the current FSM.

UPDATE SERVICE STRUCTURE CHART

Motion Name: Chart of current legal and organizational structure to be added to FSM Part 5.

Motion/Issue: That the revised chart of the legal and operational structure of CoDA as shown here be placed in part 5 of the FSM.

-------> [See chart here]

That the explanations surrounding the current chart in Part 1 of the FSM be retained in a separate page associated with this chart proposed for placement in Part 5 of the FSM.

Intent, background, other pertinent information: This will provide more detail to trusted servants in World Service illustrating and clarifying the authorization process for their service work. Part 5 of the FSM, “World Level Service Details” is the place for this illustration.

Remarks:

Task Lists

The following lists of tasks of the Fellowship, including the Board of Trustees (Fellowship Role), and the Corporation (CoDA, Inc.) illustrate the chart more concretely. They were approved by the AHC in 2019 but were recognized as still needing work and so were withdrawn at CSC 2019. Despite work by an Ad-Hoc Committee work group in 2020 they are still recognized as needing further work before being presented to Conference. Members of the Ad-Hoc committee intend to continue that work on an appropriate committee in the coming year.

To meet the spiritual purpose of our Fellowship as expressed through our CoDA Service Conference (CSC) group conscience process the following tasks belong to the Fellowship including the CoDA Board of Trustees (Fellowship Role):

To meet the spiritual purpose of our Fellowship as expressed through our CoDA Service Conference (CSC) group conscience process the following tasks belong to the Fellowship:

● Maintain our Fellowship foundational principles

o Foster spiritual growth (12 Steps)

o Follow the spiritual principles (12 Traditions)

o Foster (encourage) service (12 Service Concepts)

o Mediate as needed within the Fellowship

● Carry the CoDA message of recovery

o Outreach

o Communicate with the public around the world

o Support new groups

o Develop and approve new literature

o Maintain the content of the website

o Translate CoDA materials

● Maintain communications within the Fellowship

o Support Fellowship growth through face-to-face contact with other CoDA entities both in the US and International

o Maintain an accurate and current meeting list

o Maintain communication among all levels

o Maintain the content of the website

● Administrative

o Run the CoDA Service Conference (CSC)

▪ Establish the agenda

▪ Update and maintain the content of the motions database

o Decide which tasks are best done by volunteer or paid members of the Fellowship and which need to be done by outside paid workers with special skills, experience and availability

● Fellowship primacy over the Corporation

o Primacy of the Fellowship over the Corporation means that the Fellowship establishes all policies for Co-Dependents Anonymous, Inc.

o Such policies include but are not limited to:

▪ The implementation of legal compliance requirements

▪ The selection criteria of Information Technology

▪ The acquisition, protection, and distribution of Intellectual Property

▪ The authorization of enforcement actions

▪ The determination of the services the Corporations shall provide to Fellowship entities

▪ The development and approval of budget

To support the CoDA Fellowship and its goals, the following tasks are assigned to the Corporation:

● Legal management

o Execute and manage all contracts

o Maintain custody and safeguard Intellectual Property resources including enforcement against violations when necessary

o Maintain custody and safeguard CoDA archives

o Maintain 501c3 status

o Maintain legal responsibility for web content

o Determine legal compliance

● Corporate Financial management

o File tax returns

o Invest prudently

o Report at Annual Membership Meeting

o Manage financial accounts

o Facilitate financial disbursement process

o Pay bills

o Advise the Fellowship regarding the proposed budget

● Technology

o Maintain technical/back end aspects of the website, the meeting database and other communication technologies

o Maintain Cyber security

o Maintain internet and phone connectivity

● Administrative management

o Maintain mailing address

o Hire and supervise professionals and other special workers

o Maintain and secure physical property

o Hold an Annual Membership Meeting

o Validate Corporate Membership

Any tasks not covered by these lists belong to the Fellowship unless and until such time that the CSC determines they belong to the Corporation. Any modifications to these lists shall be approved by CSC.

** NOTE: To see chart, click here.

FORM AUDIO VISUAL MEDIA WORK GROUP

Motion/Issue: Communications moves that an audio visual media [AVM] work group be formed using the Communication Committee as the lead. To research and develop new CoDA [AVM] information programs. The work group would present recommendations to the Board based upon sound research and investigation. The focus intention to assist and provide new [AVM] content for a user friendly direct website link to coda.org [AVM].

Intent, background, other pertinent information: To create an [AVM] menu combining current and new outreach audio visual media for coda.org and the international fellowship.

Additional information: The Communications Committee wants to take the lead, coordinating closely with the CoDA board, and other world standing committees that may have an interest in this work group. The Communication Committee recognizes the need for creative cost effective new [AVM] audio visual media service materials. The committee wishes to expand its service mission and assist the World CoDA Board meet this outreach need. The workgroup configuration will begin immediately upon CSC 2020 approval.

Activity and progress reports will be submitted quarterly following the QSR schedule. Acceptance of all AVM work created and authority to produce will be sought through the group conscience process pending final Board approval.

The time frame for presentation of new AVM materials is projected to be no later than January 15^th 2021.

30 SECONDS BEFORE VOTE VEI

Motion Name: 30 Seconds before every vote at CSC

Motion/Issue: Call for "thirty seconds" prior to each vote on a motion at all future CoDA Service Conferences, and to update the FSM accordingly with that procedure.

Intent, background, other pertinent information: CSC Conference procedures item 8 (FSM Part 4, pg 7) describes the option of calling for "thirty seconds" of silence to ask for Higher Power guidance on a particular issue. A motion was passed at the 2019 CSC to call for “thirty seconds” prior to each vote on a motion. This motion was brought to the floor by myself (a SoCal delegate), and it was positively received through the rest of the CSC proceedings. The SoCal Voting Entity would like to now support the continuance of this practice with this VEI.

Remarks: The desire is to allow the voting members of CSC to have some moments to connect with their Higher Powers for guidance and direction on the vote of each motion that is considered.

S E C O N D M O T I O N | S A M E S U B J E C T

30 SECONDS BEFORE VOTE

Motion Name: Call for 30 Seconds before any vote at CSC

Motion/Issue: To call for "thirty seconds" of silence to ask for Higher Power guidance prior to any vote at all CoDA Service Conferences, and to update the FSM accordingly.

Change FSM Part 4 Page 14:

Original:

4. (5 MINUTES) Changes are made to the preliminary motion per group conscience. When finalized, the motion is read back to make certain it is in its final form.

5. (1 MINUTE) The Facilitator calls for a vote: Those in favor; Those opposed; Abstentions.

• a. Motions that receive 2/3 or more votes are binding on the Board of Trustees unless that motion is later deemed in conflict with the law or the CoDA Bylaws.

• b. Motions with 2/3 vote for Committee work only require support from the Board; the Board does not do Committee work

6. One additional speaker on the minority opinion may be heard at this time.

7. Any participant may call for "30 seconds of silence" at any time in order to remind the assembly of Higher Power's guiding presence and/or to slow down an escalating debate. Each period of silence will be followed by the Serenity Prayer.

Change by adding:

4. (5 MINUTES) Changes are made to the preliminary motion per group conscience. When finalized, the motion is read back to make certain it is in its final form.

5. (30 SECONDS) The Facilitator calls for "30 seconds of silence" to ask for Higher Power guidance before the vote, followed by the Serenity Prayer.

6. (1 MINUTE) The Facilitator calls for a vote: Those in favor; Those opposed; Abstentions.

• a. Motions that receive 2/3 or more votes are binding on the Board of Trustees unless that motion is later deemed in conflict with the law or the CoDA Bylaws.

• b. Motions with 2/3 vote for Committee work only require support from the Board; the Board does not do Committee work

7. One additional speaker on the minority opinion may be heard at this time.

8. Any participant may call for "30 seconds of silence" at any time in order to remind the assembly of Higher Power's guiding presence and/or to slow down an escalating debate. Each period of silence will be followed by the Serenity Prayer.

Intent, background, other pertinent information: CoDA Service Conference procedures item 8 (FSM Part 4, pg 7) describes the option of calling for "thirty seconds" of silence to ask for Higher Power guidance on a particular issue. A motion was passed at the 2019 CSC to call for “thirty seconds” prior to each vote on a motion. This motion was brought to the floor by a SoCal delegate, and it was positively received through the rest of the CSC proceedings. So Cal and Events Committee would like to make it a regular part of the conference proceedings.

Remarks: The desire is to allow the voting members of CSC to have some moments to connect with their Higher Powers for guidance and direction on the vote of each motion that is considered.

This motion is the result of a VEI submitted by So Cal.

RESULT:

QUESTIONS - yes

PROS & CONS Pros - We did it at the 2019 CSC and it made a difference in the room; think we should do this, but call it something different because of "30 seconds"; it makes a difference in the proceedings and should help this year with the virtual conference; like 30 seconds as helps the whole unity of CoDA; necessary for spiritual closure.

Cons - this conference is different with lots of questions, have time constraints; favor of concept, not in favor of diluting the 30 second rule and serenity prayer;

CRAFTING - no

VOTE: Yes-33; No-6; Abstain-1;

Motion Passed by 2/3rds Majority

BYLAW CORRECTION

Motion Passed by 2/3rds Majority

Motion Name: ByLaw Correction (Corporation)

Motion/Issue: To correct an error in the first sentence of the “Corporation” section of the ByLaws that currently reads:

“The Corporation, through the Board of Trustees (Board of Trustees), is responsible for the legal and business needs of the Fellowship.”

Correct this to read:

“The Corporation, through the Co-Dependents Anonymous Board of Trustees (aka CoDA Board), is responsible for the legal and business needs of the Fellowship.”

Intent, background, other pertinent information: Motion 12055 of July 12, 2012 received a 2/3 Vote from delegates that updated the previous 2006 version of the CoDA ByLaws within which there appears to have been an error in the first sentence of this “Corporation” section where the (Board of Trustees) appears in brackets behind the Board of Trustees. The intent is to correct this error.

Remarks: Full excerpt from current ByLaws:

Corporation

The Corporation, through the Board of Trustees (Board of Trustees), is responsible for the legal and business needs of the Fellowship. Each Trustee shall comply with and be bound by all terms and provisions of these By-laws of Co-Dependents Anonymous, Inc., and all public laws, such as those of the State of Arizona or the United States Internal Revenue Service, which affect CoDA’s corporate, nonprofit and tax-exempt status. Trustees are expected to

exercise the powers vested in them by the State of Arizona in a manner consistent with the faith that guides the Fellowship of CoDA, guided and inspired by the Twelve Steps and in keeping with the Twelve Traditions. The Board has but one spiritual purpose: that of serving the Fellowship. The Trustees are elected by the will and through the consent of the Fellowship as expressed through the group conscience of the voting members of the corporation at the Conference, to perform specific functions and to hold specific responsibilities, including but not limited to the following:

1. Conduct the daily business affairs and operations of the Corporation:

a. Manage, hire, and terminate contractors and observe and support the work of the committees as directed by the CoDA Service Conference.

b. Receive and deposit Seventh (7th) Tradition and other income.

c. Update Contacts and Meeting Directories of CoDA groups.

d. Support the Fellowship by sending out a Quarterly Bulletin in which committees can report their activities.

e. Other Duties, as needed.

2. Supervise and oversee all financial matters of the Corporation, including receipts, corporate assets and debts, obligations and liabilities, and give a financial report to the Conference.

3. Exercise any and all legal rights of the Corporation, whether expressed or implied under Arizona statutes or federal law.

4. Advise the Fellowship of the legal, practical and financial realities of the Corporation.

5. Rent, lease, purchase, hold and manage the minimum amount of real and personal property and equipment necessary to perform CoDA business. The Board is reminded that the Fellowship believes that owning, leasing or renting property may divert CoDA from its primary spiritual aim.

6. Obtain and protect CoDA copyrights, trademarks, trade names, and all intellectual property of CoDA.

7. To be directly responsible to the CoDA Fellowship, being guided and directed by the group conscience as expressed at their annual Conference. A majority vote by the Conference is considered guidance and two thirds (2/3) majority vote is a binding directive, except to the extent such directive if implemented, would cause the Trustees to be in violation of the Board of Trustees’ legal responsibilities to the Corporation and its members or would put the fiscal integrity of the Corporation at risk.

RESULT:

QUESTIONS - none

PROS & CONS

Pros - in favor, involves the legal foundation of the board and we don't want anything to interfere with effectiveness of the corporation; more of a grammatical error to be fixed, in bylaws, needed to be corrected by CSC

Cons - none

CRAFTING - no

VOTE: Yes-37; No-0; Abstain-2; Motion Passed by 2/3rds Majority

ROTATE COMMITTEE CHAIRS IN PUBLIC BOARD MEETINGS

Motion or VE Issue Name: Rotating committee chair participation in Public Board Meetings

Motion/Issue: Effective upon the completion of the 2020 CSC, one standing committee Chair will be an active participant with voice on the monthly Public Board Meetings or conference calls with the exception of executive session meetings. The committee Chair will not have a vote. Each standing committee Chair will have a turn participating on a rotating basis as determined by the Chairs Forum.

This information will be added to Parts 1 and 5 of the Fellowship Service Manual (FSM).

Intent, background, other pertinent information: This motion is an Ad Hoc Committee suggestion to support a healthy working relationship between the Board and the Chairs.

UPDATE REIMBURSEMENT POLICY WORDING

Motion Name: Updating Fellowship Service Manual verbiage with revised 2020 Expense Reimbursement Policy.

Motion/Issue:

1) Any mention in Fellowship Service Manual (FSM) of

“TRO - Travel Reimbursement Opportunity” be changed to “Delegate Grant(s)” and change any reference to Delegate to Voting Entity in the same sentence.

a) Part 5, Page 8 (CoDA Events Committee (CEC))

Change from: Ensure Hosting CoDA Community understands and receives their Travel Reimbursement Opportunity (TRO).

To:

Ensure the Hosting CoDA Community understands and receives their Host Grant.

b) Part 5, Page 12 (IMC)

Change from: Processes and qualifies Travel Reimbursement Opportunity (TRO) VE applicants.

To: Processes and qualifies Delegate Grant Voting Entity (VE) applications.

c) Part 5, Page 12 (IMC)

Change from: Informs and awards Travel Reimbursement Opportunity (TRO) for incoming eligible Voting Entity delegates.

To: Awards and informs the Voting Entity (VE) Delegate Grant recipients.

d) Part 5, Page 13 (IMC)

Change from: The awarding of all Travel Reimbursement Opportunities (TROs) to eligible Voting Entities Delegates will be the responsibility of the Issues Mediations Committee.

To: The awarding of Delegate Grants to eligible Voting Entities will be the responsibility of the Issues Mediations Committee (IMC).

2) Remove from Fellowship Service Manual (FSM), 2019, Part 3, Page 22 three paragraphs titled “CSC Travel Reimbursement Opportunity (TRO)” because it is redundant and fully covered in Part 4.

3) Change Fellowship Service Manual (FSM), 2019 Part 4, Page 11 (CoDA Service Conference (CSC) “TRO” Travel Reimbursement Opportunity for Voting Entity Delegates) to:

CoDA Service Conference (CSC) North American and International Delegate Grant for Voting Entity Delegates.

North American and International Delegate Grants are intended to assist VE’s that are financially challenged with sending a delegate to CoDA Service Conference (CSC).

Please refer to Bylaws of CoDA, Inc, Article IV – “Membership and Voting.”

Grant Award amounts will be determined by the Issues Medication Committee (IMC) dependent upon funds budgeted and requests received. The following guides are what can be expected:

1. International Delegate Grant up to $1,500 USD (or equivalent) to help cover CoDA Service Conference (CSC) eligible expenses.

2. North American Delegate Grant (for Voting Entities located within the United States of America, Canada, and Mexico) up to $750 USD (or equivalent) to help cover CoDA Service Conference (CSC) eligible expenses.

3. Host Grants are set by the budget (currently 2 at $1,000 USD [or equivalent] each) intended to help cover CSC eligible expenses and will be distributed to the Host Voting Entity (VE) within two months after the completion of their CoDA Service Conference (CSC)/International CoDA Conference (ICC) hosting.

4. North American and International Delegate Grants are available up to an amount set by the annual budget, with no limit on the number of delegates that can be provided with a grant. It is suggested but not limited to, 25% per year to be designated as North American Grants and 75% as International Grants to assist delegates traveling to CoDA Service Conference (CSC) .

4. Email questions on how to apply for Delegate Grant to: IMCVEL@coda.org

Eligibility:

1. A Voting Entity (VE) is eligible to apply for a Delegate Grant. Voting Entity (VE) is responsible to notify the Voting Entity Liaison (VEL) at IMCVEL@coda.org with the delegate name(s) and contact information. Any changes of the delegate(s) shall be reported as soon as possible to the Voting Entity Liaison (VEL).

2. Priority is given to Voting Entities that have either never attended CoDA Service Conference (CSC), or have not attended in a significant amount of time.

3. Voting Entities may receive a maximum of two Delegate Grants, not including Host Grants. Voting Entity (VE) will not receive Delegate Grants in two consecutive years. Exception is if there is an available unawarded Grant the Voting Entity (VE) may be awarded their second Grant consecutively.

4. Additional single Delegate Grants may be applied for every six years after they received their initial two Delegate Grants.

5. A Voting Entity (VE) can apply for one Delegate Grant for the current year’s CoDA Service Conference (CSC). The Voting Entity (VE) will determine how they reimburse their delegate(s).

Disbursement of Grants:

1. Before the Delegate Grant is awarded, the Voting Entity (VE) must agree to the disbursement method.

2. Disbursements will be made to the Voting Entity (VE) and the Voting Entity (VE) will reimburse the delegate for their expenses to attend CoDA Service Conference (CSC) . It is the responsibility of the delegate to request reimbursement from the Voting Entity that they represent at CoDA Service Conference (CSC) .

3. If requested, the Voting Entity (VE) may receive a portion of their Grant before CoDA Service Conference (CSC):

a) The North American Voting Entity(ies) can request up to 50% of the Grant reimbursement money upon award of the Grant, the rest to be sent to the Voting Entity (VE) after the delegate attends CoDA Service Conference (CSC) .

b) International Voting Entity(ies) can request the cost of airfare up to 80% of the Grant upon submission of paid receipt after being awarded an International Delegate Grant with the balance sent to the Voting Entity (VE) after the delegate attends CoDA Service Conference (CSC) .

4. After the delegate from the Voting Entity (VE) attends CoDA Service Conference (CSC) , the balance of the award that was not already disbursed will be distributed directly to the Voting Entity (VE).

5. The Voting Entity Liaison (VEL) will confirm Grant awards and delegate attendance at CoDA Service Conference (CSC) to the Finance Committee Grant Liaison. After the Grant is awarded, the Grant Liaison will initiate contact with the Voting Entity (VE) and discuss disbursement(s).

Contact Finance at finance@coda.org for more information.

Eligible Expenses:

The Delegate Grant is intended to be used to help cover eligible expenses, subject to your Voting Entity (VE) guidelines. If a Voting Entity (VE) does not have guidelines in place, we recommend using the CoDA Expense Reimbursement Policy found on the CoDA Website:

1. Travel to and from the CoDA Service Conference (CSC) from your home;

2. The cost of meals on eligible CoDA Service Conference (CSC) and travel days;

3. The cost of hotel room for CoDA Service Conference (CSC) .

Intent, background, other pertinent information: Similar motion was initially presented and withdrawn at the 2019 CoDA Service Conference (CSC) by the CoDA Inc board.

Eligibility for Voting Entities has been limited to two (2) lifetime. This will allow a VE to reapply for a Grant every 6 years. The Grant program is designed to bring VE delegates to conferences that are financially unable to send delegates to CoDA Service Conference (CSC).

Updating verbiage with revised 2020 Expense Reimbursement Policy.

BOARD OF TRUSTEES POSITION DESCRIPTION

Motion Passed by 2/3rds Majority

Motion Name: Board of Trustees Position Description

Motion/Issue: It is moved that Point Number 9 of the Qualifications list for the "Job Description" for a Trustee of the Board of CoDA be edited to read as follows, and that a question be added to the application that asks the applicant to demonstrate how they have a minimum of 80% seated time at a previous CSC.

9. Minimum of 80% seated time at a previous CSC (either as a delegate, trusted servant, or observer).

Intent, background, other pertinent information: The intention for this change is to make sure that an applicant for Trustee has a significant understanding of the processes and procedures of a Conference and is willing to participate in a meaningful way.

RESULT:

QUESTIONS - Yes

PROS & CONS - 4 each

Pros - good step, the board has a lot responsibility, the willingness shows the formal service at conference rather than just attending; like adding further expectation to the application; supports because the way things stand it is a weak requirement to be a board member; like the language.

Cons - for this, but would like to see the 80% taken off; thinks the 80% takes many people out of the running and is subjective; concerned because it adds subjectivity to the process, too broad and open; see this as another hurdle for international participation; 80% rule seems like hard and fast rule, would like to see it more broad for discretion, too limiting.

CRAFTING - Yes

VOTE: Yes-33; No-5; Abstain-2; Motion Passed by 2/3rds Majority