Region Minutes 5/19/01

Tracy D. opened the meeting with the Serenity Prayer.
The Chair and the Vice-Chair were not present. Nelson asked if the Treasurer was supposed to chair in this event. Apparently, this has been discussed before and the Regional Delegate would be responsible for chairing the meeting.

Freddie read the reading from the Basic Text.
Isaiah read the Twelve Concepts.
Loretta read the Twelve Concepts.

A motion was made to accept the minutes from the March meeting. The motion was seconded and passed.

The Ni-O Area will host the next Regional meeting on July 12, 2001 in Lockport.

Mailbox
Dave M. was not here to open the mail. Lynne B. volunteered to go through it. A new meeting registration was submitted on the new registration form. Other various flyers were distributed.

Nominations
Nominations were postponed until later in the meeting.

Treasurer
Opening Balance: $3,704.46

Regional Delegate

The 800 number issue was brought up in the RD report. Lynne B. asked if all the areas were interested in consolidating the 800 numbers into one. All the areas that were present see the benefits of having one number and having Region absorb the cost. The Vice-Chair should be involved in any further action on this issue. Regional Delegates, please have Area Phone Line Chairs attend the next meeting to discuss this.

See attached report.

Area Reports

Alley Cats - Not present, no report submitted.

Chautauqua - Art RCM

Our area has begun traveling to different cities to hold the Area Service Meeting. This idea was taken from Region. Hopefully, this will initiate more involvement.
H&I received $83.85 in literature. P.I. is having a Learning Day on May 20, 2001 in conjunction with the Activities Committee in Warren, PA. Phoneline had a bill of $120.00 and had 32 hits. Literature is running smoothly as usual. The Activities committee has found their guidelines. The guidelines are under review concerning accountability.
The Area has purchased it's own copy machine requiring a monthly payment of $50.00. The Area is donation $50.00 to the Region. At this point, the Area Treasury is at $0.00.

Buffalo - Cedric, RCM Alt

Cedric attended by did not have a report. He has brought an Area nomination for the Regional Chair. There is possibly a Learning Day being held on June 9, 2001. No further information was available.

Niagara-Orleans - Nelson, RCM

The Ni-O Area is ready to host the next Regional meeting in July. The location is 98 East Avenue in Lockport at the Plymouth Congregational Church. Coffee will be prepared and donated by the Area. Ni-O is having its first Annual Day Of Sharing on Sunday, June 24 at Royalton Ravine in Royalton. The Royalton Ravine is on Gasport Rd. and we have Shelter #1 reserved. This is a BYO affair with 4 topic panels and one main speaker. The annual picnic will be in August. Flyers will be coming out shortly. The Area is also going to have a Recovery In The Woods, July 27-29, at the Niagara County Campgrounds. The cost would be $10.00 a night per person. More information and flyers will be forthcoming.
Ni-O is in support of the all-encompassing phoneline that would service all areas. The Area has mailed a donation in the amount of $50.00. Again, the Area would like to nominate Bill T. for Regional Activities Chair. Ni-O is requesting $75.00 for the Convention Dance at the July 21st event.

Niagara Falls - James W., RCM & Reggie D., RCM Alt

Niagara Falls has questions about a Regional Insurance policy and if this would cover events put on by all the Areas. This was discussed at the meeting. Since the Region is incorporated, it probably umbrellas the Convention and other events. The Region does not hold year-round insurance. We will talk to Tom about the legalities and discuss this at the next meeting.

Secretary
Alle-Cat RD email account is inactive. I will send the Area's minutes through the mail to the PO Box. I have no receipts for May's mailings.

Sub-Committee Reports

Convention
Paul has the archives for the Convention. Stacy will go through them at the next meeting. The Buffalo Rd Alternate asked if the Convention was accepting vendors. The vendor would need to submit a contract to the Convention committee. See attached report.

Hospitals & Institutions (H&I)
Mail for H&I was given to the PI Chair.

Public Information (PI)
The Regional PI committee did not meet in May. The Chair was on the internet looking for information for the library. We have received information on the billboards. The costs would stay within the budget given for the project. Region has offered $3,000.00 and the billboards would only cost $2,783.00. This includes 9 non-profit priced posters and we would receive 6 free donated by Lamar. The production of the posters is included in the costs. The PI Chair makes a motion to allocate the the funds for the billboard project. This will be postponed until New Business.
This is the end of term for this position. The Chair would like to thank the committee for helping him grow as a trusted servant. The committee is returning $67.97 of its budget, which will bring the balance to zero. The committee would hope to see more involvement from Area PI Chairs.

Literature
There has been very little contact with Area Literature Chairs. The check, for the Learning Day event,
has been mailed but we have not yet received a receipt. Other receipts were submitted for today's event and the balance has been given to the Treasurer.
The Literature Chair would like to organize a meeting or workshop for the committee. Requesting
$70.00 to create a flyer. Niagara Falls would like to see Region supply the literature to the Areas. At this time, the Region does not have the ability to store large amounts of literature. There is a Literature Distribution Workshop for those interested in this issue.
World Service did a lottery to pick Areas to participate in the upcoming Literature panel for PIs and the Basic Text. The Ni-O Area was chosen for this honor and travel will be funded by the World.

Website
The idea of having an addict from another Region work on the website was discussed. This does not seem to be an issue. Everyone is asked to direct people to the Regional website at meetings. The Convention event was accidentally placed under the Niagara Falls section of the website. The will be fixed immediately. See attached report.

Vice Chair
Not present. Cedric read the Vice-Chair's submitted report. See attached for report and Index of Motions.

Old Business
The RD/RCM meeting is set for June 16, 2001. Freddie will facilitate the meeting, as Tracy will not be able to attend. There was some discussion as to whether attendance is voluntary. Attendance is required as this was a motion passed by Region because Areas wanted to meet every month.
The Zonal Forum is split on the direction that the body should take. Some Regions want the Forum to stay informal while others want it to become a part of the service structure. Our Region has voted against making the Zonal Forum a more formal structure. Tracy and Freddie would share a room to cut down on expenses. The expense would be $200.00 for the room and $100.00 for gas.
The billboard and 800 number issues will be tabled. The PI Chair had to leave unexpectedly. Areas should take the billboard idea back to the Areas for discussion.
A motion was made to cut Literature a check for $70.00 for a flyer. The motion was seconded and passed.
A point of order was brought up by the Ni-O Area on who has voting rights. The discussion was tabled until July.

New Business
-Niagara Falls offers to host the September Regional meeting. Motion was made, all in favor.
-RD/RCM meeting will need rent for the meeting held at St. Paul's Episcopal Church.
-A motion was made to direct the Convention committee to include 3 Service topics in the program. Region will give the WSO topics. Motion seconded, all in favor.
-Areas are suggested to bring their Area's minutes to the Regional meeting. This idea was discussed briefly and tabled to 6the next meeting.

Nominations

Regional Chair - Buffalo nominates Rodney M. He filled out his NA Service Resume and directed his answers to the Regional Committee. The nominations for Chair are closed.

PI Chair - Bob B. was nominated in March. He is appointed until July, when it will be voted on.

H&I and Treasurer - Open

Activities Chair - Bill T. is acting Chair.

Secretary - Melanie is acting secretary.

Treasurer
Closing Balance: $3,892.13
See attached report.

WNYCNA VI
Convention chair report
· Treasury Balance - as of May 18, 2001 $5587.58
· Met with convention center for a walk thru on May 1st 2001
· As a result we should be getting a payment schedule for site for this year
· We will use rooms 1,2,3,4 for workshop rooms, we will use 1a as a secure room and for vending, we will set up registration in front more details to be worked out
· We had a fundraiser in NF on 4/21/01 that brought in $275.00
· We had a fund raiser in NF on 5/18/01 that brought in $280.00
· We have registration flyer out and did a mass mailing on 5/12/01
· I am questioning whether or not we have insurance right now with any company or do I need to get a policy concerning the convention only, I will now proceed to find out information about insurance for the region
· We will have 3 more fund raisers 1, in June, 2 in July and that will be it until September

In service

Paul Nichols
Convention chair
831-9847
jgb8995@aol.com

05-19-01

To: WNYRSCNA
From: Mark T., Chair WNY Regional Web site
Date: 05-19-01
Subject: WNY Regional Web site report

Hello family:

I am very happy to report to this body that the WNY Regional Web-site continues to be up and operational without incident.

My request for help has been answered in the form of Billy D., Mike B., and Pat G. Billy D. has taken over the Chautauqua area directory on the server, Mike B. has taken over the Buffalo area directory on the server and Pat G. has provided me with new graphics for the Region's directory. If you have visited the site lately, you will see that all of the pages that have to do with the region have a new banner and background; the Chautauqua area pages are continually updated and have a new look and the Buffalo area pages are updated regularly. I might also add that James W., from the Niagara Falls area, has been most helpful in supplying me with information on upcoming activities that are related to our upcoming convention in October as well as information on upcoming events in the Niagara Falls area. Paul N., the convention chair, has supplied me with pertinent information regarding the convention and minutes from the convention committee meetings. All of these people, with the exception of Pat G. and Paul N., have a copy of Page Mill, the entire web site on CD and a FTP program for accessing the server. A heartfelt "thank you" to these people for coming forward and offering help in my time of need, for being willing to try new things and most of all for having the courage to get involved in with something that can be at times very confusing and time consuming.

In terms of "behind the scenes"/technical activities that have happened since my last report, I am pleased to report the following:
1. Our site has been "listed" with all of the major search engines on the Internet. (MSN, Yahoo, Alta Vista, Netscape etc.) This means that when someone uses any of these major search engines to search the internet, and uses key words such as "narcotics", "narcotics anonymous", "Western New York", "meeting(s)" etc. the search engine that they are using directs them to our site. (My thanks to Billy D. for this)
2. Meta tags have been placed on many of the Chautauqua area pages and the home page of our site (www.nawny.org). This means that these same key words, when typed into a search engine, not only direct the searcher to our site but also direct them to specific pages within our site based on the key words that they used in their search. (Again, my thanks to Billy D. for this)
3. E-mail re-directs are now set up for the regional chair, regional treasurer, regional delegate, regional public information chair, Buffalo web servant, WNY web servant and the Chautauqua web servant.

There is one issue that I may need direction from this body on. There is the possibility that Billy D's home group may be leaving the WNY region for service from another region. If this should occur, it would mean that the WNY region has someone working on their web site committee that isn't from the WNY region. I don't need direction at this moment as the vote by his home group to leave this region does not occur until later this month but should this happen, I need to know the conscience of this body on this issue. Perhaps the members of this body could think about this issue and be ready to make their thought known should this issue come to be.

I will not be able to make the next RSC meeting due to a prior commitment. I will however submit my report by e-mail and have a printed copy of my report available at the next RSC meeting. As always you may contact me with questions or concerns by e-mail, phone or through the web site.

Submitted in loving service
Mark T.

WESTERN NEW YORK REGIONAL SERVICE
COMMITTEE/RD REPORT
May 19, 2001

This is usually the meeting where I read my lengthy reports detailing the World Service Conference. Now that we are on a two-year conference cycle - with the next conference set for Spring 2002 - it seems like there is a great void! Information from world services has been somewhat sparse.

Major World Service Issues:

-The Worldwide Workshop System is beginning. 5 workshops will be held throughout the world between now and 2002. The first workshop will be held in British Columbia, June 29 - July 1, 2001. The purpose of the workshops are to facilitate communication between world services and the local fellowship in non-conference years.

-World Pool - Application can be found at www.na.org. They continue to look for
people to serve on special projects.

-Sponsorship Project is moving forward. Input is still being sought - and lo and behold!
We have a workshop today!

-Literature Distribution & Convention Workshops will be held on August 3 & 4, 2001 in
Woodland Hills, California.

-World Service Meeting and Unity Day will be held August 31 - September 2, 2001 in Vienna, Virginia. Issues that will be discussed are the literature development project, the Communications Task Force and motions to be presented in the 2002 Conference Agenda Report. Today we should discuss our attendance at this event. We should also discuss having a Unity Day event.

-Issue Discussion Topics - Our region has already held a workshop on one topic: "How can we continue to provide services to our fellowship and at the same time decrease our reliance on funds from events and conventions?" and needs to hold another workshop on this topic: "How can we create a bridge that builds and maintains a connection to service for home group members?" before October. More on this later . . .

RD/RCM Meeting-April 21, 2001
Attendance: Tracy-RD/Freddy-RD Alternate/Art-Chautauqua RCM/Nelson-NiO RCM

This was a landmark moment in our region's history-the first-ever RD/RCM meeting! Although the turnout was small, it was a very successful meeting. It should also be stressed that ANYONE may attend these meetings which are held on the third Saturdays of months that the WNY Region doesn't meet.

Items Discussed:

May 19th regional meeting and Literature Workshop. Everyone was asked to spread the word vigorously.
800 # was discussed at length. We all seem to want to move forward with this idea and decided it was a top priority. A proposal comparing prices of different services will be presented soon. Three of our five areas currently have 800#s. Freddy and Tracy will take the lead here but need assistance.
Voting rights-why do subcommittee chairs vote? Is this in violation to our by-laws?
World Unity Day-9/1/01-should our region hold an event to coincide with this worldwide event?
Issue Discussion workshops-we would all like to have a workshop to discuss the two world issue discussion topics and also fund flow
We would like to have time on the agenda at our regional meetings to report on these meetings. The idea of sharing ASC minutes was also discussed.

NEXT MEETING: June 16th--we need to discuss this!

NEZF

The next meeting of the Northeast Zonal Forum will be June 22 - 24, 2001 in Meriden, Connecticut. Topics to be discussed include: Improving communications within areas, groups and regions within our zone as well as a report from the Ad Hoc Committee who will present ideas about the direction of our zone - mission, vision, purpose, funding, etc. I think everyone knows that I left the last zonal forum with a bad taste in my mouth based on the frustration experienced from a series of zonal forums where we were seemingly stymied in our collective movement. Admittedly, my own ego is also in the way. Today we need to determine whether our region will be represented at the next NEZF. If we attend, costs will be:

$200 - Approximately Hotel costs (if Freddy & I share a room)
$105 - Per diem - Tracy
$105 - Per diem - Freddy
$ 80 - Approximately gas + tolls
$490 - Approximately

Other Ideas

-Annual Report to our groups
--Events calendar

E-Mail Distribution List
Please forward any e-mails that you receive from our region (minutes etc.) to interested parties. Please also provide me with any e-mail addresses so that I can begin to develop an e-mail newsletter.

Vice Chair Report 5-19-01

Unfortunately I am unable to be present today with everybody today because I am at the convention in Ottawa.

I have updated the index of motions to include all motions (except nominations) from 11/99 to present. The index is attached as a separate document. I have requested all minutes from committee members from before 11/99 and will add to the index as I receive more information. I will also add motions as each regional meeting passes.

I do not have anything else to report at this time

In service
Dave M.

Western Regional Service Committee
Index of Motions (excluding elections) 4/2/00

11/20/99
1. Motion to name the web site Narcotics Anonymous Western New York
Passed all in favor 1 abstention
2. Motion that Mark T. be allowed to secure an ISP
Passed 6 in favor 1 opposed
3. Tracy motioned that we send $5,710 to world
4. Passed 6 in favor 1 opposed 0 abstentions
5. Buffalo motioned that the nomination and election of the present/elect Regional Convention
Chairperson, be rescinded because it violates the intent of the Regional Guidelines, and the spiritual intent of the Narcotics Anonymous principles, established in the 12 Concepts and the Local Guide to Service.
Motion died due to no second
6. Motion that the region fund one individual, either RCM or alternate, from each participating
Area to MARLCNA
Passed unanimous

12/4/99 Special Meeting
7. Buffalo Motion that the nomination and election of the present/elect Regional Convention
Chairperson, be rescinded because it violates the intent of the Regional Guidelines, and the spiritual intent of the Narcotics Anonymous principles, established in the 12 Concepts and the Local Guide to Service.
Tabled due to wording of the motion

3/18/00
1. A'Lonia Mc. Made a motion to rescind part lll of the Activities Chairperson (in the by-laws) that states "this committee shall not hold any events for the purpose of fund raising". Motion was tabled
2. Tracy D. Made a motion to for the RCS to meet monthly every third Saturday from 12 to 3pm Passed 10 for 2 opposed
3. A'Lonia Mc. Made a motion to receive $250 for rent of facility,food and refreshments for regional assembly
Passed unanimously
4. Motion for P.I. to have a rolling budget of $360/year
Passed unanimously
6/17/00
1. Stacey S. made a motion for the RCS to meet bi-monthly from 12 to 3pm. Motion tabled till July. (passed on 7/15/00)

7/15/00
Motion #1. From 6/17 passed 6-yes 2-no 1-abstention
1. Motion to donate $200 to Niagara Falls Area for literature
Passed unanimous.

11/18/00
1. Motion to pay 1 year Inter-Nic and 2 years CI-Host expenses 325.79 (web-site)
Passed Unanimous

1/20/20
1. Mustafa Motioned request for 800# phoneline for the WNYRSC
Tabled till research is complete
2. Buffalo Motion to change RSC meeting to every month
Motion went back for area group conscience

3/17/01
1. Motion to keep the learning day at the Martha Mitchell Center and move the regional meeting
to that facility.
Passed 9 in favor 0 against 2 abstained
2. Motion that the region pay the rent of $125.00 for the facility (above) and to provide $200.00
for the supplies
Passed 6 in favor 0 against 4 abstained
3. Motion that the seed money for the convention be increased this year from $2,500 to $6,000.
Passed 9 in favor 1 opposed 1 abstained
4. Motion to donate $3,000 to world service
Passed 8 in favor 0 against 2 abstained
5. Motion to have Public Information send information to the areas via post mail
Dismissed as frivolous
6. Motion by Buffalo area to reconsider holding Regional meeting every month
Motion failed 5 in favor 4 against 2 abstained

Western New York Regional Treasurer Report
For the Month Ended May 2001

Income Debits Balances
Opening Balance 3,704.46

Donations
Alle-Cats
Buffalo 500.00
Chautauqua 50.00
NI-O 50.00
Rainbow
Cool Beans 10.00
War is Over 10.00
Apply. Spirit. Pr. 64.55
Lit. Reimb. 30.15
PI Reimb. 67.97

Total 782.67 4,487.13


Expenses Check #
RD/Alt. Zonal 523 510.00
Lit. Expense 524 70.00
St. Paul's 525 15.00

Total 595.00 3,892.13
End Balance 3,892.13