WESTERN NEW YORK REGIONAL DELEGATE REPORT/MAY 1999
NARCOTICS ANONYMOUS WORLD SERVICES ROCKS!!!

It was the best of times...and it was the best of times!!! From passing landmark motions propelling Narcotics Anonymous into the new millennium to hearing the serenity prayer in ten different languages, the 1999 World Service Conference was a truly awesome experience.

I freely admit that I was a nervous wreck as I embarked on this journey. I prayed and thought of Paulie. And I reached out...Ultimately all was well.

90 regions were present at the World Service Conference 1999 (WSC 99) including 29 regions from outside the US.

NEW REGIONS

The WSC 99 began with the seating of new regions. This year, all 3 new regions who requested seating--Finland, NERF (India), and ABCD (Adirondack-Berkshire-Capitol-District)--were seated. There was some controversy over the seating of the ABCD Region as they are not only another US region, but are also New York State's fifth region. Members of the Northeast Zone banded together to point out that New York's population, and number of meetings far exceeds other states. The ABCD Region --which contains 13 counties and 3 areas-- was seated. On a side note, they will be attending the Northeast Zonal Forum on August 7th and 8th in Niagara Falls!

HUMAN RESOURCE PANEL

The Human Resource Panel (HRP)--created by the fellowship last year--presented their report. The HRP's major accomplishments to date have been facilitating the filling of the World Pool. The World Pool is designed to give Narcotics Anonymous a pool of trusted servants to work on projects. Basically, The World Pool provides the people power--or addict power--needed to do the work. To date, approximately 250 people have filled out their World Pool resumes. RD s were strongly encouraged to pass out World Pool resumes to our regions. As your RD, I ask that you complete a resume to be forwarded to NA World Services. The HRP's goal is to have 1,000 World Pool members--so let's get busy!! The HRP is also busy preparing election procedures and attempting to "take politics out of the process" of electing World Board members. Ideally, RD s and regions will receive more information on candidates for the World Board. You will see later in this report how the lack of solid election procedures led to chaos and unmanageability.

NARCOTICS ANONYMOUS WORLD SERVICES (NAWS) REPORT

NAWS has determined that communications with the fellowship is this year's --and hopefully each year to follow--number one priority. NAWS is attempting to create a two-way dialogue with groups, areas, regions and addicts all over the world. This means that the RD and RD Alternate positions are a vital link in this process. So let me just warn you--I will be embarking on a mission to identify means to facilitate better communications. Please provide me with any suggestions you may have.

During the NAWS report, the World Board (WB) was introduced. Currently there are 18 WB members with the average clean time at 15 years and the average age at 40. The WB was elected at last year's conference. Their terms are staggered. The WB underwent a strategic planning process and make many decisions based on consensus. The group appeared to be incredibly cohesive. On a personal note, I give them a lot of credit for their relentless service to the fellowship.

NAWS UPDATE

The number of NA meetings worldwide has increased by nearly 8% to a total of 26,148 meetings in 70 countries. Wow!

WCNA-27 (our world convention) was the largest gathering of NA members in NA history. Approximately 19,000 people attended the convention, held in San Jose, California. Financially, it was not a traditional success but a re-evaluation of convention services is underway.

WCNA-28 will be held on August 30th-September 2nd, 2000 in Cartegena, Columbia.

New NAWS publications include the NAWS News, produced and issued after each World Board meeting, held approximately 6 times per year.

A literature survey is currently being circulated so that addicts everywhere can offer input into NA literature and more. Please take the time to complete this survey. Copies are available today.

The Step Working Guides have been an unprecedented success, as has been Miracles Happen, the Birth of Narcotics Anonymous--despite some lingering controversy.

The NAWS website had approximately 6700 hits thus far in 1999. The website is currently being redesigned. The prototype looks absolutely fabulous. This year, for the first time, the Conference Agenda Report was placed on-line. A great idea which will be continued!!!

FELLOWSHIP DEVELOPMENT PLAN

Included in this plan are the Literature Survey, History Project Plan, New Database, Two-year conference cycle plan, Communications Task Force Plan and World Board Internal Guidelines.

RESOLUTION A

It is interesting to note that that no one really knows where to go with Resolution A. Passed by the WSC 96, we are still collectively uncertain of our next steps. The Resolution was passed in order to achieve a reduction in the number of WSC representatives, equal representation from all geographic entities and to encourage consensus based decision making. At the WSC 99, we broke into small groups to discuss Resolution A. The results of these small groups and the overall direction for Resolution A is as follows:

1. Develop consensus based decision making recommendations.
2. Limit seating at the WSC to RD s and RDAs.
3. Develop criteria for the seating of new regions.
4. Create an Admissions Seating criteria committee.
5. Present options to lessen the funding burden experienced by regions (e.g.--forms of cost equalization).
6. Continue to gather information and recommendations regarding Resolution A.

OLD BUSINESS/MOTIONS FROM THE 1999 CONFERENCE AGENDA REPORT

1. Motion One--Selection of Fellowship Wide Discussion Topics
Topics I & J were selected
WNY Region selected Topics G, H & I (there was a tie)

Topic I--What action do we, as a fellowship, need to retain our experienced members with substantial clean time?

Topic J--What is NA's definition of abstinence? How does this definition apply to our members who need medication in recovery?

These topics will be workshopped by the entire world-wide fellowship this year. On a very positive note, the WNY Region will workshop these topics at WNYRCNA IV!!!
Recovery Rocks!

2. Motion Two--Clarity Statement

Motion Failed
WNY Region voted no

3. Motion Three--Illustrative Service Pamphlet

Motion withdrawn by maker
WNY Region voted no

4. Motion Four--Alternative Merchandise at WCNA

Motion withdrawn by maker
WNY Region voted no

5. Motion Five--Surveillance Statement

Motion committed to the World Board
WNY Region voted no

6. Motion Six--Conference Agenda Report Printing /Translations 180 Days Prior/WSC

Motion passed by 2/3
WNY Region voted yes
WNY seconded the motion!!!

7. Motion Seven--Pricing Index

Motion failed
WNY Region voted no

8. Motion Eight--150 Words to Explain Motions

Motion passed by 2/3
WNY Region voted yes

9. Motion Nine--Proposed Projects

Motion failed
WNY Region voted no

10. Motion Ten--Change Vision Statement

Motion failed
WNY Region voted no

11. Motion Eleven--World Board To Have One Vote

Motion failed
WNY Region voted no

12. Motion Twelve--Human Resource Panel To Ask Odd Questions

Motion failed
WNY Region voted no

While Freddy and I carried our regional conscience, I must say at this point that I am disappointed by the lack of participation by Home Groups in the CAR process. Let's all work together to substantially increase our participation for next year. After all--this is our fellowship!!! I would also like to commend the Ni-O Area for their unparalleled participation--9 tally sheets!

COMMUNICATION DISCUSSION GROUPS

Again, small groups were used to the delight of all participants. Western New York and Northern New York exchanged alternates so that we had the perspective of two different small groups. The most prominent ideas to emerge were: to use more small groups, to improve training of RD s and World Board members, to simplify service language, to create a sharing session, and to use technology--like e-mail discussion groups more.

ZONAL REPORTS

This was the first year zonal reports were given. A truly memorable experience--particularly the EDM/European Zone who tearjerkingly described how they have come together despite--in some cases--being former political enemies. Also incredibly touching was the Asian-Pacific Forum which detailed how, in certain countries, it is illegal to be an addict: how books cost entire month's salaries and how women can't attend meetings. Wow! I never realized how fortunate I am to be recovering here, in Western New York! If anything, the zonal reports showed that NA is truly a world-wide fellowship.

NORTHEAST ZONAL FORUM MEETING

12 regions were present, including: New England, Northern New England, Tri-State, New Jersey, Northern New Jersey, Mid-Atlantic, Eastern New York, ABCD, Mountain Valley, Northern New York, Connecticut, Greater New York and Western New York. A total of 3,819 meetings are contained in the Northeast Zone--15% of ALL NA meetings!!!

The next Zonal Forum meeting will be held on August 7th and 8th in Niagara Falls. This will be the first time the zone meets for two consecutive days...a new beginning which may be the precursor to a shift towards a more "traditionally" structured zone. The topics will be: Resolution A and Dispelling the Us vs. Them mentality.

***Three Important Notes***

1. I need help organizing this!
2. We need to workshop these topics.
3. We need to discuss-as a region--what purpose and role do we want the zone to serve?

ELECTIONS

The World Board designed to have 24 members. Currently, there are 18. Elections were held this year to fill the remaining 6 seats. No one received 60% of the vote. Chaos ensued. People did not want to accept this, so there was a strong movement to re-open the elections. We spent hours belaboring this. A motion was made to re-open voting. Ultimately, the motion failed. On a positive note--as mentioned earlier, the Human Resource panel is creating new election procedures so this does not happen again! Please note--12 World Board seats are up for filling at WSC 2000.

NEW BUSINESS/NEW MOTIONS

1. Motion 43--To have space on the agenda at all future WSCs for zonal forum reports

Motion passed
WNY Region voted yes

2. Motion 46--That the World Board shall have access to the Conference Agenda Report
for Reporting purposes

Motion passed
WNY Region voted yes

3. Motion 30--To direct the World Board to develop a project plan for a Tradition writing guide book, similar to the Step Working Guide

Motion committed to the World Board
WNY Region voted to commit

4. Motion 35--That the World Board forms a working group to explore issues surrounding the recognition of on-line NA meetings

Motion committed to the World Board
WNY Region voted to commit...technology rules!

5. Motion 36--To remove the book, Miracles Happen, as an inventory item after the current inventory is sold--and put it into an input and review process

Motion Failed
WNY Region voted no

6. Motion 39--To re-open elections and lower the voting requirement to a simple majority

Motion Failed
WNY Region voted no

7. Motion 34--To include, under the description of the 11th Tradition in the Basic Text and It Works How & Why, language regarding the application of this tradition to TV and the Internet

Motion committed to the World Board
WNY Region voted to commit

8. Motion 37--To create an e-mail discussion list for WSC participants who wish to participate...Non-participants will be able to "subscribe" (it's free) as non-participants
without posting privileges

Motion committed to the World Board
WNY Region voted to commit...Technology yet again!

9. Motion 40--To research the feasibility of using e-mail for communication

Motion committed to the World Board
WNY Region voted to commit

10. Motion 41--That communications from NAWS be written at an 8th grade level

Motion committed to the World Board
WNY Region voted to commit

Please note that I have excluded some fairly frivolous and contentious motions...Also, if it appears that there was a definite technological slant to new business, that's because there was! Ultimately, embracing technology will provide for better dialoguing and two way communications. On a personal note, I have truly benefited--as has our region--from using technology!

NAWS UNIFIED BUDGET

This year marks the first time unified budget has been proposed and passed. Included were various project plans which led to many fear based (?) questions. I have brought information with me and would be happy to share it with any interested parties.

CONCLUSION

While I realize that my report is perhaps overly lengthy, I believe it is imperative to communicate the significant events of WSC 99. As I have stated earlier, it was a truly awesome experience. I am eternally grateful to the Western New York Region for having the faith to allow to serve as your Regional Delegate. I am incredibly proud to have served our region at the WSC 99 and look forward to continuing my service.

On a last note, I have extensively researched what other regions are doing to fulfill their purpose. To say that I am brimming with ideas would be an understatement! It is time for us to settle on a date for our Regional Strategic Planning meeting! How about June 19th...at Mark's house???

Finally-I promise--I have some interesting regional reports to be shared as well as World Pool resumes and literature surveys. As Paulie would say, let's share the energy...