INPUT TO THE WORLD BOARD FROM THE WESTERN NEW YORK REGION

The Western New York Region met on Saturday, October 23, 1999 to dialogue a variety of topics presented at the World Service Meeting. We are forwarding our input on the issues we feel most strongly about. We will begin, however, with an expression of gratitude for all of your hard work. Thank you. It is appreciated here in Western New York.

We will break our input into what we hope will be coherent and identifiable sections.

Communications

We wholeheartedly support the use of focus groups and volunteer to assist in any way. We believe that this a great manner to identify successful vehicles for communications and applaud the movement toward a customer driven approach.

In the realm of communications, we would love to see:

· More focus groups
· "Train the Trainer" workshops so other trusted servants could conduct focus groups
· A brief, visually appealing bulletin or some form of communication specifically directed toward home groups as a means of engaging people at the home group level
· Bulletins directed toward special interest meetings, dual diagnoses and other controversial topics; controversy can be a great enhancer for communications efforts
· More bulletins with definitive stances
· More workshops
· Use the internet, e-mail and other technology to tap into a greater number of people
· Tape workshops and make them available; could be used for marketing purposes

We spent some time discussing our belief that using the service structure as a communications tool/vehicle is problematic. We are not advocating the subverting of the structure in any way. We unfortunately realize that by using the service structure, we do not reach a great majority of addicts. We like the idea of using "fun" events, like conventions, as a communications tool.

Human Resource Panel

We hope that you can forward this information to the Human Resource Panel. We did not hold a lengthy discourse on the workings of the HRP but discussed a few targeted issues. The current election process was the main bone of contention. We are pleased that the HRP is researching and studying the election process and in general are very pleased with the workings of the HRP. We do believe, however, that the current election process is flawed. Our brief suggestions are as follows:

· Decrease the plurality to 50% and/or take the top vote getters (e.g. if 12 seats need to be filled, take the top 12 vote getters)
· Either have people vote for as many people as possible and stress that mercilessly or have people vote for only the number of seats available (e.g. 12 seats are open-vote for 12)
· Explore the option of tiered/run-off voting

This is rather non-specific. Personally, our region (specifically me) would be happy to further discuss this.

Two Year Conference Cycle

· We really like the idea of the Worldwide Workshop system, but are hoping to get more specific information soon. We would love to see the workshops incorporate technology like videoconferencing or Internet activity so that we may all be connected in some manner. We would also like to see the workshops held at more "fun"/customer friendly locations like conventions rather than in conjunction with zonal forums. We believe that zonal forums only reach a portion of the general fellowship and would like to see more members of the fellowship engaged.
· Despite the fact that our region supported Motion #6 from the 1999 CAR, we are acquiescing to the suggestion that the CAR be printed 150 days prior to the WSC. Some members of our region were a bit concerned with this because they feel that the fellowship spoke through passing Motion 6 (albeit not a compelling majority) and do not like the change in direction. Overall, we are supportive of this suggestion.
· Funding for delegates was not well received. From a business perspective, we do not believe that it makes sound sense. Simply because we have the funds for this at this time does not mean that we will always have these funds. We believe that it may serve as a financial disincentive and also believe that if we begin this system, we create a climate of entitlement. We think that a meaninglessness exists when you receive something for nothing and would rather work toward raising funding on our own because we feel that it means something. Further, we question the fund flow issues. This new system would set a precedent of World sending money back to the regions and we are unsure if this is the direction we should take.
· The seating criteria issue is somewhat sensitive for us. We were seated only recently and tend to be inclined to want all others to be seated as well. We would really like to see more action with Resolution A. We are frustrated by the inaction and many members of our region would like to see Resolution A reintroduced in the CAR. We are not in any way denigrating the hard work of our predecessors who crafted Resolution A. We believe that if we truly want to improve communications, we would not limit seating at the WSC. The focus on improved communications, while clearly laudable, may be unacommplishible if we reduce the number of participants. We concluded that engaging people--and communicating with people--is difficult now under the present system. It may be become even more difficult if we move to any form of zonal representation. The distance (metaphorically and geographically) between people becomes greater. As one participant stated, we have evolved and now we want to devolve. Overall, the seating criterion is problematic for us as we do not want to see growth limited.

Motion 21

The overriding sentiment is that we want more literature developed and we would like to see it developed sooner rather than later.

Once again, thank you for all of your hard work.

In loving and spirited service,

Submitted by the Western New York Region

Tracy D.
716-881-1080