Section
02 The Group Conscience Process
Representation
Chart: Structure of CoDA
The Process of Determining a Group Conscience
Safety, Boundaries, and Respect in the Group Conscience Process
Disagreement, Mediation, and Resolution in Our Group Conscience Process
Empowerment to Serve
Section
04 Attracting Members
Community Outreach Package Introduction
Press Release
Welcoming Newcomers
Flyer for Bulletin Boards
Section
05 Commonly Asked Questions
What constitutes a CoDA Group?
How does our Group register with CoDA, Inc.?
What is a "Home Group," and why might I want one?
How can I let people know about our meeting?
Where do we get funds?
What is a "prudent reserve," and what do we do with excess
moneys collected?
Is there a limit to the amount an individual may donate to CoDA?
Can our group use the CoDA, Inc. Tax ID Number?
Does CoDA Inc. have an "umbrella" insurance policy that would
cover our meeting?
What should we do if the group disbands?
Section
07 The Community Service Structure
The Community Service Group or "Inter-Group"
Service Participation at the Community Service Group
Community Service Member
The Community Service Representative (CSR)
Alternate Community Service Representative
Section
08 Voting Entity Service
Voting Entity Service Structure
Voting Entity Structure Guidelines
Voting Entity Committees
Voting Entity Delegates
Alternate Delegates
Delegate Expenses
Voting Entity Delegate Term of Service
Section
09 CoDA, Inc. Service Structure
CoDA Service Structure
The CoDA Service Conference
Service Responsibility
CoDA Service Boards and Trustees
CoDA, Inc. Board Of Trustees Position Description
Application for Board of Trustees of Co-Dependents Anonymous, Inc.
CoDA Service Committees
List of the Board-Overseen Service Functions and Standing CoDA Committees
Committee Accountability
Incorporated CoDA Service Entities
Section
10 CoDA Committees and Board-Overseen Service Functions: Descriptions
and Roles
Board Overseen Service Functions
CoDA Website
Fellowship Services
CoDA Committees
CoDA Conference Committee
Convention Committee
Finance Committee
Issues Mediation Committee
CoDA Teen Committee
Hospitals and Institutions Committee
CoDA Literature Committee
Outreach Committee
Service Structure Committee
Translation Management Committee
Section
12 Guidelines for CoDA Communications
Communications Within All of CoDA
List of Affirmative Communication Actions
Communications From the Board: CoDA Quarterly Service Report (QSR) Guidelines
Guidelines For Developing An Area CoDA Website
Section
13 Conference Procedures
Guidelines for Business Meetings
Procedures
Conference Procedures (Revised 7/2000)
Conference Procedures Adopted In 1994
Guidelines for The Community Interactive Method
Community Problem Solving Method Of Decision Making: Sequence For Bringing
A Motion To Vote
Brainstorming and Formulating Recommendations
Speaking At Microphones
History of The Community Problem Solving or Interactive Decision Making
Method
Guidelines for Hosting a CoDA Service Conference
Guidelines for Hosting a CoDA Convention
Section
15 Forms
Group Registration Form
Contribution Form
Combination Meeting Changes/7th Tradition Contribution Form
About the Meeting's Phone List
Meeting Funds Record
Literature Order Form (instructions on how to order from CoRe.)
The Fellowship Service
Manual of Co-Dependents Anonymous Conference approved August 2005
Section 01 Introduction
Purpose of this Manual
The purpose of this document is to provide a comprehensive description
of our service structure and to furnish spiritual guidelines for applying
the Twelve Traditions to our service work. It also provides an overview
and examples of the group conscience process.
Vision of the Fellowship
Tradition Five: Each group has but one primary purpose:
to carry its message to other codependents who still suffer.
CoDA is a Twelve Step program. The basis of our program
is the Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions of Co-Dependents, Anonymous,
Inc. What all CoDA members share in common are these Twelve Steps and
Twelve Traditions. As a whole, CoDA has no opinion on outside books,
treatment programs, or therapies related to codependency. Some individuals
have found other things that assist in recovery, and each person is
free to explore as they chose. However, as a Fellowship, working the
Twelve Steps has worked for us, and this is what we do in CoDA. Our
common experience is that the Steps and Traditions have restored us
to sanity and healthy relationships. The vision of our Fellowship is
to develop and make available the recovery resources known as Co-Dependents
Anonymous. Through this effort, we provide support to the individual
seeking help, and continue to improve the quality of the recovery resources
we offer.
CoDA's Twelfth Step reads: "Having had a spiritual
awakening as the result of these steps, we tried to carry this message
to other codependents and to practice these principles in all our affairs".
As we begin to see the positive results of our participation
in CoDA, we feel a sense of serenity and gratitude for the gifts we
have received through our program. Our own recovery and growth become
examples of what our program has to offer. Through our outreach to the
codependent who still suffers, we give back to our program. CoDA was
there when we needed it, and, through our service, it will continue.
Our willingness to "carry the message" of experience, strength,
and hope helps the program of Co-Dependents Anonymous to continue on
and to grow in its ability to improve our lives and the lives of those
around us. Let us gratefully demonstrate what CoDA has to offer…through
our service.
We admitted we were powerless over others, that
our lives had become unmanageable.
Came to believe that a power greater than ourselves
could restore us to sanity.
Made a decision to turn our will and our lives
over to the care of God, as we understood God.
Made a searching and fearless moral inventory of
ourselves.
Admitted to God, to ourselves, and to another human
being the exact nature of our wrongs.
Were entirely ready to have God remove all these
defects of character.
Humbly asked God to remove our shortcomings.
Made a list of all persons we had harmed and became
willing to make amends to them all.
Made direct amends to such people wherever possible
except when to do so would injure them or others.
Continued to take personal inventory and, when
we were wrong, promptly admitted it.
Sought through prayer and meditation to improve
our conscious contact with God, as we understood God, praying only
for knowledge of God's will for us and the power to carry that out.
Having had a spiritual awakening as the result
of these steps, we tried to carry this message to other codependents
and to practice these principles in all our affairs.
"The Twelve Steps are reprinted and adapted with
permission of Alcoholics Anonymous World Services, Inc. Permission to
reprint and adapt this material does not mean that AA has reviewed or
approved the content of this publication, nor that AA agrees with the
views expressed herein. AA is a program of recovery from alcoholism
only - use of the Twelve Steps in connection with programs and activities
which are patterned after AA, but which address other problems, does
not imply otherwise."
The 12 Steps of AA:
We admitted we were powerless over alcohol - that
our lives had become unmanageable.
Came to believe that a Power greater than ourselves
could restore us to sanity.
Made a decision to turn our will and our lives
over to the care of God, as we understood Him.
Made a searching and fearless moral inventory of
ourselves.
Admitted to God, to ourselves and to another human
being the exact nature of our wrongs.
Were entirely ready to have God remove all these
defects of character.
Humbly asked Him to remove our shortcomings.
Made a list of all persons we had harmed, and became
willing to make amends to them all.
Made direct amends to such people wherever possible,
except when to do so would injure them or others.
Continued to take personal inventory and when we
were wrong promptly admitted it.
Sought through prayer and meditation to improve
our conscious contact with God, as we understood Him, praying only
for knowledge of His will for us and the power to carry that out.
Having had a spiritual awakening as the result
of these steps, we tried to carry this message to alcoholics and to
practice these principles in all our affairs.
Our common welfare should come first; personal
recovery depends upon CoDA unity.
For our group purpose there is but one ultimate
authority: a loving Higher Power as expressed to our group conscience.
Our leaders are but trusted servants; they do not govern.
The only requirement for membership in CoDA is
a desire for healthy and loving relationships.
Each group should remain autonomous except in matters
affecting other groups or CoDA as a whole.
Each group has but one primary purpose: to carry
its message to other codependents who still suffer.
A CoDA group ought never endorse, finance, or lend
the CoDA name to any related facility or outside enterprise, lest
problems of money, property, and prestige divert us from our primary
spiritual aim.
Every CoDA group ought to be fully self-supporting,
declining outside contributions.
Co-Dependents Anonymous should remain forever nonprofessional,
but our service centers may employ special workers.
CoDA, as such, ought never be organized; but we
may create service boards or committees directly responsible to those
they serve.
CoDA has no opinion on outside issues; hence, the
CoDA name ought never be drawn into public controversy.
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.
Anonymity is the spiritual foundation of all our
traditions, ever reminding us to place principles before personalities.
*The Twelve Traditions are reprinted and adapted with
permission of Alcoholics Anonymous World Services, Inc. Permission to
reprint and adapt this material does not mean that AA has reviewed or
approved the content of this publication, nor that AA agrees with the
views expressed herein. AA is a program of recovery from alcoholism
only - use of the Twelve Traditions in connection with programs and
activities which are patterned after AA, but which address other problems,
does not imply otherwise.
The 12 Traditions of AA
Our common welfare should come first; personal
recovery depends upon A.A. unity.
For our group purpose, there is but one ultimate
authority--a loving God as he may express Himself in our group conscience.
Our leaders are but trusted servants; they do not govern.
The only requirement for A.A. membership is a desire
to stop drinking.
Each group should be autonomous except in matters
affecting other groups of A.A. as a whole.
Each group has but one primary purpose--to carry
its message to the alcoholic who still suffers.
An A.A. group ought never endorse, finance, or
lend the A.A. name to any related facility or outside enterprise,
lest problems of money, property, and prestige divert us from our
primary purpose.
Every A.A. group ought to be fully self-supporting,
declining outside contributions.
Alcoholics Anonymous should remain forever nonprofessional,
but our service centers may employ special workers.
AA, as such, ought never be organized; but we may
create service boards or committees directly responsible to those
they serve.
Alcoholics Anonymous has no opinion on outside
issues; hence, the A.A. name ought never be drawn into public controversy.
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.
Anonymity is the spiritual foundation of all our
traditions, ever reminding us to place principles before personalities.
Twelve Service Concepts of Co-Dependents Anonymous
The members of the Fellowship of Co-Dependents
Anonymous, in carrying out the will of a loving Higher Power, advance
their individual recoveries, work to insure the continuance of their
groups and their program, and carry the message to codependents who
still suffer. They may also collectively authorize and establish service
boards or committees and empower trusted servants to perform service
work.
The Fellowship of CoDA has the responsibility of
determining, through its group conscience, the service work to be
performed, and the best manner to perform such work. This authority
is expressed through our group conscience. Authority carries responsibility;
thus, CoDA groups conscientiously provide adequate funding and support
for the service work they authorize.
Decisions about service work in the Fellowship
and all CoDA affairs are made through the group conscience decision
making process. For this spiritual democratic process to work, every
member of the group is encouraged to participate, consider all the
facts and options concerning the issue, listen respectfully to all
opinions expressed, then reflect and meditate to find a loving Higher
Power's will. Finally, we deliberate honestly and respectfully to
determine the proper course of action. Unanimity in the group is the
desired outcome; a majority vote is a group conscience.
All those who volunteer to do service work for
CoDA by serving on committees, boards, or corporations are trusted
servants, not authority figures. Ideally, trusted servants volunteer
out of a desire to follow their Higher Power's will, out of gratitude
for the gifts they have received from CoDA, out of a desire to grow
in their ability to create and keep healthy relationships, and to
contribute what they can of themselves to CoDA. The Fellowship recognizes
the need to select the most qualified people willing to serve as trusted
servants. At times, trusted servants may hire individuals outside
of the Fellowship for commercial services.
Trusted servants are directly responsible to those
they serve and are bound to honor the group conscience decision making
process and uphold those decisions concerning their service work.
The Fellowship also recognizes the need and right for members to honor
their own experience, strength, and hope and their Higher Power's
will as expressed to them. When the group conscience violates an individual's
own truth and makes participation impossible, the individual may relinquish
the service position.
The Fellowship guarantees trusted servants the
right and authority to freely make decisions commensurate with their
responsibilities and the right to participate in group conscience
decisions affecting their responsibilities. Each CoDA member is also
guaranteed the right to respectfully dissent during the group conscience
decision making process. A member may freely and safely express any
personal grievances as long as no particular person or group is unexpectedly
singled out as the subject of the grievance. Members are encouraged
to honor their own integrity as well as the integrity of others.
Trusted servants do practice the Twelve Steps and
Twelve Traditions in their service work and in all of their affairs.
Trusted servants do not seek power, prestige, wealth, status, or acclaim;
do not govern, coerce, or attempt to control others; and do not push
a personal agenda, promote controversy, or advance outside issues
at CoDA's expense. Since issues over authority, will, money, property,
and prestige can and do arise in service work, trusted servants need
to practice emotional sobriety, including anonymity, humility, tolerance,
gratitude, making amends, and forgiveness.
The CoDA Service Conference (Conference), through
its group conscience decision making process, guides the Fellowship
in making policy decisions and in following the Twelve Steps and Twelve
Traditions. The Conference, though providing guidelines, holds no
authority over the decision making process of individual groups. The
group conscience process is our decision making process. Failure to
honor this process may violate Traditions One and Four and a sanction
may be imposed. The harshest sanction Conference can impose on an
individual or group is to no longer recognize it as belonging to CoDA;
this sanction may only be imposed on those who consistently violate
the Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions, as determined by guidelines
accepted by Conference.
By tradition, the CoDA Service Conference gives
responsibilities to working committees composed of Conference Delegates
and other CoDA volunteers or to separate service boards or corporations.
All are directly responsible to the Conference. The scope of the work
a committee does is determined by the Conference group conscience.
The chairperson of each committee assumes the responsibility to ensure
the work assigned to the committee is completed in a timely manner.
When the CoDA Service Conference is in session,
the CoDA Board of Trustees is directly responsible to the Conference.
When not in session, the Conference assigns its decision-making authority
on material matters to the Trustees. The Board of Trustees is authorized
to monitor the work of Conference-appointed service committees and
may provide assistance or guidelines when necessary. The Trustees
serve as the board of directors of CoDA, Inc., the non-profit corporation,
are assigned custodial control of all money and property held in trust
for the Fellowship, and are responsible for prudent management of
its finances.
The powers of the CoDA Service Conference derive
from the pre-eminent authority of the group conscience decision-making
process. Arizona State law gives the Board of Trustees legal rights
and responsibilities to act for the Fellowship in certain situations.
CoDA, Inc.'s Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws are legal documents
enumerating these Board rights and responsibilities.
The Fellowship strives to practice and encourage
spiritual principles in all its material, financial, and business
affairs, including fairness, equality, and respect for individual
rights. Every member within CoDA has a voice and is encouraged to
use it. Every member has the right to know what is happening within
our organization. To honor this right, and in the spirit of CoDA unity,
our CoDA, Inc. organization publishes and distributes group conscience
decisions, such as minutes of our service boards and motions from
our CoDA Service Conferences, in the most inclusive and timely manner
possible.
The Fellowship Service
Manual of Co-Dependents Anonymous Conference approved August 2005
Section 02
The Group Conscience Process
Representation
The spiritual structure of CoDA is based on Tradition Two: "For
our group purpose there is but one ultimate authority: a loving Higher
Power as expressed to our group conscience. Our leaders are but trusted
servants; they do not govern." By polling our group conscience,
we seek guidance from our Higher Power and make decisions affecting
our groups, our service boards, and our committees.
We call this "group conscience decision making.”
This is sometimes new to people entering the program, and some have
difficulty understanding and adapting to this process because of its
"non-governing" style. It can be a lengthy process requiring
patience.
Many of us are more familiar with "hierarchies.”
Imagine a hierarchy as a pyramid. The people at the top of the pyramid
have power, and it flows down from them through various levels. By the
time power reaches those at the bottom of the pyramid, it is so diluted
that the people at the bottom have little power at all. CoDA is about
self-empowerment, so a hierarchical system cannot adhere to our Steps,
Traditions, and spiritual principles.
CoDA structure is an inverted pyramid. The broad pyramid
top represents the members of CoDA, and authority, power, and direction
resides with them. Members of groups may exercise power through the
group conscience. Authority and power flow down to and thru a groups
trusted servants and area Intergroup (or community service groups),
then on to the Voting Entity’s (VE) Intergroup and the VE's delegates
and eventually to the bottom of the pyramid. At the bottom, we find
our CoDA, Inc. boards, committees and service corporations.
The group conscience process is used to make decisions
at all levels of CoDA. The home group typically has a monthly business
meeting to discuss issues affecting the group such as how to address
crosstalk, what literature to buy, how to welcome newcomers, etc. A
group conscience may also be asked for during a regular meeting, if
a decision is needed right away and can’t wait for the regular
business meeting. Anyone may ask for a group conscience at anytime during
a CoDA meeting, if and when immediate attention is needed to ensure
the safety of an individual or the group, or to uphold the CoDA Traditions.
The group conscience process is also used to make
decisions that affect CoDA as a whole and to elect trusted servants
to carry out those decisions. The process of electing trusted servants
begins with the group meeting. Each home group meeting may select a
group service representative (GSR) to represent that group at Intergroup.
The Intergroup (community, area, country, state, regional) elects delegates
to represent them at CoDA, Inc. meetings. The GSR carries the group
conscience of the home group meeting to Intergroup. Intergroup holds
a group conscience and decides whether the item will proceed to CoDA,
Inc., or the next level.
At the Country, State and Regional or other Voting
Entity levels, group and community representatives select trusted servants
to serve the members of that Voting Entity. Group representatives also
select Delegates to represent them and carry their group conscience
to the CoDA Service Conference, which is held annually. Each Voting
Entity may send two Delegates to this Conference, which is the annual
business meeting of CoDA. At the CoDA Service Conference, Delegates
carry the group conscience of those they represent. Delegates also work
together to make decisions dealing with CoDA Inc., and select trusted
servants who will serve our Fellowship.
Chart: Structure of CoDA
The Process of Determining a Group Conscience
Decisions at all levels of CoDA are made with the
guidance of our Higher Power as expressed through the Twelve Traditions.
Particularly useful are Tradition One: "Our common welfare should
come first. Personal recovery depends upon CoDA Unity." and Tradition
Two: "For our group purpose there is but one authority—a loving
Higher Power as expressed to our group conscience. Our leaders are but
trusted servants; they do not govern.” Thus as with all our recovery,
group conscience is about putting aside the "self" and looking
to Higher Power for guidance
To begin the group conscience process, members present
raise issues or items of business. Our goal is to reach agreement on
the items presented. The meeting is opened to discussion by the chair/facilitator.
When discussion ends, we determine the group conscience by taking a
vote. A majority determines the group conscience.
Using a group conscience process is similar to "consensus-based
decision making.” The primary difference is that in CoDA, people
who participate share their strength, hope, and experience with one
another in an effort to determine what is best for everyone in the Fellowship
as a whole. We consciously invite our Higher Power to guide and direct
us, individually and collectively. We grow in our recovery by putting
aside the need to be right while making a decision for the good of CoDA
in a spiritual process.
We seek to avoid campaigning in order to gain a win
for "our" solution. A group conscience decision grows out
of the combined wisdom invested in the whole group. With the help of
our Higher Power, we open our minds to all view points presented and
then vote for the one we see as best for CoDA. We work to keep “personalities
and prestige” from becoming involved. For instance, the voice and
wisdom of someone with six months of experience is of as much weight
and value as that of someone with ten years of recovery. Finally, be
warned that an individual's need for acceptance and approval may circumvent
the spiritual process. It isn't Higher Power's will that we go along
to get along.
In CoDA, everyone is encouraged to share experience,
strength, and hope with each other. We may engage in assertive presentation
of our point of view, but we draw a boundary against aggressive persuasion,
name-calling, or arm-twisting of people to vote a certain way. If a
position is that of our Higher Power, it will naturally attract others.
Sometimes a person may invoke the "Right of Dissenting
Opinion." This means that even a minority of one, favoring or opposing
an issue, has a right to be heard. Only individual(s) who actively participated
in the decision making without circumventing the process can offer a
dissenting opinion. At a meeting, it means a person has the right to
express a dissenting opinion before the members vote. In the CoDA Fellowship,
it means that a member, group of members, or a committee may request
the distribution of a dissenting opinion in writing in order to be "heard"
by the Fellowship.
In conclusion, while every person has the right to
express opinions, the group conscience determines a particular course
of action. We demonstrate our openness to the will of Higher Power by
accepting that decision even when we may disagree with it.
Safety, Boundaries, and Respect in the Group Conscience
Process
During the group conscience process, it is important that we all practice
our program by balancing patience with assertion. We respect the boundaries
of others and expect the same consideration. We assume responsibility
for our behavior and accept accountability for our actions.
A time limit on speaking is an example of an appropriate
boundary when made by group decision. The group may place a time limit
on how long a person may speak to an issue, limit the number of times
a one may speak on the issue, and determine how to seek clarification
from members. If a member would like additional speaking time, that
member may request it, and all members take a group conscience poll
for resolution.
Before a group conscience is started in a home group
meeting or service committee, it may be helpful to allow each member
time to speak. Each member shares his or her name, an explanation of
what the member hopes the group will accomplish, and the member's willingness
to accept group conscience decision. Members may also choose to tell
of a personal experience that pertains to the subject under discussion.
This builds safety and trust within the group and reinforces CoDA’s
spiritual principles.
Sometimes there may be a real or perceived conflict
of interest regarding a member's participation on a particular subject.
To be respectful of a member's integrity and boundaries, the member
should have an opportunity to abstain from voting.
We are all at different places in our program, and
many in CoDA service work are still working the CoDA Steps and Traditions
to understand themselves. Some members may unconsciously act out, responding
with anger and hostility. By practicing loving tolerance of each other’s
opinions, we may receive the ultimate reward of our program: spiritual
growth.
Disagreement, Mediation, and Resolution in Our
Group Conscience Process
When we disagree, we express ourselves in non-personal, non-shaming
ways. We do not attack an individual's point of view. Instead, we accept
what the person says as true for them. In turn, we respectfully express
our differing point of view. In this manner, we can share our experiences
in a constructive way.
During the group conscience process, we reveal our
commitment to CoDA by assuming responsibility for our behavior and accepting
accountability for our actions. If we slip back into codependent attitudes
and behaviors during this process, we admit it and make amends to those
we have harmed. Thus, we gain a greater understanding of our Twelve
Steps, Twelve Traditions, and CoDA’s spiritual principles.
Occasionally, a member may engage in unsafe behavior
by not respecting the boundaries of others, or someone may perceive
that to happen. In such a situation, any member may call for a "time
out" or "thirty seconds." During a time out or thirty
seconds, everyone ceases talking and spends time seeking guidance from
Higher Power. At the end of the thirty seconds, someone calls "time,”
and members may choose to end the silence with the Serenity Prayer.
If a time out does not eliminate the contentious behavior,
it may be appropriate to ask for a group conscience decision on whether
a person's behavior is threatening and offensive. If the group decides
that the person is engaging in detrimental or disruptive behavior, it
can hold that person accountable by requesting that such behavior stop.
Persons so cited are encouraged to work Steps Four and Ten, and act
according to personal truth. Then, another group conscience may be requested
to re-establish safety and CoDA unity.
If the contentious behavior does not stop, then mediation
may be in order. Two or more people (to avoid allegations of impropriety,
one person can be of the same gender as the member) may meet privately
with the offending member. They will explain why the attitude and/or
behavior is unacceptable in CoDA.
If mediation fails to resolve the problem, and an
individual continues to behave in an offensive manner, the group can
decide (through a group conscience decision), to suspend that individual's
speaking privileges or even voting privileges. In extreme cases, the
group may ask the individual to leave the meeting. Each person's right
to attend meetings is guaranteed by Traditions Three, Five, and Twelve.
Violations of the rights and boundaries of a meeting dishonors Tradition
One that says, “Our common welfare should come first; personal
recovery depends upon CoDA unity.” An individual may lose the rights
and privileges accorded to them by that group for committing such violations.
Occasionally, a situation arises where a trusted servant
in a position of responsibility acts irresponsibly in performance of
their duties or acts in a manner contrary to our program's principles.
If so, the appropriate group, state, community, or regional Assembly
may call for a group conscience decision to replace that individual.
In such cases, the individual(s) affected should be notified of the
meeting and allowed to participate in the process. A record of all actions
should be maintained by the appropriate secretary and should be made
available to any CoDA member upon written request.
Groups, community committees, and state or regional
Assemblies do not establish CoDA policy. This is the responsibility
of the CoDA Service Conference. When a conflict is referred to the group,
community, state, or regional committee, they may help the conflicting
members to explore the guidance offered by our Twelve Traditions.
In summary, the first step in resolving a conflict
is for the individuals involved to attempt resolution between themselves.
If this is not possible, the next step is for them to ask their home
group for guidance or mediation. If this proves unsuccessful, the next
step is to seek guidance from the local community service group. Beyond
this, the state or regional Assembly may be contacted for assistance.
As a final step, and only when necessary, members may seek guidance
from our CoDA service structure by requesting assistance from the Issues
Mediation Committee (see Section 10). It is recommended that individuals
contact their state Delegates for assistance in forwarding the request
to this CoDA Service Committee.
By seeking resolution in this sequence, we respect
our Traditions and allow our program to work.
The Limits of Autonomy: When a Group Conscience Decision
Affects Other Groups or CoDA as a Whole
Our Fourth Tradition reminds us that “Each group
should remain autonomous except in matters affecting other groups or
CoDA as a whole.” The decision making process of each group, including
meeting groups and service groups, is independent and self-directed.
However, if their group conscience decision affects other groups or
CoDA as a whole, then that effect needs to be considered. The Steps,
Traditions or will of the Fellowship as expressed by decisions made
at CoDA Service Conference cannot simply be suspended by group conscience
decision in the meeting or service group.
If a group does not agree with the interpretation
of a Step or Tradition or the application of a CSC decision, they may
want to present their concerns to their Intergroup assembly in order
to formulate an Intergroup’s issue, or they may want to discuss
their concerns with the Board of Trustees. In some cases, if direct
resolution proves difficult, it may be useful to consult the Issues
Mediation Committee.
Sometimes a CoDA member or group may perceive that
their group or CoDA as a whole is being adversely affected by the group
conscience decision of another group (meeting or service). The methods
described in the section “Disagreement, Mediation, and Resolution
in Our Group Conscience Process” (see above) can be applied to
groups as well as individuals. First talk to the group and try to resolve
the problem directly. If unsuccessful, seek guidance as described above.
Empowerment to Serve
Trusted servants at any level of service are empowered to serve their
group or committee through the process of group conscience. Those who
volunteer to serve are invested with the responsibility to act for the
group or committee through this process, remembering that the ultimate
authority is “a loving Higher Power as expressed to our group conscience.”
The Fellowship Service
Manual of Co-Dependents Anonymous Conference approved August 2005
Section 03
The CoDA Group
CoDA Meetings
The sense of community and belonging, which
are the gifts of our program, begin at the group meeting level. The
CoDA community uses the Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions, which are
the foundation for our program, and are guides to our personal behavior
and attitudes. They teach us to be respectful and honorable with one
another.
A CoDA meeting is much more than a place to
sit and tell your troubles, it is a place to meet people like yourself
and to learn from those who are different from you; a place to interact
with people focused on learning to have healthy and loving relationships.
A CoDA meeting is a group of people who come
together around their shared desire for healthy and loving relationships.
The meeting uses the Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions of Co-Dependents
Anonymous as the basis for working toward recovery. It is a place to
find sponsorship and fellowship as well as the sharing of experience,
strength, and hope. A strong sense of acceptance and community makes
a meeting attractive both to the newcomer and old timer.
CoDA meetings remain strong and have the ongoing
participation of long-term members when they demonstrate the qualities
of acceptance and community. Members are encouraged to carry on fellowship
outside of the meeting by going to coffee afterwards or working with
a community committee to plan community events such as picnics, potlucks,
campouts, or other events.
Some Different Types of CoDA Meetings
Speaker Meeting: This type of meeting features a personal story of recovery
shared by one individual. Speakers share their personal experience,
strength, and hope in the program. The meeting may or may not include
open sharing after the speaker, depending on the length of story shared.
Open Share Meeting: This type of meeting often
has no topic or individual speaker, giving members an opportunity to
share their experience, strength, and hope on their recovery as they
wish.
Topic Share Meeting: This type of meeting opens
with the facilitator or a member of the group suggesting a specific
topic, i.e., the Steps, setting boundaries, sponsorship, etc. The facilitator
will usually begin the sharing.
Step or Tradition Study Meeting: In this style
of meeting, the group uses our Conference Endorsed CoDA literature and/or
the CoDA Book as a foundation for study, discussion, or sharing related
to CoDA's Steps and /or Traditions. For example: the group may elect
to read a portion of this material out loud and then have an open sharing
session.
“Open” and “Closed” Meetings
A CoDA meeting may be "open.” This means that anyone can attend.
“Anyone” means codependents, non-codependents, students, or
representatives of other organizations (including the media), etc. (It
is expected, and may be specifically asked, that all such visitors agree
to respect our need for anonymity and confidentiality.)
A “closed” group, however, is a group
attended only by people who are codependent or think they may be codependent.
Newcomers who think they may be codependent can attend a closed meeting.
A closed group may be “restricted.”
For example, a meeting may be listed as “closed - women.”
In this example, only women who are codependent (or believe they may
be codependent) may attend this meeting.
However, in respecting the spirit of Traditions
One, Three, and Five, we honor one exception. No member of our Fellowship
shall be turned away from even a closed or restricted meeting, if there
is no other meeting available to this person.
Crosstalk
In our meetings, we speak about our own experience, and we listen without
comment to what others share. We work toward taking responsibility for
our own lives, rather than giving advice to others. This is why crosstalk
is strongly discouraged during our meetings. Crosstalk guidelines help
keep our meetings a safe place. For more information, please refer to
the Newcomer’s Handbook. Examples of crosstalk may include, but
are not limited to:
Giving unsolicited feedback
Advising
Answering
Making "you" and "we"
statements
Interrogating
Debating
Criticizing
Controlling
Dominating
Minimizing another person’s feeling
or experiences
Physical contact / touch
Body movements such as nodding one’s
head or other gestures
Thinking about starting a new CoDA meeting?
Consider the following.
Where
Meetings can be held almost anywhere. Try area
churches, synagogues, counseling centers, hospitals, or places where
other groups hold meetings.
When
Based on a time that's best for you to serve,
choose the day and time of the week you want to hold the new meeting.
Rent
It's important that rent (no matter how small)
be paid for the meeting place. In this way, we honor our Seventh Tradition:
Every CoDA group ought to be fully self-supporting, declining outside
contributions.
Since you won't know how large a meeting will
be at the start, try to keep rent to a minimum. Rent may be a percentage
of the meeting's collection, a monthly or quarterly fee, or anything
to which you and your landlord agree. Some places let you use the space
more as a courtesy than as a revenue source, so don't be afraid to negotiate.
At the same time, don’t abuse their generosity.
Help
Ask for help, especially in the beginning. Invite
people from other meetings to help you get the new meeting going. It
helps to have several people present when newcomers show up. And be
sure to post a sign at the new meeting location each week so that people
can find your room easily.
Announce
Let people know about the new meeting. Visit
other meetings with the necessary information (e.g., date, time, directions
and/or a map). Place announcements in counseling centers and hospitals.
Some local newspapers publish meeting notices at no charge. Just remember
the Eleventh Tradition: Our public relations policy is based on attraction
rather than promotion. As people see the announcements and hear about
the meeting, they will come.
Format
After a few initial meetings, take a group conscience
to choose a meeting format. Several different types of meeting formats
exist:
Speakers Meeting: A speaker meeting features
one individual's story of recovery. Speakers share their experience,
strength, and hope with the group. Depending on the length of the individual's
story, the meeting may or may not include open sharing after the speaker
has shared.
Open Share Meeting: The open share meeting often
has no topic or individual speaker. This gives group members an opportunity
to share their experience, strength, and hope on any subject of their
recovery.
Topic Share Meeting: The topic share meeting
opens with a facilitator or group member suggesting a specific topic
(e.g., the Steps, setting boundaries, sponsorship, etc.). The facilitator
usually begins the sharing.
Step Meeting: The Step meeting makes use of
our CoDA conference approved literature or the CoDA Book. The group
may elect to read a portion of the material out loud before open sharing.
Structure
After the first meeting or two, it's best to
reach a consensus on the structure of the new meeting. Note that this
can always be changed at a future business meeting. Some questions may
include: What guidelines will be used for sharing? How might the meeting
deal with crosstalk? How will newcomers, literature, and other issues
be handled? When will regular business meetings take place? The New
Meeting Starter Packet (below) provides information and guidelines.
New Meeting Starter Packet
CoDA has a New Meeting Starter Packet, which
includes a meeting format that can be adapted to individual meeting
needs. CoDA recommends that every meeting have a copy of this packet.
It contains the basic documents that support CoDA unity. A single copy
is available for FREE from:
Once you receive the New Meeting Starter Packet,
you will need to register to become a CoDA meeting. In addition to a
suggested meeting format, the packet contains all the forms you will
need to apply for a registration number. Once you have an official number,
the meeting will be listed in the CoDA Meeting Directory. If you have
a Voting Entity organization or Intergroup, tell them about your new
meeting so that it can be added to that community’s meeting lists
as well.
CoDA Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions
Just as the Twelve Steps offer guidance for
maintaining healthy relationships, our Twelve Traditions offer guidance
for maintaining healthy meetings. The CoDA Book contains commentary
on all the Steps and Traditions. Also, a helpful Fellowship Service
Manual is available. Rely on the wisdom embodied in the Steps and Traditions.
Keep in mind that trusted servants take direction from the Fellowship.
A group conscience can be a powerful tool.
Jobs
Define what tasks must be done, such as:
Key Holder: The key holder lets people in and
locks up after the meeting.
Chair/Meeting Leader: The chair/meeting leader
runs the meeting.
Treasurer: The treasurer holds all Seventh
Tradition donations, pays rent, and sends excess funds beyond a prudent
reserve to the local Intergroup, Voting Entity and/or CoDA, Inc.
Secretary: The secretary takes notes at business
meetings and keeps records.
Literature Person: The literature person orders
and keeps track of the group's CoDA literature.
Phone Contact Person: The phone contact person
responds to inquiries from people asking about the group.
Group Service Representative (GSR): The GSR
is elected by the group to represent the meeting's group conscience
to Intergroup, Voting Entity and CoDA Service Conference. Since GSRs
act as liaisons to CoDA as a whole, they are also known as contact persons
Growth
In the beginning, people may be called to do
service work in more than one job. This is okay on a temporary basis,
but may cause "burn out" or resentments over the long term.
Jobs in CoDA are usually rotated to prevent "burn out." Job
rotation also supports the concept that each meeting depends on all
who attend. Let different volunteers perform each task, rotate positions
regularly, and limit terms of service. More information about trusted
servants can be found in the Bylaws and the Fellowship Service Manual.
New Meeting Starter Packet.
If at any time the group wants help or support
(or has questions), call your local Intergroup, Voting Entity, or email
Outreach Committee at outreach@coda.org. Our Higher Power will surely
make available a member experienced in service, with whom you may consult
Higher Power is present at all Fellowship meetings.
The Fellowship Service
Manual of Co-Dependents Anonymous Conference approved August 2005
Section 04
Attracting Members
Our Eleventh Tradition reminds us that our public
relations policy is based on attraction rather than promotion. We do
not advertise in the traditional sense in that we do not push for everyone
to join CoDA. We do not pay celebrity sponsors to speak on our behalf.
We do not tell people why they should join up. Instead, we let the program
speak for itself. We let people know we are here and then we let them
decide for themselves if they want to participate.
The Community Outreach Package Introduction provides
an overview of the principles and the process of how to let the community
know about your CoDA meeting.
The Press Release is a form consisting of two press
releases that can be used to announce your meeting in your local newspaper.
Attending one’s first meeting can be scary. In
order to help address those fears and encourage the newcomer to keep
coming back, Welcoming Newcomers offers a list of suggestions for communicating
to the newcomer that they are welcome and included.
The Flyer for Bulletin Boards can be individualized
with your meeting and contact person information and posted to announce
your meeting.
Community Outreach Package Introduction
TO: CoDA Members
FROM: National Service Conference
RE: Community Outreach Package - to help increase
membership in your area
The Objective:
The goal is to "carry the message". This
Twelfth Step work means, in part, to get information about CoDA and
CoDA meetings out into your community, so the information is available
to other codependents who still suffer. When your meeting is listed
in your local newspaper, and area mental health professionals know about
CoDA, more people can learn about CoDA.
Suggested Actions:
1) Newspaper Announcement Form - Fill this out and
send it to your local paper to have your meeting listed.
2) Mail the following information to therapists,
hospitals, help-lines, libraries, community centers, and colleges etc,
within a 5-10 minute radius of your meeting. Check your phone book for
possible nearby locations.
“What is CoDA?” pamphlet.
Subscription form for a complimentary copy
of a local CoDA newsletter. Offer to mail complimentary quarterly
mailings to all professionals. A quarterly mailing might include the
local CoDA newsletter, updated meeting lists, and flyers about upcoming
events.
CoDA flyer with meeting information “tear-aways.”
3) Hang the CoDA flyer with meeting information “tear-aways”
in your community. Some suggestions for locations: churches, supermarkets,
community bulletin boards, libraries, doctor’s offices. Remember
to ask permission first.
Any Questions:
Please call a member of the CoDA Board of Trustees,
a State Delegate, or the Outreach Committee.
Call (602) 277-7991, or email board@coda.org or outreach@coda.org
Community outreach is a way to implement our Twelfth
Step and Fifth Tradition, that a CoDA group "has but one primary
purpose - to carry its message to other Co-Dependents who still suffer.”
These suggestions are within the guidelines of Tradition Eleven, which
states, “Our public relations policy is based on attraction rather
than promotion….”
Press Release
To CoDA members,
This announcement form is in keeping with our 11th
Tradition, which states, "our public relations policy is based
upon attraction rather than promotion." You may use this form to
notify newspapers about your meeting.
Press Release:
Co-Dependents Anonymous (CoDA) Meeting Information
Co-Dependents Anonymous (CoDA) is a Twelve Step Fellowship
of men and women whose common purpose is recovery from codependence
and the development and maintenance of healthy relationships.
The CoDA meeting in the area meets:
On_____________________________ at __________am/pm
(Day and Time)
At _______________________________________________________
(Location and Address)
For further information contact: _____________________________________
at (____) _____ - ________________________
CoDA is a non-profit organization
supported by the voluntary contributions of attending members.
Welcoming Newcomers In CoDA Meetings
Put up a sign in the building that indicates where
the meeting is.
Welcome newcomers. Include a statement in the format
about when they can ask questions (after the meeting? during a break?)
Give each newcomer a Newcomer's Handbook or "Welcome"
chip or What is CoDA? pamphlet.
Explain the "no crosstalk" custom as
part of your meeting format every week.
Suggest that newcomers try several meetings before
deciding if CoDA is right for them.
Make an effort to say something to a newcomer.
If your meeting's members go out after the meeting
for coffee or a meal, announce at the end of the meeting that everybody
is welcome.
Have meeting lists and phone lists available.
Phone contact for meeting returns calls promptly.
Each group has but one primary purpose - to carry
its message to other codependents who still suffer.
~Tradition Five
The Twelve Traditions are reprinted and adapted with
permission of Alcoholics Anonymous World Services, Inc. Permission to
reprint and adapt this material does not mean that AA has reviewed or
approved the content of this publication, nor that AA agrees with the
views expressed herein. AA is a program of recovery from alcoholism
only - the use of the Twelve Traditions in connection with programs
and activities which are patterned after AA, but which address other
problems, does not imply otherwise.
Co-Dependents Anonymous
(CoDA)
A Twelve Step self-help
program for Co-Dependents
Characteristics of Codependence
Co-Dependents typically:
Assume responsibility for other people's feelings
Are not aware of how they feel and cannot identify
their feelings
Tend to minimize, alter, or even deny the truth
about how they feel
Tend to fear or worry about how others may respond
to their feelings
Bolster their self-esteem by trying to solve other
people's problems
Look to other people to determine what to do, say
or feel
Focus their attention on pleasing another person
Have difficulty acknowledging good things about
themselves
Tend to judge everything they say or do harshly,
by someone else's standards
Have difficulty in forming and/or maintaining close
relationships with others
Have to feel needed in order to have a relationship
with others
Do not know or believe that asking for help
is both OK and normal
The Fellowship Service
Manual of Co-Dependents Anonymous Conference approved August 2005
Section 05
Commonly Asked Questions
What constitutes a CoDA Group?
A CoDA group is composed of two or more individuals
whose purpose in meeting is a desire for healthy relationships. A group
applies the principles of the Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions, as
adapted for our purpose from Alcoholics Anonymous. A CoDA group reads
CoDA's Twelve Steps, Twelve Traditions, and the copyrighted “Welcome”
and “Preamble” as they are written. These readings, along
with the availability of CoDA Service Conference Endorsed literature
at your meeting, help to support a sense of CoDA unity as called for
in CoDA's First Tradition. In addition, CoDA groups register with CoDA,
Inc., in order to stay in contact with CoDA as a whole. With respect
to other questions about group organization (date, time, type of meeting),
each group is autonomous except in matters affecting CoDA as a whole.
Because the Twelve Steps are the basis of our recovery, we strongly
suggest that each meeting set aside at least one meeting per month for
Step Study.
As Tradition Four states, (“each group should
remain autonomous, except in matters affecting other groups or CoDA
as a whole”), it is important that a CoDA meeting present familiar
aspects that communicate, “This is CoDA.” While it is rare,
some meetings have chosen to adopt a format that varies significantly
from CoDA guidelines. This presents confusion, particularly to the newcomer,
regarding the nature of our program. If a community service group feels
it necessary, a meeting may be informed specifically how it does not
appear to be following the unifying principles of CoDA Tradition. If
the meeting decides, by group conscience, not to change, they need to
understand that they may no longer be recognized as, nor call themselves,
a CoDA meeting and will be removed from Intergroups, and CoDA listings.
The community service group can, by group conscience
decision, remove a meeting from their meeting list if it is determined
that that meeting is not following the principles of CoDA and does not
choose to change.
The community service group can then recommend that
the meeting be removed from the Intergroup meeting lists.
The Intergroup can decide by group conscience whether
or not to remove that meeting from their meeting list.
If the Intergroup or regional assembly decides to
remove that meeting from their list, they can recommend to the CoDA
Board of Trustees that that meeting be removed from the CoDA, Inc. meeting
list.
The Board may decide by group conscience whether or
not to remove that meeting from the CoDA, Inc. meeting list.
How does our Group register with CoDA, Inc.?
Fill out the GROUP REGISTRATION/CHANGES FORM, found in the Meeting Starter
Packet, and return it to CoDA, Inc. Your group will be assigned a number
and placed in our directory. If any changes in your group information
occur, use the same form and return it the CoDA, Inc. address, so that
our records remain current. Please use your assigned group number on
all correspondence with CoDA, Inc. The above forms, as well as Internet
based registration alternatives and information, can be found on our
website (see note below).
Note: If you do not have contact information for your
CoDA community service group, Voting Entity, or do not have copies of
the above mentioned forms, you may write to Co-Dependents Anonymous,
P.O. Box 33577, Phoenix, AZ 85067-3577, or visit the CoDA web site at
www.coda.org for free downloads.
What is a “Home Group,” and why might
I want one?
While having a “home group” does not afford us any special
rights or privileges at the meeting, many of us find that having a particular
meeting where we focus our participation and service work is helpful
to our recovery. CoDA is about building and maintaining healthy relationships
and those relationships can develop most easily among people we see
frequently. CoDA is a community, and this is most evident at the meeting
level. Because of this, many of us choose to identify a home group,
which we attend regularly.
How can we let people know about our meeting?
Contact your CoDA community representative or Voting Entity Delegate
to have your meeting listed in the local Intergroup or Voting Entity
CoDA meeting schedule. This is the best avenue for gaining exposure
and support. CoDA groups can be announced in local papers or on community
bulletin boards. There is also a community outreach packet available
for your use. This packet is available from CoRe, is included in this
document in the “Attracting Members” Section, inside the starter
packet, or from the CoDA website. Frequently, librarians allow groups
to post notices or leave free material, such as "What Is Codependence?”
which can include a group’s meeting information. According to Tradition
Eleven: "Our public relations policy is based on attraction rather
than promotion." We suggest simply stating "[Your Group name]
CoDA Meeting" with the time, date, and location. Note that we do
not use a meeting facility name as a group name, in accordance with
Tradition Six. If a group called itself the Johnson Center CoDA Group,
for example, this could be considered endorsement of an outside enterprise.
Instead, the Hometown Tuesday Night CoDA group can post flyers saying
that they meet in the Johnson Center.
Where do we get funds?
CoDA groups usually "pass a basket" during the meeting, reminding
those attending about our Seventh Tradition, which states that each
group is fully self-supporting and declines outside contributions. Occasionally,
a group may pass the basket a second time if contributions are needed
for rent, literature, or some other legitimate expense.
What is a “prudent reserve,” and what
do we do with excess moneys collected?
A “prudent reserve” consists of two or three months' worth
of group expenses. Group expenses include items such as rent, supplies,
coffee, and Conference Endorsed literature. The prudent reserve is to
cover expenses in the event that the group has unusually low attendance
or donations. For excess funds left after the reserve amount is satisfied,
a group normally makes a Seventh Tradition donation according to the
following guideline:
· 60% to your local community service group
(Intergroup)
· 30% to CoDA, Inc.
· 10% to your Voting Entity
Is there a limit to the amount an iIndividual may
donate to CoDA?
Seventh Tradition cash donations are anonymous, and are not monitored
or regulated in any way. The amount given by any individual in a meeting
is personal and confidential.
Gifts of cash, goods (such as computers or books),
or donations of services of value (such as auditing financial records
or website maintenance) are subject to limitations on an annual basis.
For optimal spiritual health, CoDA groups and service bodies adhere
to our Seventh Tradition, which states that we remain self-supporting.
Even though people donate with the best intentions, we are warned that
problems of “money, property, and prestige” may “divert
us from our primary, spiritual aim.” If the group relies too heavily
on one individual or a small group of donors, autonomy is compromised,
and group unity may suffer. Therefore, limits are placed on individual
contributions, and these limits vary according to the size of the body
receiving the gift.
For individual groups, Intergroups, and Voting Entities
Service bodies, the value for donated cash, goods, or professional services
rendered is recommended not to exceed $1000 (one thousand dollars) per
year. That limit is raised to $2000 (two thousand dollars) per year
for CoDA, Inc., in accordance with the larger scale of operation. All
gifts are to be receipted, and for service bodies that are incorporated
nonprofit organizations, gifts may be tax deductible for the donor.
For the spiritual health of CoDA, all donations shall be anonymous,
to the extent permitted by the gift documentation process.
Can our group use the CoDA, Inc. Tax ID Number?
No. The CoDA, Inc.Tax ID Number, also known as the
Employer Identification Number (EIN) is not for use by any other level
of CoDA except the corporate level. See www.coda.org FAQ section
Does CoDA Inc. have an “umbrella” insurance
policy that would cover our meeting?
No, CoDA does not have an umbrella insurance policy
that covers individual meetings. Intergroups or meetings may organize
and purchase their own insurance.
What should we do if the group disbands?
In the unfortunate case of a group disbanding, the
treasurer must ensure that current debts are satisfied. If possible,
negotiate a reduction or forgiveness of rent due. Remaining funds and/or
literature may be given to other local CoDA meetings or to the Intergroup,
Voting Entity, or CoDA, Inc. If there is no other group close enough
to easily give literature to, contact a Delegate or other CoDA, Inc.
representative for guidance, or donate literature to area libraries,
hospitals or institutions
The Fellowship Service
Manual of Co-Dependents Anonymous Conference approved August 2005
Section 06
The Trusted Servants of CoDA
A CoDA group cannot function without the efforts of
our trusted servants. Service work starts at the group level. Service
positions can be as simple as a month-long commitment to set up the
refreshment table or literature table at each meeting, to a two-year
commitment to represent the group each month at the local community
service group meetings. This section contains some detailed descriptions
of the tasks and responsibilities involved with service positions. These
are guidelines and each group may decide to add, delete, or combine
responsibilities as necessary.
Typical service positions of a CoDA Group are:
Chairperson
Secretary
Treasurer
Literature person
Refreshment person(s)
Phone list person
Group Service Representative
General Responsibilities of Trusted Servants
Preserving continuity: Outgoing officers are expected
to work with the next person holding the position to insure that procedures,
knowledge, and records are passed along.
Responsibility of office:
When officers cannot attend a meeting or other service
commitment, they find a substitute to handle the job. In the event a
commitment is not fulfilled, the officer should be given a chance to
explain to the group. If desired, a group conscience may then be taken
to determine if the group wishes the meeting officer to continue or
wishes to seek another volunteer to take over the position.
Desirable qualities of Group Service Officers
Welcome and acknowledge newcomers
Encourage Twelve Step attitudes.
Promote adherence to CoDA’s Twelve Traditions
and principles.
Conduct group conscience on new matters or to resolve
disputes.
Support CoDA’s program of spirituality in
the tone and style of the meeting.
Promote principles before personalities.
Guidelines for CoDA Group service positions
These are recommendations. Each group may decide how
to distribute responsibilities among the trusted servants of the group,
combining or expanding positions as needed.
Chairperson/coordinator/facilitator takes a
leadership role for the duration of the meeting itself (this position
rotates with each meeting or at time intervals, i.e., monthly or biannually):
Assumes overall responsibility for meeting format:
Invites speakers or finds a volunteer to handle
speaker invitations.
Guides the meeting according to CoDA-endorsed guidelines.
[Members may volunteer to rotate as meeting leader.]
Secretary is the business representative for
the group and acts as liaison to the meeting facility. (Suggested term
of office - 6 months)
Obtains and maintains a meeting room.
Plans and conducts "business meetings"
regularly (agenda items may include: elections, meeting format, procedures,
etc.) and keeps records of group conscience decisions.
Provides the community service group with the full
name, address, and phone number of all officers. * Changes in the
location, time, or day of the group meeting, or contact person should
be updated. This may be done through a 'Changes in Group Information’
form sent to CoDA, Inc. or through the CoDA web site at www.coda.org.
*Note: This personal data is used at the Intergroup,
Voting Entity, and CoDA, Inc. level only for communication purposes
and is held in confidence.
Group Service Representative (GSR) is the link
between the CoDA group and CoDA as a whole. Ideally, a GSR is an established
member of the group, with experience, knowledge, and understanding of
CoDA’s Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions… (Usual term 2 years):
Attends the local CoDA Intergroup or Voting Entity
service meetings.
Carries the group conscience to the local CoDA
Intergroup, Voting Entity service meeting; and then reports to the
group on the outcomes.
Notifies the group of any local or CoDA, Inc. updates,
announcements, and flyers.
Treasurer:
Keeps accurate financial records of the group,
and regularly reports to the group regarding income, expenses, and
prudent reserve. (Note: A prudent reserve is determined by the group
conscience of the meeting, usually two or three month’s worth
of group expenses).
Pays rent to the meeting facility for use of the
meeting room.
Disburses Seventh Tradition funds in accordance
with group conscience. A suggested guideline is offered in the Welcome
Letter from the Board of Trustees in the Starter Packet (see Section
15).
Turns over records and funds to new treasurer
Refreshment/set-up Person (Note: This is a group
discretionary social function.)
Sets out refreshments, coffee, etc., only using
your own group's supplies.
Checks supplies and obtain restocking funds from
the Treasurer.
Cleans up the refreshment area and take care of
the trash.
Literature Person:
Puts CoDA Endorsed literature out at the meeting.
Keeps track of group literature supplies and re-order
as needed.
Obtains funds from the group treasurer to restock
literature.
Refers newcomers and CoDA members to available
CoDA literature.
Phone Contact Person:
Makes first name and phone number available on
local and CoDA, Inc. meeting lists.
Is available to receive phone calls in order to
give directions to the meeting
The Fellowship Service
Manual of Co-Dependents Anonymous Conference approved August 2005
Section 07
Intergroup or Community Service
The Intergroup (Community Service Group)
A strong CoDA Intergroup (community service group)
(CSG) is the key to the success of CoDA in general. This CoDA community
group may also be called an Intergroup (community service committee)
a sense of community at the local level leads to success in attracting
and sustaining the involvement of members of the fellowship in service
work and in community building activities. The Intergroup (CSG) is made
up of Group Service Representatives (GSRs) from area meetings and CoDA
members from the local Fellowship. The Twelve Service Concepts of CoDA
offer guidance in establishing service boards.
Service Participation at the Intergroup (Community
Service Group).
All members of the Fellowship are welcome to attend
and participate in their Intergroup (CSG). All CoDA groups are encouraged
to send a Group Service Representative to Intergroup (CSG) meetings.
Commonly, input is welcome from all in attendance, but Group Service
Representatives are usually the only participants who vote.
Intergroup Members (GSRs)
An Intergroup (CSG) service member belongs to a CoDA
group and has an interest in doing local service work. There are no
"job requirements" for service to CoDA, although 6 months
of meeting attendance is helpful before beginning service work. Some
consider it a way of practicing and demonstrating responsibility and
accountability to self and to others, while working a program of recovery
and remaining open to Higher Power’s will.
The Group Service Representative (GSR)
A GSR is a person the Intergroup (community Service
Group) selects/ elects to act as a trusted servant and attend Voting
Entity meetings. An alternate GSR can be selected/ elected as well.
The GSR is a link between group representatives and
the Delegates. The GSR is very valuable to the meeting because they
carry the "grassroots" group conscience to the Voting Entity.
GSRs may help select/ elect Delegates who represent the Group Conscience
of that Voting Entity at the CoDA Service Conference.
Alternate Group Service Representative
The Alternate Group Service Representative acts on
behalf of the community if the GSR cannot serve. The selection/election
process is the same as that for the GSR. The alternate GSR normally
accompanies the Group Service Representative to meetings as a member
in training, asks questions, and learns procedures.
The Fellowship Service
Manual of Co-Dependents Anonymous Conference approved August 2005
Section 08
Voting Entity Service
Voting Entity Service Structure
Voting Entity definition: Each State and Territory
of the United States of America and each Country is automatically entitled
to send two (2) Delegates.
Sometimes two or more Voting Entities may choose to
join together in order to combine resources and better serve the needs
of their meetings and Intergroups. A Voting Entity may also choose to
divide into two or more Voting entities. Each separate Voting Entity
may then effectively serve the meetings and Intergroups in its area.
Acceptance of the new structure will be granted through IMC.
In any organization, levels of management are necessary
to connect and coordinate localized activities with broader levels of
planning, information distribution, and organization. The Voting
The CoDA World Fellowship 
