SCA members,
The annual conference for SCA’s International Service Organization (ISO) took place from March 24th-26th in Los Angeles CA.
Among other business matters, the ISO did the following:
—approved the new design for our international SCA website www.sca-recovery.org. We expect this to become operational later this spring, replacing the current format that exists on that site. Our thanks to the website redesign committee, headed by Marty S.(Online Intergroup) who worked so diligently on this over the past several years.
Our needs: a webmaster to put the finishing touches on this work and to oversee the site, going forward.
—approved a pamphlet on sponsorship. This was originally submitted by SCA’s LA fellowship and has been extensively worked on by the Literature Development Committee. It will be published later this year, after final editing details, such as chapter headings and cover design are completed. We also welcomed Peter C (LA) as Literature Development Chair.
—conditionally approved a “draft version” of a commentary on the 12 Traditions of SCA. This will be published and made available for distribution quickly, which will allow time for further review and comments by the membership, pending possible final approval at next year’s ISO. Our thanks to Mike O. (Chicago) and the Recovery Book Subcommittee, which labored over this literature. One of our goals is for existing and new literature to eventually be compiled into the making of SCA’s own Big Book, which is an ongoing multi-year project.
–The Fiduciary Committee, chaired by John F. (Paris) proposed a new policy regarding the wholesale pricing on literature (which was approved unanimously). Among other things, this will cut the price of the Little Blue Book for Intergroups and Meetings by 40 %. In addition, we authorized “printing on demand” of the Little Blue Book. Our first copies are being made by a subsidiary of Amazon, and will be sold via Amazon and its extensive network of affiliated online retailers. This will raise SCA’s profile in the Recovery literature world.
–The ISO gratefully heard and accepted a report from the History & Unity Committee, (chaired by Jim M., St. Louis) and read by Bill E. (San Diego). The existing histories in the Little Blue Book focus on LA and NY, with several gaps. This report provided new and interesting information which was well received by all. It is still a work in progress.
Our needs: someone to serve as SCA’s Archivist, whose expertise can help in this work.
–The ISO also approved a slight change in the well known “4-Fold”, which will provide a section on how to donate to SCA directly through our website: http://www.sca-recovery.org/donate. It will also have space for the various Intergroups and Meetings to add labels with their own contact and website information.
–ISO also amended one section of its By-Laws, eliminating the 2nd Outside Director position, which had never been filled. It also increased the Director-at-Large’s term from one-year to two-years , starting in 2018, and who will be elected in even-numbered years thereafter. ISO thanked Kevin B. (Toronto) for completing his 4 years of serving as Director-at Large.
–ISO elected the following to serve 2-year terms on the Executive Committee:
Gordon B. (NYK) Chair
RIch K. (LA) Outreach Chair
Linda Engstrom (non-SCA) Outside Director
–ISO elected Dan W. (LA) to serve a 1-year term as Director-at Large
–Our Literature Distribution Chair, Phideaux X (LA) is stepping down after several years of service. David N. (Nyk) has agreed to serve in that capacity, as needed, also to write a service manual on that position, and to train Phideaux’s successor. Our thanks to both.
–ISO has tentatively selected St. Louis, MO to host its 2018 Annual Conference (pending final approval by the St Louis Intergroup). It also selected Chicago, IL to host the 2019 Annual Conference.
Finally, may I remind everyone that ISO is YOUR service organization. If you would like to contribute ideas, start new meetings, work on literature, serve on our various committees, distribute literature, etc, we would love to hear from you.
Our needs: people who would like to help stay in contact with and provide support for Intergroups and meetings throughout the world. I am happy to report that Rich H. (St. Louis) has agreed to serve as Regional Coordinator for the Midwest (USA), and Victor M. (NY) to serve as the Regional Coordinator for Asia-Pacific.
Our needs: people who would be willing to serve as Out-of-Meeting Sponsors, to help members who don’t live near, or who cannot attend SCA meetings. Over the past year, we have seen an increase in volunteers for this service.
Our needs: money. We ask each Intergroup to mindfully consider regular donations to the ISO, and we also welcome donations from Individuals. This can be done on our website — http://www.sca-recovery.org/donate.
Thanks again to all those who worked so hard to make the ISO Conference a success, beginning with the LA Host Committee (Rich K.) and to all those who attended, either in person or via conference call.
yours in service,
Gordon B. (NY)
ISO Chair
