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The Conference will be in Pasadena, California, Memorial Day Weekend
from Friday May 24th to Monday May 27th, 2014
| D 13 MAWS Conference Delegate 1: | Carolyn |
| D 13 MAWS Conference Delegate 2: | Maurice |
MAWS Conference Agenda 2014 PDF
MAWS Conference Website
TITLE: Delegate Responsibilities Update
Submitted by: Chrysanthemum H. , Micah S. , Keith G. Trustees
BACKGROUND/ORIGIN: The purpose of this motion is to emphasize the ongoing role of Delegates after
the Conference. While participating at the Conference is a critical responsibility, it is just as important that
Delegates participate on their Committees over the subsequent year. Furthermore, Delegates are the first
point of contact between Marijuana Anonymous World Services (MAWS) and the Districts throughout the
year, being responsible for receiving minutes of the Board of Trustees and liaising between the MAWS and
DSC Treasurers. We have had trouble over the past several years with the communication between DSCs
and MAWS, and these changes help to clarify what the Delegate role is to prospective Delegates. As it has
been difficult for MAWS Trustees to have updated contact information for their counterparts on DSCs, for
example, the MAWS PI Trustee being able to contact DSC PI Chairs, we need the help of our Delegates to
keep our contact information current.
MOTION: Update the Service Manual in Chapter 13 DELEGATES as follows:
Replace the second paragraph with the following three paragraphs:
The Delegate's primary responsibility is to serve as liaison between the District and MAWS throughout
the year that begins with each Conference. This begins with Delegates attending the MAWS
Conference and voting on all matters that are to be decided according to the conscience of the
District's groups. The Delegate votes on policies affecting MA as a whole, and participates in the
selection of Trustees and Service Committee chairs.
Delegates participate on one or more committees at the Conference, and are expected to continue
such participation throughout the following year. Delegates are responsible for reporting on MAWSs
activities to the Districts throughout the year, and for insuring that MAWS receives updated contact
information for the DSC Chair, Treasurer, Communications, and other officers so MAWS can
communicate with them regarding worldlevel activities and issues that are within their purview.
The Delegate serves as a voting member in the nonprofit corporation, MAWS, and as such must meet
all legal requirements as stated in the Bylaws of MAWS, including the sobriety requirements stated in
Article V (Chapter 30, p 105). The Delegate thus participates in decisions that are necessary for
carrying out the business and legal affairs of MA.
Replace the existing CONFERENCE DELEGATE RESPONSIBILITIES with the following:
1. Attend the MAWS Conference.
a. Submit before the Conference and present a written status report on the district and its
meetings.
b. Vote on motions according to the conscience of the district's meetings.
c. Serve on a Conference Committee at the Conference and throughout the year.
2. Register on the MAWS Forum providing input and feedback throughout the year.
3. Report at District Service Committee meetings.
a. Conference information.
b. Minutes from quarterly Trustee meetings.
c. The ongoing activities of MAWS committees.
d. MAWS quarterly financial report.
4. Act as District liaison between MAWS Treasurer and District Treasurer
MAWS2014ConferencePacketPage10
a. If the District uses the MAWS Taxpayer Identification Number, insure that financial statements
are sent to the MAWS Treasurer in a timely fashion.
5. Keep MAWS informed and up to date.
a. Submit meeting schedule changes to the Office Manager.
b. Submit contact information for District officers and chairs to the Office Manager.
6. Report the groups and Districts conscience to MAWS in setting the Conference agenda by a date
that is four months prior to the Conference and at the Conference.
7. Act as District liaison to annual Convention.
8. Act as service sponsor to successor delegates, informing them of their duties and what to expect at
the Conference.
TITLE: Update Trustee Job Descriptions
Submitted by: MAWS Trustees
BACKGROUND/ORIGIN: Each year the Trustees conduct a review of the job descriptions as outlined in the
Service Manual. This agenda item reflects the changes needed to bring the Service Manual up to date.
NOTE: Not all job descriptions are updated below. Also, the word trustee has been removed from the end of
each of the job titles. We are mandated by our bylaws to have 9 trustees, but we have more than 9 jobs. By
simply listing the job names, we have the flexibility to combine jobs amongst trustees as makes sense.
MOTION: Update PART FOUR, Chapter 25, Section: TRUSTEE JOB DESCRIPTIONS of the Service
Manual:
a) Rename the section from:
TRUSTEE JOB DESCRIPTIONS
to:
JOB DESCRIPTIONS
b) Add the following introductory paragraph in between JOB DESCRIPTIONS and President
Our Bylaws mandate that we have 9 Trustees. When there are more jobs than trustees, one or more
trustees will be responsible for more than one job. The trustee body will apportion jobs to trustees as it
sees fit.
c) Update the following Job Descriptions:
Public Information
Two years of sobriety from marijuana and all mindaltering chemicals is required.
Approximate hours per month required to perform job: 8
Duties:
1. Understand and work within MAs Twelve Traditions and Twelve Concepts for Service.
2. Work proactively to inform groups and organizations about MA and what we do. Examples
include hospitals, jails, counselors, wellness centers, crisis hotlines, treatment centers and
schools. Update such groups and organizations with information about how to reach us and
design and facilitate mass mailings in areas not presently covered by MA Districts.
3. Respond to inquiries that may come in from any of the aforementioned institutions and be ready
to answer questions about MA, understanding MAs traditions and position (no opinion on
outside issues) with a focus on MAs primary purpose, to carry the message of recovery through
the twelve steps to the addict who still suffers.
4. Explore and develop Public Service Announcements in a variety of formats, including but not
limited to:
a. Letters addressed directly to the aforementioned institutions.
b. Flyers to post in any publicly visible and appropriate space bulletin boards everywhere,
telephone poles, schools, wellness centers, grocery stores.
c. Radio & Video PSAs.
d. Press releases in newspapers and magazines.
e. Social Media websites.
5. Be a resource for Districts and Independent Meetings (meetings outside established Districts)
that inquire about carrying out PI within their jurisdictions.
6. Attend and participate in all Trustee meetings.
7. Maintain regular (12 times / month minimum) communication with other Trustees.
8. Respond to questions and requests for help in a timely manner.
9. Post report of quarterly activity to Trustees online networking system 20 days in advance of
each Quarterly Trustee Meeting.
10. Annually review PI Trustees Job Description in the Service Manual. If changes are needed,
draft Conference Agenda Item to make the changes.
11. Prepare a written report of annual activities. Provide report to Office Manager in electronic
format in advance of the Conference. Present report at the Conference.
12. Act as Chair for PI Committee at Conference, or appoint a suitable Chairperson.
13. Direct the work of the PI Conference Committee throughout the year, and meet all mandated
deadlines as directed by the Conference and the Service Manual.
Hospitals and Institutions
Two years of sobriety from marijuana and all mindaltering chemicals is required.
Approximate hours per month required to perform job: 6
Duties:
1. Understand and work within MAs Twelve Traditions and Twelve Concepts for Service.
2. Respond to inquiries and requests from hospitals, institutions and other inquiries pertaining to
MA in hospitals and institutions
3. Explore and develop assorted media to facilitate meetings and districts to carry the message to
hospitals and institutions.
4. Be a resource for Districts and Independent Meetings (meetings outside established Districts)
that inquire about carrying out HI within their jurisdictions.
5. Annually review Hospitals and Institutions Handbook in the Service Manual. If changes are
needed, draft Conference Agenda Item to make the changes.
6. Attend and participate in all Trustee meetings.
7. Maintain regular (12 times / month minimum) communication with other Trustees. Respond to
questions and requests for help in a timely manner.
8. Post report of quarterly activity to Trustees online networking system 20 days in advance of
each Quarterly Trustee Meeting.
9. Annually review HI Trustees Job Description in the Service Manual. If changes are needed,
draft Conference Agenda Item to make the changes.
10. Prepare a written report of annual activities. Provide report to Office Manager in electronic
format in advance of the Conference. Present report at the Conference.
11. Act as Chair for HI Committee at Conference, or appoint a suitable Chairperson.
12. Direct the work of the HI Conference Committee throughout the year, and meet all mandated
deadlines as directed by the Conference and the Service Manual.
Outreach
Two years of sobriety from marijuana and all mindaltering chemicals is required. Must have easy
online access to Internet and email.
Approximate hours per month required to perform job: 6
Duties:
1. Understand and work within MAs Twelve Traditions and Twelve Concepts for Service.
2. Follow up by phone or email, with people who have received Starter Packets (sent by the Office
Manager) to answer questions and provide guidance.
3. Maintain a minimum of quarterly correspondence/contact with Independent Meetings.
4. Assist Office Manager in gathering Independent Meeting information for online International
Directory updates.
5. Act as liaison between Independent Meetings and MAWS.
6. Act as liaison to international Districts and Independent Meetings.
7. Collaborate with Internet Trustee to facilitate online teleconferencing for international Delegates
to participate in MAWS business.
8. Proactively develop ideas and strategies for international growth.
9. Confer with Trustees and ANLP regarding foreign language translations of MAWS literature
and media.
10. Attend and participate in all Trustee meetings.
11. Maintain regular (12 times / month minimum) communication with other Trustees.
12. Respond to questions and requests for help in a timely manner (within 10 calendar days)
whenever possible.
13. Post report of quarterly activity to Trustees online networking system 20 days in advance of
each Quarterly Trustee Meeting.
14. Annually review Outreach Trustees Job Description in the Service Manual. If changes are
needed, draft Conference Agenda Item to make the changes.
15. Prepare a written report of annual activities. Provide report to Office Manager in electronic
format in advance of the Conference. Present report at the Conference.
Secretary
Two years of sobriety from marijuana and all mindaltering chemicals is required.
Approximate hours per month required to perform job: 4
Duties:
1. Understand and work within MAs Twelve Traditions and Twelve Concepts for Service.
2. Make teleconference meeting arrangements for Trustee meetings outside of Conference, and
provide instructions to Trustees and meeting participants.
3. Take Minutes of the Trustee meetings, and forward drafts to Trustees for approval following
each meeting.
4. Send approved Trustee Meeting Minutes to Delegates, Office Manager, ANLP, and Trustees.
5. Following the approval of the previous meetings Minutes, prepare a summary bullet point list of
items, for approval by the Trustees. The approved summary is then sent to the Delegates (within
10 days) and submitted to ANLP for publication in A New Leaf.
6. Provide meeting Minutes to Office Manager for archival
7. Attend and participate in all Trustee meetings.
8. Maintain regular (12 times / month minimum) communication with other Trustees. Respond to
questions and requests for help in a timely manner (within 10 calendar days).
9. Post report of quarterly activity to Trustees online networking system 20 days in advance of
each Quarterly Trustee Meeting.
10. Annually review Trustee Secretary Job Description in the Service Manual. If changes are
needed, draft Conference Agenda Item to make the changes.
11. Prepare a written report of annual activities. Provide report to Office Manager in electronic
format in advance of the Conference. Present report at the Conference.
12. Assist the Chair of the Conference Committee to which you are assigned, both at the
Conference, and as needed throughout the year.
13. Facilitate voting on trustee conference calls. This includes doing a roll call, confirming that a
quorum is present and tallying the vote along with the President.
Conferences and Conventions
Two years of sobriety from marijuana and all mindaltering chemicals is required.
Approximate hours per month required to perform job: 4
Duties:
1. Understand and work within MAs Twelve Traditions and Twelve Concepts for Service.
2. Gather and archive information about past events including budgets, site selection, committees
and procedures, useful templates or forms, timelines and checklists.
3. Maintain a roster of people on past hosting committees available for mentoring.
4. Create trend reports for past conference and convention costs including (but not limited to)
travel, production and food costs.
5. Attend and participate in all Trustee meetings.
6. Maintain regular (12 times / month minimum) communication with other Trustees. Respond to
questions and requests for help in a timely manner (within 10 calendar days) whenever
possible.
7. Post report of quarterly activity to Trustees online networking system 20 days in advance of
each Quarterly Trustee Meeting.
8. Annually review Conference and Convention Trustees Job Description in the Service Manual. If
changes are needed, draft Conference Agenda Item to make the changes.
9. Prepare a written report of annual activities. Provide report to Office Manager in electronic
format in advance of the Conference. Present report at the Conference.
10. Assist the Chair of the Conference Committee to which you are assigned, both at the
Conference, and as needed throughout the year.
Internet
Two years of sobriety from marijuana and all mindaltering chemicals is required. The Internet Trustee
must have easy access to the Internet and email.
Approximate hours per month required to perform job: 4 8
Duties:
1. Understand and work within MAs Twelve Traditions and Twelve Concepts for Service.
2. Assure timely responses to inquiries and help requests related to MAWS Internet Properties.
Responses shall be made within ten calendar days whenever possible.
3. Promote MAs online presence.
4. Manage MAWS Internet properties including websites, mobile app and worldwide database of
meetings.
5. Proactively develop new ways to use information technology to carry the message to the addict
who still suffers.
6. Ensure that Internet Service Providers, e. g. hosting, payment processing and code repositories,
are a competitive value.
7. Monitor and report on statistics for MAWS Internet properties.
8. Recruit and supervise webmaster, system administrators and software developers for MAWS
Internet properties.
9. Maintain access credentials for MAWS Internet properties, including website, database,
service providers, codebase repositories and app store accounts.
10. Serve as custodian of MAWS codebase and signing keys for the mobile app and other custom
software developed by or for MAWS.
11. Attend and participate in all quarterly Trustee meetings.
12. Maintain regular, monthly communication with other Trustees. Post report of activities to
Trustees online networking system in advance of each Quarterly Trustee Meeting.
13. Annually review this job description. When changes are needed, draft Conference Agenda Item
to make the changes.
14. Prepare an annual, written report of activities, and present it at the Conference. Provide an
electronic copy to the Office Manager in advance of the Conference.
15. Chair the Internet Committee, or appoint a suitable substitute. Direct the committees work
throughout the year, holding regular meetings. Meet all deadlines as directed by the Conference
and the Service Manual.
Treasurer
Two years of sobriety from marijuana and all mindaltering chemicals is required. The Treasurer
Trustee must have easy access to the Internet and email.
Approximate hours per month required to perform job: 12
Duties:
1. Understand and work within MAs Twelve Traditions and Twelve Concepts for Service.
2. Maintain bank account records and insure that deposits and bill payments are made.
3. Manages, in conjunction with the Internet Trustee when appropriate, all online financial accounts
and services, including online payroll, payment, and accounting services.
4. Act as liaison to bookkeeper,accountant and tax preparer, ensuring their access to financial
records as appropriate.
5. Act as liaison to District Treasurers, and collect monthly financial reports from Districts using the
MAWS Taxpayer Identification Number.
6. Provide to Trustees, Delegates and ANLP quarterly financial reports, including income and
expense statements, comparison of actual and budgeted expenditures, and a narrative or
executive summary suitable for presentation at DSC meetings.
7. Insure that control of bank accounts and online financial services is transferred to successor
within 30 calendar days of assuming the position. Ensure sufficiency of written accounting and
transition procedures.
8. Ensure that accounting, payroll and other financial systems meet the needs of the Fellowship.
9. Attend and participate in all Trustee meetings.
10. Maintain regular (12 times / month minimum) communication with other Trustees. Respond to
questions and requests for help in a timely manner (within 10 calendar days).
11. Post report of quarterly activity to Trustees online networking system 20 days in advance of
each Quarterly Trustee Meeting.
12. Annually review Trustee Treasurers Job Description in the Service Manual. If changes are
needed, draft Conference Agenda Item to make the changes.
13. Prepare a written report of annual activities. Provide report to Office Manager in electronic
format in advance of the Conference. Present report at the Conference.
14. Act as Chair for Finance Committee at Conference, or appoint a suitable Chairperson.
15. Direct the work of the Finance Conference Committee throughout the year, and meet all
mandated deadlines as directed by the Conference and the Service Manual.
TITLE: Add Parliamentary Authority to MA Bylaws
Submitted by: MAWS Trustees
BACKGROUND/ORIGIN: It is customary for a corporation's Bylaws to contain a section/article which defines
or adopts the organization's Parliamentary Authority. MA's Bylaws do not address the question.
Chapter 16 of the Service Manual states that the Conference utilizes a modified version of Roberts Rules of
Order Newly Revised and goes on to list a few rules. Nowhere is it stated that the list of rules is
comprehensive~ nowhere is it stated that the list contains only modifications and is not comprehensive. One
can argue either side, depending on what serves the point that one wishes to make.
MOTION: Add the following language to the MA Bylaws:
ARTICLE XV
PARLIAMENTARY AUTHORITY
The rules contained in the current edition of Robert's Rules of Order Newly Revised shall govern
Marijuana Anonymous World Services in all cases to which they are applicable and in which they are
not inconsistent with these bylaws and any special rules of order Marijuana Anonymous World
Services may adopt.
TITLE: Remove requirement to have attendee at conference for approval for becoming a new district.
Submitted by: Policy and Procedure Committee
BACKGROUND/ORIGIN:
At two of the past 3 Conferences, the newest 2 districts have applied to be recognized by MAWS. Neither of
these then ad hoc districts was able to send Delegates (one was from Denmark). In each case, the
Conference body was required to waive the current requirement for district to have attendee at conference for
approval. Both districts were approved unanimously.
If this motions passes, in the future, new districts may apply for recognition without using its limited funds to
send a delegate if they so choose. A yes vote
simplifies future approval for any location wanting to become a new district.
MOTION:
Remove requirement (Part 3, Chapter 14) for district to have attendee at conference for approval for
becoming a new district.
Change the following section from :
A representative or representatives of the proposed new District shall attend the next available MAWS
Conference in person or by video or teleconference to present their request.
The representative(s) will be expected to report factors that constitute eligibility to become a district.
To
The proposed new District will be expected to report factors that constitute eligibility to become a district
either in person, if possible, or in writing. A representative or representatives of the proposed new District
should attend the next available MAWS Conference in person or by video or teleconference to present their
request.
TITLE: Conference motions should reference specific service manual sections
Submitted by: Policy and Procedure Committee
BACKGROUND/ORIGIN:
In the past, many motions have been made and passed without any specific mention of what policy the motion
is amending. This process then leaves only the office manager to figure out where in the 100+ page document
new language, if any, should be added. That task has been too large for one person to manage and too
complex for subsequent P & P trustees to monitor.
A yes vote on this motion would amend the motion process so that a location in the Service Manual is
always included in motions so that the Office Manager is not solely burdened with decisions about where to
add language going forward.
MOTION:
Future motions submitted at the conference should reference specific section, chapter and paragraph about
where to add, change or delete language in the service manual.
1) At end of the following paragraph found in Part 4, Chapter 27, section: GUIDELINES FOR
CONFERENCE MOTIONS RECOMMENDATIONS AND REPORTS
Motions are brought to the floor, discussed, and voted on by the conference body in General Session.
Committees may submit motions that arise out of their committee business. Items that generate great
debate or have not been resolved by committees are often brought forward to the conference body.
Add the following sentence:
Motions submitted at the conference should list specific sections about where to add language in the
service manual.
2) At the end of the following paragraph found in Part 4, Chapter 27, section: GUIDELINES FOR WRITING
A CONFERENCE AGENDA ITEM, subsection: SAMPLE AGENDA ITEM (For demonstration purposes
only):
MOTION: Any phones found alone and plugged into outlets around the room shall be confiscated and
mailed back to the owner after the Conference if they can provide a complete and accurate
description.
Add the following:
1
MOTION: In Part 4, Chapter 27, section: GUIDELINES FOR FUTURE CONFERENCES, before the
sentence:
MAWS will be responsible for:
Add the paragraph:
At the General Session of the Conference, ALL cell phones must be turned off and surrendered
to the quorum counter posted at the door.
Title: Continuity in the Dangers of Cross Addiction
Submitted by: David G & Rick R, District 3
Background / Origin:
Currently there are two versions of The Dangers of Cross Addiction that exist in our literature and Service
Manual. The distinction is in paragraph 3 line 2.
The older version reads "It is important, however, to recognize the potential to create one problem as we
strive to recover from another. "
The newer version reads "It is important, however, to recognize the potential to create another problem as we
strive to recover from this one. "
While the intended meaning is similar, having two versions, often leads to confusion when these are read
during meetings. Especially, if the tradition of the group is to say the last line in unison with the reader.
For the purpose of continuity and to avoid confusion, we would like to see the newer version used uniformly
throughout the literature.
The older version appears in Life with Hope Appendix Dangers of Cross Addiction , the MAWS Service
Manual rev 4. 1 Ch 18 H&I Manual Dangers of Cross Addiction (Conference approved in June 1993),
*Handout H01 Dangers of Cross Addiction and *Handout H01 A4 Dangers of Cross Addiction .
The newer version appears in the MA pamphlet P11 Dangers of Cross Addiction (Conference approved in
June 1997)
*Handouts are found on the MAWS Website under the Public Information File Repository.
https://www. marijuanaanonymous. org/service/filerepository/Motion4Archive/lit/Handouts/
_____________________________
MOTION:
Amend the Dangers of Cross Addiction reading found in the following locations: a) MAWS Service Manual
Ch 18: Hospitals and Institutions Handbook Dangers of Cross Addiction , b) Life with Hope Appendix
Dangers of Cross Addiction , c) Handout H01 Dangers of Cross Addiction and d) Handout H01 Dangers
of Cross Addiction A4 from:
As stated in our third tradition, the only requirement for membership in Marijuana Anonymous is a desire to
stop using marijuana. There is no mention of any other drugs or alcohol. This is to adhere to the "singleness of
purpose" concept, but many of us have found that the only way that we can keep our sobriety is to abstain
from all mind and mood altering chemicals, including alcohol.
When we give up the drug of our choice, a void is created. The initial struggle to abstain from marijuana use
often leaves us vulnerable. To fill this void we may start to use, or increase the use of, other substances such
as alcohol, cocaine, pills, or other selfprescribed drugs. Although we may not now be addicted to these
substances, their use can lower our inhibitions, leaving us open to repeating old patterns of thinking and
behaving that can lead back to marijuana use. The fact that we became addicted to marijuana reflects a
tendency towards behavior that may lead to cross addiction or substitution addiction to these substances.
To reiterate, the only requirement for membership is a desire to stop using marijuana. It is important, however,
to recognize the potential to create one problem as we strive to recover from another.
Change this section to read:
As stated in our third tradition, the only requirement for membership in Marijuana Anonymous is a desire to
stop using marijuana. There is no mention of any other drugs or alcohol. This is to adhere to the "singleness of
purpose" concept, but many of us have found that the only way that we can keep our sobriety is to abstain
from all mind and mood altering chemicals, including alcohol.
When we give up the drug of our choice, a void is created. The initial struggle to abstain from marijuana use
often leaves us vulnerable. To fill this void we may start to use, or increase the use of, other substances such
as alcohol, cocaine, pills, or other selfprescribed drugs. Although we may not now be addicted to these
substances, their use can lower our inhibitions, leaving us open to repeating old patterns of thinking and
behaving that can lead back to marijuana use. The fact that we became addicted to marijuana reflects a
tendency towards behavior that may lead to cross addiction or substitution addiction to these substances.
To reiterate, the only requirement for membership is a desire to stop using marijuana. It is important, however,
to recognize the potential to create another problem as we strive to recover from this one.
Title: Update or allow rewrites of existing Life With Hope stories and solicit new stories
Submitted by: District 2
Background:
The 15 stories in the second edition of our Life With Hope book were written over 17 years ago. Times have
changed. The lives of the story writers have changed some in dramatic ways.
District 2 believes that the third edition of Life With Hope would benefit from updates to the original stories.
Authors could be given the option to add a flash forward update or rewrite the original story in either case
reflecting a deeper understanding of their own recovery. A third edition could also add new stories written by
fellows who have had much more recent experience with marijuana. Stories might discuss experience with
the drug during the time since the medical marijuana movement has essentially decriminalized its use.
The original AA Big Book was written by the first 100 recovering alcoholics people who experienced
devastating, lowbottom consequences of their addiction. At some point, AA realized that people could get
into recovery without hitting a lowbottom and decided to add stories to the Big Book that reflected the
experience of those with higherbottoms. Just as AA added more stories to make it relevant to a broader
spectrum of alcoholics, MA can add stories that new members could relate to better. These stories could
reflect the modern realities of pot clubs, medical marijuana cards, and the legal recreational use of pot in a
growing number of states.
Meetings that use Life With Hope storydiscussion as a meeting format will benefit from the addition of new
stories. They may also enjoy the revision of or new material in the older stories.
From story writing to printing of a new edition could take several years, thus, work on this project should begin
as soon as possible.
Motion: Solicit updates or rewrites from existing story authors and solicit new stories for inclusion in the third
edition of Life With Hope.
Title: Change due date of conference agenda items from December 31 to February 28
Submitted by: District 2
Background:
In past years, MAWS has set deadlines of late February and early March for the submission of conference
motions. Over the past few years, this deadline has moved back in time to where the motions are now
required by December 31, nearly five months before the conference takes place. Since electronic
communications facilitate the compiling and distributing of the conference agenda, it seems reasonable to
accept agenda items so long as packages can be sent to districts and members for review sufficiently in
advance of the conference.
District 2 believes that there should be a firm but reasonable deadline set for the submission of conference
agenda items. In 2007, motions were accepted as late as March 1 and the motion package was distributed
to districts for review weeks later. If a deadline of February 28 does not unduly burden the MAWS Office
Manager, this date would allow individuals and groups additional time past the holiday season to thoughtfully
prepare motions.
Ultimately, MAWS and the fellowship will benefit if the members have a reasonable deadline that allows the
creation of strongly constructed motions for consideration at the conference.
Motion: Starting in 2015, the deadline for submitting conference agenda items be moved to February 28.
Title: Clear communication of the deadline for submitting conference agenda items
Submitted by: District 2
Background:
District 2 has been told for several years that the cutoff date for submitting motions or agenda items for the
conference was December 31st of the prior year. It was only recently brought to our attention that page 85 of
the Service Manual (4. 1 revision) states that Agenda items are submitted to the Conference Agenda
Committee for inclusion on the Agenda for the Conference four months prior to the actual Conference. A
deadline of December 31 is the only deadline that District 2 has been aware of. Furthermore, a review of the
MAWSConference. org website only refers to the December 31st deadline although, as of January 11, 2014,
with regard to the agenda item deadline, it says still accepting submissions without specifying what date is
the hard or final deadline for submissions.
There is no reason for members to be confused about a conference submission deadline. Per the Service
Manual the deadline is four months prior to the start of the conference. If submissions are made earlier, that is
acceptable and may even be helpful. But the communication about the deadline should be completely clear: it
is four months prior to the conferences start.
Motion: Starting immediately, the MAWSconference. org website shall identify the deadline for conference
agenda items as being the date that is four months prior to the start date for each years conference or
another date that may be set. References to a suggested deadline should be eliminated.
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