MINUTES OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES MEETING
5TH ANNUAL GREAT LAKES CONFERENCE, CHICAGO, ILLINOIS
October 23, 1970

Chairman Bill G., (Cleveland, Ohio) called the meeting to order with a standing minute of silent meditation at 2:30 P.M.. Trustees (T) and Alternates (A) present were: Bill G., Chairman, T (Ohio), Joe T. (T-Calif.), Jake P. (T.Ill.), Sam G. (A.-Ill.), Sam K. (T-Mich.), Patsy P. (T-New Jersey), George W. (A-N.J.), Bill B. (T.- New Rochelle, N.Y.), Carl M. (T-N. Y.), Bill B. (Islip Terr., N.Y.), Joe C. (T-N. Y.), Conrad F. (Ex.-T-N.Y.), Arnold P. (A-N.J.), Irving L. (A-N. Y.), Bernie P. (A-N.Y.), Red M. (T- Ohio), Jake G. (A-Ohio), Ted G. (T-Ontario), Chris C. (T-Pa.), Abe A. (N.Y.), member of Board of Regents, Jim Z., National Executive Secretary. (T-Trustees – A-Alternates).

Motion made by Bill B. (New Rochelle) to select chairman at conclusion of meeting & procedure thereafter. Motion passed unanimously.

Bill B. (New Rochelle) made motion that non-elected members be welcome to sit in Trustee’s meeting. George W. seconded. Motion not carried. (8-3 against)

Minutes of last meeting read by Jim Z. approved as read.

Amendments
Jim Z. made report on N.S.O./amendment to Guidance Code. Ne groups G. A. image. There are four more/to be picked up through Trustee Bulletin #10 etc. suggested Finances. Expediters each group an expediter chairman. Birthday contribution from the man being honored - $1.00 up to 10 yrs. After 10 yrs. - $1.00 per year.

Amendment to G. A. Handbook – Bill B. (New Rochelle) made motion to accept Secretary’s duty to inform his local group of the expediters amendment submitted by Board of Regents; seconded by Red M. Motion passed unanimous.

Carl M. made motion to have 200 copies of the Spanish Pamphlet to be printed by G. A. P. with cover letter to accompany same; seconded by Joe C. Passed 7 to 4.

Bill B. made motion to have 200 copies of the French Pamphlet to be printed by G. A. P. with cover letter to accompany same; seconded by Carl M. Passed 9– 2.

Bill B. (New Rochelle) made motion other languages be submitted to B.O.T. at next Conference meeting upon request. Seconded by Red M. Passed 7-1.

Bill B. (new Rochelle) made motion #5, page 17, Combined Pamphlet, at next printing, read: “When you are ready, ask the Trusted Servants for a Pressure Group meeting for you and your wife”. Bill B. (Islip Terr.) seconded. Passed 11-0.

Jim B. made motion to change Page 17 of the Combined Pamphlet at next printing: Delete the word “New” from heading “New Members”. Follow first sentence to read: “To all G. A. members, particularly the new members, here are some additional suggestions”: Carl M seconded. Also on Page 1 – delete in other areas and put in, “Throughout the world”. Passed 11-0.

Discussion on Dr. Lyn Barrow’s book on Compulsion. It was agreed unanimous that all groups be informed this book can be harmful to G.A. as a whole.

Chris C. expressed his opinion on the need for large companies to recognize G.A. which treats gambling as an illness in the same manner as they recognize A. A. which treats alcoholism.

Public Relations Report – Regarding TV slides, Boston informed Chairman of the Board of Trustees they can supply 3 slides for $3.00; address to be forthcoming. Each trustee was given copies of TV-Radio spot announcements for 10,20,30,60 seconds. They will mimeograph letter of introduction to TV-Radio Workers, Family relations agencies, etc.

Discussion on individuals or groups of individuals mailing letters direct to all G.A. groups was not the best way to inform the Fellowship of G.A. on a given subject. Letter or letters were to be sent to N.S.O. for the National Bulletin and to be handled with the utmost discretion.

Discussion on what constitutes gambling. Motion made by Carl M, seconded by Bill B. that what constitutes gambling is in the Guidance Code and is to be put in every G. A. National Bulletin. Passed 10-0.

Discussion was held on Art Linkletters’ National TV show where anonymity was violated. Letter to be written to Art Linkletter explaining our Unity Program and a plea to him to “kill” the film and ask that it not be shown as rerun. Letter also to put in the National Bulletin for all groups to see and read, especially all Public Relations men in the Fellowship of G.A. Motion made by Bill B. (New Rochelle), seconded by Bill B. (N.Y.) that at next printing of Combined Pamphlet – Page 14 at bottom of page – passage from Guidance Code governing what constitutes gambling be inserted. Motion passed 11-0.

Meeting adjourned for dinner and reconvened at 9:15.

National Image of G. A. and its growth – Report made by Conrad F. on Information sheet for G.A. groups internationally. These will be quite lengthy and informative. These will be mailed out to all groups in near future. Please comply promptly.

Motion made by Irv L., seconded by Ted G., to table the subject of Charter to govern G.A. Tabled until next meeting. Passed 8-0.

International Conference discussed. It was agreed by all that serious thought be given to the year of 1977. This would be G.A.’s 20th Anniversary. Ideas and suggestions be sent to Chairman Board of Trustees. Bill B., New Rochelle, suggested that a committee be formed by the next chairman of B.O.T. to work on the International Conference.

Report given by Ted G. on 10th Annual Eastern G.A. Conclave to be held at King Edward’s Hotel in Downtown Toronto, Canada, May 21, 22, 23, 1971. Make your reservations early!

Bill B. (New Rochelle) made motion to enlarge National B.O.T. at the next Conference Meeting. Red M. seconded. Passed 9-1.

Explanation of the 12 Steps of Recovery – Trustees to take copies home, read, and digest explanation of the 12 Steps of Recovery. Chairman of the Board of Trustees to mail out a questionnaire in one month for a vote by members of the Board of Trustees on the issue of making this a new piece of literature to be distributed and sold by G. A. Publishing.

Bill B. made a motion to amend Page 6, Article XI, Section 12 of the Guidance Code to read after first sentence (and 20 questions) and to add, ‘can only be made on two (2) consecutive Conference Meetings by B.O.T. Passed 9-0.

Maybelle G.’s (Ex-Trustee) letter was read by Bill G. – Copies to be mailed out to all trustees and put on agenda for discussion at next Trustee’s meeting.

Discussion was held on pinnings – One year – five year – and ten year pins to be given out only for total abstinence from gambling by his own admission.

Bill B. (New Rochelle) made motion that a watch chain fob imprinted with the Serenity Prayer on one side and praying hands on the reverse side by made for approximately fifty cents and be sold for $1.50 by G. A. Publishing. Motion passed 6-4.

The Board of Trustees wishes to give Vi, the paid secretary, a vote of appreciation for her fine work.

A letter to be written to Jim S.’s wife for the Board of Trustees, expressing sympathy of Jim’s death, and offering condolences.

A vote of appreciation to Bill G., Chairman of B.O.T. was extended for his dedicated work in behalf of G.A.

Motion made by Bill B. (New Rochelle) seconded by Carl M. that Chairman of B.O.T have an expense voucher up to a maximum amount of $25.00 per month. Passed 9-1. This is to be paid by N.S.O. and presented to B.O.R. for approval.

Election of Chairman and Vice-Chairman of the Board of Trustees: Nominations Bill G. and Bill B. (New Rochelle) Bill G. declined. Bill B. (New Rochelle) chosen new chairman, B.O.T. Unanimous vote. Nominations for Vice-Chairman – Bill G. Unanimous vote.

Meeting closed with Serenity Prayer at 2:30 A.M., October 24, 1970.

Respectfully submitted,

Jim Z.
National Executive Secretary
serving as Recording Secretary