Bill B., Chairman, called the meeting to order at 6:45 P. M.
Trustee (T), Alternate (A), Alternate Acting Trustee (AT).

Present were: Nat. H. (T), Sheldon S. (T), Harold B. (AT); Keith B. (T), Bert G. (T), Bill H. (A), Jake P. (T), Marve R. (A), B.Z. R. (T), Bill G. (T), Elmer “Red” M. (T); John G. (A), Robert Z. (A), Eddie M. (AT), George W. (T), Eddie L. (T), Pat P. (A) Chris C. (T), Jim C. (T), Tony G. (A), Bill B. (T), Carl M. (T), Al C. (T), Arnie W. (T), Joe G. (T), Sid K. (A), Don P. (A), Joe C. (A), Bernie P. (A). Absent were: John C. (T), Phil S. (A), Fred K. (AT), Ed S. (AT), Mack B. (T), Sid L. (A), Larry S. (A), Herbert G. (T), Al G. (A), Bernie S. (A) Marty T. (A).

REVIEW OF MAIL MEETING OF AUGUST 15, 1972

1. Schedule for Conference approved 13 to 4.
B.Z. R. made the motion and Bert G. seconded. Eastern-April 15 to 30, Midwest-October 15 to 30, Western-July 15 to 30. These are approximate dates set so that groups may schedule events that will not conflict with conference dates.
For – 16, Against – 1, Abstain – 1.

2. Limitations on leaving something to G.A. (money, etc.)
Bill B. made the motion and Sheldon S. seconded that G.A. can accept money from a deceased member of the Fellowship, a maximum of $500. a year if left in a trust and a maximum lump sum of $1500. to the National Service Office.
For – 13, Against – 5, Abstained 0.

3. Trustees as arbitrators when asked.
For – 12, Against – 3, Abstained - 3.

4. Taped Letters
Instructions and subject will appear on the tape and will be sent by the Trustees to the Chairman of the Board of Trustees.
For – 11, Against - 3, Abstained: 4.

5. Opinions and letters signed by the Chairman of the Board of Trustees.
It should be made clear it is his own opinion and does not reflect that of the entire Board of Trustees.
For – 8, Against - 3.

OLD BUSINESS

1. Final approval of change in definition of gambling on page 14 of Combo and Guidance Code. Insert after Gambling… “for the Compulsive Gambler”.
For – 18, Against – 0, Abstained – 0.

2. Final approval of Regional office guidelines.
For – 16, Against – 0, Abstained – 2.

3. Board of Regents request to go over the Board of Trustees decision about the form of ballot for the Board of Regents election.
A motion was made by Sheldon S. and seconded by Nat H. that the ballot remain as is with the addition of the home group of the nominee belongs to on the ballot.
For – 18, Against – 0, Abstained – 0.

4. 20th Anniversary Conclave-Where to be held.
Chicagoland groups are interested in hosting the 1977 20th Anniversary International Conference. A motion was made by Jim C., and seconded by Bert G. for the approval of location, not date, Chicagoland groups.
For – 17, Against – 1, Abstained – 0,
Suggest date and details to be brought to Atlanta, Georgia Conclave. Discussion on finances, Chicago asked to hold off on finances and bring plan to Physical meeting of the Board of Trustees meeting in Atlanta, Georgia.

5. Change is Combo book – put under New Business.

6. Page 17 #5 of Combo – change wife to spouse
For – 18, Against – 0, Abstained – 0.

7. Final Census report – 117 groups reporting.
3) Starting time of meetings – 8:30 P.M.
4) Closing time of meetings – 11:00 P.M.
5) Average rent - $16.00 per month. 12 pay no rent High - $75.00 Low - $5.00.
6) Type of Meeting: 97 Regular G.A., 2 Speaker, 7 Discussion, 4 open, 7 Step.
7) Everyone a chance to speak? 7 No 110 Yes
8) Why not a chance to speak? Not enough time
9) Is there a Gam-Anon meeting at the same time? 10 No, 107 Yes
10) How many members? 2363 average 20 + per group
11) Average Attendance – 1916 average 16+ per group
12) Groups start from 1957 to 1972
13) Have you moved since started: 33 Yes, 84 No Affect attendance?
No Most moves for better quarters
14) Average age of members – 42 years
15) Average period of abstinence – 3 years
16) Do you see G.A. literature? 3 use AA lit. 114 use GA lit.
17) How many Trusted Servants? Average 4
18) How long do they serve? 6 months
19) What are their duties? Secretary, Treasurer, Group rep., Chairman, Public Relations
20) Members attend more than one meeting? Yes, average 2
21) Does your group belong to an Intergroup? 94 Yes, 23 No
22) Do you have open meetings? 22 all time, rest 2 per year
23) What does your group contribute to NSO? Average $9.00 per month.
24) Do you have mixed meetings? 39 do every 6 months
25) Do you have a phone list? Yes, all
26) When is it given to new members? 1st meeting
27) Does Gam-Anon contribute to expenses? 49 pay own expenses, 20 pay part, 38 pay nothing
28) Women members in GA – 20
29) How does your group get Public Relations? 19 None, 4 Very Little, 94 through Intergroup
30) Do you see results from National Public Relations, TV, Radio, Magazines? 19 No, 7 Very little, 91 Yes
31) Do you have any money raising affairs? 22 Yes, 95 No
32) Does the phone list, list the spouse? 47 Yes, 70 No
How often is phone list revised? Every 6 months
33) Does your group contribute to NSO regularly? 23 nothing, 94 yes
How much and how often do you contribute? 13 groups deplete treasure each month all that is left, 81 groups set amount average $9.00 per month
34) Do you buy all your literature from NSO? Yes, or Intergroup
35) Does your group give pins for one year? 19 No, 98 Yes
What are the requirements? Total abstinence, regular attendance
36) Do you give the new member a Pressure Group meeting? 49 NO, 68 Yes
37) Do you allow outsiders to sit in at meetings? 13 No, 104 Yes
38) Do you ever have a step meeting? 49 No, 68 Yes
39) Do you get enough Bulletins? Yes Groups receive 900 per month

NEW BUSINESS

1. Approval to distribute “To Gamble or Not To Gamble” by Wagner through the NSO or GAP.
Died for lack of a motion.

2. Intergroup Guidelines – Tabled

3. Page 17, #4 of Combo book. Should reference be made to the Unity Program? Motion made by Bill B., seconded by Carl M. 1st voting.
Read the Recovery and Unity Program often. Try to follow them. These steps are the basis for the entire GA Program.
For – 18, Against – 0, Abstained – 0.

3A. From #5, Old Business. Changes in Combo book page 17 heading of page
Motion was made to eliminate new members, putting entire first sentence in heavy print.
For – 16, Against – 0, Abstained 2.
George W. made an amendment to the motion. Died for lack of a second.

4. Should the definition of Spiritual be included in the Combo book?
Show of hands – from Q & A – for 7 or from Big Book – for 11
The word Spiritual can be said to describe those characteristics of the human mind that represent the highest and finest qualities such as kindness, generosity, honest, and humility.
For – 18, Against – 0, Abstained – 0.

5. Changes of Pressure Group forms and can local areas make minor changes without the approval of BOT if they are minor in nature and are local in origin, i.e. New York area uses ‘shy’, Midwest uses ‘juice’.
Motion made by Bill B. area’s groups or individuals that wish to reprint and abstract from a piece of GA literature by making any change should submit to the Chairman of the BOT in quantity to be distributed to all the BOT.
For – 14, Against – 0, Abstained – 4
Don P. made a motion that the BOT approves the financial statement on the forms attached for the area to reprint as they see fit.
For – 17, Against – 0, Abstained – 1.
Motion was made by Don P. and seconded. Shall a Pressure Group meeting be given when requested by a GA member who is by his own admission actively engaged in gambling. Only in extenuating or circumstances considered a dire emergency and when the man has abstained from gambling for one day shall one be given.
For – 1, Against – 12, Abstained – 5.
Motion made by Don P., Seconded by Jim C. A miniature Pressure Group meeting form stamped “Not Official Form” as sample attached be added in Pressure Group Handbook under Preparation for the meeting. More space for creditors.
For – 12, Against – 1, Abstained – 5.
Motion made by Joe G. and seconded by Pat P. It is suggested that a chapter’s Pressure Group Committee can recommend whether or not the spouse of the GA member receiving a Pressure Group meeting shall make any visits with her husband to the various creditors.
For – 13, Against – 4, Abstained – 1.
Motion made by Don P. and seconded by Carl M. It is suggested that there should be no buying off of a debt without the approval of the Pressure Group Committee of his chapter and as abstinence continues toward a final evaluation there are three ways recommended regarding a debt moratorium, scheduled payout, final payoff.
For – 12 Against – 0 Abstained – 6
Motion made by Jake C. and seconded by Carl M. Add to Budget page 3 2nd paragraph Pressure Group Handbook if no term insurance exists then provision should be made for purchase of term insurance in the future by the compulsive gambler.
For 14 Against – 1 Abstained – 3.
Balance of Pressure Group handbook to be tabled until Atlanta, Ga. Physical BOT meeting.

6. Primary purpose of GA #5 of Unity vs. 2nd paragraph on page 2 of Combo.
Comments leave as is.

7. Page 18 of Combo book. “Some additional areas that are considered gambling”. Motion made by Arnie W. Seconded by Al C. Some additional areas which have caused problems to compulsive gamblers.
1) Bowling for prizes or cash.
2) Speculating and manipulating in stocks and Real Estate in ones own name or in the name of others.
3) Playing games like golf for so called sociable bets (.05) or golf bails.
4) Buying a State Lottery ticket for $1 even though the money is for education.
5) Stepping into a crap game for a friend whose luck is running bad or sitting in for a few hands at cards for a friend who steps out for a break.
6) Entering a newspaper contest for prizes or cash.
7) Real Estate investments.
For – 6 Against – 12 Abstained - 0

8. BOT action if any and by whom in case of violations of Guidance Code or Unity Program. Motion by Bill B. Seconded by Sheldon S. Any Trustee violates the Recovery or Unity Program be asked to give his reasons at the next BOT physical meeting and upon the decision of the BOT if they feel he violated the Recovery or the Unity Program he can be removed from office.
For – 0 Against – 18 Abstained - 0

9. Purpose and use of Group phone lists. This would be a good topic for workshop of a future conference. BOT suggests same.

10. Should Alternate Trustees vote? Motion made by Sheldon S. seconded by B.Z. R. for Alternate Trustee to remain as is in the Guidance Code.
For – 16 Against – 2 Abstained – 0.

11. Terminology Used by Groups referring to Trusted Servants – Conformity of same.
Motion made by Tony Z., seconded by Harold B. Guidance Code Article 9 section 3 covers this fully. BOT request that the groups conform to general traditional titles when referring to the specific individual by title and that no group should use Regent or Trustee with National Trusted servants of GA.
For – 15 Against – 0 Abstained – 3.

12. Time and place that votes for BOR are to be tabulated. Motion made by Nat H. and seconded by Sheldon S. Article 24 Section 4 of Guidance code – should remain as is.
For – 15 Against – 0 Abstained – 3.

13. Quorum necessary and redefinition of proxies for BOT. Amendments Article 25, Section 1 2/3 vote of 21, Trustee=14
For – 17 Against 0 Abstained – 1.
Proxies to remain as is.

14. New material and price quotations for G.A. Big Book, 3rd Edition Hard Cover.
1) Samples by Lorrin L. Morrison Press - 10,000 copies - $18,500.
2) Samples by Times-Mirror Press - 10,000 copies - $10,477.
3) Samples by Kingsport Press - 10,000 copies - $ 6,500.
Due to quality of cover and paper used. Motion by Keith B. Seconded by Bert G. to approve bid submitted by Times-Mirror Press for $10,477. for printing of 10,000 copies of G.A. Big Book 3rd Edition.
For – 11 Against 1 Abstained – 6.
New stories submitted to go in G.A. Big Book 3rd Edition Hard Cover .
1) Ray M. of Chicago - Not Approved
2) Howie C. - Not Approved
3) A Hard Price to Pay - Approved For – 16 Against – 1
4) Pinball Machines - Approved For – 13 Against – 1
5) Jim F. First 3 Weeks in GA - Approved For – 14 Against – 1
Stories from Gam-Anon members. No motion. Leave Big Book as is.

16. Consideration of use of “Growth With and For GA” to be used as approved literature. Cost Quotes
300 Copies - $570 - $1.96 each
500 Copies - $744 - $1.56 each
1000 Copies - $995 - $1.06 each

Request that this be tabled along with item #2 under New Business.

16. Election of Trusted Servants of BOT.
Nomination for Chairman of BOT.
Nat H., seconded by Sheldon S. nominated George W.
Harold B., seconded by Joe G. nominated Arnie W. – declined.
Tony Z., seconded by Joe G. nominated Bill B.
Joe G., seconded by Jim C. nominated Chris C. – declined.
Harold B. nominated Don P. – declined.
George W. and Bill B. were asked to leave the room. Jim Z. conducted the election. Bill B. elected Chairman of BOT.

Nominations for Vice-Chairman of BOT.
Red M. nominated George W.
Harold B. nominated Arnie W.
Bert G. nominated Keith B. – declined.
Jim C. nominated Chris C.
George W. elected Vice-Chairman of BOT.

Guidance Code to be reprinted by next Physical Meeting of BOT in Atlanta, Georgia May 20, 1973 with all amendments, changes, additions, etc. New color paper size 81/2 X 11.

Respectively Submitted,
Recording Secretary
Jim Z. National Executive Secretary