ROLL CALL:

Bill B., Chairman of the Board of Trustees called the meeting to order at 7 P.M.

Designation…… Trustee (T)
Alternate Trustee (A)
Alternate Trustee acting as Trustee (AT)

Nat H. (T), J Vince V. (AT), Keith B. (T), Hank K. (A), Bill H. (AT), Jake P. (T), B.Z. R. (T), Bill G. (T), Elmer “Red” M. (T), Eddie L. (T), Pat P. (AT), Norman W. (A), Chris C. (T), Bill B. (T), Al C. (T), Arnie W. (T), Don P. (AT), Bernie P. (AT), Marv R. (A).

ABSENT WERE:

John C., Sam A., Ed S., Jim B., S id L., B Sheldon S., Harold B., Irving S., Bert G., George M., John G., Bernie W., Herb C., Eddie M., Al G., Jim C., Bernie S., Carl M., Joe G., Marty T., Sid K., Joe C.

Items previously passed at Atlantic City, N.J., to be added to Guidance Code that were not picked up. Requirement for member of B.O.T. add “and regular attendance at a G.A. meeting”. For 13, Against 0, Abstain 0. No member can be a member of B.O.R. & B.O.T. For 11, Against 0, Abstain 2. Should a member of the B.O.T. or B.O.R. be a member of any other committee outside Gamblers Anonymous concerning compulsive gambling. For 10, Against 0, Abstain 3.

OLD BUSINESS:

Guidance Code Changes.

1. What constitutes a G.A. Group, Art. 9, Sect. 1, Page 5. Motion by Bill H., Second by Nat H., Whenever two or more members meet together on a regular weekly basis using approved G.A. Literature to discuss problems resulting from their compulsive gambling they will be known as a Group. For 2, Against 9, Abstain 4.

2. Motion Don P., Second Vince V., Whenever two or more admitted compulsive gamblers meet together on a regular scheduled basis to discuss problems in therapy resulting from their compulsive gambling, they will be known as members of a G.A. Group using only G.A. Literature conforming to the Guidance Code Recovery & Unity Program and Standard G.A. Procedures. For 3, Against 9, Abstain 1.

Motion Pat P., Second Don P., Whenever two or more persons with a desire to stop gambling meet together on a regular scheduled basis to discuss their gambling problem they will be known as a group, only if they apply themselves to follow G.A.’s Guidance Code and use approved G.A. Literature. They are also to notify the National Service Office of their existence. For 11, Against 3, Abstain 1.

(2.) Motion Hank K., Second B.Z.R., Article 9, Sect. 3, Page 6 to appear in Group Handbook and Big Book, and Guidance Code. Insert – Public Relations Representative. Rotating Meeting Chairman, Pressure Group Chairman. For 9, Against 3, Abstain 3.

(3.) Motion Bill B., Second Red M., Article 11, Sect. 9, Delete Newly Elected. For 12, Against 0, Abstain 2.

(4.) Motion Don P., Second Red M., Article 11, Section 14, Page 10, change B.O.T. to Board of Regents. For 13, Against 0, Abstain 2.

Motion Red M., Second Don P., Article 11, Section 14, Page 10, Insert as Article 15, Section 9. For 15, Against 0, Abstain 0.

(5.) Motion Hank K., Second Don P., Article 11, Section 12, Page 10, Delete the Board of Regents in two places. For 15, Against 0, Abstain 0.

(6.) Motion Vince V., Second Don P., Change Article 12, Section 3, Page 13, change 7 to 9 or more votes are needed for a quorum. For 11, Against 0, Abstain 4.

(7.) Motion Don P. Second Vince., Article 17, Section 1, add home group to ballot of nominees. For 13, Against 0, Abstain 2.

(8.) Article 17, Section 2, pages 19 & 20.. No motion.

(9.) Article 20, Section 2, Page 22, Remove and the Board of Regents.

Motion Don P., Second Al C., Article 20, Section 15, Page 24, to remove from Guidance Code. For 10, Against 0, Abstain 5.

(10.) Motion Don P., Second Vince V., Article 22, Section 1, Page 25, the areas from which the Trustees shall be elected each even year shall be selected by the Trustees in office as of January 1 of each even year. For 10, Against 0, Abstain 5.

(11.) Article 24, Section 2, page 28. No Motion.

(12.) Article 15, Section 4, page 17. No Motion.

(13.) Motion Red M., Second Keith B., Article 11, Sect. 4, Page 8, add or other acts on his part that are detrimental to G.A. as a whole, removal will require 2/3 vote for expulsion by the B.O.T. at the next physical meeting of B.O.T. For 11, Against 2, Abstain 2.

(14.) Article 11, Section 13, Page 10. Tabled.

Pressure Group Changes
Items 4, 5, 6 (Second Voting)

Motion Bill B., Second Al C.
Item 4. Pressure Group Changes, 3rd Paragraph, Page 5, For 9, Against 0, Abstain 9.
Item 5. Bill B., Second Al C. For 11, Against 1, Abstain 2.
Item 6. Motion Al C., Second Don P. For 12, Against 0, Abstain 2.

Big Book Progress Report Including Financing and Advance Sales

Motion Bill B., Second Don P. Big Book 3rd Edition Hard Cover at printer. Will be ready for G.A.P. approximately November 15. Financing: Any loan made for the purchase of the Big Book will not be subject to individual co-signers. For 12, Against 1, Abstain 1.

Report from Chicagoland Concerning 20th Anniversary International Conference.

Dear Members:

This letter is to advise you that Chicagoland G.A. has taken certain steps regarding the First International G.A. Conference being held July 21, 22, 23 and 24, 1977.

After being selected as host for the above Conference, we held our first meeting to select a committee to perform the necessary functions of setting up a format that will involve all of G.A. as a whole. The total involvement of all areas, we feel, will be the key to the success of this Conference. We realize that there are some areas of responsibility that are directed to us and we have taken steps to insure that these responsibilities are accepted and dealt with as they come about. It is not our position to act as trusted servants to G.A. as a whole and serve in that capacity, keeping in mind our primary purpose.
It is our intention to keep the Board of Trustees, the Board of Regents, the National Service Office and the Eastern Regional Information Center advised on a bi-annual basis of the steps we have taken and would like to take – with the approval of the above-mentioned.

The following is your first official report on the steps taken by Chicagoland G.A. with some suggestions and questions. We would appreciate the comments of all B.O.T., E.R.I.C., B.O.R. and N.S.O. trusted servants. At our first meeting, Sam G., our chairman, selected certain individuals to work with him toward the setting up of this conference. They are:

Marv R., Co-Chairman and Alternate Trustee
Bob K., Alternate Co-Chairman and Recording Secretary
Jake P., Vice-Chairman and Board of Trustees
Irv S., Vice-Chairman and Chicagoland Intergroup Chairman
Lee N., Vice-Chairman and Treasurer and Chicagoland Intergroup Treasurer
Roland E., Vice-Chairman
Ray E., Fund-Raising Chairman

The first order of business was to determine the number of members who will be in attendance at the First International Conference. After much consideration and speaking with other members throughout G.A., the figure we arrived at was 1,250, including Gam-Anon. All housing, meals, cost, etc., is being based on this projection.

Housing: Housing committee was set up to inspect the facilities available in downtown Chicago as well as those near O’Hare International Airport. Our Committees are in the process at this time of reaching a decision. Due to the size of this Conference, it is necessary to contract for space much in advance as to insure the most reliable, economic and efficient facility available, keeping in mind the convenience and comfort of our members and their families.

Monies: We have attained a Post Office Box for all monies and communications regarding the First International G.A. Conference. All monies will be placed in a separate account. There will be four people eligible to sign checks. All will be bonded and there will be a periodic audit by an outside C.P.A. firm. Two signatures will be required on any check up to $500.00 and three signatures on any check over $500.00. All monies will be directed to the First International G.A. Conference, P.O. Box 59415 North Town Station, Chicago, Illinois 60659. This will include monies collected from each Conference (the $2.00 tacked on to each package for extra expenses incurred). All collections, expenditures, etc., will be made available bi-annually along with our report on the progress of this Conference.

Format: The program and format for this Conference as well as speakers, entertainment, group involvement, theme, etc., we feel, is a total G.A. project. It is our suggestion at this time that each area (including foreign countries) select a representative to work with our representatives in working out this program. These representatives will form a committee to lay out the program for approval by the Board of Trustees. These representatives will meet bi-annually and/or by mail with our representatives to serve as chairmen. More specific details will be available in our next report.

This basically is what has been discussed and dealt with by our Committee at this point. We welcome all comments, advice and criticisms (good, bad and constructive). As in every affair where we deal with numerous individuals from different walks of life, we know it is hard to please everyone, but now we add the compulsive gambler and we realize it’s difficult to please anyone! But Chicagoland G.A. is proud to have been selected to host this First International Conference of G.A. and will make every conceivable effort to please all.

Respectfully submitted,
Bob K., Recording Secretary

Combo Book

Page 17, Item 5, If married (2nd Voting) - For 14 Against 0, Abstain 6.

90 Day Wonder Kit

Motion Red M., Second Hank K. to table. For 6, Against 2, Abstain 6.

Functions of the Intergroup

a. Motion Bill G., Second Pat P. “To disseminate Gamblers Anonymous information and approved G.A. literature to any group or individual requesting same”. For 12, Against 0, Abstain 2.

b. “The Intergroup shall be answerable to these groups that it represents and to the Board of Trustees”. For 6, Against 6, Abstain2.

Motion Jake P., Second Eddie L., add “where it affects G.A. as a whole”.
For 11, Against 2, Abstain 1.

c. Motion Al C., Second Don P., “The Intergroup, if it so desires, publish a bulleting or newsletter at regular intervals”. For 10, Against 0, Abstain 4.

d. Motion Eddie L., Second Pat P., “Any newly formed Gamblers Anonymous Group shall be able to participate but not vote in the business portion of the Intergroup meeting until being in existence for a period of no less than three months, assuming, of course, that the group meets all requirements of a Gamblers Anonymous Group”. For 11, Against 3, Abstain 0.

e. Motion Don P., Second Vince V., “Intergroup meetings should be held at least once per month and copies of the minutes should be forwarded to all member groups, other Intergroups, the Regional Service Office, if any, and the National Service Office”. For 13, Against 0, Abstain 1.

f. Motion Vince V., Second Don P., “Each group shall have the right to elect representatives and alternates equal to the number of representatives and alternates of any other group”. For 10, Against 3, Abstain 1.

a. Motion Vince V., Second Don P., “The order of business of the Intergroup shall be conducted by the trusted servants in accordance with the Guidance Code”.
For 12, Against 1, Abstain 1.

h. Motion Keith B., Second Vince V., “The Intergroup should be supported financially by the member groups”. For 14, Against 0, Abstain 0.

i. “The Trusted Servants of the Intergroup should consist of a Chairman, Assistant Chairman, Treasurer, Public Relations Representative, Recording Secretary, Pressure Group Chairman and any other trusted servants deemed necessary by the Intergroup”. For 9, Against 2, Abstain 3.

1. Duties of the Chairman shall be to conduct the regular meeting in an orderly fashion to prepare the agenda, with the assistance of the other Trusted Servants. For 9, against 1, Abstain 4.

2. Duties of the Assistant Chairman should be to perform the chairman’s duties when the chairman is absent, keep an accurate record of Group Representatives and take the Intergroup meeting attendance. For 12, Against 9, Abstain 2.

3. Duties of Recording Secretary shall be to take the minutes of all meetings and notify all Groups of meeting dates of the Intergroup Open meeting and changes, additions and deletions of any current group meeting, and mail the minutes to all parties as outlined in Para. E. For 12, Against 0, Abstain 2.

4. Duties of Treasurer to collect, record and prepare for disbursement all funds collected from the groups. To prepare a monthly statement of finances. To see that pins and literature are available to groups upon request and should be one of two signatures required on checks. For 13, Against 0, Abstain 1.

5. Duties of Public Relations Representative shall be to disseminate information about Gamblers Anonymous to the media, and to anyone else requesting information, inform Regional Service Office and N.S.O. of any public relations efforts, and shall be responsible for the creating of Public Relations activities in the Intergroup area within the framework of the Guidance Code.

6. Duties of Pressure Group Chairman shall be to be responsible for collating facts submitted to the Intergroup and shall be available for insensitive presence for other groups in the Geographic area. For 11, Against 0, Abstain 2.

j. “The Intergroup should publish a meeting list for the area, and should send to other Intergroups, the Regional Office and the N.S.O. copies of the meeting list every time there is a revision”.

k. “Wherever possible, the Intergroup should hold the election for the Trustees that are to be selected from their area, and they should include other groups not members of the Intergroup who fall within the Trustees’ Geographic Area”. For 14, Against 0, Abstain 0.

l. Was to be deleted from Guidelines.

m. “No Trusted Servant of the Intergroup shall receive compensation for services rendered as a Trusted Servant of the Intergroup”. For 14, Against 0, Abstain 0.

n. Book from Easter Conclave in Atlantic City. Motion Don P., Second Red M. to table. For 10, Against 2, Abstain 2.

NEW BUSINESS:

1. Combined with #1 Old Business and 12 of New Business.

2. Motion Arnie W., Second Keith B., Any area who would like next Conclave, Midwest or Eastern, submit their bids to Chairman, B.O.T., 14 months before Conclave. Chairman, B.O.T., ask for Group Vote form these Geographic Areas and announce the results at the conclave. For 2, Against 8, Abstain 4.

Motion Don P., Second Bernie P. National B.O.T. elect 3-man committee as chairman when selecting a site for the Eastern or Midwest Conference. Every Group in Geographical Area be allowed to cast his vote as individuals signed by Group secretary or through an Intergroup, their selection signed by Chairman of Intergroup on an equal basis. For 2, Against 5, Abstain 7.

Motion Bill B., Second Don P., National B.O.T. to select a three-man committee to act as Chairman during selection for Eastern and Midwest Conference sites. Red M. addition to motion. Voting to be held at 10 a.m. Sunday Morning first order of business meeting. For 10, Against 0, Abstain 4.

Motion Don P., Second Bernie P., Three-Man Committee for Miami Conference may 3,4,5, 1974; Al C., Bill G., Red M., alternate, Eddie L.

3. Should Quick Response Meeting count for attendance of B.O.T. meeting. Tabled.

4. Where to count B.O.R. ballots. Tabled.

5. G.A. Group Handbook Pamphlet (1st Voting) Changes approved:

Pages Two thru Four Group Handbook

1. Secretary
2. Treasurer
3. Public Relations Representative
4. Rotating Meeting Chairman
5. Group Representative
6. Pressure Group Chairman

Secretary
The Group Secretary is one of the busiest men or women in the Group. Here are typical responsibilities of the Group Secretary:
a. Opens the meeting hall. Should be first to arrive. Sees to it that the coffee is ready and the meeting room is orderly.
b. He selects the meeting chairman. Because of the responsibility involved, the secretary usually tries to select a man who has had good success in stopping gambling and has other general qualifications needed in chairing a meeting.
c. Has a supply of all G.A. approved literature on hand at meetings and sees that the new man or woman is given copies.
d. Keeps up to date rosters of group members.
e. Makes announcements about special G.A. functions or other announcements. Most groups have found it best they leave the job of making the announcements up to the secretary.
f. Represents the group at Unity, Intergroup, and Secretaries’ Meetings and serves as liaison between the N.S.O. and his group.
g. Keeps track of anniversaries. Many G.A. groups present a lapel pin to members after their first year of abstinence. The secretary usually secures the pin from the N.S.O.
h. Informs his group of Expediters’ Pledges. In 1964, it became apparent that group contributions alone would not support the N.S.O. The Expediters Committee was formed to establish a consistent monthly budget. We recognized the need of the G.A. member to have a feeling of belonging to the N.S.O. Through the medium of expediting or contributing a certain amount each month, each and every member in G.A., throughout the world, will have the privilege of conveying the G.A. message through their donations which support the N.S.O. The Group Secretary is a key man in the G.A. Group. His most important qualification is that he has not made a bet for at least several months. Should any Group Secretary be so unfortunate as to have a relapse, his usefulness to the group as Secretary is ended for a time.

Treasurer
The Group Treasurer, as the name implies, is responsible for the money collected at the Group Meetings. In general, his duties are:
a. Takes up a collection at each meeting, usually at the close of the meeting.
b. Keeps a record of all money collected.
c. Pays all bills incurred by the group; i.e., rent, G.A. pins, refreshments, etc.
d. Makes any contributions to local service facilities and to the N.S.O. as directed by the Group.
e. Makes a weekly financial report to the Group in so far as income, disbursement, and balance on hand.

Public Relations Representative
The Public Relations representative shall disseminate information about Gamblers Anonymous to the media and to anyone else requesting information, shall inform Regional office and nation Service Office of any public relations efforts, and shall be responsible for the creating of public relations in the Intergroup area within the framework of the Guidance Code.

Rotating Meeting Chairman
Another key man in a G.A. Group is the meeting chairman. Much of the success of a meeting in so far as getting the message across to a new man or woman is directly attributable to the chairman. The chairman, like the secretary, should be a man or woman who has had a representative degree of success in G.A. The newcomer may now know who the secretary may be and generally cares less, but he will identify with the chairman as the man who has surely found the answer. Probably nothing could be more discouraging and disheartening to the new man than to have the chairman say he has just had a “little slip” or in any way indicate he has been anything other than completely successful in stopping gambling. Here is a point that probably could not be emphasized too strongly. Many G.A. Groups have had unfortunate incidents that point to the wisdom of exerting every effort to vest chairmanship in the hands of capable members. Generally, the duties of a meeting chairman are:
a. See that meetings are started on the agreed upon time.
b. Conduct the meeting within the framework of a group-approved format.
c. Maintain order in the meeting.
d. Introduce speakers, using first names only.
It has been noted that a capable chairman recognizes that his job is to insure equal participation by all members present. One of his difficult assignments is to see that every member is given equal time to speak before the group. Sometimes this may mean that a quiet word is given to anyone talking longer than time will permit. Also, it has been noted that a good chairman spends very little time telling his own story. He usually gives a brief introductory talk and introduces and thanks each speaker with equal warmth. One of the things that seems to detract considerably from a group meeting is a chairman who makes so-called “pitches between pitches”.

Group Representatives
Each G.A., Group shall designate a Group Representative who shall be responsible for the following duties:
a. Reporting the activities, new, desires or questions asked the N.S.O. or Trustees.
b. Passing on to his group any reports sent him by the N.S.O. or Trustees.
c. Casting his Group’s vote on all National matters requiring a group vote.
d. All votes cast by the Group Representative must reflect the decision of his Group.
e. Method of selecting the Group Representatives and term of office shall be left up to the individual groups. It is suggested, however, that he serve for at least one year and that his term of office shall start on July 1 and end on June 30 of the following year.
f. A Group Secretary or Treasurer may also hold the office of Group Representative.
g. A Group Representative may succeed himself if re-elected for additional term.
h. A Group Representative shall be the Expediter Chairman of his group.

Pressure Group Chairman
We would like to first make clear that any suggestions made by a member of the committee should be based on his successful dealings with creditors and others, in resolving his own problems. In addition, a committee member can develop a wealth of good advice in listening to therapy of other members. In order to maintain an uncomplicated atmosphere, try to confine the meeting to discussions concerning the gambling problem and the pressures, arising as a result. We cannot dilute our principles to a point where we perform as marriage counselors, psychologists, members of the clergy, vocations, guidance specialists or as a representative of the legal profession.

The meeting will give the new man the opportunity to “come clean” before his wife. It is most desirable (in not a necessity) that the wife, or another interested member of the family be in attendance at the meeting. We have observed that the new man cannot get up nerve to tell his wife the whole truth without other members being present. Many problems not restricted to financial could be the reason for the Pressure Group meeting. The four general categories (legal, financial, employment and personal) will be briefly discussed.

6. Each Page to have “continued, Art. # and Section #. Leave size as is. Color change each printing for keeping track of each printing. The one now Oct. 20, 1972 . Ed. #2. Next printing Ed. #2”. For 13, Against 8, Abstain 3.

7. Board of Trustees wishes to express the opinion that they feel that trading in the stock market is gambling. For 3, Against 8, Abstain 3.

8. Article 12, Section 3 of Guidance Code amended to agree in intent with Article 11, Section 6. Change 7 to “9 or more votes are needed for a quorum”.
For 11, Against 0, Abstain 4.

9. Voted on prior to the agenda. Should a member of the B.O.T. or B.O.R. be a member of any other Committee outside G.A. concerning compulsive gambling.
For 0, Against 10, Abstain 3.

10. Review of National Directory and New Groups given to B.O.T.

11. Review of Confidential Trustee List given to B.O.T.

12. What Constitutes a G.A. Group. Pick up in #1 of Old Business, and 12 & 1 New Business.

13. Blood Bank. Tabled.

14. G.A.12 c Gold/Black Onyx ring with G.A. solid letters to be sold through G.A.P. for $35.00. For 13, Against 0, Abstain 1.

Respectfully submitted by Recording Secretary,
Jim Z., National Executive Secretary

Trustee Collection $20.00