Roll Call: Bill B., Chairman of the Board of Trustees, called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m.

DESIGNATION: (T) Trustee (A) Alternate (AT) Alternate Acting As Trustee Jim B. (T); Irving L. (T); Hank K. (T); Bill W. (T); Al V. (T); Bob S. (T); Bill G. (T); Elmer M. (AT); Charles J. (AT); Robert G. (T); Eddie L. (T); Pat P. (T); Lou S. (T); Bill B. (AT); Ed W. (AT); Charles D. (AT); Chris C. (T); Irv K. (AT); William K. B. (T); Jack F. (T); Carl M. (T); Joe S. (T); Donald B. (T); Al C. (T); Sy S. (AT); Bob F. (AT); Bob N. (AT); Stan K. (AT); Jim R. (AT).

OLD BUSINESS:

1. Contribution to National Service Office.

How to Increase Contribution to N.S.O.

a. Expediter Chairman – each group to set an example.
b. “Buck of the month” club.
c. Leave no excess money in treasury.
d. “Round Robins” fund raising and unity building.
e. Trustee to make it their business to explain what N.S.O. is, its needs, its functions.
f. Every group contributes an “x” dollar figure per month.
g. N.S.O. can at door or table.
h. Trustees to accept their responsibility to N.S.O.
i. Hold down expenses at open meetings.
j. Control the overall expenses of a group.

2. Big Book Discussion.

Letter from Attorney Dunner was read to the Board of Trustees. The Board of Trustees will wait until the decision of the entire Board of A.A. The decision of this board meeting will be forwarded to the Board of Trustees and the Board of Regents.

3. How We Can Help Future Groups Who Sponsor A Conclave or Conference.

Committee Report by George:

a. Intergroup Chairman appointed a Conference Chairman.
b. Sight for conference voted on by entire intergroup – over 60 reps.
c. Everyone given a chance to secure a site.
d. November 1974 committee was formed of 12 people.
e. Set up meeting date for committee of every two weeks.
f. Outline the responsibilities of the committee?
1) Give-away package.
2) Gamateen & Gamanon.
3) Treasurer. Two people to sign any check.
4) Room set up, meals and transportation.
5) Agenda copy set up of what was going to be handled at what date.
Keep a file of these.
6) Set up conference so that nothing conflicts with anything else.
7) Have conference site people give you a written commitment on everything in detail.

A written report by Hank K., Toronto, for the Niagara Falls, Canada side will be brought to the next conference.

4. 90-Day Plateau, formerly known as the 90-Day Wonder Kit, taken step by step.

Paragraph #1 as changed For-16 Against-1 Ab.-1
Paragraph #2 as changed For-17 Against-1 Ab.-0
Paragraph #3 as changed For-14 Against-1 Ab.-3
Participate #4 as changed For-13 Against-1 Ab.-4
Chairman #5 as changed For-15 Against-1 Ab.-2
12 Step Calls #6 as changed For-13 Against-1 Ab.-4
Sponsorship & Ret. #7 as changed For-14 Against-0 Ab.-4
Pressure Groups #8 as changed For-17 Against-0 Ab.-1
Expediter Works #9 as changed For-18 Against-0 Ab.-0
Public Relations #10 as changed For-10 Against-1 Ab.-7
Growth #11 as changed For-15 Against-1 Ab.-2
Last Paragraph #12 as changed For-13 Against-1 Ab.-4

90-DAY PLATEAU

CONGRATULATIONS You have now completed 3 months in the Gamblers Anonymous Program and have received some of the benefits of Gamblers Anonymous and the Gamblers Anonymous Way of Life. Now you can give of yourself to Gamblers Anonymous.

An important part of our program is sharing with others that which we have received. Gamblers Anonymous’ primary purpose is to carry our message to the compulsive gambler who still suffers.

You have shown through your three months of abstinence from gambling and regular attendance at meetings that you have a desire to stop gambling. This is most important. After three months you have an idea of how our program works. Now is the time to turn the knowledge you have acquired into action.

GAMBLERS ANONYMOUS WANTS YOU TO PARTICIPATE

The tasks in making a successful group are many and we in Gamblers Anonymous need involvement from all the members.

The following is a list of ways in which you may involve yourself in Gamblers Anonymous’ responsibilities, thereby helping yourself, your group and other compulsive gamblers.

CHAIRMAN

Your are now eligible or will soon be able to chair a Gamblers Anonymous meeting. This is accepted as an honor and privilege. If you wish to chair a meeting and have not yet been called to do so, mention this to your group secretary.

12TH STEP CALLS

This is one of the most rewarding experiences in Gamblers Anonymous. Talking with the compulsive gambler and spouse after contact is made with Gamblers Anonymous and giving him or her, the understanding that only you can give and encouraging him or her and trying to get them to attend the next scheduled Gamblers Anonymous and Gam-Anon meeting.

SPONSORSHIP & RETENTION

This part of the program is just a continuation of what you have been doing or should have been doing – taking the initiative and call the new member. You may be asked to sponsor an individual, this will be your responsibility. Some of the responsibilities of sponsorship are: telephoning between meetings, attending additional meetings, together answering the many questions about the program, sitting in on his pressure group meeting, and continuously giving encouragement and hope. When you would like to sponsor a member, contact the Sponsorship Chairman or your Group Secretary, and find out when you are eligible to participate in any of the various committees that are involved in this area.

PRESSURE GROUP MEETINGS

When the compulsive gambler enters Gamblers Anonymous with financial, marital, legal, or employment problems, a pressure group meeting is most helpful.

Concerned and active members in Gamblers Anonymous to suggest solutions to the Pressure Group Committee. Contact the Pressure Group Chairman or your group secretary and they will explain in detail how you can assist.

EXPEDITER WORK

The duty of the Expediter Chairman is to make our members aware of the need for funds for the National Service Office. We have a responsibility to support this office. One of the ways we can support our office is by regular contributions by our many members. The Expediter Chairman has expediter cards and envelopes and the information on hand for members when they accept their responsibilities.

PUBLIC RELATIONS:

1) Our Public Relations Chairman needs Gamblers Anonymous members for radio, T.V., with newspapers, magazines, or speaking engagements for various clubs and organizations who want to know more about our fellowship.

2) Gamblers Anonymous has no paid public relations people.

3) Therefore, these people must come form the membership of Gamblers Anonymous. The Unity program is used as a guide in doing Public Relations Work, especially at the level of press, radio, films and television. If you desire and are capable of participating in the above mentioned areas, contact your public relations chairman or your group secretary.

4) Now is the time for you to get involved even if it is only to assist.

You will find your help needed in all levels in our fellowship.

There are millions of compulsive gamblers that need our help as you remain active.

Congratulations on reaching the 90-Day Plateau in Gamblers Anonymous. Many more plateaus await you. The richness of growth through involvement and participating in Gamblers Anonymous will benefit you, your family and other compulsive gamblers.

5. 1977 Conference Report

To the Board of Trustees and All G.A. Members
14 Annual Eastern Conclave
South Fallsburg, New York
April 10-13, 1975

Dear Members:

This is your fourth bi-annual report concerning the forthcoming 1977 International G.A. Conference. Through this report we hope to keep you and the membership advised as to what steps have been taken, those steps which are presently being taken and those steps we anticipate taking during the next six months.

In the past six months our Conference Committee has met monthly to discuss such items as finances, International correspondence, flyers, publicity and development of other ideas to further the progress.

Regarding the pre-mentioned items, we have attached a complete financial report based on monies received and monies spent. If you have any questions after having read the report, we will be more than happy to answer them.. We have sent flyers to all groups in addition to publicizing this Conference in the N.S.O. Bulletin. We have, as well, maintained correspondence with our International brothers and answered all mail regarding the 1977 Conference.

We are now in the process of attempting to put together committees to develop a program for the Conference. We feel this should be a total Gamblers Anonymous effort and have asked for area volunteers to assist. As of this date, we have had only two volunteers to serve on any committee. Due to the lack of response from the membership, we will have an open period in which we will ask for suggested formats. Anyone with suggestions, who would like to share their ideas, please forward these suggestions to the Chicago Conference in Chicago. We have determined that by this time next year, we will be able to sit down with the Board of Trustees to discuss the format for the four-day Conference, taking into consideration any and all suggestions.

The other item which presently concerns us is the actual receiving of deposits from the membership. This is very important as the Hotel will be in a better position to make any adjustments necessary toward pleasing our membership. We would hopefully like to assume that the Hotel will be filled at an early date and that our membership will make this possible by getting in their deposits.

Mailing Address: Post Office Box 59415
North Town Station
Chicago, Illinois 60649

During the next six month period, our Conference Committee Chairman will be given more responsibility. This will include such responsibilities as more contact with group representatives from other areas, answering all queries that come in through our Post Office Box, increased attention toward our format for the four days of the Conference and coordination with Gam- Anon regarding the program schedule.

Once again, we from Chicagoland, wish to thank the membership for the opportunity to host this Conference. And may we once again ask that each and every member make an effort this year to place their deposit with us.

Respectfully submitted,

Sam G. - Chairman - 1977 Conference

Marv. R. - Delegate - Board of Trustees

Le. N. - Alternate Delegate - Board of Trustees

Financial Report Attached.

FIRST INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE OF G.A.
FINANCIAL REPORT
(As of 3-31-75)

INCOME

Deposit for Plan A (19 = 38 people) $440.00
Deposit for Plan C ( 1 = 2 people) 25.00
Deposit – No Plan Indicated (7 = 7 people) 145.00

Total $610.00
(Total People = 47)

Contributions from Conclaves

1974 Eastern Miami $254.00
1974 West Coast 159.00
1974 Midwest Cincinnati 238.00

Total $ 651.00

Fund-Raising $ 81.00

Interest Earned $ 5.40

GRAND TOTAL INCOME $1, 347.40

EXPENSES

Postage $120.55
Telephone 62.32
Office Supplies 44.48
Advertisement 39.50
Equipment 35.00

GRAND TOTAL EXPENSES $ 301.85

BALANCE $1, 045.55

Savings Account $ 867.40
Checking Account 108.15
On Hand 70.00
Total $1, 045.55

Respectfully submitted,

Le N.
Financial Officer NEW BUSINESS:

1. Acceptance as a piece of literature.

TO THE NEW GAMBLERS ANONYMOUS MEMBER (1st approval)

Welcome to your first Gamblers Anonymous meeting. Your Gamblers Anonymous Trusted Servants and Sponsor will counsel and guide you back to a normal life. All that is required on your part is your sincere effort to stop gambling.

Look around you at many of the faces, listen to the therapy and you can see that this program does work. Here are some suggestions to help you.

1. FOR LEGAL DIFFICULTIES such as bad checks, fraudulent loans, etc. many members have been in this position and have, through the Gamblers Anonymous Program straightened them out.

2. FOR FINANCIAL DIFFICULTIES – rent in arrears, past due bank or finance company loans, personal obligations, etc. – Gamblers Anonymous is essentially a self-help program; consequently, experience has shown that direct financial aid does not work to your benefit. There are Trusted Servants and advisors who are good financial budget counselors and pressure group committee members. They will show you how it is possible to pay your obligations in a way that will permit you to live without having unbearable pressure.

3. FOR EMPLOYMENT DIFFICULTIES – out of work, about to be fired or present job unbearable, etc. – there are ways in which other members can counsel you in helping yourself in this direction.

4. FOR FAMILY DIFFICULTIES – For the married or single person, here is an area in which Gamblers Anonymous members and their spouses (in Gam-Anon) can help you tremendously. They will be happy to explain the wonderful success of this Program to your family. This almost always works, although it sometimes takes time, so be patient. The best factor, as the weeks go by, is your own sincerity in working things out. Ask about these family meetings.

Here are some additional suggestions which we have found helpful:

1. Attend at least one meeting per week and as many other meetings as possible.

2. Telephone other members as often as possible between meetings. Use the Telephone list!

3. Don’t temp or test yourself. Don’t associate with acquaintances who gamble. Don’t go in or near gambling establishments. Don’t gamble for anything…. This includes buying raffle or lottery tickets, flipping a coin, or entering the office sports pool.

4. Live the Program one day at a time – don’t try to tackle your whole life’s problems at once. Do the best you can each day. Adjust to what is and do not try to adjust everything to your own desires.

5. Read the Recovery and Unity steps often and the Twenty Questions. Follow the steps in your daily affairs. If you have any questions, ask them of your Trusted Servants and Sponsors. These steps are the basis for the entire Gamblers Anonymous Program; practicing them is the key to your success.

6. Be patient! The days and weeks will pass soon enough and as you continue to attend meetings and to abstain from gambling, your recovery will really accelerate.

God Grant me the serenity to accept the things
I cannot change, courage to change the things
I can, and the wisdom to know the difference

2. National Gambling Commission Survey.

Survey originating from the University of Michigan.
Motion to table, defeated.
Motion by Hank K. 2nd, to advise all groups not to participate in the survey which is in direct conflict with Unity Step #10.
For – 10 Against - 7

3. Addition to Page 17, Item 3 – to insert in the proper sequence “lotteries”. 1st approval. For – 15 Against – 1

3a. Page 17 – No change.

#1, Page 17 – amendment – to delete what is in parenthesis. For – 18 Against – 0. 1st Approval.

#6 Page 17. Amend. For – 18 Against – 0 1st Approval.

4. At the bottom of Page 9, “is knowing why we gambled important”?....to change that , and the paragraph to read, “is knowing why we gamble important in so far as stopping gambling”? Perhaps, however, many Gamblers Anonymous members have abstained from gambling without the benefit of the knowledge of why they gamble. For – 18 Against – 0

Page 14, 2nd paragraph..do not change.

5. Page 12. Where reference is made to “black list”…elimination of that word with a word of similar meaning.
For – 9 Against – 9 No change
Motion to table. For – 12 Against – 7 Tabled.

6. What notice is there to Trustees concerning the resigning , etc. of members of the Board of Trustees? Chairman of the Board of Trustees to notify the Board of Trustees of any changes, replacement, etc. – every time it occurs.

7. “Regular” attendance – define amendment to Guidance Code, takes 13 votes.
Motion – 4 meetings per month. For – 9 Against - 10
Motion – 3 meetings per month: For – 11 Against - 3 Ab. – 4

To remain as is .. For – 8 Against – 7

8. Appointment of National Executive Secretary.

Nominations – Hank K. Jim Z. 2nd
Bill B. declined.

Chairman makes appointment unanimously – Jim Z.

9. A letter from the Chairman of the Board of Trustees will be written and mailed to a Southern California Trustee. This letter will be delivered by a Southern California Trustee and will be read to the Los Angeles Intergroup. For – 17 Ag – 0

A copy of this letter will be delivered to the manager or director of the CBS-TV studio in Southern California. For – 16 Ag - 1