A) Welcome and opening statement – Dan M.
Dan M. gave his opening statement explaining the "ground rules" for the meeting and stating that we would attempt to follow Roberts Rules of Order. Two Proxy’s and two Absentee ballots were received and distributed to the designated people for voting. All new members of the Board of Trustees were asked to stand and introduce themselves.

B) Roll Call/Changes – Karen H.
Karen H. took Roll and at the same time changes to the Confidential Trustees Listing and dates of abstinence were recorded. After the completion of Roll Call it was determined that there were 46 eligible votes.

C) Approval of minutes from Catskills meeting
The minutes of the Catskills meeting were approved as submitted.
Approved: 33 Against: 0 Passed

D) Committee Reports

1. Catskills Conference Report – Tom M.
Tom M. handed out a one page financial summary from the Catskills Conference. Several questions were asked resulting in a motion that the Chairman or designee advice each Conference to compile a complete financial report within 60 days of the close of said Conference.
Approved: 4 Against: 37 Failed
This motion was defeated because the existing Conference guidelines already include this.

2. Vancouver Conference Update – Tom M.
Tom M. gave a report stating that everything is well organized and introduced Henry I. to say a few words. Henry let everyone know how the Conference was going and that so far 286 people have registered.

3. Chicago Conference Update Tom M.
Tom M. gave a report on the upcoming Conference to be held in Chicago May 30 – June 1, 1997 at the Chicago O’Hare Marriott. Things are moving along very well. Workshops are in place and everything seems to be in order.

4. Los Angeles Conference Update – Tom M.
Tom M. gave a report on the Los Angeles Conference to be held at the Radisson Plaza Hotel in Manhattan Beach October 17 – 19, 1997. Everything is very well organized and they are moving in the right direction.

5. Myrtle Beach Conference Update Tom M.
Tom M. gave a report on the Conference to be held April 24 – 26, 1998 in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. The Committee is hard at work and everything seems to be going very smoothly.

6. Arizona Conference Written Report – Tom M.
A written report from the Arizona Conference was handed out by Tom M. After some discussion, it was determined that this was a satisfactory report.

7. ISO/Lifeliner Report – Karen H.
Karen H. gave her report handing out a chart that showed the past years activity. There was "good and bad" news during this report. The bad news was that the amount of total contributors went down by over 20% but the good news was that the total contributions were up by 6%. A lengthy discussion took place and different ways of spreading the word about Lifeliners were exchanged. All members were encouraged to go back to their areas and help spread the word about how important Lifeliners are to the support of the International Service Office.

8. "Scavenger Hunt" Update – Henry I.
Henry I. gave an update on the Scavenger Hunt to be held Saturday afternoon at 4:00 P.M. starting in the lobby of the Whistler. They are expecting good participation from everyone.

9. BOR Report on Florida Situation – Bill M.
Bill M. gave a report on the Florida situation. A final judgement in the civil case against Dick D. resulted in G.A.’s favour and treble damages were awarded for approximately $100,000.00. So far no money has been received. Dick D. was released on $25,000.00 bond in the criminal case after turning himself in the third week of September. He was arrested and booked for Grand Theft. As of now, no date for trial has been set.

10. Outreach ‘96/St. Louis Report – Dan M.
Danny gave a detailed report on the one day workshop (Operation Outreach) held August 24, 1996 in St. Louis.
Dan M., Tom M. and Karen H. were the presenters. Chuck R. was the lunch speaker and came on his own to help out. Evaluation sheets were filled out asking several questions on the positive nature of this event. The day was very successful and all members who attended had excellent things to say. $3,000.00 was allotted for this event and the net cost after expenses and collection was $2,355.42

11. History Booklet Update – Dan M.
Danny gave a report on the History Booklet. After several attempts and a lot of time trying to get the disc and information on the History Booklet from one of the committee members, it was finally received and nothing had been done since the Catskills Conference. The book is being worked on and the Trustees should have a rough draft copy in approximately two months.

12. Teenage Gambling Report – George G. & Committee
George G. and Chuck R. handed out a four page report that was done by the committee on Teenage Gambling. Discussion was held and the Committee was thanked for a great job.

13. 12 Steps Video Tape Comm. – Merrill, Robert, David & Joe
Committee is working on a tape that will be ready in Chicago.

14. 12 Steps Audio Tape Committee – Larry G. & Ralph D.
This project is half finished. Copies will be available for review in Chicago. Motion to table to Chicago.
Approved: 38 Against: 1 Passed

E) Old Business

1. Establishing appropriate procedures where the GA name is used with regards to contracts or payment of monetary funds is to be received. Literature Committee Update. (Denis M.)
Denis M. gave a report on the above item. After reviewing this piece of literature that was given to Denis at the Catskills Conference, it was the consensus of the committee that this would be contradictory to our current piece of literature, "Let’s Host A Mini-Conference!". Danny appointed Denis to chair a committee to make all literature regarding handling of money at conferences consistent with each other.

2. Guidance Code, page 5, Article VIII, Section 1: Change from 48 to as many as deemed necessary by the Board of Trustees. (Portland)
Approved: 41 Against: 0 Passed (2nd vote)

3. Add to By Laws: Article III, Section 12: Gamblers Anonymous International Service Office hereby agrees to indemnify, defend and hold harmless all of its officers and directors for any and all actions taken by them in furtherance of the business and operations of Gamblers Anonymous, including but not limited to, negligent acts, intentional acts and wrongful acts. Further, Gamblers Anonymous agrees to pay any and all damages, legal fees and costs on their behalf for which they may become liable. (Tabled from Catskills) (Board of Regents)
Discussion only

4. Change the wording of the explanation of Step 10 of the Recovery Program as found in the GA Red Book to read: Another view is that steps one through nine are never finished (instead of "done") and should be regularly repeated. (Chicago)
Approved: 34 Against: 3 Passed (2nd vote)

5. Discuss appropriate procedures to access the information highway (Internet) to carry the message of Gamblers Anonymous. (Tabled from Catskills) (Rob S. & Committee)
Motion made to authorize committee to set up service provider for Internet Home page, and purchase computer and printer, if necessary, and set up phone line for computer, if necessary, and train I.S.O. staff; all of which not to exceed $3,000.00 up front costs, and $1,000.00 in yearly expenses. Service will begin in January 1997 and must be reapproved at the Manhattan Beach 1997 Conference for continuation beyond January of 1998.
Approved: 41 Against: 1 Passed

6. Approve as new literature The 12 GA Promises. (Enclosed) If accepted, must go to AA to receive authorisation. (Montreal)
Motion to table.
Approved: 8 Against: 32 Failed
On the motion.
Approved: 28 Against: 15 Passed (2nd vote)
Karen H. will contact A.A.

F) New Business

1. Site Selection, 1998 Southern Conference
Motion to accept Orlando, Florida’s bid, presented by Bob F., to host the 1998 Southern Conference.
Approved: 37 Against: 0 Passed

2. Discuss appropriateness of Public Announcements as found in the Information Packet. (No. California)
Motion made that last sentence of item #2A, Public Service Announcement, (currently approved 20 second spot) be changed to read – If gambling is destroying you, you are welcome to attend; taking out the words "or someone you care about."
Motion to table to Chicago
Approved: 19 Against: 17 Passed
A recount was requested
Approved: 21 Against: 18 Passed
Motion to review item 2B
Motion to table entire item 2
Approved: 24 Against: 13 Passed

3. Discuss the appropriateness of videotaping Pinnings. (New York)
Motion to table to Chicago
Approved: 17 Against: 23 Failed Discussion only.

4. Does a certain GA flyer affect GA’s public relations policy? (Letter and flyer enclosed) (Maryland)
Motion that we accept this flyer as appropriate.
Approved: 6 Against: 33 Failed

5. Within the context of the 11th Unity Step, what constitutes promotion in regards to carrying the message of GA to other compulsive gamblers? (Looking for examples) (Upstate NY)
Discussion was held. Good examples were given to the members who put this on the agenda.

6. Is it permitted under the 6th and 11th Unity Steps of GA and within the framework of the Guidance Code to have GA literature available to the public at the New York State Fair at a booth which is paid for by the NY Council on Problem Gambling Inc.? (Upstate NY)
Motion made that the above item be answered "Yes."
Approved: 35 Against: 3 Passed

7. Is it permitted under the 11th Unity Steps of GA to have literature (GA) available to the public at a table in a shopping mall that is sponsored and attended by members of GA? (Upstate NY)
A straw vote was taken and it is the consensus of this Board that it is appropriate to have literature available to the public at a table in a shopping mall that is sponsored and attended by members of G.A.

8. Replace last portion of poem on inside cover of Combo Book with one of the following:
a) "I sought another Gambler and found all three"
b) "I sought my friend and found all three"
c) "I sought my Brother and Sister and found all four" (Portland)
Motion to table
Approved: 2 Against: 41 Failed
It was determined that this item is out of order because it has not yet been two years since it was brought up.

9. Guidance Code, page 21, Article XVI, Section 9: Insert the word working after (14). To read: …within fourteen (14) working days of the meetings. (No. California)
Motion to accept above
Approved: 43 Against: 0 Passed (1st vote)

10. Replace poem on inside cover of Combo Book with:
I sough my soul
But could no see
I sough my Higher Power
But it eluded me
I found my brothers and sisters
And found all three (New Orleans)
Motion to accept above as written
Approved: 1 Against: 39 Failed

11. Combo Book, 20 questions: Add the following as the 21st question: Have you ever lied to someone close to you about your gambling? Rationale enclosed. (Reno)
Motion to accept above
Approved: 7 Against: 31 Failed

12. If (and only if) item 11 is defeated, it is proposed that questions 2 and 13 be combined to read: Has gambling ever made your home life unhappy or made you careless of the welfare of yourself or your family? This would enable item #11 to be accepted and still not abandon the magic of the "20" questions. Rationale enclosed. (Reno)
Motion to combine questions 2 & 13 to read: " Has gambling ever made your home life unhappy or made you careless of the welfare of yourself or your family?"
Amendment to combine questions 2 & 13 as question 2 as written and accept Item 11 as the 13th question.
Approved: 1 Against: 39 Failed
On the motion
Approved: 13 Against: 25 Failed

13. Discuss and define what is appropriate involvement with Gam-Anon. Previous Trustee decisions seem to conflict with one another. Letter enclosed. (Portland)
Motion to withdraw above item.
Approved: 25 Against: 8 Passed

14. The Board of Regents endorses the idea of charitable giving to ISO through Life Insurance and requests that the Board of Trustees endorses the idea as well. (A formal presentation will be made). (Board of Regents)
Motion made to remove above from agenda because the current Board of Regents does not endorse this.
Approved: 26 Against: 8 Passed

15. Election: Chairperson & Co-Chairpersons, Board of Trustees
The following members were elected to serve for a two year term through the fall Southern Conference in 1998:
Chairman: Tom M., Northern California
1st Co-Chairman: Dan M., Detroit, Michigan
2nd Co-Chair: Jim C., Concord, New Hampshire

G) Anything omitted from Agenda

16. Change Page 17, #6, line 3 of the Combo Book.
Motion to change above by taking out both commas, and change "of" to "for"
Approved: 3 Against: 31 Failed
Motion to change page 17, #6, line 3 of the Combo Book from "of" to "for"
Approved: 42 Against: 1 Passed (1st vote)

17. Area Problem
Letters were read from an area where there is concern regarding an individual members conduct and guidance on behalf of Gamblers Anonymous. The Chairman called for an Executive Session. The matter was discussed and appropriate procedures are in place to give the needed help to this area.

18. Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
A member has been receiving money from the Government to open Gamblers Anonymous meetings. A lengthy discussion took place. A special meeting will be held on October 27, 1996 in Edmonton in which Dan M. and Tibor B. will be in attendance.

19. Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
Danny reported a problem and the solution that had taken place in this area. In June we received word from a government official that at least two people representing Gamblers Anonymous (G.A. members) had been reimbursed by the Department of Health for expenses they had received for traveling throughout the Province for the purpose of starting and supporting G.A. meetings. After a lot of research was done, a member from Montreal was asked to go to the area. Taking advantage of the Mini-Conference being held there, Larry G. went and a meeting took place and the situation has been taken care of.
Motion to turn clock back and reopen Trustee realignment because of information unavailable to us at the last meeting
Approved: 40 Against: 2 Passed
Motion to reinstate Area 5A to have a Trustee and Alternate Trustee to represent the Maritime Provinces of Canada (P.E.I., Nova Scotia, New Brunswick and Newfoundland)
Approved: 43 Against: 1 Passed

H) Good and Welfare
The meeting was closed with the Serenity Prayer at 5:00 P.M. The collection for the four (4) sessions was $764.00
The next meeting of the Board of Trustees will be held May 29, 1997 in Chicago, Illinois.

Respectfully submitted
Karen H.
International Executive Secretary