ISO Convention 1996

By David A-S (NY)

The 1996 Annual Convention of SCA-ISO was held in Milwaukee Wisconsin, February 23 and 24. ISO is made up of representatives elected from intergroups or individual groups from across the country. SCA members inevitably ask, "What is ISO?" ISO consists of representatives elected by intergroups or individual meetings from all over the United States. There are three ways to contact ISO: regular mail, e-mail, or telephone.

This year there were representatives from New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Milwaukee and St. Louis. ISO is probably best known for developing and eventually publishing SCA "conference-approved" literature.

A great deal of work was done to ensure that the SCA fellowship as a whole continues to remain true to its charter and maintains it integrity within and outside the fellowship. Some of the topics discussed and some of the decisions that were made are summarized below:

1996 SCA-ISO OFFICERS:


Chairperson...................Jim M
Vice Chairperson..............Dennis B
Secretary.....................Jim N
Treasurer.....................Frank T
SCAnner Editor................Joe F
National Coordinator..........John F
800 Number Coordinator........Bill K
Spanish Literature Producer...Frank H

PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENTS

Public Service Announcements (PSA), in 30 and 60 second format, with male and female voices are now available for dissemination to media across the country. The kits are listed in the new literature order form and are available for $12 (first copy) and $10 for each additional copy. This is an excellent tool for 12 Step work and should bring the fellowship to the attention of many more addicts suffering from the disease of sexual compulsion.

NEW LITERATURE

A new piece of literature, How to Start a Meeting, was cited and discussed at the convention. The pamphlet was approved for production and distribution and is by now available on the new literature list. The new literature list was prepared by John F. and now includes a Starter Kit which retails for $6 and contains the SCA Blue Handbook, the pamphlets Q&A, Secret Shame, How to Start a Meeting and the yellow SCA pamphlet (the "Four Fold"). There is also, shortly to be available, a National Meeting List (featuring International Listings). Keep an eye out for it.

LIBRARY OF CONGRESS

Frank H. and Sue F. will look into registering SCA literature with the Library of Congress. This means that the SCA literature will be available in the most public of forums for consultation by everyone.

SPANISH LITERATURE

SCA literature is currently being translated into Spanish. The intention is to get it done as quickly as possible, because the need is great.

SCA BIG BOOK

Work has begun on a SCA Big Book. At present there is a first draft on a section about the Characteristics. All members of SCA are encouraged to submit their stories for inclusion in this soon to become seminal text.

SCANNER

ISO has approved allocation of funds to allow SCAnner to be desktop published. Chicago will continue printing and distributing the SCAnner. The first year of subscription service, and Chicago's handling of the printing and distribution was a success. More timely distribution of the SCAnner was expected with the addition of a paid desktop person.

SCA-ISO ARCHIVE

The Convention foresaw the need for archiving of SCA documents and papers. After discussing some options it was agreed that LA take on the responsibility of monitoring the archives of SCA-ISO in their membership.

SCA TRADITIONS

After some discussion last year about the possibility of needing to change the traditions to reflect some perceived differences between the original AA traditions and the adapted SCA one, the Convention voted unanimously to leave the SCA traditions unchanged.

PRISONER PROJECT

Guidelines were presented and approved for correspondence with people in prisons. It was suggested that two SCA members work together to correspond with each prisoner. (This is to ensure that principles override any personality problems that may possibly arise). It was also suggested that prospective correspondents have one year in the program and six months on their plan. Anyone interested in participating in this worthwhile service should contact John F., SCA-ISO, Old Chelsea Station, PO Box 1585 New York NY 10011, or by e-mail at scaiso@sca-recovery.org.

CYBER-RECOVERY: WORLD WIDE WEB

SCA-ISO approved the establishment of a SCA-ISO home page and that has now been set up. The address is: http://WWW.sca-recovery.org/ There was also some interest expressed in creating a SCA-ISO online meeting or bulletin board and this is to be investigated.

SAFETY/ANONYMITY/LEGAL ISSUES AT MEETINGS

Issues of safety in terms of disclosure at meetings as well as with sponsors was discussed. SCA members are not legally protected by what they disclose while clergy are. It was suggested that this might be discussed and highlighted in the proposed Big Book.

HOW TO DEAL WITH PERPETRATORS/INAPPROPRIATELY DRESSED/AND UNSTABLE PERSONS AT MEETINGS

SCA-ISO would like to get feedback on these topics on these issues for discussion next year. So if you have any views on these topics either discuss them in your meetings or write to the SCAnner to include your views in the discussion, or e-mail to ISO at scaiso@sca-recovery.org.

SCA LOGO

A new logo is sought for SCA by 1997. SCA-ISO representatives are asked to discuss the idea at meetings and bring suggestions to the 1997 ISO Convention in Los Angeles.

ELECTION SUCCESSION BY-LAW COMPOSITION

The Convention discussed the difficulties that can arise when an office bearer suddenly or unexpected vacates an office before the end of the term (as happened in the previous year). It was suggested that each office should have a co-chair who can take over in the event of an office being vacated. In the event of the Chair vacating the position, the Vice Chair would take over till the next election. All other positions may be filled by appointment of the remaining office bearers. A motion was passed to amend the SCA-ISO by-laws in accordance to the above changes.


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Sexual Compulsives Anonymous International Service Organization
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