CPA Meeting Handbook Index A Brief History of CPA To the New Secretary How to Start a New Meeting CPA Meeting Structure Types of Meetings Format Options Suggested Meeting Guidelines Anonymity and Who Runs CPA CPA World Services A Brief History of Chronic Pain Anonymous In mid 2004, with approval from Alcoholics Anonymous, Dale L. and Barry R. formed the first meeting of Chronic Pain Anonymous in Baltimore, Maryland. Adopting the 12 Steps and 12 Traditions of AA, they were applied to living with the effects of chronic pain and chronic illness. Also at this time the CPA website was created, thus establishing a national presence. The initial Maryland meeting soon grew to three meetings. In 2002, Judith Z. started a 12 Step group in Phoenix, Arizona to focus on the issue of living with chronic illness. In 2005, the Arizona group was renamed Chronic Pain Anonymous to join with Dale and Barry. A CPA on-line discussion group began in the fall of 2005 and moved to Google Groups in May of 2007. At that point there were just four participants, all of whom came from long-time 12 step backgrounds. In early fall of 2007 the membership began to grow. By the end of the year the Google on-line meeting went from 4 to over 100 people receiving the posts. The first CPA telephone meeting convened in May of 2008, two more were added in 2009, and in 2011 a new step study meeting was introduced. As membership grew it became apparent that CPA needed people to serve in leadership positions and help guide this fledgling 12 Step fellowship. To plan for the future and coordinate the challenges of a new organization, the Advisory Committee was formed by three of the original CPA members in October 2007. Since that time four members have been added, and two have since left. In December, 2009 the name of the Advisory Committee was changed to the CPA General Service Board. At present there are five members serving on the board. Having personally experienced the miracles of CPA these servants are dedicated to nurturing the growth of the fellowship according to established traditions and principles and under the care and guidance of a Higher Power. In September 2008, Group Representatives were put into place to coordinate representation and communication within the CPA fellowship. The first CPA World Services GR meeting was held in January, 2009. CPA s non-profit status was established in the state of Maryland in August of 2009. For legal and administrative purposes it was decided to identify the organization as CPA World Services with the CPA General Service Board acting as the Board of Directors.
Under the guidance of the 7 th Tradition, a PayPal account was established in May, 2009 to make it possible for groups and individuals to make voluntary contributions to CPA World Services. Current projects include the creation of a basic text for CPA, a book of meditations (written anonymously by CPA members) and various brochures on a variety of CPA topics. To The New Secretary Congratulations on starting a new CPA meeting or becoming the new secretary of your group, it can be a wonderful and rewarding experience. This handbook is designed to answer any questions you may have about the responsibilities of the secretary and about CPA in general. Never hesitate to ask for help from CPA World Services, and don't forget our 2 nd Tradition, which states: For our group purpose there is but one ultimate authority -- a loving God as He may express himself in our group conscience. Our leaders are but trusted servants; they do not govern." It is suggested (but not required) that an individual have at least six months of recovery in CPA before assuming the responsibilities of a group secretary. Part of the responsibility of a rotating secretary is to PASS IT ON. Rotation is one of the important principles in the structure and operation of a local group (and, indeed, throughout the fellowship). It means simply that CPA s shy away from the idea of an individual, no matter how competent, serving too long as a group secretary. The suggested term of office for a group secretary is usually six months; for co-secretaries, one year. In Chronic Pain Anonymous it's the principals of the program, not the personalities, that count. Be sure to register your new meeting at mtginfo@chronicpainanonymous.org. If your successor happens to be a secretary for the first time, you should be available to them for the first few meetings of their term. Preliminary Steps How to Start a New CPA Meeting Since living with chronic illness or chronic pain can be unpredictable, it is suggested that two people work together when starting a new meeting. However, if an individual feels capable of taking on the responsibility, there are no rules prohibiting anyone from beginning a meeting on their own. The type of meeting format should be decided. Will it be a face-to-face meeting, a phone meeting or a meeting on the Internet? A regular meeting day and time should be set, as well as the duration of the meeting (most meetings run sixty to ninety minutes in length.) Face-to-Face Meeting Once you find the place and have determined what day and time the meeting will be held, it is the responsibility of the meeting secretary to be there each week to lead the meeting. If for some reason you are unable to attend a meeting it is your responsibility, as meeting secretary, to find someone else to lead the meeting. Since many of those who attend CPA may be physically challenged in some way, it is recommended that the location be wheelchair accessible. It s also a good idea to have plenty of parking nearby, preferably with handicapped parking available. Some suggestions for a place to hold a meeting are: hospitals, churches, public
libraries, schools, and facilities where other 12 Step meetings are held. In accordance with our 7 th Tradition, it s important that rent be paid, no matter how small. Decide what type of meeting format you d like to have, such as a topic discussion, step study, book study, or a speaker meeting. You ll need to name the meeting, or have the group choose the name. When deciding, you should keep the 6 th Tradition in mind and avoid naming it after any facility where the meeting may be located. Print any necessary meeting materials such as the meeting format, the CPA Preamble, the Twelve Steps, the Twelve Traditions, and other CPA approved literature (meeting materials are available for download on the CPA website). You will also need a small basket to collect the 7th Tradition contributions. Phone Meeting Currently CPA is using just one telephone number for its phone meetings. So, you just need to choose a day and time when the number is available. Check the CPA website for the most up-to-date schedule of all the telephone meetings. You will also need to decide how long your meeting will last. One hour is the norm. It is the responsibility of the meeting secretary to be there each week to lead the meeting. If for some reason you are unable to attend a meeting it is your responsibility, as meeting secretary, to find someone else to lead the meeting. You ll need to name the meeting, or have the group choose the name. You should download the latest phone format available on the CPA website or you can create your own format, using the one from the website as an example. Internet and Chat Meetings You will need to find a website where you can host your Internet meeting. Once you find a place, you will need to choose a day and time. You may want to check the CPA website for the most up-to-date schedule of current CPA meetings and choose a date and time when no other meetings are scheduled. It is the responsibility of the meeting secretary to be there each week to lead the meeting. If for some reason you are unable to attend a meeting it is your responsibility, as meeting secretary, to find someone else to lead the meeting for you. You should decide what type of meeting you may want to have, discussion, step study, book study, etc. You will also need to decide how long your meeting will last. One hour is typical. Getting the Word Out Our 11 th Tradition states, Our public relations policy is based on attraction rather than promotion, therefore, you should not advertise or promote CPA or the meeting, but you can let the public know, via the suggestions below. Since the 11 th Tradition goes on to say we need always maintain personal anonymity at the level of press, radio, television, film and the Internet, it s best to use your first name only on any literature distributed on behalf of your meeting or Chronic Pain Anonymous. To get the word out about your new CPA meeting you can create a flyer or some type of meeting announcement. We suggest something simple which includes the location of the meeting, the address and a room number, if there is one. Also include the start date, the meeting time and any other relevant information.
There are many places where they can be posted such as 12 Step meeting places where there s a recovery bulletin board, or the general community bulletin boards found in some libraries and bookstores. Some hospitals, doctors or pain management programs may give you permission to put a brochure or flyer in their waiting rooms. You may want to visit a drug and alcohol unit and let them know about CPA and your new meeting. It s not unusual for some patients to be withdrawing from medications prescribed for ongoing pain so information about CPA could become a vital link in their ongoing recovery. Some towns have free Internet classified sites that get huge readership and this can be a useful way of getting the word out. You could also try calling the larger newspapers in your area and ask for the Calendar or Community Events section. These sections often provide free listings to support groups. They usually have limited space, so make a polite case for why an ongoing listing for a Chronic Pain Anonymous group is important. Explain that yours will be the only resource like it in the area and the need is great since most people with chronic pain and chronic illness often don t get all the help they need. If you belong to other 12 Step fellowships go to meetings and pay attention to those around you. Watch for signs of someone in pain or living with illness, such as the person who walks with a limp, the guy who can t stand up straight or the woman who can t bear to sit for long. Listen to their shares and see if you can carry the message of CPA to other s already involved in recovery. Some 12 Step groups may have a special time for announcements from other fellowships, this would be a time for you to announce your meeting. (But take note, most groups only allow announcements for their fellowship.) Visit the various support groups for fibromyalgia, arthritis, RSD, etc. and tell their facilitators about CPA and your new meeting. Perhaps they ll let you tell their group about your experience with chronic pain and chronic illness and how CPA has helped you. And be sure to announce your new meeting at other CPA meetings you may attend, or have the secretaries of the other groups announce your new meeting for you each week. Register your new group with CPA World Services at mtginfo@chronicpainanonymous.org and your meeting will be listed on the Chronic Pain Anonymous website. CPA Meeting Structure Our 4 th Tradition states, Each CPA Group is autonomous except in matters affecting other groups or CPA as a whole, therefore, the way the group is organized is usually determined by the individual group. The following suggestions are based on the experience of other successful groups and should be used as a guide to establish an organization best suited for your group. The size of your group and type of meeting may help to determine the organization required. Secretary (some groups may have co-secretaries) Treasurer GR General Representative to CPA World Services Phone List person (optional) Literature person Volunteers to help set up/clean up Steering Committee (Business Meeting Group)
Secretary It is suggested (though not required) that a group Secretary should have at least six months of continuous recovery in CPA, be free to attend all meetings during the recommended term of office and arrive early at the meeting place to insure it is properly set up, arrange literature, etc.. Start and close all meetings on schedule. Obtain chairperson in advance (speakers should be advised in advance of the type of meeting and CPA s primary purpose.) Before the meeting starts select members to read the Preamble, 12 Steps, and the 12 Traditions, and other approved readings. Have books and literature available and on display. Make CPA related announcements -- request reports from treasurer, GR and any other representatives on a regular basis. Facilitate group business matters (oversee elections, group consciences, etc.) See that collection baskets are passed around the room and are returned to the secretary or treasurer. Make sure that everything has been put away and that the facilities are clean after the meeting. Note: The group secretary is responsible for maintaining orderly conduct of the meeting. Should a disturbance arise during the meeting, the secretary might say something like this: "excuse me, but I think we should continue with the general discussion. Perhaps we can discuss this after the meeting. A good secretary should never interrupt the discussion to interject his or her own thoughts. He or she seldom participates in the discussion unless the group is small and time is plentiful. Treasurer For the peace of mind and protection of the secretary it is suggested that each group have a treasurer. Suggested continuous recovery in CPA should be six months and the willingness to serve a term of six months to one year. If your group does not have a treasurer the meeting secretary will be responsible for the treasurer s duties. It is highly desirable to keep a simple but formal record of funds received as well as costs and disbursements of monies. This serves as a record to assist your memory and as a point of pride to the group with respect to their contributions. A regular financial report should be made to the group. After each meeting, take a few minutes to make a summary report of contributions received and expenses. A Treasurer s report should be presented to the group on a monthly or quarterly basis. CPA experience has taught us that it is not a good idea for a group to hoard money. The funds should be distributed on a monthly basis. 7 th Tradition Financial Responsibilities First To your own group each CPA group is self-supporting. This means you must pay rent, buy literature and attend to any other expenses of the group. Second, the remainder of your balance, after paying Group expenses and keeping a prudent reserve, should be sent to CPA World Services. CPA Group Representative (GR) In accordance with Tradition Two: Our leaders are but trusted servants; they do not govern.
The Group Representative (GR) is a trusted servant who functions as a liaison between their CPA group and CPA World Services. The GR brings information from their group to CPA World Services and then reports back to their CPA group an accounting of current CPA World Services issues. The GR represents the voice of the group conscience, reporting the group s issues to CPA World Services. This person is a vital link in the continuity, functioning, growth and unity of CPA. The GR is the link between the group and CPA as a whole and is a valuable member of the CPA service structure. Only when a GR keeps the group informed, and communicates the group conscience, can CPA World Services truly act for CPA as a whole. Eligibility and requirements Any person who has an interest in serving CPA and is willing to represent their CPA group is eligible to be a GR. The GR can be chosen in whatever way works best for individual groups. For communication purposes the GR will need to have access to e-mail. The GR is expected to attend the quarterly GR CPA World Services teleconference meetings. It is a long distance call and charges may apply depending on personal telephone plans. When a new GR is elected please contact the CPA Meeting liaison at mtginfo@chronicpainanonymous.org to report the change. Phone List Person Collects, manages and distributes phone numbers of group members who choose to be listed on a phone contact list. For reasons of anonymity only meeting participants should have access to the list. Literature Person Keep meeting supplied with CPA literature, usually some brochures, a copy of the basic text of the fellowship, meeting schedules, etc. Steering Committee The steering committee serves the group by providing convenient, experienced cross section of group membership to whom problems of the group can be referred and for handling "policy questions" that may arise within the group. It does not represent management of a group; no individual or committee can do that. The steering committee may be comprised of the GR, present and past secretaries, treasurer and any other concerned members of the group. Usually the Steering Committee holds a business meeting at regular intervals to discuss any ongoing issues with the group. These business meetings may also be referred to as Steering Committee meetings. Speaker Meetings Types of Meetings The secretary opens the meeting with the recommended meeting format. The speaker is then introduced and asked to share their experience, strength and hope of recovery in CPA. If the speaker has had issues other than living with chronic pain and chronic illness, he or she should be asked to emphasize their CPA recovery and keep discussion of the other issues to a minimum. Speakers should be advised in advance of the meeting time and the maximum time they should speak. If a speaker exceeds this time schedule, the secretary should pass a polite note to the speaker advising him or her that the time is up.
Speaker-Discussion Meetings The same general format as speaker meetings, except that the speaker may talk for about half of the time left after the "opening". He or she then selects a topic for discussion, which is related to living with chronic pain or chronic illness. Beginner s Meetings Meetings geared toward the newcomer. Discussion topics may center on the first three steps, slogans, sponsorship, etc. Time at the end of the meeting may be set aside for questions and answers. Meeting secretary should have at least 6 months in CPA in order to provide help and answer questions. Book/Literature Study Meetings Meetings to review and discuss CPA approved books or literature. Meetings are usually opened in the same manner as Speaker and Speaker-discussion meetings, but instead of a speaker the Secretary arranges to have a CPA member who understands the topic, lead the discussion as chairperson. Usually a copy (or copies) of the book being discussed is passed around the room and each member present is given an opportunity to read one or two paragraphs, until the chapter is completed. After the chapter has been read the chairperson will usually ask for volunteers or will call on members to share about their experiences on the subject being considered. Discussion Meetings Same opening format used by other meetings. The secretary or chairperson can ask the group if they have a topic related to recovery and living with chronic pain/illness. If such a topic is suggested, it can be used; otherwise the secretary or chairperson can announce a subject to be discussed. The members will then discuss the topic or other subjects related to recovery in CPA for the balance of the meeting. Here are some common topics used for discussion meetings: 12 Steps 12 Traditions Acceptance Anger & Rage Attitude Balance Blame & Resentment Denial Depression Exhaustion Expectations Faith & Trust Fear & Anxiety Feelings & Self-awareness Gratitude Grief & Sadness Healing Higher Power / Spirituality Honesty & Truth Hope Isolation & Loneliness Jealousy & Envy Joy Making amends Pain Powerlessness Reaching out to others Relationships Self-care Self-loathing Self-pity / Poor me Serenity Service Surrender Shame Willingness
Example of a typical CPA Meeting Secretary reads: "Welcome to the meeting of Chronic Pain Anonymous. My name is and I live with chronic pain/illness. I d like to begin the meeting with a moment of silence, to do with as you wish, followed by the Serenity Prayer. Reading of: the CPA Preamble, the 12 Steps and the 12 Traditions of CPA. Introductions: Going around the room, each individual says his/her first name, such as, "My name is Jane and I live with chronic pain and illness." Announcements: 7 th Tradition: Basket is passed for 7th Tradition donation to support the CPA meeting and CPA World Services Topic / Speaker / Book or Step Study: A brief description covering the topic, a list of topics, or a quote from some of our literature is read aloud and then the meeting is open for discussion. Closing: Closing remarks from meeting secretary Reading of the Promises: Borrowed from the Big Book of Alcoholics Anonymous Serenity Prayer is recited to end the meeting. Format Options The basic meeting format stays the same, with slight variations, depending on the type of meeting. Here are some examples of how the format can be adjusted to suit the meeting. Introductions Depending on the type and size of your meeting the method for introductions might be different. Phone meetings might do the introductions working their way across the country (or world) with members identifying themselves by their first name and stating where they are calling from. For face to face meetings the method would be different, usually just going around the room and asking for first names only. Announcements For a face to face meeting there might be a request to silence cell phones. For a phone meeting the request would be to mute your phone if you aren t currently sharing. Depending on the type of meeting, other meeting announcements might include information about literature, the location of the restrooms, treasurer reports, phone meeting contact list, etc.
7 th Tradition The 7 th Tradition collection is handled differently in a face to face meeting than in a phone meeting or a meeting taking place on the Internet. Here are two examples of how it would be handled in each situation. Topic Face to Face Meeting - 7 th Tradition: In keeping with our 7 th Tradition, we have no dues or fees in CPA. We are self-supporting, declining outside contributions. Your donations help pay for rent, literature and other services incurred by the group. A portion of your contribution also goes to support CPA World Services. Phone or Internet Meeting - 7 th Tradition: In keeping with our 7 th Tradition, we have no dues or fees in CPA. We are self-supporting, declining outside contributions. If you d like to support CPA World Services please use the contribute button found on home page of the Chronic Pain Anonymous web site. Just click and follow the steps to donate. CPA appreciates your support. Or if someone is unable to donate on the Internet there is a P.O. Box number where someone can send a check or money order to donate to Chronic Pain Anonymous. They can send it to: P.O. Box 107, Lutherville, MD, 21094 Depending on the type of meeting, the topic might be handled differently. For a topic discussion meeting, you may wish to read from some CPA literature, or a list of topics, and open the meeting for discussion. For a step study meeting the group may read about a step and then discuss it. For a speaker meeting you ll introduce the speaker. When the speaker is finished, and if there is any time remaining, you can ask them to choose a topic for discussion. Guidelines Some groups may choose to read a brief list of suggested sharing guidelines. Below are some of the guidelines that are employed by various groups. We recommend that if you do add them to keep them simple and brief. Remember, there are no musts in CPA, only suggestions. Suggested CPA Guidelines Out of respect for our members who have sensitivities to odors and scents please refrain from wearing perfume, cologne, etc. to meetings. (CPA strongly suggests that all face to face meetings include this guideline) In order to maintain the integrity of the meeting we suggest keeping the focus on the 12 Steps and other tools helpful for living with chronic pain and illness. Discussions about specific doctors, medications, therapies, etc. are best left for other forums. We should avoid giving medical advice. Sharing our own medical histories is best kept to general terms and we avoid discussions of the healthcare system, i.e. SSI, Insurance, etc. Discussions about our Higher Power, Spirituality etc. should not include specifics about organized religions. We do not utilize crosstalk in our shares. When one person responds directly, either positively or negatively, to another who has shared, this is crosstalk. CPA is an anonymous fellowship. Everything that is said in this group, and its membership, must be kept in confidence. Only in this way can we feel free to say what is on our minds and in our hearts, for this is how we help one another in CPA.
Remember that each of us is a person living with pain or illness and as such, has the right to our tolerance, respect and support. If you are new or confused, we invite you to stay after the meeting and speak with someone who is familiar with CPA and the 12 Steps. Anonymity Anonymity and Who "Runs" CPA As our Twelfth Tradition states, "Anonymity is the spiritual foundation of all our traditions, ever reminding us to place principles before personalities. For a great many, Chronic Pain Anonymous has become a vital ingredient in their lives. Without it, we are lost. Who we are, what we do for a living and where we live is not the important thing. Our primary purpose is to live our lives to the fullest while minimizing the effects of chronic pain and chronic illness in our lives and helping others to do the same. At the public level personal anonymity is our assurance to the world that none of us will use the CPA name for personal profit, prestige or power -- and our assurance to the newcomer that what is said in meetings will remain there. At the private level we are asked to respect the anonymity of the other fellow. The individuals themselves are the only people who can determine whether or not they want to tell of their association with CPA. Who "Runs" CPA Our 2 nd Tradition states For our group purpose there is but one ultimate authority a loving God as He may express Himself in our group conscience. Our leaders are but trusted servants; they do not govern. CPA, as such, has no "leaders" in the usual meaning of the term. No individual is authorized to speak for CPA on a local, regional, national or international basis. Currently CPA gets things done through the efforts of the General Service Board and other volunteers within the fellowship who also live within the limitations of their chronic pain and illness. The General Service Board of CPA World Services currently works to provide service, information and experience to CPA members worldwide. They seek to maintain the integrity of Chronic Pain Anonymous and its primary purpose to carry the message of recovery to the person with chronic pain and illness who still suffers. Currently the General Service Board and CPA World Services are working on the creation of a CPA basic text, a meditation book and various new brochures and the fellowship of Chronic Pain Anonymous continues to grow. CPA World Services General Service Board Trustees Dale L. Judith Z. Aggie W. Dan R. Jan B. Copyright 2011 Chronic Pain Anonymous (CPA) All Rights Reserved