Marijuana Anonymous

World Services

SERVICE MANUAL







Revision 4.1 June 2012


 MARIJUANA ANONYMOUS SERVICE MANUAL

TABLE OF CONTENTS

PART ONE
THE PROGRAM
Chapter 1. What Is Marijuana Anonymous? ........................................................................... 1

Chapter 2. The Role of Service in Marijuana Anonymous...................................................... 1

Chapter 3. The Path of the Group Conscience (The Inverted Pyramid) ................................ 2

PART TWO
THE GROUP

Chapter 4. The Group.............................................................................................................. 3

Chapter 5. Meeting Officers..................................................................................................... 4

Chapter 6. Group Service Representatives ............................................................................ 6

Chapter 7. Suggested Meeting Formats ................................................................................. 8

Chapter 8. New Meeting Startups (Outside District) ............................................................. 23

PART THREE
THE DISTRICT

Chapter 9. The District ........................................................................................................... 25

Chapter 10. DSC ..................................................................................................................... 26

Chapter 11. Officers................................................................................................................. 27

Chapter 12. Subcommittees .................................................................................................... 27

Chapter 13 Delegates............................................................................................................. 29

MA SERVICE MANUAL REVISION 4.1 TABLE OF CONTENTS

Chapter 14. Admission of Meetings to Districts ...................................................................... 30

Chapter 15. DSC Format ........................................................................................................ 31

Chapter 16 Rules of Order ..................................................................................................... 31

Chapter 17. District Treasurer Guidelines .............................................................................. 33

Chapter 18. H&I Manual.......................................................................................................... 38

Chapter 19 PI Manual ............................................................................................................ 49

Chapter 20. The 3rd Legacy Procedure ................................................................................. 61

Chapter 21. Events and Fund-raising ..................................................................................... 62

Chapter 22. Convention Guidelines ........................................................................................ 63

Chapter 23. New Meeting (Inside District) .............................................................................. 67

PART FOUR
WORLD SERVICES

Chapter 24 The Relationship Between MA and MAWS ....................................................... 68

Chapter 25. Trustees & Trustee Job Descriptions.................................................................. 69

Chapter 26. Office Manager Job Description ......................................................................... 77

Chapter 27. The Conference .................................................................................................. 82

Chapter 28. Literature ............................................................................................................ 91

Chapter 29. MA Literature Translation Manual....................................................................... 97

Chapter 30. Articles of Incorporation & Bylaws .................................................................... 102

The Twelve Steps of Marijuana Anonymous .......................................................................... 118

The Twelve Traditions of Marijuana Anonymous .................................................................... 119

The Twelve Concepts of Marijuana Anonymous .................................................................... 120

Index......................................................................................................................................... 123

MA SERVICE MANUAL REVISION 4.1 TABLE OF CONTENTS

 PART ONE
THE PROGRAM

Chapter 1 
WHAT IS MARIJUANA ANONYMOUS? 

Marijuana Anonymous is a society dedicated to helping marijuana addicts recover from their
addiction. Our primary purpose is to carry the message of recovery to the marijuana addict who still
suffers. We do this when we work with other addicts, greet new members, meet in our groups, and
band our groups together to serve the community.

Marijuana Anonymous World Services (MAWS) serves the society of Marijuana Anonymous. It
serves those addicts who need to know how to start a group, meet in a hospital or institution,
disseminate information to the public, and cooperate with professionals. MAWS provides
information to groups that want to create a new District or send their representatives to the World
Service Conference. In these and related activities MAWS plays a crucial part in our service
activities.

Marijuana Anonymous World Services writes, approves, and publishes literature, including this
service manual. It engages in other activities that help districts and groups stay united and in
communication. It performs most of the background work and coordinates all that is necessary for
MA representatives to meet annually to build unity through our experience, strength, and hope. This
annual meeting is called the World Service Conference.

The purpose of this manual is to explain the purpose and organization of the service structure of
Marijuana Anonymous. We hope that this manual will help all who are interested in MA understand
the need for service and the way in which it is rendered.

The procedures, guidelines, and service structures have been created to best unify MA and pursue
the goal of helping the marijuana addict. MA remains flexible and its organization may change.
Change occurs through the group conscience of the members expressed by their Delegates to
districts and MAWS.

Chapter 2 
THE ROLE OF SERVICE IN MARIJUANA ANONYMOUS 

The Twelfth Step teaches us that as part of our own recovery we must carry the message to the
marijuana addict who still suffers. We must carry the message or else we may fail in our own
recovery, and marijuana addicts who have not received our message may never find their way to
recovery.

Within MA, service means anything from working with an individual addict to participating at the
MAWS level. Service may include the following: establishing and maintaining meetings, working
with hospitals and institutions to carry the MA message, opening the lines of communication
through telephone services and listings, running a national office, etc. Service positions range from:
meeting officer, committee member, Group Service Representative (GSR), to Delegate and Trustee.

MA SERVICE MANUAL REVISION 4.1 PAGE 1

These services are necessary if we are to become a visible and vital presence for any marijuana
addict who wants to stop using marijuana and needs help.

When we come to a meeting we meet other recovering addicts to share experience, strength, and
hope. This is an essential part of MA's program of recovery. It is service work that makes it possible
for addicts to come together. Quality service work results in better outreach and greater attendance at
meetings.

These services are essential to MA's existence and growth. Service makes it possible for suffering
marijuana addicts to learn of MA, and to locate and attend meetings. Without service there would be
chaos and confusion in MA.

Marijuana Anonymous as an organization respects and responds to the needs of marijuana addicts
through its traditions, steps, and concepts. The Second Tradition explains that service is service and
not control, and states that our elected representatives are but trusted servants; they do not govern.
Our representatives' primary purpose is to serve the addict who still suffers. We are not guided by
issues of money or prestige.

Chapter 3 
THE PATH OF THE GROUP CONSCIENCE (The Inverted Pyramid) 

Our traditions say that our program should never be organized and should always remain
nonprofessional. They also state that there is no authority within MA except that which expresses
itself through the group conscience. These traditions have served as a means for guiding our growth
away from power and prestige.

Our traditions also allow us to set up service boards, have special workers and committees,
providing they are all responsible to those they serve.

The highest authority within MA is the individual, followed by the group. Because of size and
geographical distances, it is not feasible for all groups to meet together at one location to express the
group conscience. For this reason, MA has Group Service Representatives and MAWS Delegates.
The only authority is that which is first expressed in the group conscience and then communicated
by the group to MA as a whole.

We consider the structure of MA to be in the shape of an inverted pyramid with the members at the
top. This concept of an inverted pyramid serves to constantly remind our service workers that they
are trusted servants and do not have the right to govern us.

MA presently functions through districts and the MAWS. Individual groups select Group Service
Representatives. Groups belong to geographic areas called Districts. Group Service Representatives
within a district meet periodically at meetings called District Service Committees. The service work of
the district is discussed, planned, and approved at these meetings.

The GSRs in a district meet and elect Delegates. Delegates serve to communicate the conscience of the
groups in their district to MAWS. MAWS is the means by which group conscience is taken throughout
MA. MAWS makes decisions necessary for MA to function as a whole, arranges for worldwide
service, and selects Trustees and committee chairs to carry out the service work of MA.

MA SERVICE MANUAL REVISION 4.1 PAGE 2

SERVICE SPONSORSHIP 

Service sponsorship in MA is similar to individual sponsorship. Both types of sponsorship spring from
the spiritual aspects of the program. The basis of all sponsorship is to lead by example. Service
sponsorship can be defined as one marijuana addict who has made some progress in performance in
service sharing this experience with another marijuana addict who is just starting the journey. A
service sponsor is usually someone who has a strong background in the service structure of MA and is
knowledgeable in the history behind it. The service sponsor often spends a great deal of time passing
on what he/she has learned to others who want and need it badly. In doing so, the sponsor also benefits
by fulfilling a sense of duty, giving back what was freely given, and gaining a little more insurance
against a possible slip.

Service sponsorship is customarily provided to a newly elected trusted servant by the individual who
previously held the same position. The service sponsor is a resource to learn the responsibilities of
performing service work as well as the guiding principles involved, including The Three Legacies of
Recovery, Unity and Service, The Twelve Traditions, The Twelve Concepts, and the principle of
rotation. Rotation prevents any one individual from holding onto a position of trust long enough to feel
a controlling interest and thereby discourage others from service. Rotation also allows individuals to
move on in service and gives other members the privilege of serving.

Service sponsors can impart to their sponsees the pleasure of involvement in the work of Marijuana
Anonymous. This is best done by stressing the spiritual nature of service work and by pointing out the
usefulness of simple footwork and faith. Through growing knowledge and experience the sponsee
becomes aware of the importance of service as part of individual recovery. With this knowledge, the
individual is able to share their vision with others and ensure the future of Marijuana Anonymous.

Adapted from the AA Pamphlet “Questions and Answers on Service Sponsorship”

MA SERVICE MANUAL REVISION 4.1 PAGE 3

 PART TWO
THE GROUP

Chapter 4 
THE GROUP 

The meeting or group is the primary structure in MA. A meeting or group consists of two or more
marijuana addicts who meet on a regular basis. These meetings are the basic source of recovery for
the marijuana addict.

Groups are fully self-supporting, having no outside affiliations and no opinions on outside issues.
Anonymity is an essential part of the program; all who attend should respect personal anonymity.
Nothing said at the meeting may be repeated outside the meeting, and the identity of all who attend
is kept confidential.

To be part of MA, groups must meet the following guidelines:

1. The group is fully self-supporting through contributions from its members, and
supports all levels of Marijuana Anonymous service work;
2. The group's primary purpose is to help marijuana addicts recover through the Twelve
Steps and Twelve Traditions (Pages 120 and 121);
3. The group has no outside affiliation;
4. The group has no opinion on outside issues;
5. The group's public relations policy is based on attraction rather than promotion, and
personal anonymity is maintained at the level of press, radio, TV and film.

These guidelines reflect the traditions and purposes of Marijuana Anonymous and express the group
conscience of all MA groups, as expressed through the MAWS.

Each group is fully autonomous except in matters affecting other groups or MA as a whole. There
are no requirements on how a group may structure its meetings or organize its service work. The
only limit to this autonomy is with respect to activities that affect other groups or MA as a whole.
The five points listed above define the boundary between a group's autonomy and the activities that
may affect MA as a whole.

Membership in MA and membership in a particular MA group should not be confused. The only
requirement for MA membership is a desire to stop using marijuana. Desire for total abstinence from
all mind altering substances including alcohol is a recommendation, but not a requirement for MA
membership.

Some groups, through a group conscience, may choose to have additional requirements for
membership. Groups may choose to hold meetings for members of a particular sex, sexual
orientation, or professional group. Such group preferences, in accordance with the traditions, will be
respected by MA and the group's preference will be indicated where feasible in meeting notices
published by MA. Meetings may also be smoking or non-smoking, according to the conscience of
the group.

MA SERVICE MANUAL REVISION 4.1 PAGE 4

A meeting may be open or closed. Everyone is welcome at an open meeting. Closed meetings are
generally limited to marijuana addicts only. MA recognizes the right of any group to hold closed
meetings and will identify the meeting as closed in meeting notices.

Marijuana Anonymous does not direct the manner in which a group functions. MA does suggest
meeting formats that have been developed through our common experiences. In Chapter 4 of this
manual are meeting formats that have been approved by MAWS and are suggested for use by
groups.

Marijuana Anonymous does not decide how a group will organize its business affairs. MA does,
however, make suggestions on how a group may choose to organize its service work. The following
suggestions reflect the cumulative experience of groups as expressed at the MAWS Conferences.

Chapter 5 
MEETING OFFICERS 

Although emphasis is placed on the fact that Marijuana Anonymous has no formal organization,
there are jobs within each group that must be done by our trusted servants if the group is to survive
and grow.

The basic service structure of the group consists of a Secretary, a Treasurer, and a General Service
Representative. In addition, many groups have a Steering Committee, a Literature Chair,
Refreshments Chair, Birthday Chair, Newsletter Reporter, Greeters, etc. Remember; the more
commitments each group has, the larger the core of members that comes each week.

Here are a few suggestions for newly chosen trusted servants:

1. SECRETARY - The group secretary, if wisely chosen, can add vitality and direction to
the meeting. MAWS suggests a minimum of six months continuous clean time to serve as
secretary. Length of term is usually six months.

Typical responsibilities of the secretary include:

Always be on time (at least 10 minutes before meeting begins).

Make sure the meeting begins and ends on time.
Pick a leader/speaker/chairperson for the meeting.
Make sure all service commitments are filled.
Make sure a business meeting is held once a month.
Provide time for the GSR, committee reports, and any other MA announcements.
Provide GSR with any changes of meeting time, format, etc., to take to DSC Meeting
for changes in the schedule.
Fill out meeting record sheet (Chapter 4).
Keep meeting format notebook and meeting records.

2. TREASURER - The group treasurer is the custodian and disburser of monies received via
group collections, and as indicated in the 7th Tradition, accepting money only from MA
members. Suggested clean time is six months to serve. Suggested length of term is six

MA SERVICE MANUAL REVISION 4.1 PAGE 5

 months.
Typical responsibilities of the treasurer include:

1. Collect the 7th Tradition from the group.

2. Keep a detailed accounting of the group financial position (Chapter 4).
3. Keep the group funds. (Traditionally, groups do not accumulate funds beyond
current expenses and retaining a prudent reserve of one month's expenses.)
4. Pay the rent for the meeting place. (As indicated by our 7th Tradition, some
kind of rent should be paid, if only a token.)
5. Pay for refreshments and supplies.
6. Disburse money to purchase chips and MA literature.
7. Stay after meeting to collect money from the sale of literature (sold at cost).
8. Keep track of chips needed to be ordered from the DSC, if the meeting has no
chip person.
9. Forward contribution to district office. (Local groups generally accept the
75/25 plan as recommended by the DSC, contributing 75% of the excess
funds to the local district, and 25% to the World Service organization.)
10. Keep the meeting records, if the secretary does not.

3. LITERATURE PERSON - The typical responsibilities of the Literature person are:

1. Always be on time (preferably at least 10 minutes before the meeting begins).

2. Keep MA literature available, and separate from non-approved literature.
3. Give literature report telling members what literature is available.
4. Set up "Newcomer Packets" with MA pamphlets, schedules, and flyers, and
make sure newcomers get what they need.
5. Replenish the literature as needed.

4. REFRESHMENTS AND/OR COFFEE PERSON(S) - The typical responsibilities of the

Refreshments/Coffee person are:

1. Always be on time (at least 10 minutes before meeting begins).

2. Buy (or make, if desired) and bring refreshments, coffee, etc.
3. Keep refreshment costs within reason.

5. CHIP PERSON - The typical responsibility of the chip person is to hand out chips at the
meeting and replenish the supply as needed.

6. STEERING COMMITTEE - Many groups feel that a Steering Committee is essential to

the welfare and growth of the meeting. The committee is usually made up of past officers
and concerned members. The committee represents a cross-section of the group, and its
chief function is to advise and aid selected trusted servants in business and policy matters
for the meeting.

PLEASE REMEMBER:
1. All people with commitments should attend steering committee meetings.
Steering committee meetings are for the group's business only, and are held at
a different time than the regular meeting.
2. All people with commitments should find someone to fill in if they cannot
make the meeting.

MA SERVICE MANUAL REVISION 4.1 PAGE 6

 3. Our leaders are but trusted servants; they do not govern.

Chapter 6 
GROUP SERVICE REPRESENTATIVES 

Group service refers to all MA service work whose purpose is the maintenance and preservation of
MA's unified identity and presence. Group service necessarily involves activities and decisions that
are responsive to the group conscience of all MA groups.

To accomplish group service, each MA group chooses a Group Service Representative and an
alternate. The GSR represents the voice of the group conscience, reporting the group's wishes and
ideas to the District Service Committee Meeting. The GSR also reports DSC Meeting activities back
to the group.

The GSR needs the confidence of the group, and should have a good ear for listening. The GSR is in
the position to determine the conscience of the group, and is the voice for communicating the group's
conscience to the rest of MA.

The GSR has the job of linking his or her group with the local district and MA as a whole. After a
few months of service, the GSR should also be on one of the district committees to help serve MA as
a whole. It is from this group of trusted servants that the MA Delegates are usually selected.
Suggested clean time is six months to serve as a GSR. Length of term is one year. Typical
responsibilities of the GSR include:

1. Report the group's wishes to the monthly DSC Meeting and to the Delegates to
the MAWS Conference.
2. Should attend the monthly DSC Meeting, take notes, and report back to the
group, keeping the group well informed about MA.
3. Report to the group the minutes of trustee conference calls, MAWS financial
reports and minutes of the Conference, as well as district business and
activities.
4. Keep report concise. This is not the place for opinions, those should be
discussed at the group's business meetings.
5. Confirm and/or take the group donations from the group's treasurer to the DSC
Meeting.
6. Confirm that adequate supplies of chips and MA literature are available for the
group.
7. Act as a "service sponsor" for the incoming GSRs when term is done.
8. Make certain that the alternate GSR attends the DSC Meeting in the event the
GSR can not attend.

MA SERVICE MANUAL REVISION 4.1 PAGE 7

 Chapter 7 
SUGGESTED MEETING FORMATS 

SUGGESTED MEETING FORMAT - PAGE 1 - ANY MEETING

CHAIRPERSON:

Welcome, this is the regular________________discussion meeting of MARIJUANA ANONYMOUS.

My name is_____________________and I am a marijuana addict.
Let us open the meeting with a moment of silence followed by the SERENITY PRAYER.

GOD, GRANT ME THE SERENITY 
TO ACCEPT THE THINGS I CANNOT CHANGE, 
THE COURAGE TO CHANGE THE THINGS I CAN, 
AND THE WISDOM TO KNOW THE DIFFERENCE 

(PREAMBLE)

MARIJUANA ANONYMOUS is a fellowship of men and women who share our experience, strength,
and hope with each other that we may solve our common problem and help others to recover from
marijuana addiction.
The only requirement for membership is a desire to stop using marijuana. There are no dues or fees for
membership. We are self-supporting through our own contributions. MA is not affiliated with any
religious or secular institution or organization and has no opinion on any outside controversies or
causes. Our primary purpose is to stay free of marijuana and to help the marijuana addict who still
suffers achieve the same freedom. We can do this by practicing our suggested twelve steps of recovery
and by being guided as a group by our twelve traditions.
This is a non-cross talk meeting. Cross talk is defined as: directing questions or comments to any person
whether positive or negative, giving advice, interrupting, having conversations on the side, being
disruptive or disrespectful at any time during the meeting.
However, we encourage you to speak to others and ask questions after the meeting. These guidelines are
suggested so that everyone can feel comfortable and safe while sharing.
Who is a marijuana addict?
We who are marijuana addicts know the answer to this question. Marijuana controls our lives! We
lose interest in all else; our dreams go up in smoke. Ours is a progressive illness often leading us to
addictions to other drugs, including alcohol. Our lives, our thinking, and our desires center around
marijuana - scoring it, dealing it, and finding ways to stay high. As stated in our third tradition, the
only requirement for membership in Marijuana Anonymous is a desire to stop using marijuana. This
is to adhere to the "singleness of purpose" concept, but many of us have found that the only way that
we can keep our sobriety is to abstain from all mind and mood altering chemicals, including alcohol.

MARIJUANA ANONYMOUS uses the basic 12 Steps of Recovery founded by Alcoholics

Anonymous, because it has been proven that the 12 Step Recovery program works! Would someone
like to read the 12 Steps and "HOW IT WORKS"?

("HOW IT WORKS" IS READ)

MA SERVICE MANUAL REVISION 4.1 PAGE 8

 SUGGESTED MEETING FORMAT - PAGE 2 - PARTICIPATION, NO BREAK

At this time we give chips for various lengths of sobriety from marijuana, alcohol, and all other mind
altering chemicals. Is there anyone here who would like to take a Welcome chip? Anyone with 30 days
of continuous sobriety?...60 days?...90 days?...6 months?...9 months?...18 months?

For each 365 days of continuous sobriety we give a cake with a candle for each year of sobriety. Are
there any cakes tonight?

If your birthday is coming up, please be sure to let the meeting secretary know a week or two in
advance so that we can have a cake for you at this meeting.

There is no break, so help yourself to refreshments, but please do so quietly.

Please remember that anonymity is the foundation of this program and that whatever is said here is not
to leave this room.

(CHAIRPERSON QUALIFIES FOR ______ MINUTES)

It is customary to read the Twelve Traditions and as _____ reads the Twelve Traditions of
MARIJUANA ANONYMOUS we will uphold the seventh. As the basket is being passed around,
remember, while we have no dues or fees, we are proudly self-supporting though our own
contributions. Newcomers need not feel obligated to contribute, others are privileged to do so. A
donation of $2 or more is suggested to help cover rent, photocopies, and other expenses.

(THE BASKET IS PASSED AND THE 12 TRADITIONS ARE READ)

This is a discussion meeting of MARIJUANA ANONYMOUS. We ask if you have had marijuana or
any other mind-altering chemicals within the last 24 hours that you just listen and talk to someone after
the meeting. Please keep your sharing to about 5 minutes so that we can let everyone have a chance to
share. When you hear the knocking, please wrap it up. Who would like to begin?

(10 MINUTES BEFORE THE CLOSE OF THE MEETING)

Our time is up for now. I'd like to thank everyone for participating in our meeting. If anyone has any
questions that went unanswered, or if you feel the need to share, please introduce yourself to someone
after the meeting and exchange phone numbers. We are all here to help. If you can’t attend a meeting,
MA has meetings online. Visit MA on the web. It is now time for the Secretary's Reports.

(AFTER THE MEETING'S REPORTS)

I would like to close by having __________ read the passage of his/her choice and after a moment of
silent meditation for the addict who still suffers, lead us in the prayer of his/her choice.

Approved for Starter Kits - World Service Conference May 1991

MA SERVICE MANUAL REVISION 4.1 PAGE 9

 SUGGESTED MEETING FORMAT - PAGE 2 - SPEAKER, WITH BREAK

At this time we give chips for various lengths of sobriety from marijuana, alcohol, and all other mind
altering chemicals. Is there anyone here who would like to take a Welcome chip? Anyone with 30 days
of continuous sobriety?...60 days?...90 days?...6 months?...9 months?...18 months?

For each 365 days of continuous sobriety we give a cake with a candle for each year of sobriety. Are
there any cakes tonight?

If your birthday is coming up, please be sure to let the meeting secretary know a week or two in
advance so that we can have a cake for you at this meeting.

Please remember that anonymity is the foundation of this program and that whatever is said here is not
to leave this room. Our speaker for tonight is_____________.

(SPEAKER QUALIFIES FOR ______ MINUTES)

(CHAIRPERSON RESUMES)

Thank you __________________.There will now be a five minute break.

(AFTER THE BREAK)

It is customary to read the Twelve Traditions and as _____ reads the Twelve Traditions of
MARIJUANA ANONYMOUS we will uphold the seventh. As the basket is being passed around,
remember, while we have no dues or fees, we are proudly self-supporting though our own
contributions. Newcomers need not feel obligated to contribute, others are privileged to do so. A
donation of $2 or more is suggested to help cover rent, photocopies, and other expenses.

(THE BASKET IS PASSED AND THE 12 TRADITIONS ARE READ)

This is a discussion meeting of MARIJUANA ANONYMOUS. We ask if you have had marijuana or
any other mind-altering chemicals within the last 24 hours that you just listen and talk to someone after
the meeting. Please keep your sharing to about 5 minutes so that we can let everyone have a chance to
share. When you hear the knocking, please wrap it up. Who would like to begin?

(10 MINUTES BEFORE THE CLOSE OF THE MEETING)

Our time is up for now. I'd like to thank everyone for participating in our meeting. If anyone has any
questions that went unanswered, or if you feel the need to share, please introduce yourself to someone
after the meeting and exchange phone numbers. We are all here to help. If you can’t attend a meeting,
MA has meetings online. Visit MA on the web. It is now time for the Secretary's Reports.

(AFTER THE MEETING'S REPORTS)

I would like to close by having _________ read the passage of his/her choice, and after a moment of
silent meditation for the addict who still suffers, lead us in the prayer of his/her choice.
Approved for Starter Kits - World Service Conference May 1991

MA SERVICE MANUAL REVISION 4.1 PAGE 10

 SUGGESTED MEETING FORMAT - PAGE 2 - TOPIC, WITH BREAK

At this time we give chips for various lengths of sobriety from marijuana, alcohol, and all other mind
altering chemicals. Is there anyone here who would like to take a Welcome chip? Anyone with 30 days
of continuous sobriety?...60 days?...90 days?...6 months?...9 months?...18 months?

For each 365 days of continuous sobriety we give a cake with a candle for each year of sobriety. Are
there any cakes tonight?

If your birthday is coming up, please be sure to let the meeting secretary know a week or two in
advance so that we can have a cake for you at this meeting.

Please remember that anonymity is the foundation of this program and that whatever is said here is not
to leave this room.

(CHAIRPERSON QUALIFIES FOR ______ MINUTES)

There will now be a five minute break.

AFTER THE BREAK:

It is customary to read the Twelve Traditions and as _____ reads the Twelve Traditions of
MARIJUANA ANONYMOUS we will uphold the seventh. As the basket is being passed around,
remember, while we have no dues or fees, we are proudly self-supporting though our own
contributions. Newcomers need not feel obligated to contribute, others are privileged to do so. A
donation of $2 or more is suggested to help cover rent, photocopies, and other expenses.

(THE BASKET IS PASSED AND THE 12 TRADITIONS ARE READ)

This is a topic meeting of MARIJUANA ANONYMOUS. Please keep your sharing on the topic if you
can. We ask if you have had marijuana or any other mind-altering chemicals within the last 24 hours
that you just listen and talk to someone after the meeting. Please keep your sharing to about 5 minutes
so that we can let everyone have a chance to share. When you hear the knocking, please wrap it up. The
topic for tonight is____________. Who would like to begin?

10 MINUTES BEFORE THE CLOSE OF THE MEETING:

Our time is up for now. I'd like to thank everyone for participating in our meeting. If anyone has any
questions that went unanswered, or if you feel the need to share, please introduce yourself to someone
after the meeting and exchange phone numbers. We are all here to help. If you can’t attend a meeting,
MA has meetings online. Visit MA on the web. It is now time for the Secretary's Reports.

AFTER THE MEETING'S REPORTS:

I would like to close by having _________ read the passage of his/her choice and after a moment of
silent meditation for the addict who still suffers, lead us in the prayer of his/her choice.
Approved for Starter Kits - World Service Conference May 1991

MA SERVICE MANUAL REVISION 4.1 PAGE 11

 Marijuana Anonymous

HOW IT WORKS 

The practice of rigorous honesty, of opening our hearts and minds, and the willingness to go to
any lengths to have a spiritual awakening are essential to our recovery.

Our old ideas and ways of life no longer work for us. Our suffering shows us that we need to let
go absolutely. We surrender ourselves to a Power greater than ourselves.

Here are the steps we take which are suggested for recovery:

1. We admitted we were powerless over marijuana, that our lives had become
unmanageable.
2. Came to believe that a Power greater than ourselves could restore us to sanity.
3. Made a decision to turn our will and our lives over to the care of God, as we
understood God.
4. Made a searching and fearless moral inventory of ourselves.
5. Admitted to God, to ourselves, and to another human being the exact nature of our
wrongs.
6. Were entirely ready to have God remove all these defects of character.
7. Humbly asked God to remove our shortcomings.
8. Made a list of all persons we had harmed, and became willing to make amends to
them all.
9. Made direct amends to such people wherever possible, except when to do so would
injure them or others.
10. Continued to take personal inventory and when we were wrong, promptly admitted
it.
11. Sought through prayer and meditation to improve our conscious contact with God,
as we understood God, praying only for knowledge of God's will for us and the
power to carry that out.
12. Having had a spiritual awakening as the result of these steps, we tried to carry this
message to marijuana addicts and to practice these principles in all our affairs.

Do not be discouraged, none of us are saints. Our program is not easy, but it is simple. We
strive for progress, not perfection. Our experiences, before and after we entered recovery, teach
us three important ideas:

 That we are marijuana addicts and cannot manage our own lives;
 That probably no human power can relieve our addiction; and
 That our Higher Power can and will if sought.

Approved for Meeting Format by the General Service Conference of Marijuana Anonymous, February 1990

MA SERVICE MANUAL REVISION 4.1 PAGE 12

 Marijuana Anonymous
GROUP MEETING RECORD DATE ______________________________

CHAIRPERSON___________________ SPEAKER _________________________________

1) Opening Prayer __________________ 4) Other Reading ____________________________
2) How It Works ___________________ 5) Other Reading ____________________________
3) Traditions ______________________ 6) Other ___________________________________

Newcomers: Men ______ Women______ Tot. Attendance: Men _________ Women ________
======================================================================
SUGGESTED SECRETARY'S ANNOUNCEMENTS

1) Dist. Service Committee Report 4) Any Other M.A. Announcements

2) Meeting Treasurer's Report 5) Court Forms Announcement
3) Literature Report 6)Thank Leader, Speaker, Helpers
============================================================================
CHIPS & BIRTHDAYS

Newcomers _____________________________________________________________________
30 Days ________________________________________________________________________
60 Days ________________________________________________________________________
90 Days ________________________________________________________________________
6 Months _______________________________________________________________________
9 Months _______________________________________________________________________
18 Months ______________________________________________________________________
Birthdays _______________________________________________________________________
======================================================================
FINANCIAL RECORD
INCOME BALANCES
7thTradition ......................... $____________ Balance Forward .................. $ __________
Literature Sales .................... + ___________
Other .....................................+ ___________ Plus INCOME+ ................... $ __________
TOTAL INCOME ................= ___________ Sub-Total.............................. = __________
EXPENSES
Rent.......................................$ ___________ Less EXPENSES ................. - __________
Food/Coffee......................... + ___________
Supplies ............................... + ___________ Sub-Total.............................. = __________
Literature Purch. .................. + ___________
Chip Purchases .................... _____________ Contributions to DSC -________________
Other .................................... + ___________
TOTAL EXPENSES........... _____________ ENDING BALANCE_________________

SECRETARY _______________________ TREASURER _____________________________

Approved for Starter Kits - World Service Conference May 1991, Amended May 1996

MA SERVICE MANUAL REVISION 4.1 PAGE 13

 SUGERIDO FORMATO DE REUNIÓN - PÁGINA 1 -
CUALQUIER TIPO DE REUNIÓN
MARIHUANA ANÓNIMO
FORMATO DE REUNIÓN SUGERIDO

LÍDER:
Bienvenidos, esta es la reunión de participación regular del _______________ de MARIHUANA

ANÓNIMO. Me llamo _____________________ y soy adicto a la marihuana.

Iniciemos la reunión con un momento de silencio seguido por la ORACIÓN para la SERENIDAD

Dios, cédame la serenidad de aceptar las cosas que no puedo cambiar,

El valor de cambiar las que puedo, y la sabiduría de reconocer la diferencia.
(PREAMBULO)

Marihuana Anónimo es un compañerismo de hombres y mujeres donde compartimos nuestra experiencia,

fortaleza, y esperanza para resolver el problema que tenemos en común y ayudamos a otros a recuperarse de la
adicción a la marihuana. El único requisito para ser miembro es el deseo de dejar de usar la marihuana. No hay
honorarios ni cuotas de entrada. Nos mantenemos a través de nuestras propias contribuciones. MA no está
afiliado con ninguna institución u organización religiosa o secular y no tiene opinión acerca de cualesquiera
controversias o causas. Nuestro propósito central es de mantenerse libre de la marihuana y de ayudar al adicto a
marihuana que sufre todavía lograr la misma libertad. Podemos hacerlo practicando nuestros recomendados doce
pasos de recuperación y estando guiado como un grupo por nuestras doce tradiciones.

Esta es una reunión sin interferencias. La interferencia es definida como: haciendo preguntas o comentarios, sea
positivo o negativo, a cualquier persona, dando consejo, interrumpiendo, conversaciones apartes,
perturbando o siendo irrespetuoso en cualquier momento durante la reunión. Sin embargo, te animamos que
hables con otros y hagas preguntas después de la reunión. Estas pautas se sugieren para que todos puedan sentirse
cómodo y seguro al compartir.

¿QUIÉN ES UN ADICTO A LA MARIHUANA?

Nosotros que somos adictos a la marihuana podemos contestar esta pregunta. ¡La marihuana gobierna
nuestras vidas! Perdimos interés en todo lo demás; nuestros sueños se quiebran. La nuestra es una enfermedad
progresiva, con frecuencia llevándonos a la adicción a otras drogas, inclusivo el alcohol. La marihuana es el
punto central de nuestras vidas, de nuestra forma de pensar, y de nuestros deseos - como se la compra,
como se la vende y como se logra estar colocado. Como está declarado en nuestra tercera tradición, el único
requisito para ser miembro es el deseo de dejar de usar la marihuana. Esto es para adherir al concepto de
"resolución de propósito", pero mucho de nosotros hemos descubierto que la única manera de mantenernos
sobrio es abstenerse de toda clase de drogas que afectan la mente y el humor, incluyendo el alcohol.

Marihuana Anónimo utiliza los Doce Pasos básicos de la Recuperación establecidos por Alcohólicos Anónimos,
porque se ha probado que el programa de Doce Pasos de Recuperación es eficaz. ¿Alguien tiene el gusto de leer los
Doce Pasos y "Como funcionan los pasos"?
(SE LEE “COMO FUNCIONAN LOS PASOS”)

MA SERVICE MANUAL REVISION 4.1 PAGE 14

 SUGERIDO FORMATO DE REUNIÓN - PÁGINA 2
PARTICIPACIÓN, SIN DESCANSO
En este momento damos fichas por varios tiempos sin uso de marihuana, alcohol, y todos los otros químicos
que afectan la mente y el humor. ¿Hay alguien aquí que le gustaría tomar una ficha de Bienvenida? ¿Alguien
con 30 días de sobriedad continua?... ¿60 días?... ¿90 días?... ¿6 meses?... ¿9 meses?... ¿18 meses?

Para cada 365 días de sobriedad continua, damos un pastel con una vela para cada año de sobriedad continua.
¿Tenemos pasteles esta noche?

Si su cumpleaños esta acercándose, por favor dejen saber al secretario una o dos semanas antes, para poder
tener un pastel para usted en esta reunión.

Como no hay descanso, sírvanse bebidas pero por favor háganlo calladamente.

Por favor recuerden que el anonimato es la base de este programa y que lo que se dice aquí no debe salir de
este cuarto.

(LÍDER QUALIFICA POR ______ MINUTOS) califica

Es costumbre leer las Doce Tradiciones y mientras ____________ lee las Doce Tradiciones de
MARIHUANA ANÓNIMA vamos a mantener la séptima. Mientras la canasta está pasando, recuerden que
aunque no tenemos honorarios ni cuotas de entrada, somos orgullosamente independientes
económicamente a través de nuestras contribuciones. La gente nueva no deben de sentirse obligado contribuir,
otros tienen el privilegio de hacerlo. Una donación de 2 o más dólares es aconsejada, este dinero ayuda a
cubrir alquiler, fotocopias, y otros gastos.

(LA CANASTA SE PASA Y LAS 12 TRADICIONES SE LEEN)

Esta es una reunión de participación de MARIHUANA ANÓNIMO. Si usted ha consumido marihuana o

cualquier otra droga que afectan la mente dentro de las últimas 24 horas, le pedimos que solamente escuches y
hable con alguien después de la reunión. Por favor mantenga su participación acerca de 5 minutos para que
todos tengan oportunidad de compartir. Cuando usted oye golpear, por favor de concluir. ¿Quién le gustaría
comenzar?

(10 MINUTOS ANTES DE CERAR LA REUNIÓN)

Nuestro tiempo se ha acabado. Me gustaría agradecerlos por participar en nuestra reunión. Si alguien tiene
cualquier pregunta que no fue contestada, o si usted siente la necesidad de compartir, por favor preséntese a
alguien después de la reunión y cambie números de teléfono. Todos estamos aquí para ayudar. Si usted no
puede assistir a una reunión, MA tiene reuniones en línea. Visita la página de MA en el internet. Este es el
tiempo para los Informes del Secretario.

(DESPUÉS DE LOS INFORMES DE LA REUNIÓN)

Me gustaría cerrar la reunión con __________ leyendo el paso de su opción y después de un momento de
silencio para el adicto que todavía sufre, dirigiéndonos en la oración de su opción.

Approved for Starter Kits - World Service Conference May 1991

MA SERVICE MANUAL REVISION 4.1 PAGE 15

 SUGERIDO FORMATO DE REUNIÓN - PÁGINA 2
ORADOR, CON DESCANSO
En este momento damos fichas por varios tiempos sin uso de marihuana, alcohol, y todos los otros químicos
que afectan la mente y el humor. ¿Hay alguien aquí que le gustaría tomar una ficha de Bienvenida? ¿Alguien
con 30 días de sobriedad continua?... ¿60 días?... ¿90 días?... ¿6 meses?... ¿9 meses?... ¿18 meses?

Para cada 365 días de sobriedad continua, damos un pastel con una vela para cada año de sobriedad continua.
¿Tenemos pasteles esta noche?

Si su cumpleaños esta acercándose, por favor dejen saber al secretario una o dos semanas antes, para poder
tener un pastel para usted en esta reunión.

Por favor recuerden que el anonimato es la base de este programa y que lo que se dice aquí no debe salir de
este cuarto. Nuestro orador esta noche es _____________.

(ORADOR QUALIFICA POR ______ MINUTOS) (EL LÍDER CONTINÚA)

Gracias __________________. Ahora hay un descanso de cinco minutos.

(DESPUÉS DEL DESCANSO)

Es costumbre leer las Doce Tradiciones y mientras ____________ lee las Doce Tradiciones de
MARIHUANA ANÓNIMA vamos a mantener la séptima. Mientras la canasta está pasando, recuerden que
aunque no tenemos honorarios ni cuotas de entrada, somos orgullosamente independientes
económicamente a través de nuestras contribuciones. La gente nueva no deben de sentirse obligado contribuir,
otros tienen el privilegio de hacerlo. Una donación de 2 o más dólares es aconsejada, este dinero ayuda a
cubrir alquiler, fotocopias, y otros gastos.

(LA CANASTA SE PASA Y LAS 12 TRADICIONES SE LEEN)

Esta es una reunión de participación de MARIHUANA ANÓNIMO. Si usted ha consumido marihuana o

cualquier otra droga que afectan la mente dentro de las últimas 24 horas, le pedimos que solamente escuches y
hable con alguien después de la reunión. Por favor mantenga su participación acerca de 5 minutos para que
todos tengan oportunidad de compartir. Cuando usted oye golpear, por favor de concluir. ¿Quién le gustaría
comenzar?

(10 MINUTOS ANTES DE CERAR LA REUNIÓN)

Nuestro tiempo se ha acabado. Me gustaría agradecerlos por participar en nuestra reunión. Si alguien tiene
cualquier pregunta que no fue contestada, o si usted siente la necesidad de compartir, por favor preséntese a
alguien después de la reunión y cambie números de teléfono. Todos estamos aquí para ayudar. Si usted no
puede assistir a una reunión, MA tiene reuniones en línea. Visita la página de MA en el internet. Este es el
tiempo para los Informes del Secretario.

(DESPUÉS DE LOS INFORMES DE LA REUNIÓN)

Me gustaría cerrar la reunión con __________ leyendo el paso de su opción y después de un momento de
silencio para el adicto que todavía sufre, dirigiéndonos en la oración de su opción.

MA SERVICE MANUAL REVISION 4.1 PAGE 16

 SUGERIDO FORMATO DE REUNIÓN - PÁGINA 2
TEMA, CON DESCANSO
En este momento damos fichas por varios tiempos sin uso de marihuana, alcohol, y todos los otros químicos
que afectan la mente y el humor. ¿Hay alguien aquí que le gustaría tomar una ficha de Bienvenida? ¿Alguien
con 30 días de sobriedad continua?... ¿60 días?... ¿90 días?... ¿6 meses?... ¿9 meses?... ¿18 meses?

Para cada 365 días de sobriedad continua, damos un pastel con una vela para cada año de sobriedad continua.
¿Tenemos pasteles esta noche?

Si su cumpleaños esta acercándose, por favor dejen saber al secretario una o dos semanas antes, para poder
tener un pastel para usted en esta reunión.

Por favor recuerden que el anonimato es la base de este programa y que lo que se dice aquí no debe salir de
este cuarto.

(LÍDER QUALIFICA POR ______ MINUTOS)

Gracias __________________. Ahora hay un descanso de cinco minutos.

(DESPUÉS DEL DESCANSO)

Es costumbre leer las Doce Tradiciones y mientras ____________ lee las Doce Tradiciones de
MARIHUANA ANÓNIMA vamos a mantener la séptima. Mientras la canasta está pasando, recuerden que
aunque no tenemos honorarios ni cuotas de entrada, somos orgullosamente independientes
económicamente a través de nuestras contribuciones. La gente nueva no deben de sentirse obligado contribuir,
otros tienen el privilegio de hacerlo. Una donación de 2 o más dólares es aconsejada, este dinero ayuda a
cubrir alquiler, fotocopias, y otros gastos.

(LA CANASTA SE PASA Y LAS 12 TRADICIONES SE LEEN)

Esta es una reunión de participación de MARIHUANA ANÓNIMO. Si usted ha consumido marihuana o

cualquier otra droga que afectan la mente dentro de las últimas 24 horas, le pedimos que solamente escuches y
hable con alguien después de la reunión. Por favor mantenga su participación acerca de 5 minutos para que
todos tengan oportunidad de compartir. Cuando usted oye golpear, por favor de concluir. ¿Quién le gustaría
comenzar?

(10 MINUTOS ANTES DE CERAR LA REUNIÓN)

Nuestro tiempo se ha acabado. Me gustaría agradecerlos por participar en nuestra reunión. Si alguien tiene
cualquier pregunta que no fue contestada, o si usted siente la necesidad de compartir, por favor preséntese a
alguien después de la reunión y cambie números de teléfono. Todos estamos aquí para ayudar. Si usted no
puede assistir a una reunión, MA tiene reuniones en línea. Visita la página de MA en el internet. Este es el
tiempo para los Informes del Secretario.

(DESPUÉS DE LOS INFORMES DE LA REUNIÓN)

Me gustaría cerrar la reunión con __________ leyendo el paso de su opción y después de un momento de
silencio para el adicto que todavía sufre, dirigiéndonos en la oración de su opción.

MA SERVICE MANUAL REVISION 4.1 PAGE 17

 Marihuana Anónimo
Como Funcionan los Pasos 

Es esencial a nuestra recuperación que tenemos la costumbre de ser rigurosamente honesto, que
mantenemos nuestros corazones y mentes abiertos, y que estamos dispuestos de hacer todo lo
posible para obtener un despertar espiritual.

Nuestras ideas y costumbres de vivir ya no funcionan para nosotros. Nuestro sufrimiento nos
demuestra que tenemos soltarlo por completo. Tenemos que rendirnos a un Poder superior a
nosotros.

Aquí están los Pasos que tomamos, que se indican para la recuperación:

1. Admitimos que éramos impotentes ante la marihuana, que nuestras vidas se habían vuelto
ingobernables.
2. Llegamos a creer que un Poder superior a nosotros mismos podía restaurarnos al sano juicio.
3. Decidimos poner nuestras voluntades y nuestras vidas al cuidado de Dios, como nosotros lo
concebimos.
4. Sin miedo hicimos un minucioso inventario moral de nosotros mismos.
5. Admitimos antes Dios, antes nosotros mismos, y antes otro ser humano la naturaleza precisa
de nuestros defectos.
6. Estuvimos completamente dispuestos que Dios remueve todos eso defectos de carácter.
7. Humildemente pedimos a Dios que nos liberara de nuestros fallos.
8. Hicimos una lista de todas aquellas personas a quien habíamos hecho daño y llegábamos
estar dispuestos de tratar de rectificárselo todo.
9. Hicimos reparaciones directas a tales personas al extenso posible, excepto cuando se le
hubiera hecho mas daño a ellos o otras personas.
10. Continuamos haciendo nuestro inventario personal y cuando nos equivocábamos lo
admitíamos inmediatamente.
11. Buscamos a través de la oración y la meditación mejorar nuestro contacto consciente con
Dios, como nosotros lo concebimos, rezándole solamente que nos deja conocer su voluntad
para nosotros y que nos dé la fortaleza para cumplirla.
12. Habiendo obtenido un despertar espiritual como resultado de estos pasos, tratamos de llevar
el mensaje a los adictos de marihuana y de practicar estos principios en todos nuestros
asuntos.

No sea desalentado: ninguno de nosotros es un santo. Nuestro programa no es fácil pero es sencillo.
Luchamos para progresar no para ganar la perfección. Nuestras experiencias, antes y después de
comenzar nuestra recuperación, nos enseñan tres ideas importantes:
 Que somos adictos a la marihuana y no podemos gobernar nuestras propias vidas;
 Que probablemente no hay poder humana que nos puede aliviar nuestra adicción; y
 Que el Poder Superior puede hacerlo y lo hará si se lo pedimos.

MA SERVICE MANUAL REVISION 4.1 PAGE 18

 Marihuana Anónimo
REGISTRO DE LA REUNION FECHA __________________

LIDER ___________________ ORADOR ________________________

1) Oración para empezar _________________ 4) Otra Lectura ____________________
2) Como funciona ______________________ 5) Otra Lectura ____________________
3) Tradiciones _________________________ 6) Otro___________________________

Los Recién Llegados: Hombres _____ Mujeres ____ La asistencia: Hombres ____ Mujeres ___

ANUNCIOS SUGERIDOS PARA EL SECRETARIO

1) Reporte del Comité de Servicio del Dist. 4) Otros anuncios de M.A.

2) Reporte del Tesorero de la Reunión 5) Anuncios de formatos de corte
3) Reporte de Literatura 6) Agradecer al líder, orador y ayudantes

FICHAS Y CUMPLEAÑOS

Recién Llegados ____________________________________________________________________

30 Días ___________________________________________________________________________
60 Días ___________________________________________________________________________
90 Días ___________________________________________________________________________
6 Meses __________________________________________________________________________
9 Meses __________________________________________________________________________
18 Meses __________________________________________________________________________
Cumpleaños _______________________________________________________________________
REGISTRO FINANCIERO

INGRESO SALDOS
7ma Tradición ....................... $ _____________ Saldo Traspasado ........... $ ________________
Ventas de Literatura + _____________
Otro ....................................... + _____________ Mas INGRESO .............. + ________________
INGRESO TOTAL = _____________
GASTOS
Alquile .................................. $ _____________ Menos GASTOS ............ - ________________
Comida/Cafe + _____________
Provisiones ............................ + _____________ Total parcial ................... = ________________
Compra de Literatura ............ + _____________
Compra de Fichas ................. + _____________ Contributciones a DSC .. - ________________
Otro ....................................... + _____________
GASTOS TOTALES ............... ____________ SALDO FINAL .........____________________

SECRATARIO _____________________ TESORERO ________________________

MA SERVICE MANUAL REVISION 4.1 PAGE 19

 SUGGESTED MEETING FORMAT (FRENCH LANGUAGE)

FORMAT SUGGERE DE REUNION

PRÉSIDENT:
Bienvenue à la réunion ________________ de MARIJUANA ANONYME. Mon nom est
______________________ et je suis toxicomane de la marijuana. Ouvrons la réunion avec quelques
secondes de silence suivies de la PRIÈRE DE LA SÉRÉNITÉ.

MON DIEU, DONNEZ-MOI LA SÉRÉNITÉ D’ACCEPTER CE QUE JE NE PEUX CHANGER

LE COURAGE DE CHANGER LES CHOSES QUE JE PEUX CHANGER
ET LA SAGESSE D’EN CONNAÎTRE LA DIFFÉRENCE

(PRÉAMBULE)

MARIJUANA ANONYME est une association d’hommes et de femmes qui partagent entre eux leur
expérience, leur force et leur espoir dans le but de résoudre leur problème commun et d’aider
d’autres toxicomanes de la marijuana à se rétablir.
La seule condition requise pour devenir membre est d’avoir le désir d’arrêter de consommer de la
marijuana sous toutes ses formes.
MA ne demande ni cotisation ni droit d’entrée; nous nous finançons par nos propres contributions.
MA n’est associé à aucune secte, confession religieuse ou politique, à aucun organisme ou
établissement, et ne désire s’engager dans aucune controverse, n’endosse et ne conteste aucune
cause. Notre but premier est de demeurer abstinents et d’aider d’autres toxicomanes de la marijuana
qui souffrent encore à le devenir.
Nous pouvons atteindre ce but en pratiquant nos douze étapes suggérées et en nous laissant guider en
tant que groupe par nos douze traditions.
Cette réunion est une réunion sans réplique. La définition de réplique est: poser des questions ou
faire des commentaires, positifs ou négatifs, donner des conseils, interrompre, avoir des
conversations privées et être dérangeant ou non respectueux à quelque moment que ce soit pendant
la réunion. Mais nous vous encourageons à rester pour discuter après la réunion. Ces directives vous
sont suggérées afin que tous se sentent à l’aise et en sécurité lors de leur partage.

Qui est un toxicomane de la marijuana?

Nous qui sommes des toxicomanes de la marijuana connaissons la réponse à cette question. La
marijuana contrôle nos vies! Nous perdons intérêt en toutes autres choses; nos rêves s’envolent en
fumée. Notre maladie est progressive et nous emmène souvent vers la toxicomanie à d’autres
substances, incluant l’alcool. Notre vie, nos pensées et nos désirs sont tous centrés autour de la
marijuana, en trouver, en vendre et trouver des façons de rester intoxiqués. Comme il est dit dans
notre troisième tradition, la seule condition requise pour devenir membre est d’avoir le désir de
cesser de consommer de la marijuana sous toutes ses formes. Nous adhérons ainsi au principe «
d’objectif unique », mais beaucoup d’entre nous ont découvert que la seule façon de conserver notre
sobriété est de s’abstenir de consommer tous psychotropes.

MARIJUANA ANONYME emprunte aux Alcooliques Anonymes les 12 étapes fondées par eux car
elles fonctionnent!

Nous avons demandé a _____________________ de lire « Notre Méthode. »

MA SERVICE MANUAL REVISION 4.1 PAGE 20

(NOTRE MÉTHODE EST LUE)

JETONS:
Il est maintenant le temps de donner les jetons. Ce jeton de bienvenue est un symbole de votre désir
de ne pas consommer de marijuana pendant les prochaines 24 heures. Le jeton est aussi bien pour
ceux qui reviennent après une rechute.
Y-a-t’il quelqu’un qui voudrait prendre un jeton de bienvenue? Quelqu’un avec 30 jours de sobriété
continue? 60 jours? 90 jours? 6 mois? Pour chaque année de sobriété continue nous donnons un
gâteau avec une bougie représentant chaque année de sobriété. Y-a-t’il des gâteaux ce soir?
Si votre anniversaire est bientôt, laissez-le savoir une ou deux semaines à l’avance au secrétaire de la
réunion pour que nous ayons un gâteau pour vous.

DISCUSSION:
Cette semaine, nous… lirons une étape ou lirons une histoire ou avons un partage.

Ceci est une réunion discussion de MARIJUANA ANONYME. Nous demandons que, si vous avez
consommé de la marijuana ou tout autre psychotrope dans les dernières 24 heures, vous prêtiez
simplement oreille à la discussion. Nous vos encourageons à parler à quelqu’un après la réunion.

Il n’y a pas de pause dans cette réunion, servez-vous du café et autre, mais nous vous prions de le
faire en silence.

Nous vous rappelons que l’anonymat est la fondation de ce programme et que tout ce qui est dit ici
ne doit pas quitter cette pièce.

Si vous entendez frapper, terminez dans les plus brefs délais possibles. La discussion est maintenant
ouverte, qui aimerait commencer?

7TH TRADITION: Nous allons maintenant appliquer la 7ieme tradition qui stipule que nous
devons subvenir à nos besoins.

(LA CLÔTURE DE LA RÉUNION) Notre réunion est maintenant terminée. Je tiens à remercier
tous et chacun de leur participation. Si vous avez des questions ou si vous ressentez le besoin de
partager, s’il-vous-plaît, présentez-vous à quelqu’un et échangez vos numéros de téléphone. Nous
sommes tous ici afin d’aider comme nous avons été aidés. _____________ voudriez vous conclure
la réunion avec une prière de votre choix?

Marijuana Anonyme: Notre méthode

La pratique d’une honnêteté rigoureuse, d’une ouverture de coeur et d’esprit ainsi que la volonté
d’aller aussi loin que nécessaire pour vivre un éveil spirituel sont essentiels { notre rétablissement.
Notre ancienne façon de vivre et nos vieilles idées ne fonctionnent plus pour nous. Notre souffrance
nous démontre que nous devons lâcher prise de façon absolue. Nous nous abandonnons à une
Puissance Supérieure à nous-mêmes. Voici les étapes que nous suivons et qui sont suggérées pour le
rétablissement :
1. Nous avons admis que nous étions impuissants devant la marijuana, que nous avions perdu la
maîtrise de nos vies.
2. Nous en sommes venus { croire qu’une Puissance supérieure { nous-mêmes pouvait nous rendre

MA SERVICE MANUAL REVISION 4.1 PAGE 21

la raison.
3. Nous avons décidé de confier notre volonté et notre vie aux soins de Dieu tel que nous Le
concevions.
4. Nous avons procédé sans crainte à un inventaire moral approfondi de nous-mêmes.
5. Nous avons admis à Dieu, à nous-mêmes et à un autre humain la nature exacte de nos torts.
6. Nous étions tout à fait prêts à ce que Dieu élimine tous ces défauts.
7. Nous Lui avons humblement demandé de faire disparaître nos défauts.
8. Nous avons dressé une liste de toutes les personnes que nous avons lésées et nous avons consenti
{ réparer nos torts envers chacune d’elles.
9. Nous avons réparé nos torts directement envers ces personnes dans la mesure du possible, sauf
lorsqu’en ce faisant, nous risquions leur nuire ou nuire { d’autres.
10. Nous avons poursuivi notre inventaire personnel et promptement admis nos torts lorsque
nous nous en sommes aperçus.
11. Nous avons cherché, par la prière et la méditation à améliorer notre contact conscient avec Dieu,
tel que nous Le concevions, Lui demandant seulement de connaître sa volonté à notre égard et de
nous donner la force de l’exécuter.
12. Ayant connu un éveil spirituel comme résultat de ces étapes, nous avons essayé de transmettre ce
message { d’autres toxicomanes de la marijuana et de mettre en pratique ces principes dans tous les
domaines de notre vie.

Ne soyez pas découragés, aucun d’entre nous n’est un saint. Notre programme n’est pas facile, mais
il est simple. Nous recherchons le progrès et non la perfection. Notre expérience avant et après le
début de notre rétablissement nous a appris trois idées importantes :

• Que nous sommes des toxicomanes de la marijuana et avons perdus le contrôle de notre vie;
• Que probablement aucun pouvoir humain ne peut nous libérer de notre toxicomanie; et
• Que notre Puissance Supérieure le peut et le fera si nous La cherchons.

MA SERVICE MANUAL REVISION 4.1 PAGE 22

 Chapter 8 
NEW MEETING STARTUPS OUTSIDE OF DISTRICTS 
PROCEDURES FOR THE OFFICE MANAGER AND  
NEW MEETING OUTREACH TRUSTEE 

 
GENERAL INFORMATION 

There are currently three ways it can be brought to the attention of MA that a person or persons have
a wish to start an MA meeting: through traditional mail to the MAWS PO Box, by telephone via the
800 line, and electronically through MAWS email or Internet Service..
In all three cases, the Office Manager (OM) is the first point of contact and it is the OM’s
responsibly to respond with appropriate information and materials expeditiously.
Once the following process has been completed, the Independent Meeting, whether fully established
or not, is then turned over to the New Meeting Outreach Trustee (NMO), who then maintains
communication with the meeting using the following process.

OFFICE MANAGER PROCESS 

For the sake of expediency, reply and setup of contact by email is always preferred, but the process
can be conducted solely by traditional mail if necessary.
Where an email address is provided, the Office Manager responds to verify the request, and
attaches the New Meeting Application (NMA) if required.

Upon receipt of the application, the OM then sends the requester the Starter Kit. The New
Meeting Outreach Trustee is notified of the potential new meeting.

The OM will contact the requestor to ascertain the detailed status of the potential meeting
and inform them that there will be follow up by the NMOT. Once the meeting is confirmed
to be established, a small starter pack of chips may be sent at the discretion of the Office
Manager and the International Directory on the website is updated and highlighted with the
words NEW MEETING

In the rare case of the OM being informed of a meeting having already started, without the
benefit of the New Meeting Application having been issued and returned, the meeting is
accepted at once, a Starter Kit is sent out, the NMOT is notified, and the website is updated
immediately.

CONTENTS OF THE STARTER KIT 

Greeting Letter
New Meeting Report
Chip Information Sheet
Service Manual Chapter 4 Extract (Meeting Formats)
Service Manual Chapter 13 Extract (Structure of MA)
ANLP Order Form
Full Complement of Conference-Approved Literature, single-sided, for use as masters
A small starter pack of chips may be sent at the discretion of the Office Manager

MA SERVICE MANUAL REVISION 4.1 PAGE 23

It should be understood that Marijuana Anonymous does not provide liability insurance for
individual meetings or events, whether they be considered Independent meetings or are part of a
District. Such liability insurance, where required by the hosting facility, must be provided by the
meeting or event as part of its self-supporting responsibilities.

MA SERVICE MANUAL REVISION 4.1 PAGE 24

 PART THREE
THE DISTRICT
Chapter 9 
THE DISTRICT 

A district is a geographical unit containing a number of groups. The district's size is determined by
the ability of the district's representatives to keep in frequent touch with the groups, to learn their
problems, and to learn ways to contribute to their growth and well-being.

Districts are generally limited by geographic boundaries that permit group representatives to meet at
least once per month. As a district grows, the number of groups can increase to the point where
regular and close contact is difficult. There are guidelines within MA for such districts to split into
two districts to assure good communication and interaction (Chapter 14).

As stated in the preceding section, each group elects a Group Service Representative who is
responsible for determining and presenting the group's conscience on issues of general service. The
GSRs in a district elect Delegates to speak for them at MA World Services.

District services include: purchase and distribution of sobriety chips, printing and distribution of
literature, community outreach (such as hospital and institution meetings), printing of district
schedules, maintenance of area telephone services, and collection and distribution of donations to
MAWS. As part of being fully self-supporting, the district should pay for its Delegates to attend the
MAWS Conference. The district provides assistance to individual groups in need of help,
coordinates district-wide activities and events, and helps locate speakers for various purposes. The
district may also make contact with the media, consistent with MA's traditions. Because of our
geographic diversity, most of the daily service work of MA occurs within the district.

Just as the Group is autonomous from MA as a whole, the district is autonomous from MAWS,
except where the district's activities affect MA as a whole. MA does not provide requirements for the
conduct of District service work, but does make suggestions.

MA has organized a corporation, Marijuana Anonymous World Services, Inc. to handle the legal and
financial requirements of the business affairs of MA. There are legal rules and restrictions that
determine how the affairs of MAWS are conducted. A district may or may not choose to participate
in MAWS. If the district chooses to participate, it must satisfy the legal requirements, including
providing proper accounting for finances.

Chapter 10 
THE DISTRICT SERVICE COMMITTEE MEETING 

The District Service Committee Meeting is where all the business of the district is discussed, all
subcommittee reports are given, and all group problems are addressed. The meeting is open to all
MA members. There are three levels of participants at most District Service Committee Meetings:
GSRs, which have been previously discussed in this Service Manual; District Officers,
which include the Chairperson, Vice Chairperson, Secretary, Treasurer, and subcommittee
Chairpersons; and individual MA members that wish to attend.

MA SERVICE MANUAL REVISION 4.1 PAGE 25

 Chapter 11 
DISTRICT OFFICERS 

The District Officers are responsible for administering the general business of the district. Great care
should be taken in selecting the people who serve in the capacity of Chairperson, Vice Chairperson,
Secretary, and Treasurer. Our trusted servants should demonstrate the ability to serve as an example
to others. The district officers should have at least one year clean and sober time, significant District
Service Committee background, and a working knowledge of the Steps, Traditions, and Concepts.
The suggested length of term is one year.

1. CHAIRPERSON - The Chairperson's primary responsibility is conducting the District

Service Committee Meeting. This includes preparing the agenda, rationing the time
for the various reports, and keeping order. A copy of a suggested District Service
Committee Meeting Format (Chapter 15) and the short-form of "Rules of Order as
adapted for Marijuana Anonymous" (Chapter 16) can be found in this manual. Both
of these documents can be of great assistance to the district Chairperson.

Typical responsibilities of the Chairperson include:

1. Make sure the meeting begins and ends on time.
2. Make sure all District Service Committee commitments are filled.
3. Make sure the next District Service Committee Meeting is scheduled and all
participants are aware of the time and location.
4. Keep meeting format and minutes of all past District Service Committee
Meetings.

2. VICE CHAIRPERSON - The Vice Chairperson is responsible for assisting the

Chairperson in conducting the District Service Committee Meetings, and for conducting
the meeting in the Chairperson's absence. The Vice Chairperson can also be of assistance
in helping to administer the business of the District outside of the District Service
Committee Meeting by assisting the subcommittee chairpersons with their
responsibilities, and by informing the group secretaries of the chronic absence of their
group's GSR. This ensures that all meetings are properly represented and that the
individual groups are up to date on the business in their districts.

3. SECRETARY - The Secretary's primary responsibility is to handle all of the district's

non-financial paperwork. The most important task is to record clear and accurate minutes
of each District Service Committee Meeting. Some District Service Committees
distribute copies of the minutes to all the participants, while other districts may choose to
merely read the minutes of the last meeting at the beginning of each District Service
Committee Meeting.

It is also suggested that each secretary compile a log of all motions that have passed at all
District Service Committee Meetings. These motions should be listed in chronological
order under a heading for each officer, subcommittee, or other topic they affect.

4. TREASURER - The Treasurer's job is to handle all the district's money. It is therefore
important that the districts select their treasurer with care. The Treasurer should be
someone who is financially secure, good at managing finances, and has a suggested
minimum of one year clean and sober. Experience in business, bookkeeping, banking, or

MA SERVICE MANUAL REVISION 4.1 PAGE 26

 accounting is also helpful but not required.

In administering the district checking account, two signatures are suggested to issue a
check. This precaution protects the district from theft, and the Treasurer from
controversy. It is also suggested that three signatures be on the signature card in the event
that one person becomes unavailable for any reason.

Typical duties of the Treasurer include:

1. Receive contributions from the groups.

2. Administer the district's checking account.
3. Pay the rent for the District Service Committee Meeting location.
4. Reimburse approved expenses to officers and subcommittee chairpersons.
5. Keep records of all transactions and promptly make out receipts whenever
necessary.
6. Report on the financial condition of the district at each meeting.
7. Comply with all MAWS requirements.
8. Create and organize a Budget and Finance Subcommittee with regular
meetings as needed.
9. Contact the MAWS Treasurer and consider joining the MAWS Finance
committee as an active member.”

A more detailed description of the Treasurer's job can be found in the "Guidelines for District
Treasurer", located in Chapter 17.

Though primary communication between a district and World Services is via the districts’ elected
delegates, it is suggested that district officers make themselves known to the World Services
organization in order to better facilitate the smooth operation of MA’s operations.

Chapter 12 
SUBCOMMITTEES 

Subcommittees are created to carry out and coordinate the services provided by the district, all of
which require a certain degree of organization. A majority of the District Service Committee
Meeting is devoted to reports from subcommittee chairpersons, who are responsible for creating and
organizing regular subcommittee meetings. The subcommittees make recommendations and motions
at the District Service Committee Meeting to be considered by all participants of the District Service
Committee.

A. HOSPITALS AND INSTITUTIONS - The Hospitals and Institutions subcommittee

conducts panels and meetings that carry the MA message to marijuana addicts who have no other
way of hearing our message. These addicts may be located at treatment centers, recovery houses,
mental health facilities, chemical dependency units, prisons, or other institutions. The amount of
work a Hospital and Institutions subcommittee does will depend on a variety of factors, including:
the number of treatment facilities in the district, the number of MA members interested in
participating in H&I service, and the amount of collective experience of those members.
H&I responsibilities often overlap those of the Public Information subcommittee. H&I and PI should
closely cooperate with one another, and a liaison of each subcommittee should attend the other

MA SERVICE MANUAL REVISION 4.1 PAGE 27

subcommittee's meetings. The H&I manual explains more about how to conduct panels, interact with
facility administrators, and organize subcommittee work. This manual can be found in Chapter 18.

Considering the shared primary purpose of MA at all levels: ‘to carry its message to the marijuana
addict who still suffers’, membership in the World Services level Public Information/Hospitals and
Institutions committee may prove particularly valuable for District chairs of this subcommittee.
While gathering, combining and disseminating PI/HI ideas and efforts is a primary responsibility of
the MAWS PI/HI Trustee, district membership on this committee may significantly enhance the
productivity and efficacy of that committee to the benefit of all in our efforts to honor the Fifth
Tradition.”

B. PUBLIC INFORMATION - The Public Information subcommittee informs addicts

and others in the community about the MA program of recovery. Many PI projects serve primarily to
encourage people to write or call MA for more information about meetings. Dispersing this
information can take on various forms, such as: distributing flyers, mass mailings, announcements in
the self-help sections of local newspapers, and public service radio announcements, to name a few.
The PI manual can be found in Chapter 19.

Similar to the suggestion that the Hospitals and Institutions district sub-committee chair join the
World Services Public Information / Hospitals and Institutions committee, it is also recommended
that the district chair of this sub-committee join the same World Services committee. Perhaps more
than any other committees, these two can benefit greatest by eliminating overlap and encouraging
mutual support.

C. CORRESPONDENCE (P.O. BOX & PHONE LINE) - The Correspondence

subcommittee maintains the district phone lines and P.O. Box by responding to communications
from other addicts, or the community at large. It must be remembered that the first contact the
outside world has with MA is often with a member of the correspondence subcommittee.

D. LITERATURE - The Literature subcommittee maintains a stock of MA literature that

is distributed to the groups at the District Service Committee Meeting. The literature subcommittee
also creates new literature to be presented to the District Service Committee Meeting participants for
approval. The literature can also be submitted to the literature committee of MAWS for their review,
and ultimately for submission to the members of MAWS for approval.

E. EVENTS - Dances, picnics, campouts, and special speaker meetings are but a few of
the events put on by this subcommittee. Activities like these both provide a greater sense of
belonging and camaraderie among MA members, and produce additional district income. It should
be kept in mind that these activities are designed to enhance MA's primary purpose of carrying the
message to the marijuana addict who still suffers, and do not replace meetings. Fund raising should
not take the place of group contributions in funding the District, but rather supplement these
contributions. For MAWS policy regarding events and fund-raising, see Chapter 13.

F. CHIPS - This subcommittee usually consists of one person. The responsibility of this
person is to maintain an accurate inventory of chips possessed by the district, as well as to distribute
chips to the groups. The Chips person must remember to order chips so that the district will always
have a sufficient supply for its meetings.

G. AD HOC COMMITTEES - Ad Hoc committees are set up for specific purposes and
are disbanded once the purpose has been completed. A motion must be made to create an ad hoc

MA SERVICE MANUAL REVISION 4.1 PAGE 28

committee, as well as to dissolve it. When creating the Ad Hoc committee, the District Service
Committee should make clear the committee's purpose, the authority and resources it will be given,
and how long it has to complete the job.

Chapter 13 
DELEGATES 

Each district elects two Delegates and an alternate(s) whose primary responsibility is to represent the
conscience of the district's groups to MA World Services. The Third Legacy Procedure (Chapter 20)
should be used to elect Delegates. Delegates should be elected at least 90 days prior to the
Conference to allow them sufficient time to become familiar with the Conference Agenda. Outgoing
Delegates may serve as "service sponsors" to the incoming Delegates.

The Delegate's primary responsibility is to attend the MAWS Conference and vote on all matters that
are to be decided according to the conscience of the district's groups. The Delegate votes on policies
affecting MA as a whole, and participates in the selection of Trustees and Service Committee chairs.
The Delegate also serves as a voting member in the nonprofit corporation, MAWS, Inc., and as such
must meet all legal requirements as stated in the Bylaws of MAWS, Inc., including the sobriety
requirements stated in Article V (Chapter 30, p 105). The Delegate thus participates in decisions
that are necessary for carrying out the business and legal affairs of MA.

The Delegate has an important responsibility to report the conscience of the groups for which he or
she speaks. An essential part of the service of the Delegate is to attend the MAWS World
Conference. The Delegate should be prepared to work in a cooperative and helpful manner over long
hours and sometimes trying circumstances.

The Delegate should forever strive to place principles before personalities. He or she ought to listen
carefully and respectfully to differing opinions and tolerate fairness of debate. The Delegate should
seek to streamline and further the fair decision-making process, and seek to avoid unnecessary
disruption of the process of debate and decision.

The debate and decision process involving scores of Delegates meeting in a short period of time can
be confusing and difficult. MA has adopted an abbreviated and modified set of rules based on
Robert's Rules of Order (Chapter 16). The Delegate should read and understand these rules and be
prepared to follow them.

Delegates should strive to avoid issues of personality and prestige. Our Third Legacy (Chapter 20)
procedure is designed to remove issues of politics and prestige from the process of selecting persons
to serve in service positions such as Trustee or Delegate. The Delegate should seek to avoid
engaging in a campaign or political process, and should seek to avoid ego and disappointment
concerning the Delegate's own role in the MA service structure.

After the Conference, the Delegate returns home to report on the Conference. This is an important
step in preserving the unity of MA as a whole. At least one Delegate should attend each DSC
Meeting to assure that all members have an opportunity to know what is being done at the MAWS
level to further the purposes of MA. The Delegate should provide a copy of the final Conference
report to the district and the district should make this report available to all members. Regular
communication with the groups' GSRs helps assure that the Delegate is speaking for the groups.

MA SERVICE MANUAL REVISION 4.1 PAGE 29

When the Delegate casts a vote at the Conference, he or she should have in mind that this decision
must soon be explained back home. This is an essential part of the democratic process. During the
year, the Delegate's responsibilities include ensuring that their District provides an updated meeting
schedule to the Office Manager of MAWS on a quarterly basis and serving as the Convention liaison
between their district and the host district(s). Also, Delegates may need to be polled between MAWS
Conferences in accordance with Article 9 of the Conference Charter (Chapter 27).

The Delegate should provide Trustee call minutes and MAWS financial reports to the District
Service Committee on a regular basis.

The Delegate's term of office is one year. A Delegate may serve no more than two consecutive
terms. The suggested clean and sober time to serve as a Delegate is one year. "Clean and sober" is
defined as abstinence from marijuana and all mind altering substances including alcohol.

CONFERENCE DELEGATE 

RESPONSIBILITIES 

1. Report the group’s and district’s conscience to MAWS in setting the Conference
agenda by a date that is 90 days prior to the Conference and at the Conference.
2. Voting member at MAWS Conference.
3. Present report on status of their district and meetings at the Conference.
4. Report Conference information to meetings and district at DSC meetings.
5. Report minutes from quarterly trustee meetings at DSC meetings.
6. Report quarterly MAWS financial statement at DSC meetings.
7. Liaison for district to annual Convention.
8. Inform MAWS Office Manager of meeting changes.
9. Be available to be polled during the year.
10. Be service sponsor to next year’s delegates informing them of their duties and what to
expect at the conference.
11. Be liaison between MAWS Treasurer and District Treasurer
12. Actively participate throughout the following conference cycle as a member of the
committee they participated on at the MAWS conference.

Chapter 14 
CRITERIA FOR ACCEPTANCE OF NEW OR SPLIT DISTRICTS 

The MAWS Conference recommendation for application is a written request to MAWS to become a
new District. A representative or representatives of the proposed new District shall attend the next
available MAWS Conference in person or by video or teleconference to present their request.
The representative(s) will be expected to report factors that constitute eligibility to become a district.

These factors may include:

1. At least 4 groups.
2. At least 60 regular attendees.
3. Geographic isolation from other districts or within the existing districts boundaries.
4. Monthly DSC meetings with a quorum of 70% of the GSRs present.

MA SERVICE MANUAL REVISION 4.1 PAGE 30

 5. The ability to operate the DSC meeting as an entity and exhibit unity within.
6. Be self supporting and willing to help support MA World Services.
7. Social or cultural divisions within the district.

The above factors should be considered by the Conference as recommended only, and a vote
shall be cast after consideration.

Chapter 15 
SUGGESTED DISTRICT SERVICE COMMITTEE MEETING FORMAT 

1. Call to order.

2. Reading of the Serenity Prayer.

3. Reading of the Twelve Traditions.

4. Reading of the District Service Committee purpose.

5. Recognition of new participants at the meeting.

6. Approval of last month's minutes (with corrections).

7. District Officers and Subcommittee Chairperson's reports.

8. Old business

9. New business

10. Delegate and/or Trustee's report

11. Reports from liaisons of other Districts.

12. Announcements

13. Acknowledgment of Birthdays

14. Adjournment and closing prayer

Chapter 16 
RULES OF ORDER 
As adapted for Marijuana Anonymous 

The MAWS Conference and many MA groups utilize a modified version of Robert’s Rules of Order
Newly Revised to conduct business in an orderly way that’s fair to all meeting members.

A quorum must be present for a group to conduct business and to vote. A quorum is the assembly of

MA SERVICE MANUAL REVISION 4.1 PAGE 31

at least two-thirds of the members eligible to vote at that particular meeting.

A Chairperson presides over the meeting. A member who wishes to address the assembly gets the
attention of the Chair by raising a hand, and waits until called upon. This is done in silence with two
notable exceptions: “Point of Order” and “Point of Information” (see below).

MOTIONS are formal proposals for action. A motion must be offered by a voting member or
recognized committee. It must be seconded, that is, endorsed for discussion by another member who
calls out “second!” If there is no second, the motion is not put before the group for debate
(discussion) or decision. Motions that have been moved, seconded and repeated by the Chair are no
longer the property of the mover, but of the assembly. Therefore, the original maker no longer has
the sole right to withdraw or change the motion. There may be only one main motion active, or “on
the floor” at a time.

AMENDMENTS modify the wording, and often the meaning, of the main motion. Amendments
made and seconded are debated and voted upon (or accepted by unanimous consent) by the assembly
before the vote for the main motion occurs. Amendments should say exactly where in the main
motion the change is to be made, and precisely what words to use. The assembly must adopt any
amendment either by a vote or by unanimous consent in order to attach it to the main motion. This is
true regardless of whether an amendment’s proposer calls it “friendly,” or whether the maker of the
original motion endorses it.

PREVIOUS QUESTION. When recognized by the Chair, a member may offer a motion to close
debate on the pending motion(s). The proper wording is “I move the Previous Question.” A motion
for Previous Question must be seconded, is not debatable, and may be adopted by an immediate vote
or by unanimous consent.

POSTPONEMENT OF MOTIONS. There are three methods of postponing pending motions. These
are subsidiary motions that require proper recognition by the Chair, and must be seconded. A motion
to Postpone to a Certain Time is debatable, and temporarily sets the motion aside until the
designated time. A motion to Postpone Indefinitely is debatable and, in effect, “kills” the motion. A
motion to Lay on the Table is not debatable, and sets the motion aside in order to take up something
else of immediate urgency. The original motion remains set aside until a member moves to bring it
back up.

A member may at any point get the Chair’s attention by calling out:

“POINT OF ORDER” – Used to call the attention of the Chair to a violation of the Rules. The Chair
rules on the point of order, briefly giving reasons. No second is necessary and no vote is taken.

“POINT OF INFORMATION” – Used to ask a question relevant to the business before the body,
but not related to parliamentary procedure. It is not used to give information; instead, one must wait
to be recognized and make the informative point as part of debate.

VOTING: 

UNANIMOUS CONSENT. If it appears to the Chair that a motion or amendment is uncontroversial,

it is proper for the Chair to ask if there is “any objection” to adopting the motion or amendment. If
no objection is made, the Chair may declare the motion or amendment adopted. If even one member
objects, however, the motion or amendment is subject to debate and vote.

MA SERVICE MANUAL REVISION 4.1 PAGE 32

VOTES. Each member who votes casts a vote of “yes” or “no.” A “yes” vote of at least two-thirds of
the assembled quorum is required for a motion or amendment to pass.

A member who “abstains” is choosing not to cast a vote. However, members must be aware that in
the system of vote counting defined by MAWS’ governing documents, in which the outcome is
based upon a specific number of “yes” votes, if you are in the room while the vote is being taken,
and you abstain, your vote is equivalent to voting “no.”

Chapter 17 
GUIDELINES FOR DISTRICT TREASURERS 

Although emphasis is placed on the fact that MA has "no formal organization", there are jobs that
must be done in order for the business of Marijuana Anonymous to be taken care of. These are tasks
that must be completed at the district level so that the World Service Office (MAWS) can
accomplish its obligations. It is imperative that ALL of the accounting for ALL of the districts be
done properly for tax purposes. We are a legal corporation as well as a twelve step program and in
order to maintain our tax exempt status we must maintain accurate, auditable records. The following
guidelines are also good business practices for the financial safety of each group.

Each district should have its own checking account. Contact the MAWS treasurer for the correct ID
number to use on the account.

MAWS recommends districts which are paying banking fees, switch to free checking even if this
requires banking by mail. The MAWS Treasurer can assist the district in acquiring free checking.

The checking account for each district should have at least two people able to sign on the account,
and if possible (the bank is willing) two signatures should be required for checks. If two signatures
are required, there should be at least three people on the account. This is so that if anything happens
to one of them, the district's business can still be taken care of. Who is able to sign should be a
matter of record in the minutes of the DSC meeting each time a new treasurer is elected.

The bank account should be reconciled to the bank statement each month and the "Adjusted Bank
Balance" should be the same as the "Ending Balance" on the Treasurer's Report. All bank service
charges, check printing, and other deductions should be recorded in the Treasurer's Report. How to
do a bank reconciliation is discussed at the end of these guidelines.

The address on the checks should be the local district address (or P.O. Box). The bank statements
can be sent to the treasurer's address, if the GSRs agree, but then the bank must be notified each time
there is a change in treasurer.

Each district should have a two part receipt book (original receipt and one duplicate). A receipt
should be given to the GSRs to take back to their meeting treasurers for their donations, literature,
and/or chip purchases. The duplicate receipt should be kept in the book and the information
transferred to the Treasurer's Report. When the book is full, it should be kept with the local records.

All cash paid out at each DSC meeting should be recorded and a receipt received. If the original

MA SERVICE MANUAL REVISION 4.1 PAGE 33

receipt is not available, get a note from the person stating what the expense was for, the amount, and
the date (any piece of paper will do).

Each month, the cash received at the DSC meetings, less the cash paid out, should equal your
deposits. Count your cash carefully. Monies received at a later date, either from a fund raiser or late
donation, should be a separate deposit.

Each month a Treasurer's Report should be filled out and copies made for distribution to the GSRs at
the next meeting. The GSRs should read the reports and confirm that all the expenses were agreed
upon, then take them to their own meetings. A copy must be sent, each month, to the MAWS
treasurer. All receipts should be recorded in this report and also all expenses - whether by check,
cash, or bank debit memo.

Each month a copy should be made of the bank statement & reconciliation and sent to the MAWS
treasurer. This will become part of the permanent records for each district.

Use of the MAWS Tax ID number will be revoked for use by a district should said district fail to
provide the required monthly treasurer reports (this chapter, Treasurers Responsibilities) and
reconciled bank statements to the MAWS Treasurer or Accountant in a timely manner. The schedule
for final receipt of these items is September 1st annually for the previous financial year, which ends
June 30th of the same year. The MAWS Finance Committee will send a written notice of revocation
of MAWS Tax ID number use by the non‐compliant district. The written notice will be sent by
registered or certified mail and will provide a 30 day period in which the district may respond. The
requirement of revocation may be waived by a vote of the Trustees.

A very important part of the treasurer's duties is to make sure all bills are paid on time and that no
service is discontinued for lack of payment. It's a good idea to have another person pick up the mail
and be aware of what bills have come in so that none are overlooked.

Pay attention to the MAWS financial statements and verify that the amounts your district has
donated to World Service agree with what your records show. Sometimes a check written late in the
month will not show up until the next month on the MAWS records, but if it's been a couple of
months...ask about the difference. A check may have been lost in the mail, or the MAWS
bookkeeper may have made an error and credited your donation to another district.

Remember, if your district does not make its reports to the MAWS in a timely manner, then your
district cannot be included in the accounting and tax returns for Marijuana Anonymous, nor can you
use our ID# for your checking account. If your district is not included under this tax-exempt
umbrella then you could be liable for income taxes. At first glance these guidelines may seem
overwhelming. Read them carefully, look at the forms involved, and if you have any suggestions to
simplify the work, please notify your MAWS treasurer. We have tried very hard to make this as easy
as possible. Treasurers who cannot handle these tasks should consider turning their responsibilities
over to someone who can.

HOW TO DO A BANK RECONCILIATION 

Your bank statement probably has directions on the back telling you how to do a bank reconciliation

MA SERVICE MANUAL REVISION 4.1 PAGE 34

and you've probably done one with your personal account, but just in case it doesn't and you
haven't....these are the steps we take:

A. Go through the bank statement and make a mark on your check register next to all the checks
that are listed on the statement as having cleared the bank. Make sure the amounts on the
statement are the same as the amounts on the check register. If any are different, look at the
check and make sure the amount in the check register is the same as the check; if they're
different, change your check register. If the amount written on the check and the amount on
the statement are different, call the bank and they will adjust your account. You may have to
go in, or send them a Xerox of the check.

B. Make a list of all the checks that were written up to the date of the bank statement but haven't
yet cleared the bank. They are "outstanding" checks. Make sure there are none left from the
month before that still haven't cleared. Total this list of outstanding checks.

C. Do the same for your deposits. Mark your check register next to the deposits that have
cleared the bank, check the amounts to make sure they're the same on the register and the
statement, and then make a list of all outstanding deposits. (Sometimes a deposit that was
mailed doesn't reach the bank by the time the statement is sent.)

D. Take the balance on your bank statement, subtract the outstanding checks, and add the
outstanding deposits. If the bank has not made an error, this should be the correct amount of
your Ending Balance at the date of the statement.

E. Look at your bank statement and record any charges that aren't checks in your check register.
There may be service charges, check printing charges, or others. There may be deposits from
interest income on some accounts. After you subtract and/or add these amounts to your check
register balance as of the date the bank statement was printed, the new balance should be the
same as the Ending Balance. If it isn't, check your addition and subtraction, then correct your
error.
DISTRICT TREASURER'S MONTHLY CHECK LIST 

A. At the DSC meeting: Give GSRs a copy of last month's Treasurer's Report. Collect donations
from meeting GSRs and give receipts. Pay out for cash expenses, and be sure and get a
receipt of some kind. Count money carefully.

B. Make bank deposit.

C. Pay any bills that need to be paid by check and mail them. (Phone bill, etc.)

D. When bank statement comes in, do a bank reconciliation and make any adjustments
necessary to records.

E. At end of month: Record income and expenses in the Treasurer's Report from the DSC
meeting receipts and the check book.

MA SERVICE MANUAL REVISION 4.1 PAGE 35

F. Make one copy of:

1. Bank statement
2. Bank reconciliation
3. Treasurer's Report

G. Send the above to the MAWS treasurer.

H. Make enough copies of the Treasurer's Report to give to all of the GSRs expected at the next
DSC meeting.

MA SERVICE MANUAL REVISION 4.1 PAGE 36

MA SERVICE MANUAL REVISION 4.1 PAGE 37
 Chapter 18 
HOSPITALS AND INSTITUTIONS HANDBOOK 

Suggested Guidelines and Format 

When anyone, anywhere

reaches out for help,
I want the hand of MA to be there;
and for that, I AM RESPONSIBLE!

CONFERENCE APPROVED
1991, 1995

THIRD PRINTING - NOVEMBER 1996

MA SERVICE MANUAL REVISION 4.1 PAGE 38

PURPOSE 

The purpose of the Hospitals & Institutions Committee of Marijuana Anonymous is to carry the
message of Marijuana Anonymous to the marijuana addict who is confined, in treatment, or has no
other way of hearing our message. H&I also works closely with Public Information to provide
panels, speakers, and other services to the community at large. The activities of this Committee are
based on, and governed by, the Twelve Traditions of MA.

It is the expressed desire of this Committee that all persons selected for specific assignments have
the length of sobriety and the experience levels which are listed under the qualifications suggested
for that position.

Remember always: these suggestions are based on "that which experience has taught us." It is the
intention of our Committee, through these suggestions, to simplify and unify the procedure for those
who are interested in and/or participating in this type of 12 Step Work.

Of necessity, our Committee is organized in an endeavor to avoid confusion and duplication of

effort. This is a service Committee and our responsibility has many facets, of which the most
important are:

1. To the patient, inmate group within a facility, or audience being addressed.

2. To the facility or audience, courteous acceptance and compliance with its wishes.

3. To the Society of Marijuana Anonymous; namely, conducting ourselves in a manner above

reproach, to ensure that we will not say or do anything that will reflect unfavorably upon the
Committee or MA as a whole.

Since our public relations policy is one of attraction rather than promotion, we serve these facilities
at the invitation of the administration, ever conscious of our 6th Tradition (COOPERATION NOT
AFFILIATION).

As members of this Committee, we cannot, and do not, speak for MA; however, each of us who
participates is automatically representative of MA. We maintain our sobriety through adherence to a
program embodied in our Twelve Steps of Recovery, and try to practice these principles in all our
affairs. In view of this, we will:

1. Make sure EVERY MA promise is kept.

2. Respect all rules and regulations as outlined by the Administration.

3. Respect full anonymity of others at all times.

4. Not intercede on behalf of any individual or group of individuals affected by the decisions of
the facility.
5. Not engage in any controversy over management, treatment or personnel; being ever mindful
of the purpose of this committee.
6. Not serve as a go-between for someone who is on the inside to someone on the outside or
vice versa.
7. Refrain from using profanity, inappropriate jokes, prolonged monologues of drug stories, and

MA SERVICE MANUAL REVISION 4.1 PAGE 39

 other types of self-indulgence.

8. Refrain from talk about medication, psychiatry, or scientific theories of marijuana addiction.
This is the territory of professionals.

9. Remember that MA is a spiritual, not a religious program. Though it is appropriate to share

our own spiritual experience, it is not appropriate to endorse any specific religion.

10. Remember that we are MA to people in that facility. Our language, appearance, manners, and
mood all affect other people's opinion of our fellowship. Our behavior can make sure MA is
always welcome. This may sound trite, but it is true - we may be the only copy of the Steps
and Traditions many people will ever see.

M.A. PANEL/SECRETARY FORMAT 

Hi, my name is ________________ and I'm a marijuana addict.

We would like to start this meeting with the Serenity Prayer.

GOD, GRANT ME THE SERENITY TO ACCEPT THE THINGS I CANNOT CHANGE; THE
COURAGE TO CHANGE THE THINGS I CAN; AND THE WISDOM TO KNOW THE
DIFFERENCE.

(PREAMBLE)
Marijuana Anonymous is a fellowship of men and women who share our experience, strength, and
hope with each other that we may solve our common problem and help others to recover from
marijuana addiction.

The only requirement for membership is a desire to stop using marijuana. There are no dues or fees
for membership. We are self-supporting through our own contributions. MA is not affiliated with
any religious or secular institution or organization and has no opinion on any outside controversies
or causes. Our primary purpose is to stay free of marijuana and to help the marijuana addict who still
suffers achieve the same freedom. We can do this by practicing our suggested twelve steps of
recovery and by being guided as a group by our twelve traditions.

I need a volunteer to read: "WHO IS A MARIJUANA ADDICT"

"THE 12 QUESTIONS"
"HOW IT WORKS"

OPTIONAL: Now, let's go around and have everyone introduce themselves. We ask that you listen
to our stories. There will be time for questions at the end. No cross-talk, please.

(Panel - Each of the speakers share their experience, strength and hope via their personal story.)

We now have time for questions.

Our time is up for now.

I would now like to ask someone to read "THE 12 TRADITIONS".

MA SERVICE MANUAL REVISION 4.1 PAGE 40

Please join us in the Closing Prayer (Selected by Secretary)

TO ALL PANEL/SECRETARIES: 

To insure good results from panels and meetings conducted by the Hospitals and Institutions
Committee, all panel leader/secretaries and speakers should endeavor to comply with these
suggestions. (These suggestions come as a result of "experiences" in this type of 12-Step work,
combined with suggestions from staff members. THEY ARE NOT PERSONAL OPINIONS.)

1. ELIGIBILITY OF PERSONS PARTICIPATING IN HOSPITAL AND INSTITUTION

PANELS/MEETINGS:

13. Length of sobriety defined as abstinence from marijuana and all other mind altering
substances, including alcohol: Panel Leader/ Secretary, ONE YEAR minimum;
Speakers, NINETY DAYS minimum. We realize that in some localities it is not
always possible to carry this out, but it should be adhered to as closely as
circumstances permit.
14. Persons who have once been patients of State Hospitals: it is advisable that these
persons not be taken back to the hospital from which they were released for at least
six months. This preference is due solely to consideration of the possible harm that
might be done.

2. PANEL LEADERS/SECRETARIES SHOULD ALWAYS BE AWARE OF THE

FOLLOWING:

1. No individual member should accept appointments with doctors or other staff

members of a hospital or institution to discuss procedural problems. If such a question
arises, it should be referred to the panel leader/secretary and, if necessary, to the H&I
Committee.
2. Visiting hospitals and institutions is a privilege extended to us. If anyone, any time,
violates the rules or regulations set by the administration, our privileges may be
revoked.
3. We should avoid any promises, expressed or implied, that we do not intend to, or
cannot, keep. Patients and inmates often approach visitors for support of their
opinions of staff or policy. This is NOT our business. We have no basis for criticism
and should not express an opinion of treatment being given or not being given, nor
should we voice criticism of any administration staff.
4. As members of the H&I Committee, we will not involve ourselves in any other
activity at any institution this Committee serves, thus avoiding possible conflict and
resulting damage to:

A. The inmate, patient, or audience the committee is addressing.

B. The ability and privilege of the Committee to carry the message.
C. The integrity of our 6th and 8th Traditions.

MA SERVICE MANUAL REVISION 4.1 PAGE 41

 5. No member will interfere or use any influence in any institution, court, or hospital;
nor with any judge, doctor, probation officer, or parole officer. Nor will we make any
comment or promises regarding employment, parole, probation, or medical problems
for any inmate or inmates. We carry only the message of Marijuana Anonymous.

CLEARANCE: 

The requirements to obtain a clearance to attend Hospital and Institution MA meetings in

correctional facilities are not standardized.

The District Coordinator for each institution is responsible for the distribution of clearance forms
and procedures to each Panel Leader/Secretary.

There may be clearance restrictions in the case of H&I members who have a prior record of
confinement.

In no case will any member of the H&I Committee attempt to circumvent the clearance procedures
of any institution to gain admittance for an unauthorized person.

FUNDS: 

Funds for literature and supplies used by Hospital and Institution Panels and Meetings are the sole
responsibilities of District H&I Committees and District Service Committees.

LITERATURE: 

In an effort to carry the message of MA through its literature to hospitals and institutions, H&I
panels are encouraged to appropriately provide institutions with literature. Facilities guidelines
regarding distribution of literature must be adhered to.

THE HOSPITAL AND INSTITUTION REGULATIONS RELATING TO VISITING PRIVILEGES: 

Visitors are not permitted to give anything to, or receive anything from, an inmate or patient while
visiting.

Visitors are permitted to speak only with the inmate or patient groups they are visiting.

Former inmates of any California Correctional Institution, or any State or Federal Prison, are in
violation of the California Penal Code if they enter one of the California Institutions without
prearranged permission from the Warden or Superintendent. Violation could result in a term of one
to five years in prison, a $5,000 fine, or both. Similar laws exist in other states.

Violation of any Hospital or Institution regulation may result in the prohibition of further visiting
privileges.

Panel Leaders/Secretaries must brief speakers on basic rule requirements prior to attendance at
Hospital or Institution meetings. Visitors may face some additional necessary screening at the

MA SERVICE MANUAL REVISION 4.1 PAGE 42

entrance gate. Pocket knives, metal objects, and other items that may be contraband must be locked
in autos prior to visit. Auto keys, personal wallets, and personal tobacco supplies may be kept on
your person during visit. Inappropriate mingling with the patients or inmates is not allowed, nor
messages of any kind, from or to the confined person, in violation of facility rules. We call your
attention to the fact that OBSCENE, PROFANE, AND OTHER OFFENSIVE LANGUAGE WILL
NOT BE TOLERATED IN ANY FACILITY. Your facility host stands ready to clarify or advise
you on matters not otherwise clearly outlined.

Your participation in the institutional visitation program of MA is a most helpful contribution. To

avoid oversights and confusion, if you are unable to keep your date as scheduled, NOTIFY YOUR
PANEL LEADER/ SECRETARY.

AREA OFFICES:  TERMS ‐ QUALIFICATIONS ‐ RESPONSIBILITIES 

PANEL LEADER/SECRETARY: 

The Panel Leader/Secretary is selected by the District Coordinator.

TERM: No Specific time limit.

QUALIFICATIONS:

It is suggested the Panel/Secretary have one year of continuous abstinence from marijuana
and all other mind altering substances, including alcohol, and six months of H&I Committee
activity.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

The Panel Leader/Secretary will:

Conduct the MA Panel/Meeting in a specific facility, at the appointed time. Failure to fulfill a
Panel Leader/Secretary commitment may result in removal from the position.

Be familiar with the rules governing the specific facility so far as visitors are concerned and
with the rules of their H&I Committee.

Brief their speakers and visitors regarding rules, regulations, and privileges, and will not
hesitate to inquire if there is any reason why a particular person should NOT enter the
facility, and is responsible to the District H&I Coordinator wherein the facility is located.

Alert the District H&I Coordinator to any problems - real, imagined, or potential - in order
that the District Service Committee will be continually aware of developments in the
particular facility.

Not replace himself or herself, but may suggest a replacement to the District Coordinator for
consideration.

MA SERVICE MANUAL REVISION 4.1 PAGE 43

DISTRICT H&I COORDINATOR 

The District H&I Coordinator is elected by the local District Service Committee.

TERM: One year.

QUALIFICATIONS:

It is suggested the District H&I Coordinator have one year of continuous abstinence from
marijuana and all other mind altering substances, including alcohol, and six months of active
H&I Committee participation.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

The District H&I Coordinator will:

Be responsible for coordination of all H&I activities in his or her district.

Maintain communication with the World H&I Chair/Trustee, serve as a filter for local
problems, engage in limited public relations within his or her district, and designate
responsibility in order that all meetings at facilities in his or her district will be covered.

Conduct regularly scheduled meetings and is responsible for providing H&I Handbooks
consisting of suggested format and guidelines.

Establish and maintain communication with the District Service Committee.

Conduct regular orientation meetings for potential Panel Leaders/Secretaries and speakers.

The mechanics of setting up a district H&I Committee are optional with these exceptions:

1. THE TWELVE TRADITIONS ARE NOT TO BE VIOLATED.

2. REGULAR DISTRICT H&I COMMITTEE MEETINGS MUST NOT BE
DISCONTINUED.

MAWS H&I COMMITTEE CHAIR: 

The World Services H&I Committee Chair/Trustee is elected/appointed at the annual MAWS
Conference.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

The World Services H&I Committee Chair/Trustee will:

Coordinate all Hospital & Institution Committee activities.

Personally handle, together with the Public Information Chair/Trustee, all public relations
contact involving policy matters and/or interpretation at the public level.

MA SERVICE MANUAL REVISION 4.1 PAGE 44

 Handle all matters affecting the H&I Committee in connection with Marijuana Anonymous.

Be responsible for correspondence within the committee involving policy matters.

Assist the individual districts in forming H&I Committees.

Designate one or more persons to act in his or her behalf or on the behalf of the committee, if
desired.

NOTE: Should misunderstandings or disagreements within the committee be deemed important

enough to be called to the attention of the individual districts, his or her judgment will be accepted
pending Board of Trustees approval.

WHO IS A MARIJUANA ADDICT? 

We who are marijuana addicts know the answer to this question. Marijuana controls our lives! We
lose interest in all else; our dreams go up in smoke. Ours is a progressive illness often leading us to
addictions to other drugs, including alcohol. Our lives, our thinking, and our desires center around
marijuana - scoring it, dealing it, and finding ways to stay high.

TWELVE QUESTIONS TO DETERMINE 
WHETHER MARIJUANA IS A PROBLEM 
IN YOUR LIFE 

1. Has smoking pot stopped being fun?

2. Do you ever get high alone?
3. Is it hard for you to imagine a life without marijuana?
4. Do you find that your friends are determined by your marijuana use?
5. Do you smoke marijuana to avoid dealing with your problems?
6. Do you smoke pot to cope with your feelings?
7. Does your marijuana use let you live in a privately defined world?
8. Have you ever failed to keep promises you made about cutting down or controlling
your dope smoking?
9. Has your use of marijuana caused problems with memory, concentration, or
motivation?
10. When your stash is nearly empty, do you feel anxious or worried about how to get
more?
11. Do you plan your life around your marijuana use?
12. Have friends or relatives ever complained that your pot smoking is damaging your
relationship with them?
If you answered yes to one or more of these questions, you may have a problem with pot.

MA SERVICE MANUAL REVISION 4.1 PAGE 45

 Marijuana Anonymous 
 
HOW IT WORKS* 

The practice of rigorous honesty, of opening our hearts and minds, and the willingness to go to any
lengths to have a spiritual awakening are essential to our recovery.

Our old ideas and ways of life no longer work for us. Our suffering shows us that we need to let go
absolutely. We surrender ourselves to a Power greater than ourselves.

Here are the steps we take which are suggested for recovery:

1. We admitted we were powerless over marijuana, that our lives had become
unmanageable.
2. Came to believe that a Power greater than ourselves could restore us to sanity.
3. Made a decision to turn our will and our lives over to the care of God, as we
understood God.
4. Made a searching and fearless moral inventory of ourselves.
5. Admitted to God, to ourselves, and to another human being the exact nature of our
wrongs.
6. Were entirely ready to have God remove all these defects of character.
7. Humbly asked God to remove our shortcomings.
8. Made a list of all persons we had harmed, and became willing to make amends to
them all.
9. Made direct amends to such people wherever possible, except when to do so would
injure them or others.
10. Continued to take personal inventory and when we were wrong, promptly admitted it.
11. Sought through prayer and meditation to improve our conscious contact with God, as
we understood God, praying only for knowledge of God's will for us and the power to
carry that out.
12. Having had a spiritual awakening as the result of these steps, we tried to carry this
message to marijuana addicts and to practice these principles in all our affairs.

Do not be discouraged, none of us are saints. Our program is not easy, but it is simple. We strive for
progress, not perfection. Our experiences, before and after we entered recovery, teach us three
important ideas:

That we are marijuana addicts and cannot manage our own lives;
That probably no human power can relieve our addiction; and
That our Higher Power can and will if sought.

* Approved for Meeting Format by the General Service Conference of Marijuana Anonymous,
February 1990.

Marijuana Anonymous 
 
THE TWELVE TRADITIONS OF MARIJUANA ANONYMOUS* 

MA SERVICE MANUAL REVISION 4.1 PAGE 46

 1. Our common welfare should come first; personal recovery depends upon MA unity.

2. For our group purpose there is but one ultimate authority, a loving God whose
expression may come through in our group conscience. Our leaders are but trusted
servants; they do not govern.
3. The only requirement for membership is a desire to stop using marijuana.
4. Each group should be autonomous except in matters affecting other groups or MA as
a whole.

5. Each group has but one primary purpose, to carry its message to the marijuana addict
who still suffers.

6. MA groups ought never endorse, finance, or lend the MA name to any related facility
or outside enterprise, lest problems of money, property, and prestige divert us from
our primary purpose.

7. Every MA group ought to be fully self-supporting, declining outside contributions.

8. Marijuana Anonymous should remain forever nonprofessional, but our service centers
may employ special workers.

9. MA, as such, ought never be organized, but we may create service boards or
committees directly responsible to those they serve.

10. Marijuana Anonymous has no opinion on outside issues; hence the MA name ought
never be drawn into public controversy.
11. Our public relations policy is based upon attraction rather than promotion; we need
always maintain personal anonymity at the level of press, radio, t.v., film, and other
public media. We need guard with special care the anonymity of all fellow MA
members.
12. Anonymity is the spiritual foundation of all our traditions, ever reminding us to place
principles before personalities.

* Approved by the General Service Conference of Marijuana Anonymous, October 1989 and World Service Conference,
May 1992.

MA SERVICE MANUAL REVISION 4.1 PAGE 47

 DANGERS OF CROSS ADDICTION 

As stated in our third tradition, the only requirement for membership in Marijuana Anonymous is a
desire to stop using marijuana. There is no mention of any other drugs or alcohol. This is to adhere
to the "singleness of purpose" concept, but many of us have found that the only way that we can
keep our sobriety is to abstain from all mind and mood altering chemicals, including alcohol.

When we give up the drug of our choice, a void is created. The initial struggle to abstain from
marijuana use often leaves us vulnerable. To fill this void we may start to use, or increase the use of,
other substances such as alcohol, cocaine, pills, or other self-prescribed drugs. Although we may not
now be addicted to these substances, their use can lower our inhibitions, leaving us open to repeating
old patterns of thinking and behaving that can lead back to marijuana use. The fact that we became
addicted to marijuana reflects a tendency towards behavior that may lead to cross addiction or
substitution addiction to these substances.

To reiterate, the only requirement for membership is a desire to stop using marijuana. It is important,
however, to recognize the potential to create one problem as we strive to recover from another.

Marijuana Anonymous

H-01 6/93 MA CONFERENCE APPROVED

MA SERVICE MANUAL REVISION 4.1 PAGE 48

 Chapter 19 
PUBLIC INFORMATION MANUAL 

Suggested Guidelines 

CONFERENCE APPROVED 
1999 
 
 
FIRST PRINTING ‐ NOVEMBER 1996 
ADDENDUM ADDED SEPTEMBER 2009 
(REVISED EDITION – MAY 2012) 

MA SERVICE MANUAL REVISION 4.1 PAGE 49

INTRODUCTION 

The purpose of this manual is to assist the various districts, as well as meetings outside of geographic
districts in MA, with the creation and implementation of an effective public information program.
The object of Public Information is to carry our message to the general public. If a person has a
problem with marijuana, MA may be able to help. But MA cannot help if our organization is
unknown.

As Marijuana Anonymous grows, we will receive inquiries from all types of outside interests. These
include, but are not limited to, the following: employee assistance programs, newspapers, television
stations, schools, and callers who want to start new meetings. These are a few suggestions to keep in
mind when talking to the general public:

When doing PI work, be aware that you represent MA policy and not your personal opinions. In
addition, take special care to maintain personal anonymity when dealing with the media (e.g. using
first name only).

Determine if the inquiry is something that would best be handled by World Services. If there is ever a
question of responsibility regarding an inquiry, then the best course of action would be to consult the
World Services PI Trustee (publicinformation@[Link]).

Keep in mind that this MA Public Information Manual is to be used as a guide and is intended to be
updated regularly as MA grows and new means of “carrying the message” become available.

GETTING STARTED  

First, a district will elect a Public Information Chair who is responsible for all contact with the public
and various media outlets. In addition a PI Committee should be formed. The Chair and the
Committee work together to carry the message. When a meeting is started outside of an established
district, dedicated members can do PI outreach in their community following these guidelines.
Informing the community of MA’s presence is essential.

There are many ways for districts and meetings to reach out to their communities.
These techniques include, but are not limited to:

1. Posting flyers and distribution of literature

2. Internet: e.g. Craigslist and other local listings
3. Radio: Interviews, Public Service Announcements (PSAs)
4. Television and Cable Stations: Interviews, Video PSAs
5. Listings
6. Mass Mailings

Samples of PSAs, listings and other outreach materials can be found at the end of this chapter.

Posting Flyers and Distribution of Literature

MA SERVICE MANUAL REVISION 4.1 PAGE 50

All members can post flyers on local bulletin boards and distribute them in the community.
The PI Chair and committee members take literature, pamphlets and meeting schedules to local
libraries, schools, hospitals, recovery centers, etc. See sample flyers at the end of this chapter.

This is a “grassroots” approach to Public Information.

INTERNET 

Letting the community know about MA through the Internet is potentially the cheapest and most
effective way to “carry the message.” Possibilities for using the Internet for Public Information are
extensive and include the following:

 Weekly postings of meetings and contact information on Craigslist and

other community bulletin boards.
 Mass e-mailing: These can be sent to any of the
individuals/organizations listed in the mass mailing section below.
 Links: MA World Services has determined that our web page cannot
link to any outside organizations. However, other organizations may create links from their
sites to ours.
 District Web Sites: For questions or suggestions regarding web site
construction, please
 consult the Internet Trustee (internet@[Link]).

RADIO  

Public Service Announcements. The World Service Conference has approved a number of PSAs (see
end of chapter). These announcements come in the form of scripts to be read by on-air staff at radio
stations. Proof of MA’s non-profit status may be required by certain radio stations. These can be
obtained from the MAWS Office Manager(office@[Link]). When calling a radio
station, ask for the Public Service Director. It may be difficult to reach this person, but don’t give up!
Radio stations have a constant turnover of PSAs. Therefore, it is a good idea to submit PSAs
regularly.

If a radio station calls requesting a member of MA to participate in a radio talk show, we have found
that sending two members works best. We suggest that each have at least two years of recovery and a
working knowledge of MA’s Steps and Traditions. If you have any questions about appropriate
content or conduct, please contact the World Service PI Trustee (publicinformation@marijuana-
[Link]).

TELEVISION 

We suggest that any member who is invited to appear on television consult the PI trustee
(publicinformation@[Link]) on issues regarding adherence to our Traditions.
Again, special care must be exercised regarding personal anonymity.

MA SERVICE MANUAL REVISION 4.1 PAGE 51

Video Public Service Announcements. A video PSA was approved by the 2003 MAWS conference
and copies can be obtained from World Services (office@[Link]) for use on local
TV stations or Internet.

Cable TV Community Bulletin Boards. Some local cable stations have a community bulletin board
where PSAs or information about meetings might be aired.

LISTINGS (PAPER‐BASED) 

 Newspapers: Meeting locations/times may be listed in local

newspapers, in the Community section. This is often a free listing.
 Phone books: It may be useful to list your local MA district/area phone
number in the white and yellow pages. Make sure the phone number is accessible through
411-directory assistance. (Depending on your local phone company these listings may or
may not be free).
 Resource Directories: PI committees may request that MA’s phone
number be listed in the directories of drug abuse prevention organizations, city and state
social service agencies, other 12-Step programs, and self help groups.

MASS MAILINGS (PAPER OR E‐MAIL) 

WHO DO WE SEND MAILINGS TO?

Mass mailings can be sent to individuals and organizations such as:

 Schools, Colleges and Universities (public and private)

 Psychologists, Psychiatrists, MFCCs, Drug Counselors, etc.
 Treatment Centers and Rehabs
 Medical Doctors
 Employee Assistance Programs
 Police, drug courts, probation and parole officers
 “Court Card” Programs
 Clergy
 Community and Teen Centers
 Veterans Administration Hospitals and Centers

WHAT DO WE SEND OUT?

Mailings should be tailored to include material that will be most useful to the recipient. Some
examples of mass mailing contents:

 Cover letter (see samples at end of chapter)

 Meeting Schedule

MA SERVICE MANUAL REVISION 4.1 PAGE 52

  Flyers
 Suggested pamphlets and hand-outs:
“Introduction to MA”
“For the Newcomer”
“Why MA?”
“Sharing our Experience, Strength and Hope”
“12 Questions of Marijuana Anonymous”

HOW DO WE SEND PAPER MAILINGS?

The simplest way is by first class mail. If a large mailing is desired, a district/area may consider
getting a bulk mail permit which allows a non-profit organization, like MA, better rates. Contact your
local post office for details.

It is also a good idea to create a log of mass mailings: what was sent out, to whom, and when. This
can be used to help the current PI Chair in determining any future course of action, as well as to
ensure continuity when a new Chair is elected.

FOLLOW-UP is an essential aspect of PI outreach.

WHERE DO WE GET THE ADDRESSES?

There are many sources of information from which you can get names and addresses for your
mailing:

 Internet Search Engines

 Phone book
 Library
 Resource Directories: These publications may have names and
addresses of psychological professionals, counselors, treatment centers, etc.
 Courts: They may have listings of “Court Card” programs.
 Mailing Lists: This is a more costly way to get addresses. However,
mailing list companies can tailor a mailing list by zip code, by profession and by size. Mailing
list prices may be offset by purchasing a list and splitting the cost with a nearby district or
area.

A few last suggestions:

 Whenever you are working on a PI project, check that all information,

including literature, meeting schedules and phone numbers are current.

 Remember: FOLLOW-UP is an essential aspect of all PI outreach!

 Some districts are located in the same general area covered by the same
radio and television stations and/or newspapers. These districts may choose to work together
to share costs and to eliminate duplication of efforts. Inter-district cooperation can also be
used as means of assisting nearby districts that are struggling with their PI programs.

MA SERVICE MANUAL REVISION 4.1 PAGE 53

AREA OFFICES: SUGGESTED TERMS ‐ QUALIFICATIONS ‐ RESPONSIBILITIES  

DISTRICT PI COORDINATOR  

The District PI Coordinator is elected by the local DSC members.

TERM: One year. Limit: 2 Terms.

QUALIFICATIONS:

It is suggested that the District PI Coordinator have one year of continuous abstinence from
marijuana and all mind-altering substances, including alcohol, and six months of active PI Committee
participation.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

The District PI Coordinator will perform the following tasks:

- Be responsible for coordination of all PI activities in his or her area.

- Serve as a filter for local problems and engage in a limited public relations capacity within his or
her area.
- Conduct regularly scheduled meetings and be responsible for the formation of subcommittees to
assist with PI activities.
- Establish and maintain inter-district communication.

The mechanics of setting up an area program are optional with one exception:
All public Information work should be guided by our Twelve Traditions.

MAWS PI COMMITTEE CHAIR/TRUSTEE  

The World Services PI Committee Chair/Trustee is elected/appointed at the annual MAWS

Conference.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

The World Services PI Committee Chair/Trustee will perform the following tasks:

- Be responsible for coordinating all PI Committee activities.

- Personally handle, together with the H&I Chair/Trustee, all public relations contact involving policy
matters and/or interpretation at the public level.
- Handle all matters affecting the PI Committee in connection with Marijuana Anonymous.
- Be responsible for correspondence within the committee involving policy matters.
- Designate (as needed) one or more persons to act on his or her behalf or on the behalf of the
committee.

MA SERVICE MANUAL REVISION 4.1 PAGE 54

 PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENTS (PSAs)  

To be sent with a letter or by e-mail, introducing Marijuana Anonymous and explaining what MA is
(non-profit, no dues or fees, etc.). Include the name of MA’s local contact person. Give the "Release
Date" (whatever the date is) and the "Cancel Date" ("Until Further Notice" is acceptable if no date is
wanted).

EXAMPLES:

15 Seconds:
If you’ve tried to stop using marijuana, but keep going back to it, there is help. Marijuana
Anonymous is a group dedicated to drug-free living. There are no fees, so call 800-766-6779 for the
time and location of the nearest meeting.

15 Seconds:
If you are addicted to marijuana and would like to quit, call Marijuana Anonymous. This Twelve
Step program is specifically for marijuana abusers. It is free, so call now for the time and location for
a meeting nearest you. 800-766-6779.

30 Seconds:
Is your marijuana use affecting your life? Many people have found marijuana to be a powerful
addictive drug. If you would like to stop using, there is hope. Call Marijuana Anonymous at 800-766-
6779 to find help. A new way of life is possible with the support of a Twelve Step group. Call for the
time and location of the Marijuana Anonymous meeting nearest you at 800-766-6779.

ADDITIONAL PSAs  (Adopted by the 2005 Conference)  

1. "What is Marijuana Anonymous? We are a group of men and women who have lost the ability to
control our marijuana use and have problems that relate directly or indirectly to marijuana. We share
experience, strength and hope with each other so that we can recover from our addiction to marijuana
as well as help others recover. Contact Marijuana Anonymous at [Link] or
800 766 6779."

2. "If you find it difficult to control your marijuana use, if you think about using marijuana even
when you are not, or if you have broken promises to yourself or others about limiting or stopping
your use, you MAY be an addict. ONLY you can decide. Contact Marijuana Anonymous at
[Link] or 800 766 6779.

3. “Do you ever get high alone? Do you smoke marijuana to avoid dealing with your problems? Do
you smoke pot to cope with your feelings? If you answered yes to one or more of these questions,
you MAY have a problem with pot. Contact Marijuana Anonymous at [Link]-
[Link] or 800 766 6779.”

4. "Have you ever failed to keep promises you made about cutting down or controlling your dope
smoking? When your stash is nearly empty, do you feel anxious or worried about how to get more?
Have friends or relatives ever complained about your pot smoking damaging your relationship with
them? If you answered yes to one or more of these questions, you MAY have a problem with pot.

MA SERVICE MANUAL REVISION 4.1 PAGE 55

Contact Marijuana Anonymous at [Link] or 800 766 6779."

5. "Ever asked yourself… „Could I be addicted to marijuana?‟ This is a serious question, and a very
common one. Marijuana Anonymous is a 12-Step fellowship offering a solution for those who choose
to come to terms with the nature of their problem. If you find it difficult to control your pot smoking,
if you think about it even when you're not using, or if you've broken promises about limiting or
stopping your smoking, you MAY be an addict. ONLY YOU can discover the truth. No one in
Marijuana Anonymous will decide for you. One thing is certain. You're NOT alone! Reach out and
contact Marijuana Anonymous at [Link] or 800 766 6779."

6. "Do you think you might be addicted to marijuana? Marijuana Anonymous has ______________
meetings per week in the ___________ area. Call 800 766 6779 or visit [Link]-
[Link] for more information."

MA SERVICE MANUAL REVISION 4.1 PAGE 56

 MEETING

MA SERVICE MANUAL REVISION 4.1 PAGE 57

 PLEASE  NOTE:  This  is  a  preview  of  the  actual  flier  which  is  available  from  the  Office 
Manager  and  the  Marijuana  Anonymous  website  at  [Link]
[Link]/[Link]. 
MA SERVICE MANUAL REVISION 4.1 PAGE 58
MINI‐CARD IN USE BY DISTRICT 4 AT TIME OF 2012 CONFERENCE.  THE INFORMATION DISPLAYED SHOULD 
NOT BE TAKEN AS ACCURATE.  THIS IS FOR EXAMPLE ONLY. 
THE CARD IS NOT DISPLAYED TO SCALE.

MA SERVICE MANUAL REVISION 4.1 PAGE 59

 MINI‐CARD IN USE BY DISTRICT 8 AT TIME OF 2010 CONFERENCE.  THE INFORMATION DISPLAYED 
SHOULD NOT BE TAKEN AS ACCURATE.  THIS IS FOR EXAMPLE ONLY. 
THE CARD IS NOT DISPLAYED TO SCALE.

MA SERVICE MANUAL REVISION 4.1 PAGE 60

 Chapter 20 
THE THIRD LEGACY PROCEDURE 

The Third Legacy Procedure is the method used for selection of Delegates and Trustees. The purpose
of the special procedure is to eliminate, as much as possible, the role of personality, ego, and
competition in the process of selection of Delegates and Trustees.

In the traditional electoral process, a candidate declares or is nominated for office and then actively
campaigns for the position. The candidate invests an often considerable personal interest in obtaining
the position. The successful candidate experiences ego gratification; the unsuccessful candidate
experiences personal rejection.

For the recovering addicts in MA, the traditional electoral process is risky, and has the potential to
damage the unity that is an important part of our recovery program. Our Third Legacy procedure
removes, as much as possible, the elements of declaration and competition for our trusted servant
office.

The Third Legacy Procedure is as follows:

RULES AND PROCEDURES 

1. The names of persons who meet the requirements for the service commitment are
placed on an eligibility list.

2. Candidates may strike their name from the list at any time

3. To vote, each voting member writes the names of their chosen candidates (from the
current eligibility list) on a secret ballot.

4. For each round of voting, voters must write the exact number of names as there are
positions to be filled (i.e., if there are three Trustee positions available, voting
members must write the names of three candidates on their ballot). As positions are
filled, the number of names required on each ballot will change.

5. Errors made by voters regarding 3 or 4 above shall require that the vote be discarded,
and a new vote taken.

THE PROCESS 

1. The FIRST VOTE is taken. Any person receiving two-thirds or more of the votes is
elected. (N.B.: This vote may result in no one being elected.)

2. A SECOND VOTE is taken (if required). Any person receiving two-thirds or more
votes is elected. If all available positions are not filled, ‘automatic withdrawals”
begin. The names of candidates receiving ONE-FIFTH or fewer of the votes are

MA SERVICE MANUAL REVISION 4.1 PAGE 61

 removed from the eligibility list. However, the number of candidates remaining must
not be less than the number of positions still available plus one. (Candidates receiving
the most votes are retained to satisfy this requirement. There may be cases where
candidates who did not receive one-fifth of the votes remain on the list.)

3. A THIRD VOTE is taken (if required). Any person receiving two-thirds or more of
the votes is elected. If all available positions are not filled, the names of candidates
receiving ONE-THIRD or fewer of the votes of the votes are removed from the
eligibility list. However, the number of candidates remaining must not be less than the
number of positions still available plus one. (Candidates who received the most votes
are retained to satisfy this requirement. There may be cases where the candidates who
did not receive one-third of the votes remain on the list.)

4. A FOURTH VOTE is taken (if required). Any person receiving two-thirds or more of
the votes is elected. If, at this point, positions remain unfilled, the names of candidates
receiving ONE_THIRD or fewer of the votes are removed from the eligibility list.
However, the number of candidates remaining must not be less than the number of
positions still available plus one. (Candidates who received the most votes are
retained to satisfy this requirement. There may be cases where candidates who did not
receive one-third of the votes remain on the list. The chairperson then entertains a
motion to:
a) stop balloting and draw remaining names from the hat; or
b) conduct and fifth and final vote.

If (4a) above carries, the remaining names go into a hat, and positions are filled in the
order that the names are drawn:

5. If (4b) carries, a FINAL VOTE is taken. Any person receiving two-thirds or more of
the votes is elected. If no election is made, remaining names go into the hat, and
positions are filled in the order that the names are drawn.

Chapter 21 
EVENTS AND FUND‐RAISING 

1. EVENTS 

In keeping with our fourth tradition, Marijuana Anonymous World Services recognizes that it has no
right to control the activities of districts and individual groups. Therefore, districts and groups are
free to have social events at their own choosing; however, they may not utilize the Marijuana
Anonymous name on any fliers or other promotional material.

Additionally, as stated in Tradition 5 of Life With Hope, it is recommended that a meeting or

recovery-oriented workshop is held as social events.

Marijuana Anonymous' only approved activities are meetings, District Service Committee meetings,
the Marijuana Anonymous World Service Conference, and MA Conventions.

MA SERVICE MANUAL REVISION 4.1 PAGE 62

2. SUGGESTED DISTRICT SPECIAL EVENTS 

July - Seventh Tradition Month:

Basket is passed a second time at each meeting and monies collected kept separate from meeting's
seventh tradition. At the end of the month, monies from all meetings in the district are sent to DSC
meeting, counted and sent directly to MAWS.
December - Twelfth Step Month:
Old-timers (those with multiple years of sobriety) are invited to speak at meetings, in an effort to
reach out to those who may have wandered away from MA, and invite them to share their experience
and encourage their renewed participation.

3. FUND‐RAISING 

The seventh tradition of Marijuana Anonymous states that we are proudly self-supporting through our
own contributions. Therefore, any fund-raising must be wholly within the society of Marijuana
Anonymous.

If an individual member or group of members wants to have a fund-raiser directed to persons not in
Marijuana Anonymous, such as a yard sale, and then donate the proceeds to Marijuana Anonymous,
they may do so; however, they may not utilize the Marijuana Anonymous name on any fliers or other
promotional material.

The sale of literature and other Marijuana Anonymous merchandise does not violate the seventh
tradition so long as it also adheres to our primary purpose of carrying the message stated in our fifth
tradition. It may become necessary to create a separate profit center for any literature or memorabilia
sold (such as the "A New Leaf").

Chapter 22 
CONVENTION GUIDELINES 

Conventions are events where we come together to celebrate our recovery in Marijuana Anonymous
and enjoy the fellowship of others. Each Convention (and the host planning committee) should follow
the same 12 Traditions that are followed at the group and district levels.

At the MAWS 1996 Conference, a motion passed that stated “The MA Convention host district(s)
will be determined two calendar years in advance at the MAWS Conference.”

If Convention hosts are not determined two calendar years in advance, a district may make it’s desire
known to the Trustees between Conferences to serve as host. To ensure that such District have
adequate time for planning and fundraising, the Trustees may vote for interim approval of that
District as Convention host, which would then be ratified by the Conference body at the next
occurring Conference.

Between Conferences, districts discuss their desire to host a Convention at their DSC (and at their
individual meetings) and bring that group conscience to the next Conference. The decision to host a

MA SERVICE MANUAL REVISION 4.1 PAGE 63

Convention should have the support of as many of the district(s) members as possible.

As stated in another 1996 Conference motion, delegates of districts not hosting a Convention serve as
liaisons between their district and the district hosting the next year’s Convention.

While the primary purpose of a Convention is not to raise money for MAWS, Convention hosts have
historically donated some or all of the profits from a Convention to MA World Services. In fact, a
1995 Motion stated that all monies in excess of $1000 should be donated to World Services. The
remaining $1000 serves as “seed money” to be passed to the next year’s Convention host, or to
World Services, which can then pass the money to the next year’s Convention host. This tradition of
passing seed money on to the next Convention host began after our first Convention in 1995.

It is preferred that a Convention Host District use its own established bank account, but records must
be kept which separate convention funds from the District’s basic operating funds. If a bank account
(existing or new) is used which utilizes the MAWS Tax ID #, accurate bookkeeping records must be
submitted in a timely manner to the MAWS Treasurer.

TYPES OF CONVENTIONS 

Since the first convention in 1995, MA World Services has officially endorsed one Convention per
year, hosted by a district approved at the Conference. However, this does not prevent a group,
district, or region from hosting other Conventions.

The One-day Session: This event usually starts with a welcome meeting followed by MA workshops,
panels, and/or service meetings, depending on the focus of the Convention. There may be a featured
speaker meeting at the end of the event.

The Weekend Convention: This is an ideal format for group, district, or regional Conventions.
Usually an opening meeting on a Friday night, followed by some type of entertainment. Meetings,
workshops, and panels continue through Saturday and Sunday. Typically there is a Saturday night
banquet with a guest speaker and a dance afterward. Men and women’s stag meetings have
historically been held on Sunday morning before a closing session, which may include a sobriety
countdown, birthday cake(s), or a speaker.

PLANNING 

Unless it’s a very small get-together, the work involved in setting up a convention is too much for
any one person. A convenient way of forming the convention committee is simply to appoint a
general chairperson who in turn completes the committee by finding volunteers to chair the various
subcommittees. Another method, which may be used when a number of groups are sponsoring a
convention, is for each group to send a representative to a convention planning meeting. Once the
meeting is in session, these representatives can elect a chairperson from amongst themselves and
assign the rest of the members to specific committees. In some cases conventions may be the
responsibility of the district service committee. In others, the convention committee may be
organized separately. Either method works well if it corresponds with the wishes of the MA group in
that area. Once assembled, the convention committee may be organized along functional lines, with
each chairperson taking responsibility for a phase of the planning. The following is a typical

MA SERVICE MANUAL REVISION 4.1 PAGE 64

example:

Chairperson runs the entire convention by coordinating the work of the subcommittee chairpersons.
Stays on top of the progress of all arrangements. Calls committee meetings as they are needed. Host
District will elect a Convention Chairperson. It is suggested the Convention Chairperson have at least
one year clean and sober, defined as abstinence from marijuana, alcohol, and all other mind altering
substances
Secretary keeps written records, including minutes of committee meetings; sends out notices of
committee meetings to members; and sends invitations to speakers and panel members who lead
various meetings.

Treasurer is responsible for all money, including revenues from registration and banquet tickets;
pays all bills, advises the chairperson on cash supply and income flow, as well as expenditures.
Provides World Services Treasurer with all Convention expense and income information. This
position ought to be filled by a person with a few years of sobriety and some solid business
experience.

Program Chairperson plans the meetings around a convention theme. He or She invites the
speakers and panel members, and makes sure the program is not overloaded with open meetings.

Ticket Chairperson supervises printing and distribution of all registration and raffle tickets, staying
focused on bringing in the collections.

Public Information Chairperson. In the case of a large convention, this person would make sure
that MA’s principle of attraction rather than promotion is followed, and that our anonymity is
protected when contacting the local media.

Entertainment Chairperson arranges the dances/floor shows, and may hire a band, DJ or other
performers. Sometimes local MA members provide entertainment by putting on plays about MA
groups.

Hospitality Chairperson serves as the convention host; and will organize a committee that will greet
out-of-town guests, arrange transportation for them when necessary, and see to any other needs they
may have. Usually hospitality committee members wear special ID badges and are available to
answer questions and provide assistance to attendees.

Literature Chairperson is responsible for displaying MA literature, and working with A New Leaf
Publications to provide subscriptions to A New Leaf, “Life With Hope” books and service manuals.

MA SERVICE MANUAL REVISION 4.1 PAGE 65

PAYING THE BILLS 

The host district(s) or groups agree to be responsible to pay the complete cost of the event, using seed
money and monies collected through fundraising activities. A convention raffle and Convention tee
shirts and merchandise are also great ideas for generating funds. Registration fees for the Convention
can be set at a level sufficient to cover costs of meeting rooms, banquet hall(s), banquet meals, and
entertainment. A good idea is to sell tickets well in advance of the convention.

INSURANCE 

Convention host district(s) or groups will need to acquire liability insurance in accordance with the
guidelines of the venue where the Convention is held. Sometimes the venue itself can provide a
liability insurance policy for a fee. Other times, the Convention host may need to “shop around” in
the community for a liability policy using the limits the venue requires. MA World Services Inc shall
be named as an Insured or Additional Insured on the liability policy.

It should be understood that Marijuana Anonymous does not provide liability insurance for individual
meetings or events, whether they be considered Independent meetings or are part of a District. Such
liability insurance, where required by the hosting facility, must be provided by the meeting or event
as part of its self-supporting responsibilities.

WHAT MAKES A GOOD CONVENTION? 

Convention theme. A central theme or name of the Convention is helpful. Past

themes have been ”Reaching Out Our Hands”, “Stepping Out of the Fog”, “Stepping Into the Light”
“A Recovery Odyssey”, etc.

Main Features. Banquets, Speaker Meetings, Panels and Workshops are the main features of many
Conventions. A 1995 Motion from the MAWS Conference states that “Speakers at the Convention to
qualify as marijuana addicts.

Tradition Adherence. Proactively work to ensure that the Convention adheres to the 12 Traditions
of MA from the planning stages to the completion of the Convention.

“Balance” and ”Flow” are two key words in the planning of a convention program, particularly in
setting up the panels, with one feature following another in a pleasant, logical series. For example,
the first workshop may be on Steps 1-3, followed by a workshop on Steps 4-9, etc.

TIPS ON GOOD CONVENTION MANAGEMENT 

Badges. Registration should flow smoothly so that attendees spend just a few minutes registering and
picking up their badges.

Beverages. There should be plenty of coffee, tea and water for everyone.

Accessibility. Events should be in close proximity to overnight accommodations.

MA SERVICE MANUAL REVISION 4.1 PAGE 66

Hotel and Motel Registrations. Prices and accommodations should be clear on the registration
forms. Allow enough time for early reservations by sending registration forms out in a timely
manner. Don’t assume that all MA members will stay in medium or high-priced places. Include
information on lower priced hotels and motels.

Don’t compete with last year. While it’s good to benefit from the experience of previous conventions,
competition with yourself or others may lead to undo stress and unbalanced budgets.

Chapter 23 
GUIDELINES FOR STARTING A NEW MEETING 
IN AN EXISTING DISTRICT 

This section is a set of guidelines for starting a new meeting within an existing district. It suggests
how the person wishing to sponsor the new meeting (referred to subsequently as the meeting
sponsor), and the district in which the meeting will be held, can work together to bring the meeting
into fruition. If a district is asked to help start a meeting that would be outside their geographic area,
that district should refer the meeting sponsor to MAWS, to be mentored by the New Meeting
Outreach Trustee and the Office Manager. In this case, the meeting would come into being
independently, without district affiliation.

For proposed meetings that will become part of an existing district, the following steps are suggested
as a plan of action:

1. The meeting sponsor finds the meeting place, makes contact with the selected
establishment, and negotiates rent. They may have to use their own money for the first
month’s rent, keeping the receipt, to be reimbursed by 7th Tradition funds.
It should be understood that Marijuana Anonymous does not provide liability
insurance for individual meetings or events, whether they be considered Independent
meetings or are part of a District. Such liability insurance, where required by the
hosting facility, must be provided by the meeting or event as part of its self-supporting
responsibilities.

2. The meeting sponsor picks a time and day of the week for the meeting to be held.
Additionally, they choose the date for the kick-off meeting. It is suggested to choose a
time and day of the week in which are no other meetings in the area. This may help
reduce conflict with other meetings, and ultimately increase attendance.

3. The meeting sponsor creates a flyer. It can be very simple, listing what (new MA
meeting), where (name of place and address), and when (day of the week, time and
start date). The person may also want to put the Preamble on the flyer, or another
excerpt from Conference approved literature.

4. The meeting sponsor makes copies of the flyer (at least enough for each of the GSRs)
and brings them to the district’s next DSC meeting.

If necessary, the meeting sponsor can ask for help on any of the above four items from

MA SERVICE MANUAL REVISION 4.1 PAGE 67

 the district.

The following usually occurs at the next DSC meeting, with the new meeting sponsor
in attendance:

5. The group decides whether or not to adopt the new meeting into the district. If
adopted, the meeting can be added to public information material, such as the phone
line, website, or printed meeting schedules.

6. Conference approved meeting formats (Chapter 4) are made available to the meeting
sponsor. If the start date of the meeting occurs before the meeting sponsor comes to a
DSC meeting, the district can mail it to them. They can also be given a copy of
Chapters 4, 5 and 6 of the Service Manual (Formerly Section II, The Structure of the
Fellowship of MA), which describes meeting features, and each meeting’s
commitment and its suggested guidelines and functions. They can also be guided on
other matters such as contacting MAWS, clean and sober requirements for service
work, and contacting A New Leaf Publications (from which they may order a Service
Manual and Life With Hope books).

7. The person starting the new meeting can pick up free-of-charge pamphlets and A New
Leafs to bring to their meeting.

8. The district can suggest they elect a permanent GSR (which may be the meeting
sponsor until the meeting grows) to return to the DSC meeting the following month.

9. The flyers which were created by the meeting sponsor are to be handed out to all
GSRs, who will later take them to their respective meetings.

The GSRs can return to their meetings with the new meeting information, making regular
announcements about it. Established members throughout the district are encouraged to support
the new meeting by attending. Additional support may include “service sponsors,” helping
mentor the new secretary or others, especially if the new meeting sponsor is in early recovery.

Good Luck!
PART FOUR
WORLD SERVICES

Chapter 24 
THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN 
THE SOCIETY OF M.A. AND THE MAWS CORPORATION 

The Society of MA is an association of individual members and meetings. The meetings and
individual members have created a structure for working together to promote the principles and
purposes of MA. The Group Service Representatives, the Delegates, Trustees, and committee
members all serve at the direction and desire of the membership. All Delegates and officers serve,

MA SERVICE MANUAL REVISION 4.1 PAGE 68

and do not direct, the will of the membership. The officers and directors have no supervisory control
over individual members or groups.

Marijuana Anonymous exists within the boundaries of the general community, and must comply
with the laws and financial requirements of the society. MA as a society must practice rigorous
honesty in the legal and financial world. The requirements of the greater society include tax
obligations, financial accounting, and compliance with laws.

Financial and business transactions are necessary to provide facilities for a Conference, permit
communication among districts and officers, and meet the goals of the 12th step by carrying the
message to the addict who still suffers.

A corporation, MA World Services, Inc. was formed to accomplish the necessary business affairs.
The purpose of the corporation is to provide the business services that are necessary for the Society
of MA to function.

The corporation is a legal entity. It is legally separate and distinct from the Society of MA. The
corporation handles the financial and business matters for MA. It does not set policy for the Society
of MA and does not have the right to control or supervise the activities of individual members or
meetings.

Laws require a corporation to have shareholders, directors, and officers. The shareholders of the
corporation have been defined as the Delegates entitled to vote at the annual Conference. This
includes the Delegates, Trustees, and voting committee chairs. The Trustees of the Society also serve
as Directors of the Corporation.

Tax and corporation laws require that money be fully accounted for and tax returns properly
prepared. Each group and District Service Committee is responsible for its own financial affairs. The
corporation provides business services that are available to local district service committees. The
district can elect to have its financial affairs managed by the corporation. If the district elects to
participate in the corporation, it must meet financial accounting, and other legal and business
standards. These requirements are necessary to satisfy rigorous honesty and to protect the legal
status of the corporation. A district which will not or cannot meet the standards will remain a part of
the Society of MA, but it will not be able to receive business services from the corporation.

The corporation is incorporated under the nonprofit corporation laws of California. It has
further been accepted as a charitable organization under the Internal Revenue Services Code Section
501(C)(3). Contributions to the corporation are tax-deductible.

Chapter 25 
TRUSTEES 

Because world service work requires decisions and actions between Conferences, MAWS has nine
Trustees whose responsibility is to maintain MAWS work during the year. Trustees' responsibilities
are custodial in nature. The board of Trustees defines each Trustee job description, which is fluid in
nature.

MA SERVICE MANUAL REVISION 4.1 PAGE 69

Trustees generally meet online or telephone conference call several times during the year. In these
meetings, they monitor and coordinate the progress of MAWS work being performed by many MA
members and committees throughout the year. Trustees also make interim decisions that cannot wait
until the next Conference.

Trustees are trusted servants; they do not govern. Major decisions that affect MA as a whole, ether
financially, legally, or publicly, are deferred to group conscience as expressed at the MAWS
Conference.

Trustees are elected according to our Third Legacy Procedure (Chapter 20) to one two-year term
with an option for two additional one-year terms. No Trustee may serve more than a four-year
consecutive maximum. Trustees also serve as directors of MAWS, Inc. The By-Laws (Chapter 29)
set forth in detail the terms of office of Trustee.

Our corporate By-Laws require that Trustees have a minimum of two years sobriety, which means
abstinence from marijuana and all mind-altering substances including alcohol. A Trustee's name is
placed on public records of MAWS, Inc. and therefore a Trustee must be prepared to accept that his
or her name may be revealed publicly.

Trustees are required to notify persons holding elected/appointed World Service level positions
when their positions are in jeopardy. Time to respond and improve their service should be
considered, as well as the opportunity to resign. Any action taken ought to be tactful and considerate
to all parties involved.

ACTIONS WITHOUT A MEETING / “UNANIMOUS WRITTEN CONSENT” 

Definition

 “Actions without a Meeting” are a way for Trustees to approve new actions that are deemed
to require a vote by the Board of Trustees of Marijuana Anonymous World Services without
the necessity of discussing the item at a duly called meeting of Trustees.
 Essentially, this is a way to conduct binding votes via written methodology – specifically,
email.

 “Unanimous written consents do not violate the new agenda law. As provided for in Corp.
Code §7211(b), directors may take action without a meeting, if all members of the board
individually or collectively consent in writing to that action.” Davis-Stirling1

Requirements

 All voting members must vote;

 Results must be unanimous in order to pass – an abstention or a no vote constitutes a non-
passing of the item. The item is tabled until the next meeting of the Trustees;
 Written consents may be used regularly for items categorized as “housekeeping,” provided
no voting member disagrees with the labeling as such;
 Written consents of non-housekeeping items should be used sparingly and only when an
action by the board cannot wait until the board's next meeting (whether regular or special).

MA SERVICE MANUAL REVISION 4.1 PAGE 70

Implementation

 The President of the Board of Trustees takes leadership of the issue and is responsible for
seeing that this “Action without a Meeting” process is followed in its entirety;
 The President restates – in writing via email to the Trustee Yahoo! group (or currently
appropriate, agreed upon group communication medium) – the issue at hand / motion to be
voted on in clear terms;
 Trustees have 7 days to respond with their vote or address a question to the President or other
Trustee. Said question will be treated as “discussion” and will trigger an additional 7-day
response period upon confirmation;
 The President will contact non-responsive members prior to the voting deadline as needed in
order to assure that they are aware of the pending issue;
 Any Trustee not responding by the end of the 7-day (14-day in the event of discussion)
period will be counted as an abstention which will therefore result in a failed action.

Subsequent Action

 At the end of the designated period, the President will review the result of the “Action
without a Meeting”.
o Unanimous affirmative:
 President will make it clear that the action has passed successfully and direct
the appropriate entities to implement it;
o Non-passing or incomplete vote:
o The item is placed on the agenda for the next regular or special meeting of the
Trustees

1[Link]

TRUSTEE JOB DESCRIPTIONS  

President

Two years of sobriety from marijuana and all mind-altering chemicals is required. One year
of Trustee experience is recommended.

Approximate hours per month required to perform job: 20-30, depending on time of year.

Duties:
1. Understand and work within of MA’s Twelve Traditions and Twelve Concepts of Service.
2. Act as first point of contact to Office Manager for operational concerns.
3. Following each Conference:
a. Prepare, assign to appropriate Trustee, and distribute the Conference Action Item list.
Follow up to ensure the tasks are completed.
b. Ensure notification of the host Districts for future Conferences and Conventions, as
decided at the Conference.
c. Circulate the prior year’s Trustee Roster and (create) a new Trustee Roster to the

MA SERVICE MANUAL REVISION 4.1 PAGE 71

 current Trustees/Alternate Trustees.
d. Review MAWS Conference Minutes as prepared by Office Manager for accuracy,
and approve distribution to the fellowship.
e. Prepare, distribute, and include the Conference Trustee Organizational Meeting
Minutes on the first quarter Trustee meeting agenda for approval.
4. Facilitate regular (1-2 times / month minimum) communication among Trustees.
5. Respond to questions and requests for help in a timely manner (10 calendar days or less).
6. Encourage and support all other Trustees, the Office Manager, ANLP Volunteers, and
Delegates to give their best effort in service to MA.
7. Chair Trustee Meetings and Conference, or ensure suitable chairperson is available.
8. Organize Conference Agenda Committee and ensure agenda is drafted 90 days prior to
Conference.
9. Schedule three interim Trustee meetings, draft and distribute Agenda 15 days prior to each
Trustee Meeting, and ensure meeting time and place is arranged.
10. Facilitate dispute resolution amongst Trustees, if they arise.
11. Be available as a resource to the MAWS Office Manager, Trustees, and MA in general.
12. Act as liaison (along with Literature Trustee) to A New Leaf Publications.
13. Take reasonable action to ensure MAWS commitments are met.
14. Annually review Office Manager’s Job Description in the Service Manual. If changes are
needed, draft Conference Agenda Item to make the changes.
15. Proactively plan for MA’s growth.
16. Post report of quarterly activity to Trustees’ online networking system 20 days in advance of
each Quarterly Trustee Meeting.
17. Prepare a written report of annual activities. Provide report to Office Manager in electronic
format in advance of the Conference. Present report at the Conference.
18. Direct the work of the Conference Committees throughout the year to ensure they meet all
mandated deadlines as directed by the Conference and the Service Manual.

Secretary

Two years of sobriety from marijuana and all mind-altering chemicals is required.

Approximate hours per month required to perform job: 6

Duties:
1. Understand and work within of MA’s Twelve Traditions and Twelve Concepts of Service.
2. Make teleconference meeting arrangements for Trustee meetings outside of Conference, and
provide instructions to Trustees and meeting participants.
3. Take Minutes of the Trustee meetings, and forward drafts to Trustees for approval following
each meeting.
4. Send approved Trustee Meeting Minutes to Delegates, Office Manager, ANLP, and Trustees.
5. Following the approval of the previous meeting's Minutes, prepare a summary bullet point
list of items, for approval by the Trustees. The approved summary is then sent to the
Delegates (within 10 days) and submitted to ANLP for publication in A New Leaf.
6. Provide meeting Minutes to Office Manager for archival
7. Attend and participate in all Trustee meetings.
8. Maintain regular (1-2 times / month minimum) communication with other Trustees. Respond

MA SERVICE MANUAL REVISION 4.1 PAGE 72

 to questions and requests for help in a timely manner (within 10 calendar days).
9. Post report of quarterly activity to Trustees’ online networking system 20 days in advance of
each Quarterly Trustee Meeting.
10. Annually review Trustee Secretary Job Description in the Service Manual. If changes are
needed, draft Conference Agenda Item to make the changes.
11. Prepare a written report of annual activities. Provide report to Office Manager in electronic
format in advance of the Conference. Present report at the Conference.
12. Assist the Chair of the Conference Committee to which you are assigned, both at the
Conference, and as needed throughout the year.

Treasurer

Two years of sobriety from marijuana and all mind-altering chemicals is required.

Approximate hours per month required to perform job: 6

Duties:
1. Understand and work within of MA’s Twelve Traditions and Twelve Concepts of Service.
2. Make MAWS deposits and pays bills.
3. Act as liaison to MAWS bookkeeper.
4. Act as liaison to District Treasurers, and collect monthly District financial reports of Districts
using MAWS Tax I.D. number.
5. Send Quarterly Income and Expense Statement to Trustees, Delegates, and ANLP.
6. Keep records for MAWS bank accounts.
7. Enter tax information on spreadsheet for tax preparer.
8. Attend and participate in all Trustee meetings.
9. Maintain regular (1-2 times / month minimum) communication with other Trustees. Respond
to questions and requests for help in a timely manner (within 10 calendar days).
10. Post report of quarterly activity to Trustees’ online networking system 20 days in advance of
each Quarterly Trustee Meeting.
11. Annually review Trustee Treasurer’s Job Description in the Service Manual. If changes are
needed, draft Conference Agenda Item to make the changes.
12. Prepare a written report of annual activities. Provide report to Office Manager in electronic
format in advance of the Conference. Present report at the Conference.
13. Act as Chair for Finance Committee at Conference, or appoint a suitable Chairperson.
14. Direct the work of the Finance Conference Committee throughout the year, and meet all
mandated deadlines as directed by the Conference and the Service Manual.

Literature Trustee

Two years of sobriety from marijuana and all mind-altering chemicals is required.

Approximate hours per month required to perform job: 12 (dependent upon projects)

Duties:
1. Understand and work within of MA’s Twelve Traditions and Twelve Concepts of Service.

MA SERVICE MANUAL REVISION 4.1 PAGE 73

 2. Oversee the creation of new literature, including foreign language translations.
3. Oversee the Office Manager for the maintenance and preservation of existing MAWS
literature.
4. Act as liaison to ANLP and MA Districts for all matters concerning MAWS literature.
5. Attend and participate in all Trustee meetings.
6. Maintain regular (1-2 times / month minimum) communication with other Trustees. Respond
to questions and requests for help in a timely manner (within 10 calendar days).
7. Post report of quarterly activity to Trustees’ online networking system 20 days in advance of
each Quarterly Trustee Meeting.
8. Annually review Literature Trustee’s Job Description in the Service Manual. If changes are
needed, draft Conference Agenda Item to make the changes.
9. Prepare a written report of annual activities. Provide report to Office Manager in electronic
format in advance of the Conference. Present report at the Conference.
10. Act as Chair for Literature Committee at Conference, or appoint a suitable Chairperson.
11. Direct the work of the Literature Conference Committee throughout the year, and meet all
mandated deadlines as directed by the Conference and the Service Manual.

Hospitals and Institutions / Public Information Trustee (HIPI)

Two years of sobriety from marijuana and all mind-altering chemicals is required.

Approximate hours per month required to perform job: 6

Duties:
1. Understand and work within of MA’s Twelve Traditions and Twelve Concepts of Service.
2. Respond to inquiries from the public; explain MA’s "position" (no opinion on outside issues)
and MA’s reason for existence according to the Twelve Traditions.
3. Work proactively to inform groups and organizations about MA and what we do.
4. Explore and develop Public Service Announcements in assorted media.
5. Be a resource for Districts and Independent Meetings (meetings outside established Districts)
that inquire about carrying out PI within their jurisdictions.
6. Update outside organizations with information about how to reach us and design and
facilitate mass mailings in areas not presently covered by MA Districts.
7. Attend and participate in all Trustee meetings.
8. Maintain regular (1-2 times / month minimum) communication with other Trustees. Respond
to questions and requests for help in a timely manner.
9. Post report of quarterly activity to Trustees’ online networking system 20 days in advance of
each Quarterly Trustee Meeting.
10. Annually review HIPI Trustee’s Job Description in the Service Manual. If changes are
needed, draft Conference Agenda Item to make the changes.
11. Prepare a written report of annual activities. Provide report to Office Manager in electronic
format in advance of the Conference. Present report at the Conference.
12. Act as Chair for HIPI Committee at Conference, or appoint a suitable Chairperson.
13. Direct the work of the HIPI Conference Committee throughout the year, and meet all
mandated deadlines as directed by the Conference and the Service Manual.

MA SERVICE MANUAL REVISION 4.1 PAGE 74

Policies and Procedures Trustee (P&P)

Two years of sobriety from marijuana and all mind-altering chemicals is required. One year Trustee
experience recommended.

Approximate hours per month required to perform job: 6

Duties:
1. Understand and work within of MA’s Twelve Traditions and Twelve Concepts of Service.
2. Ensure that the Service Manual is updated by the Office Manager according to the
instructions of the World Services Conference.
3. Proactively explore and present ideas to improve upon the Service Manual.
4. Work proactively to understand and ensure that MAWS adheres to the Twelve Traditions of
MA.
5. Address issues that need clarification of MAWS policy.
6. Attend and participate in all Trustee meetings.
7. Maintain regular (1-2 times / month minimum) communication with other Trustees. Respond
to questions and requests for help in a timely manner (within 10 calendar days).
8. Post report of quarterly activity to Trustees’ online networking system 20 days in advance of
each Quarterly Trustee Meeting.
9. Annually review P&P Trustee’s Job Description in the Service Manual. If changes are
needed, draft Conference Agenda Item to make the changes.
10. Prepare a written report of annual activities. Provide report to Office Manager in electronic
format in advance of the Conference. Present report at the Conference.
11. Act as Chair for P&P Committee at Conference, or appoint a suitable Chairperson.
12. Direct the work of the P&P Conference Committee throughout the year, and meet all
mandated deadlines as directed by the Conference and the Service Manual.

Internet Trustee

Two years of sobriety from marijuana and all mind-altering chemicals is required. Must have easy
online access to Internet and email.

Approximate hours per month required to perform job: 2-4

Duties:
1. Understand and work within of MA’s Twelve Traditions and Twelve Concepts of Service.
2. Assist Office Manager in answering web site inquiries.
3. Oversee MAWS’ online presence.
4. Solve problems related to MAWS’ website.
5. Proactively develop new ways to use the MAWS web site to carry the message to the addict
who still suffers.
6. Make sure that Internet Service Providers, such as hosting, payment processing, etc., are a
competitive value in the current marketplace.
7. Monitor monthly site statistics, to include in report to Annual Conference.
8. Attend and participate in all Trustee meetings.
9. Maintain regular (1-2 times / month minimum) communication with other Trustees. Respond

MA SERVICE MANUAL REVISION 4.1 PAGE 75

 to questions and requests for help in a timely manner (within 10 calendar days) whenever
possible.
10. Annually review Internet Trustee’s Job Description in the Service Manual. If changes are
needed, draft Conference Agenda Item to make the changes.
11. Post report of quarterly activity to Trustees’ online networking system 20 days in advance of
each Quarterly Trustee Meeting.
12. Prepare a written report of annual activities. Provide report to Office Manager in electronic
format in advance of the Conference. Present report at the Conference.
13. Act as Chair for Internet/Global Outreach Committee at Conference, or appoint a suitable
Chairperson.
14. Direct the work of the Internet/Global Outreach Conference Committee throughout the year,
and meet all mandated deadlines as directed by the Conference and the Service Manual.
15. Oversee the activities of the webmaster.

Global / New Meeting Outreach Trustee

Two years of sobriety from marijuana and all mind-altering chemicals is required. Must have easy
online access to Internet and email.

Approximate hours per month required to perform job: 6

Duties:
1. Understand and work within of MA’s Twelve Traditions and Twelve Concepts of Service.
2. Follow up by phone or email, with people who have received Starter Packets (sent by the
Office Manager) to answer questions, and provide guidance.
3. Maintain a minimum of quarterly correspondence/contact with Independent Meetings.
4. Assist Office Manager in gathering Independent Meeting information for online International
Directory updates.
5. Act as liaison between Independent Meetings and MAWS.
6. Act as liaison to international Districts and Independent Meetings.
7. Collaborate with Internet Trustee to facilitate online teleconferencing for international
Delegates to participate in MAWS business.
8. Proactively develop ideas and strategies for international growth.
9. Confer with Trustees and ANLP regarding foreign language translations of MAWS’
literature and media.
10. Attend and participate in all Trustee meetings.
11. Maintain regular (1-2 times / month minimum) communication with other Trustees.
12. Respond to questions and requests for help in a timely manner (within 10 calendar days)
whenever possible.
13. Post report of quarterly activity to Trustees’ online networking system 20 days in advance of
each Quarterly Trustee Meeting.
14. Annually review Global Outreach Trustee’s Job Description in the Service Manual. If
changes are needed, draft Conference Agenda Item to make the changes.
15. Prepare a written report of annual activities. Provide report to Office Manager in electronic
format in advance of the Conference. Present report at the Conference.
16. Serve on the Internet/Global Outreach Conference Committee.
17. Assist the Chair of the Internet/Global Outreach Conference Committee, both at the

MA SERVICE MANUAL REVISION 4.1 PAGE 76

 Conference, and as needed throughout the year.

Conferences and Conventions Trustee

Two years of sobriety from marijuana and all mind-altering chemicals is required.

Approximate hours per month required to perform job: TBD

Duties:
1. Understand and work within of MA’s Twelve Traditions and Twelve Concepts of Service.
2. Gather and archive information about past events including budgets, site selection,
committees and procedures, useful templates or forms, timelines and checklists.
3. Maintain a roster of people on past hosting committees available for mentoring.
4. Review and assess past events with host committees and participants to identity strengths and
shortcomings to improve future events and facilitate cost containment.
5. Attend and participate in all Trustee meetings.
6. Maintain regular (1-2 times / month minimum) communication with other Trustees. Respond
to questions and requests for help in a timely manner (within 10 calendar days) whenever
possible.
7. Post report of quarterly activity to Trustees’ online networking system 20 days in advance of
each Quarterly Trustee Meeting.
8. Annually review Conference and Convention Trustee’s Job Description in the Service
Manual. If changes are needed, draft Conference Agenda Item to make the changes.
9. Prepare a written report of annual activities. Provide report to Office Manager in electronic
format in advance of the Conference. Present report at the Conference.
10. Assist the Chair of the Conference Committee to which you are assigned, both at the
Conference, and as needed throughout the year.

CHAPTER 26 
OFFICE MANAGER JOB DESCRIPTION  

JOB DESCRIPTION AND REQUIREMENT 

The Office Manager for Marijuana Anonymous is a combined position which covers both World
Services and A New Leaf Publications management duties.

Two years of sobriety from marijuana and all mind-altering chemicals is required.

The Office Manager must understand and work within of MA’s Twelve Traditions and Twelve
Concepts of Service.

MAWS 

MA SERVICE MANUAL REVISION 4.1 PAGE 77

 • Provide communications, service and information to Districts, Independent Meetings, and
Trustees on matters relating to World Services Business.
• Respond to requests for general information about MA, meeting location information, and
meeting startup information, through the 800 line, postal mail, and email.
• Respond to meeting startup requests via the Online Meeting Application, track the new
meeting progress, and forward the new meeting information to the New Meeting Outreach
Trustee on a regular basis.
• Respond to questions appropriately, per the Twelve Traditions
• Maintain the International Directory on the MAWS website
• Maintain contact information for Independent Meetings to the greatest extent possible
• Take the Minutes of the annual Marijuana Anonymous World Services Conference; publish
when completed
• Update the content of the Service Manual according to the instructions of the World Services
Conference

1) Check and Answer The 800 Line. The following guidelines also apply to answering requests
by postal mail and email.
a) Answer the 800 line every other day and once on the weekend.
b) Keep a record of each phone call on the “800 Line Master Sheet” (an Excel file).
c) Requests for information on meetings where there is a meeting within 60 miles of
their location: use the appropriate Word document and paste the meeting information
into the document, print it and send it by postal mail.
d) Requests for information on meetings where there is no meeting within 60 miles of
their location: use the “No Meetings Near You” Word Document (which gives them
information on the Recovery Pipeline, the pen pal service, and Online meetings) and
include a copy of the Info Pack.
e) Requests for information regarding starting a new meeting: follow the procedures for
answering postal mail of a similar nature (very rarely is an email address given over
the phone).
f) Requests from therapists or facilitators of institutions who wish to start a meeting: be
careful to use the “Therapist Wishes to Start Meeting” Word document.
g) Requests for referrals to a drug treatment center: reply that the Sixth Tradition makes
it impossible for us to do so.
2) Check MAWS Email on Regular Basis. Preferably no Less Than Every Other Day.
a) Send packets out to those asking for literature or info. The Info Packet includes 5
pamphlets: the Online pamphlet and the ANLP order form.
b) Most inquiries can be responded to directly. There are form letters stored as Word
documents which can be cut and pasted, and personalized, if necessary.
c) Most New Meeting Requests come directly to the MA Inbox via the New Meeting
Application on the website. The following is the procedure for responding to these
requests:
i. Upon receipt of the application, review it for completeness and make a
decision as to whether to send a Starter Kit right away. If a person has more
than 60 days but less than 90 days recovery, the practice is to write back and
ask if they know someone who they can partner with to start a meeting. If the
person has less than 60 days, recommend that they write back when they have
90 days sobriety if they still want to start a meeting. This is not to discourage
applicants, but to protect their recovery, since the burden of starting a meeting

MA SERVICE MANUAL REVISION 4.1 PAGE 78

 can be unexpectedly heavy.
ii. Copy the contents of “I want to start a meeting ONLINE APP” Word
document into the reply email, and attached Part One of the Starter Kit.
Attached Parts Two and Three in subsequent replies.
iii. Forward the initial reply, minus the attachment, to the New Meeting Outreach
Trustee.
iv. Record the application progress in the New Meeting Record (an Excel file).
v. Update the Directory on the website, following the above steps. The Global
Outreach Trustee is also notified.
d) In the case of an application which arrives at the PO Box, the following procedure
applies, with the exception that, if an email address is provided, the person inquiring
is contacted by email, sent an electronic version of the New Meeting Application, and
told that the Online Application is available on the website. This is to expedite the
process as much as possible.
i. When people ask for info to start a meeting, write back explaining that they
must fill out a New Meeting Application first, and they will subsequently be
provided with a Starter kit. There is a form letter for this.
ii. Send a New Meeting Application (along with the pamphlets “The MA
Meeting and the Home Group” and “MA’s Service Structure”) to the person.
iii. Note this info on the New Meeting Application Log.
iv. Person sends application to the P.O. Box.
v. When the application is received, send out the Starter Kit.
vi. Note the date the kit is sent out in the Log.
vii. Applicant who starts meeting will return New Meeting Report (found in
Starter Kit) to P.O. Box.
viii. When New Meeting Report is received, send out masters. Most of these items
are downloadable from website.
ix. Update the Directory on the website, following the above steps. Also notify
the Global Outreach Trustee.
e) Forward all requests to start online meetings to the Online Services Trustee.
f) Forward PI, HI or other requests to appropriate Trustee. Requests for help with school
essays may be forwarded to PI Trustee.
g) Refer requests from areas within Districts to the local phone number/email address.
Remember to be mindful of the Twelve Traditions. Controversial questions often
come in, such as: do we advocate marijuana legalization, scientific questions about
how long marijuana stays in the blood, drug tests, etc.
i. The best answer is always Tradition Ten “We have no opinion on outside
issues. Sorry, we cannot help you.”
ii. Contentious questions can be referred to the Trustees.
h) Print out and keep any important correspondence.
3) Check MAWS P.O. Box Regularly; Once Every Other Week.
a) The PO Box is regularly checked by the MAWS Treasurer, who sends mail that needs
the attention of the Office Manager to the OM’s home address by postal mail. The
MAWS PO Box is in Van Nuys, Ca. at the Post Office on Van Nuys Blvd., near
Victory Blvd.
b) Send requests to add MAWS to Resource Listings to PI Trustee, etc.
c) You will get requests for literature in the mail; send regular packet as described
above.

MA SERVICE MANUAL REVISION 4.1 PAGE 79

 d) If you get a request to start a new meeting, follow the procedures described above for
starting meetings.
4) Maintain And Update Changes To Directories And Rosters.
a) Update International Directory which is on the MA website on an as-needed basis.
i. Receive updates from Districts and Independent Meetings, preferably by
email.
ii. Edit the appropriate page in Microsoft FrontPage.
iii. Add content in format consistent with the other entries.
iv. If the entry represents a new meeting, enter “NEW MEETING” in Myriad
Headline Bold, int, orange above the listing.
v. If the entry represents a change of time and/or location, make a similar
notation.
vi. These notations should be removed after one (1) month.
vii. Upload the page(s) to the website FTP site via an FTP program such as
FileZilla.
viii. Check the page online to ensure accuracy.
ix. Send updates as they come in to Webmaster Trustee. A jpeg snapshot of FTP
windows is the preferred method.
b) Maintain Independent Meeting Contact List:
i. Update list as needed. The ANLP roster of customers is also instrumental in
this process.
c) Maintain District Contact Information Sheet:
i. Each time a District or Independent Meeting has a change of address or
phone, make the appropriate changes on the Information Sheet.
d) Maintain Delegate Roster:
i. This is done prior to every year’s World Services Conference, based on the
information provided by the Districts, regarding their elected Delegates.
ii. Each year, following the World Services Conference, if a Delegate is elected
to a Trustee position during the Conference, the Alternate Delegate from that
District is instated to fill the vacant Delegate position for the remainder of the
Conference Cycle. If this happens, the Delegate Roster must be updated to
reflect the actual current Delegates in place (at all times).
e) Maintain Trustee Roster:
i. This is always done following the Conference, and is part of the Conference
Minutes. It is also done throughout the year if Trustee information changes or
Alternate Trustees are instated to fill a vacant position. The MAWS Trustee
Yahoo! Group membership list can also be considered a roster, but only
includes email addresses.
f) Take Minutes at World Services Conference and produce a finished product. Make a
report at the Conference on the year's operations.
i. The desired deadline for publication of the Conference Minutes is thirty (30)
days after the Conference.
ii. The Minutes are proofed by the Trustee President before transmission to the
Fellowship.
iii. The Minutes are posted to the MAWS Conference Yahoo! Group File area.
iv. Write a synopsis of Conference Highlights and send out to Independent
Meetings.
v. Update the MAWS Record of Conference Motions document with the current

MA SERVICE MANUAL REVISION 4.1 PAGE 80

 year’s passed Conference Motions.
vi. Update the Service Manual, as required by the current year’s passed
Conference Motions.

ANLP  

• Maintaining the electronic masters of all pamphlets online.

• Update the book Life With Hope and arrange for its printing so that a sufficient inventory is
maintained at all times.
• Create versions of ANLP according to the instructions of the World Services Conference.
• Create other media as directed by the World Services Conference and/or the Literature
Committee.
• Print the Service Manual on an on-demand basis.
• Receive and fill orders for Life With Hope, A New Leaf subscriptions, and the Service
Manual (and any additional
• publications) as detailed below.
• Submit a detailed sales report to the bookkeeper at the end of each month.
• Reimburse MAWS for the ANLP Office Manager payroll, and pay the bookkeeper.

1) ANLP Orders
a) Fill orders that come in through PayPal.
b) Pick up the ANLP mail from the ANLP PO Box on a weekly basis.
c) Record, and prepare for shipment, each week’s ANLP orders.
i. Scan to PDF (for printing only) each order with the check or money order in
the top right corner.
ii. Print the scans but do not save the document.
iii. Staple the scanned/printed copy to the front of each original order.
iv. Scan the checks/money orders separately and print on 8 ½ x 14 paper.
v. Record the information for each form in the Transaction Record for the month
(an Excel File). This includes ALL transactions, whether for LWH, A New
Leaf, Bulk Payments, or combinations of any and all.
vi. On the USPS website, generate a Priority Mail label for each order of LWH,
using the Address Book as needed (save each new customer in the Address
Book), and add each shipment to a USPS SCAN form for tracking purposes.
vii. Print the Priority Mail labels.
viii. Attach the receipt label for each Priority Mail label to the front of each order
copy so that a complete record of the order exists on one page.
ix. Request a Carrier Pickup on the USPS website.
x. Place a copy of the SCAN form with the shipment in a USPS plastic bin and
leave it for pickup.
xi. Fold the top portion of the check copy to letter size and place the orders
within it. Paper-clip them together and mark the folded portion with the month
and Week One, Week Two, etc. Store in the month's ANLP folder.
2) A New Leaf Subscriptions
a) Receive the electronic file (PDF) of the month's A New Leaf newsletter from the
Publishing Editor and forward it to the printer, allowing three days for the job to be
done.

MA SERVICE MANUAL REVISION 4.1 PAGE 81

 b) Pick up the newsletter from the printer when ready.
c) Copy ANL subscription information from the month's Transaction record to the
current subscriber file.
d) Sort the subscriber file by expiration date and copy the records of those subscribers
whose subscriptions are ending to the subscription reminder file (Excel file).
e) Generate the subscription reminder letters (Word file mail merge).
f) Generate and print the non-District ANL envelopes.
g) Stuff, seal, and stamp the non-District ANL envelopes.
h) Generate the Priority Mail labels for the District ANL shipments.
i) Count out each District's subscription and stuff Priority Mail envelopes and label,
creating a SCAN form for the ANLP shipment.
j) Request a Carrier pickup on the USPS website.
3) Miscellaneous/Combined
a) Maintain the pamphlets in PageMaker format. Pamphlets are uploaded to the website
in the LITERATURE area. We do not sell pamphlets. If someone requests a bulk
number, send them a pamphlet or a pamphlet master, and direct them to make their
own copies.
b) Keep in contact with the New Meeting Outreach Trustee to make sure they have all
Independent Meeting contact person information.
c) Report any big news to Trustees, Delegates and Independent Meetings, as needed.
d) Supply all meetings (within Districts or Independent Meetings) with supplies (forms,
pamphlet masters), as needed.
e) Update all lists and form letters as necessary: chip order info, Trustee Roster, form
letters, District Contact Info. etc.
f) Keep archives of Trustee Meeting Minutes.
g) A Debit Card is maintained by the Office Manager for petty cash purchases. Keep all
receipts. Mail in accounting sheet with receipts to Trustee Treasurer.
h) The Office Manager has the option to provide free copies of Life With Hope to
inmates, people who cannot afford them, etc.
i) Keep a supply of chips on hand for new meetings. Buy them from Crossroads or from
the Office Manager’s local District. Since most new meetings receive their Starter
Kits electronically, chips for new meetings are supplied on an on as-requested basis.
j) Help Trustees with projects as needed.
k) Maintain a backup of MAWS/ANLP files on the FTP site.
l) Purchase office supplies (postage, envelopes, printer cartridges, labels, etc.) for
ANLP and MAWS with the appropriate debit card.

Chapter 27 
THE MARIJUANA ANONYMOUS WORLD SERVICE CONFERENCE 

Marijuana Anonymous World Service holds its annual Conference in May each year. The location of
the Conference is determined at the previous Conference. Guidelines for districts interested in
hosting the conference are in place. (Page 89)

The Marijuana Anonymous World Service Conference is the forum at which group conscience
throughout MA is expressed, and decisions are made that affect MA as a whole. The Conference is

MA SERVICE MANUAL REVISION 4.1 PAGE 82

also where much of MAWS work is performed. Trustees and committee chairs are selected at the
MAWS Conference. The Conference also provides the opportunity to meet MA members from other
districts and share experience, strength and hope. This sharing provides the unity that binds all
members to our common purpose.

The Marijuana Anonymous World Service Conference usually occurs over Memorial Day weekend
each year. The Conference has several different types of meetings. There is usually an opening
general meeting at which points of general interest are discussed and the conference agenda is
approved. At that meeting, a list of candidates for trustee elections is also established.

Much of the actual work of the Conference is conducted in separate committee meetings. There are
several committees, and each voting conference member is also a member of a particular committee.
Each committee conducts its own work and prepares reports and recommendations to be voted on at
the general session.

It is at the general business sessions that proposals are made by committees and others. Here
decisions are made that affect Marijuana Anonymous the society, as well as MAWS, Inc. Because
these sessions have a large number of members in attendance, and the agenda is frequently quite full,
general business meetings are formal and often strictly conducted. A modified form of Rules of
Order (Chapter 16) is applied to assure that business meetings stay focused and organized.

The procedure for obtaining Conference Approval of Work is as set forth in Chapter 19. The term
“Work” is defined as any artistic work or composition including, but not limited to: text, graphics,
audio and/or video.

CONFERENCE MEMBERS 

The members of the Conference are the Trustees, Delegates and appointed or elected Marijuana
Anonymous World Service committee heads and coordinators. Each district, under present rules, can
send two Delegates to the Conference. In addition, there are nine Trustees. Trustees are elected at the
Conference according to the Third Legacy procedure (Chapter 20).

Each Conference member has only one vote, no matter how many positions they may hold. Voting
procedures are set forth in the Conference Charter (Chapter 27, pp. 90 - 93), and By-Laws of
MAWS, Inc. (Chapter 29).

CONFERENCE COMMITTEES 

Marijuana Anonymous World Services currently has five Conference Committees: Literature,
Hospitals and Institutions/Public Information, Policies and Procedures, Finance, and Internet. Their
responsibilities are:

1. LITERATURE COMMITTEE - The Literature Committee is responsible for drafting

and recommending for approval all of Marijuana Anonymous' literature and media. Good quality
literature is one of the most important service responsibilities of MA. The Literature Committee
must obtain and approve a proof prior to publication. New Conference Approved Literature and
media should be forwarded to A New Leaf Publications in a timely manner.
A NEW LEAF Publications is responsible for publishing, distributing, and archiving all

MA SERVICE MANUAL REVISION 4.1 PAGE 83

 MA literature and media.

2. FINANCE COMMITTEE - The Finance Committee is charged with the

responsibility of organizing the financial affairs of Marijuana Anonymous World Services. The
committee drafts an annual budget and recommends other financial priorities for MAWS. The
Committee also supervises the work during the year of the MAWS Treasurer and the office staff.

3. POLICIES AND PROCEDURES COMMITTEE - The Policies and Procedures

Committee is responsible for issues concerning the structure and organization of Marijuana
Anonymous World Service. The Policies and Procedures Committee debates and recommends
changes in the structure of MA. The committee also considers the relationship between MA,
MAWS, Inc., and the legal rights and obligations imposed by the communities in which MA exists.
The Policies and Procedures Committee is also responsible for the Service Manual, and all other
documents which effect the organization and structure of Marijuana Anonymous.

4. HOSPITALS AND INSTITUTIONS/PUBLIC INFORMATION - This committee is

charged with setting forth the guidelines to the districts on organizing and maintaining MA's
outreach to the general community. The function of this committee includes creating and
recommending for approval: Hospital & Institutions and Public Information service manuals, public
service announcements, and guidelines to be used by district committees as well as the MAWS, Inc.,
office manager when communicating with the public at large.

5. INTERNET/GLOBAL OUTREACH COMMITTEE – This committee’s

responsibility is to serve all of MAWS’ Internet-related functions and to investigate and develop
ways to carry the message of recovery to marijuana addicts worldwide.

In addition to these five committees which meet at the Conference yearly, an additional committee is
formed earlier in the year to prepare for the Conference. It should be understood that the Conference
Agenda Committee’s business concludes at the start of Conference and that the Committee is not an
actual part of the Conference.

6. CONFERENCE AGENDA COMMITTEE – The Conference Agenda Committee is

responsible for collecting items from the Delegates and members for consideration at the annual
conference and consolidating them into the formal Conference Agenda Items document with
appropriate support materials. This must be distributed to conference members at least 90 days
before the conference. The Conference Agenda Committee also assigns each business item to the
appropriate conference committee; assigns conference members to conference committees; provides
masters of conference documents to the Host Committee for duplication and inclusion in attendee
packets; and sets the business event schedule for the entire conference.

GUIDELINES FOR CONFERENCE MOTIONS RECOMMENDATIONS AND REPORTS 

MOTION: A proposal for action

Motions are brought to the floor, discussed, and voted on by the conference body in General Session.
Committees may submit motions that arise out of their committee business. Items that generate great
debate or have not been resolved by committees are often brought forward to the conference body.

MA SERVICE MANUAL REVISION 4.1 PAGE 84

Districts and MA members may also submit motions for consideration by the Conference.

Examples of motions:

Motion to accept the 2004 MAWS budget as written.

Motion to amend the Service Manual, Chapter XX, p x, to add the following at the end of
Item 11: “when Conference recommendations are quoted or summarized outside the
Conference minutes, the source or presenter of the recommendation shall be prominently
identified.”

RECOMMENDATION: Presented as deserving acceptance or trial

Recommendations are offered by committees. If no action is required of the conference body, a

recommendation can simply be made during a committee report. If action on a specific issue is
sought, the committee should submit a recommendation in the form of a motion.

When citing recommendations, it is imperative to attribute who made the recommendation and under
what circumstances to avoid misuse or assumptions that the recommendation represents the
conscience of the conference body, when, in fact, it may not.

Example of a recommendation in a report:

Recommendation from P&P Committee: Delegates present minutes of MAWS Conference to

their district.

Example of a recommendation in a motion:

Motion to recommend that meetings add the “Break the Buck Barrier” reading to their
format.

REPORT: A detailed account of what occurred and was discussed

Reports inform the General Session of what issues were discussed and voted on in committee. They
do not require action by the General Session.

Example of a report:

Finance committee voted to raise the price of chips to $0.35 to help cover increased costs of
sales tax and shipping chips.

GUIDELINES FOR WRITING A CONFERENCE AGENDA ITEM 

Agenda items are submitted to the Conference Agenda Committee for inclusion on the Agenda for
the Conference four months prior to the actual Conference. They should adhere to the following
format, and should provide enough information for the Item to be understood.

MA SERVICE MANUAL REVISION 4.1 PAGE 85

PARTS OF AN AGENDA ITEM:

TITLE: A brief title that sums up the intent of the Item.

SUBMITTED BY: This may be an individual (with or without a title, i.e. “Delegate”), a
group, or even anonymous.

BACKGROUND/ORIGIN: A concise explanation of the rationale behind the motion,

including such history as is necessary to explain what is proposed to be changed or added. If
needed for clarification, citations to previous related Conference motions can be included.
Then the proposed result of the motion should be explained.

MOTION: The actual language of the motion, which states that some action should be
taken. This should be precise; the desired outcome should be stated by the motion, as in,
“Amend the Service Manual, page ___, item ___, from (what it currently states), to read
____, etc.” Or, “Amend the Service Manual, page ___, to add the following language
between items ___ and___: (language of new section).” An Agenda Item may contain
multiple motions. ALSO NOTE: In order for any Work (defined as any artistic work or
composition including, but not limited to, text, graphics, audio and/or video) to be considered
for voting as Conference Approved, it must be presented in its entirety to the conference. If
further editing of the Work is deemed to be appropriate, the motion to seek Conference
Approval shall be either withdrawn of tabled until such time as the edits have been
completed and the revised version of the Work becomes available in its entirety.

SAMPLE AGENDA ITEM (For demonstration purposes only):

TITLE: No Cell Phones At Conference General Session Already!

SUBMITTED BY: Mary J., A Member of District 420

BACKGROUND/ORIGIN: The General Session is already tedious enough. Trying to

figure out what’s meant by voting on moving the Previous Question of an Amendment to an
Amendment of a Motion takes a lot of concentration. When someone’s cell phone goes off, it
can break the whole flow of the Conference. Sure, we can ask people to turn them off, or set
them on vibrate, but then there is always that temptation to sneak out your phone under the
table and send a text. The only thing that’s going to work is forbidding them completely.
Also, people always plug their phones in at any outlet they can find in the room, they forget
to put them on silent, and people using a laptop to take care of legitimate Conference
business can’t keep their computers charged.

MOTION: At the General Session of the Conference, ALL cell phones must be turned off
and surrendered to the quorum counter posted at the door.

MOTION: Any phones found alone and plugged into outlets around the room shall be
confiscated and mailed back to the owner after the Conference if they can provide a complete
and accurate description.

MA SERVICE MANUAL REVISION 4.1 PAGE 86

THE MEANING OF THE M.A. CONFERENCE CHARTER 

The MA Conference Charter (Chapter 27, pp. 90 - 93) is a body of principles by which the MAWS
Conference is guided. It provides for the means by which group conscience is taken, and the way in
which decisions are made by MA as a whole.

The Conference Charter is not a legal instrument in the strictest sense. It is truly an informal
agreement between the Society of MA as a whole and MAWS, Inc., setting forth the guidelines by
which MAWS, Inc. can best serve MA as a whole while maintaining MA's Twelve Traditions.

The Conference Charter is modeled after Alcoholics Anonymous, and benefits from the experience
of that organization. The Charter is an important and flexible set of principles that guide us in
performing worldwide service. The Charter is nevertheless amendable to reflect new conditions and
ideas.

THE CONFERENCE CHARTER OF MARIJUANA ANONYMOUS 

Originally adopted at MAWS Conference, 1989

1) PURPOSE: The World Service of Marijuana Anonymous is the guardian of world services
and of the Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions of Marijuana Anonymous. The Conference
shall be a service body only, never a government for MA.

2) COMPOSITION: All members of MA are welcome. The Conference shall be composed of

Trustees, Delegates, appointed or elected Marijuana Anonymous World Services committee
heads and coordinators, and non-voting attendees. Trustees, Delegates and appointed or
elected Marijuana Anonymous World Service committee heads and coordinators may vote.
The recommended length of sobriety for Conference Members is at least one year, unless
otherwise defined as longer in the Service Manual. (Sobriety is defined as abstinence from
marijuana and all mind altering substances, including alcohol.)

3) CONFERENCE RELATION TO M.A.: The Conference will act for MA in the perpetuation
and guidance of its world services, and it will also be the vehicle by which MA can express
its views upon all matters of vital MA policy and all deviations from our Traditions.
Delegates, Trustees, and Service Committee Heads should be free to vote as their conscience
dictates and decide what questions should be taken to the group level, for information,
discussion, or their own direct instruction.

ANY CHANGE IN ARTICLE TWELVE OF THE CHARTER OR IN THE TWELVE

TRADITIONS OF M.A. OR IN THE TWELVE STEPS OF M.A. MUST BE MADE WITH
THE WRITTEN CONSENT OF THREE-QUARTERS OF THE M.A. GROUPS, AS
DEFINED IN THE RESOLUTION ADOPTED BY THE OCTOBER, 1989
CONFERENCE*.

4) CONFERENCE RELATION TO THE M.A.W.S. BOARD OF DIRECTORS/TRUSTEES

AND ITS CORPORATE SERVICES: The Conference guides, advises, and makes policy for
the MAWS Corporation and elects the Board of Trustees. The Conference will be expected
to afford a reliable cross section of MA opinion for this purpose.

MA SERVICE MANUAL REVISION 4.1 PAGE 87

 A QUORUM SHALL CONSIST OF TWO-THIRDS OF ALL VOTING CONFERENCE
MEMBERS.

It will be understood that a two-thirds vote of Conference members voting shall be considered
binding upon the Board and Corporation, provided the total vote constitutes at least a
Conference quorum. But no such vote shall impair the legal rights of the Board and the
service corporation to conduct routine business and make ordinary contracts relating thereto.

It will be further understood, regardless of the legal prerogatives of the Board, that a three-quarters
vote of all Conference members may bring about a reorganization of the Board, the
corporation, or its structure, or all other service entities including A New Leaf if and when
such reorganization is deemed essential. Under such a proceeding, the Conference may
request resignations, may elect new Trustees/Directors, and may make all necessary
arrangements regardless of the legal prerogatives of the Board.

5) COMPOSITION OF DISTRICT SERVICE COMMITTEES (DSC): District Service

Committees may be composed of Group Service Representatives, District Officers, and Sub-
Committee Chairs who will elect Delegates to the World Service Conference.

6) PURPOSE OF D.S.C. AS IT RELATES TO M.A.W.S.: District Service Committees shall

convene at least once a year for the election of Delegates to the World Service Conference.

7) METHODS OF ELECTING DELEGATES TO THE WORLD SERVICE CONFERENCE:

Delegates shall be elected by the Third Legacy Procedure.

8) TERMS OF OFFICE FOR DELEGATES: A Delegate's term is one year with a two term
maximum of continuous service.

9) THE WORLD SERVICE CONFERENCE: The Conference shall meet yearly, unless
otherwise specified, at a location determined by the previous Conference. Special meetings
may be called when necessary. The Conference may also render advisory opinions at any
time by mail, e-mail or telephone poll in aid of the Board.

10) COMPOSITION, JURISDICTION, AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE BOARD OF

DIRECTORS/TRUSTEES OF MARIJUANA ANONYMOUS WORLD SERVICES: The
Board shall meet at the annual World Service Conference. The Board is elected by the
Corporation members who are by definition the same as the voting members of the
Conference.

The Board is the chief service arm of the Conference, and is essentially custodial in its character.

Except for decisions upon matters of policy, finance, or MA Traditions that may seriously affect MA
as a whole, the Board has entire freedom of action in the routine conduct of the policy and
business affairs of the MA World Services Corporation.

The BYLAWS of MAWS Corporation, or any amendments thereto, are subject to the approval of

MA SERVICE MANUAL REVISION 4.1 PAGE 88

 the Conference by a two-thirds vote. The Board will first consult the Conference on any
issues likely to affect MA as a whole. The Board reserves the right to decide which of its
actions or decisions may require the approval of the Conference.

11) GENERAL PROCEDURES OF THE WORLD SERVICE CONFERENCE: The Conference

will hear the financial and policy reports of the Board. The Conference will consult with the
Trustees/Directors, officers, and staff members on all matters presented as affecting MA as a
whole; engage in debate; appoint necessary committees; and pass suitable resolutions for the
advice or direction of the Board and its related services.

The Conference may also discuss and recommend appropriate action regarding serious deviation
from MA Traditions and harmful misuse of the name "Marijuana Anonymous".

The Conference may draft any needed BYLAWS or amendments thereto, and will name its own
officers and committees.

The Conference, at the close of each session, will draft a full report of its proceedings, to be
supplied to all delegates and Conference members; also a summary thereof which will be
sent to MA groups (via their Delegates).

When Conference recommendations are quoted or summarized outside the Conference minutes, the
source or presenter of the recommendation shall be prominently identified.

12) GENERAL WARRANTIES OF THE CONFERENCE: In all its proceedings, the World
Service Conference shall observe the spirit of the M.A. TRADITIONS, taking care that the
Conference never becomes the seat of perilous wealth or power; that sufficient operating
funds, plus an ample reserve, be its prudent financial principle; that none of the Conference
members shall ever be placed in a position of unqualified authority over any of the others;
that all important decisions be reached by discussion, vote, and whenever possible, by
substantial unanimity; that no Conference action ever be personally punitive or an incitement
to public controversy; that though the Conference may act for the service of MA, it shall
never perform any acts of government; and that, like the SOCIETY OF M.A. which it serves,
the Conference itself will always remain democratic in thought and action.

* See attached copy of the 1989 resolution

Approved by the General Service Conference of Marijuana Anonymous October 1989.

Amended by the World Service Conference, May 1995
Amended by the World Service Conference, May 2006

RESOLUTION OF THE THIRD UNITY CONFERENCE OF MARIJUANA ANONYMOUS 

We, the members of the Third General Conference of Marijuana Anonymous, here assembled at
Northridge, California in October of the year 1989, declare our belief that we are willing and ready
to assume full and permanent responsibility for carrying the message of spiritual recovery through
Unity and Service to the marijuana addict who still suffers.

MA SERVICE MANUAL REVISION 4.1 PAGE 89

We declare that the members of Marijuana Anonymous (of Greater Los Angeles), of Marijuana
Addicts Anonymous, of Marijuana Anonymous (of Greater Seattle), and of Marijuana Smokers
Anonymous - our pioneering groups - have become Marijuana Anonymous and are entirely capable
of assuming the guardianship of the Twelve Traditions of Marijuana Anonymous.

BE IT THEREFORE RESOLVED: That the General Service Conference of Marijuana Anonymous

should become, as of this date, October 15, 1989, the guardian of the Traditions of Marijuana
Anonymous, the perpetuators of the world services of our Society, and the voice of the group
conscience of our entire Fellowship.

AND IT IS UNDERSTOOD: That neither the Twelve Traditions of Marijuana Anonymous nor the
warranties of Article XII of the Conference Charter shall ever be changed or amended by the
General Service Conference except by first asking the consent of the registered MA groups of the
world. (This would include all MA groups known to the general service offices around the world.)
These groups shall be notified of any proposal for change and shall be allowed no less than six
months for consideration thereof. And before any such Conference action can be taken, there must
first be received in writing within the time allotted the consent of at least three-quarters of all those
registered groups who respond to such proposal.

WE FURTHER UNDERSTAND: That, as provided in Article XII of the Conference Charter, the
Conference binds itself to the Society of Marijuana Anonymous by the following means: that in all
its proceedings, the General Service Conference shall observe the spirit of the MA Tradition, taking
great care that the Conference never becomes the seat of perilous wealth or power; that sufficient
operating funds, plus an ample reserve, be its prudent financial principle; that none of the
Conference members ever be placed in a position of unqualified authority over any of the others; that
all important decisions be reached by discussion, vote, and whenever possible, by substantial
unanimity; that no Conference action ever be personally punitive or an incitement to public
controversy; that though the Conference may act for the service of Marijuana Anonymous and may
traditionally direct its world services, it shall never enact laws or regulations binding upon MA as a
whole or upon an MA group or member thereof, nor shall it perform any acts of government; and
that, like the Society of Marijuana Anonymous which it serves, the Conference itself will always
remain democratic in thought and action.

GUIDELINES FOR FUTURE CONFERENCES 

MAWS will be responsible for:

Electing a Conference Chair person. It is suggested the Conference Chair person have at least one
year clean and sober, defined as abstinence from marijuana, alcohol, and all other mind altering
substances.
Trustee transportation to and from hosting city
Agenda 90 days prior to conference
Trustee housing expenses, coordinating with the host district
Working with the Host District, as necessary, to obtain Liability Insurance for the event.
Goal is for MAWS to become fully self supporting in financial responsibility of
sending their Trustees to the World Services conference (including; housing, food and
transportation)

MA SERVICE MANUAL REVISION 4.1 PAGE 90

HOST DISTRICT will be responsible for:

Transportation to and from meetings for conference members

Information packet including ; map, hotel, restaurant, etc., to be sent to Delegates prior to conference
Make available report gathering instruments, such as copy machines etc.
Provide beverages for meetings and breaks during conference
Planning of breakfast and lunch for conference members, information be sent to Delegates and
Trustees prior to conference
Obtaining Liability Insurance for the event, naming MAWS, Inc. as an Insured or Additional
Insured.

HOME DISTRICT will be responsible for:

Delegates’ transportation to and from host city

Coordination for delegate housing with host district
Goal; for home district to become fully self supporting in the financial responsibility of sending their
delegates to the conference (including; housing, food, and transportation)

Chapter 28 
LITERATURE 

A NEW LEAF PUBLICATIONS CHARTER 
Approved and adopted by MAWS Board of Directors 5/24/98 and
Approved for incorporation into MAWS Service Manual Appendix (now Chapter 19)
by General Session of 1998 Conference 5/25/98

1. STATEMENT OF PURPOSE

"A NEW LEAF PUBLICATIONS" (ANLP) is the general publishing arm of Marijuana Anonymous
World Services (MAWS), a non-profit California Corporation.
ANLP oversees and administers the publication, distribution and business of "A NEW LEAF"
(ANL). ANL is the Marijuana Anonymous newsletter published for the purpose of carrying the
message of recovery and service, in print, to the society of Marijuana Anonymous.
ANLP oversees and administers the publication, distribution and business of the book "LIFE WITH
HOPE, A New Way of Living Through The Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions of Marijuana
Anonymous" (LWH).
In addition, ANLP oversees and administers the publication, distribution and business of MAWS
approved literature (including, but not limited to, pamphlets, handouts, international directories, and
Service Manuals) to entities outside of the society of Marijuana Anonymous and in some
circumstances within the society.
ANLP archives masters of all of the literature mentioned above.

2. DEDICATION OF ASSETS

MA SERVICE MANUAL REVISION 4.1 PAGE 91

The properties and assets of "A New Leaf Publications" and all of the aforementioned
sub-organizations are primarily dedicated to the fulfillment of the Purpose of "A New Leaf
Publications", as stated in the above Statement of Purpose. The properties and assets are further
dedicated to the fulfillment of the Purposes and Objectives of Marijuana Anonymous World
Services Inc., and the Society of Marijuana Anonymous, as set forth in the Bylaws and Charter of
Marijuana Anonymous.

2.1 DISTRIBUTION UPON DISSOLUTION - All properties, assets, and earnings of

ANLP shall inure to MAWS in the event of dissolution or otherwise. No part of the net
earnings, properties, or assets of ANLP upon dissolution or otherwise, shall inure to the
exclusive benefit of any private person or individual, or any director or agent of ANLP.

3. SELECTION OF DIRECTORS
There shall be a total of 5 directors separated into two classes and shall be selected as follows:

3.1 EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS - There shall be three (3) executive directors whose term is
for two years. Executive directors are selected by the Trustees of MAWS. An executive
director may not serve more than two consecutive terms as an executive director, but may
serve as a managing director subsequent to serving as an executive director.
(a) Qualifications - An executive director must be clean and sober from marijuana,
alcohol, and all other mind altering substances for two years AND must satisfy at
least one (1) of the three (3) following requirements:
- Has been a managing director for at least one (1) year.
- Has been a MAWS Trustee for at least one (1) year.
- Has been a MAWS Delegate for at least one (1) year.

3.2 “A NEW LEAF” EDITORS - There shall be two (2) “A New Leaf” Editors
(Editors) whose term is for one (1) year from the time they are selected. The Editors shall be
selected by a vote of the entire board with a yes vote of no less than 3. An Editor may not
serve for more than two consecutive terms as an editor, but may serve as an executive
director subsequent to serving as an editor.
(a) Qualifications - An Editor must be clean and sober from marijuana, alcohol, and
all other mind altering substances for two years.

4. VACANCIES
A vacancy or vacancies in the board of directors shall be deemed to exist upon death, resignation, or
removal of a director, or if a director no longer meets the qualifications to be a director set forth
above.

4.1 RESIGNATIONS - Directors may resign at any time by written or oral notice to the
other directors.

4.2 REMOVAL
(a) Executive directors - An executive director may be removed upon recommendation of at
least 3 members of the Board of directors of ANLP to the Trustees of MAWS Inc., and by a
vote of that body as prescribed in the bylaws of that corporation for passing any action by
that body.
(b) “A New Leaf” Editors - Editors can only be removed by a unanimous vote of

MA SERVICE MANUAL REVISION 4.1 PAGE 92

 the executive directors.

4.3 FILLING OF VACANCIES

(a) Executive directors - The Trustees of MAWS Inc., as soon as they are
capable of acting, shall fill any vacancy left by an executive director with a person
qualified to be an executive director, unless no such person is available. In the event
of such an occurrence, a Trustee of MAWS Inc. shall be selected until a qualified
person becomes available.
(b) “A New Leaf” Editors - The ANLP Board of directors shall fill any vacancy
left by an Editor by yes vote of no less than 3.

5. POWERS AND DUTIES OF DIRECTORS

All duties and powers set forth herein may be delegated or assigned to employees and/or agents of
ANLP as deemed necessary by the Directors, although the duties and powers remain the ultimate
responsibility of the Directors as set forth.

5.1 General Powers - The directors shall manage all the business and affairs of A NEW
LEAF - PUBLICATIONS, subject to any limitations set forth in this document, the bylaws of
Marijuana Anonymous World Services Inc., and the Charter of the society of Marijuana
Anonymous, specifically but not necessarily limited to:
(a) determining the circulation (number of copies printed) of “A New Leaf.” the
newsletter.
(b) determining the price of “A New Leaf.” the newsletter.
(c) determining any major changes in the mast-head of "A New Leaf", the
newsletter.
(d) determining any changes which substantially effect the cost of publishing “A
New Leaf.” the newsletter.
(e) determining the timing and allocation of funds for additional printings of
LWH.
(f) determining the price of LWH.
(g) determining any major changes in the cover art of LWH.
(h) determining any changes which substantially effect the cost of publishing
LWH.
(i) determining timing and allocation of any surplus funds to be donated to
MAWS Inc.
(j) determining the means by which all other MAWS approved literature is to be
distributed, sold, and warehoused.
(k) determining the means by which all MAWS literature masters are to be
maintained, archived and stored.

5.2 Specific Powers and Duties - Without prejudice to these general powers, and subject
to the same limitations, the directors shall have the power to:
(a) Select and remove any agents and employees of ANLP and prescribe any
powers and duties for them that are consistent with the law, this document, the bylaws
of Marijuana Anonymous World Services Inc., and the Charter of the society of
Marijuana Anonymous.
(b) Borrow money and incur indebtedness on behalf of ANLP and cause to be
executed and delivered promissory notes, bonds, debentures, deeds of trust,

MA SERVICE MANUAL REVISION 4.1 PAGE 93

 mortgages, pledges, and other evidence of security.

5.3 Specific Duties of Executive Directors - The three (3) executive directors shall be
assigned the following responsibilities: Chairperson, Treasurer and Secretary with duties as
follows:
(a) Chairperson:
(1) Oversee the day-to-day operations of ANLP
(2) Act as the liaison between ANLP and the Trustees of MAWS, Inc.
(3) Ensure that ANLP is in compliance with its charter and The Twelve
Traditions of Marijuana Anonymous,
(4) Fill necessary positions and that duties are being performed.
(5) Be responsible for sales, inventory maintenance, and shipping of
LWH.
(6) Conduct meetings and voting as set forth in this charter.

(b) Treasurer: The treasurer's job is to handle all of ANLP's money. Typical
duties of the treasurer include:
(1) Receive payments for subscriptions to the newsletter and purchases of
LWH and all other MAWS approved literature distributed and sold by
ANLP, and communicate necessary information to other board
members as needed for shipping.
(2) Administer the checking account. (In administering the checking
account, two signatures should be required to issue a check. This is to
protect ANLP from theft, as well as to protect the treasurer from
controversy. It is also suggested that three signatures be on the
signature card in the event the treasurer becomes unavailable for any
reason.)
(3) Pay (or reimburse) the normal operating expenses for ANLP. These
expenses include, but are not necessarily limited to, the following:
(i) post office box
(ii) rent for ANLP's office (if applicable)
(iii) normal publishing costs (not including additional printings of
LWH, see Section 5.1, e)
(iv) postage for mailing of ANL

(4) postage & packing materials for LWH sales

(5) Reimburse approved expenses.
(6) Keep careful records of all transactions and promptly make out
receipts whenever necessary.
(7) Report on the financial condition of ANLP at the end of each quarter,
or upon request from the Board.
(8) Bill the Districts for subscriptions to ANL
(9) Comply with all MAWS Inc. requirements, including coordinating
with, and filing reports to, the MAWS Treasurer and/or MAWS
Bookkeeper with regards to yearly taxes.

(c) Secretary: Typical duties of the secretary include:

(1) Keep minutes of all meetings of the Board of directors

MA SERVICE MANUAL REVISION 4.1 PAGE 94

 (2) Assist the other directors in maintaining compliance with this charter,
MAWS Bylaws, and the Twelve Traditions.
(3) Keep track of the commencement date for each of the Board members and
remind the Chairperson when a director’s term is near completion
(4) Act as the archivist for masters (computer disk and hard copy) for all MA
literature.
(5) Visit the ANLP Post Office Box on a regular basis and distribute written
correspondence, order forms and money to the appropriate parties
(6) Respond to e-mail and other inquiries regarding purchase of any ANLP
materials

5.4 Specific Duties of “A New Leaf” Editors - The Editors shall have primary discretion as
to the selection and editing of articles printed in ANL, as well as the general design and
layout of [Link] editors will be involved in the actual selection of articles for
publication and will have input on whatever editing is done to submitted articles. It is the
express policy of ANLP that MA Members' articles (submitted for publication) will receive
only the minimum amount of editing possible. (i.e.: spelling, omission of obscene or foul
language and minimal grammar corrections). Generally speaking, it is preferable to not run
an article than to substantially change it, unless specific permission has been granted by the
writer for the article to be changed. If the editors cannot come to agreement on the above
duties, they will consult with the other directors until agreement is reached.

(a) Managing Editor:

(1) Pick up the completed issue of A New Leaf newsletter, and distribute the
printed issues to the various subscribers
(2) Manage and maintain contact with Bureau Chiefs from the Districts to collect
articles, news of local events, and "birthdays" (so long as ANL elects to
publish member's birthdays).
(3) See to it that ANLP works in concert with MAWS in publicizing the various
MAWS events, such as the annual MA Conference and the annual
Convention.
(4) See to it that condensations of various required MAWS reports be published
for members’ information.
(5) Maintain (in concert with the Treasurer) the subscription records and notify
the subscribers of delinquencies or expirations

(b) Publishing Editor:

(1) Produce the masters for each month's issue of ANL and see to it that they are
given to the ANL Distribution Coordinator by the agreed deadline for printing
and distribution.
(2) Transmit masters of ANL and LWH to the authorized printer and order the
authorized numbers of copies to be printed

6. DIRECTORS MEETINGS AND VOTING

6.1 Meetings. The Chairperson, at his or her discretion, or at the request of another
director, may call meetings if necessary. Meetings may be conducted on-line or via
conference call or e-mailed reports.

MA SERVICE MANUAL REVISION 4.1 PAGE 95

 6.2 Voting and Quorums - Unless otherwise stated in this charter, the positive vote any
four (4) directors is necessary to act. Voting may take place in person, online, or by
telephone conferencing. The chairperson may open voting by notifying all Directors
of a proposed motion and allowing a reasonable time for all Directors to respond,
offer discussion and vote. In no case shall the amount of time for Directors to cast
votes be less than 48 hours or more than one week.

7. BUREAU CHIEFS - Each District shall have a Bureau Chief. A certain degree of latitude is
allowed for the selection of Bureau Chiefs. Practical considerations of distance and
knowledge of candidates must be acknowledged. Bureau Chiefs may be selected by the
Districts themselves or they may be selected by the ANLP Board of Directors. Ultimately,
however, all Bureau Chiefs must be approved by the ANLP Board of Directors. Bureau
Chiefs shall have at least one year clean and sober from marijuana, alcohol, and all other
mind altering substances. The Co-Editors will be the primary managers and coordinators of
the Bureau Chiefs.

7.1 Responsibilities of Bureau Chiefs are as follows:

a) Solicit articles reflecting [a spirit] of recovery, unity and service for ANL
from Marijuana Anonymous Members within their District and submit them
promptly.
b) Collect Birthdays and local Event Information within their District for
possible publication in ANL and see to it that the information is submitted
promptly.
c) Receive, distribute (or coordinate distribution of) each month's issue of ANL
at the District's monthly business meeting or by whatever method the District
wishes it done.
d) Maintain contact and communication with the Editors as needed to fulfill the
above duties.

CONFERENCE APPROVED MATERIAL 

The term “Work” is defined as any artistic work or composition including, but not limited to, text,
graphics, audio and/or video.

The term “Conference Approved” is defined as approval of a Work for publication and distribution.
This term shall usually be followed by a noun or noun phrase (such as Literature, Tape Audio PSA,
Video PSA, etc.) that appropriately describes the media associated with the Work and/or the
intended purpose of the Work.

The term “Conference Approval” is defined as the process of considering whether a particular Work
ought to be “Conference Approved”.

In order for any work to be considered for voting as Conference Approved it must be presented in its
entirety to the conference. If further editing of the Work is deemed to be appropriate, the motion to
seek Conference Approval shall be either withdrawn of tabled until such time as the edits have been
completed and the revised version of the Work becomes available in its entirety.

MA SERVICE MANUAL REVISION 4.1 PAGE 96

The term “Work in Process” is defined as any Work that has been conceived, drafted, revised, or
completed, but has not been Conference Approved.

With the exception of Conference Approval, the Conference may consider and make any other
decision (such as planning, funding, and editing) regarding a Work in Process without the Work In
Process being available in its entirety.

All editions of “LIFE WITH HOPE, A Return to Living Through the Twelve Steps and Twelve
Traditions of Marijuana Anonymous” must be ‘Conference Approved’ prior to publication.

CHAPTER 29 
MA LITERATURE TRANSLATION MANUAL 
Suggested Guidelines 

INTRODUCTION 
As Marijuana Anonymous expands its membership globally, we are faced with a concern about the
translation of our literature. Some other 12-Step groups have experienced substantial difficulties in
carrying the message in non-English speaking regions using translations of their own 12-Step
literature. Most addicts in such regions are not getting the message because of poor translations.
Uncommon expressions and poor choice of vocabulary, unduly influenced by the original language,
make it difficult for addicts to read and understand the translated materials, and thus difficult to
practice the Steps as set forth in the literature. Accurate, culturally appropriate and readable
translations are necessary to allow for the successful carrying of the message.
In our effort to carry the message of Marijuana Anonymous internationally, how do we evaluate and
approve translated MA literature? Most Conference voting members neither speak, nor have any
familiarity with the target language. How do we know that the translation doesn’t, in some way,
change the meaning of the Steps or Traditions? And is it sufficiently clear to encourage addicts in
that language region to read the materials and have a greater understanding of a path to recovery?
How do we account for differences in cultures and the way those differences may affect how the
literature is understood while acknowledging and accepting that different cultures may have unique
ways of carrying the message?
To deal with these concerns we suggest creation of a Literature Translation Committee (LTC) in any
region requesting a translation of MA literature. The LTC would adhere to the following guidelines
which should assist in assuring the production of a good quality translation. We further suggest that
each LTC submit certifications that they followed these guidelines when submitting their draft
translations for Conference approval.

PURPOSE 
This manual serves two purposes:
1. To assist various language groups in MA with the creation of the most
effective translation possible for carrying our message to marijuana addicts outside of
English speaking regions, so that they have an opportunity to recover in their own
language and culture, and

MA SERVICE MANUAL REVISION 4.1 PAGE 97

 2. To help those wishing to translate MA literature go through a
translation process that would expedite Conference approval.
Keep in mind that this manual is to be used as a guide.

HOW TO START THE TRANSLATION PROCESS 
Literature Translation Committee
A district or a language group shall develop a Literature Translation Committee (LTC).
LTC shall be composed of minimum three MA members, including at least one who is conversant in
both English and the target language. LTC’s primary role is to coordinate the translation process, to
choose the chief translator, using a Blind Bidding, to review and proofread the translation, submit it
to the Conference for approval and to publish it. LTC members shall:

1. Be native speakers (or equivalent) of the target language. A native

speaker will be more apt to easily recognize sentences, which may be grammatically
correct but sound awkward and clumsy in the target language.
2. Be two years clean and sober (abstinence from marijuana and all other
mind- altering substances, including alcohol) or more.
3. Have worked all 12 Steps and be familiar with the 12 Traditions.
4. Have Internet access and basic knowledge of Microsoft Word and
Excel.
5. Be familiar with the current language and culture.
6. Be willing to work with other reviewers and the translator(s).

Blind Bidding
1. LTC shall solicit translators for MA literature translation within/out of
MA groups.
2. Suggested requirements for the candidate translators include:
a. Minimum 2 years clean and sober;
b. Have worked all 12 steps and are familiar with the 12 traditions.
c. Have access to resources to consult with regarding any translation
issues.
3. LTC asks candidates to submit a sample translation, a page from the
material.
4. LTC reviews/evaluate sample translations without identifying the
translator.
5. LTC votes for the best translation based on the reviewer’s guidelines.
6. LTC shall ask the winner of the blind bidding to start translating.

TRANSLATION REMINDER 
Basic:
Tradition Five states our primary purpose is “to carry its message to the marijuana addict who still
suffers”. A translator carries the message by translating the literature faithfully but without
sacrificing the meaning of the content.

Translator must always remember:

MA SERVICE MANUAL REVISION 4.1 PAGE 98

  to translate accurately and completely.
 to translate the meaning of the content, not word for word;
 to use the language, expression and the structure that make sense in the target language;
 to make the translation easy to understand for an average addict;

Points to remember:
1. Conveying the meaning of the content, you should:
a. Be faithful to the meaning of the content, rather than to the definition
of the word.
b. Understand the meaning of the content clearly.
c. Have completed working all 12 Steps and have a good comprehension
of all 12 Traditions.
d. Have resources (human & references) to consult with any translation
issues.

2. Translating in a way that makes sense in the target language:

a. Remember certain expressions in English, such as idioms, do not
translate well unless you use an equivalent expression in the target language.
b. If the equivalent expression does not exist, the meaning of the idiom
must be conveyed.
c. Make sure the words you’re using have a standard definition rather
than a region-specific meaning.
d. You may need to exchange the subject with the object of the sentence.
e. You may need to delete the subject of the sentence when appropriate.

3. Translation that is easy to read:

a. Writing style should be equivalent or similar to the original and must
be consistent throughout the text.
b. Choose the words in the same register (class/level). When you use
different register words in the same sentence, it sounds very awkward to native
speakers.
c. Words you use must be culturally appropriate: cf. “crazy” vs. “insane”
d. You may use a glossary to maintain the consistency, except when
meaning of the content calls for a different translation of the word(s).

4. Flow of the language: A translated document should read as though it

was written in the target language. In order to keep a better language flow, you may
consider the following when appropriate:

a. Putting two or more short sentences together;

b. Breaking a long sentence into two or more;
c. Inserting a conjunction between sentences;
d. Changing the voice of the sentence from active to passive or vice versa

MA SERVICE MANUAL REVISION 4.1 PAGE 99

 e. Changing a positive sentence to a negative one or vice versa.

TRANSLATION PROCESS 
1. Read the entire chapter/pamphlet once and get a general idea of the
content;
2. Decide what writing style you'll be using, and be consistent;
3. Translate the entire chapter/pamphlet, compiling key words for the
glossary;
4. Consult both English and Target dictionaries and monolingual English
dictionaries;
5. To clarify the meaning of the content, consult with English speaking
MA members with substantial time in recovery and who are familiar with the 12 steps
and 12 traditions;
6. Review your draft with the following points in mind:
a. Did you convey the meaning of the sentence, not word for word?
b. Did you use the proper writing style? Was it consistent?
c. Did you over look idiomatic expressions?
d. Does it make sense as you read it?
e. Is it awkward to read/listen to as you read it out loud?
f. Did you use different register words in the same sentence?
g. Did you use standard, not a region-specific, definition of the word?
h. Did you use culturally appropriate words/expressions?
i. Did you use the glossary? Was the translation of the key word/writing
style consistent?
j. Were any sentences too long?
k. Were there any redundant words, particles, conjunctions, etc.?
l. Does it have a good flow?
7. Finalize the glossary and submit it with the draft to the LTC.

REVIEWER’S REMINDER 
Basic:
Tradition Five states our primary purpose is "to carry its message to the addict who still suffers”.
The translated literature must “carry the message”, i.e. the meaning of the content must be conveyed.
In order to facilitate the carrying of the message, the translation must be faithful to the original, but
at the same time easy to read and understand for average addicts in the region. It must also be
culturally appropriate.

Reviewer’s task is to:

1. Look for typographical and grammatical mistakes and missing
lines/paragraph(s).
2. Correct formatting /layout based on the original text.
3. Make modifications to correct awkward or incorrect language usage.
4. However, it’s not the reviewers’ job to rewrite or improve the text.

MA SERVICE MANUAL REVISION 4.1 PAGE 100

 5. Consult and work with the translator(s)

Points to remember:
1. Typographical errors
a. Wrong spelling, missing letter(s), wrong character for the word, etc.
b. Punctuation not consistent with the current language publication
standards.
2. Grammatical errors
3. Each language group shall develop check points based on their
language standards.
a. Missing lines/titles/paragraphs/subheadings/footnotes
b. Quotations
4. Verify that quotations are accurately quoted. They should match any
existing translation of the source text.

CORRECTIONS 
Corrections are made, not to show off your translation skill, but to make the translation easier to read
and to understand. Any conflict between the reviewers and translators should be discussed between
them, with the goal of coming to an agreement on the language to be used.
 Conveying the meaning of the content: Check the following:
1. As you read it, does it make sense to you in the target language?
2. Were you able to clearly understand the content?
3. Can you make the sentence easier to understand by changing the
syntax:
a. by exchanging the subject with the object?
b. by changing an adjective to an adverb or vice versa?
c. by dividing a long sentence into two or more?
d. by changing a noun to a verb or vice versa?

 Flow of the language: Check the following:

1. As you read it, does it have a good flow of the target language?
2. Does it sound awkward as you read it out loud?
3. Can you make the flow better by changing the syntax:
a. by changing the sentence from positive to negative or vice versa?
b. by changing the voice from active to passive or vice versa?
c. by putting two short sentences together?
d. by dividing a long sentence into two or more?
4. Does it have a better flow if you insert an appropriate conjunction
between sentences?

 Formatting/layout: Check the following:

MA SERVICE MANUAL REVISION 4.1 PAGE 101

 1. Is the font size/type/style consistent with the original for the titles and
the text?
2. Does indentation of each paragraph match the original?
3. Is the page number in the same position on every page? Is it in
sequence?
4. Is there any extra space or missing space?

MODIFICATIONS 
1. Once you have identified the issues, make modifications (suggested
translation).
2. You can either use the Track Changes function on the Review tab of
the Microsoft Word or simply strike through the original words/phrases and insert the
modification next to it in a different color font or in Italic or in Bold. Either way, it’s a
good idea to keep track of changes.
3. In order to keep the flow and style of the original translation,
corrections should be made as few as possible.

BACK TRANSLATION 
Back translation is a very time consuming work, usually used to verify the accuracy and
completeness of a legal or medical translation.
If you choose to do the back translation of your final draft:
1. Limit only to the phrases that are ambiguous or the ones that you are
not certain of if you have translated accurately.
2. Make sure there is no contact between the original translator and the
back translator. The latter should be able to understand the context without the
explanation by the former.
3. Again, it is the meaning of the content that should be translated, not
the word for word translation.

WORKING CONDITIONS AND ENVIRONMENT  
Tired eyes and brains can easily miss errors and cause mistakes.
Take a break every few hours so that you are more refreshed and alert to find errors.
Make your desk, chair and light the most comfortable for you to work on.
Watch out for other factors such as noise level, room temperature, etc.

APPENDIX 
The following are suggested certification statement to be filled out by the translator(s) and
reviewers.

Translator’s statement:
I, _________________________, hereby certify that I am a native (Target language) speaker (or
equivalent) and conversant in both the English and (Target language) languages; I have translated
(Title of work) from English into (Target language), abiding by the MA Translator’s Guidelines.
The foregoing is a true and correct translation to the best of my knowledge.

Date:________________________ Signature:_____________________________

MA SERVICE MANUAL REVISION 4.1 PAGE 102

Reviewer’s statement:
I, _________________________, hereby certify that I am a native (Target language) speaker (or
equivalent) and conversant in both the English and (Target language) languages; I have reviewed the
translation of (Title of Work) translated by (Translator’s name), abiding by the MA Reviewer’s
Guidelines. The foregoing is a true and correct translation to the best of my knowledge.

Date:________________________ Signature:____________________________

MA SERVICE MANUAL REVISION 4.1 PAGE 103

 Chapter 30 
ARTICLES OF INCORPORATION 
OF 
MARIJUANA ANONYMOUS WORLD SERVICES 

I.

The name of this corporation is MARIJUANA ANONYMOUS WORLD SERVICES.

II.

A. This corporation is a nonprofit public benefit corporation and is not organized for the private
gain of any person. It is organized under the Nonprofit Public Benefit Corporation Law for
charitable purposes.

B. The sole purpose of this corporation is to serve the society of Marijuana Anonymous.

III.

The name and address in the State of California of this corporation's initial agent for service of
process is:

(NAME)
(Address)
(Address)

IV.

A. This corporation is organized and operated exclusively for charitable purposes within the
meaning of Section 501(c) (3) of the Internal Revenue Code.

B. No substantial part of the activities of this corporation shall consist of carrying on

propaganda, or otherwise attempting to influence legislation, and the corporation shall not participate
or intervene in any political campaign (including the publishing or distribution of statements) on
behalf of any candidate for public office.

V.

The names and addresses of the persons appointed to act as the initial Directors of this
corporation are:

(Name), (Address), (Address)

(Name), (Address), (Address)
(Name), (Address), (Address)

MA SERVICE MANUAL REVISION 4.1 PAGE 104

 VI.

The property of this corporation is irrevocably dedicated to charitable purposes and no part of the net
income or assets of this corporation shall ever inure to the benefit of any director, officer or member
thereof or to the benefit of any private person. Upon the dissolution or winding up of the
corporation, its assets remaining after payment, or provision of payment, of all debts and liabilities
of this corporation shall be distributed to a nonprofit fund, foundation, or corporation which is
organized and operated exclusively for charitable purposes; and which has established its tax exempt
status under Section 501(c) (3) of the Internal Revenue Code.

___________________________________________________Dated: _____________________
(Name)

___________________________________________________Dated ______________________
(Name)

___________________________________________________Dated: _____________________
(Name)

We hereby declare that we are the persons who executed the foregoing Articles of
Incorporation, which execution is our act and deed.

___________________________________________________Dated: _____________________
(Name)

___________________________________________________Dated: _____________________
(Name)

___________________________________________________Dated ______________________
(Name)

___________________________________________________Dated: _____________________
(Name)

MA SERVICE MANUAL REVISION 4.1 PAGE 105

 BYLAWS OF

a California Public Benefit Corporation

ARTICLE I

NAME

The name of this corporation shall be:

MARIJUANA ANONYMOUS WORLD SERVICES

_________________________________________________

ARTICLE II

OFFICES

SECTION 1. PRINCIPAL OFFICE

The principal office for the transaction of the business of the corporation ("principal executive
office") is located in the State of California, County of Los Angeles.

The directors may change the principal office from one location to another. Any change of this
location shall be noted by the secretary on these bylaws opposite this section, or this section may be
amended to state the new location.

SECTION 2. OTHER OFFICES

The Board of Directors may at any time establish branch or subordinate offices at any place or
places where the corporation is qualified to do business.

ARTICLE III

NONPARTISAN ACTIVITIES

This corporation has been formed under the California Public Benefit Corporation Law for the
purposes described herein below and it shall be nonprofit and nonpartisan. No substantial part of the
activities of the corporation shall consist of the publication or dissemination of materials with the
purpose of attempting to influence legislation, and the corporation shall not participate or intervene
in any political campaign on behalf of any candidate for public office or for or against any cause or
measure being submitted to the people for a vote.

MA SERVICE MANUAL REVISION 4.1 PAGE 106

 ARTICLE IV

DEDICATION OF ASSETS

The properties and assets of this nonprofit corporation are irrevocably dedicated to fulfillment of the
Objectives and Purposes of this corporation as set forth in Article XIII hereof. No part of the net
earnings, properties, or assets of this corporation, on dissolution or otherwise, shall inure to the
exclusive benefit of any private person or individual, or any member or director of this corporation
except in fulfillment of said Objectives and Purposes. On liquidation or dissolution, all properties
and assets and obligations shall be distributed pursuant to the nonprofit provisions of the California
Corporations Code then in effect.

ARTICLE V

MEMBERSHIP

Marijuana Anonymous World Service Corporation members, hereafter referred to in these Bylaws as
"members," shall consist of the following:

1. Directors of this corporation, who shall also be known as the trustees;

2. Duly-elected and qualified voting delegates to the World Conference of the Society of
Marijuana Anonymous, as defined in the Charter of the Society of Marijuana
Anonymous; and
3. Appointed or elected Marijuana Anonymous World Service committee heads and
coordinators.

All members must be sober. Sobriety is defined as abstinence from marijuana and all mind altering
substances, including alcohol.

ARTICLE VI

MEETINGS OF MEMBERS

SECTION 1. PLACE OF MEETING

Meetings of the membership shall be held at any place within or outside the State of California.

SECTION 2. FEES, DUES AND ASSESSMENTS

Marijuana Anonymous World Services shall be funded solely through voluntary contributions.
While most of those contributions have historically come from districts, individual meetings and
donations from Convention committees and ANLP, small donations to MAWS from individual
members are acceptable, if in a sum small enough to not influence, or have the appearance of
influencing MAWS. Such gifts are not generally to be accepted if they exceed 2% of the MAWS
annual budget or $1,000.00, whichever is greater.

MA SERVICE MANUAL REVISION 4.1 PAGE 107

Some individuals have expressed a desire to leave a gift or bequest to MAWS in their Will, Trust, or
other similar instrument. As there is a much lesser risk of influence, or appearance of influence from
such donation, MAWS will generally accept such gifts if they do not exceed 20% of the MAWS
annual budget or $5,000.00, whichever is greater, in a one time donation.

The membership by way of vote at Conference, or, if there are time constrains, the Trustees by vote
subject to approval at the next Conference, may approve a gift by Will, Trust or similar instrument
which exceeds the values set out in the above guidelines, if they find extraordinary circumstances, or
that under the circumstances the gift is not likely to cause undue influence or the appearance of such
influence.

There are no contribution requirements to be World Services corporation member.

SECTION 3. TERMINATION OF MEMBERSHIP

Any member may voluntarily resign by written notice to the Trustees or the Secretary of this
corporation.

Members shall maintain their status solely during their term of office as defined in the Charter of the
Society of Marijuana Anonymous and these Bylaws. Upon expiration of the member's term,
membership in this corporation shall automatically lapse.

Any member who is removed from his/her position pursuant to Article VIII of these Bylaws shall
also automatically cease to be a member of the corporation.

SECTION 4. NOTICE OF MEMBER'S MEETINGS

The meeting of the corporation members shall be held at least once a year at the World Conference
of the Society of Marijuana Anonymous. Written notice at least thirty days before the meeting shall
be provided where practical, but failure of written notice shall not prevent the corporate members
from meeting and acting.

SECTION 5. QUORUM

(A) Percentage required. Two-thirds of the members shall constitute a quorum for the
transaction of business at a meeting of the corporate members.

(B) Loss of quorum. The corporate members present at a duly called or duly held meeting at
which a quorum is present may continue to transact business until adjournment, despite the
withdrawal of enough members to leave less than a quorum, if any action taken (other than
adjournment) is approved by at least two-thirds of the members required to constitute a
quorum.

MA SERVICE MANUAL REVISION 4.1 PAGE 108

SECTION 6. ADJOURNED MEETING

Any members' meeting, annual or special, whether or not a quorum is present, may be adjourned
from time-to-time by the vote of the majority of the members. But in the absence of a quorum, no
other business may be transacted at that meeting, except as provided in this Article.

SECTION 7. VOTING

(A) Eligibility to vote. Corporation members shall be the only persons entitled to vote at any
meeting of members.

(B) Manner of casting votes. Voting may be by voice or ballot, provided that any election of
directors must be by ballot if demanded by any member before the voting begins.

(C) Place of voting. Members must be present at the meeting to vote.

(D) Percentage of votes required to act. If a quorum is present, the affirmative vote of two-
thirds of the members present at the meeting entitled to vote (other than the election of
directors) shall be the act of the members, unless the vote of a greater number or voting by
classes is required by California Nonprofit Corporation Law or by the Articles of
Incorporation.

ARTICLE VII

ELECTION OF DIRECTORS (TRUSTEES)

SECTION 1. DIRECTORS

A member must be present at the annual membership meeting to be elected. Directors (Trustees)
shall be elected at the annual membership meeting. All qualified conference attendees shall be
eligible to be elected as trustees, subject to their right to withdraw their names from consideration,
and provided they have substantially attended the conference at which they are being considered.
All eligible persons shall be listed on a roster subject to view by all members for the duration of the
conference. A quorum as defined in Article VI must be present, and two-thirds of the voting
members present are needed to elect a Director. Notwithstanding this provision, two-thirds of a
quorum as defined in Article VI can elect to modify the procedure for electing Directors for the
purpose of that annual meeting only.

SECTION 2. ALTERNATE DIRECTORS

A member must be present at the annual membership meeting to be elected. First and second
alternate Directors shall be elected at the annual meeting in the same manner as Directors, and shall
be designated as such. In the event of a vacancy in the Board, the alternate(s) shall be appointed by
the remaining Directors to the vacancy(ies). In the event that alternate Directors are not available or
have already been appointed to other vacancies, the vacant position shall be filled at the next
membership meeting.

MA SERVICE MANUAL REVISION 4.1 PAGE 109

 ARTICLE VIII

DIRECTORS

SECTION 1. POWERS

(A) General corporate powers. Subject to the provisions of the California Nonprofit
Corporation Law and any limitations in the articles of incorporation and these bylaws
relating to action required to be approved by the members, the business and affairs of the
corporation shall be managed, and all corporate powers shall be exercised, by or under the
direction of the board of directors.

(B) Specific powers. Without prejudice to these general powers, and subject to the same
limitations, the directors shall have the power to:

(1) Select and remove all agents, and employees of the corporation; prescribe
any powers and duties for them that are consistent with law, with the articles of
incorporation, and with these bylaws; and fix their compensation.

(2) Change the principal business office in the State of California from one
location to another; cause the corporation to be qualified to do business in any other
state, territory, dependency, or country and conduct business within or outside the
State of California; and designate any place within or outside the State of California
for the holding of any members' meeting or meetings, including annual meetings.

(3) Adopt, make, and use a corporate seal; prescribe the forms of membership
certificates; and alter the form of the seal and certificate.

(4) Between membership meetings, remove and replace committee heads or

coordinators by 3/4 vote. The new committee head or coordinator will become a
member of the Corporation if the decision of the Board is ratified at the next annual
membership meeting.

SECTION 2. NUMBER AND QUALIFICATION OF DIRECTORS

The authorized number of directors shall be nine (9). Directors need not be residents of the State of
California. A minimum of two years sobriety as defined in Article V shall be a requirement for
anyone willing to serve as a director.

SECTION 3. ELECTION AND TERM OF OFFICE OF DIRECTORS AND ALTERNATES

(A) Terms of directors shall be for one two-year term with an option for two additional
one-year terms with a four-year consecutive maximum. Directors shall be elected at the
annual MAWS conference meeting, terms to begin upon adjournment of the same meeting
and expiring either one or two years later upon adjournment of the annual MAWS conference
meeting of the members; however, if any annual meeting is not held or the directors are not
elected at any annual meeting, they may be elected at any membership special meeting held
for that purpose. Each director, including a director elected to fill a vacancy or elected at a

MA SERVICE MANUAL REVISION 4.1 PAGE 110

 membership special meeting, shall hold office until expiration of the term for which elected
and until a successor has been elected and qualified.

(B) Terms of Alternate Directors shall be for one year, with a maximum of two
concurrent terms. Alternate Directors shall be elected at each annual MAWS conference
meeting of the members; however if any annual meeting is not held or the Alternate
Directors are not elected at any annual meeting, they may be elected at any membership
special meeting held for that purpose. Each Alternate, including an Alternate elected to fill a
vacancy or elected at a membership special meeting, shall hold office until expiration of the
term for which elected and until a successor has been elected.

(C) In the event of an emergency when no remaining alternates are available, the
Directors may elect (an) additional alternate trustee(s) by ¾ vote of the directors.

When an Alternate Director fulfills a vacancy which continues in excess of twelve months, it shall
be considered a full Director's term in the event that same Alternate becomes reelected as Director at
the annual MAWS conference or any membership special meeting.

In the event that a Director resigns or is removed during their term, it is recommended that at least
one full conference cycle elapse before they may be re-elected.

SECTION 4. VACANCIES

(A) Events causing vacancy. A vacancy or vacancies in the board of directors shall be
deemed to exist on the occurrence of the following:
(i) the death, resignation, or removal of any director,
(ii) the declaration by resolution of the board of directors of a vacancy of the office of
a director who has been declared of unsound mind by an order of court or has been
found by final order or judgment of any court to have breached a legally imposed
duty under the California Nonprofit Corporation Law.

(B) Resignations. Directors may resign at any time by written notice to the other Trustees or
the Secretary.

(C) Removal. Any trustee may be removed by a three-fourths vote of all the voting
members. Votes regarding removal of a Trustee may be cast either at a membership meeting
or by written ballot of the members who were qualified at the immediately preceding
membership meeting.

(D) In the event of an emergency, any member may be removed by a three-fourths vote of
the Directors, subject to ratification by a three-fourths vote of the membership. An
emergency members meeting for this purpose can be conducted by phone, mail, e-mail, or
facsimile.

SECTION 5. PLACE OF MEETINGS; MEETINGS BY TELEPHONE

Regular meetings of the board of directors may be held at any place within or outside the State of
California that has been designated from time-to-time by resolution of the board. In the absence of

MA SERVICE MANUAL REVISION 4.1 PAGE 111

such designation, regular meetings shall be held at the principal executive office of the corporation.
Special meetings of the board shall be held at any place within or outside the State of California that
has been designated in the notice of the meeting or, if not stated in the notice, or if there is no notice,
at the principal executive office of the corporation. Notwithstanding the above provisions of this
Section 5, a regular or special meeting of the Board of Directors may be held at any place consented
to in writing by a quorum of the board members, within 10 days’ prior notice of the meeting. If
consents are given, they shall be filed with the minutes of the meeting. Any meeting, regular or
special, may be held by conference telephone or similar communication equipment, so long as all
directors participating in the meeting can hear one another, and all such directors shall be deemed to
be present in person at such meeting.

SECTION 6. ANNUAL MEETING

The Board of Directors shall hold a regular annual meeting, at the Society of Marijuana Anonymous
World Conference. Notice of this meeting shall not be required.

SECTION 7. QUORUM

Two-thirds of the elected number of directors shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of
business, except to adjourn as provided in Section 8 of this Article VIII. Every act or decision done
or made by two-thirds of the directors present at a meeting duly held at which a quorum is present
shall be regarded as the act of the board of directors, subject to the provisions of the California
Nonprofit Corporation Law, especially those provisions relating to (i) approval of contracts or
transactions in which a director has a direct or indirect material financial interest, (ii) appointment of
committees, and (iii) indemnification of directors. A meeting at which a quorum is initially present
may continue to transact business, despite the withdrawal of directors, if any action taken is
approved by at least a majority of the required quorum for that meeting.

SECTION 8. ADJOURNMENT

A majority of the directors present, whether or not constituting a quorum, may adjourn any meeting
to another time and place.

ARTICLE IX

INDEMNIFICATION OF DIRECTORS, OFFICERS, EMPLOYEES, AND OTHER AGENTS

SECTION 1. DEFINITIONS

For the purpose of this Article,

(A) "agent" means any person who is or was a director, officer, employee, or other agent of
this corporation, or is or was serving at the request of this corporation as a director, officer,
employee, or agent of another foreign or domestic corporation, partnership, joint venture,
trust, or other enterprise, or was a director, officer, employee, or agent of a foreign or
domestic corporation that was a predecessor corporation of this corporation or of another
enterprise at the request of the predecessor corporation.

MA SERVICE MANUAL REVISION 4.1 PAGE 112

 (B) "proceeding" means any threatened, pending, or completed action or proceeding,
whether civil, criminal, administrative, or investigative; and

(C) "expenses" includes, without limitation, all attorneys' fees, costs, and any other expenses
incurred in the defense of any claims or proceedings against an agent by reason of his
position or relationship as agent and all attorneys' fees, costs, and other expenses incurred in
establishing a right to indemnification under this Article.

SECTION 2. SUCCESSFUL DEFENSE BY AGENT

To the extent that an agent of this corporation has been successful on the merits in the defense of any
proceeding referred to in this Article, or in the defense of any claim, issue, or matter therein, the
agent shall be indemnified against expenses actually and reasonably incurred by the agent in
connection with the claim. If an agent either settles any such claim or sustains a judgment rendered
against him, then the provisions of Sections 3 through 5 shall determine whether the agent is entitled
to indemnification.

SECTION 3. ACTIONS BROUGHT BY PERSONS OTHER THAN THE CORPORATION

Subject to the required findings to be made pursuant to Section 5, below, this corporation shall
indemnify any person who was or is a party, or is threatened to be made a party, to any proceeding
other than an action brought by, or on behalf of, this corporation, or by an officer, director or person
granted related status by the Attorney General, or by the Attorney General on the ground that the
defendant director was or is engaging in self-dealing within the meaning of California Corporations
Code, or by the Attorney General or a person granted related status by the Attorney General for any
breach of duty relating to assets held in charitable trust, by reason of the fact that such person is or
was an agent of this corporation, for all expenses, judgments, fines, settlements, and other amounts
actually and reasonably incurred in connection with the proceeding.

SECTION 4. ACTION BROUGHT BY OR ON BEHALF OF THE CORPORATION

(A) Claims settled out of court. If any agent settles or otherwise disposes of a threatened or
pending action brought by or on behalf of this corporation, with or without court approval,
the agent shall receive no indemnification for either amounts paid pursuant to the terms of
the settlement or other disposition or for any expenses incurred in defending against the
proceeding.

(B) Claims and suits awarded against agent. This corporation shall indemnify any person
who was or is a party or is threatened to be made a party to any threatened, pending or
completed action brought by or on behalf of this corporation by reason of the fact that the
person is or was an agent of this corporation, for all expenses actually and reasonably
incurred in connection with the defense of that action, provided that both of the following are
met:

(1) The determination of good faith conduct required by Section 5, below,

must be made in the manner provided for in that section; and

MA SERVICE MANUAL REVISION 4.1 PAGE 113

 (2) Upon application, the court in which the action was brought must
determine that, in view of all of the circumstances of the case, the agent should be
entitled to indemnify for the expenses incurred. If the agent is found to be so entitled,
the court shall determine the appropriate amount of expenses to be reimbursed.

SECTION 5. DETERMINATION OF AGENT'S GOOD FAITH CONDUCT

The indemnification granted to an agent in Sections 3 and 4 above is conditioned on the following:

(A) Required standard of conduct. The agent seeking reimbursement must be found, in the
manner provided below, that he acted in good faith, in a manner he believed to be in the best
interest of this corporation, and with such care, including reasonable inquiry, as an ordinarily
prudent person in a like position would use in similar circumstances. The termination of any
proceeding by judgment, order, settlement, conviction, or on a plea of "nolo contendere" or
its equivalent shall not, of itself, create a presumption that the person did not act in good faith
or in a manner which he reasonably believed to be in the best interest of this corporation or
that he had reasonable cause to believe that his conduct was unlawful. In the case of a
criminal proceeding, the person must have had no reasonable cause to believe that his
conduct was unlawful.

(B) Manner of determination of good faith conduct. The determination that the agent did act
in a manner complying with Paragraph (A) above shall be made by:

(1) The Board of Directors by a majority vote of a quorum consisting of

directors who are not parties to the proceeding;

(2) The affirmative vote (or written ballot in accordance with Article VI,
Section 9 of a majority of the votes represented and voting at a duly held meeting at
which a quorum is present (which affirmative votes also constitute a majority of the
required quorum);

(3) The court in which the proceeding is or was pending. Such determination
may be made on application brought by this corporation or the agent or the attorney
or other person rendering a defense to the agent, whether or not the application by the
agent, attorney, or other person is opposed by this corporation.

MA SERVICE MANUAL REVISION 4.1 PAGE 114

SECTION 6. LIMITATIONS

No indemnification or advance shall be made under this Article, except as provided in Sections 2 or
5 (b) (iii), in any circumstance when it appears:

(A) That the indemnification or advance would be inconsistent with a provision of the
Articles, a resolution of the members, or an agreement in effect at the time of the accrual of
the alleged cause of action asserted in the proceeding in which the expenses were incurred or
other amounts were paid, which prohibits or otherwise limits indemnification; or

(B) That the indemnification would be inconsistent with any condition expressly imposed by
a court in approving a settlement.

SECTION 7. ADVANCE OF EXPENSES

Expenses incurred in defending any proceeding may be advanced by this corporation before the final
disposition of the proceeding on receipt of an undertaking by or on behalf of the agent to repay the
amount of the advance unless it is determined ultimately that the agent is entitled to be indemnified
as authorized in this Article.

SECTION 8. CONTRACTUAL RIGHTS OF NONDIRECTORS AND NONOFFICERS

Nothing contained in this Article shall effect any right to indemnification to which persons other
than directors and officers of this corporation, or any subsidiary hereof, may be entitled by contract
or otherwise.

SECTION 9. INSURANCE

The Board of Directors may adopt a resolution authorizing the purchase and maintenance of
insurance on behalf of any agent of the corporation against any liability asserted against or incurred
by the agent in such capacity or arising out of the agent's status as such, whether or not this
corporation would have the power to indemnify the agent against that liability under the provisions
of this Section.
ARTICLE X

RECORDS AND REPORTS

SECTION 1. INSPECTION RIGHTS

Any member of the corporation may:

(i) Inspect and copy the records of members' names and voting rights during usual business
hours on five days' prior written demand on the corporation, stating the purpose for which the
inspection of rights are requested.

Any inspection and copying under this Section may be made in person or by an agent or attorney of
the member and the right of inspection includes the right to copy and make extracts.

MA SERVICE MANUAL REVISION 4.1 PAGE 115

SECTION 2. MAINTENANCE AND INSPECTION OF ARTICLES AND BYLAWS

The corporation shall keep at its principal executive office, or if its principal executive office is not
in the State of California, at its principal business office in this State, the original or a copy of the
Articles and Bylaws as amended to date, which shall be open to inspection by the members at all
reasonable times during office hours. If the principal executive office of the corporation is outside
the State of California and the corporation has no principal business office in this State, the Secretary
shall, on the written request of any member, furnish to that member a copy of the Articles and
Bylaws as amended to date.

SECTION 3. MAINTENANCE OF INSPECTION OF OTHER CORPORATE RECORDS

The accounting books, records, and minutes of proceedings of the members and the board of
directors and any committee(s) of the board of directors shall be kept at such place or places
designated by the board of directors, or, in the absence of such designation, at the principal executive
office of the corporation. The minutes shall be kept in written or typed form, and the accounting
books and records shall be kept either in written or typed form or in any other form capable of being
converted into written, typed, or printed form. The minutes and accounting books and records shall
be open to inspection on the written demand of any member, at any reasonable time during usual
business hours, for a purpose reasonably related to the member's interest as a member. The
inspection may be made in person or by an agent or attorney, and shall include the right to copy and
make extracts. These rights of inspection shall extend to the records of each subsidiary corporation
of the corporation.

SECTION 4. INSPECTION BY DIRECTORS

Every director shall have the absolute right at any reasonable time to inspect all books, records, and
documents of every kind and the physical properties of the corporation and each of its subsidiary
corporations. This inspection by a director may be made in person or by an agent or attorney, and the
right of inspection includes the right to copy and make extracts of documents.

SECTION 5. ANNUAL REPORT

The annual report to members referred to in the California Nonprofit Corporation Law is expressly
dispensed with, but nothing in these Bylaws shall be interpreted as prohibiting the Board of
Directors from issuing annual or other periodic reports to the members of the corporation as they
consider appropriate. However, the corporation shall provide to the directors, and to those members
who request it in writing, within 120 days of the close of its fiscal year, a report containing the
following information in reasonable detail:

(A) The assets and liabilities, including the trust funds, of the corporation as of the end of the
fiscal year.
(B) The principal changes in assets and liabilities, including trust funds, during the fiscal
year.
(C) The revenue or receipts of the corporation, both unrestricted and restricted to particular
purposes, for the fiscal year.
(D) The expenses or disbursements of the corporation, for both general and restricted

MA SERVICE MANUAL REVISION 4.1 PAGE 116

 purposes, during the fiscal year.
(E) Any information required by California Corporations Code Section 6322.

ARTICLE XI

CONSTRUCTION AND DEFINITIONS

Unless the context requires otherwise, the general provisions, rules of construction, and definitions
in the California Nonprofit Corporation Law shall govern the construction of these Bylaws. Without
limiting the generality of the above, the masculine gender includes the feminine and neuter, the
singular number includes the plural, the plural number includes the singular, and the term "person"
includes both the corporation and a natural person.

ARTICLE XII

AMENDMENT BY MEMBERS

New Bylaws may be adopted or these Bylaws may be amended or repealed by approval of the
members or their proxies, or by written assent of these persons. The Bylaws may be amended by a
vote of two-thirds of all the voting members.

ARTICLE XIII

DISCLAIMER OF RIGHT TO CONTROL

In relation to the Society of Marijuana Anonymous, the Marijuana Anonymous World Service
Corporation exists solely to provide support for the Society of Marijuana Anonymous. The
corporation has no right to supervise of control the activities of the Society of Marijuana
Anonymous, at the national level, local areas, or in the individual groups and meetings.

ARTICLE XIV

OBJECTIVES AND PURPOSES

The Marijuana Anonymous World Services Corporation has but one purpose, that of serving the
Society of Marijuana Anonymous. It is to maintain services for those who would be seeking, through
Marijuana Anonymous, the means for arresting the disease of marijuana addiction through the
application to their own lives, in whole or in part, of the Twelve Steps which constitute the recovery
program upon which the Society of Marijuana Anonymous is founded. These Twelve Steps are as
follows:

(12 Steps) See attached page

Marijuana Anonymous World Services Corporation and its members claim no proprietary right in
the recovery program, for these Twelve Steps, as all spiritual truths, may now be regarded as

MA SERVICE MANUAL REVISION 4.1 PAGE 117

available to all mankind. However, because these Twelve Steps have proven to constitute an
effective spiritual basis for life which, if followed, arrests the disease of marijuana addiction, the
Marijuana Anonymous World Services Corporation asserts the negative right of preventing, so far as
it may be within its power, any modification, alteration, or extension of these Twelve Steps, except
at the instance of the Society of Marijuana Anonymous in keeping with the Charter of the World
Service Conference of Marijuana Anonymous as the same may from time to time be amended
(hereinafter referred to as the "Charter").

The Marijuana Anonymous World Service membership shall be guided by the Twelve Traditions of
Marijuana Anonymous, hereinafter referred to as the "Traditions," which are as follows:

(12 Traditions) See attached page

The Marijuana Anonymous World Service Corporation shall use its best efforts to insure that these
Twelve Traditions are maintained, for it is regarded by the Society of Marijuana Anonymous as the
custodian of these Traditions and, accordingly, it shall not itself nor, so far as it is within its power to
do so, permit others to modify, alter, or amplify these Traditions, except in keeping with the
provisions of the Charter.

The Marijuana Anonymous World Service membership shall be guided by the spirit of the Twelve
Concepts of Marijuana Anonymous, hereinafter referred to as the "Concepts" which, in their short
form, are as follows:

(12 Concepts) See attached page

MA SERVICE MANUAL REVISION 4.1 PAGE 118

 THE TWELVE STEPS OF MARIJUANA ANONYMOUS* 

1. We admitted we were powerless over marijuana, that our lives had become unmanageable.

2. Came to believe that a Power greater than ourselves could restore us to sanity.

3. Made a decision to turn our will and our lives over to the care of God, as we understood God.

4. Made a searching and fearless moral inventory of ourselves.

5. Admitted to God, to ourselves, and to another human being the exact nature of our wrongs.

6. Were entirely ready to have God remove all these defects of character.

7. Humbly asked God to remove our shortcomings.

8. Made a list of all persons we had harmed and became willing to make amends to them all.
9. Made direct amends to such people wherever possible except when to do so would injure
them or others.

10. Continued to take personal inventory and when we were wrong promptly admitted it.

11. Sought through prayer and meditation to improve our conscious contact with God, as we
understood God, praying only for knowledge of God's will for us and the power to carry that
out.
12. Having had a spiritual awakening as the result of these steps, we tried to carry this message
to marijuana addicts and to practice these principles in all our affairs.

* Approved by the General Service Conference of Marijuana Anonymous, October 1989

MA SERVICE MANUAL REVISION 4.1 PAGE 119

 THE TWELVE TRADITIONS OF MARIJUANA ANONYMOUS* 

1. Our common welfare should come first; personal recovery depends upon MA unity.

2. For our group purpose there is but one ultimate authority, a loving God whose expression
may come through in our group conscience. Our leaders are but trusted servants; they do not
govern.

3. The only requirement for membership is a desire to stop using marijuana.

4. Each group should be autonomous except in matters affecting other groups or MA as a

whole.

5. Each group has but one primary purpose, to carry its message to the marijuana addict who
still suffers.

6. MA groups ought never endorse, finance, or lend the MA name to any related facility or
outside enterprise, lest problems of money, property, and prestige divert us from our primary
purpose.

7. Every MA group ought to be fully self-supporting, declining outside contributions.

8. Marijuana Anonymous should remain forever nonprofessional, but our service centers may
employ special workers.

9. MA, as such, ought never be organized, but we may create service boards or committees
directly responsible to those they serve.

10. Marijuana Anonymous has no opinion on outside issues; hence the MA name ought never be
drawn into public controversy.

11. Our public relations policy is based upon attraction rather than promotion; we need always
maintain personal anonymity at the level of press, radio, t.v., film, and other public media.
We need guard with special care the anonymity of all fellow MA members.
12. Anonymity is the spiritual foundation of all our traditions, ever reminding us to place
principles before personalities.

* Approved by the General Service Conference of Marijuana Anonymous, October 1989 and World Service Conference,
May 1992.

MA SERVICE MANUAL REVISION 4.1 PAGE 120

 THE TWELVE CONCEPTS FOR SERVICE 
IN MARIJUANA ANONYMOUS* 

1. The Marijuana Anonymous service structure was created to give the groups the freedom to
carry out our society's primary purpose of carrying the message to marijuana addicts.

2. The ultimate authority and responsibility for service in Marijuana Anonymous is the
collective conscience of the groups.

3. The Marijuana Anonymous groups have delegated to its service committees and trusted
servants the full authority to conduct Marijuana Anonymous' business and service regarding
district as well as world affairs.

4. All members of a service committee have the "Right of Participation," and bear substantial
responsibility for the service committee's decisions.

5. Group conscience is the spiritual means by which service decisions are made.

6. A "Right of Appeal" exists to protect minority opinions, and to ensure that all viewpoints
have been considered in the decision-making process.

7. The scope of responsibility and authority of every service position should be well defined to
ensure accountability of all service positions as well as the ability to perform each position.

8. Effective leadership qualities are essential for trustees, who are entrusted with the
responsibility of making final decisions regarding general world service business and
finances.

9. The Articles of Incorporation and By-laws of Marijuana Anonymous World Services, Inc.,
are legal documents that empower the trustees to manage and conduct world service
business; the conference charter is not a legal document but relies on the force of the
traditions and power of the group conscience.
10. The integrity of our service structure depends on continued unity of Marijuana Anonymous
groups, districts, and World Services through effective communication.

11. Marijuana Anonymous' funds and resources should be managed responsibly to ensure their
most efficient use in carrying out the primary purpose of Marijuana Anonymous.
12. The Marijuana Anonymous service structure should be one of selfless service and not of
power or government, ensuring that the spiritual principles of the 12 Steps, 12 Traditions,
and the warranties of Article 12 of the conference charter are always maintained.
*Approved by the World Service Conference of Marijuana Anonymous, May 1996

MA SERVICE MANUAL REVISION 4.1 PAGE 121

Italicized pages indicate material is in Spanish

abstinence. See sobriety

addiction to marijuana
cross addictions, 48
twelve questions to determine if addicted, 45
addresses for mass mailings, sources for, 52
Ad Hoc Committees (District), 29
agenda items, writing for MAWS Conference, 87–88
Alcoholics Anonymous, 8, 14
amendments, rules for, 32, 119
annual report of MAWS, 118–119
anonymity, 3, 4, 9, 10, 14, 15, 16, 39, 47,50, 52, 65, 121
Articles of Incorporation for MAWS, 106–120
autonomy, 4

bank reconciliation, 37
birthdays (recognition of sobriety), 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 18, 19, 31
Birthday Chair, 5
Board of Directors of MAWS. See Trustees (Directors)
Bureau Chiefs, 97
Bylaws of MAWS, 108–120

Cable TV Community Bulletin Boards, 52

cash receipts, 35
Chairpersons
Birthday Chair, 5
for Conference/Convention, 77–78
for District, 25, 26–27
at Group level, 5–6
World Services H & I Committee Chair, 44–45
World Services PI Committee Chair, 54
Charter for A New Leaf Publication, 91–96
checking account, 35–36, 37
checklist for District Treasurer, 36
chips (recognition of sobriety), 13, 19
and the District, 6, 22, 29
at local meetings, 9, 10, 11, 15, 16, 17
Chip person, 6
clearance to attend H & I meetings in correctional facilities, 44
Coffee and/or Refreshments person(s), 5
Conference, see MAWS Conference
Conference Agenda Committee (for MAWS Conference), 72, 85–87
conscience, group. See group conscience
Convention, 63
Finances, 66
Guidelines, 63
Insurance, 66
Liaison, 30
Management, 66–67
Planning, 65–67
Planning positions, 65
Types of, 64
What makes a good, 66
corporation. See Marijuana Anonymous World Services (MAWS)
correctional facilities, clearance for, 44
Correspondence Subcommittee (District), 28
cross addictions, 48

MA SERVICE MANUAL REVISION 4.1 PAGE 122

Delegates to MAWS 1, 2, 7, 25, 27, 29, 30, 61, 64, 69, 72–73, 77, 81, 83–86, 88–90, 92, 108
and Group Service Representatives, 2, 25, 29
selection of, 21, 28, 29, 92
Directors. See Trustees (Directors); Executive Directors of A New Leaf Publications;
District H&I Coordinator, 43–44
District Service Committees (DSC), 2, 21. See also Delegates to MAWS
chips and, 5
composition of, 25–29, 89
creation of new or split Districts, 23, 30–31
District H&I Coordinator, 43–44
District Treasurer, guidelines for, 33–37
financial matters of, 5, 12, 18, 32, 32--36
General Service Representative and, 4, 5, 6, 29
meetings of, 7, 25
format for, 31
new or split districts, criteria for, 30–31
officers, 25–26
Public Information and, 25–26
District PI Coordinator, 54
inter-district cooperation in public information, 54
special events and, 28, 63
subcommittees, 27–29

Editors for A New Leaf Publications, 93, 94, 96

election. See selection
Entertainment Chairperson (for conference/convention), 65
events and fund-raising, 63–64
Events Subcommittee (District), 28
Executive Directors of A New Leaf Publications, 93–96
officers, 97–99

financial matters. See also insurance

Finance Committee for MAWS Conference, 73--74
financial year end, 34
fund-raising and events, 27, 62–64
Group Treasurer, 5
guidelines for District Treasurers, 33–37
paying for conferences/conventions, 65
flyers for public information, 57, 58
fund-raising and events, 63–64

Greeters, 5
group conscience,1, 2, 4, 6, 47, 64, 70, 83, 87, 90, 120, 121
Groups. See also meetings (Groups)
Group Meeting Record, 19
as primary structure in Marijuana Anonymous, 3–4
starting new meetings, 67—68, , 82
Group Service Representatives (GSR), 1, 2, 5–7, 25, 26, 30, 31, 34, 36, 67, 68
and Delegates, 2, 25, 30

H & I. See Hospitals and Institutions

Hospitality Chairperson (for conference/convention), 65
Hospitals and Institutions
District Subcommittee, 27–28
World Services H & I Committee Chair, 44–45
District H&I Coordinator, 43–44
and MAWS Conference, 84

MA SERVICE MANUAL REVISION 4.1 PAGE 123

 officer qualifications and responsibilities, 43–44, 74–75
Panel Leaders/Secretaries, 41–43
selection of Committee Chair/Trustee, 43
Handbook for Hospitals and Institutions, 38–45
How It Works, 12, 18, 46
reading of at meetings, 8, 14

indemnification, 111–115
individuals, importance of, 2
insurance
for conferences/conventions, 65
liability insurance, 24, 66, 67, 91
for MAWS, 100
inter-district cooperation in public information, 51
Internet for public information, 50, 52–53
Internet/Global Outreach Committee (for MAWS Conference), 78
inverted pyramid, 2

liability insurance, 24, 66, 67, 91

“Life With Hope” books, 62, 65, 68, 81, 82, 92, 97
listings for public information, 1, 50, 52, 53, 80
Literature, translation of, 97 - 103
literature distribution for public information, 50 - 53 See also A New Leaf Publications
Literature Chair (at Group level), 6
Literature Committee (for conference/convention), 84
Literature Subcommittee (District), 28

Managing Editor, 95
Marijuana Anonymous (MA), 1
acceptance of 12 steps, 8, 14
Conference Charter of, 87–91
guidelines for groups participating in, 3
Hospitals and Institutions Committee Handbook, 37–45
How It Works, 11, 17, 45
membership in, 3–4
Public Information Manual, 49–60
relationship with MAWS, 69--70
role of service in, 1–2
Marijuana Anonymous World Services (MAWS), 1 See also Delegates to MAWS; District Service
Committees (DSC); Trustees (Directors)
approved Charter for A New Leaf Publications, 91–96
Articles of Incorporation, 106–120
Board of, 110
Bylaws of, 108–120
Conference Charter of Marijuana Anonymous adopted at 10/89 MAWS Conference, 87–91
Conferences/Conventions, 1, 30–31, 77
criteria for acceptance of new or split districts, 29–30
election of H&I Committee Chair/Trustee, 43–44
guidelines for future conferences, 91
Third Unity Conference of Marijuana Anonymous, 89—90
meetings, 111–112
records and reports of, 116–117
relationship with Marijuana Anonymous, 69–70
mass mailings and public information, 50–52
MAWS Conference
agenda items, writing, 86–87
Charter, 87–91
committees, 84–85

MA SERVICE MANUAL REVISION 4.1 PAGE 124

 guidelines for future, 91
guidelines for motions, 85–86
members, 83
overview, 87–91
Third Unity Conference, resolution of, 90
meeting sign, example, 57
meetings (District level), 5, 25. See also District Service Committees (DSC)
format for, 31
meetings (Groups), 3–4, 22–23. See also Groups
group meeting record, 13, 19
meeting officers, 4–6
starting new meetings, 67—68, 78—80
suggested meeting format
English,
Any meeting, page 8
page 2, participation, no break, 9
page 2, with break & speaker, 10
page 2, topic, with break, 11
How It Works, 12
groups meeting record, 13
Spanish
Cualquier Tipo de reunion, page 14
participation, sin descanso, 15
orador, con descanso, 16
tema, con descanso, 17
Como Funcionan los Pasos, 18
registro de la reunion, 19
Canadian French,
Format suggere de reunion, 20
meetings (MAWS), 111–112
meetings (Trustees), 30, 72—77
Memorial Day, 83
mini-cards, examples
District 4 as of 2010 Conference, 59
District 8 as of 2010 Conference, 60
minutes, 9, 10, 11, 15, 16, 17
monthly checklist for District Treasurer, 36
motions, rules of, 32, 85—86

A New Leaf Publications, 91

Charter for, 91–96
“Life With Hope” books, 62, 65, 68, 81, 82, 92, 97
A New Leaf (newsletter), 63, 65, 68, 72, 73, 78, 81, 91–96, 122—124
New Meeting Outreach Trustee (NMO), 23–24, 67, 76
new meetings, starting, 50, 82
Newsletter Reporter, 5

Office Manager (OM), procedures for, 23—24, 73—81

officers, 21
District Officers, 25—27, 31, 88
group officers, 5–7
H & I officers, 43–45
of MAWS, 104—105, 112--116
of A New Leaf Publications, 91–96
PI officers, 54
One-day Conference/Convention, 64
Outreach Trustee, New Meeting. See New Meeting Outreach Trustee (NMO)

MA SERVICE MANUAL REVISION 4.1 PAGE 125

Panel Leader/Secretary for H & I Committee, 39, 41—43
parliamentary procedures
for the District, 30, 32—33
for Marijuana Anonymous World Service Conference, 32—33
path of group conscience, 2
phone books and public information, 53
PI. See Public Information
“point of information,” rules for, 33
“point of order,” rules for, 32
Policies and Procedures Committee (for MAWS Conference), 84
postponement of motions, rules for, 33
Preamble of meeting, 8, 14
previous question, rules of, 32
Program Chairperson (for conference/convention), 65
PSAs, 50–52, 54—55
adopted by 2005 World Service Conference, 54–59
Public Information
for conference/convention, 65
District Subcommittee, 28
officers qualifications and responsibilities, 54
Public Information Committee (for MAWS Conference), 74—75
Public Information Manual, 49–56
techniques for providing information, 50–56
Publishing Editor, 82, 96

qualifications and responsibilities

for H & I officers, 44
for MAWS Directors, 110
for A New Leaf Publications directors and editors, 91–96
for PI officers, 51–53
quorum, rules about, 31—33, 87—88, 96, 108—109, 112, 114

radio for public information, 51—53

recommendations, rules of, 85—86
Recovery, Twelve Steps of. See Twelve Steps of Recovery
Refreshments and/or Coffee person(s), 5, 6
report form for District Treasurer, 37
reports, rules of, 85—86
resolutions from Third Unity Conference, 89—90
right of appeal, 121
Robert’s Rules of Order, 32. See also Rules of Order

Secretary
District, 26
Group Secretary, 5
for H & I Committee, 40—43
selection
of Conference Committee, 84
of Convention Committee, 64–65
of Delegates to MAWS, 29
of District officers, 23, 24
of Group Service Representatives, 2, 25
of H & I Committee, 42, 43–44
of A New Leaf Publications directors,93
of PI Committee, 54
of Trustees and Chairs, 2, 29, 61--62, 69, 70 84, 89
Serenity Prayer, 8, 14, 31
service, role of, 1–2

MA SERVICE MANUAL REVISION 4.1 PAGE 126

 Twelve Concepts for Service, 124
Seventh Tradition, 63
sobriety, 8, 48, 63—65, 108, 112. See also birthdays (recognition of sobriety); chips (recognition of sobriety)
length of as a requirement for certain offices, 29, 39, 41, 70—75, 79, 88
special events. See events and fund-raising
Starter Kit, contents of, 23
startup procedures for new meetings, 23–24
Steering Committee, 5–6
The Structure of the Fellowship of MA, See Chapters 4, 5, 6
subcommittees (District), 27–29

Tax ID number, 34
television for public information, 50—51
Third Legacy Procedure, 28, 61—62
Third Unity Conference of Marijuana Anonymous, 91
Ticket Chairperson (for conference/convention), 65
Treasurer
for Conference/Convention, 65
District Treasurer, 25—27, 30, 33—36
Group Treasurer, 5—6
Trustees (Directors), 2, 92
Bylaws relating to, 108—120
and Conference Charter of Marijuana Anonymous, 87–91
and Conferences/Conventions, 63, 77—78, 82, 90, 91
and finances, 34, 124
and Group Service Representatives, 7
H & I Chair/Trustee, 44—45
Internet Trustee, 75
of MAWS, 108—106, 113—117
meetings of, 30, 72—77
membership, 109, 110
New Meeting Outreach Trustee, 23–24, 67, 76
PI Chair/Trustee, 54
removal of, 110
selection of, 28, 61—62
Twelve Concepts for Service, 120
Twelve Questions to determine if addicted to marijuana, 45, 121
Twelve Steps of Recovery, 4, 8, 39, 40, 87, 91, 97, 117—188
reading of at meetings, 8, 14
Twelve Traditions, 3, 4, 8—11, 39, 40, 44, 46, 54, 71—79, 87, 90, 91, 94, 97, 117, 119
reading of at meetings, 9, 10, 11, 15, 16, 17

unanimous consent, rules for, 33

Unity Conference of Marijuana Anonymous, Third, 89—90

Vice Chairperson (District), 25, 26

Visiting privileges and H & I Committee, 41
voting
of MAWS, 83
process under Third Legacy Procedure, 61—62
Robert’s Rules of Order on, 32

Weekend Convention, 64
World Services. See Marijuana Anonymous World Services (MAWS)
year, fiscal, 34, 115

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