Colorado Service Group Bylaws

Bylaws CSG logo

of the Colorado Service Group
Original version: August 28, 1990. View subsequent changes at bottom of this page.

ARTICLE I ‑ PURPOSE

The purpose of Colorado Service Group is to be of service to member groups to which it is directly responsible. Hereafter in these By‑Laws, Colorado Service Group may be referred to as "CSG" for brevity.

Colorado Service Group exists to encourage unity among persons in Colorado using a similar Twelve Step/Twelve Tradition program of personal recovery from sex, romance, relationship addiction or sexual co‑addiction. It attempts to provide a broader arena for sharing "experience, strength and hope" than just the local weekly meetings. It is a geographic type rather than a national fellowship type of service board. CSG carries out the wishes of member groups to conduct activities and produce recovery tools which emphasize the numerous concepts which are held in common. CSG is careful to honor and respect those differences in belief and practices which make each Twelve Step fellowship and each weekly meeting both unique and autonomous.

It is not CSGs policy to dictate to member groups. Instead CSG will develop policies from the "group conscience" of its member groups.

Section I ‑ The Twelve Steps --- A Common Belief

The weekly meetings which make up CSG share in common a belief in the Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions of Alcoholic Anonymous and Al‑non, which are quoted in their original format here:

1. We admitted we were powerless over alcohol ‑ 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 Him.

4. Made a searching and fearless moral inventory of ourselves.

S. Admitted to God, to ourselves and 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 Him 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 Him, praying only for knowledge of His will for us and the power to carry that out.

12. Having had a spiritual awakening as these steps, we tried to carry this message to alcoholics, and to practice these principles in all our affairs.

Section 2 ‑ The Twelve Traditions of AA

The Twelve Traditions are:

1. Our common welfare should come first; personal recovery depends on A.A. unity.

2. For our group purpose there is but one ultimate authority ‑ a loving God as He may express Himself in our group. Our leaders are but trusted servants; they do not govern.

3. The only requirement for A.A. membership is a desire to stop drinking.

4. Each group should be autonomous except in matters affecting other groups or A.A as a whole.

5. Each group has but one primary purpose ‑ to carry its message to the alcoholic who still suffers.

6. An A.A. group ought never endorse, finance, or lend its name to any related facility or outside enterprises lest problems of money, property, and prestige divert us from our primary purpose.

7. Each group ought to be fully self‑supporting, declining outside contributions.

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

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

10. Alcoholics Anonymous has no opinion on outside issues; hence our name ought never be drawn into public controversy.

11. Our public relations policy is based on attraction rather than promotion; we need always maintain personal anonymity at the level of press, radio, television and films.

12. Anonymity is the spiritual foundation of all our tradition, ever reminding us to place principles before personalities.

Section 3 ‑ The Twelve Traditions of Al‑Anon

1. Our common welfare should come first; personal progress for the greatest number depends upon unity.

2. For our group purpose there is but one authority ‑ a loving God as He may express Himself in our group conscience. Our leaders are but trusted servants; they do not govern.

3. The relatives of alcoholics, when gathered together for mutual aid, may call themselves an Al‑Anon Family Group, provided that, as a group, they have no other affiliation. The only requirement for membership is that there be a problem of alcoholism in a relative or friend.

4. Each group should be autonomous, except in matters affecting another group or Al‑Anon or A.A. as a whole.

5. Each Al‑Anon Family Group has but one purpose; to help families of alcoholics. We do this by practicing the Twelve Steps of A.A. ourselves, by encouraging and understanding our alcoholic relatives, and by welcoming and giving comfort to families of alcoholics.

6. Our family groups ought never endorse, finance or lend our name to any outside enterprise, lest problems of money, property and prestige divert us from our primary spiritual aim. Although a separate entity, we should always cooperate with Alcoholics Anonymous.

7. Every group ought to be self‑supporting, declining outside contributions.

8. Al‑Anon Twelfth Step work should remain forever nonprofessional but our service centers may employ special workers.

9. Our groups, as such, ought never be organized, but we may create

service centers or committees directly responsible to those they serve.

10. The Al‑Anon Family Groups have no opinion on outside issues; hence our name ought never be drawn into public controversy.

11. Our public relations policy is based on attraction rather than promotion; we need always maintain personal anonymity at the level of press, radio, films and TV. We need guard with special care the anonymity of all A.A. members.

12. Anonymity is the spiritual foundation of all our traditions, ever reminding us to place principles above personalities.

The "Steps and Traditions" are used verbatim except that each local meeting adopts these Steps and Traditions to meet its own needs, changing the word "Alcohol" in the first step to phrases that have been adapted to their special group. Some groups also feel it necessary to change the male gender of God. In the third tradition "stop drinking" is changed to reflect the nature of the problem with wording that addresses each group's own concerns.

ARTICLE II ‑ BUSINESS INFORMATION

Section 1 ‑ Legal Address St. George's Episcopal Church, 3600 South Clarkson Street, Englewood, Colorado 80110.

Section 2 ‑ Mailing Address and Phone Number

Correspondence should be directed to the Board of Trustees at; P.O. Box 284, Englewood, Colorado 80151. (303) 427‑0176.

Section 3 ‑ Meeting Schedule The meetings shall commence at 9:00 A.M. and end at 11:30 A.M., or whatever time and place may be decided by a majority of the General Members without the need to amend these By‑Laws.

Section 4 � Changes Any changes to the above may be made at any regular meeting and does not necessitate amendments to these By‑Laws.

ARTICLE III ‑ MEMBERSHIP

Section 1 ‑ Members

Any group or Intergroup which meets the following criteria and asks to be included shall be represented by one Colorado Service Group Representative (CSR) or alternate at the regular meetings of CSG.

Section 2 ‑ Definition of Member Classification

a. "Weekly Meeting or Group"

A group may consist of two (2) or more persons meeting together in Colorado for mutual aid in recovering from sex,

Romance, relationship addiction or sexual co‑addiction and the effects thereof, which practice the Twelve Steps and maintain the Twelve Traditions as described above.

b. "Intergroup"

Any Intergroup which includes groups like those described above may send a Colorado Service Representative (CSR) to represent them at CSG meetings. CSG policy rather than these By‑Laws shall determine the voting "weight" of such Intergroup CSR's.

Section 3 ‑ Meetings

Meetings shall be held the 2nd Saturday of every month to be held at St. George's Episcopal Church, 3600 South Clarkson Street, Englewood, CO 80110. The meetings shall commence at 9:00 A.M. and end at 11:30 A.M. or at whatever time and place may be decided by a majority of General Members without the need to amend these By‑Laws. An Annual meeting shall be held during the regular November meeting for the purpose of electing officers and Trustees.

Section 4 ‑ GROUPS

A group may be formed by two (2) or more persons meeting together for mutual aid in recovering from sexual addiction or sexual co‑addiction and the effects thereof who practice the Twelve Steps and maintain the Twelve Traditions as described above.

Section 5 ‑ An Intergroup

Intergroups typically are made up of two (2) or more groups for the purpose of providing service and representation to their fellowship's Service Board.

ARTICLE IV ‑ STRUCTURE

The Colorado Service Group Purpose is to provide services collectively which would be more difficult to accomplish by groups individually. Services to inquirers and other outsiders such as meeting lists and a phone contact service; internal services to the individuals who attend member meetings such as statewide conferences; recreational activities; and recovery tools such as audio tapes or promise cards.

Colorado Service Group is not a governing body and is not made up of "leaders" nor "elected officials" with authority over others. CSG is a service committee made up of "trusted servants" whose job is to carry out the wishes of the member groups which have authority over it. CSG has no direct tie to the regional or international service offices or boards of the parent fellowships of its member groups.

Section I ‑ Goals

The Colorado Service Group will assist member groups (1) in carrying the message to those who still suffer, and (2) encouraging members with their personal recovery. A primary goal is to create ways for inquirers to learn about our confidential meetings, how they might be helped and what they must do to start attending. Another primary goal involves activities among members such as conferences, work shops, recreational events, projects, etc. CSG members create personal recovery tools such as the "Promises Cards", conference tapes, a statewide newsletter, etc. as supplements to fellowship approved materials.

Section 2 ‑ Composition

The Colorado Service Group will be composed of Colorado Service Representatives, current officers and members of the Board of Trustees.

Section 3 ‑ Colorado Service Groups Relation

The Colorado Service Group will provide open channels through which communication may take place. It will be a channel through which a statewide Interfellowship group conscience can be formulated. Colorado Service Group Representatives are free to:

a. Vote as their conscience dictates except when an issue is referred back to member groups for group conscience: then the CSR will vote the conscience of the group. CSR's or their alternates are allowed to vote on issues requiring a group conscience. The majority of CSR's voting on group conscience issues will rule, with each group having one vote.

b. CSG's shall decide what issues should be taken to the local group level for decisions, information, discussion or direct instruction.

c. On issues not requiring group conscience, all in attendance may vote. On issues requiring group conscience, only CSG representatives may vote.

d. For a vote to be approved, a three‑fourths consensus of Colorado Service Representatives in attendance must participate (ie., less than a fourth abstaining). A vote carries if two‑thirds of those voting agree.

e. Participate in agenda making decisions. Any representative may present a given issue at the regular meeting of the Colorado Service Group for open discussion and vote.

Section 4 ‑ Colorado Service Group Relation to the Board of Trustees

The Colorado Service Group will direct the activities of the Board of Trustees. Colorado Service Group Board of Trustees is to conduct business and meet legal obligations. As directed by CSG, the Board of Trustees should first consult the Colorado Service Group before taking any action liable to affect the Colorado "S" groups, either singularly or as a whole. The Colorado Service Board and not the Board of Trustees reserves the right to decide which of its action or decisions may require the approval of the "S" groups. This exception is spelled out under Section 3 (b) above.

A two‑thirds vote of the Colorado Service Group shall be considered binding upon the Board of Trustees. A quorum shall consist of two‑thirds of all the Colorado Service Group members present.

Section 5 ‑ Colorado Service Group Representatives

a. Each group shall be entitled to one (1) representative.

b. Representatives and alternates shall be selected by their local group and shall present them at each Colorado Service Group meeting.

c. Each representative may be elected for a term of up to two (2) years.

d. The representatives should be selected for judgement, experience, stability, willingness, sobriety and for faithful adherence to the Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions of their respective order.

e. Whenever possible, a representative should have had a minimum of six (6) months of continuous sobriety, as described by the order of the "S" group they will be representing.

f. Whenever appropriate, representatives shall vote the conscious of the group they represent.

Section 6 ‑ The Colorado Service Group General Procedures and Practices

The meeting will:

a. Hear financial and policy reports of the Colorado Service Group to ensure the maintenance of sufficient operating funds plus prudent reserve, taking care that the Colorado Service group never becomes wealthy or powerful;

b. Engage in debate so that all important decisions be reached by discussion and vote;

c. Appoint necessary committees directly responsible to the appointing body;

d. Pass appropriate resolutions for the direction of the Colorado Service Group refraining always from punitive actions or public controversy.

e. Draft any By‑Law as needed.

f. Name its own officers and committees by methods of its own choosing, remembering that no meeting members be given unqualified authority over any of the others;

g. Draft Minutes of such proceedings to be supplied to all representatives.

ARTICLE V ‑ BOARD OF TRUSTEES

Section ‑ 1 Powers

The affairs and activities of the Board of Trustees shall be managed by the Colorado Service Group. The Board shall act on behalf of CSG by interfacing with outside organizations, agencies and individuals. The Board will represent CSG as described in these By‑Laws, and as authorized in any other duties requested.

Section 2 ‑ Number, Tenure and Qualifications

The number of Trustees shall be five. No Trustee may serve more than two consecutive one‑year terms, at which time such Trustee must stand down for at least a one‑year term. Trustees must have had one year of continuous sobriety as of the date of their nomination. Those Trustees who are not qualified members of the Colorado Service Group shall be persons from the community at large who have made substantial contributions to the purposes of the Fellowship as set forth in these Articles, and who accept the principles stated in the 12 traditions.

Section 3 ‑ Duties and Responsibilities

a. The Board of Trustees shall act as the guardian of the 12 steps and 12 traditions, ensuring that each characteristic of each of the different "S" groups maintain its individuality and autonomy, as set forth in these articles. This guardianship shall in no way infringe on the right of any individual to personal interpretation of the 12 Steps, or the autonomy of the individual groups as set forth in the traditions, but the Board of Trustees may call to the attention of any group or individual a violation of the 12 Traditions it determines has been made. The Board, however, shall have no power or control over any group or individual and shall act only in an advisory capacity on matters affecting the Colorado Service Group as a whole. The principle to be followed in all matters regarding the relationship of Colorado Service Group to others is to be according to the spirit of the 12 traditions, especially those that state Colorado Service Group ought never to engage in public controversy.

b. The Board of Trustees shall act as spokesperson for the Colorado Service Group. Public information shall be directed by CSG.

Section 4 ‑ Election

a. Nominating Committee

There shall be a Nominating Committee which shall consist of three persons as designated by the Colorado Service Group. The Nominating Committee shall select candidates for election as Trustees and CSG officers at the Annual Meeting. During the Fall Conference, the committee will meet and select candidates for election of officers of CSG and the Board of Trustees, with the election of officers to be held at the following "Annual Meeting."

Section 5 ‑ Regular Meetings

Regular meetings of the Trustees may be held without call or notice quarterly; however at lease one meeting during the first quarter of the calendar year is required. A regular meeting of the Trustees following the regular meeting of the Colorado Service Group or the special meeting in lieu of such meeting may be held without call or notice immediately after and at the same place as the meeting of the representatives. All meetings shall be held at the regular meeting place of the Colorado Service Group or at such other location as the Trustees may, from time to time, determine.

Section 6 ‑ Special Meetings

Special meetings of the Trustees may be held at any time and at any place when called by a majority of the Trustees.

Section 7 ‑ Notice of Meetings

A written notice of the place, date and hour of all special meetings of the Trustees shall be given by the Clerk or any other Trustee or Trustees calling the meeting, to each Trustee by mail or telegram addressed to such Trustee at the usual or last known business or residence address, or at such other address as said Trustee may from time to time designated in writing. Notice also may be given by telephone. Notice sent by mail shall be mailed at least 72 hours before the meeting. Notice sent by telegram or given by telephone or by leaving such notice as aforesaid, shall be sent or given as the case may be, at least 24 hours before the meeting. Notice of a meeting need not be given, to any Trustee who attends the meeting without protesting prior thereto, or at its commencement, the lack of notice.

Section 8 ‑ Quorum

A majority of the number of Trustees constituting the full Board of Trustees shall constitute a quorum for a meeting. Without a quorum, the meeting must be rescheduled.

Section 9 ‑ Action at Meeting

When a quorum is present at any meeting, the vote or concurrence of a majority of the number of Trustees as fixed by the members shall be required to decide any matter or take any action except to the extent that a greater proportion is required, by law, or the By‑Laws.

Section 10 ‑ Action Without Meeting

Any action required or permitted to be taken at any meeting of the Trustees may be taken without a meeting if all the Trustees consent to the action in writing and written consents are filed with the records of the meetings of Trustees. Such consents shall be treated for all purposes as a vote at a meeting.

Section 11 ‑ Committees

The Trustees may elect from their number such committees as they determine to be necessary and may delegate thereto some or all of their powers except those which, by law, the Articles of Organization or these By‑Laws they are prohibited from delegating. Except as the Trustees may otherwise determine, any such committee may make the rules for the conduct of its business, but unless otherwise provided by the Trustees or in such rules, its business shall be conducted as nearly as may be the same manner as is provided by these By‑Laws for the Trustees. Each committee shall report to the Trustees and shall have no powers to bind the Colorado Service Group.

Section 12 ‑ Telephonic Meetings

A quorum of Trustees may participate in a meeting by means of a conference telephone call or use of similar communications equipment, provided that all Trustees participating in such a meeting can hear and communicate with each other. Such participation shall constitute presence in person at a meeting. All of the provisions of these By‑Laws pertaining to meeting procedure shall apply to such meetings.

Section 13 ‑ Reimbursement of Trustees

Trustees shall serve without compensation. However, the Colorado

Service Group may reimburse the Trustees for reasonable out‑of‑pocket expenses for travel, lodgings, meals and miscellaneous expenses in connection with attendance at Board meetings and other official business.

Section 14 ‑ Finances

a. Full and complete disclosure of all Colorado Service Group matters is a prime guideline and objective for all accounting procedures and financial statements.

b. Any representative or Trustee is entitled to examine the accounting records of the Colorado Service Group, and any questions concerning the finances of the Colorado Service Group is completely proper and is to be promptly answered.

c. Accounting procedures shall be geared to periodic reporting, and financial controls shall be established for credibility of the financial statements.

d. Statements shall be clear and easy to understand to avoid confusion and misinterpretation.

Section 15 ‑ Officers of Board of Trustees

a. Designation

The officers shall be a President, a Financial Officer, a Clerk and such other officers as the Trustees may determine.

b. Election

The President, Financial Officer, and Clerk shall be elected by the Colorado Service Group at the annual meeting of the

members.

c. Qualification

Each officer shall be a Colorado Service Group member and a Trustee. Each officer of the Board of Trustees shall be a resident of the State of Colorado unless the Colorado Service Group designates otherwise. So far as permitted by law, any two offices may be held by the same person.

d. Tenure

Subject to law, and to the other provisions of these By-Laws, the President, Financial Officer and Clerk shall each hold office until the first meeting of the Trustees following the annual meeting of the members and thereafter until a successor is chosen and qualified. Any other officers shall hold office until the first meeting of the Trustees following the annual meeting of the members and thereafter until a successor is chosen and qualified unless a shorter term is specified in the vote choosing or appointing such officer. Officers may be re-elected to subsequent terms.

e. General Duties and Powers

The President shall call meetings, provide the agendas and see that matters are conducted according to Roberts Rules of Order. The President shall be the main public contact for those wishing to communicate with Colorado Service Group.

The Financial Officer of the Board of Trustees shall review and report quarterly on all financial matters of the Colorado Service Group and shall prepare and provide financial information as required by government agencies and others.

The Clerk shall take the minutes, prepare and submit them to the Colorado Service Group and the Board of Trustees, and handle all correspondence as directed by the Board of Trustees.

Subject to law, and to these By‑Laws, the officers shall have, in addition to the duties and powers herein set forth, the duties necessary to provide the channel for communication between CSG and other parties.

ARTICLE VI � RESIGNATIONS AND REMOVALS

a. Any officer may resign by delivering a written resignation to the Colorado Service Group or the President or Clerk, and such resignation shall be effective upon receipt unless it is specified to be effective at some other time or upon the happening of some other event.

b. CSG Officers or Trustees, including persons elected by CSG to fill vacancies in the Board, may be removed from office with cause by the CSG. A Trustee or officer may be removed for cause only after a reasonable notice and opportunity to be heard before the body proposing to remove said officer. The CSG may terminate the authority of any agent.

ARTICLE VII ‑ VACANCIES

If the office of any CSG Off ice r or Trustee becomes vacant for any reason, the CSG may elect a successor to hold office for the unexpired term.

ARTICLE VIII - INDEMNIFICATION OF TRUSTEES AND OFFICERS

Any person threatened with or made a party to any action, suit or other proceeding by reason of the fact that she/he, her/his testator in intestate, is or was a Trustee, officer, employee or other agent of the Colorado Service Group or is or was a Trustee, officer, employee or other agent of another organization in which the Colorado Service Group directly or indirectly owns or owned shares or of which the corporation is or was a creditor and in which she/he, her/his testator or intestate, served at the request of the Colorado Service Group, shall be indemnified by the corporation against all liability and expenses, including counsel fees reasonably incurred by her/him in connection wherewith, except that no indemnification shall be provided for any person with respect to any matter as to which she/he shall have been adjudicated in any proceeding not to have acted in good faith in the reasonable belief that the action was in the best interests of the Colorado Service Group provided, however, as to matters disposed of by a compromise payment by such person, pursuant to consent decree or otherwise, no reimbursement either for said payment or for any other expenses in connection with the matter so disposed of shall be provided unless such compromise shall be approved:

(a) by a disinterested majority of the Trustees then in office.

(b) if a majority of the Trustees are interested, by a majority of the disinterested Trustees then in office, provided that there has been obtained an opinion in writing of independent legal counsel to the effect that such Trustee or Officer does not appear not to have acted in good faith in the reasonable belief that the action was in the best interests of the Colorado Service Group, or

The Board of Trustees may from time to time authorize the payment by the Colorado Service Group of expenses incurred by any such person in defending any such action, suit or other proceeding in advance of the final disposition of such action, suit or other proceeding, upon receipt of an undertaking from such person to repay such payment if she/he shall be adjudicated to be not entitled to indemnification under the Article VIII, or if the matter involved shall be disposed of by a compromise payment with respect to which she/he shall not be entitled to indemnification under this Article VIII.

ARTICLE IX ‑ FULL DISCLOSURE

Full disclosure is required in contracts or transactions involving Trustees or Officers who also have a personal or financial interest, in that contract or transaction, so that all business shall be conducted in an open manner. Any CSR, Officer, or Trustee is expected to inform the CSG of their personal and/or financial interest in any business matters in which they are involved that involves CSG.

ARTICIE X ‑ EXECUTION OF INSTRUMENTS

All deeds, leases, transfers, contracts, bonds, notes; checks, draft$ and other obligations made, accepted or endorsed by the Colorado Service Group, may be signed by the President or the Financial Officer, except as the Trustees may generally or in particular cases authorize the execution thereof in some other manner.

ARTICLE XI - FISCAL YEAR

The fiscal year of the Colorado Service Group shall end on the thirty‑first (31) day of December in each year, except as from time to time otherwise determined by the Trustees.

ARTICLE XII - AMENDMENTS

If authorized by the Articles of Incorporation, the Trustees may make, amend or repeal these By‑Laws, in whole or in part, at any regular or special meeting if at least five days written notice is given of the intention to alter, amend, or repeal, or to adopt new By‑Laws at such meeting. Any By‑Law adopted by the Trustees may be amended or repealed by the members, and members may make, amend, or repeal any By‑Law by a vote as described in Article IV, Section 3, Paragraph d., at any regular or special meeting.

The following changes in Business Information effective January 3, 2010 shall be noted:

ARTICLE II ‑ BUSINESS INFORMATION

Section 1 ‑ Legal Address Colorado Service Group Inc, 3330 S. Broadway, Englewood, Colorado 80113.

Section 2 ‑ Mailing Address, Email Address and Website Information Phone Message

Correspondence should be directed to the Board of Trustees at; P.O. Box 284, Englewood, Colorado 80151. information@coloradoservicegroup.org
Website Information Phone Message: (303) 427‑0176.

Section 3 ‑ Meeting Schedule The meetings shall commence on the First Sunday of each month via teleconference at 4:00 PM, or whatever time and place may be decided by a majority of the General Members without the need to amend these By‑Laws.

Section 4 – Changes Any changes to the above may be made at any regular meeting and does not necessitate amendments to these By‑Laws.

IRS Employer Identification Number 84-1228183 established December 23, 1993

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