Anniversary Conference Wrap-up

Conference Wrap-up

Excerpt from FREEDOM November-December 2005
We Have a Quorum! Annual Meeting Takes Off!

CAADAC leadership was pleased when roll call at the Annual Membership Meeting held Saturday, October 8, 2005 in Sacramento met Bylaws requirements for a quorum. Previous year’s gatherings had fallen short of the required quorum.

Meeting the required quorum at Saturday’s meeting illustrated the success experienced by the conference overall as a record number of counselors enjoyed some of the finest programming CAADAC has offered in recent years. Conference evaluations tell the story: “Great Job! Speakers were thought provoking. Loved the way hours were accounted for. This was the best conference in a long time! Hotel was great. Super President’s Lunch! Registration well organized! Overall—great experience…” We also appreciate constructive feedback: “Rooms were too small. Only one room had tables that made it easy to write notes. Need more networking time. Missed the evening social. Should have provided lunch each day. Better time management needed. Add sessions for higher level management. Don’t meet Sunday—it’s family time…”

Over one hundred counselors welcomed Claudia Black for CAADAC’s pre-conference. Feedback was excellent! The Conference was kicked off by Roland Williams MA, NCAC II, CADC II, ACRPS, SAP in a thought provoking presentation on ‘The Culture of Recovery’ wherein attendees explored hot topics [length of sobriety, meeting attendance, use of ‘non-alcoholic’ beer/wine, self-disclosure, etc.], myths/sacred cows [you have to be one to help, 12 Step is the best support system, don’t stop smoking when you first get clean, etc.], traps [too much self-disclosure, poor boundaries, don’t walk the talk, etc.] as well as identifying the qualities that make an effective counselor and what, if anything, the counselor is willing to do to accommodate the changing needs of the profession. It was a great way to start off three days of programming that covered a diverse range of topics from mandatory ethics requirements, spirituality and grieving, to gambling, Native American cultural and treatment dynamics, and topics of interest to gay and lesbian addiction professionals.

Friday’s President’s Luncheon featured comments by Kathy Jett and others; along with special recognition of stalwarts in CAADAC’s efforts to obtain licensure: John Quimby, Nick Medeiros, Sherry Daley. Catherine Smith of the Justin Foundation was recognized, as well. President Daniels also awarded the Joseph Giannantonio Outstanding Educator Award to CAADAC Past President Bernie Breining DrAD ; the George C. Cobbs Award to Jennifer Berton MSW, CADC II, the James Fulton Award to Loyla Christian CADC II and the Hall of Fame Award to Joe Aragon III, CADC II. While Bernie was unable to attend for health reasons, he sent his regards through longtime friend John Quimby who accepted the award on his behalf. Through the generosity of Past President Tim Sinnott, CAADAC recognized the heart and humanity of Barbara Allen CADC II, who died this past year, by giving the first annual Barbara Allen Conference Scholarship. This year’s recipient was Jean Mackie of Culver City.

That evening, the ‘inaugural’ fundraiser for CAADAC’s fledgling Political Action Committee capped a stimulating day of presentations by the presence of Christopher Kennedy Lawford who spoke from the heart about his lifelong challenges with addiction and fame. Copies of Kennedy Lawford’s books are still available for purchase by calling the CAADAC office. At the same time as the PAC Reception, attendees had the option of attending a 12 Step Meeting or a Native American Talking Circle; both of which were well received. Our thanks to facilitators of both groups; but particularly our speaker Willie Wolf, who after a full day of presentations, facilitated the Talking Circle in the absence of Maryann Brookins.

The Exhibit Hall was hopping during breaks as “The Voice of CAADAC”, Bob Ruffner PsyD, called out raffle winners and encouraged some lighter moments. Raffle prizes included museum passes, hotel stays, gift baskets, jewelry, gift cards and certificates, Founders Club seats for a River Cats AAA home game, and more. CAADAC thanks its Exhibitors and other sponsors for making this a memorable 25th Anniversary Conference!

Saturday’s morning presentations included two 3 CEH presentations: Ethics and the Hazelden-sponsored Brief Intervention with Ken Winters PhD. Additional Saturday programming addressed pharmacology, criminal justice and addiction in the GLBT population.

The CAADAC Membership Meeting included presentations by Treasurer Al Feliciano, NAADAC Executive Director Cynthia Moreno-Tuohy and a presentation to CAADAC by InterCoast Colleges for our contribution to upholding ‘Outstanding Community and Professional Collaboration’. Throughout the luncheon ran a theme of pride and accomplishment every CAADAC member can appreciate. CAADAC is in outstanding fiscal shape, and her counselors are poised to become the acknowledged leaders of addiction treatment in the State of California.

Along with all our hard work comes the need for self-care; and the 25th Anniversary Conference closed with a general session every attendee could benefit from as Roland Williams MA, NCAC II, CADC II, ACRPS, SAP returned to a smaller, but no less enthusiastic group of counselors to discuss ‘Being a Part of the Solution’. This fine presentation became a manifesto on strengthening our own Recovery while facilitating that of our clients. Conference attendees left the conference feeling affirmed and motivated to continuing providing quality care to our varied client populations. 2005 was awesome!