We hope that you will find the answers to your questions
in the list below. If you do not, please
e-mail your question to us and we will respond as quickly as possible.
On Line CoDA Resources
• How do I contact other members online?
• How do I get a sponsor online?
• Is there a CoDA chat room?
Literature
• What is and where do I get CoDA approved literature?
• Can my group use non-conference approved
literature?
• Our group conscience wants to work the twelve
traditions. Where can we find more information?
Meetings and Groups
• Where is a meeting in my area?
•
How do I start a meeting?
•
How do I Update a Meeting?
•
Please remove or update a meeting contact.
•
Why does it take so long for my information to show on the
web?
• Can our group use the CoDA, Inc. Tax
ID Number?
Advice
• I know someone else who needs CoDA.
• I need advice.
• My situation is ...
General Questions
• How do I subscribe to CoDA?
• How do I get involved in service?
• I am researching codependency. How do I get more
information?
• I need numbers as a resource for a helpline.
• What do all these abbreviations mean?
[Top of Page]
How do I contact other members on-line?
Currently the CoDA Fellowship is undertaking committee work to discern the
most appropriate way to present information regarding online fellowship. The
goal is to ensure that the Twelve Traditions of CoDA are honored. There are
active groups that give each other support and have on-line opportunities
for fellowship. We are providing information for possible avenues to online
fellowship in the hopes that it might help you establish contact and further
your recovery from codependency. There are a limited number of on-line
meetings in our database. When you go to our
Meeting
Resource Center, there are
instructions on how to search for these meetings. To search for support resources online, use
the "search" function of your browser and search on any of the following
words: codependency, codependent, coda, coda meetings, coda chat, recovery
meetings, 12 Step, Codependents Anonymous.
[Top of Page] [Back To Question]
How do I get a sponsor on-line?
By using the same process as off-line. That involves listening to others
share at a meeting. Sharing with them one on one after the meeting and then
finding people whose recovery you respect, ask them to sponsor you . The Newcomer
Handbook and the Sponsorship Pamphlet both have additional valuable information
about sponsorship.
Click on the link to “CoRe”
[Top of Page] [Back To Question]
Is there a CoDA chat room?
There are a few chat room meetings which have registered with CoDA.
To find them, search for "Alternative" meetings on the
Meeting Resource Center. The page contains specific instructions for "Alternative"
meetings.
[Top of Page] [Back To Question]
What is and where do I get CoDA approved literature?
Basically, CoDA approved literature is that which has been created by CoDA
members and approved at a CoDA Service Conference. You can find that literature
on the CoDA order form...it is available on the CoRe page of this
website.
[Top of Page] [Back To Question]
Can my group use non-conference approved literature?
There is a wide variety of relevant literature now available that has been
developed by people in CoDA. Some examples are the Newcomer's Handbook, the
Twelve Step Handbook, the CoDA Book, the Twelve Step and Twelve Tradition
Workbooks, as well as numerous pamphlets on such issues as Sponsorship, Boundaries,
and Communications. Although many people find non-CoDA literature to be personally
helpful, CoDA suggests the use of CoDA literature in meetings for the following
reasons.
In the CoDA pamphlet, "Why is CoDA Conference Endorsed Literature Vital?"
(CoDA, 1998) it states,
"Conference Endorsed literature benefits the Fellowship by making our
collective experience, strength and hope available to our members. By using
endorsed literature, our recovery is not diverted by any particular perspective,
personality or plan. We can rely on the fact that what we are reading is the
experience, strength and hope of recovering members like ourselves. Even when
we attend meetings distant from our home, we can feel at home, because the
literature and message are the same at CoDA meetings all over. Hence, we have
CoDA unity."
There are many of us who have found a variety of non-CoDA literature out
there that has touched our lives and enhanced our recovery, and each of us
is free to choose and read as much of it as we want to on our own. If there
is something that really touches us that we would like to share at the meeting,
we can share our experience of what we read as it has become part of our own
recovery. Each of us finds our own personal path to recovery, but what we
share in common at CoDA meetings is the CoDA program. We have time and freedom
to explore and share many different facets of our recovery before and after
meetings, but our time in a CoDA meeting is our time to focus on the principles
of CoDA
[Top of Page] [Back To Question]
Our group conscience wants to work the twelve
traditions Where can we find more information?
CoDA has a pamphlet titled "Using the Twelve Traditions" which
you may find valuable. It serves as a guide to enhance your understanding
of the Traditions.
Also available is the "Steps And Traditions Workbook of Co-Dependents
Anonymous". Go to the CoRe page to order.
[Top of Page] [Back To Question]
Where is there a meeting in my area?
That information is available to you just go to the
Meeting
Resource Center. There are
instructions on how to search for US, World or Alternative meetings. If
you come up empty on a specific search, make your search more general (leave
off the zip code, for example). Or just look at the whole Country/State to find something close
to you. For US meetings, we now have the ability to enter a 5-digit
zip code and a distance in miles from that zip code to locate meetings near
you.
[Top of Page] [Back To Question]
How Do I Start a Meeting?
All it takes to start a meeting is a place, a time, and a few people willing
to commit to the meeting for the first 6 months. The reason for a few people
is that healthy service is shared. The best way to start a meeting with a
real sense of community is to have a group for group conscience from the beginning.
It is wise to choose a time that is convenient to a large number of people.
Possible meeting places include:
A church, synagogue, temple, etc.
A public library's room
A city, county or other public service/community room
A beach, park, pavilion, etc. (works best in areas with
weather like Florida or California)
A hospital, treatment center or mental health facility
A 12 step clubhouse
A school
A therapist's office (only if they are NOT involved in the meeting and it
is autonomous)
Any other facility with space and willingness
Get a Meeting Starter Packet from CoRe.
Then register your meeting. By registering your meeting you insure you are
connected with CoDA as a whole. That way you become aware of CoDA groups in
your vicinity, seminars, workshops, retreats, conferences and conventions...all
of which are opportunities to learn. Your meeting will also be included in
the list of meeting available on this website.
The Contacts list is also a way to connect with other people interested
in starting a meeting in a specific Country/State/area.
[Top of Page] [Back To Question]
How do I update a meeting?
Before you send information to be updated, please check the
Meeting
Resource Center information to be sure it needs updating.
To update a meeting go to the CoDA Forms page and either go to the
Meeting
Resource Center or print out the
Meeting
Update Form, fill it out and mail it in. You may also email
meeting@coda.org with the information.
Please include your meeting number and/or other relevant information for our
service worker to find and update the right information.
[Top of Page] [Back To Question]
Please Remove or update meeting contact.
Before you send contact information to be updated, please check the
Meeting
Resource Center information to be sure it needs updating.
To update a meeting contact go to the CoDA Forms page and either go to the
Meeting
Resource Center or print out the
Meeting
Update Form, fill it out and mail it in. You may also email
meeting@coda.org with the information. Please include your meeting
number and/or other relevant information for our service worker to find and
update the right information.
[Top of Page] [Back To Question]
Why does it take so long for my information to be
updated on the web?
The online meeting update form does not directly update the database. It
sends an email to our Fellowship Service Worker who inputs the changes into
the database. We did this to keep someone from maliciously changing a
groups data. The FS worker is a part time contractor. Please be patient
and allow a couple weeks before following up. But if you have not
received a response by 10 days, send an email to webcoordinator@coda.org and
he will assist you. Allow an extra week for the FS worker to receive
the USPS mail or two weeks to receive international mail.
[Top of Page] [Back To Question]
Can our group use the CoDA, Inc. Tax ID Number?
No!
The Codependents Anonymous, Inc. EIN is specific to the corporation of CoDA,
Inc.. Having an “umbrella” tax number would require that each group submit
all their information, including the identifying information of their
officers, to CoDA, Inc. for the official record. In addition, CoDA, Inc.
would then be responsible for the groups’ financial reporting and financial
activity. We would have to establish a system of controls over the finances
of each CoDA group, intergroup/community, and state or regional service
board. We would somehow have to ensure the use of all income solely for CoDA
purposes and require regular reports to some central CoDA organization which
would account to tax authorities for the activities of Co-Dependents
Anonymous. All of this conflicts with our Traditions of anonymity, group
autonomy and our concept of service, not government, within our service
structure. For this reason we recommend that each group, or organization
that has need for a Tax ID Number/EIN should apply for their own.
The following information applies to the U.S.
Information for each country will vary. Seek legal information from within
the country in which you intend to operate, regarding tax and non-profit
status.
How do we open a bank account and obtain
a Tax ID Number?
In order for a CoDA group, intergroup/community, or state
organization to open a bank account as a group entity, not just
under the name of the treasurer, the bank will usually require
at least four things.
1) A minimum balance.
2) A copy of the group minutes of your business meeting that
includes the name of your organization
3) A list of all officers of the organization and anyone
else who may be a cosigner on the account, including some
form of ID such as driver’s license and Social Security
Number on each person.
4) A Tax ID Number/ EIN for the organization.
The CoDA National Tax ID Number, also known
as the Employer Identification Number (EIN) is not for use by
any other level of CoDA except the National level. The
Codependents Anonymous, Inc. EIN is specific to the corporation
of CoDA National. Having an “umbrella” tax status would require
that each group submit all their information, including the
identifying information of their officers, to CoDA, Inc. for the
official record. In addition, CoDA, Inc. would then be
responsible for the groups’ financial reporting and financial
activity. We would have to establish a system of controls over
the finances of each CoDA group, intergroup/community, and state
or regional service board. We would somehow have to ensure the
use of all income solely for CoDA purposes and require regular
reports to some central CoDA organization which would account to
tax authorities for the activities of Co-Dependents Anonymous.
All of this conflicts with our Traditions of anonymity, group
autonomy and our concept of service, not government, within our
service structure. For this reason we recommend that each
meeting group, intergroup/community, or state organization that
has need for a Tax ID Number/EIN should apply for their own.
Getting your group’s own Tax ID Number/EIN
is not difficult.
To apply for a Tax ID Number/EIN, you will
need to contact the IRS to request Form SS-4: “Application for
Employer Identification Number.” You can order tax forms by
phone at 1-800- TAX-FORM (1-800-829-3676.) Or you can get forms
and information at the IRSwebsite at www.irs.ustreas.gov.
The IRS does not require you to be
incorporated to get a Tax ID Number/EIN. You fill in the
application as a “nonprofit organization,” similar to a service
organization or a hobby club. See
WHAT IS A NONPROFIT ORGANIZATION below for more
information. However, your state may have it’s own regulations
concerning when a nonprofit organization must incorporate. It’s
a good idea to check with a legal and/or tax professional in
your state for more information.
Also, just because an organization is
nonprofit, that does not make it tax exempt. For more on tax
exemption see
TAX-EXEMPT STATUS below.
Once your group gets its EIN, the group
becomes responsible for all legal and illegal use of the number.
Following certain guidelines will help avoid problems.
The number should not be "loaned" or
otherwise used by any other group, or person. For example, a
CoDA intergroup/community should not allow individual meeting
groups within that intergroup/community to use its EIN. The
reason is this. You will need to give the number to your bank
when you open any accounts. The bank in turn, is responsible to
report information to the Internal Revenue Service about certain
types of activity in bank accounts, such as interest income and
large currency transactions. If an account using your number has
activity that is required for reporting, then the bank will
automatically report it. If you let others use your number,
their banking activity will also be reported if it meets the
requirements set by the IRS. Even if you have no knowledge of
what banking activity they do, you become responsible.
Accurate records must be maintained for all
income and expenses. Whether a tax return is required or not,
the group absolutely must keep accurate records that are
available for inspection if requested by state or federal
agencies. Examples of such records may include minutes of
business meetings, any changes in officers, and financial
records including receipts for rent and literature. For more
regarding tax returns, see
TAX INFORMATION below.
If you change your address after you receive
your EIN you must notify the IRS of the new address. You should
use Form 8822, “Change of Address.”
If the group should ever close, the group
officers need to cancel their Tax ID Number/EIN with IRS by
written notice when the bank account closes.
ALTERNATIVES TO GETTING A TAX ID
NUMBER/EIN FOR A BANK ACCOUNT
Some groups use the social security number of the group’s
treasurer as the Tax ID for the group’s bank account. A group
may open a checking account, noninterest bearing, under the
treasurer’s social security number with a Doing Business As
(D/B/A) name on the account (such as “Sunrise CoDA”). While this
could have tax implications for the treasurer, usually the
balance of a group's checking account is so low that there is no
problem. For more information on taxes see
TAX INFORMATION below.
Many meeting groups hold such a small amount
of funds that they do not choose to open a bank account at all.
The group’s treasurer holds the money in a coffee can or
shoebox, or the group may keep the money in a locked file
cabinet in their meeting location.
WHAT IS A NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION?
For the purposes of getting a Tax ID/ EIN, a "non-profit"
organization is one whose major purpose or activity is to do
things other than making money. This is not the same thing as
being a federally recognized non-profit organization. That is a
designation that requires application to the government. This
paragraph is just concerned with understanding form SS-4 to
apply for a Tax ID/ EIN.
A non-profit organization is not expected to
conduct its activities so that it does not have a "profit," i.e.
income that exceeds expenses. A "non-profit" organization is one
that does not use the income in excess of expenses in ways that
benefit its members or directors personally in a financial
sense. A principal distinction between non-profit organizations
and profit organizations is that in non-profit organizations the
officers and directors are not paid money simply for being an
officer or director and are usually not an employee of the
organization while they are an officer or director. Additionally
non-profit organizations do not divide up the "profit" at the
end of the year and give it to the officers, directors or
members. Profit organizations usually do.
This does not mean, however, that the money
cannot be used in ways that benefit an individual or group of
individuals while they are in pursuit of activities related to
the purpose or activities of the organization. A CoDA group may
reimburse its members for expenses incurred while conducting
CoDA business. For example, reimbursement of telephone expense
is acceptable, as is reimbursement for postage or making copies,
or reimbursing the costs of transportation to a service meeting
or activity, as long as the purpose of the trip or expenditure
is related to the primary purpose of Co-Dependents Anonymous.
However, just because an organization is
nonprofit, that does not make it tax exempt. A "tax exemption,"
or being "tax exempt" is entirely different than being
"non-profit." Becoming exempt from taxes requires considerable
work and approval of that status by state tax agencies and the
federal IRS.
TAX INFORMATION
A group, intergroup/community or state organization that has a
Tax ID Number/EIN and a bank account may need to deal with
federal income tax and various state taxes. Most meeting groups
hold very little money in their bank account, and even if it is
an interest bearing account, it will usually not earn enough
interest to require income tax payment, although you may need to
file for state or federal purposes. Since tax laws are subject
to change (including the minimum income required for paying
income tax and filing requirements), we suggest you consult with
a tax professional concerning what state or federal tax
requirements apply to your group.
Some larger groups and some
intergroups/communities or state organizations do collect
sufficient funds to require payment of income tax. Although some
groups choose to seek tax exempt status, it may be simpler and
less expensive just to pay income taxes than go through the
process of filing for tax exemption, incorporating (which
usually goes along with the process of filing for tax
exemption), and keeping up the records and reports required to
maintain tax exempt status once it's granted. Consult with a tax
professional regarding the best course of action for your
group’s specific circumstances.
A group, intergroup/community, or state
organization that is involved in the sale of literature or other
items may be responsible for paying sales tax on those items.
Most meeting groups either give away literature or accept
voluntary donations for literature, in which case there is no
concern with sales tax. However, if you sell things like
literature, tapes, or tee shirts, such as at a workshop, then
you are responsible for keeping records of sales and collecting
and paying sales tax. Again, if you are unsure how to proceed
with sales tax, we suggest that you consult an attorney or
accountant in your state for further help.
TAX-EXEMPT STATUS
CoDA groups are "non profit" in their financial behavior but
they are not automatically "tax exempt".
Obtaining tax exemption status is an
expensive and complicated process that involves legal
obligations, controversy about Traditions, and ongoing
responsibility. Most meeting groups (and even most
intergroups/communities) operate with minimal funds, and
contributions are generally done in cash anonymously at the
meetings. Most regular meeting groups rarely have any tax
liability and do not need tax exemption. Even when you consider
the purchase of literature and other materials, the added taxes
are pretty minimal. So a tax-exempt status really wouldn't buy
much at the local meeting level, and could also result in
considerable paperwork by some meeting volunteer.
Large intergroups/communities or state CoDA
organizations sometimes do form corporations and get their own
tax exemption in some cases. If such a group is doing large
conventions or has a large service office, it may be worthwhile
to go through the process of obtaining tax exempt status at the
state and/or federal level. For example, if an
intergroup/community or state organization hosts numerous
workshops or a single very large event, and rents space, hires
food service, purchases literature, coffee mugs, tee-shirts etc
for the event and also, if any of that material is subsequently
sold, then taxes would apply, and tax exemption may be viable.
If your group has determined that it needs
to file for tax exemption but does not wish to incorporate, it
may be able to operate as an unincorporated association of
individuals. This may not be possible in every state as
incorporation requirements for non-profit organizations vary
from state to state. Your local tax consultant can provide you
with specific information concerning the option of operating as
an unincorporated nonprofit association in your state.
Establishing your group as a tax exempt
organization is involved. You may wish to contact the IRS and
your state's tax, revenue or treasury office for more
information. You may also want to read IRS publication 557,
"Tax-Exempt Status for Your Organization" and Form 1023 and its
instructions. Also, your state may require a separate
application for tax-exempt status. Since tax exemption is
complex and carries sizable legal responsibility, we encourage
you to consult with legal and tax professionals who are familiar
with the needs of small nonprofit organizations in your state
when preparing your corporation papers, filing for tax
exemption, and maintaining your nonprofit tax reports.
[Top of Page] [Back To Question]
I know someone else who needs CoDA.
Part of our Twelfth Step is to try to carry the message of recovery to other
codependents.
First you may want to share your own experience, strength and
hope. Share your story about what your codependency was like and how CoDA
has helped.
Second, you may want to share information about what is CoDA and
where to find a meeting. You can refer the person to this website or give
them a copy of the pamphlet “Am I Codependent?” or “What is
CoDA?” or even offer to take them to your CoDA meeting so they can see
what it’s like.
Third, after you have shared your story and offered information,
then let it go. Our First Step reminds us that we are powerless over others.
We can’t make someone else try CoDA no matter how badly they may seem
to us to need it. If you find that your sense of serenity and well-being is
shaken, that you are obsessed with this other person’s codependency,
then your own codependency is being triggered and that won’t be fixed
by trying to get someone else into CoDA. Try working Steps One through Four
on the situation then call your sponsor or someone you trust in the program
and do a Step Five. You may find your own recovery growing deeper through
all this, and that is the greatest Twelfth Step message we can have.
[Top of Page] [Back To Question]
I need advice...
Giving advice or on-line support is not the purpose of the website or any
of the volunteers whose emails or phone numbers appear on the website. Maybe
you could go back to the
Meeting
Resource Center and find a meeting near you and go
to it. Then you can begin to work the program, which may be your solution.
Working the program has given us in CoDA tools to handle difficult situations.
Maybe working the program will lead you to the same tools.
[Top of Page] [Back To Question]
My situation is...
Regardless of your situation:
Your first step is to go to a meeting.
Go to at least 6 meetings before you decide if you can get what you need in
CoDA.
Know that meetings are like people, they have different personalities.
Try
different meetings to find one with which you can relate.
Read CoDA literature.
Keep Coming Back.
[Top of Page] [Back To Question]
How do I subscribe to CoDA?
There is nothing to subscribe to at our website; although we hope you come
back as new information goes up all the time. Maybe you want to go back to
the Meeting
Resource Center and find a meeting close to you.
[Top of Page] [Back To Question]
How do I get involved in service?
There are many ways to be involved and service can be done at many organizational
levels. Setting up for a meeting, leading meetings, representing your group
at the local community group or state meetings are just a few examples. If
you write, submit to Co-NNections and/or the literature committee. Take
a look at the different committees on the website and follow up with one that
seems interesting.
[Top of Page] [Back To Question]
I am researching codependency. How do I get
more information.
We are a Twelve Step support group there for those who suffer. Our purpose
is to carry the message of recovery from codependency but we do not specifically
support research projects.
You might try reading the CoDA Book and you will read the experience, strength
and hope of many. You could also read our other literature. Just go back to
the CoRe page of this website. There you will be able to find information
on ordering that literature.
Good luck with your research.
[Top of Page] [Back To Question]
I need numbers as a resource for a help line.
If you are looking for number to crisis lines we do not have that. The objective
of any phone number is to give someone sufficient information for them to
be able to get to a meeting. After that, it is up to the individuals to get
themselves to a meeting, work the program and keep coming back.
[Top of Page] [Back To Question]
WHAT DO ALL THESE INITIALS MEAN???
Board = AKA CoDA Board of Trustees, the elected
trusted servants that handle CoDA business between Conferences. CCC = CoDA Convention Committee. Responsible for
planning and conducting CoDA, Inc. Conventions.
CLC = The CoDA Literature Committee writes and edits literature.
CoRe = CoDA Resource Publishing. Publishes and
distributes CoDA literature.
CSC = The CoDA Service Conference is the annual
business meeting of CoDA, Inc.
FS = Fellowship Services includes mail handling and
meeting updates by an independent contractor.
IMC = The Issues Mediation Committee resolves issues
that may occur between CoDA groups or people, and tracks Voting Entity
Issues.
ITI = This term is now obsolete. Issues, Teens,
Institutions Committee for issue resolution at CSC; also covers CoDA Teen
and Institution outreach. The 3 committees have separated into IMC – Issues
Mediation Committee; Teens - CoDA Teens Committee (disbanded at CSC 2007); and H&I – Hospitals and
Institutions Committee.
NLC = This term is now obsolete and has been replaced
by CLC.
NSC = National Service Conference. Term is now
obsolete and has been replaced by CSC, CoDA Service Conference. The Annual
business meeting of CoDA.
QSR = CoDA Quarterly Service Report. Includes
Board and Committee reports to the fellowship.
SSC = The Service Structure Committee determines the
implications of motions to modify, alter, or amend the CoDA Articles of
Incorporation, By-Laws, CoDA Fellowship Service Manual, Twelve Steps, and
Twelve Traditions, Twelve Service Concepts, or other foundation documents.
TMC = Translation Management Committee. Responsible
for coordinating and managing the various language translations.
WSO = This term is now obsolete. World Service
Organization Co-Dependents Anonymous World Service (CoDA-WS) activities and
responsibilities have been re-absorbed into CoDA, Inc.
WSAG = Web Support Advisory Group. Provides expertise and advises the
Board on issues concerning the Web site.
[Top of Page] [Back To Question]
The CoDA World Fellowship 