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.  These FAQs provided by Co-Dependents Anonymous, Inc. (CoDA)

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 Co-Dependents Anonymous, Inc. Tax ID Number?
• Does Co-Dependents Anonymous, Inc. have an "umbrella" insurance policy that would cover our meeting?

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 purchase the Sponsorship Pamphlet

[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 Buy Literature 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 Buy Literature 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.

Where

Meetings can be held almost anywhere.  Try area churches, synagogues, counseling centers, hospitals or places where other groups are held. Though each group is autonomous, for reasons of safety and anonymity, CoDA cautions about holding meetings in individual homes.  When choosing a meeting place, please keep in mind personal safety.

Meeting Starter Packet

CoDA has a New Meeting Starter Packet, which includes a meeting format that can be adapted to individual meeting needs. CoDA recommends that every meeting have a copy of this packet. It contains the basic documents that support CoDA unity and can be downloaded for free from the CoDA website, www.coda.org.  The CoDA Literature Order Form, also available on CoDA's web site, can be used to order the Meeting Starter Packet as well.

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 New Meeting 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 Co-Dependents Anonymous, Inc. (CoDA) Tax ID Number?

            No.

The CoDA Tax ID Number, also known as the Employer Identification Number (EIN) is not for use by any other level of CoDA except the corporate level.

            Why?

            The Co-Dependents Anonymous, Inc. EIN is specific to the corporation of CoDA, a US corporation. Having an “umbrella” tax status would require that each group submit all the identifying information of their officers, to CoDA for the official record. In addition, CoDA would 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 Voting Entity 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, Inc. All of this conflicts with our Traditions of anonymity, group autonomy and our service structure. For this reason we recommend that each meeting group, intergroup/community, or Voting Entity organization assess its own need for a Tax ID # /EIN and if necessary, apply for its own.

           

 

How do we open a bank account and obtain a Tax ID Number?

 

            Check with your local bank to find out what is required to open an account as a group, intergroup, or VE organization. In the US, a bank will usually require:                           

1)   A minimum balance.

2)   A copy of the group minutes taken at 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 co-signer on the account, including

a.   some form of ID such as driver’s license and Social Security Number on each person.

b.   Getting your group’s own Tax ID Number/EIN  in the U.S.

c.    To apply for a Tax ID Number/EIN, you will need to contact the IRS to request Form SS-4: The IRS does not

d.   require you to be incorporated to get a Tax ID Number/EIN. Fill in the application as a “nonprofit organization,”

e.   similar to a service organization or a hobby club. However, your state may have it’s own regulations concerning

f.     when a nonprofit organization must incorporate. It’s a good idea to check with a legal and/or tax professional in your

g.   state for more information.

h.   State or federal agencies may inspect your records. Examples of such records may include minutes of business

i.     meetings, any changes in officers, and financial records including receipts for rent and literature. For more regarding

j.     tax returns, see the IRS website.

k.   If you change your address after you receive your EIN you must notify the IRS of the new address. Use Form 8822,

l.     “Change of Address.”

           

            

 

            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, non-interest bearing, under the treasurer’s social security number with a Doing Business As (D/B/A) name on the account (such as “Sunrise CoDA”). So long as the account earns no interest, there should be no tax consequences for the treasurer. Many meeting groups hold such a small amount of funds that they do not 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. Remember, groups pass along funds in excess of their prudent reserve to your intergroup, VE or CoDA Inc.

            

            Tax Information

            Most meeting groups either give away literature or accept voluntary donations for literature, in which case there is no concern with sales tax.

 

[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 Buy Literature 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 Co-Dependents Anonymous, Inc. (CoDA) 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 Co-Dependents Anonymous, 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 Co-Dependents Anonymous, Inc.

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 or Co-Dependents Anonymous World Service (CoDA-WS) activities and responsibilities have been re-absorbed into Co-Dependent Anonymous, Inc.

 WSAG = This term is now obsolete.  Web Support Advisory Group.  Provided expertise and advised the Board on issues concerning the Web Site.

[Top of Page] [Back To Question]

---

Does Co-Dependents Anonymous Inc. (CoDA) have an "umbrella" insurance policy that would cover our meeting?

No, CoDA does not have an umbrella insurance policy that covers individual meetings. Intergroups or meetings may organize and purchase their own insurance.

Options that have worked:

1) Asking the requesting facility if their insurance company could provide the needed coverage for an added fee or for free

2) Moving the meeting to a facility that doesn’t request additional

insurance. County health and human service agencies have had such facilities.

3) Forming an Intergroup, association or consortium to purchase a policy from through a broker who writes binders for new meetings. The geographic area covered depends upon the resources of the broker involved.

4) Signing waivers in lieu of insurance. This might lead to personal liability for group members. Outside legal advice about such matters is recommended.

[Top of Page] [Back To Question]