Issues Mediation Committee Main Page

The Service Conference elects members of the Issues Mediation Committee (IMC) according to guidelines established by the Conference. Voting Entity Delegates and alternates are eligible to serve on the IMC.

IMC Mission:

The IMC facilitates dispute mediation for Voting Entities, Intergroups, and other CoDA entities as needed. Decisions at all levels of CoDA are made with the guidance of our Higher Power as expressed through the group conscience. As stated in Tradition One: “Our common welfare should come first. Personal recovery depends upon CoDA Unity” and Tradition Two: “For our group purpose there is but one ultimate authority—a loving Higher Power as expressed to our group conscience. Our leaders are but trusted servants; they do not govern.” Thus as with all our recovery, group conscience is about putting aside the “self” and looking to Higher Power for guidance.

  • The committee handles requests from Voting Entities to divide into two or more entities.
  • The committee also tracks and maintains the status of Voting Entity Issues.

We also have the additional sections to guide us in the mediation process. (Please see sections 1, “ Twelve Service Concepts,” and 2 “The Disagreement, Mediation and Resolution in our Group Conscience Process” of the Fellowship Service Manual).

IMC Committee Minutes

Mediation Procedures:

  • Since CoDA operates as an inverted pyramid in its structure, the IMC should only be consulted after an attempt has been made to resolve the issue on a one-to-one level; through a group conscience at the local, home-group level; Intergroup; and VE levels (refer to “The Disagreement, Mediation and Resolution Process” Section 2). Open FSM.
  • If a conflict arises at the CoDA World Fellowship level, it is essential that all disputing parties follow “The Disagreement, Mediation and Resolution” process. Once the dispute reaches the IMC level:
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A Committee member or a Board member may submit their request for assistance to the IMC to mediate the conflict within a Committee or within the Board if irresolvable,
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The Board and/or trusted Servant, and/or Committee may submit the dispute to the IMC to mediate if they cannot resolve the conflict between each other,
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The Committee chair or Board liaison may submit a request to the IMC for assistance in resolution of the conflict if conflict arises between a Board Liaison and a committee,
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The IMC may give advice to the CoDA Board for conflict resolution if a Board Liaison and a Committee cannot successfully resolve their conflict. This is recommended because the IMC represents an impartial perspective on the conflict, and may provide the Board with a clear understanding of the issues involved. If a new Board Liaison is necessary, a mutually agreed upon liaison should be chosen. This change will be reported in the subsequent Quarterly Service Report,
  • If any conflict remains, the IMC may consider other options as outlined in the “Disagreement, Mediation and Resolution” process in the FSM. This may include bringing a dispute to either the Board or CSC when irresolvable; advising the Board or CSC of dispute issues and IMC’s recommendations, etc.

IMC Policies & Procedures Manual

Disagreement, Mediation, and Resolution
Process for Dealing with Disagreements
IMC Election Process

Creating a Voting Entity or Intergroup – Where to Begin

Creating a Voting Entity or Intergroup – Where to Begin (Spanish version)

Creating a Voting Entity or Intergroup – Where to Begin (Portuguese version)
Guidelines for the Development and Structure of Intergroup and Voting Entities

Dealing with Disagreements Brochure
VE Split Application

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