“Co-Dependents Anonymous is a fellowship of people whose common purpose is to develop healthy relationships.” “We have all learned to survive life, but in CoDA we are learning to live life. Through applying the Twelve Steps and principles found in CoDA to our daily life and relationships, both present and past, we can experience a new freedom from our self defeating lifestyles.”
The following Patterns and Characteristics are offered as a tool to aid self-evaluation, which may be particularly helpful to newcomers. In CoDA, we identify 5 main patterns: Denial, Low Self Esteem, Compliance, Control and Avoidance.
These are some characteristics:
Codependents often…
perceive themselves as completely unselfish and dedicated to the well-being of others.
attempt to convince others what to think, do or feel.
freely offer advice and direction without being asked.
compromise their own values and integrity to avoid rejection and other people’s anger.
judge harshly what others think, say, or do.
do not perceive themselves as lovable or worthwhile persons.
have difficulty identifying what they are feeling.
put aside their own interests in order to do what others want.
You will be very welcomed at the meeting. Some meetings have greeters at the door, and there is always tea, coffee, and biscuits available before, during and after meetings.
Meetings typically begin with either the Serenity Prayer or the CoDA Opening Prayer.
In some online meetings, participants may choose to sign in using just their first name and the initial of their surname.
Typically, the four ‘foundational documents’ – the CoDA Preamble, Welcome, and the CoDA Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions – are read, with some meetings also including additional readings.
Some meetings rotate formats, featuring speakers one week, a reading or Step study the next, followed by a topic or Tradition study. Time is usually set aside for sharing and reflection, though there’s no obligation to speak; many people simply prefer to listen.
Many meetings have a designated newcomer rep who is available for support, and all meetings include dedicated sharing time. After the meeting, there is usually 5-10 minutes for fellowship and additional questions. Often, people may continue the conversation by going out for tea or coffee together.
A ‘Seventh Tradition’ donation is collected to help cover expenses like literature and rent, but there’s no obligation to contribute.
Who can attend?
Anyone who wishes to attend a Codependents Anonymous meeting is welcome to attend.
“The only requirement for membership in CoDA is a desire for healthy and loving relationships”.
Co-Dependents Anonymous, Tradition Three
Do I need to sign up?
There is no need to register. You can just drop in. Meeting information can be found on the CoDA UK site. A group contact can provide you with additional information.
How much does it cost?
There is no charge. CoDA meetings are self supporting. Contribute as you are able. CoDA accepts no advertising and no sponsorship by any outside entity.
Can I bring a friend?
If a meeting is an ‘open’ meeting, and most are, you are welcome to bring a friend or family member
Can I get advice?
CoDA is a 12-step fellowship that provides peer support. We do not offer professional advice or serve as a substitute for counselling. Members share their personal experiences and paths to recovery.
Sharing / Crosstalk etc
The No-Crosstalk Rule “Basically, any sharing which is not simply one’s sharing honestly about themselves.”
“Crosstalk happens when you interrupt, or turn into a therapist/parent/advisor by telling the person what they should do, or get into a conversation about what the other person is talking about.” From Experiences with Crosstalk (Sample) (Buy booklet)
You will have the option to share if you choose, but it is not mandatory. Newcomers often share their reasons for attending. Some meetings offer dedicated groups for newcomers. Most sharing lasts 2 to 3 minutes, and we do not provide comments or advice.
Is CoDA a religious programme? About God?
The CoDA programme is regarded as ‘spiritual’ in the broadest sense, because it focuses on inner personal growth and transformation. Members come from diverse backgrounds, including various religious faiths, as well as agnostic or atheist perspectives. Everyone is welcome in CoDA.
Anonymity
Anonymity is a fundamental principle of our fellowship. Our identities and personal sharing remain confidential within the group. Tradition Twelve emphasises that by not placing focus on individual identities, we create a space dedicated to recovery. At the conclusion of each meeting, we are reminded: “Who you see here, what is said here, when you leave here, let it stay here.”
Covers: Feedback | Crosstalk | Suggestions/Support | General Recommendations
Bearing in mind the spiritual aspect of our admission in the First Step of our powerlessness over others, the CoDAFellowship Service Manual (FSM) offers guidelines for personal, written, and electronic communications for individual members and groups, including those engaging in outreach and fellowship service work.
Guidelines for sharing (Approved 2010)
The following statement is to be read before the meeting opens for general sharing
When many of us were growing up no-one listened to us. We were told our feelings were wrong or that they did not matter. We were often interrupted and criticised.
As adults we are used to taking care of other people and not taking responsibility for our own lives.
So in our meetings we speak about our own experiences and feelings. We listen without comment to what others say because it is true for them. In this way we work towards taking responsibility for our own lives, rather than giving advice to others.
It is important for our recovery to know that we can share without fear of interruption, contradiction or criticism.
We do not: judge, offer advice or comment on what other people say in meetings, even if the comment is positive or solicited – this is ‘feedback‘.
We do not: interrupt one another or engage in discussion – this is called ‘crosstalk‘. When sharing, we use ‘I’ statements and avoid using the word ‘you’, ‘we’, ‘one’ or addressing someone by ‘name’. Crosstalk can include: physical contact or touch, passing tissues, excessive laughter, verbal sounds and noises.
Crosstalk and feedback are strongly discouraged in CoDA, since as codependents we are working to break away from dependency on what others think, feel or advise.
Crosstalk infringes on boundaries, and many people find crosstalk or feedback unsafe. When we ask for no crosstalk, we have set a boundary in order to create a safe environment. No crosstalk nurtures recovery rather than codependency. It reminds us to focus on our own recovery rather than be distracted with helping or controlling others.
If a previous member’s share echoes within you and inspires you to speak, we suggest you stick to the ‘general topics’ you identify with, only. If you would like to speak to someone about something they have shared, please do so after the meeting, asking their consent first.
The secretary may read these guidelines again to remind members of this CoDA principle. Please do not be upset or embarrassed if this happens – it is only to maintain the safety of the room, to help us identify codependent behaviour and further our recoveries and awareness of this principle.
If you think these guidelines have been violated or are not being observed, please ask the secretary to read them again at the end of that particular share.
If FEEDBACK occurs…
(To be read during meeting, AFTER a specific share)
We would like to gently remind the group that all feedback, including positive comments, is discouraged, since as codependents we are working to establish our own realities and opinions free from the judgement, advice and opinions of other people, even those we love and respect. This is not a criticism but only a reminder and a useful tool to preserve the safety of the room and further our recovery from codependency.
If CROSSTALK occurs…
(To be read during meeting, AFTER a specific share)
We would like to gently remind the group that all feedback, including positive comments, is discouraged, since as codependents we are working to establish our own realities and opinions free from the judgement, advice and opinions of other people, even those we love and respect. This is not a criticism but only a reminder and a useful tool to preserve the safety of the room and further our recovery from codependency.
YOU/WE/ONE statements
We would like to gently remind the group that we are encouraged to further our personal recovery from codependency by refraining from using the word ‘you’, ‘we’ or ‘one’ in our sharing and instead, keep the focus on our own recovery by using ‘I’ statements. Changing the language we use in meetings and working to keep the focus on ourselves is a valuable tool in recognising and nurturing our own reality and identity.
IF …a member behaves aggressively/abusively in a meeting
It is suggested that this particular member should be advised that they may be asked to leave by immediate group conscience which may be called by any member. This supports tradition one where our common welfare comes first. Some venues may have policies on tolerating abusive/aggressive behaviour and these policies could be read out if necessary. They should be printed out and located somewhere accessible to the secretary (e.g. in the folder).
IF …a member shares in a way which another member finds offensive
It is important to consider Tradition One: Our common welfare should come first, personal recovery depends upon CoDA unity. Members should take their own inventory and balance the possible harm to them in continuing to listen to the speaker or possible harm to the speaker by interrupting his/her share. Any member may call an immediate group conscience. In a group conscience, principles are placed before personalities, issues are discussed and any actions agreed and acted upon. Alternatively, members may choose to leave the meeting on the day temporarily or permanently. Similarly, members may ask the secretary to re-read the guidelines at the end of that person’s share, rather than interrupting.
IF …a member finds it hard to access/share/behave
If a member finds it hard to access suitable meetings or share and behave appropriately at meetings
It is suggested that the member should be informed that all members have access to online meetings (website addresses), CoDA literature, and arrangement of sponsoring relationships when attending meetings is difficult or inadvisable.
General Recommendations for meeting secretaries
It is proposed that all meetings should review their guidelines to sharing to ensure that they have the following incorporated:
A description of crosstalk and feedback and WHY they are discouraged.
Using ‘I’ statements, avoid using the word ‘you’ or addressing someone by name.
If a member wants to talk about what someone has said, they should approach the person after the meeting, asking their consent/agreement first.
Members have the procedure to ask the secretary to re-read the guidelines again if they feel that the guidelines have not been observed, but only after a person has shared.
A statement about how the group will deal with seriously offensive shares, secretary to re-read the guidelines at the end of that person’s share, rather than interrupting.
See also
Statement on Crosstalk 1 (from CoDA Ireland)
In our meetings we speak about our own experience and we listen without comment to what others have to share.
We work towards taking responsibility in our lives, rather than giving advice to others; this is why crosstalk is strongly discouraged in our meetings.
Crosstalk guidelines help us keep our meetings a safe place. For more information please refer to the Newcomer’s Handbook.
Examples of crosstalk may include, but are not only limited to: giving unsolicited feedback; advising; answering; making ‘you’ and ‘we’ statements; interrogating; debating; criticizing; controlling; dominating; minimizing another person’s feelings or experiences; physical contact or touch; body movements such as nodding one’s head or other gestures; verbal sounds or noises; referring to someone present by name.
Crosstalk may be addressed directly in this meeting by re-reading this statement.
In our meetings we speak about our own experience and we listen without comment to what others have to share.
We work towards taking responsibility in our lives, rather than giving advice to others; this is why crosstalk is strongly discouraged in our meetings.
Crosstalk guidelines help us keep our meetings a safe place.
For more information please refer to the Newcomer’s Handbook.
Examples of crosstalk may include, but are not only limited to: giving unsolicited feedback; advising; answering; making ‘you’ and ‘we’ statements; interrogating; debating; criticizing; controlling; dominating; minimizing another person’s feelings or experiences; physical contact or touch; body movements such as nodding one’s head or other gestures; verbal sounds or noises; referring to someone present by name. Crosstalk may be addressed directly in this meeting by re-reading this statement.
No, all you do is turn up. If there are contact details listed, you can reach out. Alternatively just turn up and say that you are a newcomer. If there is a requirement to register to attend a meeting via a particular online platform, instructions will be stated in the meeting entry.
Is CoDA a religious programme?
No, CoDA is a spiritual, not a religious programme. The God mentioned in the Steps is a “Higher Power” entirely of your own understanding. This usually becomes clearer after you attend 6 meetings and hear the relevant steps being read.
There are no contact details for a CoDA group – is it still running?
All meetings are autonomous and provide their own information. The most up-to-date information is listed on:
CoDA UK Meetings List
My friend is codependent. How can I help them?
You could provide a link to our website where there is more information. It is for each individual person to decide whether or not they wish to attend a meeting.
Meeting / Online meeting in my area.
Online meetings are accessible nationwide. As a result they dont show on the CoDA meetings map.
Did you know there are a host of CoDA groups in the UK and beyond, that meet online? Some are held online permanently. Here are just a few sources for finding a meeting which may match your schedule:
CoDA is a fellowship that doesn’t offer advice or replace counsellors. Many members found that attending six meetings provided better insight and direction for themselves.Your First CoDA meeting
What does working the programme offer?
The patterns and characteristics are offered as a tool to aid in self-evaluation. They may be particularly useful to newcomers.
Many others before you, have also identified similar traits and patterns , and came to make a choice to learn about CoDA and what working the programme can offer them.
What does “principles before personalities” really mean?
It means we practice honesty, humility, compassion and tolerance, and patience with everyone whether or not we like them.
Putting principles before personalities teaches us to treat everyone equally.
What are the symptoms of codependence?
The phrase symptom rarely appears in CoDA literature. What we do offer from our experience are characteristic attitudes and behaviors that describe what our codependent histories have been like.
Find out more about five patterns of codependence noted in CoDA literature:
The only requirement for membership in CoDA is a desire for healthy and loving relationships. Tradition 3. Simply by attending CoDA meetings you become a member; there are no fees to pay. You do not need to register or sign up in advance.
Do I need professional help if I’m codependent?
Many members of CoDA’s Fellowship seek the help of the professional community. It’d an individual choice, not a requirement.
CoDA is a nonprofessional organization and cannot assess a member’s need for professional guidance, counselling or therapy.
Many of us seek professional help for issues related to our codependence that are beyond the scope of the experience, strength, and hope that the program and our Fellowship offer.
Extract from: CoDA Blue Book – Commonly Asked Questions
Enmeshment/Detachment/Avoidance
In CoDA, detachment is a conscious act of self-care. We choose to disengage emotionally from people and/or leave situations that could harm us. Avoidance is often an unconscious, dysfunctional coping mechanism that allows us to avoid self-accountability, ignore people or situations, hide from the truth, or run away from our responsibilities. Avoidance is often driven by our fear of
experiencing rejection, anger, disappointment or shame.
Parenting or re-parenting ourselves means recognising we are capable human beings who are choosing to become fully-functioning, emotionally healthy adults. Growing up in dysfunctional families left us with many unmet needs and we may not have felt valued or loved by our parents. As adults in recovery we become aware of our childhood wounds and we have the opportunity to fill those childhood voids.
How is CoDA different from other 12 step programmes such as AA and Al-Anon?
Other 12 Step groups support people or friends of people, who have addictions such as alcohol. CoDA supports people to create healthy relationships starting with themselves, whether or not addictions exist in their lives.
CoDA is a 12 Step Fellowship and peer support group. It aims to create a safe environment for those wishing for recovery from dysfunctional relationships, providing anonymity and freedom from judgement or feedback.
In CoDA we share our own experience, strength, and hope. We do not give advice.
What is the difference between CoDA, Al-Anon and Adult Children of Alcoholics (ACA/ACoA)?
Al-Anon and Adult Children of Alcoholics are Fellowships for those who are spouses, family members or significant others of alcoholics. CoDA is a Fellowship for those who have difficulty in maintaining healthy, functional relationships with others, regardless of whether those others have alcohol, drug or other problems. Members of CoDA may also be members of these other Twelve Step Fellowships.
There is no charge for attendance. CoDA meetings are self supporting. Contribute as you are able.
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 whether you can get what you need in CoDA. Meetings are like people, they have different personalities. Try different meetings to find one with which you can relate. Read CoDA literature and Keep Coming Back.
What is a CoDA meeting?
A CoDA meeting is a group of people who come together around their shared desire for healthy and loving relationships.
Four foundational documents form the structure of every meeting: Welcome, Preamble, 12 Steps, 12 Traditions.
These documents are read at every meeting to promote CoDA unity.
Our common welfare should come first; personal recovery depends upon CoDA unity. [Co-Dependents Anonymous, Tradition] 1
Why do we practice positive affirmations?
Positive affirmations are a powerful tool in the Recovery process.
Codependence is a condition caused by growing up in a shame-based, emotionally dishonest society which teaches us false beliefs about the nature and purpose of life.
CoDA Arizona frequently share excepts of a comparable nature from In This Moment a book which is published by CoRE, and available for purchase via CoDA Literature
Where do I begin?
Recovery is a process that has no right or wrong starting point. Simply begin where you are and let the information come to you. This answer is often frustrating to newcomers, but each person is an individual with a unique life and set of circumstances, so a single answer is not realistic. The guidance offered here is to take it slowly, read literature, attend meetings, share your journey and take a deep breath.
I hear people talk about the tools of recovery. What are they?
Find out a little about just a few ways in which you can practice new habits
In CoDA, we have a strong focus on not giving advice. Not asking for advice and not giving advice can let us see how a safe, trustworthy and equal relationship feels.
Instead, we focus on sharing our own experience and hearing the experience of others.
How do I order printed literature for myself, or my meeting?
If your enquiry is about how to order literature, please contact the approved literature supplier here:
https://www.codaliterature.co.uk/
How do I order digital copies of CoDA literature for myself or my meeting?
The CDRS has been supplying CoDA Service Conference-approved literature in Canada since 1999. To see the range of eBooks, and eBooklets :
English – CoDA Books & Booklets/
Sometimes a newcomer or CoDA member may come to a meeting which is conducted in a language that is not their first language. While it is our primary purpose to carry the message, it may seem unlikely that we can help when we do not speak the same language.
Please see overview of CoDA’s primary literature from around the globe:
Meetings are a safe environment without crosstalk or feedback, created by guidelines which cross all CoDA meetings.
Each person speaking is listened to without interruption or comment, and is not given advice.
For some of us, this can be the first time in our lives that we are listened to without being interrupted, misinterpreted, or criticised. There is never any requirement to speak if we do not wish to.
Venues are required by law to allow Guide & Assistance dogs. Individual meetings need to allow this, as otherwise they’d be going against the Equality Act.
Emotional security dogs are not covered by this.
If the venue allows non assistance dogs, then it would be up to the individual meeting group conscience to decide (some group members may be allergic or fearful etc).
While one dog may be fine, more than one dog may be problematic.
The Equality Act 2010 in the UK outlines the rights of assistance dog owners to access public spaces.
Please refer to the full list of active meetings for the most up-to-date information we hold, which includes online meetings that you can attend from anywhere in the world:
CoDA Meetings
Are there meetings outside the UK which I can attend? How do I find out more?
For meetings in Ireland and other countries around the world, please see: – links to CoDA websites across the globe. online meetings listing meetings running around the clock, across continents
Does CoDA offer focussed meetings?
CoDA meetings come in many flavours, to support members who seek out a space to share – which fits: by background, identity, or lived experience. /
Bearing in mind the spiritual aspect of our admission in the First Step of our powerlessness over others, the CoDA Fellowship Service Manual (FSM) offers guidelines for personal, written, and electronic communications for individual members and groups. Excerpt of CoDA Communication Guidelines
See – list of affirmative communication guidelines in the Fellowship Service Manual
Is <insert name> meeting on tonight/still running?
All meetings are autonomous; please inquire directly to the meeting Contact. You will be able to see the date that their information was last updated on the meeting entry. CoDA Meetings
Do I need to create an account to join a CoDA meeting?
No! This is not a requirement of the CoDA fellowshoip. The majority of meetings do not require “account creation”
Should you find a meeting requiring you to create an account please reach out to that team as no other CoDA team will be able to support the issues – CoDA fellowship meetings dont require accounts to be created.
Tradition 7 – CoDA Donations
If your enquiry is about how to send your meeting’s Seventh Tradition contributions to CoDA UK, please click here and follow the instructions.
My meeting doesn’t stock literature / we run online – where can I find CoDA literature?
Printed – CoDA Conference Endorsed Literature is available within the UK and for the European Union from: CoDA Literature
eBooks / eBooklets/ pdfs – of CoDA Conference Endorsed literature are available for purchase from: Co-Dependents Recovery Society
Can we use outside literature at our meeting?
It is strongly suggested that CoDA groups use CoDA Conference Endorsed and Board approved literature.
However, the group can be informed by group conscience to choose to use outside literature.
CoDA Approval is a suggested requirement to ensure that the Traditions are being adhered to and so that any outside event is in line with the founding CoDA principles
Crosstalk can be: giving unsolicited feedback, advice-giving, answering, making you and we statements, interrogating, debating, criticising, controlling or dominating. It may also include: minimising another person’s feelings or experiences, physical contact or touch, body movements, such as nodding one’s head, calling another person present by name, or verbal sounds and noises.
13th stepping in CoDA can be clarified and addressed openly, with no shame or blame. 13th Stepping is sometimes referred to as “hitting on newcomers.” It can also simply be defined as making inappropriate romantic and/or sexual advances to members, under the guise of helping with recovery.
13th stepping could include attending only to find dates. It also could include sexual innuendos and joking to control or embarrass someone else in the programme.
Dealing with disagreements – what is the thirty second rule?
“Occasionally, a member(s) may engage in unsafe behaviour by not respecting the boundaries of others, or someone may perceive that to happen. In such a situation, any member may call for a “time out” or “thirty seconds”.
During a time out or thirty seconds, everyone ceases talking and spends time seeking guidance from Higher Power. At the end of the thirty seconds, someone calls “time” and members may choose to say the Serenity Prayer before resuming the meeting.” – Disagreement, Mediation, and Resolution , page 1. Dealing with Disagreements
What is a group inventory?
Twelve Step groups take an inventory of themselves from time to time. This tool can give the group perspective on how the meeting is doing. It helps to show both strengths and weaknesses. This process can keep us on the road toward being an ever-safer group. It helps us to carry the CoDA message of recovery. CoDA.org – Group Inventory Guidelines.
Sharing, no crosstalk
After the opening of meetings, there is usually a time of open sharing where members tell smaller pieces of their individual recovery stories. Some groups may divide up into smaller groups of about 6-10 for sharing time. There is only one paramount guideline in sharing: “No crosstalk”. We make no comments about other people’s sharing and do not give advice.
Does CoDA UK have an umbrella insurance policy that would cover our meeting for free?
No. CoDA does not have an umbrella insurance policy that covers individual meetings. Intergroups or meetings may organize and purchase their own insurance.
Does my meeting need Public Liability Insurance?
In 2019, CoDA UK contacted all in-person groups requesting they check if the rent they pay for their rooms includes Public Liability Insurance. Many groups discovered they were not covered which could lead to the person signing the lease being personally liable to meet costs in the event of a claim. This led to CoDA UK purchasing a group policy for those groups who wanted to be covered.
What’s the role of a group conscience in a healthy CoDA meeting?
Guidance for CoDA groups can be found in this piece of free CoDA literature: Healthy Meetings Matter
Sponsorship
Note: all documents below open in a new tab
I can’t find a sponsor.
We do not keep records of volunteers willing to sponsor at this moment. If you are unable to find a sponsor at your home meeting, some people will attend as many different meetings as they can and ask individuals directly if they would be willing to sponsor them. Some meetings pass around a form where members write down if they are willing to sponsor.
You could reach out to the member networks to join a CoDA Step Group Online Find out more
Co-sponsoring occurs when two CoDA members sponsor each other. Co-sponsors meet or call regularly to share what they are learning about the Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions. Co-sponsors may choose to have another CoDA member guide them, especially through difficult situations or when they get stuck.
CoDA UK members have set up numerous WhatsApp groups to offer support to CoDA members looking to start working the steps. Find out more
What is a step group and how can I join one?
Another option to working the steps is to start a step group with members of your home group, which is a great way to start working the steps together.
Find out more
CoDA UK members have set up numerous WhatsApp groups to offer support to CoDA members looking to start working the steps. Find out more
What is a virtual Sponsorship workshop?
We have held a number of Zoom Sponsorship Workshops. Let us know if you want to be on the mailing list for future workshops by emailing:
sponsorship@codauk.org
Can you tell me more about how to run a sponsorship workshop ?
Here is a written script that any CoDA member can use to lead a sponsorship workshop:
Find out more
I’d like to sponsor but I’m not sure I have enough recovery
A number of member networks have been set up including ‘CoDA Sponsor Support’ where more experienced sponsors are happy to speak to those thinking about sponsoring. Head over to Member Networks to find out more
I’m not sure I’m ready to start the steps yet but I’d like to share with another CoDA Member
A number of member networks have been set up including ‘CoDA Outreach Group’ where you can arrange an outreach call with another CoDA member. Head over to Member Networks to find out more
How to Find a Sponsor
If you’re looking for a sponsor, reading the list of suggested Sponsor Characteristics in the handbook Sponsorship: What’s In It For Me? (pg 8 & 9) and looking for someone who has the recovery you want.
It can take time to get to know someone well enough to ask them to be your sponsor. Talking with them after the meeting can give you a deeper understanding of the person. If you find someone that resonates with you, you can ask them how they sponsor and share what you are looking for before deciding to work together.
Hospitals and Treatment centres can provide space for CoDA meetings to meet.
There is literature available on the website that can be downloaded and copied for use with co-dependents as long as there are no fees associated with their use and Co-Dependents Anonymous, Inc.’s copyright information is included on the copy.
In the US, CoDA sessions are regularly run within institutions/by institutions and local groups. The team have prepped a range of documents to support this activity.
We ask that therapists, life coaches, mental health professionals, and all paid professionals start meetings or participate in meetings only as an individual recovering codependent and never in a professional capacity.
In “Building CoDA Community: Healthy Meetings Matter” page 17 states:
In CoDA, no one is paid to share experience, strength, and hope, whether at meetings, as sponsors, or in any other Twelve Step related activity.
Professionals attending CoDA meetings do so as members only, and do not use the Fellowship to further their business interests.
May I, as a professional, attend CoDA meetings?
You are welcome to attend any “open” meeting. Identify yourself by first name only, not as a professional. You are not required to share.
Please do not give advice; sharing is about our own experiences.
There are no dues or fees; we are self supporting through our own contributions.
As a professional, may I share CoDA materials with my clients?
Fellowship members should be aware of their duty of care to others and hence follow the law and best practice on safeguarding, when acting in the fellowship’s name.
The basic principle
Everyone should recognise that all individuals, regardless of age, disability, gender, racial heritage, religious belief, sexual orientation and identity, have a right to equal protection from all types of harm and abuse
.
…all fellowship members or those who fellowship members encounter when acting in the fellowship’s name
Bearing in mind the spiritual aspect of our admission in the First Step of our powerlessness over others, the CoDA Fellowship Service Manual (FSM) offers guidelines for personal, written, and electronic communications for individual members and groups. Excerpt of CoDA Communication Guidelines
See – list of affirmative communication guidelines in the Fellowship Service Manual
Excerpt from: ‘Traditionally Speaking’ – The concept of anonymity can be confusing. There are varying levels of anonymity. We remain completely anonymous at the level of press, radio and film. That’s clear…We introduce ourselves by first names only – that’s explicitly stated in the meeting format.
…we help carry CoDA’s message without wanting, expecting, or getting credit or recognition. It is good for CoDA and a healthy spiritual exercise for the individual.
What drives our need to control and avoid others?
Many of us ask aren’t some of these behaviours healthy> The answer can be found in the motivation for our behaviours…
Fear…Oftentimes our passivity, silence, manipulation, isolation, rage, violence, denial or even deceit, are our expressions of fear. Other feelings that show up as fear are: concern, anxiety, nervousness, and feeling uptight or scared.
Shame…diminishes our true sense of identity and destroys our belief that we are loving human beings…
Feelings
We may enter the programme “…ruled by fear, anger, resentment, guilt”…as part of the programme:
– attending meetings
– listening to others share
– working the steps
“…we can learn to be in the moment. We “…give ourselves permission to be human.” Step 3 extracts
CoDA UK meeting Group Service Reprasentatives (GSRs), meeting contacts and individual members may join the CoDA UK mailing list, to receive CoDA UK communications on topics such as upcoming workshops, retreats, CoDA committee meetings and study sessions and other key information.
– Please send an email to: communications@codauk.org to sign up to the mailing list. By doing so, you agree to opt in to receive communications from CoDA UK. You can remove your name from this mailing list at any time by emailing communications@codauk.org.
How do I maintain healthy boundaries when using social media as part of my recovery?
Anonymity and Social Media: “we need always maintain personal anonymity at the level of press, radio, films, television and all other forms of public communication.” Tradition 11.
The principle of anonymity is essential in the Codependents Anonymous fellowship at all levels. As the spiritual foundation of all traditions, the respect for anonymity is paramount for CoDA members to uphold. Types of communications, especially social media, can easily result in breaches in anonymity.
A Role central to the function of CoDA in any region
• Healthy meetings connect with the CoDA Fellowship beyond the meeting room walls. Groups join together to form ‘Intergroups¹’, to accomplish things that a single group cannot, such as maintaining up-to-date meetings lists and sponsoring events…
Strong Intergroups¹ are the key to the success of CoDA in general. CoDA Intergroups¹ are made up of Group Service Representatives (GSRs) from area meetings and interested CoDA members from the local Fellowship
.
• All CoDA groups are encouraged to send a GSR to Intergroup¹ meetings. All members of the Fellowship are welcome to attend and participate in their Intergroup¹. A sense of community at the local level leads to success in attracting and sustaining the involvement of members of the fellowship in service work and in community building activities. Some consider it a way of practicing and demonstrating responsibility and accountability to self and to others, while working a program of recovery and remaining open to Higher Power’s will.
(Excerpt from the FSM, and “The Newcomer’s Handbook” and “Building CoDA Community – Healthy Meetings Matter” booklets)
¹ Since arriving in the UK in 1989 there have been an array of CoDA intergroup configurations, and 1 Voting Entity. We now have multiple Voting Entities, and no active Intergroups in the UK (as of 2023).
How do I get involved in service?
There are many ways to be involved, from the local meeting to the UK Regions , NSC and CoDA World.
Service includes setting up for a meeting, leading meetings, starting a new meeting and representing your group at the local community, group or Voting Entity.
If you are a writer, please submit a recovery story to be added to CoDA Shares .
Take a look at the different committees listed on the website and follow up with one that seems interesting or has an opening . As at the group level, each service position has a term limit to ensure healthy rotation of service in CoDA.
I’ve heard about CoDA workshops but never been to one. I’m not sure what to expect?
CoDA events and workshops come in all shapes and sizes. There’s no need to actively participate in sessions unless you feel comfortable.
Events are written, prepared and presented by a range of recovering codependents.
Chances are that by the time we reached CoDA our lives were out of control. The coping skills we had relied on for a lifetime were no longer working. We were the victims of compulsive way of behaving so subtly powerful and damaging that no ordinary means could break it.
As we work Step One, we begin to find the tools of recovery. Most of us find that using our CoDA literature, as well as listening to others as they share their codependent characteristics is helpful to the identification process required in Step One
Many of us ask aren’t some of these behaviours healthy> The answer can be found in the motivation for our behaviours…
Fear…Oftentimes our passivity, silence, manipulation, isolation, rage, violence, denial or even deceit, are our expressions of fear. Other feelings that show up as fear are: concern, anxiety, nervousness, and feeling uptight or scared.
Shame…diminishes our true sense of identity and destroys our belief that we are loving human beings…
We have lots of useful info about how to start a new meeting on our website. The only thing we can’t supply is people to join you! So if you’d like to start a new meeting but would first like to appeal for fellow members to come forward to help, we can list your request on this page.
Please email meetings@codauk.org with your first name, the area where you’d like to start a meeting and your contact number and/or email address so that members can get in touch with you. Please bear in mind that your email address will be displayed on this page so a generic one to preserve your anonymity is recommended. Please include the statement “I consent for my name, phone number and/or email address to be used on the CoDA website for this purpose” with your email or we will not be able to list the information.
If you no longer wish your details to appear, please email meetings@codauk.org to request that they are removed, and this will be done within a fortnight. If you do not see the requested change appear on the site within a fortnight, please email again.
Scotland
No members have currently registered their intention of setting up a face to face meeting
Wales
SOUTH EAST – Ian B is interested in starting a new face to face meeting in South East Wales. To find out more email burlow74@gmail.com, or reach out via whatsapp/txt 07804 474123
Northern Ireland
No members have currently registered their intention of setting up a face to face meeting
East England
NORFOLK – Helen is looking for people to start a CoDA meeting on Norwich. If you would like to help, please contact her on 07717 214256 or email at helenofnorwich@hotmail.com
ESSEX – Dan is hoping to start a meeting in mid Essex and is looking for others to help. Contact him on dwtramsey@outlook.com
Midlands
EAST MIDLANDS – Katie is planning to start a meeting in East Northamptonshire and would welcome other local people interested in helping her to set this up. Please text her on 07751 304406
WEST MIDLANDS – Kieran is looking for others to help start an LGBTQ+ meeting in Birmingham. His contact details are 07804 297801
North
Beverley is wanting to start a meeting in Huddersfield or Halifax. If you would like to help, please contact her on beverleybrook36@gmail.com07946 071268
NORTH EAST- Gary is looking for people to start a new meeting in the Hull/East Yorkshire area. Contact him on byassgary4@gmail.com
NORTH WEST – Loretta would like to open a new meeting in the Chorley or Wigan area. It will be a step meeting using the CoDA Green Step Workbook. If you’d like to help, please contact her 07395 202947 or lorettabarone69@hotmail.com
South
LONDON – Catherine would like to start a meeting in the London borough of Havering. If you’d like to help please contact her at pelicanweather@gmail.com
SOUTH EAST – Claudia would like to start a women’s meeting in Farnham or Haslemere in Surrey. Please contact her on 07908 757976.
SOUTH EAST – David is looking for experienced members to help set up a face to face meeting in Portsmouth, Hampshire. His contact details are David W 07449 549592.
SOUTH WEST – Samantha is looking for people to help start a face to face meeting in Swindon, Wiltshire. Contact Samantha on samannpiper@gmail.com or 07852 840117. Please call or text and leave a message on voicemail if no answer.
CoDA UK Regional channels
There is a fellowship space on WhatsApp designed to connect members across regions in the UK, with a particular focus on areas with few or no face to face meetings.
On joining you won’t be a member of any channel other than ‘announcements’. You are free to join and engage however works for you: – the region you live in – general shares – recovery meme
NODDFA is a Welsh word meaning ‘haven’ or ‘refuge’. A place of peace and welcome, a place where you can regain energy. This is the venue we have again chosen for our Retreat and we hope it will be a time for you to relax and recharge while taking time to be self-aware.
Note: The NODDFA committee* handles the placements and bookings. Do not book directly with the Sisters at Noddfa!
Or dial on one of the numbers below +44 330 088 5830, +44 131 460 1196 , +44 20 3481 5237, +44 20 3481 5240, +44 20 8080 6591, +44 20 8080 6592
Agenda
Welcome: moment’s silence to remember why we are here and to invite HP to guide us in service. (2 mins)
Opening prayer and Traditions (2 mins)
Introductions and feelings check-in – 3 words only please (3 mins)
Mtg announcements
Ask for volunteers willing to take notes and spiritual timekeeper (1 mins)
GSR reports – please be brief to allow everyone to report (5 mins)
GSR FORUM
Open discussion session for sharing group issues, group experience, GSRs’ and members’ issues, questions, etc. (7 mins)
Items to carry forward or take to NSC (2 mins)
AOB (2 mins)
Close with Serenity Prayer
GSR Report form
There is no requirement to use this form – please use as a handy guide in terms of what to include in reports, and feel free to edit it in any way you like. Reports can also be delivered orally during the meeting.
Or dial on one of the numbers below +44 330 088 5830, +44 131 460 1196 , +44 20 3481 5237, +44 20 3481 5240, +44 20 8080 6591, +44 20 8080 6592
CoDA UK is holding its next business meeting which is open to members from all the national meetings and representatives of regional groups.
Join us online/by phone to discuss national CoDA business. National Service Committee (NSC) Members and Group Service Representatives (GSRs) are able to vote on any motions proposed.
During this session, questions can be put to members for Higher Power to answer in the form of experience, strength and hope.
As one NSC trusted servant said: often the best way to ask a question in CoDA is simply to state it as an issue. But please feel free to ask anything.
To raise: a query
Please be aware that the deadline for receiving any papers for the next NSC quarterly meeting – reports etc and any agenda requests – is the 24th October.
10.30am to 6.30pm UK time GMT 9:30pm to 5:30am AEDT 5:30am to 1:30pm EST No pre-registration necessary. Capacity 100. Doors open 10.15am. All meetings are closed, meaning attendance is limited to people who are codependent or think they may be codependent.
Newcomers are welcome to attend this event.
Zoom Meeting ID: 310 059 9324 Passcode: 917411
All meetings are based on readings from the CoDA pamphlet ‘Reparenting our Inner Child’
The schedule for the day is as follows (all times GMT):
10.30am to 12.00: Mtg 1 – ‘The Inner Child’ 12.00 to 1.00pm: lunch break* 1.00 to 2.30pm: Mtg 2 – ‘The Inner Parent’ 2.30 to 3.00pm: break* 3.00 to 4.30pm: Mtg 3 – ‘Reparenting Ourselves‘ 4.30 to 5.00pm: break* 5.00 to 6.15pm: Open get-together 6.15 to 6.30pm – Closing.
*We remain online during all the breaks, please feel free to stay and chat
‘Our programme of recovery is meant to be taken seriously, but we find balancing our recovery work with play, laughter and fun is also important…..These are some of God’s most healing medicines.’
From Co-Dependents Anonymous (Blue Book)
You are invited to share or perform songs, poems, jokes, talents, magic tricks etc, or to just be there and enjoy the fellowship.
This convention complies with CoDA UK approval guidelines: CoDA Traditions are observed and only CoDA approved literature is read or available for sale.
Celebrating 40 Years of CoDA: 24-Hour Worldwide CoDA Event
CoDA’s World Outreach Committee is holding a virtual 24-hour worldwide event on 14 November 2026 to celebrate 40 years of Co-Dependents Anonymous.
The event will include CoDA members and service bodies from around the world, with opportunities to share recovery, hear from CoDA’s founders and take part in the celebration.
CoDA UK is holding the first part of an inventory which is open to members from all the national meetings and representatives of regional groups.
Similar to a group inventory, this will be the National Service Committee examining whether it is functioning healthily or otherwise, guided by CoDA’s Twelve Traditions and spiritual principles. All members are welcome to have their voices heard about how the NSC is running.
There is no requirement to attend the whole meeting – feel free to drop in at any time during the inventory. We ask that you put your name and home group (if you have one) in the chat so we can keep track of how many members attended.
Note: Click a heading below marked with a * to expand and view the motions and supporting information.
Voting Entity Motions
Discussed on: Friday 11th September, 6:30 pm UK time
Alternative Format Meetings Voting Entity*
AFM Motion 1 – Parenting with CoDA (endorse new booklet)
Description: Proposes Parenting with CoDA as new CoDA literature. The accompanying draft explores how codependent patterns can affect parenting and relationships with children, using examples, affirmations and personal recovery stories to address themes including boundaries, control, rescuing, responsibility, independence, self-worth and letting go.
Canada Motion 1 – The Twelve Promises of Co-Dependents Anonymous: Recognizing (and Using!) the Gifts of CoDA Recovery (endorse new booklet)
Description: Proposes a new CoDA booklet, The Twelve Promises of Co-Dependents Anonymous: Recognizing (and Using!) the Gifts of CoDA Recovery, for Conference approval as CoDA literature. The 32-page booklet explores each Promise through readings and reflection questions, and presents the Promises as practical recovery tools through affirmations, prayers, meeting topics and examples of how the Promises interrelate with one another and with the Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions.
Colombia Motion 1 – Create a Committee or Appoint Delegates to Address Printing and/or Translation Authorization Needs for Countries Outside the United States
Description: Proposes appointing one or more delegates, preferably including bilingual members, to manage literature printing permission agreements for countries outside the United States so that approved CoDA literature can be accessed, printed and, where appropriate, translated more efficiently.
Colombia Motion 2– Request to Remove Text from the “Frequently Asked Questions” Section of coda.org and coda.org/es
Description: Proposes removing or revising the FAQ wording on CoDA.org which says that meetings may use non-CoDA literature if it is clearly identified as not CoDA-endorsed literature. Colombia argues that this wording is inconsistent with the Traditions and with CoDA guidance on outside literature.
UK view: The Fellowship Service Manual states that a recognised CoDA meeting must use only CoDA Service Conference-endorsed books, workbooks, booklets and pamphlets during meetings. Therefore, the underlying issue appears to be that the FAQ on the CoDA (coda.org) international website has not been updated to reflect the current wording of the FSM.
On that basis, the inconsistency appears to require an administrative website update rather than a further Conference decision.
Motion Name: Development of Guidelines to Preserve the Integrity of Meetings and Address the Use of Meetings for Personal Profit
Description: Proposes adding responsibility to the Healthy Meetings Subcommittee to develop guidance for groups and Intergroups on preventing commercial exploitation of CoDA meetings, including charging for sponsorship.
Intent: To protect CoDA’s primary purpose by providing clearer guidance on personal financial gain while respecting group autonomy.
Practical Effect: The FSM would be amended to give Healthy Meetings this additional responsibility. No new enforcement or sanctioning powers are proposed.
Points to Consider: The motion references changes to both FSM Parts 2 and 5, but only provides wording for Part 5. This could be clarified during crafting.
Description: Proposes amending the Fellowship Service Manual (FSM), Part 4, Sections 01 and 02, to establish a formal annual forum between Voting Entity (VE) Delegates and the CoDA Board of Trustees. The forum would provide a dedicated opportunity for Delegates to present summaries of their annual reports, raise concerns, offer suggestions and discuss matters affecting CoDA World Service directly with the Board.
Intent: Ontario Intergroup says the purpose is to strengthen communication and accountability between Voting Entities and the Board, in keeping with CoDA’s inverted pyramid service structure and Service Concept Ten. It also seeks to ensure that VE reports receive meaningful attention while preserving Annual CoDA Service Conference (CSC) time for motions and other business.
Practical effect: If passed, an annual Voting Entity/Board Forum would become a formal requirement under the FSM rather than an optional arrangement. The Board and Events Committee would be responsible for scheduling it, potentially during the existing pre-Conference meetings. All registered Delegates and the full Board would be able to participate. Delegates would continue submitting written reports but would also have an opportunity to present oral summaries and discuss world service issues. A summary of the feedback, concerns and suggestions raised would be included in the Board’s report and preserved in the Finalised Delegate Package.
Points to consider: The proposal could provide a valuable opportunity for meaningful dialogue between Voting Entities and the Board, particularly given the limited time available during Conference for presenting VE reports. Members may wish to consider whether the motion should specify a minimum duration for the forum, ensure sufficient opportunity for Delegates to speak and clarify whether attendance by the full Board is expected or required. It may also be helpful to clarify how the feedback would be recorded and incorporated into the Board’s report, particularly if the forum takes place immediately before Conference.
The proposed FSM amendments may also benefit from some crafting. In Section 02, the motion proposes replacing the existing definition of Voting Entity Reports with the new forum provisions. Retaining that definition and adding the forum as a separate provision might provide greater clarity. Similar wording is also proposed for two different sections of the FSM, so the amendments could potentially be simplified without changing the intention of the motion.
Description: Proposes re-establishing the Delegate Relations Committee (DRC) as a standing Conference-appointed committee to support Delegates and Alternate Delegates throughout their service, including by completing and updating practical Delegate guidance and developing resources, orientation, clinics, question-and-answer sessions and other learning opportunities. The motion proposes recruiting primarily current and former Delegates and Alternates, while allowing others with relevant Voting Entity or world service experience to serve.
Points to consider: Conference created the Delegate Relations Task Force in 2022 and established the DRC as a standing committee in 2023. In April 2026, the Board changed the DRC’s status to a workgroup. The motion notes that practical Delegate guidance remained unfinished at that point. The UK NSC’s understanding is that, following that change, the former DRC was not given an active remit or direction and did not continue its previous Delegate-support work. The motion therefore asks Conference to re-establish the function as a standing committee so that this work can resume and be completed.
NSC UK Motion 2 – Establish Procedures for the Imposition of Sanctions and Consequences
Description: The current FSM says that the Board of Trustees or CSC, working with IMC, may apply consequences to relevant trusted servants who excessively violate FSM policies and/or Bylaws and who may choose not to participate in the conflict-resolution process. Examples include a warning, a 45-day cooling-off period, temporary removal from CoDA service and removal from leadership positions. This wording would remain unchanged.
The motion would remove the existing sentence stating that IMC presents relevant information to the Board or CSC “to allow for accuracy, objectivity, and fairness”, and replace it with a substantial new subsection, “Principles for Applying Consequences.” The new wording sets out safeguards for how sanctions and other consequences are considered, imposed and reviewed, including notice of the concerns, an opportunity to respond, written reasons, proportionality, confidentiality, reconsideration and periodic review.
Points to consider: The existing FSM refers to “consequences”, not “sanctions”, and gives relatively little guidance about the process to be followed once consequences are being considered. This motion would add more detailed safeguards intended to support fair, proportionate and accountable decision-making. Before a consequence is applied, the affected person or service body would have to be informed of the concerns, given sufficient information to understand and respond to them, and given a reasonable opportunity to be heard. The final decision, reasons and any consequence imposed would have to be given in writing.
The decision-making body would also have to consider whether the FSM mediation process has been followed, whether the information is reliable and relevant, whether the proposed action is proportionate and whether it falls within that body’s authority. Any additional restriction, loss of recognition or exclusion from other service would require separate consideration and justification.
The motion also provides for confidentiality, reconsideration and periodic review, and states that where the Board or one of its members is directly involved in a dispute, the Board must not determine the outcome.
NSC UK Motion 3 – Recognition and Listing of CoDA Meetings
Description: Proposes amending the Fellowship Service Manual so that a CoDA meeting may satisfy the registration requirement either through coda.org or through an appropriate CoDA service body or intergroup with an established, publicly accessible meeting directory, rather than requiring registration only on coda.org. It also clarifies that a meeting does not lose recognition solely because it is not separately listed on coda.org, and that listing does not by itself determine Voting Entity membership or representation.
Points to consider: The motion does not change the other FSM requirements for a recognised CoDA meeting, including reading the four foundational documents and using CoDA literature as specified; it changes the permitted route for registration. It reflects existing practice in countries such as the UK, where meetings may already be maintained through a national directory rather than individually on coda.org, and restores an alternative registration route similar to wording that existed in the 2018 FSM.
The motion also anticipates that a meeting may appear in more than one directory and places responsibility on the meeting to keep each listing current. This may be particularly relevant to online and telephone meetings, which may serve members across several countries and may not fit neatly within one geographical service structure.
A question raised by the motion is how terms such as “appropriate CoDA service body” and “established and publicly accessible meeting directory” should be understood in practice. It also raises a broader distinction between recognition, registration and public listing: the motion continues to treat registration through a meeting directory as a requirement for recognition, while the practical purpose of a directory may simply be to help people find meetings.
A wider question: This motion keeps registration as a requirement for recognition, but some may question whether an otherwise valid CoDA group should cease to be recognised simply because it has not yet been publicly listed. For example, two people might meet regularly in a park, read the four foundational documents, follow CoDA principles and carry the message for some time before ever registering the meeting. Does the lack of a public listing during that period mean it is not a recognised CoDA meeting?
Minnesota & Illinois Voting Entities*
Minnesota & Illinois Motion 1 – Make the Co-Dependents Anonymous book a Foundational Document
Description: Proposes formally adding the Co-Dependents Anonymous book (Blue Book) to CoDA’s list of Foundational Documents in the Fellowship Service Manual and related governing documents.
Description: This motion would amend the Bylaws so that Conference, or a Special Meeting called for that purpose, could remove a Trustee directly by a two-thirds vote of Voting Members present and voting.
At present, the Board can remove a Trustee by a two-thirds vote, with that decision then brought to Conference for ratification. This motion would add a second route, allowing Conference itself to initiate the removal.
What this motion is saying is that Conference currently lacks a clear process to say:“We elected this Trustee, and we believe this Trustee should now be removed.”
NorCal says this would provide a check and balance where the Board is unable or unwilling to act against one of its own members, or where there may be a conflict of interest.
What would a Yes vote mean? Conference would gain a direct power to remove a Trustee by a two-thirds vote.
What would a No vote mean? The current system would remain, with removal initiated by the Board and then brought to Conference for ratification.
Points to consider: Should the body that elects Trustees also have a direct power to remove them, or should removal continue to begin with the Board?
The question for Conference may therefore be: If Conference elects Trustees, should it also have a direct process for removing them?
Motion Name: Inclusion of All Issues Mediation Committee (IMC) Applications in the Delegate Package
Description: This motion would require every application for service on the Issues Mediation Committee (IMC) to be included in the Delegate Package before Conference.
This would include applications that the vetting body believes do not meet the eligibility criteria. In those cases, the application would still be shown to Delegates, together with a factual statement explaining which criteria were not met.
What this motion is saying is that Delegates should see all the applications before making the final decision.
NorCal argues that, because Conference elects IMC members, Delegates should not have applications filtered out before they are asked to vote. The motion says this would keep the final authority with an informed group conscience.
What would a Yes vote mean? All IMC applications would be included in the Delegate Package, including those considered ineligible.
What would a No vote mean? The current arrangement would remain, with no requirement for every application to be shown to Delegates.
Points to consider: Should a vetting body be able to prevent an application from reaching Delegates, or should it simply identify any eligibility concerns and leave the final decision to Conference?
The question for Conference may therefore be: If Conference elects IMC members, should Delegates see every application before they vote?
Motion Name: Clarification of Conference Authority over Board Applications and Election Procedures
Description: This motion would amend the Bylaws and Fellowship Service Manual so that Conference has the final authority over Trustee eligibility criteria, the Trustee application form and election procedures.
It would also require all completed Board applications to be included in the Delegate Package, including applications the Board believes are ineligible. The Voting Members at Conference would make the final determination.
What this motion is saying is that the Board should administer the election process, but should not control who Conference is allowed to consider.
NorCal proposes that the Board may assist applicants and carry out administrative checks, but should not reject or withhold applications based on its own view of eligibility.
The motion would also require any Trustee appointed by the Board between Conferences to be ratified at the next CSC.
What would a Yes vote mean? Conference would control the eligibility rules and application process, all completed applications would reach Delegates, and interim Board appointments would come back to Conference for ratification.
What would a No vote mean? The current arrangements would remain, including the Board’s existing role in applications, eligibility and interim appointments.
Points to consider: Should the existing Board have a substantive gatekeeping role over candidates seeking election to that same Board, or should its role be administrative, with Conference making the final decision?
The question for Conference may therefore be: If Conference elects Trustees, should Conference also control the eligibility rules and decide which applicants may be considered?
Motion Name: Engage an Ongoing Nonprofit Board Consultant and A Specialized Nonprofit Legal Counsel
Description: This motion would amend the Bylaws to require CoDA to maintain an ongoing nonprofit Board consultant and to retain an attorney specialising in nonprofit law as its primary legal counsel.
NorCal says CoDA’s current counsel and Statutory Agent is an attorney who specialises in real estate. The motion argues that, as CoDA’s need for advice on nonprofit governance and decision-making has increased, specialist nonprofit legal expertise is now needed.
What this motion is saying is that CoDA’s professional advice should match the kind of organisation CoDA is and the issues the Board is dealing with.
It proposes two different roles: a nonprofit governance consultant for Board practice, governance and internal controls, and a nonprofit attorney for legal advice.
What would a Yes vote mean? CoDA would be required to maintain both an ongoing nonprofit Board consultant and specialist nonprofit legal counsel.
What would a No vote mean? CoDA would not be required by the Bylaws to maintain those two specialist roles.
Points to consider: NorCal points to rising legal costs, including $11,135 in the first five months of 2026, and states that the current attorney charges $425 per hour, compared with an estimated $80–$150 per hour for a nonprofit Board consultant.
Members may wish to consider whether CoDA now needs specialist nonprofit expertise, whether both roles are necessary, and whether this requirement belongs in the Bylaws.
The question for Conference may therefore be: Should CoDA be required to retain professional advisers who specialise specifically in nonprofit governance and nonprofit law?
CoDA Board, IMC, Events and Finance Motions
Discussed on Friday 18th September, 6:30 pm UK time
CoDA Board of Trustees*
Board Motion 1 (Revised) – Update to Service Conference Procedures
Description: Proposes a 60-day deadline for Late Motions and applications to the CoDA Board, CoRe Board and Issues Mediation Committee; prohibits Floor Motions; changes how the CSC agenda is finalised; and changes participation at Conference by requiring World Service Committee members generally to observe via YouTube and communicate through their Committee Chair, except when joining the Zoom room to present or assist with their committee’s motion or report.
Intent: The submitters appear to be seeking a more structured and time-efficient Conference, with proposed business circulated sufficiently early for Voting Entities to consider it beforehand, and with fewer participants in the main Zoom room.
Practical effect: CSC would no longer be able to admit Floor Motions arising during Conference. Late Motions would need to meet the 60-day deadline and would only be considered after scheduled business if time permits. Committee members other than Chairs would generally no longer participate directly in the CSC Zoom room throughout Conference, but would observe via YouTube unless specifically required for their committee’s presentation.
Points to consider: Limited Conference time may not, by itself, justify removing Floor Motions. CSC is the principal annual opportunity for Delegates to deliberate together and exercise the Fellowship’s group conscience, so members may wish to consider whether additional Conference time would be preferable to restricting the business Delegates may consider.
The motion also appears to assume that Delegates should not act on matters their Voting Entity has not considered beforehand. Members may wish to consider whether this places too narrow a limit on the Delegate role, since Delegates also attend CSC to hear debate, consider new information and exercise judgement on behalf of their Voting Entity.
Requiring most Committee members to observe through YouTube may make the Zoom room easier to manage, but it could also reduce their ability to participate directly, respond to questions or contribute specialist knowledge during Conference. Members may wish to consider whether communication solely through the Committee Chair provides sufficient access to the Conference process.
Board Motion 2 – Adoption of the CoDA Sanction Process for any member of Codependents Anonymous, Inc., including Board of Trustees
Description: Proposes adding a new section to the CoDA Bylaws establishing a formal sanction process applicable to all members of the Fellowship, including Trustees. It sets out grounds for sanctions, notice and response procedures, Board review and determination, possible sanctions, record-keeping and a 30-day appeal/reconsideration process.
Intent: The Board says the purpose is to create a fair, transparent and consistent process for dealing with significant violations of CoDA governing documents, policies and fiduciary responsibilities, while providing an appeal process and protecting the dignity and rights of those involved.
Practical effect: If passed, the Board would have a detailed Bylaw-based process for investigating and sanctioning Fellowship members, including for matters such as failure to comply with Board directives, disruption in meetings or social-media groups, and conduct said to create reputational risk. Possible sanctions include corrective action, training, removal from participation and restrictions on attendance at CSC and other CoDA events. The Board would also consider any appeal from its own decision.
Points to consider: The motion introduces some due-process protections, including notice, an opportunity to respond, written findings and a review process. However, members may wish to consider whether the Board is being given a disciplinary authority that is not clearly established elsewhere in CoDA’s governing documents. Service Concept Eight says that Conference has no authority over the decision-making process of individual groups and identifies the harshest sanction Conference can impose as no longer recognising an individual or group as belonging to CoDA. That may be a less intrusive remedy than some of the measures proposed here, which include corrective action, training, restrictions on participation and attendance, and compliance with Board directives. Members may therefore wish to consider whether Board Motion 2 creates a broader and more controlling form of authority than Service Concept Eight appears to contemplate, and whether that authority has been clearly and lawfully established before procedures are created for exercising it.
The motion states that an appeal was not legally permitted under the current Bylaws. If that is correct, it raises the logical question about the legal authority under which the Board had already imposed sanctions or restrictions on Fellowship members before this amendment was proposed.
Board Motion 3 – Revisions to Accountable Reimbursement Plan
Description: Proposes revising the Accountable Reimbursement Plan in Part 5 of the Fellowship Service Manual. The changes broaden and clarify who is covered by the plan, require most non-contractual reimbursements to be substantiated and pre-approved by the full Board, update rules for travel, lodging, mileage and per diem, remove the existing provision for expense advances, and revise how reimbursement requests, excess payments and exceptions are handled.
Intent: The Board states that the changes are intended to strengthen financial accountability, bring all reimbursements within one reimbursement policy, clarify documentation requirements, and ensure that expenditure of CoDA funds receives appropriate Board oversight.
Practical effect: Committee members and other fellowship members seeking reimbursement for non-contractual expenses would generally need full Board approval before incurring the expense. More detailed documentary evidence would be required, and some exceptions, including medical accommodation requests relating to shared lodging, would require a formal process and Board approval.
Points to consider: Requiring the full Board to pre-approve routine reimbursable expenditure may reduce the financial discretion currently exercised by committees or other service bodies within approved budgets. Members may also wish to consider whether full Board involvement is necessary for relatively small or routine expenses, and whether the proposed process for medical lodging exceptions is proportionate and sufficiently protects privacy.
Board Motion 4 (Late) – CoDA Service Conference Motion Procedures and Submission
Description: Proposes adding detailed submission requirements to FSM Part 4 for motions from the Board, CoRe Board, World Standing Committees and Voting Entities. These include evidence of a group conscience specifically approving the motion, minutes and exact vote totals, submission of required documentation by the 75-day deadline, and a compliance review process. Motions that do not meet the requirements would not be eligible for presentation at Conference, and missing documentation could not be corrected during the revision period.
Intent: To create clearer, more consistent and accountable procedures for motions submitted to Conference, including evidence that each motion genuinely represents the Group Conscience of the submitting service body.
Practical effect: All submitting service bodies would be expected to provide minutes evidencing the Group Conscience for the specific motion. Motions with missing, incomplete or inconsistent documentation could be ruled ineligible for presentation at Conference, and defects could not be corrected during the revision period.
Points to consider: Requiring all submitting bodies to provide minutes evidencing their Group Conscience may strengthen accountability and consistency. However, the motion appears to formalise a type of compliance process already applied to some 2026 Voting Entity motions before these detailed requirements had been adopted into the FSM. A clerical or documentary defect could also exclude an otherwise properly authorised motion. The motion makes completion of the current Motion Form part of eligibility, which could allow future changes to the form to create additional requirements, and it does not clearly identify who decides non-compliance or what review or appeal process applies.
Description: Proposes replacing the current Bylaws provision for Special Meetings with a detailed new process. A request through the Delegate route must be initiated by a current, vetted Delegate who attended the most recent CSC, through the Voting Entity that elected them. The VE must approve the request by a two-thirds vote of its quorum and then separately authorise the petition by another two-thirds vote. The petition then goes to the Board and Voting Entity Liaison, after which eligible Delegates and other voting members from the most recent CSC must meet a two-thirds quorum and approve it by a two-thirds vote. Eligibility to participate is limited to those who attended the most recent CSC and are still actively serving, which may affect Voting Entities whose Delegates have since rotated. The motion also allows the Board to call a Special Meeting by a two-thirds vote, requires an approved meeting to be held virtually within 30 days, and closes the request if the required threshold is not achieved at any stage.
Points to consider: The proposed eligibility rules may leave some Voting Entities unable to participate in the Special Meeting process. If the Delegate who attended the most recent CSC has since rotated out, that former Delegate is no longer eligible because they are no longer actively serving, while the newly elected Delegate may also be ineligible because they did not attend the most recent CSC. This could affect both a VE’s ability to initiate a Special Meeting request and its ability to participate in the later confirmation vote or Special Meeting itself. The motion does not appear to explain how newly elected Delegates would be identified, contacted or represented in that situation
IMC Motion 2 – Update FSM Part 5, IMC (Part 1 – no change)
Description: Proposes replacing the current Issues Mediation Committee description in FSM Part 5 with updated wording covering IMC membership and election requirements, mid-year appointments, mediation responsibilities, Voting Entity recognition and division processes, and Delegate Grant administration. It also removes the obsolete responsibility for tracking Voting Entity motions and makes a number of grammatical and clarification changes.
Points to consider: The motion changes the current FSM wording on Voting Entity division from saying that a division “should” be agreed upon by both new VEs to saying that it “must” be agreed upon. This is more than a grammatical clarification. The Bylaws say that a VE may request subdivision along an “internally agreed upon division” and give IMC responsibility for recognising Voting Entities, but they do not use the proposed FSM wording that both new VEs “must” agree. Conference may therefore wish to clarify whether this change is simply intended to reflect the Bylaws or whether it creates an additional mandatory condition for approving a VE division.
Events Committee*
Events Motion 1 (Revised) – Motion to Amend Facilitator Eligibility
Description: Proposes changing the Facilitator eligibility wording in FSM Part 4. The stated purpose is to allow Committee Chairs and Issues Mediation Committee members to serve as CoDA Service Conference Facilitators. The proposed new wording, however, would also make current Delegates, Board members and CoRe Board members eligible to facilitate while serving in those roles. A Facilitator who belongs to the committee or Voting Entity presenting a motion would still be prohibited from facilitating that motion.
Points to consider: The proposed wording appears broader than the motion’s stated intent and may contain a drafting error. The intent discusses restoring eligibility for Committee Chairs and IMC members, but changing “not eligible” to “will be eligible” also removes the existing exclusion for current Delegates, Board members and CoRe Board members. The proposed wording also omits Alternate Delegates and Alternate Board or CoRe members, leaving their eligibility unclear. Clarification is therefore needed as to whether the broader change was intended or whether the replacement wording should have been limited to Committee Chairs and IMC members.
Description: Proposes changing the calculation of CoDA’s prudent reserve from 50% of the previous calendar year’s realised operational expenses to the greater of $250,000 or 50% of the previous year’s realised operational expenses, rounded up to the next $1,000. The Finance Committee says the increased reserve is intended to provide additional financial capacity for unexpected expenses, including increased legal costs and the proposed return of face-to-face meetings for World Service Committees and the Board.
Intent: To establish a minimum prudent reserve of $250,000 so that CoDA has greater financial capacity to meet significant or unexpected expenditure.
Practical effect: CoDA’s prudent reserve would no longer be able to fall below $250,000. If 50% of the previous year’s realised operational expenses were higher than $250,000, the higher figure would apply.
Points to consider: The motion does not explain how the $250,000 minimum was calculated. Members may also wish to consider whether anticipated face-to-face meeting costs are appropriately part of the rationale for a prudent reserve, since these would normally be planned and budgeted expenses rather than unexpected expenditure.
Finance Motion 2 (Revised) – Face-to-Face meetings for World Committees and CoDA Inc. Board of Trustees.
Description: Proposes reinstating face-to-face meetings for World Service Committees and the CoDA Inc. Board of Trustees. For 2027 and 2028, the proposal allows one World Committee face-to-face meeting per year, based on a rotation list, and two Board face-to-face meetings per year. Reimbursement would be capped at $15,000 per meeting, covering transportation, accommodation and meals, although members travelling from outside continental North America may not be fully reimbursed. One of the Board’s two meetings would include travel and service expenses connected with the CoDA Service Conference. Travel and accommodation would be arranged through CoDA’s assigned concierge, with destination and duration subject to Board approval and Finance Committee advisement.
Points to consider: The $15,000 reimbursement cap may disadvantage members travelling from outside continental North America, because the motion itself acknowledges that they may not be fully reimbursed.
Description: Proposes adding investing to the Finance Committee’s responsibilities and allowing CoDA’s savings and prudent reserve funds to be placed in a mix of short, medium and longer-term investments. The suggested approach keeps some money readily available, places some in 3–12 month investments, and places around half in longer-term investments of up to five years, with maturity dates spread out over time.
Points to consider: Members may wish to consider the proposal in the light of Traditions Six and Seven, particularly the references to “capital growth” and “maximizing yield”.
It may be clearer to describe the purpose instead as safeguarding CoDA’s funds, maintaining appropriate liquidity and obtaining a reasonable return, so that investment remains a means of supporting CoDA’s financial resources rather than appearing to become an objective in itself.
CoDA Literature, CoDAteen, Co-NNections and CoRe Motions
Discussed on: Friday 25th September, 6:30 pm UK time
Description: Proposes Conference endorsement of Story Gatherers, a new full-length CoDA book containing 54 recovery stories from members around the world, for publication by CoRe. The stories are intended to show how CoDA’s Twelve Steps, Twelve Traditions, tools and principles have supported recovery, spiritual growth and healthier relationships across different cultures, identities and belief systems.
The Literature Committee says the stories have been gathered over the last two decades, reviewed repeatedly by committee members, and lightly edited for punctuation, clarity and anonymity. All included authors have assigned copyright to CoDA, Inc.
Points to consider: Two stories in particular contain potentially highly distressing material: A Codependent in Recovery, which includes ritual abuse, childhood sexual violence and suicidality and already carries its own warning, and To Kill a Martyr, which includes descriptions of abuse and trauma. Consider whether individual content warnings should be placed before these stories, rather than relying only on the general warning at the beginning of the book.
CLC Motion 2 – endorse a new pamphlet: ‘Working Through an Issue Using CoDA’s Twelve Steps’ made available for printing and downloading.
Description: Proposes Conference endorsement of a new pamphlet, Working Through an Issue Using CoDA’s Twelve Steps, to be printed by CoDA Resource Publishing and made available for download on coda.org. The pamphlet is intended as a practical tool for applying CoDA’s Twelve Steps to a specific issue, either individually or with a sponsor. It is not intended to replace working the Steps, but to reinforce their continued use in recovery.
CLC Motion 3 – that The First 14 Days be endorsed in 2026 to be posted on the coda.org website under Member Resources + a slider on main coda.org main page.
Description: Proposes Conference endorsement of The First 14 Days, consisting of a Sponsor Workbook and Sponsee Workbook, to be made available on coda.org under Member Resources. The programme is intended as a simple, structured introduction to CoDA recovery for newcomers, using temporary sponsorship over roughly the first two to four weeks. It is designed to help more members feel able to offer short-term sponsorship support without giving advice, direction or therapeutic guidance.
At the end of the process, sponsees are encouraged both to seek a permanent sponsor to begin working the full Twelve Steps and, where appropriate, to take someone else through The First 14 Days. The motion expressly states that the programme is not a substitute for working the Twelve Steps.
CLC Motion 4 – More Time for Business at CoDA Service Conferences
Description: Proposes changing FSM Part 4, Section 01 so that the number of motions brought to the CoDA Service Conference is not limited, and the Conference schedule provides sufficient time for each motion. The motion is intended to remove the current practice of limiting each World Service Committee, Voting Entity or Board to 90 minutes and three motions, so that more Conference time can be used for Fellowship business and decision-making. It also suggests that Voting Entity reports could be scheduled outside business time if necessary.
Points to consider: The motion would remove fixed limits on the number of motions and time allocated to each submitting body, but the proposed wording does not define what constitutes “ample time” or how Conference should manage the agenda if there are more motions than can reasonably be heard. It also raises the question of whether decisions about which motions reach the floor should rest with Conference group conscience rather than being determined in advance through administrative time or motion limits.
Description: Proposes Conference endorsement of an updated edition of the existing Twelve-Piece Relationship Toolkit booklet. The CoDA Literature Committee reviewed the booklet ahead of a planned reprint and made edits to spelling, punctuation and grammar, changed some wording to make it gender-neutral, and added explanations intended to make the material clearer for the international Fellowship. The underlying purpose of the booklet remains the same: to help members apply CoDA’s Twelve Traditions to their relationships.
Description: Proposes correcting the official record of 2025 Motion 25041, concerning The CoDA Recovery Patterns Check-in Tool, so that it reflects the complete motion CLC says was read and approved at the 2025 Conference.
The correction would restore omitted Intent and Remarks, including explanation of the tool, its five categories, the Awareness-Acceptance-Action columns, links to earlier motions and its intended worldwide online use.
It does not seek a new endorsement of the tool or change the 2025 vote result of 36 Yes, 1 No, 0 Abstentions.
Description: Approves the CoDAteen Twelve Traditions for the second and final year of the foundational document approval process. The motion would also add the CoDAteen Twelve Traditions to the FSM list of foundational and meeting documents and replace the current CoDA Twelve Traditions used in CoDAteen materials with the adapted CoDAteen version.
Points to consider: The motion completes the second year of the approval process and gives CoDAteen its own wording of the Twelve Traditions. Most changes adapt references from CoDA to CoDAteen, but some also describe the relationship between the two. Tradition 4 refers separately to matters affecting “CoDA, or CoDAteen as a whole”, while Tradition 8 states that “Codependents Anonymous, Inc., on behalf of CoDAteen” should remain nonprofessional. These provisions may be worth noting because they do more than simply replace the word CoDA with CoDAteen and help define how CoDAteen sits within the wider CoDA structure.
CoDAteen Motion 2 – Revise Fellowship Service Manual to allow use of CoDA, Co-Dependents Anonymous and the CoDA Symbol on Social Media Platforms
Description: Proposes changing FSM Part 1 to permit use of the CoDA name, “Co-Dependents Anonymous” and the CoDA symbol on social media platforms, subject to detailed conditions. These include restrictions on political and outside-issue discussion, requirements around privacy and personally identifiable information, prohibiting the posting of Conference-endorsed literature, prohibiting the conduct of CoDA business, requiring disclaimers and access to crisis-resource information, and providing a way for users to report concerns to the page manager.
Intent: To make it possible for CoDAteen to use recognised CoDA names and branding on social media for outreach, particularly to younger people, while introducing safeguards intended to protect anonymity, privacy and CoDA’s Traditions.
Practical effect: If passed, the current restriction on using the CoDA name and symbol on social media would be replaced by permission to use them where the proposed conditions are followed. The wording appears to amend the general FSM social media guidance, so its effect may extend beyond CoDAteen.
Points to consider: The motion itself acknowledges potential legal risks and says legal review may be appropriate. It also permits people to post photographs of themselves or others with permission, while separately stating that no personally identifiable information may be allowed, which may need clarification because photographs can themselves identify individuals. Members may also wish to consider whether the proposed permission is intended specifically for CoDAteen or more broadly for CoDA social media.
Description: Proposes replacing five references to CoDA Service Conference Endorsed Literature in FSM Part 2, Section 01 with the broader term “CoDA copyrighted materials”. Because Conference Endorsed Literature is itself copyrighted by CoDA, the effect would be to widen the material permitted for use in recognised CoDA meetings to include other CoDA-produced material, such as CoNNections Weekly Readings and Meeting in Print stories, which are not themselves Conference Endorsed Literature.
The apparent intention is to recognise that some material produced within CoDA is neither outside literature nor Conference Endorsed Literature, and to allow such material to be used in meetings.
Points to consider: The Co-Dependents Anonymous book recommends both reading CoDA Conference Endorsed publications and listening to the stories of CoDA members in recovery. This suggests that both have a legitimate place within CoDA, but they serve different purposes.
Conference Endorsed Literature carries CoDA’s approved recovery message and is used for programme guidance, study and recovery work. CoNNections stories and readings share members’ experience, strength and hope. They may illustrate or support recovery and provide material for sharing, but they are not themselves Conference Endorsed guidance on the CoDA programme.
The key proposed change is to point 4 of the definition of a recognised CoDA meeting.
Current wording: “Use only CoDA Service Conference endorsed books, workbooks, booklets, and pamphlets during meetings and for sale at in-person meetings.”
Proposed wording: “Use only CoDA copyrighted materials during meetings.”
Because Conference Endorsed Literature is already copyrighted by CoDA, the proposed wording would make copyright ownership the broader qualifying standard for additional meeting material. This could include CoNNections material as intended, but could also include other CoDA-copyrighted material that does not have the same recovery or programme function as Conference Endorsed Literature.
The CoDA book would still remain the meeting’s required main resource under point 3.
The motion therefore raises two related points for clarification: a) whether CoNNections recovery stories and readings are intended to be expressly recognised for use in meetings, and b) how the broader term “CoDA copyrighted materials” is intended to be understood in this context. It may therefore be helpful for Co-NNections to clarify what they intend that term to include.
CoDA Resource Publishing (CoRe)*
CoRe Motion 1 – Co-Dependents Anonymous (CoDA Book) is a Foundational Publication
Description: Proposes recognising the CoDA Book as a foundational publication, with the first 127 pages given additional protection from change. Changes to those pages would require a two-thirds-plus-one vote at one CSC, a one-year trial period, and then a 75% vote at the following CSC before implementation. Typographical errors could still be corrected when the book is reprinted.
The stated intent is to protect what CoRe describes as the core portion of the Blue Book, while allowing careful, incremental improvement. The motion also makes clear that the Blue Book would not become one of the four Foundational Documents required to be read at every meeting.
The stated intent is to protect the core portion of the Blue Book from substantial change while still allowing carefully considered revisions. The motion also specifically says that, unlike CoDA’s four Foundational Documents, the Blue Book would not be required to be read at every meeting.
Points to consider: The FSM already refers to the Blue Book as CoDA’s foundational text, but the motion introduces the new term “foundational publication” without explaining why a new category is needed. It also does not identify where this new status or the special approval procedure would be recorded in the FSM or other governing documents.
The official 2026 Delegate Package also contains other Conference material, including financial reports, Board and CoRe candidate applications, Voting Entity reports and prior motions.
The motions can also be downloaded as a ZIP file which is located on the 2026 Delegate Package on CoDA.org.
Proposed New CoDA Literature and Resources
Alternative Format Meetings VE (Voting Entity) – Endorse “Parenting with CoDA” handbook AFM Motion 1 Parenting with CoDA Draft handbook *****password: afmNFFP2026!
CoDA Canada VE – Endorse a new Service Item – “The Twelve Promises of Co-Dependents Anonymous: Recognizing (and Using!) the Gifts of CoDA Recovery” (that it be endorsed as a new CoDA publication)
Add the 2026 CoDA Service Conference to your calendar
What is the CSC?
This is CoDA’s annual world business meeting, where Delegates from Voting Entities around the world come together to conduct CoDA World business through the group conscience process. The format may vary from year to year. In 2026, the Conference will be held virtually from Tuesday 27th to Friday 30th October.CoDA Eventbrite page
There is no registration fee to attend.
Registered observers will be sent a private link to view proceedings via CoDA’s YouTube account. Those participating in the Zoom room must also register and should look out for separate emails containing the Zoom access details.
Please note: The private YouTube livestream link should not be shared.
Who can attend the CSC?
Everyone can attend the CSC. Those in attendance are usually elected Delegates, Alternate Delegates, Board of Trustees, Committee Chairs, Committee members and other CoDA members who wish to observe the proceedings.
What is a Voting Entity?
A Voting Entity (VE) is a recognised level of CoDA service, typically made up of Intergroups and/or CoDA Meetings, which represents its members at the world service level. Each Voting Entity is entitled to send two Delegates to the annual CoDA Service Conference (CSC). Voting Entities may also elect Alternate Delegates. The Delegates carry the Voting Entity’s group conscience to Conference, exercise its two votes, and bring information and decisions back to the Fellowship.
The CoDA UK National Service Committee (NSC) is one Voting Entity serving CoDA meetings in the UK.
The CoDA UK Intergroup North & Regions (IN&R) is another Voting Entity serving CoDA meetings in the UK.
In addition, online and other alternative-format CoDA meetings may be represented through the Alternative Format Meetings (AFM) Voting Entity, which is not geographically limited to the UK.
Motions agreed through a Voting Entity’s group conscience and submitted to CSC are called Voting Entity Motions.
What is a CoDA Committee?
A CoDA World Service Committee is a service body created to carry out particular work on behalf of the Fellowship, such as CoDAteen, Co-NNections, Communications, Delegate Relations, Events, Finance, Hospitals & Institutions, Issues Mediation, Literature, Spanish Outreach and World Outreach. Committees may bring motions to the CoDA Service Conference concerning any aspect of CoDA service.
What is the CoDA Board of Trustees?
The CoDA Board of Trustees is the board of directors of Co-Dependents Anonymous, Inc. It is responsible for the legal and business affairs of the corporation and has fiduciary responsibilities for CoDA’s finances and other assets.
The Board carries out responsibilities assigned to it under CoDA’s Bylaws, applicable law and decisions of the CoDA Service Conference. It may also submit motions for consideration at Conference.
What is the CoRe Board?
CoDA Resource Publishing, Inc. (CoRe) is the publishing arm of CoDA. Its Board is responsible for matters relating to the publication, production and distribution of CoDA literature and other approved materials, and it may also bring motions to the CoDA Service Conference.
We’re excited to invite you to join the CoDA UK Regions WhatsApp Community, a fellowship space for connecting CoDA members across the UK, particularly in areas where there are few or no local face-to-face meetings.
Whether you’re looking to:
Connect with others nearby
Join or form a Step Study, or Step Group
Form or join face-to-face meetings
Organise or attend workshops
Carry the message and deepen your service
…the groups are here to support you in your region. Click here to join the WhatsApp Community
Members of the CoDA UK National Service Committee (NSC) are also present in the community to offer practical support, answer questions about CoDA service and help members connect with relevant meetings and resources.
Wherever you are in the UK, you are not alone. Let’s build fellowship and connection together.
A few words on Sponsorship from the Healthy Meetings Task Force (now a sub-committee of the CoDA Communications Committee)
CoDA Sponsorship is always free.
When seeking a sponsor, the individual will ask another CoDA member to be their sponsor.
Be aware that there are people operating in some CoDA meetings who call themselves “Recovered Sponsors” and are actively soliciting sponsees. At first they may offer to sponsor for free, they then begin to solicit donations that do not go to CoDA. Most of what they call a “Seventh Tradition” goes directly to the person, not to the CoDA meeting.
Soliciting donations for sponsorship is a violation of our CoDA Tradition Eight, which states: “Co-Dependents Anonymous should remain forever non-professional…”
“Recovered Sponsors” tend to use other twelve-step program literature when sponsoring. Another term used is “Big Book Study”.
“Recovered” is not a term used by members of Co-Dependents Anonymous. Please refer to our basic text, “Co-Dependents Anonymous” Chapter 5, page 116
Here are some traits to look for in a CoDA sponsor: ❖ Listens and Shares with Respect ❖ Treats others as Equals ❖ Actively works and lives the CoDA program of recovery ❖ CoDA members would never – ever give advice on medication.[Added to CoDA UK safeguarding guidelines Jul 2022] ❖ Has a CoDA Sponsor ❖ Uses CoDA Service Conference endorsed literature with their sponsees
“Am I ever recovered from codependence? We can become very disappointed if we believe we can stop all of our codependent behaviors. Our program reminds us to show up, work our recovery process and turn the results over to God. When we do this and release perfectionism, we can experience the hope and miracles of recovery: a life progressively filled with serenity, acceptance, and love.”
“Recovered Sponsors” proclaim to be “experts” in recovering from all afflictions – including codependency. They may ask you to leave your sponsors in other twelve-step programs. A healthy CoDA sponsor would never ask for you to leave other twelve-step program sponsors.
“Recovered Sponsors” have been reported to attend CoDA Zoom meetings, and will target attendees with private messages in an attempt to recruit new sponsees.
If you would be interested in hosting a CoDA UK Sponsorship workshop email communications@codauk.org
The previous sponsorship committee developed workshop scripts which are free to use, and are happy to arrange a phone call to talk about the role, and to sponsor someone into the service position.
For professionals and organisations supporting people in their communities
Co-Dependents Anonymous (CoDA) has been established in the UK since 1989, offering free peer-support meetings for people seeking healthier relationships.
As a self-supporting Fellowship, CoDA is sustained by voluntary contributions and members offering service. Meetings are available throughout the UK, both in person and online, with opportunities to connect with others in recovery around the clock.
Although CoDA has been established for nearly four decades, many professionals and community organisations remain unaware of the support available.
We welcome opportunities to raise awareness of CoDA among healthcare professionals, social workers, educators, counsellors and others supporting people in their communities.
If you are looking for information or resources for yourself, your organisation or someone you support, please contact publicinformation@codauk.org.
CoDA UK connects with professionals and community organisations nationwide, helping more people discover the Fellowship and the recovery support available.
FAQ 1 – May I, as a professional, attend a meeting? You are welcome to attend any “open” meeting. Identify yourself by first name only, not as a professional. Please do not give advice; sharing is about our own experiences. There are no dues or fees; we are self supporting through our own contributions.
The only requirement for attending CoDA is a desire for healthy, loving relationships.
FAQ2 – How is CoDA different to other 12 Step groups? Other 12 Step groups support people or friends of people, who have addictions such as alcohol. CoDA supports people to create healthy relationships starting with themselves, whether or not addictions exist in their lives.
FAQ 3 – Why no advice? In CoDA, we have a strong focus on not giving advice. Not asking for advice and not giving advice can let us see how a safe, trustworthy and equal relationship feels. Instead, we focus on sharing our own experience and hearing the experience of others.
FAQ 4 – CoDA intro materials available in my language? CoDA UK is supported by volunteers from diverse cultural backgrounds and is committed to making CoDA materials from around the world easier to find and access. We’ve built indexes across our website to support members who would prefer to read materials in their primary language:
FAQ5 – CoDA – rooted in recovery space “…I had completed hundreds of evaluations on patients and family members and found a great many of these people were not adult children or friends, family members or relatives of alcoholics….they didn’t fit in …and eventually left programmes …and were left without support from their co-dependency.”
FAQ 6 – Can a facility host a CoDA meeting? Hospitals, treatment centres and other facilities can provide space for CoDA meetings.
CoDA literature is available on our website for downloading and copying, provided no fees are charged for its use and Co-Dependents Anonymous, Inc.’s copyright information is retained.
In the USA, CoDA meetings are regularly held within hospitals, treatment centres and other institutions, with support from local CoDA groups and members in service. A range of resources has been developed to help facilities and CoDA members establish and support these meetings.
FAQ 7 – Communication is key! ..Have you ever experienced the telephone weighing a “thousand pounds?” (CoDA 30 Questions – Part of Q5)
CoDA UK members have a number of options to share, work the steps, or meet no matter the time/day.
Email: publicinformation@codauk.org to find out more about: – Outreach networks helping codependents feel heard – Sponsorship options open to codependents
FAQ 8 – Does CoDA offer counselling? CoDA is a 12 Step Fellowship and peer support group. It aims to create a safe environment for those wishing recovery from dysfunctional relationships, providing anonymity and freedom from judgement or feedback. In CoDA we share our own experience, strength, and hope. We do not give advice. CoDA For Professionalsleaflet – extract
FAQ 9 – Does CoDA support options for under 18s? CoDAteen is part of the Fellowship of Co-Dependents Anonymous. CoDAteen is a community of teens and young adults whose common purpose is to develop healthy and loving relationships.
CoDAteen members are usually 13 to 18 year olds. Through their group conscience, each group can choose the age range they prefer, including college and university students who are older than 18, when agreed upon.
As CoDA books / booklets are all available in PDF, free software from Adobe or Microsoft can be used to *read aloud* any CoDA eBooks and eBooklets purchased.
We also have copies of every leaflet, and free leaflet translated into web pages to give readers control over the text size and language. Find out more
If your organisation, community service or recovery centre would like to request a complete CoDA digital library or printed literature for the people you support, please email:publicinformation@codauk.org
FAQ 11 – How do youdefine codependence? How does someone receive a diagnosis ? *NEW*
“CoDA …is a nonprofessional Fellowship. We offer no definition or diagnostic criteria for codependence. What we do offer from our experience are characteristic attitudes …that describe what our codependent histories have been like…. These patterns and characteristics are offered as a tool to aid in self-evaluation.”
Excerpt from ‘CoDA Blue Book‘ – Beginning our Journey – p4
FAQ 12 – How does the public information committee work? *NEW*
CoDA members within the committee engage in CoDA service, as part of their own recovery. CoDA operates as a mutual aid team.
”Service work is what we call giving what’s been given to us. Someone else in CoDA may have reached out to us long before we became a member. Someone else paid the rent, opened the door, made coffee, and prepared the meeting room.”
Finding Face to Face CoDA meetings – enter valid UK postcode in the website search – select the ‘near me’ option in the header (on desktop) or menu (on mobile)
You need to have a CoDA Adult Meeting to sponsor your meeting*
Hold an Adult CoDA Group Conscience business meeting in your home group
Elect two adult CoDA members who are over 25 years who are actively working the CoDA Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions and meet the CoDA Minimum Behavioural & Safety requirements. Each member completes the CoDAteen Meeting Registration Form
Consider a convenient location and time to hold the CoDAteen meeting, which is best suited, safe, and secure for teenagers
You need to have at least two Adult Host/Meeting Sponsors (AH/MS)* that provide support to the CoDAteen meeting and that are approved by the adult CoDA meeting and the CoDAteen Committee
In parallel with vetting of adult hosts, the CoDA meeting needs to submit every Adult Host/Meeting Sponsor for DBS Checks.** Details supplied after successful checks need to be shared with CoDAteen
NOTE: Every Adult Host/Meeting Sponsormust be screened and trained by CoDAteen, checked by the relevant governmental body**, and be on the CoDAteen checked members list
Your new meeting needs to be registered on CoDA.org/CoDAteen. Once Step One is complete, these last two steps can be worked in parallel, but both must be completed before your first meeting.
The CoDAteen committee will reach out as soon as the details have been verified
*Adults never sponsor CoDAteens – Teens co-sponsor one another ** UK checks – the official body/advisors to contact, depends on the location of the meeting:
Access NI – Northern Ireland members may call 0300 200 7888
Training and practical guidance
CoDA.org provides additional resources for anyone starting or supporting a CoDAteen meeting, including training videos, guidance for Adult Hosts/Meeting Sponsors, safeguarding information and practical help with setting up and running a meeting.
These resources complement the UK-specific information on this page, including DBS and other safeguarding checks.
NSC guidelines for running meetings and events with a specific focus
When running a meeting or an event with a specific focus, for example men’s meetings, women’s meetings, LGBTQIA+ groups etc, it’s important to ensure that all those who seek recovery are made welcome, and to remember that CoDA has no opinion on outside issues.
The CoDA programme emphasises the spiritual principles of acceptance, fairness, equality and respect for individual rights. We strive to practice these principles in all areas of the Fellowship and our lives.
Thus we do not question anyone else’s identity, presentation or preferred pronouns. In this way we maintain a boundary in order to create a safe, supportive, and welcoming environment.
This is in accordance with CoDA’s primary purpose: to carry the message to other codependents who still suffer.
CoDA has no opinion on outside issues… Tradition 10
The only requirement for membership in CoDA is a desire for healthy and loving relationships Tradition 3
Each group has but one primary purpose: to carry its message to other codependents who still suffer. Tradition 5
Suggested announcement:
At this meeting (or event) all people are welcomed and respected. In CoDA the emphasis is on our individual growth and on taking responsibility for our own recovery without judging others. Thus we do not question anyone else’s identity, presentation or preferred pronouns. In this way we maintain a clear boundary, and we create a safe, supportive and inclusive environment for everyone.
If you think that this boundary has not been respected during the meeting or event, please ask the scriptreader or host to read this announcement again.
Proposed and seconded – all members voted in favour
Shared with thanks to South California region of Co Dependents Anonymous
The Southern California Region of Co-Dependents Anonymous provides a bridge between the many SoCalCoDA Communities and the CoDA World Fellowship. We are dedicated to all co-dependents who still suffer and have a desire for healthy and loving relationships.
To turn on subtitles, to read in your preferred language – on a PC(Windows+Ctrl+L), on Apple, on iOS, on Android
2024 – Conference
Coming soon…
Coming soon…
Coming soon…
2023 – It’s a Journey, Not a Destination…Are We There Yet?
Saying Yes to Service – Ben, Michelle, Barbara, Christine, Darcie, Tim, and Mike
I is Healthy – Karen
Healing the Inner Child – Carol
Doing the Work Together (Sponsorship) – Diana
Let Us Peel the Onion – Joe
Boundaries by Tradition – Barbara
Sponsoring Using Codependents Anonymous – JW
2017 – A New Freedom
Journal it Out – Helen B
The Teardrops of Recovery – Joe H Related documents Handout
Boundaries by Tradition – Barbara L
Letting go of an Unhealthy Relationship – Russel M
Everything You Wanted to Know About Sponsorship – But Were Afraid to Ask – Betty H
Step 2 – Our Own Understanding – Higher Power Exploration – Ruth G
How the 12 Promises Appear in Our Lives – Joe H Related documents Handout
Healthy Meetings Matter – Darcie D
Friday Keynote – Ted A
Saturday Keynote – Anita F
Sunday Keynote – Betty H
2016 – Learning to Live Life
Communicating with Self & Staying in the Now – Stephen S, Frances W
Fix Your Picker – Adam M
Finding a Higher Power that Works – Barbara L
From the Inside Out – A Journey of Healing – Victoria D
Healthy Talk – Core Communication Skills for Loving Relationships – Rick B
Finding Balance in my 4th Step – Sharleen P
Transform Ego Unconciousness by Using the Steps – Dulce B
Shame – The Mother of Codependency – Jeff L
Stepping Out – Lloyd W
Friday Night – Speaker – Darcie D
Saturday Night Speaker – Fati G
Sunday Morning Speaker – Marilyn W
2015 – Recovery in Action
Roots of the Onion – Scott P
Self Love – Spiritual Bootcamp – Lori L
Sponsorship – Give it Away into Recovery – David M
Steps 8 & 9 – What is an Effective Amends – Lloyd A
Relationships in Recovery – Mary R
Intimate Healthy Relationships that Last a Lifetime – Scott J
The Magic of the 12 Steps – Sharon, Marc A
Codependent Shame Spiral – Heidi A
Return to Love – Richard C
A Taste of Recovery – Working Steps 4 to 9 – Barbara L
Out of Fantasy into Recovery – Ken R
GOD and the Steps
Friday Night Speaker – Mary Beth K
Saturday Night Speaker – Jen L
Sunday Morning Speaker – Tim L
2014 – Precious and Free
Discover the Three Letter Writing Tool – Thuy K
The Tug of War – Letting go of an Unhealthy Codependent Relationship – Russell M
Boundaries by Traditions – Barbara L
I am Loveable Loving and Loved – Scott R
A Power Greater than Ourselves – Tom F
Healthy Relationships in Recovery – Evie S & Leo C
What is CoDA – Panel – Led by Nancy M
Sponsorship – Vincent P
The Art of Compassionate Communication – Louise G
A Spiritual Awakening – Promises Fulfilled as a Result of the Steps – Arte F
Friday Night Speaker – Manuel M
Saturday Night Speaker – Jacquie J
Sunday Morning Speaker – Heather N
2010 – The 12 Promises: A Yellow Brick Road to Recovery
Friday Night Speakers – Mary & Ken
Saturday Night Speaker – Melody B
Sunday Morning Speaker – Anita F
Inner Child – Tom K
Peeling the Onion – Scott P & Don S
Stepping into the Promises – Julie B
How does my Higher Power Speak to Me? – Virginia M
How the Twelve Promises Appear in our Lives – Joe H
Please note that all presentations are shared “experience, strength and hope” (ESH) from individuals who are CoDA members who have signed agreements to follow the CoDA 12 Steps and Traditions. Individual opinions or views are not necessarily endorsed by Co Dependents Anonymous. Take what you like and leave the rest.
This podcast is the property of CoDependents Anonymous.
Reproduction without written permission from CoDependents Anonymous is not permitted.
CoDA Fellowship Forums purpose is to share information with any & all CoDA members, especially that which may effect CoDA as a whole.
CoDA Fellowship Forum send out regular emails with CoDA events, announcements, issues & CoDA business of interest to both specific regions & to the entire CoDA fellowship.
Per the 2nd tradition, 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. Developing a group conscience requires an informed fellowship, & to be effective trusted servants those you’ve elected must know the group conscience of the fellowship.
Does the lease for your venue require your group to have public liability insurance?
If a meeting member had an accident at your venue and made a claim, who would the claim be made against? Who would be liable to pay?
Without public liability insurance, the person who signs the lease on behalf of the group could be personally liable to meet all costs in the event of a claim. Please check the small print of your lease carefully as it may not be obvious.
Did you know that CoDA UK holds a group Public Liability Insurance Policy which is significantly cheaper than groups can get individually?
If you would like more information or would like your group to be included on this policy, please send an email to the treasurer: NSCtreasurer@codauk.org
Public Liability Insurance 2026-27 *NEW* To find out more about the cover for in-person meetings, groups, events and retreats for this year and how to request it, please download the letter below in your preferred format to share the information with your group.
Registered observers will be sent a private YouTube livestream link closer to the Conference so they can follow proceedings.
Starts: Tuesday 27th October Ends: Friday 30th October Times: 3:00 pm–midnight UK time
Please note: The private YouTube livestream link should not be shared.
What is it?
The CoDA Service Conference (CSC) is CoDA World’s annual business meeting. Delegates from Voting Entities around the world come together to conduct CoDA World business through the group conscience process.
The format of Conference may vary from year to year.
In 2026, CSC will be held virtually from Tuesday 27th to Friday 30th October.
Who can attend?
Members of the CoDA Fellowship and members of CoDA World Committees may observe the Conference via YouTube.
Delegates, Alternate Delegates, Committee Chairs, members of the CoDA Board of Trustees and members of the CoRe Board attend via Zoom.
Voting is carried out by eligible Conference members, including Delegates representing CoDA Voting Entities, members of the CoDA Board of Trustees and members of the CoRe Board.
Committee Chairs do not have a vote.
What is a Voting Entity?
A Voting Entity (VE) is a recognised CoDA service body entitled to send Delegates to the CoDA Service Conference and participate in Conference business. Delegates are elected by their Voting Entities to represent them at Conference.
The CoDA UK National Service Committee (NSC) is one of the Voting Entities serving the UK Fellowship. The UK also has another Voting Entity, Intergroup North & Regions (IN&R).
All CoDA members may submit motions for consideration at the CoDA Service Conference through the Voting Entity with which their CoDA meeting or group is aligned.
