1. health and fitness
2. addiction

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OA HANDBOOK FOR MEMBERS, GROUPS, AND SERVICE BODIES
Recovery Opportunities
The Twelve Steps of OA
1. We admitted we were powerless over food—that our lives had become unmanageable.
2. Came to believe that a Power greater than ourselves could restore us to sanity.
3. Made a decision to turn our will and our lives over to the care of God as we understood
Him.
4. Made a searching and fearless moral inventory of ourselves.
5. Admitted to God, to ourselves, and to another human being the exact nature of our
wrongs.
6. Were entirely ready to have God remove all these defects of character.
7. Humbly asked Him to remove our shortcomings.
8. Made a list of all persons we had harmed and became willing to make amends to them
all.
9. Made direct amends to such people wherever possible, except when to do so would injure
them or others.
10. Continued to take personal inventory and when we were wrong, promptly admitted it.
11. Sought through prayer and meditation to improve our conscious contact with God as we
understood Him, praying only for knowledge of His will for us and the power to carry
that out.
12. Having had a spiritual awakening as the result of these sSteps, we tried to carry this
message to compulsive overeaters and to practice these principles in all our affairs.
Permission to use the Twelve Steps of Alcoholics Anonymous for adaptation granted by AA
World Services, Inc.
Preamble
Overeaters Anonymous is a Fellowship of individuals who, through shared experience, strength,
and hope, are recovering from compulsive overeating. We welcome everyone who wants to stop
eating compulsively.
There are no dues or fees for members; we are self-supporting through our own contributions,
neither soliciting nor accepting outside donations. OA is not affiliated with any public or private
organization, political movement, ideology, or religious doctrine; we take no position on outside
issues.
Our primary purpose is to abstain from compulsive eating and to carry the message of recovery
through the Twelve Steps of OA to those who still suffer.
You are invited to share your group experience or ask for help with any group problem by
writing to the WSO: contacting:
Overeaters Anonymous, Inc.
World Service Office
Mail Address: P.O. Box 44020
Rio Rancho, NM 87174-4020 USA
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TEL: (1-505-891-2664) FAX (505)891-4320 Email: [email protected]  www.oa.org
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Table of Contents
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The Twelve Traditions Are Our Guide
How do new groups get started?
Getting started in a small community
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How Tto Keep Them Coming Back
How do you become a group member?
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Getting Things Done in Your OA Group
1. Do groups have “officers”?
2. What about insurance requirements for a group?
3. What service positions do we need?
4. What is a steering committee? How do steering committee/business/group conscience
meetings work?
5. What does the secretary do?
6. What does the treasurer do?
7. What does the program chairperson do?
8. What does the literature chairperson do?
9. What does the intergroup/service board representative do?
10. What is a greeter or welcoming committee?
11. What does a Lifeline representative do?
12 What does a designated downloader do?
13. How are service volunteers elected?
14. What are some good qualifications for service volunteers?
15. Why are some OA jobs more popular than others?
16.15. Why Iis rotation of service important?
17.16. What kinds of meetings can an OA group have?
18.17. What is the usual typical meeting procedure?
19.18. What about “coffee therapy” getting together socially before or after the meeting?
20.19. How do group problems get solved issues get resolved?
21.20. How do we apply the Twelve Traditions and the Twelve Concepts of OA Service through
the group conscience?
22.21. How do good groups get better become stronger?
23.22. How Ccan we get help from other groups?
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How Things Get Done in Your Intergroup or Service Board
1. How do intergroups/service boards start?
2. What functions do intergroups/service boards have?
3. What are service boards?
4.3. How do intergroups/service boards work?
5.4. What can we do for the intergroup?
5. 4. What are service boards?
5.
What is the value of bylaws, policies, and procedures for intergroups/service boards?
Definition of Terms
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6.
7.
8.
What can we groups and members do for the intergroups/service boards?
What is public information for?
How do newcomers get help?
Things Tto Know about Public Information
7.1. What is public information for? Why is public information important?
8.2. How do newcomers get help?
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Things To Know about Public Information
1.3. When is “breaking my anonymity” not an anonymity break?
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How Conference Delegates and Region Representatives Serve
1. What does the a World Service Business Conference delegate do?
2. What is a region?
3. How important is the region? Why is the region important?
4. What is the makeup of the regional assembly?
5. What are the requirements for a region representative?
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How Things Get Done in Your World Service Office (WSO)
1. How did WSO start?
2. How does WSO work?
3. What does WSO do for you?
4. How is WSO supported?
5. How can you help WSO?
6. What is Lifeline, and how can you help?
7. How can you benefit from service to your group, intergroup/service board, region, and
WSO?
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Questions and Answers Aabout OA
1. How and when did OA start?
2. Is OA a religious organization?
3. Why do I need the Twelve Steps? I only want to lose weight.
4. Who runs OA Clubhouses?
5. What is an OA service center?
6. 4. Should get-togethers of OA members, outside of group meetings, be called OA events?
7. 5. What is Unity Day? IDEA Day? Unity Day? Twelfth Step Within Day?
8. 6. What is the difference between an OA “Conference” and “Convention”?
9. 7. Is OA affiliated with AA Alcoholics Anonymous or any other anonymous fellowship or
medical group interested in obesity and/or other eating problems?
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Index [will be redone after manuscript is approved by WSBC delegates]
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Pathways of Service: Roads to Recovery (The Overeaters Anonymous Service Structure)
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OA’s Service Structure
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The Twelve Concepts of OA Service
How Aabout OA in Institutions?
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Please Note:
In this handbook, topics related to intergroups will usually apply to service boards as well (see
page __ for an explanation of the different types of service boards). For more information about
service boards, contact the World Service Office (WSO).
A Note on Information Sources
Since this Handbook was first published in 1979, OA has matured in many ways, including a
huge expansion of its website: oa.org. The website features a large library of useful information,
guidelines, and suggestions for members, groups, and service bodies. This Handbook and the
website, taken together, may answer many questions you have about OA. The subjects
introduced in the Handbook and further discussed on the website present a wide range of
member experiences on subjects such as attracting and retaining newcomers, creating strong
meetings, developing or adapting sample meeting formats, reaching out to health care
professionals, and distributing information to the local community. Add to these sources the
more than seventy books and pamphlets developed and published by OA, and there is a wealth of
information available to help members, groups, and service bodies.
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Definition of Terms
Over the years, OA members have adopted a number of expressions which have special meaning
within the Fellowship. Below are definitions of several commonly used terms.
Qualify: Many members begin their sharing at a meeting by “qualifying”—telling the group the
length of time they are recovering in the Fellowship and of the physical, emotional and spiritual
recovery experienced as a result of abstaining and working the Twelve-Step program of
recovery.
Pitch: A brief talk in which members may qualify and describe what they were like before OA
and what they are like now. Pitches may also address a specific topic chosen by the leader. In
large meetings, pitches are usually given from the front of the room, with chairs set up in rows,
theater-style, and at a podium at the front. In smaller groups, leaders generally call for sharing
“around the table,” with each member participating in turn.
Twelfth-Step Work: This means practicing the Twelfth Step or, more specifically, carrying the
OA message of recovery to compulsive overeaters. While it is suggested that the Steps be
worked in order, even new members can—and often do—carry the message to those who still
suffer.
Intergroup Representative (IR): A group member who is chosen to represent the group at
intergroup meetings.
Region Representative (RR)*: An intergroup representative who is elected to represent the
intergroup at regional assemblies.
Delegate: An intergroup representative who is elected to represent the intergroup at the World
Service Business Conference, OA’s annual business meeting.
*Often, the same individual serves as both RR and WSBC delegate.
Below are definitions of some commonly used terms in Overeaters Anonymous. Many of these
are addressed at greater length later in this Handbook.
Abstinence: “Abstinence in Overeaters Anonymous is the action of refraining from compulsive
eating and compulsive food behaviors while working towards or maintaining a healthy body
weight. Spiritual, emotional, and physical recovery is the result of living the Overeaters
Anonymous Twelve-Step program.” (Overeaters Anonymous Statement on Abstinence and
Recovery, adopted in 1988; amended in 2002, 2009, and 2011)
Anonymity: As part of the spiritual foundation of OA, anonymity guarantees we place principles
before personalities. It assures us that only we have the right to make our membership known
within our community. Anonymity at the level of press, radio, films, television, and other public
media of communication means that we never allow our faces or last names to be used once we
identify ourselves as OA members. Within the Fellowship, anonymity means that whatever we
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share with another OA member will be held in respect and confidence. What we hear at meetings
should remain there.
Board of Trustees: Seventeen members are elected at the World Service Business Conference
to represent the interests of OA as a whole. Board members act as guardians of the Steps,
Traditions, and Concepts as well as manage the business affairs of OA.
Cross Talk: Cross talk during an OA meeting means giving advice to others who have already
shared, speaking directly to another person rather than to the group, and questioning or
interrupting the person speaking/sharing at the time. (See OA’s Suggested Meeting Format on
oa.org.)
Delegate: An OA member who is elected to represent a service body at the World Service
Business Conference, OA’s annual business meeting, which serves as the group conscience of
OA as a whole.
General Service Trustees: The general service trustees are six members of the Board of
Trustees who oversee the business affairs of the Overeaters Anonymous World Service Office.
Group Conscience Meeting: A meeting to discuss the business of the group, allowing members
to work together to consider and agree on how best to proceed in the interests of OA as a whole.
Group conscience describes the way in which the individuals are inspired to reach a decision.
Sometimes simply called a Business Meeting. (See OA’s Guidelines for a Group Conscience
Meeting on oa.org.)
Intergroup (IG): Intergroups are usually formed by two or more meetings within a general
geographic area. Intergroups can provide services to the individual groups more efficiently than
groups by themselves. Intergroups also act as guardians of OA’s Twelve Steps, Twelve
Traditions, and Twelve Concepts of OA Service. Virtual groups may affiliate with intergroups
without regard to geographic proximity.
Intergroup/Service Board Representative (IR/SBR): A group member who is chosen to
represent the group at intergroup/service board meetings.
Meetings/Groups (used interchangeably): Two or more compulsive eaters gathered together to
share their experience, strength, and hope within the framework of the Twelve Steps, Twelve
Traditions, and Twelve Concepts of OA Service.
Qualify/Pitch/Share: In an earlier version of this Handbook, these three terms were described
separately. Today, the meaning of the terms often depends on the geographic location of a
meeting. Sometimes they are almost interchangeable. At one time the meaning of “qualify” was
for members to begin their sharing by “qualifying” _ telling the group the length of time they
have been in OA, the length of their abstinence, and the results of their weight recovery, whether
loss or gain. This practice is often still followed. However, the term “qualify” has also grown to
mean members telling their stories – what they were like before OA; what they have done in OA;
and the physical, emotional, and spiritual recovery they have experienced as a result of
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abstaining and working the Twelve Steps of Overeaters Anonymous. This is often a twenty-tothirty minute talk within a meeting.
The term “pitch” is used less often, but usually means a brief talk – —either on the member’s
experience, strength, and hope or on a specific topic chosen by the member or related to the
subject of the meeting.
The term “share” in current use is a general term for any time a member talks in the meeting.
Often, particularly in large meetings, qualifications or shares are given from the front of the
room, with chairs set up in rows, theater-style. In other groups, sharing may be done by going
around the room with each member participating in turn, by the leader calling on people who
raise their hands, or by having the member who just shared choose the next member to share
(sometimes called “tag sharing”).
Regions: OA is divided into ten geographic regions of the world. Regions are composed of
groups, intergroups, and service boards within the geographic boundaries. Virtual meetings are
not included in the regional structure but are part of the world structure.
Regional Assembly: A gathering of representatives from the intergroups and service boards
within a region at least once per year.
Region Representative (RR): An intergroup/service board representative who is elected to
represent the intergroup/service board at regional assemblies.
Regional Trustees: Ten members of the Board of Trustees who serve as liaisons between their
regions and the rest of the Board of Trustees of Overeaters Anonymous.
Service Board: Service boards are service bodies that support groups and/or intergroups that are
not otherwise served within the existing service structure. This includes national service boards
(NSBs), language service boards (LSBs), and virtual service boards (VSBs). NSBs may be
registered in countries outside the US and Canada in which an intergroup or service board serves
the entire country. If there are common needs that exceed the boundaries of one country, the
NSB may serve more than one country. LSBs serve groups and/or intergroups/service boards,
usually in different countries, that share a common language. VSBs serve virtual groups (online
and telephone meetings).
Service Body: A term that encompasses intergroups, service boards, and regions.
Tools: There are nine Tools members can use any time of the day or night to help achieve and
maintain abstinence while working the Twelve Step program of recovery. They are a plan of
eating, sponsorship, meetings, telephone, writing, literature, action plan, anonymity, and service.
Twelfth Step Work: Step Twelve, in part, reads, “we tried to carry this message to compulsive
overeaters....” An integral part of achieving and sustaining recovery in OA is trying to pass on
the solution we have found to others who suffer from the disease. While it is suggested that the
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Steps be worked in order, even new members can often carry a message of hope to those who
still suffer.
Twelve Concepts of OA Service: The Twelve Concepts of OA Service are a set of service
principles that define and guide the practices of the service structures for conducting the business
of OA. The spiritual Principles of the Twelve Concepts are unity, conscience, trust, equality,
consideration, responsibility, balance, delegation, ability, clarity, humility, selflessness, realism,
representation, dialogue, compassion, and respect.
Twelve Steps of Overeaters Anonymous: A Twelve Step process, based on spiritual principles,
to achieve and maintain recovery from compulsive eating. The spiritual Principles of the Twelve
Steps are honesty, hope, faith, courage, integrity, willingness, humility, self-discipline, love for
others, perseverance, spiritual awareness, and service.
Twelve Traditions of Overeaters Anonymous: While individual recovery is based on the
Twelve Steps, OA meetings maintain unity of purpose through the spiritual Principles found in
the Twelve Traditions. These Principles—unity, trust, identity, autonomy, purpose, solidarity,
responsibility, fellowship, structure, neutrality, anonymity, and spirituality—are critical to ensure
the long-term success of a meeting.
Virtual Meetings: Meetings conducted via electronic media in real time; this includes telephone
and online meetings.
Virtual Services Trustee: One member of the Board of Trustees who is elected to represent
virtual meetings and virtual service boards.
World Service Business Conference (WSBC): This is the annual business meeting of OA,
which brings together delegates from service bodies around the world. Conference decisions
represent the group conscience of OA as a whole.
World Service Convention: A celebratory event sponsored by the World Service Office and the
Board of Trustees, held periodically at different locations and attended by members from all
regions. This provides a forum for fellowship, hearing speakers from all over the world, and
workshops on different OA topics.
World Service Office (WSO): OA’s business office in Rio Rancho, New Mexico, USA. The
legal and official business of OA is conducted by paid professional staff, working together with
the Board of Trustees.
The Twelve Traditions Are Our Guide
OA has no firm rules or regulations and no central authority. Instead, OA groups are guided by
the Twelve Traditions listed on the inside back cover of this pamphlet. These Traditions, adapted
from the Twelve Traditions of Alcoholics Anonymous, embody some of the spiritual pPrinciples
that ensure the survival of OA, just as the Twelve Steps are based on spiritual Pprinciples that
promote individual recovery.
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In OA, the essential group work is done by volunteers OA members who are unpaid for their
service. Members do their OA jobs in the way they think best and within the spirit of the
Traditions. We keep things as simple and uncomplicated as we can. As OA grows, we try to find
ways of doing whatever has to be done without getting too organized.
Rarely does an OA group use written bylaws, although they are considered essential at the
intergroup, region and world service service body level. Often the more written rules and laws a
group passes, the more problems it creates. Group autonomy (Tradition Four) does allow for a
wide variety of OA meeting formats and practices.
Few differences, criticisms, and problems will arise if well-informed members are willing to
participate in decisions of the group. Our Traditions are adapted from Alcoholics Anonymous,
and g Group members can become well-informed by reading the Twelve Traditions and studying
The Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions of Overeaters Anonymous, and the explanatory text
published in the OA pamphlet The Twelve Traditions of OA, and AA Conference-approved
literature in the AA’s book Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions.
Recovery from compulsive overeating isn’t is not and cannot be a gift that can be is clutched
selfishly for to oneself. Sharing what we have found with others is essential to our own
continued abstinence, day by day, year by year. Being willing to give away what we have been
freely given helps us keep what we have received.
How do new groups get started?
Practically every OA group started when some hard-working members scheduled and announced
a new meeting, often in somebody’s home, and did the chores necessary to keep it going. As a
group grows, it is helpful to move on to a meeting place other than a home.
This may sometimes involve breaking off from an older, larger group or filling some special
needs at a certain place and time for a particular kind of sharing of experience, strength and
hope.
New meetings are started by two or more individuals seeking recovery who know the vital
importance to their own recovery of carrying the message to others.
Sometimes a new group is formed to fill a specific need, either based on place or time, or a
desire for a particular kind of meeting, such as a Step-study or newcomer meeting. Sometimes a
new group may form by breaking off from a larger group.
Our own interests and those of other compulsive overeaters who haven’t yet come to OA are best
served if we do not let physical comfort, personality factors, or other elements keep us from
starting new groups when the time is right for such action. Reluctance to start a new group where
it may prove helpful could deny the opportunity for a new life to a compulsive eater who has lost
hope.
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Carrying the OA message to other compulsive overeaters who need and want help is our primary
purpose and the chief way we maintain our own abstinence. The more healthy groups there are to
carry the message, the better we can help ourselves and others.
Reluctance to start a new group where it may prove helpful could deny the opportunity of a new
life to a compulsive overeater who has lost hope.
Groups flourish even when ideal meeting quarters not available. If the group provides a needed
service for compulsive overeaters, follows uses the suggestions in our Traditions the Twelve
Steps and Twelve Traditions of Overeaters Anonymous, and has abstaining members, it attracts
and receives the support it needs to grow and prosper.
How will you know if there is a need for a new group? Ask yourself if there are compulsive
overeaters in your area who need OA but who don’t know help is available. Millions of people
have never heard of OA, and many others misunderstand it. This includes many suffering
compulsive overeaters and the professionals who work with them various support people who
come in contact with them: doctors, nurses, hospital workers, nutritionists, counselors, social
workers, members of the clergy, staffs of crisis hotlines and information centers, and others.
In each city, certain people seem to be more familiar with obesity problems than others. They
know of individuals who need help and can perhaps point out some who are ready for it. These
people are often OA’s natural allies and are generally very helpful in getting a new OA group
going. They include members of the clergy, doctors, teachers, hospital workers, employers,
social workers, psychological counselors and staffs of crisis hotlines and information centers.
It is usually helpful to talk to some of these people to explain what OA is and especially what it
is not, and to tell them why you want to start a group that you are starting an OA meeting. Giving
them OA literature, especially a copy of Introducing OA to Health Care Professionals and a
copy of or a subscription to Lifeline or a subscription sometimes works wonders.
When you start a new group, make it a priority to inform neighboring OA groups, your
intergroup, region and local OA office, if any, and the World Service Office.
To register a new group with the World Service Office, the group must meet the definition of an
OA meeting specified in Subpart B, Article V of OA’s Bylaws listed below. Your group is
strongly encouraged to join your local intergroup or service board, which will add your group to
their meeting list. Notifying neighboring OA groups can also be very helpful; Mmuch support
and assistance can come from these sources.
Article V, Section 1 - Definition:
a)
These points shall define an Overeaters Anonymous group:
1) As a group, they meet to practice the Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions of
Overeaters Anonymous, guided by the Twelve Concepts of OA Service.
2) All who have the desire to stop eating compulsively are welcome in the group.
3) No member is required to practice any actions in order to remain a member or to have
a voice (share at a meeting).
4) As a group they have no affiliation other than Overeaters Anonymous.
5) It has affiliated as an Overeaters Anonymous group by registering with the World
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Service Office.
b)
Virtual groups (groups which replicate face-to-face meetings through electronic media)
may be an Overeaters Anonymous group if they:
1) Otherwise meet the definition of Overeaters Anonymous groups;
2) Are fully interactive, and;
3) Meet in real time.
Getting started in a small community
Problems for tThose of you who are starting an OA group in a small town can be overcome
problems if you are willing to make yourselves known to the community as OA members. As a
new member wrote in a letter to WSO, “How can we keep our anonymity when our problem is
so obvious?” Remember that it is not a break of anonymity to talk to people about one’s personal
OA membership. In fact, carrying the message to those who still suffer is part of the recovery
process as explained in Step Twelve. We can disclose our own membership but not the
membership of anyone else, and not at the public media level (Tradition Eleven). In a small
community, many people will already be aware of your problem and will probably be delighted
to know of the possibility of recovery.
Letting key members of the community, such as doctors, teachers, clergy, lawyers, employers,
and counselors, know of the availability of OA—and our willingness to help any compulsive
overeater who is willing to accept help—will aid you in getting started.
A single member in a state with no OA groups took the following steps, and now dozens of
groups are flourishing in that region. You, too, can start a group by:
• Ordering a New Group Starter Kit New Group Starter Kit from WSO bookstore.oa.org.
• Obtaining a meeting place, and setting a day and time for the meeting.
• Running a small ad in the local newspaper with the meeting time and place. Some
newspapers provide free announcements for non-profit charitable organizations, or the
cost may be reimbursed from the Seventh- Tradition collection after the group is
functioning.
• Contacting the local radio station for a spot public service announcement; see the Public
Information Service Manual for suggestions.
• Registering your the group information with the WSO. (tThis can be done on OA’s Web
website at www.oa.org.). It is vital that your to keep the meeting and contact information
be kept current with the WSO so that those who call or check the Web website for
meetings in their areas receive accurate information.
• Contacting the nearest intergroup/service board and asking to join. You can locate the
closest intergroup/service board by using the “Find Service Body” function in the “Find a
Meeting” section of the OA Web website.
To continue to attract new members, you might list Overeaters Anonymous in the phone book;,
put notices about OA in church bulletins, post OA “aAttraction cards Sticky Notes” or New
Prospect Cards on community bulletin boards (to order, see catalog and order form go to
bookstore.oa.org) ;, and arrange to have information or a story about OA placed in the local
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paper. To help you, the WSO has prepared a Public Information Service Manual, which is
available at a nominal charge at bookstore.oa.org.
It is particularly helpful to talk to the local newspaper editor and to the management of local
radio and television stations in order to establish from the beginning the importance of the OA
pPrinciple of public anonymity, thus helping to avoid embarrassing anonymity breaks later. (See
Tradition Eleven in The Twelve Traditions of OA, Tradition Eleven.)
Usually a group in a small town has only a few members. What often happens is that the OA
members come to a group meeting once a week and share their past experiences with compulsive
overeating to share their experience, strength, and hope in working the Twelve Step program.
Over time, however, Oover familiarity with these each other’s stories can take the life out of the
group., so hHere are some ideas to help individualize a meeting keep a small once-a-week
meeting a beacon of hope for the still suffering:
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Schedule two meetings a week:. one step study and one participation. Make one the
regular meeting and the other a Step-study or some other format, such as literature study
or writing. Or change the regular meeting to a varying format that alternates week to
week.
If the distance is not too great, plan exchange meetings with groups in nearby towns.
Invite a trustee or a delegate from someone from your intergroup, service board, or region
to speak at a meeting occasionally, so the group may be informed of its part in the overall
service structure.
If your group is too isolated to allow for visiting groups and speakers, try for a meeting or
two devoted to listening to good recorded talks from OA conventions or special events.
Recordings and podcasts can be found on oa.org and many OA intergroup/service board
Web websites. (For information on how to obtain OA Convention recordings, contact the
WSO or check the World Service Events page on OA’s Web website.) OA speakers can
also attend meetings virtually through a cell phone or online service.
Contact the WSO and ask for the Twelfth Step Within Speakers List, which includes
speakers who are willing to travel. (Some expenses may be incurred by the meeting.)
Devote some meetings to a study of OA books, such as The Twelve Steps and Twelve
Traditions of Overeaters Anonymous; OA pamphlets; and Lifeline, as well as Alcoholics
Anonymous (the Big Book) and other OA-approved AA literature. Ask different members
of the group to rotate leadership for the evening. (See the OA Approved Literature List on
oa.org.) Try rotating leaders each week.
Contact your local AA office and ask for speakers on the Twelve-Step program or visit
open AA meetings as a non-participant for better understanding of the Twelve Steps of
recovery and compulsive behavior. Suggest that members attend OA phone or online
meetings to hear experience, strength, and hope from OA members in many different
areas.
As soon as a group is well established, plan an open meeting for the community and
invite civic leaders, (such as the mayor), as well as doctors, nurses, teachers, members of
the clergy, and health and social workers to attend. One or two OA members may then
talk about the OA program and its availability locally and worldwide.
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Ask a well-established OA group to “adopt” your group, exchanging recorded meetings
and corresponding with your members.
• Consider having a speaker qualify at your meeting using some form of electronic
communication.
• Keep a supply of all available OA books and pamphlets and OA-approved AA books and
booklets, and see that members avail themselves of the opportunity to subscribe to
Lifeline.
Once a group has been started, it is essential to provide continuity for the meeting. time and to
see to it Make sure that at least one person is at the meeting place every week on the day and
time designated, even if it takes a long time for another compulsive overeater to show up.
Gratitude and Eenthusiasm and happiness about our own progress recovery in OA gives hope
and can do a lot to make the group succeed flourish and be understood and accepted in the
community. We need to share with them the community what we are trying to do doing. Let’s
ask for their help and send out some OA love to the community; our love will return to us.
How to Keep Them Coming Back
Newcomers are more likely to return if they see and hear recovery in action and if someone in
the group gives them personal attention and encouragement. Here are some ways to do this:
• See the OA Guidelines for Membership Retention on oa.org.
• Appoint a recovering member as newcomer chairperson greeter for at each meeting. This
person is responsible for taking the names of the newcomers, and calling them sometime
during the next week, letting them know that they are important to the meeting and that
they are not alone, and asking if they have any questions.
• If it is common in your area for members to go out for coffee for fellowship after
meetings, encourage invite the newcomers to join you.
• Offer transportation help, if needed.
• Be ready to befriend other OA members, even if they don’t ask you to be their sponsor.
You will still have the opportunity to share your program. Talk to newcomers at
meetings and call them to share your recovery. Ask if they have any questions. Nothing
gives greater hope to a newcomer than stories of personal recovery.
• Help newcomers get involved as soon as possible. Let them know they can help.
• If people ask you to sponsor them, remember this may be the first attempt they have
made to begin to break their isolation and establish contact with someone in the program.
If you are truly too busy, consider temporarily sponsoring them and take the time to
introduce these new members to other qualified sponsors. If a newcomer does not follow
through, don’t take it personally.
Be realistic about the times you want the person to call. If you are never home available
at night, don’t tell someone, “Oh, you can call me anytime.” If the person calling you
stops calling, find out why. Don’t ever give the impression, “You blew it.” It’s much
better to focus on the positive: “Okay, let’s go forward, one day at a time.”
How do you become a group member?
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You are a member of OA if you say so. Tradition Three says, “The only requirement for OA
membership is a desire to stop eating compulsively,” and none of us can judge the desire in
another’s heart.
To join a group one simply attends its meetings; Most groups do not have a formal procedure for
“joining.” Group officers have an obligation to keep confidential the lists of names of members
who wish to be notified of steering committee meetings or other OA events and who are
available for Twelfth- Step work. Some groups maintain phone lists of regular members.
Most members have a special feeling affinity for one particular group, and consider it their home
group, where they accept responsibilities and try to sustain friendships. They do not Members are
encouraged not to meddle in the business or policy of groups which that they visit only
occasionally and or in which where they would do not accept no service assignments
responsibilities. (Tradition Four reminds us that all groups are autonomous except in matters
affecting other groups or OA as a whole.)
OA is not intended to promote individual or group competition to see which group is biggest, or
who keeps abstinence the longest, or which group contributes the most service, or who is the
most popular speaker. Therefore, all OA members are welcome at all OA meetings and hopefully
will feel as much a part of the Fellowship in another group as in their own.
Getting Things Done in Your OA Group
1. Do groups have “officers”?
It takes people to get the group’s chores done. In OA groups, thosey people may be called
“officers,” but our Second Tradition reminds us that “Our leaders are but trusted servants; they
do not govern.” Officers are usually chosen by the group for limited terms of service and are, in
fact, not officers but service volunteers.
Titles in OA do not bring authority or honor; they describe services and responsibilities. These
are forms of Twelfth- Step work OA members do primarily to get on with their recovery to carry
the message of recovery. As OA’s Responsibility Pledge states: “Always to extend the hand and
heart of OA to all who share my compulsion; for this I am responsible.”
You often hear OA members say they first felt they belonged when they began helping with the
chairs or coffee. putting out literature. Many of us are shy and are grateful to be asked. Some
newcomers find such activity relieves their timidity and makes it easier to meet and talk to other
members. For many of us, this experience is our first contribution of OA service.
It seems only fair, of course, that such jobs get passed around so no one feels taken advantage of
and no one begins to feel in full charge or left out.
It is said that learning to accept responsibility in the group is a privilege. Handled properly, it can
be helpful in recovery. Many OA members have found group service an excellent way to
strengthen their abstinence. recovery.
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Typically, it is through the work of group members that:
• Aa meeting place is provided, made ready, and cleaned up after meetings.
• Pprograms are arranged for meetings.
• Lliterature is on hand., and coffee is served
• Seventh Tradition contributions are Ccollected and properly spent distributed.
• Ggroup problems are solved.
• Ccompulsive overeaters in the community learn that OA is available and where to find it.
• Nnecessary contact is made with other meetings or the rest of OA locally through
intergroup offices and through the regional structure or the World Service Office the local
intergroup/service board.
2. What about insurance requirements for a group?
The need for liability insurance for a meeting varies. If your meeting place requires it, contact
your local intergroup/service board to see if they have liability insurance that would cover your
group. If not, Since questions of liability sometimes arise, it is recommended that you contact a
local insurance agent or broker about this matter.
If you are meeting in an individual’s home, it is recommended that you verify whether that
individual has sufficient liability insurance protection through a homeowner’s policy,
comprehensive personal liability policy or similar coverage. This is common sense protection for
the homeowner and members of the group.
If your group meets in a public or private community meeting facility, you should definitely it is
wise for you to consider the purchase of a liability policy in the name of your local group. In
addition to premises liability, Ccoverage to be considered might include, in addition to premises
liability, personal injury coverage (libel, slander, etc.), products liability (if your group serves
any refreshments), and automobile non-ownership liability.
Whether your group decides to purchase a liability policy or not, whoever is acting as the
group’s representative in obtaining a meeting place should will want to read carefully and seek
clarification on any lease or rental agreement before signing and assuming responsibility.
3. What service positions do we need?
A typical OA group might have the following workers: all or some combination of the following
service opportunities:
• steering committee members (See definition below.)
• secretary
• treasurer
• program chairperson
• literature chairperson
• intergroup/service board representative and alternate
• Lifeline representative
• newcomer greeter or welcoming committee
• designated downloader
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. . . or some combination of these, varying from time to time and place to place. Sometimes a
larger group may need, as well, a Twelfth-Step committee, a coffee chairperson or other service
volunteers. Sometimes a larger group may need other service volunteers to keep the meeting
running smoothly. The titles may vary, but the important thing is that the jobs all get done. all of
the work gets done to maintain and enhance the OA meeting.
4. What is a steering committee? How do steering committee/business/group conscience
meetings work?
In many groups, all regularly attending abstaining members are invited to participate and vote in
monthly steering committee meetings, held before or after the regular meeting. Some groups
have steering committees made up of officers and other members whom the group empowers to
handle much of the week-to-week administration of the meeting on behalf of the entire group.
Many groups do not have a steering committee and deal with these matters through periodic
business meetings (sometimes called group conscience meetings), where all members are invited
to participate.
Changes in meeting format, allocation of group funds, election of officers, and other business
matters are discussed and decided by group conscience. abstinence and program requirements for
service positions, and all important business matters are always discussed and decided in group
conscience meetings open to all regularly attending members. (Refer to the Guidelines for a
Group Conscience Meeting posted on oa.org.) To safeguard the stability of the group, abstinence
and program requirements for the secretary, treasurer, and program chairperson may be
established by the steering committee. In this way, the weekly group meeting doesn’t have
excessive time taken up in business matters. Occasionally, matters of major importance may be
brought before the entire group for a vote.
5. What does the secretary do?
In most groups, the secretary is the principal service volunteer and is elected or appointed for a
stated period of time. Like other group servants, the secretary should be actively working the OA
Twelve- Step program of recovery and be abstaining abstinent. Other group service experience
before tackling this job is also a plus. Many groups have found these guidelines work best.
The secretary coordinates group activities and may substitute for other officers occasionally. The
secretary may call a steering committee/business/group conscience meeting and preside at them
it.
Unless other officers or committees have some of these following specific jobs to do, or the
secretary delegates them to other group members, these may be typical responsibilities of the
secretary at some meetings:
• Seeing that the meeting place is unlocked and set up for the meeting by the scheduled
time.
• Making announcements about important OA activities and informing the full group of
steering-committee decisions.
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Keeping the weekly sign-in sheets of names, cities, and telephone numbers, and/or email
addresses of group members showing which persons are sponsors and which are
newcomers who should receive a friendly call the following week.
Allowing time for the World Service Business Conference delegate, region
representative, or intergroup/service board representative to make reports during the
meeting.
Appointing (or having the group elect) Arranging for a literature chairperson to keep up
literature supplies. and a refreshments chairperson to maintain coffee supplies.
Seeing that the meeting place is left in order after each meeting.
Conducting all necessary elections.
Assigning telephone calls for newcomers and calls for Twelfth- Step help (unless your
group has there is a Twelfth- Step chairperson for this particular duty).
Making sure rent is paid on the group’s post office box. Groups have found this a much
safer, easier, and more reliable mailing address than a member’s home or the meeting
place. Note: Literature orders are not sent to a post office box. The WSO will not send
literature orders to a post office box.
Keeping a file on OA birthdays, if the group wishes. Birthdays are celebrated for each
year of continuous abstinence. Organizing the celebrations of abstinence milestones, if
the group wishes.
Helping the treasurer count and keep a record of each meeting’s collection and cosigning
the group’s checks.
Maintaining a bulletin board for posting OA bulletins and announcements, and notices of
related activities.
Sharing with group members mail from the World Service Office, the region, and the
intergroup/service board (unless the designated representatives do this).
Providing safekeeping for group records—electronic or paper—for a reasonable time.
Making sure the local intergroup/service board, the region, and the World Service Office
know of any changes of address, meeting place, new officers, and other group
information. Meeting information updates may be submitted via the OA Web website at
www.oa.org. (The Wworld Sservice delegate, region representative, and
intergroup/service board representative may do this, but the secretary will make sure it is
being done.)
Doing whatever else needs to be done to keep the group functioning smoothly.
Many groups have found it helpful for the outgoing secretary to remain as cosecretary for a few
weeks to assist the newly elected secretary. The incoming secretary should be made aware of the
following:
• The WSO group number. This number is issued to every group that registers with the
World Service Office and should be clearly written or typed on all literature orders and
correspondence with WSO. It’s a good idea to have this number imprinted on your group
checks.
• Keeping group registration information up to date. It is necessary to inform the WSO, the
region, and your intergroup/service board of any meeting changes (always using your
group number) such as time, place, and telephone number of contact person and
secretary. Group registration forms to submit changes may be obtained from WSO, from
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the OA Web site and from other service bodies. Groups can register, edit, or cancel their
meetings through the OA Webwebsite at oa.org. Accurate records enable WSO and other
service offices to pass on information about your group to those who inquire about
meetings in your area, Accurate records ensure that those who inquire about meetings in
your area get up-to-date information and that the WSO can keep your group informed on
OA issues.
The importance of reading this handbook Handbook. Many group problems may be
resolved by studying this Handbook and the Traditions sections of the OA Twelve and
Twelve and the AA Twelve and Twelve. Also consult the two OA pamphlets The Twelve
Traditions of Overeaters Anonymou pamphlet and The Twelve Concepts of OA Service
and Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions of Overeaters Anonymous book, and the AA
books.
Business transactions such as banking and ordering literature, if the group has no
treasurer or literature chairperson yet.
The availability of five six sources of help:
1) the nearest intergroup/service board.
2) the national, language, or virtual service board (where one exists).
3) the region. and region trustee
4) the regional and virtual services trustees.
5) the World Service Office.
6) the OA Webwebsite at oa.org, specifically the “Group Secretary Materials” page in
the Group Support section.
The secretary contributes greatly toward the smooth functioning of the group. Although it
doesn’t really matter which service volunteer does a particular job, it is very important for
everybody to understand who is to do what.
6. What does the treasurer do?
OA groups are self-supporting (Tradition Seven), accepting money only from members to keep
carrying the message.
Passing the basket at meetings usually takes care of the group’s money financial needs, plus
something left over as well as provide extra funds so the group can do conribute its fair share of
to supporting the local intergroup/service board, region, and World Service Office.
There is no requirement for any member to contribute, although most do. Those who can are
usually willing to give generously to make up for those unable to give at present.
Group funds generally go for such services as may provide for the following:
• Rent for the meeting place.
• Coffee, teaor sugar-free drinks, water, and necessary supplies.
• Equipment and miscellaneous expenses, such as OA signs, coffee cups, spoons, postage,
and telephone, etc.
• OA books and other OA-approved literature (which includinges AA Conferenceapproved literature books and booklets originally copyrighted 2010 or earlier) for group
use as well as to sell. (See the OA Approved Literature List on oa.org.)
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Group subscription to Lifeline.
Copies of A Step Ahead and other materials downloaded from the OA Web website.
Local meeting directories.
Supporting for the intergroup/ and/or service board.
Supporting for the region.
Supporting for the World Service Office, the central clearinghouse for all groups, which
does our worldwide chores which provides support and services to the worldwide OA
Fellowship. While groups may contribute according to the informed group conscience,
groups they frequently choose to send 60 percent of funds left over after expenses to their
intergroup or service board, 10 percent to their region, and 30 percent to the WSO.
Groups may also choose to contribute all excess funds to their intergroup/ or service
board, and allow those service bodies to contribute to the region and WSO. This may be
especially relevant for non-US based groups, which may incur bank fee charges for
contributions. (See the Seventh Tradition of OA pamphlet for an explanation of how each
service office spends its money. This pamphlet can be downloaded from oa.org, and a
number of translated versions are also available on oa.org. Many service bodies also offer
a translated version.)
The treasurer keeps clear, simple records and keeps the group informed about how much is taken
in and how it is spent. The treasurer makes a brief monthly report to the group and/or the steering
committee. Treasurers can find a compilation of helpful materials on the “Group Treasurer
Materials” page in the Group Support section on oa.org.
The treasurer may also have these responsibilities:
• At the election, the outgoing treasurer should have on hand bank signature cards for the
incoming treasurer and other signatories to sign and return to the bank without delay so
that the transfer is completed promptly. needs to make arrangements to go to the bank
with the new account signatories to complete the signature cards. Proper identification
will be needed.
• Bring the checkbook to all meetings.
• Maintain the checkbook and issue checks for all group expenses.
• Receive and count collections at meetings, assisted by the group secretary or delegate
other member.
• Receive money in payment for literature.
• Make deposits weekly, as soon as possible following meetings.
• At each business meeting, make records available for any interested member.
• At business or steering committee meetings, ask for instructions regarding disbursement
of surplus funds. and try to establish percentages to be contributed to intergroup, delegate
fund, region and WSO.
Experience has shown that problems can be avoided by electing, if possible, a treasurer with
perhaps a minimum of six months of abstinence, a committed involvement in program, and some
familiarity with bank statements. It is also a good idea to keep group funds in a separate bank
account that requires two signatures on each check. Many banks provide checking accounts with
no service charge to non-profit organizations.
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Most group steering committees find it makes good sense to budget all expenses in advance,
setting aside sums from each collection in order to meet monthly expenses.
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Most groups sell literature for the same price they pay (including shipping), but some give
directories, pamphlets, and/or newcomer kits free to first-timers or Welcome Back, We Care
packets to returning members. This is a matter for the group conscience to decide. It is important
that the most current literature be available so that all members hear the same message.
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The income from literature sales helps to subsidize the operation of the World Service Office
support the World Service Office cost of carrying OA’s message of recovery to those who still
suffer.
It is not a good idea for a group to accumulate large sums in excess of what is needed. Prudent
reserve (three to six months of operating expenses) is all that is required. Excess funds should be
sent to the area service structures bodies—the intergroup/service board and region—and to the
World Service Office to support its vital work. Group problems often arise when large donations,
in money or goods or services, are accepted from any one member. Group treasuries may be used
for all group expenses, but it is suggested they not be used not for individual members’ expenses
in Twelfth- Step work.
7. What does the program chairperson/ do?
The program chairperson/ obtains leaders and speakers for each meeting. Written schedules of
meeting programs are often the best way to avoid slip-ups. Telephone calls, emails, texts, or
notes are suggested to confirm engagements. serve a similar purpose. A word or note of thanks
after the meeting is always appreciated. Abstaining leaders and speakers are strongly
recommended. It is strongly recommended that the length of abstinence required for leaders and
speakers be determined by group conscience. We try to share our recovery.
8. What does the literature chairperson do?
The literature chairperson sees that an adequate supply of OA publications and current meeting
directories is on hand at all times. The chairperson also maintains a stock of OA literature and
AA books for sale. Each group should also obtain copies of The Twelve Concepts of OA Service
pamphlet and The AA Service Manual for the reference of group officers and the intergroup
representative. Most groups think it is best not to stock non-OA or non-approved AA
material, no matter how helpful, as it tends to divert newcomers and members from our
specific program of recovery and opens the door to religious tracts or any manner of
printed material.*
The literature chair sees that an adequate supply of OA-approved literature, including OAapproved AA books and booklets, is available. The OA literature should include our individual
pamphlets The Twelve Traditions of Overeaters Anonymous and The Twelve Concepts of OA
Service, as well as this Handbook for the reference of group officers and the intergroup/service
board representative. Selling literature not on OA’s approved list (see the OA-Approved
Literature List on oa.org) fails to uphold Tradition Six and the group conscience of OA.*
The literature chairperson gets receives a check in advance from the treasurer for the purchase of
literature from the local OA intergroup/service board office or the World Service Office, or is
reimbursed after the purchase from the Seventh- Tradition collection.
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*Policy Statement on OA-/AA-Approved Literature, adopted by Conference 2010 (amended 2012)
“In accordance with our Traditions, we suggest that OA groups maintain unity and honor our Traditions by using,
selling and displaying only approved books and pamphlets at their meetings. This includes OA Conference- and
board-approved literature; AA Conference-approved literature books, booklets, and all future editions thereof, with
original edition copyright 2010 or earlier; and locally produced OA literature. Locally produced literature must be
developed according to the OA Guidelines for Locally Produced Literature, and should be used with the greatest
discretion. Local literature should be considered temporary and discontinued when OA literature approved for
general use is available to cover the topic.”
Policy statement on literature that is not OA-approved, adopted by Conference 1993 (amended 2010)
“It is the group conscience of the 1993 World Service Business Conference that the sale or display of literature other
than OA-approved literature as described in WSBC Policy 1982b [replaced by WSBC Policy 2010a above] and AA
conference-approved literature (as described in WSBC Policy 2010a) is an implied endorsement of outside
enterprises, and therefore in violation with Tradition Six.”
9. What does the intergroup/service board representative (IR/SBR) do?
In areas where an intergroup or service board has been formed, each group usually elects an
intergroup/service board representative. who meets regularly with representatives from the
neighboring groups. Representatives from the various groups meet periodically at
intergroup/service board gatherings.
The intergroup representative represents the group in tasks undertaken jointly with other groups
in the area, and tries to keep the group well-informed about the jobs the local intergroup is doing.
In addition to keeping his/her group informed about things going on at the intergroup/service
board or in other groups that attend the intergroup/service board gathering, the representive is
expected to fully participate in service activities undertaken by the intergroup/service board; for
example, marathons or workshops that serve OA meetings in the area or OA as a whole.
Many group problems can be resolved by sharing experiences at intergroup/service board
meetings with representatives from other groups. It is sometimes necessary for the intergroup
representative also to serve as the World Service Business Conference delegate, as well as region
representative.
From its ranks of officers and intergroup/service board representatives, each intergroup/service
board selects representatives to attend regional assemblies and delegates to attend the World
Service Business Conference. These positions have abstinence and service requirements.
10. What is a greeter or welcoming committee?
The greeter is someone who greets members as they enter the meeting. This person especially
welcomes newcomers making and returning members, trying to help them feel comfortable and
at ease. The greeter may also direct the newcomer to various sponsors or elders other members
who can informally offer them an orientation.
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The welcoming committee is comprised of several members who are willing to serve as greeters.
This gives many different members the chance to meet and greet the newcomers as well as make
follow-up calls in the week(s) following their first attendance. All members are encouraged to
welcome newcomers and returning members.
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The representative may write to Lifeline at the WSO to request a Lifeline Rep Kit from the WSO,
which contains helpful materials and suggestions on how to serve the group with regard to the
magazine and earn bonus literature for the group by obtaining subscriptions. Most Lifeline reps
have found that reading the magazine regularly and making a brief pitch at each meeting about
the magazine and the articles are the best ways to promote interest in Lifeline. The Lifeline rep
may also plan other ways to get new subscribers or re-subscribers, such as holding lotteries and
raffles (state and local laws permitting), and giving a subscription as a door prizeand so on.
11. What does a Lifeline representative do?
Selling OA’s international journal of recovery Discussing the benefits of Lifeline and
encouraging members to subscribe is the primary purpose of the Lifeline representative (referred
to as a Lifeline rep). This member handles individual subscriptions or bulk orders and solicits
good articles and personal stories of personal recovery for the magazine.
12. What does a designated downloader do?
Many Mmembers of the OA Fellowship do may not have access to computers. Any member with
computer skills and Internet access can keep group members informed of new information from
the WSO OA Web website and region and intergroup/service board sites by being the designated
downloader. As a A designated downloader, can provide copies of WSO OA newsletters such as
A Step Ahead and the Courier, intergroup/service board and region newsletters, service
opportunities, group registration/change forms, the OA literature catalog/ and order form, public
information materials, flyers, announcements, and world service event information.
13. How are service volunteers elected?
Group officers are usually chosen by the group membership for limited terms of service (six
months, a year;—it varies according to the group conscience). In some groups, a steering
committee simply names the new group service persons periodically; in others, regular elections
are held. A nominating committee (perhaps the steering committee) may name persons who
might make good volunteers, or volunteers may come forward, and a simple majority decides the
election. Some groups use have alternates or assistant positions. Service persons who leave a job
undone may be replaced If a service volunteer doesn’t fulfill their service commitments, another
volunteer may be solicited at the monthly steering committee meeting, or as needed. When it is
time to rotate, it It is helpful to emphasize the good you personally received benefits you
experienced by fulfilling a service position when it is time to rotate. An enthusiastic, positive
approach will be more apt to bring someone willing to follow through with the job you were
doing.
14. What are some good qualifications for service volunteers?
Most groups make sure that their service volunteers have some continuous program involvement,
and are currently abstinence abstinent, behind them and are available and willing to give
dependable service. Members who attend meetings regularly usually fill these positions more
effectively, of course, than absentees. Experience has shown that giving members a job solely to
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help them maintain abstinence does not work; instead, the The group’s welfare should be of
primary concern in choosing members to fill the service positions. A review of Traditions One
and Two is helpful at election time.
Service volunteers should fully realize that giving service to a group may sometimes involve
doing tasks whether they feel like it or not. Most members serving OA agree it’s a good idea not
to expect lots of praise. Service is its own reward, and this seems to be particularly true in OA.
Since most members cannot recover in isolation, sharing group responsibilities keeps the group
healthy, and as a byproduct, strengthens the recovery of every group member. If we keep the
Twelve Traditions in mind and help the group keep aware of these pPrinciples, we will generally
find our own welfare flourishing along with that of the group.
Group servants Volunteers who have a thorough familiarity with all OA literature and AA
publications OA-approved AA books and booklets are often more prepared for the service
positions.
15. Why are some OA jobs more popular than others?
Standing up before your friends, time after time, to remind the members of their responsibilities
to one another, to other OA groups and to compulsive overeaters in other areas isn’t always fun
or easy.
Almost anyone who has done these jobs can tell you that you’ll hear some complaints about the
third time you remind the group that “The intergroup office is behind in its rent again,” or that
“We still don’t have enough speakers for institutions,” or that “We can still help carry the
message to those who don’t know by helping to support WSO.”
The ones who complain about your trying to do your job may make the most noise, but you can
generally count on the group conscience to be quietly on your side. Most OA members are happy
to contribute in order to carry the message to other compulsive overeaters, and they appreciate
being reminded of the need and shown what they can do about it.
Remember, too, that new OA members come in each week and do not know many of these
things which seem elementary and repetitive to the rest of us. It is extremely important, for
example, to repeat at each meeting the full wording of the Seventh Tradition and a brief
explanation of where the money goes. Group servants need always to remember to place
principles before personalities in OA, as our Twelfth Tradition suggests.
In planning your reports to the group, remember that most people respond better to calm, factual
talk (perhaps spiked with humor; use your imagination!) than they do to demands, preaching or
sarcasm.
16. 15. Why Iis rotation of service important?
Traditionally, rotation keeps OA service workers volunteers from becoming frozen in their jobs.
Like everything else in OA, jobs get passed around for all to share. After one or two terms in any
office service position, members move on to other kinds of OA service. Many Some groups have
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alternates or assistants ready to who can step into the jobs, and new members can take the slots
they just left. In this way, problems based on personalities are kept to a minimum, no power or
prestige gets built up, no individual is gets taken advantage of or imposed upon, and the rewards
of giving service are shared by more and more members.
To step out of an OA office you love can be difficult. If you have been doing a good job, if you
honestly don’t see anyone else around willing, qualified, or with the time to do it, and if your
friends agree, it’s especially hard. But it letting go can be a real step forward in personal
growth—a step into the humility that is the spiritual essence of anonymity and the primary aim
of each of the Twelve Steps.
Anonymity in OA means, among other things, that we forego personal prestige for that may
come with any OA work we do to help other compulsive overeaters. Rotation brings spiritual
rewards far more enduring than any fame. With no OA “status” at stake, we are free to serve as
we are needed, and we don’t have to compete for any titles or praise. If we do accept a timeconsuming job in OA, such as trustee, we can let “new power flow in” to meet the task. Then
when our term is up, we can always step into another OA activity, such as being a dependable
Twelfth-Stepper or a quietly anonymous volunteer in some other kind of service to those who
suffer from compulsive overeating.
OA jobs aren’t arranged upward like a ladder; they are all on the same level. The service we give
to others—whether at board meetings or at clean-up time after meetings—is the foundation of
our recovery, utilizing God’s will as we understand it.
17. 16. What kinds of meetings can an OA group have?
Our Fourth Tradition says, “Each group should be autonomous except in matters affecting other
groups or OA as a whole.” So A group can hold practically any kind of meeting it chooses. The
most common kinds are these:
Discussion. Usually these are meetings devoted to members’ problems and questions, the
Twelve Steps, the Twelve Traditions and other topics. Panels, roundtables, leaders-and-group,
plus dozens of other formats are used. Give everybody a chance to participate, but discourage
cross-talk. A seating arrangement with members facing each other stimulates discussion;
anonymous written questions help; passing around a slip of paper with a question or topic on it
encourages shy people.
Podium Participation. Usually these are called “pitch meetings” since several members can tell
what they were like, what happened and what they are like now. For this type of meeting, some
groups prefer that members have three or four weeks of current, continuous abstinence, if
possible, before making a “pitch,” “lead” or “talk.” Often at participation meetings, however,
where a dozen or so members may be called on or volunteer to speak, no one asks how long a
speaker has been abstaining.
Some groups feel it is important for the leader to balance the program, making sure both men and
women as well as newer members and older ones are heard. In many meetings the presiding
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member emphasizes that “What is said here, stays here,” and “Anything you hear at this meeting
is the opinion of the speaker,” since no one person speaks for OA.
A meeting may be an open meeting, which means anyone—OA or non-OA—may attend. All
other meetings are closed to non-compulsive overeaters except by special invitation and with the
knowledge and consent of group members.
Speaker. This is generally an open meeting where the principal speakers are abstaining OA
members who share their experience, strength and hope. Speaker meetings are an excellent way
to introduce family members, friends and interested professionals to OA principles.
Beginners. These are usually smaller, more intimate question-and-answer sessions to help
newcomers. They are generally sponsored by an established group and often scheduled to
precede a regular meeting. Some groups devote one meeting a month to newcomers. (See the
Newcomer Meeting Leader’s Kit for guidelines.)
Steps and Traditions Study. Since the Steps are the basis of our recovery, Step study meetings
and Traditions and Big Book meetings are popular. These groups devote their weekly meeting to
a study of each Step and/or Tradition in rotation. The leader qualifies briefly and shares
experience related to the Step for no more than five minutes, and then opens the meeting for
discussion. In small groups each member may read a paragraph or page from The Twelve Steps
and Twelve Traditions of Overeaters Anonymous or Alcoholics Anonymous and discuss the
passage until the Step or chapter is completed.
OA Literature. Some groups read a chapter from Overeaters Anonymous each week or once a
month, and then have a discussion based on the chapter they have read. Many also use as
discussion topics readings from For Today, articles from Lifeline and material from OA
pamphlets.
Go to OA’s website and you will see nearly 30 thirty types of meetings listed, plus another 10
ten or so types of special-focus meetings. There are open meetings (meetings open to anyone)
and closed meetings (meetings closed to anyone who is not a compulsive eater). The most
common types of meetings are speaker meetings, Step-study meetings, literature-study meetings,
and newcomer meetings. Some meetings combine elements of all the above. Recommended
formats for various types of meetings are available on the OA website.
Speaker: An abstinent speaker shares his/her experience, strength, and hope with the group. This
is sometimes called a qualifier meeting because the speaker is telling his/her story rather than
sharing experience on a particular subject, such as a Step or recovery-related topic. A speaker
meeting is an excellent way to introduce family members, friends, and interested professionals to
OA Principles. Often a meeting is part newcomer, part speaker, and part topic. A speaker may
tell his/her OA story and then suggest a topic for sharing by group members.
Steps and Traditions Study: These groups will typically read a particular Step/Tradition from the
OA or AA Twelve and Twelve, then open the floor for sharing. Sometimes the leader will share
his/her experience before opening the meeting for sharing. At some meetings the sharing will
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occur as the paragraphs are read. At other meetings sharing does not begin until after the entire
Step/Tradition is read. Often these meetings alternate between the Steps and Traditions.
Literature Study: Some groups study other OA literature, using the same format noted above.
Literature examples include Overeaters Anonymous, Third Edition; Abstinence, Second Edition;
A New Beginning; Seeking the Spiritual Path; Beyond Our Wildest Dreams; Lifeline magazine;
For Today; and Voices of Recovery. The latter two can be useful for a subject discussion because
of their indexes and their companion workbooks, which contain questions about each daily
reading. Sometimes groups study OA pamphlets such as Dignity of Choice, A Plan of Eating,
Before You Take That First Compulsive Bite, and A Guide for Sponsors. Groups may also study
OA-approved AA literature such as Alcoholics Anonymous (Big Book).
Newcomers: Some meetings are set up exclusively to focus on explaining the basics to
newcomers, identifying sponsors, sharing on the Tools, describing what happens at a regular
meeting, and answering questions. Regular meetings will sometimes establish a special
newcomers meeting before or after their scheduled meetings. Some groups might devote one
meeting a month to newcomers.
Varies: This is the most common classification found on an OA meeting list. The focus changes
week to week. For example, week one may be newcomer/speaker; week two may be a Step
study; week three may be a Traditions study; week four may be a Lifeline meeting.
Special-Focus Meetings: These are regular OA meetings open to any member, but the focus is
on certain groups. Examples include men, women, anorexics, bulimics, gays, lesbians, and
people who have lost or need to lose more than 100 pounds (45 kg).
Virtual Meetings: OA meetings are available almost anywhere and anytime through the use of
technology. OA’s “Find a Meeting” Web page lists hundreds of virtual meetings, which include
telephone and online meetings. Some of these meeting are recorded and available for playback at
any time. They offer a variety of formats and focuses.
18. 17.What is the usual typical meeting procedure?
No one format is “the best” for an OA meeting, but some work better than others. Several
suggested formats are included in the New Group Starter Kit available from the World Service
Office Several suggested meeting formats are available for download at (oa.org).
The group leader usually opens the meeting and follows a printed format. Most leaders ask the
group to join in the Serenity Prayer. “Our Invitation to You” from the introduction to Overeaters
Anonymous or “How It Works” from Chapter Five of Alcoholics Anonymous is customarily may
be read. (AA has requested that when reading from AA literature we read directly from the book
rather than a typed sheet and that we don’t change any words.)
Both readings above include the Twelve Steps. The Steps are customarily read separately if these
readings are not used. The Twelve Traditions are also read during most meetings.The Twelve
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Steps and Twelve Traditions are the program of recovery. ; The OA “tools of recovery” are
usually explained and sometimes read as well., The Tools of Recovery pamphlet may be read.
The Twelve Traditions are generally read. Asking different members to perform these tasks read
helps people get acquainted and feel they are sharing in group life. Speakers and readers
generally introduce themselves by saying, “Hi, my name is _________, and I’m a compulsive
overeater eater (overeater, bulimic, anorexic, food addict).” Responding to these members with
“Hi, [name],” and applause encourages people to participate.
Most meetings close with the members joining hands and saying the Serenity Prayer, the
Seventh- Step Prayer, the Third- Step Prayer, or the OA Promise “I Put My Hand in Yours,”
followed by the slogan “Keep coming back!” It is suggested that the leader preface the prayer by
saying, “Will those of you who wish, please join in [name of prayer or promise].”
The World Service Office has a suggested meeting format available to give groups guidance on
how to run their meetings. It can be downloaded from OA’s Web site (www.oa.org).
A group’s customs can help it develop solidarity and provide a reassuring feeling of continuity
for the members.
19. 18. What about “coffee therapy”? getting together socially before or after the meeting?
Many OA members report they get almost as much good out of coffee and conversation after or
before getting together before or after the meeting as they do out of the meeting itself. It is
important to take care that people don’t feel excluded. However, coffee breaks within the
meeting should have a definite time limit. Many groups consider sharing coffee, tea or sugar-free
soft drinks after meetings a normal part of OA routine. These are often the times when the
newcomer seeks out a sponsor and longtimers reach out, particularly to the newcomers.
Many groups have a scheduled break during the meeting. This is an ideal time to talk with
newcomers, returning members, and members seeking sponsors.
.20. 19. How do group problems get solved issues get resolved?
Sometimes a potential group problem becomes a group blessing as time passes because of the
wisdom gained in dealing with the problem issue.
Group problems issues are usually a sign the group is meeting the challenges of life. They are
often evidence of a healthy diversity of opinion among the members. They give us an
opportunity to learn how to “practice these principles in all our affairs.” (Step Twelve). Regular
group conscience meetings can help resolve group issues before they become problems.
Four principles seem to lead away from trouble and toward growth: (1) unity within the group;
(2) harmony among the members of the group, other OA groups, and the rest of the community;
(3) a hearing for all points of view; and (4) understanding that speakers’ talks and pitches are not
open to comment or debate.In other words, wholehearted practice of the Twelve Traditions.,– in
other words, there is no cross talk.
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“Group problems” can mean such common OA questions as What about special medical
problems? What should the group do about “slippers”? About pill takers? About drinking?
Listed below are some common OA issues:
• How can we increase attendance at our meeting?
• How can we increase Seventh Tradition contributions to support OA at all levels?
• How can we get more volunteers to help with group chores?
• How can we raise money for more literature?
• How can we get out from under the rule of longtimers who insist they know what’s best for
the group?
• Why can’t we get more longtimers to share their experience and help solve group
problems?
• Should we celebrate individuals’ OA birthdays, or does this foster an “ego trip”?
• What can be done about vulgar language and profanity at meetings?
• Should we accept free meeting space offered by a church?
• Why can’t we retain newcomers in our group?
• Should we donate a Lifeline subscription to the local library or buy a new coffee pot for the
group?
• Is loyalty to a home group a good thing or not?
• What can be done about an anonymity-breaker?
• What do we do about Aa promoter of other forms of therapy? outside enterprises or issues?
• Those What do we do about members who insist on pushing their personal religion at
meetings?
• “Thirteenth-Stepping”? How do we handle inappropriate sexual behavior?
Often, group problems are simply misunderstandings easily threshed out resolved in open
discussion. Or they may involve members’ trying to change other members’ behavior or
opinions. Perhaps two people mean different things by the same words. Or members may agree
on a goal but simply have different opinions on how to attain it.
Sometimes group (or even intergroup/service board) problems concern honest disagreement
between two sincere, well-meaning sets of members. They may be of equally good hearts and
intentions, but feel differently as to which crowd performs certain OA services better, or which
methods to use, or which approach to abstinence and sponsoring works best. In most cases, OA’s
Twelve Traditions, The Twelve Concepts of OA Service, and past experience have guided the
way to harmony in such matters, and the result can be even better service than either had
dreamed possible.
No problem has to lead to serious trouble for any group, since OA experience shows that good
will, honesty, selflessness, and a spirit of love and service will prevail if we make an honest
effort to “place principles before personalities” (Tradition Twelve).
A sense of humor, patience, and courtesy;, a willingness to sit still and listen,; a sense of need for
fairness,; and a trust in a Higher Power have been found far more useful than legalistic
arguments or personal accusations.
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Along with using the Twelve Traditions, groups have found that they can apply some of the
ideas from The AA Service Manual and The Twelve Concepts of OA Service pamphlet.The most
important thing any group can do to prevent problems is to study OA’s Twelve Traditions.
Another valuable resource is The Twelve Concepts of OA Service pamphlet.
You may not find all the answers here. No one can set down the law for OA, but most groups
have faced and solved problems like these and more by applying the Twelve Traditions through
the group conscience. Groups may also consider contacting their intergroup/service board chair,
region chair, or region/virtual services trustee.
21. 20. How do we apply the Twelve Traditions and the Twelve Concepts of OA Service
through the group conscience?
Tradition Two says: “For our group purpose there is but one ultimate authority—a loving God as
He may express Himself in our group conscience. Our leaders are but trusted servants; they do
not govern.” Concept Twelve (d) says: “All important decisions shall be reached by discussion,
vote and, whenever possible, by substantial unanimity.”
A group must find its group conscience. An OA group is a collection of individuals, each one of
whom may have a good idea or a valid viewpoint. Group conscience, however, is a collective
effort in which the OA group tries to understand a problem and develop a solution.
It does this by appealing to the concept of the Higher Power in whom we, as individuals, have
placed our will and our lives through Step Three, and for knowledge of whom we pray in Step
Eleven. This is a process of discovery in which OA group members practice freeing themselves
of self-will for the benefit of OA. They find this to be a spiritually rewarding experience and an
essential part of their recovery. As well, It ultimately results in decisions that are far better than
anything one individual may have suggested.
How a group finds its group conscience will often depend on how seriously the group views a
particular issue. In the middle of a meeting, a consensus may simply develop among all the
members of the group, so something is simply changed or implemented as a result. This is
usually recorded in the group’s minutes or on the attendance sheet for that day.
For complex issues, however, or where members appear to be passionately divided about an
issue, a group will often adopt more traditional decision-making methods, such as formal
motions, discussion on motions, amendments to motions, and finally voting. Often the group will
set a date a few weeks or months ahead in order to provide adequate notice of the discussion.
Sometimes members will be asked to do research and bring information to the scheduled
meeting. The decision is recorded carefully and communicated to members of the group.
OA groups have found that it is vitally important for the group to seek as wide a consensus as
possible. As our pamphlet on the Concepts says, “OA groups are best served when they
diligently listen to the minority and do not decide on matters by a close vote. A close vote is
usually an indication that group conscience has not yet been reached” (The Twelve Concepts of
OA Service, p. 15).
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Groups work hard to find a way to reconcile differing opinions. They find that those efforts are
rewarded by more creative ideas than existed before. If a vote is quite close, many groups have
even found it advisable not to act on that vote, but rather to appoint a small committee of
supporters and critics of the idea to try to develop consensus and report back to the group.
The key to finding group conscience is always to remember Tradition Five: “Each group has but
one primary purpose—to carry its message to the compulsive overeater who still suffers.”
A group that respects Tradition Five, and that places “principles before personalities” (Tradition
Twelve) cannot help but develop a group conscience on most issues that achieves the ideal of
“substantial unanimity.” on most issues.
Even those members who might ultimately disagree with the group conscience will still feel that
their participation was worthwhile and will be able to accept the group conscience in a spirit of
recovery and good will.
Of course, no decision is really final. We are always capable of learning from our decisions. An
OA group might develop a group conscience on one day, or during a portion of several
consecutive meetings, and discover a better idea six months after that. That Change is part of the
process of recovery.
22. 21. How do good groups get better become stronger?
Some groups occasionally take a “group inventory,” using an entire meeting for an honest and
fearless discussion of the group’s weaknesses and strengths. The Strong Meeting Checklist and
Group Inventory formats are available for download from OA’s Web website.
Here are some suggestions suggested discussion topics for a Tenth- Step meeting that may
revitalize group health:
• What is the purpose of the group?
• Can the group do more to carry the message?
• Are we reaching the compulsive overeaters in our community?
• Has the group done anything lately to bring the OA message to the attention of physicians,
clergy, teachers, and others who can help reach be helpful in reaching persons who need
OA?
• Is the group attracting a good cross section of our community?
• Are we losing most of the newcomers who come through our doors? If so, why?
• How can our sponsorship be improved?
• Have we done all that we can to provide an attractive meeting place?
• Do all members understand the disciplinary value to their own recovery program in kitchen
and housekeeping work and other of doing services to for the group?
• Is an opportunity given to each and every member to participate in group activities?
• Are service people chosen with care and consideration, placing pPrinciples before
personalities, for the welfare of the group as a whole?
• Does the group do its fair share to support the intergroup/service board? Region? WSO?
Lifeline?
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• Are all members periodically informed about the worldwide Fellowship and service
structure of OA?
• Is the principle of anonymity maintained? Do members of the group avoid the deadly
enemy, gossip, remembering “what you hear here, stays here”?
You’ll probably think of more additional questions of your own. You may also refer to OA’s
Web website; the Service, Traditions and Concepts Workshop Manual; and the Twelfth-StepWithin Handbook for additional guidance.
23. 22. How can we get help from other groups?
Groups have often found that “carrying the message” is done better if they and neighboring
groups pool their efforts, especially in areawide projects. This leads to the formation of
intergroups/service boards. or local service offices.
Your group can benefit from the experience of faraway members by corresponding with groups
and individuals in areas where OA has enjoyed long-term growth, and by exchanging
newsletters. Technology offers various ways for members, groups, and service bodies to share
their experience, strength, and hope. Older Longtime groups can be revitalized by “adopting” a
new, struggling group. Lifeline provides encouragement to new and old longtime groups as well
as individual members.
How Things Get Done in Your Intergroup or Service Board
1. How do intergroups/service boards start?
When several groups spring up in an area, they soon realize that there are certain functions they
perform better together than separately. These Ninth-Tradition service boards or committees are
directly responsible to the local groups they serve. Intergroups spring from a grassroots need to
provide service for a number of local groups and better information about OA in a particular
community.
OA has no hierarchy or formal structure imposed from above. Neighboring groups usually
develop their own system for working together. Intergroups are formed simply because they are
the easiest, most efficient way of getting OA jobs done well. They provide needed services for
compulsive eaters with a minimum of organization.
When several groups exist in a geographic area, they eventually realize there are functions they
can perform better together than separately. Typically, intergroups/service boards form simply
because they are the easiest, most efficient way of getting certain OA jobs done. They provide
needed services with a minimum of organization. These intergroups/service boards, composed of
representatives from interested meetings, are directly responsible to those they serve.
Intergroups/service boards may manage administrative functions, such as meeting lists, hotlines,
and websites, but their primary purpose remains the same as every other group or service body in
OA—to carry its message to the compulsive overeater who still suffers (Tradition Five). This
includes those still suffering both inside and outside of OA. Intergroups are in a unique position
to help those still suffering within OA. A few representatives working together on an
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intergroup/service board committee can organize recovery events such as Unity Day, IDEA Day,
retreats, and conventions that may benefit large numbers of members.
2. What functions do intergroups/service boards have?
Intergroups/service boards often handle such responsibilities as:
• Acting as guardians of the Twelve Steps, Twelve Traditions, and Twelve Concepts of OA
Service as specified in the Bylaws of Overeaters Anonymous, Inc.
• Creating and maintaining intergroup websites. A majority of people coming to OA now
find their way to a meeting through oa.org or a local intergroup website.
• Maintaining OA listings in local telephone booksdirectories and handling telephone and
mail inquiries. and routing them to local groups. This distributes Twelfth-Step work on a
geographical basis so suffering compulsive overeaters get help.
• Sponsoring and arranging workshops, marathons, and other special events aimed at
educating, informing, and helping members strengthen their personal recovery, since
everything in OA begins with personal recovery.
• Publishing regular newsletters or bulletins to keep groups informed about each other and
about upcoming OA events, distributing up-to-date directories of all nearby meetings,
and providing other necessary information.
• Handling public information requests from local news media, arranging radio or TV
public service announcements or programs about OA, and furnishing OA speakers for
outside organizations.
• Arranging a system for groups to obtain abstaining OA speakers.
• Maintaining a stock of OA literature and OA literature and OA andAA books for sale.
• Sponsoring and arranging workshops, marathons and other special events for the member
groups.
• Helping to find sponsors for new members.
• Handling public- information requests from local news media, arranging radio or TV spot
public service announcements or programs about OA, and furnishing OA speakers for
outside organizations.
• Maintaining contact with health care professionals in fields related to OA.
• Arranging a system for groups to obtain abstaining OA speakers.
• Helping to find sponsors for new members.
• Maintaining a stock of OA literature and OA-approved and AA books literature for sale.
Some groups and individuals also purchase literature for themselves directly from
bookstore.oa.org.
• Sending delegates representatives to regional assemblies and delegates to the World
Service Business Conference, OA’s annual business meeting.
• When the need arises and the local groups can provide support, a small office may be
rented to handle the intergroup business. Maintaining an office, if there is a need and the
local groups can support it financially.
3. What are service boards?
Service Boards are service bodies that support groups and/or intergroups that are not otherwise
served within the existing service structure. This includes national service boards (NSBs),
language service boards (LSBs) and virtual service boards (VSBs).
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NSBs and LSBs were officially added to the OA service structure at the 1995 World Service
Business Conference (WSBC). NSBs serve groups and intergroups that speak one language
(usually not English) and are located outside the US and Canada.
National service boards may be registered in countries outside the US and Canada in which the
intergroup serves the entire country or the groups/intergroups within a country have formed a
service board to serve the entire country. In cases in which there are common needs that exceed
the boundaries of one country, the national service board may serve more than one country.
Language service boards may be registered to serve common needs of a language group,
regardless of geographic proximity.
VSBs were officially added to the OA service structure at the 2008 WSBC. VSBs serve virtual
groups (those that meet via electronic media), irrespective of geographic boundaries. Like other
service boards, VSBs can send delegates to the WSBC.
4.3. How do intergroups/service boards work?
In most areas, any group may, if it chooses, belong to the intergroup/service board that provides
services for all groups in its area. Each member group usually elects an intergroup/service board
representative to represent the group. Financial support to a service office body by its member
groups is generally voluntary and not a requirement for membership. Most members realize,
however, they cannot expect good service unless they contribute their share for it.
In areas where it may not be practical to open an office, intergroups/service boards sometimes
use an answering service and stock literature for several groups in the home or garage of a
member. Sometimes a carefully briefed, central telephone answering service is effective for
referring Twelfth-Step calls from newcomers. Many intergroups now have websites.
Intergroups/service boards must register with the WSO either via the Web site or by using the
form available from the WSO by downloading a registration form from the OA Web website
and sending it to the WSO. For an intergroup’s/service board’s registration to be officially
recognized, it must submit to the WSO its bylaws and/or a Statement of Purpose summary of its
purpose and operating procedures to the WSO, each of which must be in conformity with OA,
Inc. Bylaws. Subpart B. Sample intergroup/service board bylaws can be found on the “Service
Body Support” page of the OA Web website. Contact the WSO for further information.
A wealth of valuable information is also contained in the AA Service Manual and The Twelve
Concepts of OA Service contains valuable information for every intergroup/service board. Most
Some intergroups also find the book Robert’s Rules of Order helpful in conducting meetings.
It is most important to keep accurate financial records from the very beginning of the
intergroup’s/service board’s existence. Should In countries where an intergroup/service board
seeks a tax-exempt status from the Internal Revenue Service government, complete, detailed
financial records from the beginning will be are required. Obtaining the tax-exempt status is
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beneficial in a number of ways. However, the process of obtaining it is complicated and timeconsuming.
Obtaining the nonprofit tax-exempt status could be beneficial in a number of ways. Depending
on your location, if you qualify for a government tax exemption, your organization may also be
exempt from other taxes. This can make a difference for an intergroup/service board that makes
lots of copies or purchases other materials in an area where there are sales taxes on these items. It
may make a difference when renting space for events because venues often have lower prices for
nonprofits. Other advantages are that member contributions to a tax-exempt organization may be
tax deductible for the contributor, and individual members may not be personally liable for a
nonprofit’s debts.
On the other hand, it may be complicated to obtain nonprofit tax-exempt status. It can be costly
and a lawyer may be needed. Nonprofits also must keep detailed records and may need to submit
annual tax filings in order to keep their tax-exempt status.
5.4. What can we do for the intergroup?
(a) Mention intergroup regularly at group meetings.
(b) Attend intergroup meetings.
(c) Volunteer to take calls for intergroup.
(d) Acquaint yourself with intergroup activities.
(e) Have your name placed on the intergroup speakers list.
(f) Have your name placed on the intergroup sponsors list.
(g) Contribute a portion of the group’s excess funds to intergroup. (See page __.)
5. 4. What are service boards?
Service boards are service bodies that support groups and/or intergroups that are not otherwise
served within the existing service structure. This includes national service boards (NSBs),
language service boards (LSBs), and virtual service boards (VSBs).
NSBs and LSBs were officially added to the OA service structure at the 1995 World Service
Business Conference (WSBC). NSBs serve groups and intergroups that speak one language
(usually not English) and are located outside the US United States and Canada.
National service boards may be registered in countries outside the US United States and Canada
in countries in which the intergroup service board serves the entire country or the
groups/intergroups within a country have formed a service board to serve the entire country.
They may also be registered where the groups/intergroups within a country may benefit from
having a common service board. In cases in which there are common needs that exceed the
boundaries of one country, the national service board may serve more than one country.
Language service boards may be registered to serve the common needs of a language group,
regardless of geographic proximity.
Virtual service boards (VSBs) were officially added to the OA service structure at the 2008
WSBC. VSBs serve virtual groups (those that meet via phone or electronic media), irrespective
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of geographic boundaries. Usually VSBs are created by two or more virtual groups that have a
commonality (such as format or focus) and a desire to share information and help each other
thrive. Like other service boards, VSBs can send delegates to the WSBC. Thus, VSBs allow
virtual groups to have a voice and a vote in what happens to OA as a whole. In 2012, the position
of virtual services trustee was added to the Board of Trustees.
5. What is the value of bylaws, policies, and procedures for intergroups/service boards?
These documents pass on the history and wisdom of the intergroup’s/service board’s group
conscience. It allows trusted servants to understand the structure of the intergroup/service board,
what it does, and how to do it. Our tradition of rotation of service makes it very important that
this information is correct and current. Many OA intergroups/service boards use some or all of
these documents. The following descriptions are general guidelines.
Bylaws establish the purpose of the corporation and the organizational structure needed to
conduct business. This is often the legal document required to establish a nonprofit corporation
and contains specific information that dictates the responsibilities and liabilities of the
organization.
Policies help define the actions the intergroup/service board plans to perform. These are usually
not in the bylaws and clarify how the intergroup/service board operates.
Procedures provide specific instructions for how the work gets done, the tasks that need to be
accomplished, and who is responsible for them. Policies and procedures are often combined into
a single document.
When proposing new policies, members often attempt to decide the actual procedures needed to
accomplish a task as well. It is often more efficient to develop the procedures once the policy is
in place.
4. 6. What can we groups and members do for the intergroups/service boards?
(a)
Mention intergroup regularly at group meetings.
(b)
Attend intergroup meetings.
(c)
Volunteer to take calls for intergroup.
(d)
Acquaint yourself with intergroup activities.
(e)
Have your name placed on the intergroup speakers list.
(f)
Have your name placed on the intergroup sponsors list.
(g)
Contribute a portion of the group’s excess funds to intergroup. (See page ¬¬__.)
Groups and members can:
• Ideally, send an abstinent representative from the group to intergroup or service board
meetings.
• Get involved in helping the intergroup/service board. (Think, “How can I be of service?”)
• Serve on an intergroup/service board committee.
• Invite sponsees to join you at intergroup/service board meetings or events.
• Make time in meetings to hear an intergroup/service board report from the group’s
representative.
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•
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Put your name on the intergroup/service board mailing or email list if there is one.
Volunteer to take hotline calls.
Put your name on the intergroup/service board speakers’ list if there is one.
Put your name on the intergroup/service board sponsors’ list if there is one.
Attend intergroup/service board meetings even if you’re not an official representative.
Make sure the group sends Seventh Tradition contributions to its intergroup/service
board. (Note: members and groups should check with their intergroup/service board to
find out what the local policy is about sending contributions to the World Service Office.)
7. What is public information for?
Someone has said that the heart of OA is “one compulsive eater carrying the message of
recovery to another compulsive eater.” This is still a good OA way of staying away from the first
bite.
The message has been carried to many more compulsive eaters through newspaper and magazine
articles, as well as radio, and TV shows.
Several methods are used by groups to let compulsive eaters know where OA is. A sign saying
“OA Meeting Tonight” outside the door of a meeting place points the way. From OA’s earliest
days, small newspaper notices and radio announcements of meetings have been used effectively.
And an OA listing in the white and yellow pages of the local telephone directory has helped
many.
As long as they demonstrate recovery, or offer information and do not boast about OA, these
methods of carrying the message are well within the spirit of Tradition Eleven.
Occasionally clergy members, doctors, nurses, social workers and others are invited to attend
open meetings, though they are not asked to speak. Another way of carrying the message is by
furnishing speakers or speaker panels for non-OA meetings held by various organizations in the
community.
The Public Information Committee of your intergroup may perform most of these services for
the group, but the individual group can do much to help. A group will find it worthwhile to check
out their ideas with their intergroup’s PI Committee and/or WSO so that information is not
confused and other groups are aware of what they are doing. Any information given to the public
affects us all. Among PI materials available from WSO are a Public Information Service Manual,
suggested newspaper notices, DVDs, and TV and radio public service announcements (PSAs).
(See the OA literature catalog and check OA’s Web site at www.oa.org)
8. How do newcomers get help?
Naturally, compulsive overeaters who are still suffering cannot be helped by OA unless they
know the Fellowship exists and where to find it. So it is a good idea for a group to print
announcements of its name, meeting place and time, and a telephone contact. These notices can
be given to hospitals or clinics, doctors, clergy and churches, social and health agencies and
business firms in the community. “Attraction cards,” available from the WSO, may be placed on
bulletin boards in supermarkets and other places.
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In areas with an intergroup, the meeting hours of all groups can be used, along with the
intergroup office address and telephone number.
In addition to the notices, it is a good idea also to distribute the public information flyer About
OA, as well as the pamphlets A Program of Recovery, To the Newcomer and Is Food a Problem
for You?
Things to Know about Public Information
1. Why is public information important?
The goal of OA public information is to carry our message of recovery to the compulsive eater
who still suffers. People need to know Overeaters Anonymous exists as a Twelve Step program
of recovery! OA is not anonymous. Mindful that OA is a program of attraction, not promotion,
we attract newcomers to OA when we inform the general public about our program and tell
professionals and others who work with compulsive eaters about OA.
OA’s Public Information Service Manual and Professional Outreach Manual (both available for
order from bookstore.oa.org) are invaluable “how-to” aids, packed full of ideas.
In addition to carrying the message one-on-one as outlined in Step Twelve, we need to inform
the public about our existence and where to find our meetings, as well as where to find us on the
Web or reach us by phone. There are many public information channels: newspapers, magazines,
radio, TV, podcasts, websites, and phone directories. Posting on bulletin boards in public places,
such as stores, libraries, gyms, and colleges is an easy way to inform the public. Some service
bodies have purchased billboard space or spots on diner placemats. Some have held public
information nights. We can also participate in community health fairs and make sure we’re listed
on local hotlines.
Perhaps one of the most important things we can do is provide information to health care
professionals in our communities: doctors, nurses, counselors, social workers, nutritionists, and
others who may refer people to us. We can sometimes furnish speakers to civic groups or
community service organizations. All these things can be done within the scope of our Traditions
while maintaining anonymity at the public media level.
Many of these activities are coordinated by the intergroup/service board, but require the
participation of every group to be successful. It is often individual members putting up the
bulletin board meeting notices, taking OA literature to their counselor, or leaving copies of
Lifeline in their doctor’s office that makes a difference.
2. How do newcomers get help?
Compulsive overeaters who are still suffering cannot be helped by OA unless they know the
Fellowship exists and where to find it. So it is a good idea for a group to print announcements of
its name, meeting place and time, and a telephone contact. These notices can be given to
hospitals or clinics, doctors, clergy and churches, social and health agencies, and business firms
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in the community. Attraction Sticky Notes and the New Prospect Card, available from
bookstore.oa.org, may be placed on bulletin boards in supermarkets and other places.
In areas with an intergroup or a service board, the meeting hours of all groups can be used, along
with the intergroup/service board address and telephone number.
In addition to the notices, it is a good idea to distribute the public information flyer About OA, as
well as the pamphlets A Program of Recovery, To the Newcomer, and Is Food a Problem for
You? (These three pamphlets contain OA’s Fifteen Questions.)
Things To Know about Public Information
1.3. When is “breaking my anonymity” not an anonymity break?
When you tell your story to a newcomer who has asked for OA help, that certainly is not an
anonymity break. When you stand before OA groups and say, “My name is _______, and I am a
compulsive overeater,” that is not breaking your anonymity. Certainly when you explain your
mission in taking Step Nine, you may reveal your OA membership.
But getting your full name and/or picture with your OA story printed or broadcast is violates not
consistent with Traditions Eleven and Twelve.
Difficult borderline cases sometimes arise; each one is different. WSO OA makes no judgments
of “right” or “wrong” in questionable cases. Experience, however, suggests the following
guidelines:
• The word “anonymous” in our name implies a promise of privacy. To those compulsive
eaters who feel ashamed and guilty and who are afraid friends, family, or employers will
criticize, we say, “Welcome. We understand, because we have gone the same route.
We’ll try to help, and we promise you the haven of anonymity.”
• By keeping strict anonymity at the public level for ourselves and everyone else in OA, we
prove our commitment to the humbling pPrinciples of Traditions Eleven and Twelve. For
the press, radio, TV, and films, and other public media of communication, we never
reveal last names or any other identifying facts about any OA member. In notices to be
posted on OA bulletin boards, and printed in OA programs which that the general public
might see, and on OA-related Web websites, we omit last names and identifying titles of
all members. Television shows and news photographs black out obscure members’ faces
or use rear views. We are identified only by our first names and last initials only in
newspapers or magazine articles.
• We don’t think it’s a good idea to promote OA with testimonials from celebrities.
Spectacular anonymity breaks may help carry the message to those who haven’t heard of
OA and attract some curious newcomers, but they may also keep people out. Some stay
out fearing their anonymity will be broken too. Others, hearing the anonymity-breaker’s
story, say, “I’m not that bad.” Others may not like the lifestyle or approach to OA
exhibited by the anonymity-breaker. And, of course, if anonymity-breakers regain their
weight after publicly revealing their OA membership, it may harm the reputation of OA
as a whole. The great majority of people in OA, both famous and obscure, keep their
anonymity. They work actively, gratefully and privately for OA.
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•
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•
Within OA itself, we may freely exchange our full names. The Traditions specify
protecting anonymity at the public level. We maintain address books of OA names, and
telephone numbers, and/or email addresses so we can keep in touch with (and help) each
other. Imagine a member being hospitalized and OA friends not being able to call or visit
because they know only a first name!
In personal, private, face-to-face relationships with non-OA members, we may feel free
to say we are compulsive overeaters and members of OA. These people may later refer
others needing help to us. Our Tradition about of public anonymity is not broken when
we tell the facts about ourselves privately. Passing on our experience, strength, and hope
to other compulsive eaters is too important to let any fear or stigma stand in our way. If
Rozanne, our OA founder, had kept the message to herself, where would we compulsive
overeaters be? In Alcoholics Anonymous, if Bill W. or Dr. Bob had said, people wouldn’t
understand “People wouldn’t understand” and hadn’t passed on their message, where
would we all be?
We do not hide our membership in OA out of fear and shame. That would actually
strengthen the stigma of obesity our disease. We remain anonymous in public for two
primary reasons: our promise of privacy to the still-suffering compulsive overeater, and
the spiritual rewards of humility.
With anonymity, we sacrifice personal pride in our OA recovery, and work, and place
working for and placing the emphasis on our Higher Power, which that in reality is
responsible for our healing.
It is not an anonymity break a break of anonymity to enlist Twelfth- Step help for
members in trouble in need of support, by, for example, suggesting that other members
give a member in need a call, provided we are careful to refrain from discussing any
specific personal information. Many members share in their stories how a phone call
from a caring member brought them back to meetings. If their disease has reactivated and
we persist in protecting their anonymity, we may, in effect, kill them and their
anonymity.
Open meetings are open to all. One should be prudent concerning what is shared at an
open meeting. Since it is open, we do not have the right to require non-OAers or potential
newcomers (who may not be at rock bottom) to adhere to our anonymity promise. Some
things are better shared at closed meetings. Anything at an open meeting is open to
scrutiny, discussion and outside study.
Open meetings are open to all. Anything at an open meeting may be subject to scrutiny,
discussion, and outside study. One should be prudent concerning what is shared at an
open meeting. Our Traditions exist to protect our anonymity. The group may choose to
remind newcomers and visitors to respect the anonymity of all who are present. All
compulsive eaters are welcome at closed meetings, but non-compulsive eaters may attend
only by special invitation based on a group conscience. We may find it best to share
intimate information one-on-one with our OA sponsor or a close OA friend.
How Aabout OA in iInstitutions?
OA members have been able to help many compulsive eaters inat clinics, schools, hospitals,
prisons, and military bases. The most successful OA groups in institutions follow as closely as
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possible the procedure of regular groups, adapting them as necessary, but using the same
principles. the Suggested Meeting Formats, adapting when necessary to the institution’s policies
while maintaining OA Principles.
An OA attitude of “wWe’re the experts” can cause institutional personnel to become wary of
OA, and this can deprive some compulsive overeaters of their chance at the OA recovery
program. However, OA groups in institutions, like OA groups everywhere, are guided by the
Twelve Traditions; they do not endorse or dispense medical or nutritional advice or make
professional recommendations or referrals.
Attraction, not promotion, is best for OA. We cooperate but do not affiliate with others seeking
to help compulsive eaters.
Here are some of the ways groups or intergroups service bodies have helped compulsive
overeaters in institutions:
• Choosing an institution representative who coordinates the group’s activities in
institutions with those of other groups and encourages members to participate in
Twelfth- Step work in those facilities.
• Furnishing OA literature for compulsive eaters in institutions (special packets of OA
pamphlets, subscriptions to Lifeline, and copies of the OA books).
• Supplying literature and abstaining abstinent speakers and leaders, and literature for
OA meetings held in institutions.
• Attending OA meetings in institutions as listeners—just to encourage the members.
• Arranging for OA visitors to call on shut-in compulsive overeaters in hospitals and
at home.
• Making sure that military personnel, patients, or students or prison inmates who join
have OA sponsors. For sponsoring prison inmates, refer to the OA CARES Inmate
Correspondence Program Guidelines on oa.org.
• Furnishing OA speakers and literature for the staffs of institutions as well as for the
inmates and patients.
For more ideas and assistance in working with institutions and conducting OA group meetings in
such facilities, contact the WSO. You can also refer to the Professional Outreach Manual,
available at bookstore.oa.org.
How Conference Delegates and Region Representatives Serve
1. What does the a World Service Business Conference delegate do?
Delegates represent their intergroups service bodies at the annual World Service Business
Conference, sharing experiences with other world service delegates. This Conference represents
the collective group conscience of OA as a whole and makes decisions and recommendations on
OA business and policy matters. The delegate is chosen on the basis of judgment, experience,
stability, abstinence, willingness, and faithful adherence to the program of OA. (See OA Bylaws
Subpart B, Article X, Section 3 on oa.org for more information on delegate requirements.) The
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OA bylaws may be accessed on the OA Web site and in the most recent OA Final Conference
Report).
The delegate’s job is to:
•
• kKeep the intergroup in close touch, through the World Service Office, service body
informed about what is happening with OA throughout the world and to keep the WSO
and other groups informed about the intergroup’s service body’s problems and progress,
needs and wishes.
• The delegate rReceives and shares with the intergroup service body all mail from the
WSO, the yearly Conference Report, and all the material in the Conference binder. and
other information and ideas from WSBC, including workshop subjects and any new or
changed OA policies decided at WSBC.
• The delegate can make sure the intergroup sees all the Inform the service body of any
new or revised literature published by OA.
• The delegate can help with group registration forms and see that they are sent to WSO for
inclusion in the International Meeting Directory. Remind the service body about group
registration and the importance of keeping the meetings database current.
• The delegate can help collect and forward to WSO group contributions for keeping OA
work going worldwide.
• The delegate kKeep fellow members informed about local world service activities, such
as answering letters received by WSO resulting from publicity about OA. public
information campaigns and notifications from the WSO of articles and broadcasts about
OA that may attract newcomers or generate inquiries.
• The delegate is Be the WSO’s area contact person, often called on to guide prospective
members to a meeting and to carry the message as needed. A good delegate
wholeheartedly abides by the spirit of our Twelve Traditions, especially the commitment
to give service freely.
• Delegates also hHelp the intergroup service body solve problems and avoid mistakes
assist in keeping the service body bylaws in compliance with OA Bylaws. To do this,
they may draw on the resources of the World Service Office, where the staff is ready to
relay helpful OA experience from all over the world.
When possible, It is suggested that at least one of the delegates should also be also serve as the
region representative.
2. What is a region?
To obtain trustees from all parts of the country, the United States was divided into eight regions.
(Canadian provinces are within the region closest to them, and Mexico is in Region Two.) Each
region nominates one or more regional trustee candidate(s), one of whom is elected at the annual
World Service Business Conference to serve OA as a whole. At the 1982 and 1994 Conferences,
OA groups, intergroups and other service offices outside North America were incorporated into
Regions Nine and Ten, respectively. In 2001, Central and South America became part of Region
Eight.
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Regions are composed of groups, intergroups, and service boards within specified geographic
boundaries. OA is divided into ten regions. There are eight regions within North America.
Mexico is in Region Two; Bermuda is in Region Six; the Virgin Islands, Central America, and
South America are in Region Eight. Region Nine encompasses Europe, the Middle East, Africa,
and Western Asia. Region Ten encompasses the Far East, Southeast Asia, Western Pacific Basin,
Australia, and New Zealand. Virtual meetings are not included in the regional structure, but are
part of the world structure. A world map of the ten regions is on oa.org.
3. How Important Is the Region? Why is the region important?
As part of OA’s service structure, the region office is important in coordinating Twelfth- Step
work on a broad scale. Each region has a regional trustee. Regional assemblies choose trustee
nominees to be presented to the World Service Business Conference. One of these nominees will
be elected and will Once elected, the regional trustee brings input from the region-wide
membership (gathered at the regional assemblies) to the Board of Trustees The regional trustee
also communicates and communicates Board of Trustees information to the region.
Regional assemblies also elect their own board of trusted servants, which may include a regional
chair, a vice-chair, a treasurer, and a secretary, to administer the region’s business in accordance
with the region bylaws. Regional committees work with the regional officers to plan and provide
public information, professional outreach, convention planning, bylaws reviews, ways and
means, newsletters, financial oversight, and other services and activities to assist the region’s
intergroups/service boards in carrying the message. Regions may provide funding assistance to
help intergroups/service boards that would not otherwise be able to send a representative to
regional assemblies or World Service Business Conference. They also provide travel funds for
regional officers to give workshops on topics such as service, Concepts, and Traditions for
intergroups/service boards that would like to have them.
Regions are an important resource for information, intergroup/service board and group support,
and recovery. They carry the message of OA recovery through regional websites and regional
conventions, continuing the connection between the group, the intergroup/service board, and
world service.
4. What is the makeup of the regional assembly?
Each intergroup/service board sends is encouraged to send at least one (or more, depending on
size) representative to the regional assembly. which is a business meeting. The assembly is an
important business meeting. It is also an opportunity for intergroups/service boards to share
experiences. The regional trustee is in attendance attends to learn about matters of interest to the
region and to present world- service concerns that need regional input. The trustee may ask for
specific feedback to bring to a future Board of Trustees meeting.
Since attendance at every intergroup/service board meeting is a physical impossibility unrealistic
for trustees, it is the regional assembly which provides a forum for the exchange of ideas
between the region and OA as a whole. It also gives intergroups/service boards an opportunity to
share experience, strength, and hope.
5. What are the requirements for a region representative?
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Each intergroup/service board decides this on its own. Some regions have instituted special
requirements, (such as length of service, or length of abstinence, etc.), so it is best to check with
your region. A proven commitment to service should also be a most is also an important
consideration in choosing a region representative.
How Things Get Done in Your World Service Office (WSO)
1. How did WSO start?
From its founding in 1960 until 1965, OA business activities were conducted from our founder’s
home. Then additional part-time paid workers were employed. In 1971, WSO moved to an office
with an expanded staff to serve the rapidly increasing number of OA groups. In 1994, the WSO
moved to its current location in Rio Rancho, New Mexico USA. This building includes office
space for the WSO staff and warehouse space that allows for efficient storage and shipping of
OA literature.
The World Service Office is a repository for OA experience and know-how from all over the
world. OA’s trustees have been elected by the Conference delegates to be “trusted servants.” One
of their functions is to serve the groups by directing the work of the WSO.
2. How does WSO work?
WSO serves OA as a whole, from its largest service group to the isolated individual seeking
relief from compulsive overeating. Like other service offices, it is “responsible to those they
serve.” (Tradition Nine). In this case, the World Service Office is responsible to OA as a whole,
which speaks through the group conscience of delegates at World Service Business Conference
of delegates. The WSO does not make policy, but does inform and educate the Fellowship about
Conference and board decisions that affect it the organization.
The Conference elects the trustees: 10 ten regional trustees, one virtual services trustee, and six
general service trustees. The 16 seventeen trustees form the Board of Trustees of Overeaters
Anonymous, Inc., our legal entity. The general service trustees comprise the Executive
Committee of the board. They guide the management of the World Service Office and report to
the Board of Trustees. The regional trustees assist as needed in the organization and operation of
service structures within their respective regions, and act as liaison between the Board of
Trustees and the regionwide membership. The virtual services trustee assists as needed in the
organization and operation of service structures within virtual groups (online and telephone
meetings) and acts as a liaison between the Board of Trustees and the virtual groups. All trustees
serve Overeaters Anonymous as a whole. (See OA’s bBylaws, section IX for more on trustee
qualifications and duties.)
3. What does WSO do for you?
WSO is entrusted with the responsibility for furnishing all of us with many services, including
the following. The office is staffed by professionals who perform the following functions.
•
•
Publishes and distributes literature (such as this booklet) and provides starter kits for new
groups and intergroups
Maintains a presence on the World Wide Web
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Publishes Lifeline and e-Lifeline, our international journal of recovery
Publishes A Step Ahead newsletter online
Answers inquiries from compulsive eaters who ask for help
Records group information that each group secretary sends in
Provides an online, international directory of OA meetings
Shares the experience of other groups when you ask for help with group problems, and
refers you to your regional trustee for additional guidance
Works with compulsive overeaters outside meeting areas, groups overseas and those in
the military
Provides recordings of OA Convention and Conference speakers, workshops and
business meetings
Handles public information at the national and international level for OA as a whole—
through newspapers, magazines, radio and TV networks and movie producers, as well as
other national organizations interested in obesity and compulsive eating
Provides public information films and spot announcements for groups and intergroups to
use on local radio and TV stations
Produces the World Service Conventions and annual Business Conferences
Executive Department
• Oversees WSO operations, including budget administration, staff supervision, Board of
Trustee support, organizational planning, special project direction, archives, Conference
and Convention support, and bylaw or policy updates.
• Maintains a comprehensive website (oa.org), including sites in Spanish and French.
• Handles public information at the national and international level for OA as a whole
through newspapers, magazines, radio, TV networks, and movie producers, as well as
other national organizations interested in obesity and compulsive eating.
• Provides public information films and public service announcements for groups and
service bodies to use on local radio and TV stations.
Accounting Department
• Fulfills literature and Lifeline orders and maintains an inventory of materials.
• Records contributions and mails receipts.
• Manages the WSO financial operations, including monthly financial statements and
annual audits.
• Maintains employee and payroll records and coordinates employee benefits.
• Maintains physical structure of the WSO and coordinates repairs.
Member Services Department
• Answers inquiries from compulsive eaters who ask for help.
• Processes meeting registrations, cancellations, and other changes in the meeting database.
• Updates and maintains the Find a Meeting feature on the OA website, including face-toface meetings, online and telephone meetings, and service body information.
• Shares the experience of other groups when OA members ask for help with group
problems and refers members to trustees for additional guidance.
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Works with compulsive overeaters outside meeting areas, groups overseas, and those in
the military or in prison.
Produces the World Service Conventions and annual Business Conferences.
Provides recordings of OA Conference and Convention panels, speakers, and workshops.
Provides Professional Tradeshows Support and coordinates the Professional Exhibits
Fund.
Oversees the WSO’s information technology equipment and services.
Publications Department
• Coordinates the development and publication of literature (such as this booklet).
• Publishes Lifeline and e-Lifeline, our international magazine of recovery.
• Publishes A Step Ahead newsletter online.
• Publishes the annual Courier newsletter for professionals.
• Administers the licensing process for service bodies that translate OA literature into local
languages.
• Maintains copyrights and trademarks and assists groups and service bodies seeking
approval for use of OA materials and logo.
4. How is the World Serive Office WSO supported?
WSO expenses are met principally by group and individual contributions and literature sales. It
is important for each group to make regular contributions, no matter how small. Groups may
contribute according to the informed group conscience. Groups frequently choose to send 30
percent of funds after expenses to the WSO. Individuals are encouraged to give to WSO through
the “Birthday Plan,” giving a dollar or more for each year in the program. Large sums from a
single member, however, would not be in keeping with the spirit of the Twelve Traditions. A
member may contribute up to $5,000 per year to the general fund, and up to $5,000 per year to
any special fund, and up to $5,000 to honor the memory of a deceased member. OA, Inc., will
accept a bequest in any amount from the will of a deceased member.
5. How can you help WSO?
Keep the WSO informed of the name of your current secretary, your group’s permanent address
(usually a post office box), and the time and place of your meeting. This information is essential
for accurate directories and group and service body mailings.
What gets done by the WSO depends as much on you as on any other member. You have the
final responsibility and, therefore, receive the ultimate dividends.
WSO needs your help. If you want OA to be kept stay viable, available, simple, and effective for
all compulsive overeaters, WSO needs your help. K keep informed and ask questions. Take
action. For example, collect an extra Seventh Tradition contribution for world service, buy
literature, share the successes of your intergroup/service board and region, or hold Public
Information/Professional Outreach events. If you have served your service body as a delegate or
volunteered during the World Service Business Conference share your positive service
experience with your service body. Talk about it. Write about it in your service body
newsletter.You can help your group choose a good intergroup representative whose job gets the
respect and support of the group. Encourage and mentor others to serve as service body
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representatives and World Service Business Conference delegates. Carry the message of what
the WSO does to support our Fellowship.
6. What is Lifeline, and how can you help?
Lifeline is a magazine published 10 times a year under the auspices of the OA Board of Trustees.
Lifeline magazine is Overeaters Anonymous’ international “Meeting on the Go.” It is published
in hard copy and electronic form under the direction of the OA Board of Trustees. It is our
Fellowship’s own “journal of recovery.” The personal stories, articles, and other features in each
issue make the reader feel a part of the wider Fellowship of OA. It is also an excellent way of
carrying the message of recovery. It’s your magazine. Your Send yYour personal stories and
articles are received with appreciation. to Lifeline at [email protected] and encourage your sponsees
to do the same.
You and your sponsees can help Lifeline by having personal subscriptions, encouraging your
groups to have group subscriptions, and/or purchasing gift subscriptions for a doctor’s office,
library, or health care center. Subscribe online at oa.org.
7. How can you benefit from service to your group, intergroup/service board, region, and
WSO?
Simply by giving. Each of us has a right and a responsibility to do what we can when we can,
giving back some of what we have been so freely given by the Fellowship and other recovering
members.
Any member who is abstaining today recovering can be considered an heir to the rewards of the
OA program. You have a right to take as much—or as little—benefit from the Fellowship as you
choose. There are enough areas of service and sharing for everyone if each of us gives of our
hearts, mind, and time. As we give, we will surely receive.
Questions and Answers Aabout OA
1. How and when did OA start?
The first OA meeting, held on January 19, 1960, was attended by three compulsive overeaters.
The founders founder of Gamblers Anonymous assisted our founder, Rozanne S., in applying the
principles of Alcoholics Anonymous to our particular compulsion.
Rozanne and one of OA’s first members, Barbara S., were interviewed on November 1, 1960, on
a syndicated television show. Five hundred letters flooded in, and Overeaters Anonymous was
on its way!
OA’s directory in 1961 listed 10 ten meetings. Representatives from Aanonymous groups
dealing with overeating in other parts of the United States joined with the Southern California
groups for the first national Conference, held in August 1962. The celebrated advice columnist
“Dear Abby” has published letters from grateful members since the spring of 1965, and this
publicity has resulted in thousands of new members. For more on OA’s history, see Beyond Our
Wildest Dreams: A History of Overeaters Anonymous as Seen by the Founder.
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2. Is OA a religious organization?
No. OA It is founded on spiritual pPrinciples. It is not affiliated with any other organization,
religious or otherwise.
3. Why do I need the Twelve Steps? I only want to lose weight.
We cannot emphasize strongly enough our experience that for a compulsive eater, a food plan
alone has proved useless over a long period of time without the practice of the Twelve Steps and
Twelve Traditions in our daily lives. OA’s Twelve Steps are a set of actions that provide relief
from the obsession with food.
4.
Who Runs OA Clubhouses?
Technically, there is no such thing as an “OA club.” However, some members (acting as private
individuals, not as OA members) have formed non-profit corporations or committees entirely
separate and apart from their OA groups to maintain clubhouses.
To avoid problems of money, property and prestige, most groups have learned to stick to their
primary purpose and leave club operation to OAers who form separate corporations or
committees outside OA itself. Members who are interested in establishing clubhouses for the use
of OA members might contact Alano clubs (run by AA members) in their communities for
information.
For further clarification in the matter of keeping clubhouses separate from group activities,
contact WSO; also see pages 159-169 in AA’s Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions, pages 565568 in the book Alcoholics Anonymous, and pages 78-137 in AA Comes of Age.
5. What is an OA service center?
An OA service center is an office established by a number of cooperating intergroups for the
purpose of serving the Fellowship within a wide radius. Service centers usually stock large
quantities of literature, CDs, DVDs and other OA/AA materials and are often able to give faster
service to area groups and intergroups. Service centers also sponsor area conventions and other
events.
6. 4. Should get-togethers of OA members, outside of group meetings, be called OA events?
If conventions, marathons, retreats, and other such gatherings are sponsored by a registered OA
service body, (group, intergroup, region or service center), they are bound by the Twelve
Traditions and may use the name Overeaters Anonymous and the OA mailing lists. Events that
are not sponsored by a registered OA service body may not use the OA name or the mailing lists.
Retreats held under the auspices of religious or other outside groups are not OA events. While
some OA members may attend as individuals, there is no relationship between OA and any
church or secular society holding such events. OA retreats are usually held over a weekend in
quiet, secluded areas. An experienced member often serves as retreat leader, guiding participants
through a program of reflection, meditation, and sharing based on the Twelve- Step program of
recovery.
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7. 5. What is Unity Day? IDEA Day? Unity Day? Twelfth Step Within Day?
Celebrated annually in OA worldwide on the last Saturday in February, Unity Day was created to
reaffirm the love and understanding shared by members of our Fellowship—with an emphasis on
Tradition One: “Our common welfare should come first; personal recovery depends on OA
unity.” In order to strengthen their common bond, groups at the local, intergroup/service board,
and region levels hold special meetings and events about unity, observing a moment of silence at
11:30 a.m. PST.
International Day Experiencing Abstinence (IDEA) takes place annually on the third Saturday of
November. It was established to encourage still-suffering members to experience abstinence—
even if only for one day. OA groups and service bodies worldwide have special events
addressing questions related to abstinence. For abstinent members, it is a time to share gratitude
with others.
Intergroups and groups might host a special meeting or marathon on relapse and recovery;
members try to contact newcomers or members they haven’t seen in a while; abstinent members
may sponsor someone struggling to maintain abstinence.
Celebrated annually in OA worldwide on the fourth Saturday in February, Unity Day was
created to reaffirm the love and understanding shared by members of our Fellowship. To
strengthen their common bond, groups at the local, intergroup and region levels hold special
meetings and events about unity, observing a moment of silence at 11:30 a.m. (PST).
December 12 (12/12) each year is designated as OA’s International Twelfth Step Within
Day. The purpose is to encourage OA service bodies, meetings, and individual members to reach
out to those within the Fellowship who are still suffering from compulsive eating behaviors. A
service body or group might host a special meeting or marathon on relapse and recovery and
encourage attendees to contact members they haven’t seen in a while.
8. 6. What is the difference between an OA “Conference” and “Convention”?
The World Service Business Conference of Overeaters Anonymous meets annually to conduct
the business of OA. Each intergroup/service board is entitled to delegates in proportion to the
number of groups belonging to that intergroup/service board. Thus each individual member of
OA, each group, and each intergroup/service board become a part of the collective group
conscience of OA as a whole.
The World Service Convention, sponsored by the World Service Office and the Board of
Trustees, is held periodically in a different region of the country and is attended by OA members
from all over the world. Its purpose is to provide a forum for OA sharing on a national and
international scale. The Board of Trustees chooses the frequency and location of World Service
Conventions is chosen by the Board of Trustees.
In addition to these two events, there are local and regional conventions and other affairs such as
marathons, workshops, and meetings to which a full day or a whole weekend may be devoted.
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2152
2153
2154
2155
2156
2157
2158
2159
2160
2161
2162
2163
2164
2165
2166
Check the Datebook Calendar page on www.oa.org, as well as your service body’s websites, for
dates and detailsor call your region or intergroup office..
9. 7. Is OA affiliated with AA Alcoholics Anonymous or any other anonymous fellowship
or medical group interested in obesity and/or other eating problems?
No. OA is not affiliated with any other organization of any sort. Our policy is “cooperation but
not affiliation.” Over the years, Alcoholics Anonymous has given us invaluable help and
guidance, for which we are indeed grateful. AA service offices at the local level have been and
continue to be especially helpful to our OA groups and service persons.
Index [will be redone after manuscript is approved by WSBC delegates]
Pathways of Service: Roads to Recovery
49
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2167
50
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2168
[Chart above replaced by OA’s inverted pyramid below.]
2169
OA’s Service Structure
2170
2171
2172
2173
2174
2175
2176
OA’s “Inverted Pyramid” describes our unique service structure. Unlike a traditional business
that has tiers of managers directing those “below” them, OA’s Board of Trustees is accountable
to those at the region, intergroup/service board, and OA group levels. Therefore, the “higher” the
position a trusted servant holds, the more people to whom the trusted servant is accountable. Our
primary goal is to serve those in the Fellowship as we progress in the recovery process.
2177
2178
2179
2180
2181
2182
2183
2184
2185
2186
2187
2188
Abbreviations
IGs – Intergroups
SBs – Service Boards
WSBC – World Service Business Conference
BOT – Board of Trustees
EC – Executive Committee
WSO – World Service Office
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2189
2190
2191
2192
2193
2194
2195
2196
2197
2198
2199
2200
2201
2202
2203
2204
2205
2206
2207
2208
2209
2210
2211
2212
2213
2214
2215
2216
2217
2218
2219
2220
2221
2222
2223
2224
2225
2226
2227
2228
2229
2230
2231
The Twelve Concepts of OA Service
1. The ultimate responsibility and authority for OA world services reside in the collective
conscience of our whole Fellowship.
2. The OA groups have delegated to the World Service Business Conference the active
maintenance of our world services; thus, the World Service Business Conference is the
voice, authority and effective conscience of OA as a whole.
3. The right of decision, based on trust, makes effective leadership possible.
4. The right of participation ensures equality of opportunity for all in the decision-making
process.
5. Individuals have the right of appeal and petition in order to ensure that their opinions and
personal grievances will be carefully considered.
6. The World Service Business Conference has entrusted the Board of Trustees with the
primary responsibility for the administration of Overeaters Anonymous.
7. The Board of Trustees has legal rights and responsibilities accorded to them by OA
Bylaws, Subpart A; the rights and responsibilities of the World Service Business
Conference are accorded to it by Tradition and by OA Bylaws, Subpart B.
8. The Board of Trustees has delegated to its Executive Committee the responsibility to
administer the OA World Service Office.
9. Able, trusted servants, together with sound and appropriate methods of choosing them,
are indispensable for effective functioning at all service levels.
10. Service responsibility is balanced by carefully defined service authority; therefore,
duplication of efforts is avoided.
11. Trustee administration of the World Service Office should always be assisted by the best
standing committees, executives, staffs and consultants.
12. The spiritual foundation for OA service ensures that:
a) no OA committee or service body shall ever become the seat of perilous wealth or
power;
b) sufficient operating funds, plus an ample reserve, shall be OA’s prudent financial
principle;
c) no OA member shall ever be placed in a position of unqualified authority;
d) all important decisions shall be reached by discussion, vote and, whenever possible,
by substantial unanimity;
e) no service action shall ever be personally punitive or an incitement to public
controversy; and
f) no OA service committee or service board shall ever perform any acts of government,
and each shall always remain democratic in thought and action.
The Twelve Traditions of OA [printed on inside back cover of pamphlet]
1. Our common welfare should come first; personal recovery depends upon OA unity.
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2232
2233
2234
2235
2236
2237
2238
2239
2240
2241
2242
2243
2244
2245
2246
2247
2248
2249
2250
2251
2252
2253
2254
2255
2256
2257
2258
2. For our group purpose there is but one ultimate authority—a loving God as He may
express Himself in our group conscience. Our leaders are but trusted servants; they do not
govern.
3. The only requirement for OA membership is a desire to stop eating compulsively.
4. Each group should be autonomous except in matters affecting other groups or OA as a
whole.
5. Each group has but one primary purpose—to carry its message to the compulsive
overeater who still suffers.
6. An OA group ought never endorse, finance, or lend the OA name to any related facility
or outside enterprise, lest problems of money, property, and prestige divert us from our
primary purpose.
7. Every OA group ought to be fully self-supporting, declining outside contributions.
8. Overeaters Anonymous should remain forever nonprofessional, but our service centers
may employ special workers.
9. OA, as such, ought never be organized; but we may create service boards or committees
directly responsible to those they serve.
10. Overeaters Anonymous has no opinion on outside issues; hence the OA name ought
never be drawn into public controversy.
11. Our public relations policy is based on attraction rather than promotion; we need always
maintain personal anonymity at the level of press, radio, films, television, and other
public media of communication.
12. Anonymity is the spiritual foundation of all these traditions, ever reminding us to place
principles before personalities.
Permission to use the Twelve Traditions of Alcoholics Anonymous for adaptation granted by AA World
Services, Inc.
53