It is suggested that a neutral, experienced OA member facilitate an inventory for a group or service body. Region boards can assist with finding members who can provide this type of support.

This inventory is divided into three parts:

  1. A look at the function of the intergroup or service board
  2. Twelfth Step work within the Fellowship
  3. Carrying the message to the still-suffering compulsive overeater

When you have completed the inventory, you will probably discover that your intergroup or service board has more strengths than you realized. After all, it takes commitment to be willing to do an inventory in the first place. You may also find some weaknesses. Just as in your personal recovery, appreciate your strengths. As for your weaknesses, remember that help is available to you from your region, your region trustee, and the World Service Office.

The following sets of questions are suggestions only. Their purpose is to evaluate the intergroup’s/service board’s present performance and to share some ideas about service from other intergroups/service boards.

Take a deep breath, and good luck!

Preliminary Questions

  1. Are we satisfied with the function of our intergroup/service board? If not, why not?
  2. Have we ever taken an intergroup/service board inventory? If not, why not? If so, what were the results?

A. The Function of the Intergroup/Service Board

  1. What is the purpose of our intergroup/service board?
  2. Do we have a statement of purpose or bylaws?
  3. Do we use Robert’s Rules of Order and our bylaws during our business meetings?
  4. Do the Twelve Traditions take precedence over Robert’s Rules in our intergroup’s/service board’s bylaws?
  5. Do intergroup/service board bylaws and policies protect and/or extend the tenure of certain “trusted servants”?
  6. Does our intergroup/service board “dictate” or “suggest”?
  7. Are we incorporated? Do we have nonprofit tax status?
  8. Do we set realistic short- and long-term goals?
  9. Does our intergroup/service board have a need for regular steering committee meetings or board meetings?
  10. Are there frequent steering committee meetings for discussions and decisions beyond the purview of the entire group conscience?
  11. Does a select group make most of our intergroup’s/service board’s “important” decisions?
  12. Is ours an exclusive club or an inclusive intergroup/service board?
  13. Are all our intergroup’s/service board’s activities open to the scrutiny of each member of the Fellowship?
  14. How can we keep the WSO group registrations up to date?
  15. Are committee meetings open to all members?
  16. Are committees’ recommendations presented to the entire intergroup/service board for consideration and deliberation?
  17. Do we choose our service people with care and consideration, placing principles before personalities?
  18. Is anonymity honored within our intergroup/service board?
  19. Is an opportunity given to each member to participate in the intergroup’s/service board’s activities?
  20. Do we have a budget that includes a prudent reserve and contributions to region and the WSO?
  21. Have we done all we can to provide an attractive and convenient meeting place?
  22. Are we committed to participating in the region and world service structure?
  23. Do we make every effort to fund our representatives to region assemblies and the World Service Business Conference?
  24. How often do our “trusted servants” say, “Trust me, I know what’s best”?
  25. Is there a frequent need for quick decisions?
  26. Is there a place on our intergroup’s/service board’s agenda for open sharing and expressing group concerns?
  27. Who decides how our intergroup/service board spends money?
  28. Do we see complete monthly financial reports, or just the general fund’s beginning and ending balance?
  29. Does our intergroup/service board have special savings accounts?
  30. Are funds readily available, or are they invested?
  31. Is the prudent reserve truly prudent, or is it a hedge against a worldwide recession?
  32. Are the requests for intergroup/service board contributions consistent with expenditures shown on the financial reports?
  33. How long has the treasurer been in control of the books?
  34. Are there multiple signatories on all accounts?
  35. Does someone other than the treasurer reconcile bank accounts?
  36. Have the books been audited lately?

B. The Twelfth Step Within

  1. Do all the groups in our geographic area know about our intergroup/service board and the services we provide?
  2. Are all the groups in the area affiliated with an intergroup/service board?
  3. Do we keep in touch with groups who don’t send representatives or contributions to the intergroup/service board?
  4. Do we let all groups know how they can support the intergroup/service board through service and financial contributions?
  5. Do we encourage the Seventh Tradition’s 50/40/10 (or another) contribution formula, making sure our area groups know about it?
  6. Do we inform all members and groups of the structure of OA?
  7. Do we sponsor OA workshops and marathons for OA members in our area?
  8. Do we keep our meeting list current?
  9. Do we publish a newsletter for the groups in our area?
  10. Do we maintain a stock of OA-approved literature for sale?
  11. Do we encourage groups to welcome and support individual members who use a variety of OA-approved literature?
  12. Do we help new members find sponsors?
  13. Do we arrange a system for groups to obtain abstinent OA speakers?
  14. How do we help floundering groups?
  15. Do we assist unaffiliated groups in nearby areas to form their own intergroups/service boards?
  16. Do we address the specific needs of our members, e.g., young people or the physically challenged, and try to find ways to meet their needs without isolating them?

C. Carrying the Message

  1. Do we have a permanent address and phone number that is answered twenty-four hours a day? Can we be reached:
    1. by mail and email
    2. by phone
    3. by internet
    4. by social media?
  2. Is our intergroup/service board contact information listed in local directories?
  3. Are we reaching compulsive overeaters in our community through:
    1. meeting listings in local newspapers/directories
    2. radio and TV public service announcements (PSAs)
    3. calendar notices
    4. newspaper, magazine, and online articles
    5. news releases about special OA events
    6. bulletin board notices
    7. OA literature in libraries
    8. special newcomer meetings
    9. speakers list for various community organizations
    10. social media ads
    11. blogging
    12. podcasts
    13. other __________?
  4. What have we done to bring the OA message to the attention of the professional community, such as:
    1. medical professionals
    2. physicians
    3. nurses
    4. dietitians
    5. nutritionists
    6. medical technicians
    7. psychiatrists
    8. psychologists
    9. counselors
    10. teachers
    11. social workers
    12. clergy
    13. military
    14. employee assistance counselors
    15. other __________?
  5. What are we doing to carry the message into institutions, such as:
    1. schools
    2. prisons and detention centers
    3. hospitals
    4. training facilities
    5. nursing homes and retirement communities
    6. other __________?

Final Question

Are there other alternatives to the present intergroup/service board structure that might be more useful in meeting the area’s needs? If so, what?

We all know, of course, how to identify dysfunction. So, it isn’t so much an issue of not knowing there’s a problem as it is about doing something. Being long on wisdom, do we opt for serenity or courage? Do we accept it or change it? Intervention or avoidance? If not you, who?

OA Responsibility Pledge

Always to extend the hand and heart of OA
to all who share my compulsion;
for this I am responsible.

OA Board-approved.
© 2008, 2022 Overeaters Anonymous, Inc. All rights reserved. Rev. 7/2023

Reprinted from Service, Traditions, and Concepts Workshop Manual,
© 1998, 2006, 2008, 2009, 2022. Overeaters Anonymous Inc. All rights reserved.


Overeaters Anonymous®, Inc.
Mail Address: P.O. Box 44727, Rio Rancho, NM 87174-4727 USA
1-505-891-2664 • info@oa.org • oa.org