FAQs
How can I become a member of the Board of Trustees?
Trustees are elected at the annual World Service Business Conference for a period of three years and serve no more than eight consecutive years. Qualifications for trustees (OA Bylaws, Subpart B, Article VII, Sections 3 and 4):
- seven years in the Fellowship
- five years of service beyond the meeting level
- attendance as a delegate to at least two World Service Business Conferences
- participation at the region level (the extent of participation to be determined by each region)
- five years of continuous recovery in Overeaters Anonymous as evidenced by five years of current continuous abstinence, current maintenance of a healthy body weight for at least two years, emotional and spiritual growth as a result of incorporating the Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions into their lives as a new way of living
Trustee nominees must also have worked through all Twelve Steps; declared themselves as practicing the Twelve Steps to the best of their ability; declared themselves as committed to the Twelve Traditions of Overeaters Anonymous; and affirmed these additional qualifications on their trustee application forms. Download and complete the trustee application available on the World Service Business Conference web page and return by the deadline to apply.
How can I contact the Board of Trustees or a member of the board?
Contact the Board of Trustees or an individual board member by email, info@oa.org, or mail (WSO, Attn: Board of Trustees/Board Member Name, PO Box 44727, Rio Rancho, NM 87174-4727). Your inquiry will be forwarded to the appropriate board member.
When is it appropriate to contact a member of the Board of Trustees?
Contact the Board of Trustees when you need guidance on an issue within your local meeting, intergroup, or service board. Over the years we have learned that most problems at meetings or intergroups/service boards can be answered by reviewing the guidelines, Traditions, and Concepts and discussing the matter during a group conscience. When an issue arises, we suggest that you use the conflict resolution checklist to review the problem and determine the next step to be taken. Most problems can be best resolved closest to home, so we suggest starting at your meeting and moving to the intergroup or service board, then to the region chair, and finally to the trustee. Of course, the trustees are happy to answer your questions if you find you need more help at any time in the process.