Guidelines for Small Meetings: Help and Hope

These guidelines have been developed through the experience of OA members and the Board of Trustees who have contributed to their creation. They reflect OA Traditions and Concepts of Service as reflected in our OA Conference-approved literature. These guidelines are strong suggestions based on those who have gone before. The guidelines do not replace the … Continued

Guidelines for a Group Conscience Meeting

As described in the OA Handbook for Members, Groups and Service Bodies, many groups hold meetings to determine how best to conduct meetings, spend funds, organize special events, and deal with issues that affect the group or OA as a whole. These meetings to discuss the business of the group allow members to work together to … Continued

Affiliation and Participation Flow Chart

This chart shows how support and information flow to our groups through our service bodies and vice-versa. The purpose of Affiliation is to help us count groups and service bodies for fair representation and to encourage the flow of support and information to all. The purpose of Participation is to facilitate the support and flow … Continued

Unity with Diversity Policy Statements

1992a (Amended 2013, 2021, 2023, 2025) The following policy statement was adopted: “Unity with Diversity” Policy THE FELLOWSHIP of Overeaters Anonymous encourages and promotes acceptance and inclusivity. All are welcome to join OA and are not excluded because of race, creed, nationality, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, or any other attribute. We welcome all who … Continued

Conflict Resolution Worksheet

“Individuals have the right of appeal and petition in order to ensure their opinions and personal grievances will be carefully considered.” (Fifth Concept of OA Service) For members having difficulties with others, with groups or service bodies, or wishing to appeal a decision made at any level, the following process can be very helpful to … Continued

How to Be an Effective Trusted Servant

When we take on the responsibility of service beyond the group level, there are principles that will enhance the service experience which are connected with both the Traditions and the Concepts. Our service bodies do have conduct each time they meet. Understanding and practicing these spiritual principles make service bodies more effective and benefits all … Continued

Unity with Diversity Checklist

The following checklist for OA groups and service bodies is offered in the spirit of Overeaters Anonymous’ Third Tradition and the OA Unity with Diversity Policy statement. This checklist is not meant to be exhaustive, nor can it be. As we continue to grow, so does our understanding of diversity. These questions are only a … Continued

Our Invitation to You

We of Overeaters Anonymous have made a discovery. At the very first meeting we attended, we learned that we were in the clutches of a dangerous illness, and that willpower, emotional health, and self-confidence, which some of us had once possessed, were no defense against it. We have learned that the reasons for the illness … Continued

OA Service and Bylaws: Keeping It Simple

Video Translation Subtitles and Closed Captioning Click the settings gear icon for subtitles in your language or the “CC” button for closed-captioning in English. PPTX Slideshow (Large ZIP file) Download the PPTX Slideshow in English with English narration (Large ZIP file)

What Is an Outside Issue: Are We Being Open-Minded in Our Meetings?

July 11, 2023 Beloved Members, Groups, and Service Bodies of Overeaters Anonymous, We all come from different backgrounds and experiences. The OA program is for everyone with a desire to stop eating compulsively. We are meant to be inclusive and welcoming to all. A subcommittee of the Unity with Diversity Conference Committee has been in … Continued