Are you curious about the documents that have shaped our Twelve Step program into what it is today? Or does your group need clarity about Tradition Four and “matters affecting OA as a whole”? Let us introduce you to OA’s bylaws and policies.
OA bylaws
OA’s bylaws are divided into Subpart A and Subpart B.
Subpart A
Subpart A establishes OA, Inc. as a nonprofit corporation in the State of New Mexico in the United States. It describes in legal terms how OA, Inc. is organized and operated. Subpart A is most relevant to OA trustees and World Service Office staff.
Subpart A may only be amended by the OA Board of Trustees.
OA Bylaws, Subpart A — Corporate Organization
Subpart B
Subpart B lists our Twelve Steps, Twelve Traditions, and Twelve Concepts of OA Service. It describes OA’s requirements and qualifications for OA members, registered groups, registered service bodies, trustees and Board of Trustees, and World Service Business Conference and Conference delegates. It also includes language about finances, assets, and reporting requirements.
Subpart B may only be amended by delegates voting at World Service Business Conference, so it represents OA’s worldwide group conscience. When we read Tradition Four, which says “Each group should be autonomous except in matters affecting other groups or OA as a whole,” we consider the bylaws in Subpart B as matters affecting OA as a whole.
OA policies
In addition to bylaws, OA has an evolving manual of policies. Many OA policies define important aspects of the OA program, such as the definition of abstinence in OA. Each policy is numbered by the year that it was approved.
Like OA Bylaws, Subpart B, all OA policies are added, deleted, and amended through a formal process of discussion and voting at World Service Business Conference. The participants are OA members from different countries who serve as delegates representing registered OA service bodies. Once approved by vote, all policies become the worldwide group conscience of OA and are considered “matters affecting OA as a whole” according to Tradition Four.
Business Conference Policy Manual
The Business Conference Policy Manual also includes a record of all obsolete policies that were removed by World Service Business Conference.