A Summary of Continuing Effect Motions
1962–2024

Introduction

It is noted that all motions appearing in this summary were adopted by the group conscience of the World Service Business Conference of Overeaters Anonymous. Furthermore, until changed, these motions set self-imposed limits on the Fellowship. According to the Bylaws of Overeaters Anonymous, Inc., Subpart B, Article VIII, Section 1a) which states:

“… The Conference shall serve as the collective conscience of the Fellowship of Overeaters Anonymous as a whole…”

Index

For a complete index of the Business Conference Policy Manual, click the “Print friendly format” link above to print or download a PDF version that includes the index.

Note: The alphabetical ordering and formatting of this index is based on the English version.

Note: Policies in italics are located in Appendix A — Recissions

A
abstinence, 1984a, 1993c
    achieving, 1987a
    definition for, 1988b
    plan of eating and, 1995b
access, restricted, 2012b
Action Plan (Tool), adding, 2010b
advertisement, policy for, 2008e, 2023b
advice-giving, discouraging, 2014a
affiliation
    definition for, 2008c, 2023b
    outside contractors/service companies
      and, 2008c, 2023b
alcoholism, 1993c
amendments, verbalizing, 1980a
announcements, publishing, 1982e
annual events, establishing, 2019c
anonymity, 1990, 2011b
    ensuring, 1979e, 2003, 2008c, 2011a, 
      2023b
    respecting, 2011a
    as spiritual foundation, 1980b
    tradition of, 1980b
anorexia nervosa, literature on, 1982a
anorexics, welcoming, 1992d
appeals process, 1994c, 2004b
Appeals Review Committee
    Board of Trustees and, 2004b
    composition of, 2004b
    final disposition by, 2004b
archives
    deleting, 2014a
    literature, 1996b, 2008a
attract, definition for, 2008c, 2023b
authority, service, 1994c

B
bequests, accepting, 2013
Board of Trustees
    announcements and, 1982e
    Appeals Review Committee and, 2004b
    Business Conference report by, 1982d
    chair of, 1991a
    Convention and, 1984b
    Executive Committee of, 1994c, 1996b,
      2008a
    fiscal year budget and, 1986b


    fund allocation by, 2009c
    leave of absence and, 1987b
    literature and, 1985, 1996b, 2008a
    matching grant program and, 2005b
    petitioning, 1980d
    policies by, 1982d
    policy removal and, 2005a
    Public Awareness Campaign and, 2007
    registration fees and, 1997
    reprinting and, 1978
    restricted access and, 2012b
    rights/responsibilities of, 1994c
    SLSB and, 2017a
    special Conference committee and, 
      2002a
    term limits waiver form, 2012d,
    toll-free line and, 2002b
    treasurer’s report and, 1979c
    trustee application form and, 1992e
    World Service Business Conference 
      and, 1994c, 2018a
Board-Approved Literature Committee, 1985
books
    approved, 1985, 2010a
    low-demand, 2008a
    selling, 1982b, 2010a
BOT. See Board of Trustees
bulimics, welcoming, 1992d
bulletins, Responsibility Pledge and, 
  2022a
business motions, submitting/considering 
    and, 2005c
bylaws, 1994c
    amending, 1980a, 1982f, 2005c
    compliance with, 1992a
    submitting/considering and, 2005c

C
capital campaign, 2018a
censorship, 1985
chairmen, removing, 1980d
closed groups, definition of, 1982c
cochairs, 1991a
committee members, 1980d
    absence for, 1991a
    choosing, 2002a
    requirements for, 1991a
committees
    assignment to, 1991a
    fundraising/maintaining and, 1984c
    reports by, 2014b
    special meetings of, 2014b
    wealth/power and, 1994c
communication, 2008c, 2012a, 2023b    anonymity and, 1980b
    Business Conference, 2014b
    contact names on, 2008b, 2023b
    terms referring to, 2000b
compulsions, sharing, 1977b, 1992a
compulsive behavior, refraining from, 
    1984a, 1988b
compulsive overeaters
    carrying message to, 2008c, 2023b
    friends/family of, 1989a
    term, 1991c
compulsive overeating, 1992c, 1991c
    abstaining from, 1984a, 1988b, 1993c
    literature on, 1982a
Conference-Approved Literature Committee,
  1991a, 2021
    literature sales and, 1979a
    preamble and, 1984a
    recommendations from, 1985
    terms and, 1991c
Conference committee, special/members of,
  2002a
Conference Planning Committee, 
  presentations/discussions and, 1984d
Conference Policy Manual, Tools of 
    recovery in, 2011b
Conference Seal of Approval, 1985
    removing, 2008a
contact names, 2008b, 2023b
contractors, hiring outside, 2008c, 2023b
contributions, 1984a, 1993c
cooperation, 1989a
    definition for, 2008c, 2023b
copyright law, 2000a
correspondence, translating, 2009c, 2017b
credentials, appeals process for, 2004b
crosstalk, discouraging, 2014a
Custom Search feature (Google), 2019b

D
data systems, 2018b
date/time stamping, 2000b
decision-making process, participation
  in, 1994c
delegates
    anonymity for, 1979e
    communication and, 2014b
    funding, 1993c
    intergroup, 1993c
    registering by, 1991a
    registration fees for, 1993d, 1997
    selecting, 1988a
    service board, 1993c
    service body, 1988a
    special meetings of, 2014b
    term limits for, 2012d
    World Service Business Conference, 
      1988a, 2012d, 2014b
discussions
    merchandise sales and, 1984e
    procedures for, 1984d
Diverse Voices Policy, adoption of, 2021
donations
    general fund, 2013
    grants and, 2005b
    outside, 1984a

E
eating disorders, literature on, 1982a
email groups
    compliance by, 2014a
    oa.org and, 2014a
    structure of, 2014a
    topic/focus of, 2014a
    See also loops
email service providers, 2014a
encryption programs, 2003
events, 2015, 2019c
    closing, 1993a
    media and, 2008b, 2023b
    merchandise sales at, 1984e
    OA Birthday, celebrating, 2019c
    sponsoring, 1980c
    Twelve Traditions and, 1980c
    Unity Day, celebrating, 1986a, 2019c
    Sponsorship Day, celebrating, 2019c
    International Day Experiencing Abstinence
      (IDEA), celebrating, 2019c
Executive Committee
    literature removal and, 1996b, 2008a
    low-demand books and, 2008a
    World Service Office and, 1994c

F
facial exposure, 1980b
feedback, discouraging, 2014a
financial principle, 1994c
Find a Meeting app, 2018a
fiscal year budget, distributing, 1986b
flyers, 1990
food plans, 1987a
    sharing information on, 2000a
    speakers and, 2000a
forms, translating, 2017b
funds, 1993c, 2005b, 2007, 2009c
    general, 2013
    operating, 1994c
    raising/maintaining, 1984c
    special, 2013, 2017b

G
Google, non-profit status from, 2019b
group conscience, 1984e
    respecting/considering, 1994b
groups
    anonymity and, 1990
    autonomy of, 1983
    closed, 1982c
    events sponsored by, 1980c
    food plans and, 1987a
    hybrid, 2019a
    liability insurance for, 2012c
    literature, 1978
    online, 1999
    open, 1982c
    registering, 2010e, 2019a
    rights of, 1992a
    telephone, 1994
    Twelve Traditions and, 1992a
    virtual, 2016
    See also email groups; intergroups
Guidelines for Anonymity in the Digital 
  World, 2011a

H
HIPM (Hospitals, Institutions, 
    Professionals, and the Military)
    Committee, name change for, 2006
hybrid, term, 2019a

I
I Put My Hand in Yours, 1993a
IDEA. See International Day Experiencing
  Abstinence
inclusivity, encouraging, 1992a
individual approaches, recognition 
    of, 1992a
intergroups
    delegates from, 1993c
    food plans and, 1987a
International Day Experiencing Abstinence
  (IDEA)
    celebrating, 2019c
    establishing, 1992b
International Publications/Translations
  Committee, translations and, 2017b
International Twelfth Step Within Day,
  designating, 2009b, 2019c

L
leaves of absence, 1987b
liability insurance, statement on, 2012
Lifeline, 1996b
    announcements in, 1982e
literature, 2011b
    AA-approved, 1977a, 1982b, 1992c
    on anorexia nervosa/eating disorders, 1982a
    approving/rejecting, 1985
    board-approved, 1982b
    changing, 2008a
    Conference-approved, 1982b, 1985,
      1998, 2008a
    digital only, 2008a
    discontinuing, 1982b, 1996b, 1998, 
      2008a, 2010a
    local, 1982b, 2010a, 2022a
    OA-approved, 1982b, 1993b, 2010a, 2012a
    official documents and 
      communications, 2023a
    outside, 2000a
    prices on, 1997
    production of, 1985
    publicity in, 1979b
    reprinting, 1978
    Responsibility Pledge and, 2022a
    selling, 1992c, 1993b
    terms for, 1991c
    translating, 2009c, 2017b
    updating, 2021
literature groups, reprinting and, 1978
loops
    policies/norms/practices of, 2014a
    registering with, 2014a
    See also email groups

M
Matching grant program, implementing, 
  2005b
Media Awareness Month, designation of, 
  1995a
media policy
    creating, 2008b, 2023b
    See also social media
Meeting of Delegates, adoption of, 2014b
meetings, 2011b
    closing, 1993a
    face-to-face, 2019a
    hybrid, 2019a
    special, 1994b, 2014b
    virtual, 2011a, 2019a
members, 1983
    anonymity for, 1980b
    bequests from, 2013
    loop, 2014a
    rights of, 1992a
    unqualified authority and, 1994c
merchandise sales
    guidelines for, 1984e
    presentations/discussions and, 1984e
Motions Review Committee work of, 2005c

N
National Conference. See World Service
  Business Conference
newsletters, 1990
    Responsibility Pledge and, 2022a
Non-Observance of Traditions, literature 
  and, 2008a
non-profit status, 2019b
nutrition, 1987a

O
O-Anon
    relationship with, 1989a
    World Service Business Conference 
      and, 1989a
OA Birthday, celebrating, 2019c
OA Guidelines for Locally Produced 
    Literature, 2010a
OA Promise, 1993a
OA Virtual Services Conference Committee,
  establishment of, 2016
OA Young People’s Conference Committee,
  establishing, 2010d
oa.org, email groups and, 2014a
Overeaters Anonymous (OA)
    abstaining and, 1994a
    cooperation by, 2008c, 2023b
    fellowship by, 1984a, 1994b, 2011a, 
      2011c
    fellowship of/Spanish-speaking, 2017a
    founding/celebration of, 1986a
    joining, 1992a
    official documents and 
      communications, 2023a
    publicizing, 1980b
    welcome from, 1982a, 1983, 1984a, 
      1992a, 1992d, 1994b, 2018b

P
pamphlets
    approved, 1985, 2010a
    Conference-approved, 1996b
    discontinuing, 1996b
    downloading, 2008a, 2022b
    newcomer-oriented, 2022b
    selling, 2010a
petition, 1980d
    right of, 1994c
plan of eating, 1987a, 2011
    abstinence and, 1995b
policies
    adhering to, 1988a
    adopting, 1987c
    combining, 2005c
    removing, 2005a
    submitting/considering and, 2005c
postmark, 2000b, 2005c
preamble, 1995b
    adoption of, 1984a
presentations
    merchandise sales and, 1984e
    procedures for, 1984d
Professional Outreach Committee, name 
    change and, 2006
promote, definition for, 2008c, 2023b
promotions, public awareness for, 2008b, 
  2023b
public awareness, 2007, 2011a
    raising, 2008b, 2008d, 2008e, 2023b
Public Awareness Campaign, conducting, 
  2007
Public Communications Policy, 2023b
public information, 2011a
public relations policy, creating, 2008c, 
  2023b
public service announcements, policy for,
  2008d, 2023b
publications. See literature

R
recovery, 1984a
    concept of, 1992a
    emotional, 1988b
    message of, 1993c, 1995b, 2005c
    physical, 1988b
    plan of, 1987a
    spiritual, 1988b
recovery chips, 2008f
Reference Subcommittee, 1991a
regional assemblies, business by, 1988a
reprinting, permission for, 1978
requirements, 1988a, 2004b
    membership, 1994b
    presentation/discussion of, 1983
Responsibility Pledge, 1977b, 2022a
rights, respecting, 1992a
Rozanne S.
    Convention expenses and, 1979d
    title of founder for, 2011c

S
Serenity Prayer, 1993a
servants, choosing, 1994c
service, spiritual foundation of, 1994c
Service and Action Plan, 2011b
service actions, limiting, 1994c
service authority, 1994c
service boards
    acts of government and, 1994c
    delegates from, 1993c
    virtual, 2016
    See also Spanish language service board
service bodies
    acts of government and, 1994c
    anonymity and, 1990
    appeals process for, 2004b
    communication and, 2014b
    delegates to, 1988a
    events sponsored by, 1980c
    liability insurance for, 2012c
    matching grant program and, 2005b
    merchandise sales by, 1984e
    presentations/discussions and, 1984d
    recovery message and, 1988a
    registering, 2010e
    reports for, 2002b
    Responsibility Pledge and, 2022a
    rights of, 1992a
    Twelve Traditions and, 1992a
    wealth/power and, 1994c
service companies, hiring outside, 2008c, 
  2023b
service responsibility, 1994c
service structure, strengthening, 2002a
service titles, 1990
Seventh-Step Prayer, 1993a
social media
    Responsibility Pledge and, 2022a
    statement on, 2011a
    See also media policy
Spanish language service board,
  implementation/registration of, 2017a
speakers, food plans and, 2000a
special events, public awareness of, 
  2008b, 2023b
specific-focus meetings, recognition for, 
  1994b
sponsorship, 2011b
Sponsorship Day
    celebrating, 2019c
    creation of, 2017c
Statement on Approved Literature, 
  adoption of, 2010a
Statement on Creating Service Centers, 
  adoption of, 2012a
Statement on Group Liability Insurance,
  adoption of, 2012c
Statement on Group Where Access is
  Restricted, adoption of, 2012b
Statement on Individual Member Donations
  to the OA World Service Office, 
  adoption of, 2013
Statement on Public and Social Media, 
  adoption of, 2011a
Step Ahead, A, 1996b
    announcements in, 1982e

T
telephone, 1999, 2011b
term limits, waiver for, 2012d
Third-Step Prayer, 1993a
toll free line, establishing, 2002b
Tools of recovery, in Conference Policy 
  Manual, 2011b
topics, email groups and, 2014a
Tradition Three, keeping, 2018b
Tradition Six, 1993b
Tradition Eight, violation of, 1987a
Tradition Ten
    keeping, 1989a, 2018b
    violation of, 1987a
Traditions, 1994c
    honoring, 2010a
    non-observance, 2008a
    violation of, 1987a, 2008a
translation, policy statement on, 2017b
transmissions
    electronic, 2000b
    securing, 2003
treasurer’s report, preparing, 1979c
trustee application from, job description 
  and, 1992e
Twelfth Step Within Day, designating, 
  2009b, 2019c
Twelve Concepts, 1988a, 2012a, 2014a
    reading, 1996a
Twelve Steps, 1983, 1987a, 1988a, 1993c,
  1995b, 2014a
    living/working, 1988b, 1992a
    reading, 1996a
    subscribing to, 1962
Twelve Traditions, 1994b, 2014a
    adhering to, 1998a
    affirming/maintaining, 1980c, 1992a
    merchandise sales and, 1984e
    reading, 1996a
    subscribing to, 1962

U
Unity Day, celebrating, 1986a, 2019c
“Unity with Diversity” Policy, adoption 
  of, 1992a

V
vice chairmen, promoting, 1980d
virtual meetings, 2016, 2019a
    anonymity and, 2011a
virtual service board, support for, 2016
Virtual Services Conference Committee,
  establishment of, 2016

W
Web/Technology Conference Committee,
    creation of, 2009d
websites
    creating/revising, 2009a
    data systems, 2018a
    forms on, 2004a
    templates for, 2009a
    translating, 2017b
welcome, 1982a, 1983, 1984a, 1992b, 1992d,
  1994, 2018b
    restricted, 2012b
Where Do I Start? (pamphlet), 
  downloading, 2022b
workshops
    reports by, 2014b
    virtual, 2016
World Service Business Conference, 
    1985, 1996b
    Agenda Questionnaire, 2005c
    annual events and, 2019c
    announcements and, 1982e
    anonymity and, 1990
    anorexics and, 1992d
    attending, 1993c
    Board of Trustees and, 1994c, 2018a
    bulimics and, 1992d
    business motions and, 2005c
    Bylaw Amendments and, 1982f, 2005c
    closing meetings and, 1993a
    committee members and, 1991a
    communications at, 2014b
    contribution request form, 1993c
    definitions and, 1988b
    delegates for, 1988a, 2012d, 2014b
    fiscal year budget and, 1986b
    food plans and, 1987a
    fund raising/maintaining and, 1984c
    IDEA and, 1992b
    literature and, 1982b, 1985, 1993b, 
      1998
    matching grant program and, 2005b
    meeting schedule, 2024
    merchandise sales and, 1984e
    policies and, 1987c, 2005c
    policy removal and, 2005a
    presentations/discussions and, 1984d
    registration fees for, 1993d, 1997
    reports at, 1987c, 2014b
    Responsibility Pledge and, 2022a
    rights/responsibilities of, 1994c
    social media and, 2011a
    special meetings at, 2014b
    Sponsorship Day and, 2017c
    treasurer’s report and, 1979c
    Twelve Concepts and, 1996a
    Twelve Steps and, 1962, 1996a
    Twelve Traditions and, 1962, 1996a
    world services and, 1994c
World Service Business Conference Final
  Report, 1987c
    anonymity and, 1979e
    availability of, 2010c
World Service Business Conference Policy
  Manual
    changes/deletions in, 1989b
    policy adoption and, 1987c
World Service Business Conference 
  Statement, on OA-/AA-approved 
  literature, 1982b
World Service Convention
    announcements and, 1982e
    AA literature and, 1992c
    holding, 1984b
    literature sales at, 1979a
    meeting schedule, 2024
World Service Office
    AA literature and, 1992c
    administration of, 1994c
    calendar/events on, 1980c
    communications and, 2014b
    credentials challenges and, 2004b
    literature and, 1982b, 1996b, 2021
    loops and, 2014a
    matching grant program and, 2005b
    member donations to, 2013
    official documents and 
      communications, 2023a
    publications/notification through, 2008a
    recovery chips and, 2008f
    registering with, 2010e
    registration fees and, 1993d
    report from, 1996b
    reports to, 2014b
    Responsibility Pledge and, 2022a
    signage and, 2015
    website templates and, 2009a
    website/forms and, 2004a
world services, responsibility/authority 
  for, 1994c
writing, 2011b

Y
Young People’s Conference Committee,
    establishing, 2010d

Continuing Effect Motions

1962 Rescinded 2014

1977a Rescinded 2001

1977b
It was adopted to:
Adopt a responsibility pledge: Always to extend the hand and heart of OA to all who share my compulsion; for this I am responsible.

1978   Amended 2023.
It was adopted that:
Service bodies may obtain permission to translate and/or publish or republish OA literature, including translated literature, through the established licensing process. Published translated literature shall conform to existing OA-approved literature.

1979a Rescinded 1989. Superseded by 1982b.

1979b Rescinded 1989. Superseded by 1980c and 1984e.

1979c   Amended 1989.
It was adopted that:
The treasurer’s report be prepared and sent out to delegates prior to the Business Conference to allow each person time to study, assimilate, and prepare any questions they might have for the Board of Trustees.

1979d Rescinded 2015.

1979e   Amended 1989, 2001, 2012, 2016, and 2023.
It was adopted to:
Ensure personal anonymity be maintained, the online version of the Final World Service Business Conference Report will only include first names and last initials in minutes and reports. The contact section of the report, which includes names, phone numbers, and email addresses of delegates will be emailed to all service bodies and delegates following Conference. “For Use Within OA Only” will appear at the top of this list.

1980 Rescinded 2016.

1980b   Amended 2013.
An anonymity statement was adopted:
Anonymity is the spiritual foundation of our program, always ensuring principles before personalities. This means that OA itself is not anonymous, but its members are. There are no exceptions. While OA may be publicized, we do not break our individual anonymity at the level of press, radio, films, television, and all public media of communication; and the recognizable facial exposure of persons identifying as OA members at the level of press, films, television, and all public media of communication is a violation of our tradition of anonymity, even though the first name only is given or the entire name is withheld.

1980c   Amended 2002 and 2013.
It was adopted that:
All OA events sponsored by registered OA groups and service bodies referenced in Bylaws, Subpart B, provided they uphold the Twelve Traditions, be placed in the World Service Office calendar upon request of the sponsoring body.

1980d
It was adopted that:
A Conference committee member can petition the Board of Trustees to consider by a two-thirds vote of the Board of Trustees to remove a nonfunctioning chairman of a specific Conference committee. The vice chairman will then assume the chairmanship.

1982a Rescinded 1999.

1982b Rescinded 2010.

1982c   Amended 1989, 2018, and 2023.
Group (meeting) definitions of Overeaters Anonymous are as follows:
Meeting with Visitors (Open): Open to everyone. All meetings are considered open to visitors unless otherwise indicated.

Meeting without Visitors (Closed): Open to those who desire to stop eating compulsively. (This includes newcomers, OA members, and others who think they have a problem with food.)

Specific-Focus Meeting: Designed for individuals who may feel they can more readily identify with fellow members of Overeaters Anonymous with similar attributes. For a full list, see the staging.oa.org Find a Meeting page. All OA members are welcome at these meetings.

Specific-Topic Meeting: Designed for a specific subject matter or format. For a full list, see the staging.oa.org Find a Meeting page. All OA members are welcome at these meetings.

1982d Rescinded 2001.

1982e    Amended 2024
It was adopted that:
The Fellowship be invited to attend and observe the open Board of Trustees’ meetings held at World Service Business Conference and World Service Convention. The board is to make available sufficient facilities to accommodate all who choose to attend.

1982f Rescinded 2012.

1983   Amended 1989.
After a presentation/discussion on requirements other than the Twelve Steps, the following statement was adopted:
Overeaters Anonymous respects the autonomy of each OA group. We do suggest, however, that any OA group which imposes a special purpose, task, or guideline should inform its members that this special purpose, task, or guideline does not represent OA as a whole. The only requirement for membership is the desire to stop eating compulsively. Anyone who says they are a member is a member. We of Overeaters Anonymous welcome all members with open arms.

1984a   Amended 1990, 2013, and 2015.
Upon the recommendation of the Literature Committee, a preamble for Overeaters Anonymous was adopted to read:
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 compulsive food behaviors and to carry the message of recovery through the Twelve Steps of OA to those who still suffer.

1984b   Amended 1993 and 2001.
It was adopted that:
The World Service Convention will be held at a time and place to be determined by the Board of Trustees.

1984c
It was adopted that:
Business Conference committees not raise or maintain funds.

1984d   Amended 2013 and 2014.
The following procedure for Business Conference presentations/discussions was adopted:

  1. Items for presentations/discussions at the annual Business Conference are selected by the board from those recommended by the Conference Planning Committee. Selections for topics are made from recurring problems, topics of major interest, and topics requested by the Fellowship.
  2. Service bodies who propose presentation/discussion topics will be sent a letter stating how topics are chosen and that their recommendation has been referred to the Conference Planning Committee for consideration.

1984e   Amended 2014.
After a presentation/discussion, a statement on the sale of merchandise was adopted:
It is the will of the Business Conference that sale of merchandise, per se, is not prohibited by the Traditions. With regard to sale of merchandise, “Each group should be autonomous except in matters affecting other groups or OA as a whole.” If you choose to sell merchandise, the following guidelines are suggested:

  1. All sales be made by and for OA service bodies.
  2. Each sale item be approved by group conscience.
  3. Sales at OA events and functions should be conducted in such a manner so as not to divert or distract from our primary purpose to carry the message to the compulsive overeater who still suffers.

In accordance with our Traditions, each group and OA service body may choose to sell or not sell merchandise as they determine. Overeaters Anonymous must be ever mindful of our Traditions, which warn against endorsement of outside enterprise.

1985   Amended 1993 and 2017.
Upon the recommendation of the Literature Committee, the following revised procedure for granting the Conference Seal of Approval was adopted:
The Conference-approved seal that appears on the back of our literature means that the material has broad application to the Fellowship as a whole and is intended primarily to distinguish OA literature, not to censor other literature.

The Board of Trustees oversees the production of literature at the world service level. The Conference Seal of Approval shall be granted to OA literature upon receiving a two-thirds vote from the delegates present and voting at the annual World Service Business Conference.

All refining will be processed by the Conference-Approved Literature Committee, Board-Approved Literature Committee, and the Board of Trustees, according to their procedures, prior to recommending any literature for approval of the delegates.

Prior to the Business Conference, pamphlets and books that are recommended for the Conference Seal of Approval will be posted online as downloadable files. At the Business Conference, delegates will vote either to approve or reject, rather than to edit or refine the material.

(Note: Originally adopted in 1976; revised 1980, 1985, 1993, and 2017)

1986a Rescinded 2019. Superseded by 2019c.

1986b
It was adopted that:
The annual World Service Business Conference Delegate Binders include a copy of the current fiscal year budget as adopted by the Board of Trustees.

1987a Superseded by 2000a.

1987b Rescinded 2018.

1987c
It was adopted that:
All policies adopted by the Business Conference shall be placed in a document entitled Business Conference Policy Manual which shall be distributed to world service delegates as part of pre-Conference delegate materials and also updated and included in all final World Service Business Conference reports.

1987d Rescinded 2005. Superseded by 2005c.

1988a   Amended 1989, 1992, 1996, 1998, 2001, 2002, 2010, 2014, and 2018.
It was adopted that:

  1. Functioning
    Service bodies may join together in order to help carry the message of OA recovery, providing they adhere to the Traditions and the Overeaters Anonymous policies for the use of OA-approved literature and print material.
  2. Business Conference Delegates
    1. In addition to the requirements set out in Article VIII, Section 3c) of the Bylaws, Subpart B, it is suggested the delegates should be selected for judgment, experience, stability, willingness, and for faithful adherence to living within the concepts of the Twelve Steps, Twelve Traditions, and Twelve Concepts of Overeaters Anonymous. It is further suggested a world service delegate be a current or past regional representative.
    2. As participants, delegates shall not be bound by the wishes of their service bodies, but should not vote against these wishes unless situations arise at the Business Conference that make it necessary for the best interests of Overeaters Anonymous as a whole.

1988b   Amended 2002, 2009, 2011, 2019, and 2021.
The following policy statement was adopted:
The World Service Business Conference 2021 accepts the following definitions:

Abstinence 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 and working the Overeaters Anonymous Twelve Step program on a daily basis.

1988c Superseded by 2005c.

1989a
It was adopted that:
In order to reaffirm the special relationship between OA and O-Anon and in keeping with the spirit of Tradition Ten — cooperation without affiliation — the following be adopted:

Overeaters Anonymous, Inc. recognizes the special relationship we enjoy with O-Anon groups, a separate but similar fellowship. OA wishes to recognize the contribution O-Anon has made and is making to friends and families of compulsive overeaters.

It is the desire of the Conference to affirm the relationship between OA and O-Anon, and it is also the desire of the Conference to acknowledge OA’s appreciation for O-Anon groups.

1989b Rescinded 2003.

1990   Amended 2011 and 2014.
It was adopted that:
The World Service Business Conference of Overeaters Anonymous suggests that individual groups and service bodies refrain from publishing the names or non-OA titles of speakers/leaders at OA functions in any informational materials (flyers, newsletters, etc.). OA service titles (but not names) may be used when a speaker/leader is performing the service responsibility of their OA office.

1991a   Amended 2003, 2013, 2015, 2017, and 2022.
It was adopted that:

  1. The Conference committees listed in Subpart B, Article IX of the Overeaters Anonymous, Inc. Bylaws should confer with the corresponding board committees.
  2. Committee membership will be limited to a delegate cochair, a trustee cochair, and an equal percentage of the year’s registered delegates (with exception listed in 1991a 6). Each committee will include delegates from across the regions, whenever possible. Additionally, a combination of up to six former trustees, current trustees, and nondelegate members may be appointed to participate in the work of the committee during the year.
  3. Cochairs consisting of a Conference delegate (elected by committee members at World Service Business Conference) and a trustee (appointed by the chair of the Board of Trustees) will coordinate the efforts of the committee. The Conference delegate cochair will preside over the committee meetings at World Service Business Conference and throughout the following year. The trustee cochair will act as liaison between the committee and the Board of Trustees and will report to the Board of Trustees regarding committee activities.
  4. Committee members not responding to two consecutive mailings of the committee which require answers will not receive future mailings unless the member has notified one of the cochairs of a reason for a temporary absence from committee work.
  5. The committee meetings at World Service Business Conference will be open; however, only committee members will have a voice and vote.
  6. Delegates should be registered by March 1 and have submitted a committee preference form by April 1. Committee assignment is made on a first come, first served basis except the Conference-Approved Literature Committee and the Reference Subcommittee (OA, Inc. Bylaws, Subpart B, Article IX, Sections 1 and 2). Delegates will be notified of their committee assignment at or prior to World Service Business Conference. Service on a committee is expected and the commitment is maintained until the following World Service Business Conference. It is recommended that those serving at the world service level rotate committee assignments every two years.

1991b Rescinded 2005. Superseded by 2005c.

1991c   Amended 2018.
It was adopted that:
The terms “compulsive overeater, compulsive eater” and “compulsive eating, compulsive overeating” be used interchangeably in OA literature, as determined to be appropriate to the topic and context by the Literature Committee during the regular literature writing, editing, and approval process.

1992a   Amended 2013, 2021, and 2023.
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 share our compulsion. Everyone with the desire to stop eating compulsively is welcome in Overeaters Anonymous.

THE FELLOWSHIP recognizes the existence of individual approaches and different structured concepts to working our Twelve Step program of recovery; that the Fellowship is united by our disease and our common purpose; and that individual differences in approaches to recovery within our Fellowship need not divide us.

THE FELLOWSHIP respects the rights of members, groups, and service bodies to follow a particular concept of recovery within Overeaters Anonymous and encourages each member, group, and service body to respect those rights as they extend the hand of fellowship to those who still suffer.

THE FELLOWSHIP encourages each duly registered group and service body to affirm and maintain the Twelve Traditions of Overeaters Anonymous by allowing members to share their experience, strength, and hope in meetings regardless of the individual approach or specific concept that member may follow. Duly registered is defined as being in full compliance with Bylaws, Subpart B, Article V.

1992b Rescinded 2005. Superseded by 2019c.

1992c   Amended 2002 and 2016.
It was adopted that:
AA literature sold by the OA World Service Office shall be available for purchase at all World Service Conventions.

1992d Rescinded 1998.

1992e Rescinded 2023.

1993a
It was adopted that:
We, the 1993 Business Conference of Overeaters Anonymous, suggest that OA meetings and events be closed with one of the following: the Serenity Prayer, the Seventh-Step Prayer, the Third-Step Prayer, or the OA Promise I Put My Hand in Yours.

1993b   Amended 2010.
It was adopted that:
It is the group conscience of the 1993 World Service Business Conference that the sale or display of literature other than OA-approved literature and AA conference-approved literature (as described in World Service Business Conference Policy 2010a) is an implied endorsement of outside enterprises, and therefore in violation with Tradition Six.

1993c   Amended 1994, 2001, 2002, 2012, 2014, and 2023.
It was adopted that:
The World Service Office shall contact all service bodies annually requesting contributions for the Delegate Support Fund to help delegates to attend World Service Business Conferences. Delegates selected to receive funding will be those from intergroups and service boards demonstrating need. Priority will be given to those intergroups and service boards that have not previously sent delegates to Conference.

1993d Rescinded 2001.

1993e Rescinded 1998.

1994a   (updated 2013 due to amended 1984a)
The following policy statement was adopted:
Our primary purpose in Overeaters Anonymous is to abstain from compulsive eating and to carry the message of recovery through the Twelve Steps of OA to those who still suffer. Other addictions and problems may have contributed to the intensity of our disease; however, OA is not directly concerned with recovery from these issues. They should be shared in OA meetings only as they relate to compulsive eating. It is in our best interest to concentrate on our primary purpose and not be distracted by focusing on issues such as alcoholism, codependency, abuse, or the treatment thereof. These and similar outside issues should be addressed in other programs or with professionals.

1994b   Amended 2008 and 2023.
It was adopted that:
Overeaters Anonymous recognizes the existence of specific-focus meetings comprised of persons with similar attributes. For a list of these meetings, see the staging.oa.org Find a Meeting page. According to the Traditions, bylaws, and policies of OA, the only requirement for membership is a desire to stop eating compulsively. Therefore, we ask each person attending a meeting to respect and consider the group conscience of the whole Fellowship and welcome and give a voice to any person who has a desire to stop eating compulsively.

1994c Rescinded 1998.

1995a Rescinded 2014.

1995b Rescinded 2014.

1996a   Amended 1999 and 2014.
It was adopted that:
The 2014 World Service Business Conference of OA suggests OA’s Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions be read at every meeting. In addition, we suggest all service bodies and the World Service Business Conference read the Twelve Concepts of OA Service.

1996b Superseded by 2008a.

1997 Rescinded 2001.

1998 Superseded by 2008a.

1999 Rescinded 2016.

2000a   Amended 2005.
It was adopted that:
No OA members shall be prevented from attending, sharing, leading, and/or serving as a speaker at an OA meeting due to choice of food plan. Groups sharing food plan information must adhere to OA’s policies on outside literature, as well as copyright law.

2000b
It was adopted that:
Terms used in the bylaws and policies that refer to communications, including report(s), response(s), document(s), and notice(s), shall be understood to include suitable electronic transmissions. The term “postmark” includes appropriate electronic date/time stamping.

2001   Amended 2023.
It was adopted that:
There will continue to be a delegate registration fee adjusted as deemed necessary by the Board of Trustees. A portion of this fee is nonrefundable based on cost.

2002a Rescinded 2005.

2002b Rescinded 2005.

2003   Amended 2014.
It was adopted to:
Ensure the personal anonymity of members, an encryption program will be maintained to allow for secure transmission of all meeting information submitted via the OA website.

2004a Rescinded 2018.

2004b   Amended 2009, 2014, and 2018.
It was adopted that:
Appeals process for service bodies denied credentials at World Service Business Conference because they do not meet the requirements of OA, Inc. Bylaws, Subpart B, Article VIII, Section 3c – Qualifications/Selection.

  1. The World Service Office shall notify the service body of any challenges to delegate credentials within seven days of receipt of delegate information by the World Service Office.
  2. The service body shall notify the World Service Office if it wishes to appeal denial of delegate credentials within fourteen days of this notification.
  3. The Appeals Review Committee shall be composed of two members of the Board of Trustees (the Board of Trustees chair and one other trustee), two region chairs, and two representatives of the region bringing the appeal. It will be chaired by the Board of Trustees chair.
  4. The Appeals Review Committee, via electronic communications, will collectively decide the final disposition of each appeal with a deadline of one month prior to the first session of the upcoming World Service Business Conference.

2005a   Amended 2016.
It was adopted that:
Business Conference policies that have been completed or the purpose of which have been served and are no longer required shall be presented by the Bylaws trustee cochair to the Board of Trustees for consideration of removal at the next Business Conference.

2005b Rescinded 2011.

2005c   Amended 2017.
It was adopted to:
Combine World Service Business Conference Policies 1987d, 1988c, and 1999b to read: The World Service Business Conference adopts as policy the following procedures for the submission and consideration of all a) New Business Motions, b) policy motions, and c) Bylaw Amendments to Subpart B of the Overeaters Anonymous, Inc. Bylaws.

  1. All submissions of proposed New Business Motions, policy motions, and/or amendments to Subpart B of the Overeaters Anonymous, Inc. Bylaws shall include a) a statement of intent; b) a statement of the procedures necessary for the implementation of the proposal (if necessary); c) a statement of estimated cost associated with the proposal; d) a history of related new business items or Bylaw Amendments that were voted upon by the World Service Business Conference in the past five years and the results of those votes; e) up to one page of arguments in favor of each new business item or Bylaw Amendment submitted by the maker of the motion at the time of submission; and f) an explanation of how this motion will help carry the message of recovery to those who still suffer.
  2. The Conference Agenda Questionnaire include all proposed new business, policy motions, and Bylaw Amendments that have been submitted within the announced postmarked deadline, including those deemed out of order with the exception of those motions and Bylaw Amendments that, based upon opinions from legal counsel, are deemed to be defamatory. Proposals included in the Agenda Questionnaire that are deemed out of order must include within the World Service Business Conference Motions Review Committee Comments an explanation of this determination, and at the end of the Proposed Wording the parenthetical comment “Deemed Out of Order: See World Service Business Conference Motions Review Committee Comments below.” Additionally, the World Service Business Conference Motions Review Committee must also include an explanation of the general nature of the motion or Bylaw Amendment that resulted in it being deemed defamatory by legal counsel and therefore not printed in the Conference Agenda Questionnaire.

2006 Rescinded 2014.

2007 Rescinded 2009.

2008a   Amended 2019.
It was adopted that:
OA literature may be discontinued, removed, or changed in format for the following reasons:

  1. Low Demand. When it is no longer cost-effective to print and maintain inventory of Conference-approved OA literature due to low demand, the Executive Committee of the Board of Trustees may decide to move the piece from print to digital form after the depletion of remaining stock.
    1. Pamphlets will be made available for download from the OA website.
    2. The Executive Committee may choose other methods to make low-demand books available.
    3. A copy marked “digital only” with the date the piece was converted to digital only will be maintained in literature archives.
  2. Removal of Conference Seal of Approval. World Service Business Conference delegates may remove the Conference Seal of Approval by a two-thirds vote. Sales of such literature will cease immediately. A copy marked “removed” with the date the piece was removed will be maintained in literature archives.
  3. Non-Observance of Traditions. If any previously approved literature is found by the Executive Committee of the Board of Trustees to violate our Traditions, sales of that literature will cease immediately, and it will not be distributed for any reason. Conference-approved literature determined to violate Traditions will then be submitted to the Conference for removal of the Conference Seal of Approval. A copy marked “removed” with the date the piece was removed will be maintained in literature archives.
  4. Discontinued Literature. A copy of literature that is discontinued for any reason other than noncompliance with Traditions will be marked “discontinued” with the date the piece was discontinued and maintained in literature archives.

Notification to the Fellowship shall be through appropriate World Service Office publications.

2008b Rescinded 2023.

2008c Rescinded 2023.

2008d Rescinded 2023.

2008e Rescinded 2023.

2008f   Amended 2023.
It was adopted that:
The Overeaters Anonymous World Service Office sell recovery chips marked with years from 1 to 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, and 50.

2009a Rescinded 2023.

2009b Rescinded 2023. Superseded by 2019c.

2009c Rescinded 2012.

2009d Rescinded 2019.

2010a   Amended 2012 and 2023.
The following policy statement was adopted:
Statement on Approved Literature
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 books, booklets, and all future editions thereof, with original edition copyright 2010 or earlier; and locally produced OA literature. Although groups may choose to focus on only one piece of OA-approved literature, individuals and groups are encouraged to use any and all OA-approved 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.

2010b Rescinded 2014.

2010c   Amended 2015.
It was adopted that:
The World Service Business Conference Final Conference Report be made available electronically.

2010d   Amended 2014 and 2021.
It was adopted to:
Establish an OA Young People’s Conference Committee.

2010e   Amended 2014 and 2018.
It was adopted to:
Require all groups and service bodies wishing to register with the World Service Office to provide at least one email address and name when submitting their registration request. The required email address is for use within the OA organization and will not be published.

2011a   Amended 2016 and 2019.
The following policy statement was adopted:
Statement on Public and Social Media
While Overeaters Anonymous has no opinion on outside issues, including social media, the delegates of the 2019 World Service Business Conference recommend that any OA member, group, or service body using social media for OA public information and public awareness maintain the personal anonymity of OA members.

Members of Overeaters Anonymous are anonymous. The Fellowship is not. Members of Overeaters Anonymous are responsible for maintaining their anonymity and respecting the anonymity of other OA members. When attending an OA meeting, whether face-to-face or virtual, members are encouraged to seek appropriate means to protect their own anonymity and that of fellow members.

All registered virtual meetings shall inform members that their anonymity is not fully protected when attending a virtual meeting.

Find options for protecting anonymity at Guidelines for Anonymity in the Digital World.

2011b
It was adopted to:
Include the Tools of recovery of OA in the Conference Policy Manual.

The following are the Tools of recovery of OA: A Plan of Eating, Sponsorship, Meetings, Telephone, Writing, Literature, Anonymity, Service, and Action Plan.

2011c
It was adopted that:
Overeaters Anonymous Fellowship bestow the title of founder to Rozanne S.

2012a   Amended 2018.
The following policy statement was adopted:
Statement on Creating Service Centers
Service bodies may form service centers to assist them in communicating with the groups and to help carry the message, providing that they adhere to the Traditions, as guided by the Twelve Concepts of OA Service, and adhere to Overeaters Anonymous policies for the use of OA-approved literature and print material.

2012b
The following policy statement was adopted:
Statement on Group Where Access is Restricted
A group which, for compelling reasons over which it has no control, where access is restricted (i.e., national security, military security, ships, military bases, or institutional setting), cannot welcome all who have the desire to stop eating compulsively will be considered to be in compliance with the points defined in Bylaws, Subpart B, Article V, Section 1, if:

  1. It has provided the Board of Trustees, in writing, the specific compelling reason.
  2. The Board of Trustees specifically approves the exception.

2012c
The following policy statement was adopted:
Statement on Group Liability Insurance
As per OA, Inc. Bylaws, Subpart A, Article III – Members, the legal structure of OA, Inc. does not allow for the provision of liability insurance for OA groups or service bodies.

2012d   Amended 2014 and 2024.
It was adopted that:
World Service Business Conference delegate service is limited to no more than six continuous years before requiring a minimum of one-year rotation out of service. Request for waiver of this limitation shall be submitted to the Board of Trustees. Should the individual be elected as either a region chair or trustee, the one-year rotation out of service would not apply.

2013   Amended 2023.
The following policy statement was adopted:
Statement on Individual Member Donations to the OA World Service Office

  1. A member may contribute up to US$7,500 per year to the general fund, up to US$7,500 per year to any special fund, and up to US$7,500 per year to honor the memory of a deceased member.
  2. OA, Inc. may accept a bequest from the will of a deceased member in cash or cash equivalent. There is no limit on the amount of such a bequest.

2014a Rescinded 2017.

2014b   Amended 2023.
It was adopted that:
Meetings of Delegates
Annual Business Conference

  1. Oral committee and workshop reports shall be made on the final day of the Business Conference when time allows. Written reports are due in the World Service Office four weeks following the close of the Business Conference.
  2. Special meetings of delegates or committees of delegates during the Business Conference for any purpose or purposes may be called at any time by the chair or by a majority of the trustees and/or delegates.
  3. Communications concerning the Business Conference from the trustees and the World Service Office shall be through the registered delegates and service bodies.

2015
It was adopted that:
World Service display the name “Overeaters Anonymous” on all displays, banners, and other signage at its events. This does not apply to badges.

2016 Rescinded 2019.

2017a Rescinded 2023.

2017b
The following policy statement was adopted:
Overeaters Anonymous will establish a special fund to assist in translating OA literature, forms, correspondence, website, and other materials to languages other than English. Money contributed to this fund is in addition to the International Publications/Translations Committee’s budget. The Board of Trustees will establish guidelines to allocate the funds.

2017c Rescinded 2023. Superseded by 2019c.

2018a Rescinded 2023.

2018b
The following policy statement was adopted:
In keeping with Tradition Ten, Overeaters Anonymous has no opinion on bariatric (weight-loss) surgery. In the spirit of Tradition Three, Overeaters Anonymous welcomes anyone with a desire to stop eating compulsively, including those who have had bariatric surgery or are contemplating it.

2019a   Amended 2021.
It was adopted that:
The term hybrid is used to describe a group composed of members attending a single meeting where all can hear and share but may be present either in the same physical location (face-to-face) or through some form of electronic device (virtual).

A hybrid group may register only once and is assigned one group number but may appear on staging.oa.org in both the face-to-face listing and the virtual listing and will clearly indicate that they are a hybrid meeting.

2019b   Amended 2023.
It was adopted to:
Apply for and, if approved, accept non-profit status from Google.

2019c   Amended 2021 and 2023.
The following policy statement was adopted:
The World Service Business Conference established the following annual events.

OA Birthday: The third full weekend (Friday included) of January as the annual celebration of the January 19, 1960 founding of Overeaters Anonymous.

Unity Day: The last Saturday in February in even years and the last Sunday in February in odd years at 11:30 a.m. local time.

Sponsorship Day: The third full weekend (Friday included) in August.

International Day Experiencing Abstinence (IDEA): The third full weekend (Friday included) in November.

Twelfth Step Within Day: December 12 (12/12) each year be designated as OA’s International Twelfth Step Within Day, the purpose of which will be 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.

2021   Amended 2023.
The following policy statement was adopted:
Diverse Voices Policy
When developing new and updating existing literature published by Overeaters Anonymous World Service, the Literature committees will make a concerted effort to include stories and/or quotes from members of diverse populations that are underrepresented in OA.

2022a
It was adopted that:
The OA Responsibility Pledge be included in/on all published OA literature, social media, newsletters, and bulletins maintained by the World Service Office except where space is prohibitive in a printed document. The World Service Business Conference further suggests that all OA registered service bodies use the OA Responsibility Pledge on all OA locally produced literature.

2022b
It was adopted to:
Create a policy that OA makes a Portable Document Format of the board-approved newcomer-oriented pamphlet, Where Do I Start?, available to anyone to download and print.

2023a
It was adopted that:
All official documents and communications issued at the World Service level will avoid, wherever possible, the use of acronyms and abbreviations. The acronym for Overeaters Anonymous, “OA”, and literature will be exempt from this policy.

2023b
The following policy statement was adopted:
Public Communications Policy
It is proposed that Overeaters Anonymous adopt a Public Communications Policy. The purpose of the public communications policy is to assist Overeaters Anonymous to continue to grow the Fellowship and to carry its message to the compulsive eater who still suffers.

We fulfill our primary purpose most effectively by attraction and cooperation—not promotion or affiliation.

Overeaters Anonymous is attracting when it tells people why we are, what we are, what we do, and how; we let them know that we are available if and when help is needed. We state the facts, which are communicated via all available forms of public media, always stressing personal anonymity at the public level. Overeaters Anonymous is cooperating when it works with others, rather than alone. Working with others broadens our scope and contacts, and we reach more of those in need.

Overeaters Anonymous and registered service bodies may purchase ads or send press releases and public service announcements, including those in relation to special events and promotions, in all forms of public media, provided personal anonymity is maintained for members of Overeaters Anonymous (contact names on media communication can include any special worker associated with public communications, as well as the first names of individual members).

For more information on the implementation of this policy, see Overeaters Anonymous board-approved guidelines.

2024
It was adopted that:
When planning the World Service Business Conference or other meetings scheduled in accordance with OA, Inc. Bylaws, Subpart B, Article VIII, Sections 1 and 2, the Board of Trustees will make every effort not to arrange such meetings during major holidays. Whenever possible, such meetings will not be arranged for three days before or after the holidays.

**END**

Note: The World Service Office shall oversee that the Business Conference minutes are researched annually in order to update this summary with any Business Conference motions which have a continuing effect. This includes new, revised, or rescinded motions adopted by the World Service Business Conference.

Appendix A — Recissions

To view Appendix A — Recissions, click the “Print friendly format” link at the top of this web page to print or download a PDF version that includes Appendix A — Recissions.

1962 
At OA’s first Business Conference, then called the National Conference, it was adopted that:
We endorse as our only basic creed the only thing that OA in general subscribes to (from headquarters), the Twelve Steps and the Twelve Traditions. That this is the only basic program that OA (headquarters) believes as its creed. We acknowledge that these two things are the only creed that OA subscribes to, basically. (Rescinded 2014)

1977a
It was adopted that:
The price be put back on the literature. (Rescinded 2001)

1979a
It was adopted that:
AA-approved literature to be sold at the WS Convention with list to be submitted from the Literature Committee to the board for approval. (Rescinded 1989; Superseded by 1982b)

1979b
It was adopted that:
Any activity (i.e., marathons, conventions, and retreats) not sponsored by a registered group, an intergroup, region, or OA as a whole be considered an outside enterprise not to be endorsed or promoted by OA and as such not appear in a world service publication. Any marathon, convention, or retreat that offers for sale any items that are not Conference-approved, be considered an outside enterprise and also not be publicized in OA publications. (Rescinded 1989; Superseded by 1980c and 1984e)

1979d
It was adopted to:
Pay founder Rozanne S.’s expenses to all future Conventions. (Rescinded 2015)

1980a
Amended 1989. It was adopted that:
The purpose of each proposed amendment to the World Service bylaws be clearly verbalized by the proposing body. (Rescinded 2016)

1982a
After a presentation/discussion on whether OA should produce literature on anorexia nervosa or other eating disorders, the following statement was adopted:
Overeaters Anonymous does not have any literature for specific eating disorders other than compulsive overeating. We welcome in love and fellowship all who have the desire to stop eating compulsively. (Rescinded 1999)

1982b
After a presentation/discussion on using an OA/AA-approved literature list which includes the 1976 Business Conference Statement on OA/AA-approved literature, the following was adopted that:
The current World Service Business Conference policy on literature be a list (to be updated as necessary) which includes the amended 1976 Statement on OA-/AA-approved literature: “In accordance with our Traditions, we suggest OA groups maintain unity and protect our Traditions by selling only program books and pamphlets at their meetings. This would include AA Conference-approved literature and OA Conference- and board-approved literature. Intergroup- or group-prepared local literature should be used with the greatest discretion. Even then, we suggest that you submit it to the World Service Office for their information. This type of local literature should be considered temporary and discontinued when OA literature approved for general use is available to cover the topic.” (The complete list which includes this statement, literature, and explanations is available from the World Service Office.) (Rescinded 2010)

1982d
It was adopted that:
The Board of Trustees presents a written Business Conference report of all Board of Trustees’ policies, to be updated for each Business Conference beginning May 1983. (Rescinded 2001)

1982f
It was adopted that:
Future Business Conferences begin proposed Bylaw Amendments directly following the last completely debated article of the previous year.
(Note: The intent is to apply this recommendation only in a year following a Business Conference that was unable to debate and vote on all proposed Bylaw Amendments due to a lack of time.) (Rescinded 2012)

1986a
Amended 1996, 1998 and 2018. It was adopted that:
Overeaters Anonymous celebrate an annual worldwide Unity Day on the last Saturday in February in even years and the last Sunday in February in odd years at 11:30 a.m.

To designate the third weekend of January as the annual celebration of the January 19, 1960, founding of Overeaters Anonymous. (Rescinded 2019; Superseded by 2019c)

1987a Amended 1997.
A policy statement on food plans was adopted:
The OA 1997 World Service Business Conference, after careful consideration, believes that although many individual OA members choose to follow a plan of eating for their personal plan of recovery, offering food plans at OA meetings is a violation of Tradition Ten. While each OA member is free to choose a personal plan of eating to achieve abstinence, OA as a whole cannot print, endorse, or distribute food plan information to members.

Nutrition is a most controversial outside issue; the hiring of professionals to produce food plans for use at meetings also violates the Eighth Tradition, as we need always remain nonprofessional. Groups endorsing any food plans by distributing them at their meetings affect OA as a whole. We ask all groups, intergroups, and regions of OA to adhere to the above policy statement and discontinue the use of food plan information at meetings. We ought best concern ourselves with our suggested program of recovery—the Twelve Steps. (Rescinded 2000; Superseded by 2000a)

1987b
It was adopted that:
One leave of absence for up to sixty days from all Board of Trustees activities and responsibilities may be claimed by any member of the Board of Trustees during each of her/his elected terms of office for any reason. (Rescinded 2018)

1987d
It was adopted that:
The World Service Business Conference adopt as policy the following procedures for the submission and consideration of all a) new business motions, b) policy motions, and c) amendments to Subpart B of the Overeaters Anonymous, Inc. Bylaws.

  1. All submissions of proposed new business motions, policy motions, and/or amendments to Subpart B of the Overeaters Anonymous, Inc. Bylaws shall include:
    1. a statement of intent;
    2. a statement of the procedures necessary for the implementation of the proposal (if necessary); and
    3. a statement of estimated costs associated with the proposal.

In the event that the proposed new business motion, policy motion, or amendment to Subpart Bo of the Overeaters Anonymous, Inc. Bylaws does not, or the maker cannot, state either the procedure of implementation or cost estimate, the World Service Office shall, to the extent possible, propose implementation procedures and make cost estimates which shall be circulated with the proposals. (Rescinded 2005; Superseded by 2005c)

1988a
Regions:
Regional Assemblies
Regions may meet more often for the conduct of business as necessary. (Rescinded 2005)

1988c
Amended 2001. It was adopted that:
The Conference agenda questionnaire include all proposed new business and policy motions and bylaw amendments that have been submitted within the announced postmarked deadline, including those deemed out of order with the exception of such motions and bylaw amendments that, based upon opinions from legal counsel, are deemed to be defamatory. Proposals included in the agenda questionnaire that are deemed out of order must include within the “WSO Comments” an explanation of this determination, and at the end of the “Proposed Wording” the parenthetical comment ‘deemed out of order: see WSO Comments below.” Additionally, the BOT or its designated subcommittee must also include an explanation of the general nature of the motion or bylaw amendment that resulted in it being deemed defamatory by legal counsel and therefore not printed in the Conference agenda questionnaire. (Rescinded 2005; Superseded by 2005c)

1989b
Changes and deletions in the Business Conference Policy Manual were adopted. See sections marked Revised 1989 or Deleted 1989. (Rescinded 2003)

1991b
It was adopted that:
The following information be included in an information packet that is sent to each delegate before the Conference.

  1. A history of related new business items or bylaw amendments that were voted upon by the WSBC in the past five years and the results of those votes.
  2. Up to one page of arguments in favor of each new business item or bylaw amendment submitted by the maker of the motion at the time of submission. (Rescinded 2005; Superseded by 2005c)

1992b Amended 2018.
It was adopted that:
The World Service Business Conference establish an International Day Experiencing Abstinence (IDEA) to be held annually on the third weekend in November. (Superseded by 2019c)

1992d
The following policy statement adopted that:
The World Service Business Conference resolves to welcome anorexics and bulimics in the OA Fellowship as full and equal members. (Rescinded 1998)

1992e
It was adopted that:
The World Service Board of Trustees incorporates the job description of the general service trustee on the trustee application form. (Rescinded 2023)

1993d
It was adopted that:
Beginning 1994 the World Service Office will charge a twenty-dollar ($20) nonrefundable fee to register a World Service Business Conference delegate. (Rescinded 2001)

1993e
It was adopted that:
Until such time as the World Service Business Conference adopts concepts for OA, that all OA service bodies study and utilize AA’s Twelve Concepts as guidelines for their service. (Rescinded 1998)

1994c
The World Service Business Conference 1994 adopted:

  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 World Service Business Conference the active maintenance of our world services; thus, 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 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:
    1. no OA committee or service body shall ever become the seat of perilous wealth or power;
    2. sufficient operating funds, plus an ample reserve, shall be OA’s prudent financial principle;
    3. no OA member shall ever be placed in a position of unqualified authority;
    4. all important decisions shall be reached by discussion, vote, and whenever possible, by substantial unanimity;
    5. no service action shall ever be personally punitive or an incitement to public controversy; and
    6. no OA service committee or service board shall ever perform any acts of government, and each shall always remain democratic in thought and action. (Adopted into OA Bylaws, Subpart B 1998)

1995a
It was adopted that:
Overeaters Anonymous designate January as “Media Awareness Month.” (Rescinded 2014)

1995b (updated 2013 due to amended 1984a)
It was adopted to:
Remove abstinence as a Tool and replace it with a “plan of eating,” leaving abstinence as our primary purpose as outlined in the OA Preamble: “Our primary purpose is to abstain from compulsive eating and carry the message of recovery through the Twelve Steps of OA to those who still suffer.” (Rescinded 2014)

1996b
It was adopted that:
The Board of Trustees may discontinue reprinting low-demand pamphlets that are no longer cost- effective to reprint and maintain in the OA literature inventory.

Discontinuance of a pamphlet:
Conference-approved pamphlets that have broad application to the Fellowship and which fall within the lowest 20 percent of ranked total pamphlet unit sales shall be considered for discontinuance.

The World Service Office publications department will provide a quarterly report indicating the unit demand volume on each Conference-approved pamphlet for review by the Executive Committee.

Those pamphlets that consistently fall below the designated 20 percent of total unit demand for four consecutive quarters may be chosen by the Executive Committee for recommendation to discontinue reprinting.

The Executive Committee will submit a motion to the Board of Trustees for approval to discontinue reprinting those pamphlets.

If the Executive Committee motion is approved by the Board of Trustees, the designated pamphlets will not be reprinted and will be removed from the OA literature catalog when the remaining inventory is depleted.

Notification to the Fellowship shall be through appropriate WSO publications, such as Lifeline and A Step Ahead.

A copy marked “discontinued” with the date the piece was discontinued will be maintained in the literature archives for duplication by the World Service Office for special requests. An appropriate amount will be charged for the time and cost of duplicating, mailing, etc. Unauthorized duplication of copyrighted discontinued pieces is prohibited.

For withdrawal of any Conference-approved pamphlet that is no longer printed; that is the pamphlet shall no longer be available for distribution to the Fellowship in any language, will require approval of the World Service Business Conference. (Rescinded 2008; Superseded by 2008a)

1997
It was adopted:
Effective with the World Service Business Conference 1998, there be established an additional per- delegate registration fee of forty-five dollars ($45) (adjusted annually for inflation as deemed necessary by the BOT). (Rescinded 2001)

1998
The following policy statement was adopted to:
Discontinue Conference-approved literature for reasons other than low sales, a two-thirds vote from the delegates present and voting at the annual World Service Business Conference is needed. (Rescinded 2008; Superseded by 2008c)

1999   Amended 2004 and 2005.
It was adopted that:
An online or telephone group will be registered with world service as long as the listed group meets the following criteria:

  1. Takes place in “real-time”;
  2. Is fully interactive; and
  3. Fulfills the definition of an OA group as contained in Subpart B, Article V, Section 1 of Overeaters Anonymous, Inc. Bylaws. (Rescinded 2016)

2002a
It was adopted that:
There will be a special Conference committee consisting of four members of the Board of Trustees, four region chairmen, and up to ten delegates to develop a plan of action to either strengthen the current OA worldwide service structure or restructure it. The result will be presented to WSBC no later than 2004. The chairman of the board will choose committee members. (Rescinded 2005)

2002b
It was adopted that:
The Board of Trustees will investigate the feasibility of establishing a toll-free line for the purpose of public information and publish its reports to all service bodies by October 1, 2002. (Rescinded 2005)

2004a
It was adopted that:
The WSO have proposal forms available on the OA website with detailed online instructions for submitting the proposals. The forms are to include an email address for the maker of the proposal. (Rescinded 2018)

2005b
It was adopted that:
WSBC 2005 directs the Board of Trustees (BOT) to implement a matching grant program whereby service bodies may apply for and receive funds from OA, Inc. for projects enhancing unity and the ability to carry the message both within and outside OA. Total yearly funding for grants shall not exceed 1 percent of total donations to the World Service Office (WSO) for the prior year. (Rescinded 2011)

2006
It was adopted to:
Change the name of the HIPM (Hospitals, Institutions, Professionals, and the Military) Committee to Professional Outreach Committee. (Rescinded 2014)

2007
It was adopted that:
Overeaters Anonymous, Inc. conduct a Public Awareness Campaign using the services of an outside agency. Expenses connected to this campaign will be supported by member contributions to a special public awareness campaign fund established by the Board of Trustees. The BOT may use up to US$20,000 of current reserves for seed money to initiate the campaign. Such funds are to be reimbursed from the special fund established for this purpose. (Rescinded 2009)

2008b
It was adopted to:
Create an Overeaters Anonymous media policy.

To raise public awareness, Overeaters Anonymous and associated service bodies may send press releases to or make use of special events/promotions in newspapers, magazines, television, radio, websites, billboards, and other means of public media, providing personal anonymity is maintained for members of Overeaters Anonymous. Contact names on media communication can include any special worker associated with public awareness as well as the first names of individual Overeaters Anonymous members. (Rescinded 2023)

2008c  It was adopted to:

Create an Overeaters Anonymous public relations policy.

If Overeaters Anonymous is to continue to exist, it must continue to grow in order to fulfill its primary purpose of carrying its message to the compulsive eater who still suffers and to reach those who are not yet aware of the existence of our Fellowship.

We fulfill this primary purpose most effectively by attraction and cooperation—not promotion or affiliation. For the guidance of our Fellowship, here are definitions of those terms:

To Attract: To draw by other than physical influence; to invite; to draw to; to encourage approach

To Promote: To push forward; to further advance, as in a business venture (implies “hard sell,” advancement for profit)

Cooperation: Joint operation or action (implies coming together of two or more people to work together for a common goal or benefit or on a common problem)

Affiliation: Association or close connection; a uniting (implies lending one’s name, endorsement, legal, or financial partnership)

Overeaters Anonymous is attracting when it tells people why we are, what we are, what we do, and how; we let them know that we are available if and when help is needed. We state the facts, which are communicated via the press, radio, TV, internet, and films, always stressing personal anonymity at the public level.

Overeaters Anonymous is cooperating when it works with others*, rather than alone. Working with others broadens our scope and contacts and we reach more of those in need. Hiring outside contractors or service companies is not considered an affiliation.

*Examples could include, but are not limited to, hospitals, doctors, nurses, clergymen, treatment centers, educators, dieticians, nutritionists, employee assistance programs, and health spas. (Rescinded 2023)

2008d
It was adopted to:
Create an Overeaters Anonymous public service announcements policy.

To raise public awareness, Overeaters Anonymous and associated service bodies may make use of public service announcements in appropriate newspapers, magazines, television, radio, websites, billboards, and other means of public media. (Rescinded 2023)

2008e
It was adopted to:
Create an Overeaters Anonymous paid ads policy.

To raise public awareness, Overeaters Anonymous and associated service bodies may purchase ads in appropriate newspapers, magazines, television, radio, websites, billboards, and other public media. (Rescinded 2023)

2009a
It was adopted that:
The World Service Office provides website templates for optional use by OA service bodies and groups in creating or revising their websites. (Rescinded 2023)

2009b Amended 2017.
It was adopted that:
December 12 (12/12) each year be designated as OA’s International Twelfth Step Within Day, the purpose of which will be 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. (Rescinded 2023; Superseded by 2019c)

2009c
It was adopted to:
Establish a special fund to assist in the translating of OA literature, forms, correspondence, website, and other materials to languages other than English. Money in this fund is in addition to the Translation Committee’s budget. The BOT will establish guidelines to allocate the funds. (Rescinded 2012)

2009d
It was adopted to:
Create a Web/Technology Conference Committee starting at WSBC 2010. (Rescinded 2019)

2010b
It was adopted to:
Add a ninth Tool: “Action Plan.” (Rescinded 2014)

2014a
It was adopted that:
Overeaters Anonymous email groups, commonly called loops (groups that do not meet in real time), may list their group on www.oa.org as a courtesy with the following criteria:

  1. Email groups must comply with the definition of an Overeaters Anonymous group as per OA, Inc. Bylaws, Subpart B, Article V – Overeaters Anonymous Groups, Section 1 – Definition.
  2. The topic and/or focus of the email group are consistent with those listed on oa.org for Overeaters Anonymous face-to-face and virtual groups.
  3. New members must be informed of the loop’s policies, norms, and practices.
  4. Archives are to be deleted at least once a month unless the loop’s policies dictate otherwise.
  5. Email groups are moderated to stay on topic.
  6. The format of the email groups is structured similarly to a registered OA group. Postings to email groups are limited to the topic, the Twelve Steps, the Twelve Traditions, or the Twelve Concepts of OA Service. Feedback, crosstalk, and advice-giving are discouraged.
  7. Each email group will have a coordinator who registers the loop with an email service provider and a secretary who will liaise with the OA World Service Office. (Rescinded 2017)

2016
It was adopted to:
Establish an OA Virtual Services Conference Committee. The committee would focus on virtual groups and would assist in forming new virtual service boards, presenting virtual workshops, and other projects that support the virtual groups and virtual service boards (VSBs). This will help build infrastructure and support for VSBs and virtual groups. (Rescinded 2019)

2017a
The following policy statement was adopted:
Overeaters Anonymous will establish an ad hoc committee to consider the implementation/registration of a Spanish language service board (SLSB). The Spanish-speaking Fellowship will work with the BOT in order to establish how the SLSB will fit into the OA service structure. (Rescinded 2023)

2017c  Amended 2018.
It was adopted that:
The World Service Business Conference 2017 create a Sponsorship Day to be held annually on the third weekend in August. (Superseded by 2019b)

2018a
It was adopted that:
The World Service Business Conference 2018 direct the Board of Trustees of Overeaters Anonymous to establish an ad hoc committee to research and delineate the best means and costs of improving, upgrading, and expanding the electronic “front door” of OA for the purpose of defining a budgetary amount for a “Welcome to OA” capital campaign. OA’s “front door” includes the oa.org website data systems and could include the development of a geolocator and real-time Find a Meeting app for smartphones, or other means revealed to be useful in the research. (Rescinded 2023)