Service Bodies

Individuals form groups.

Groups host OA meetings to provide support for individual OA members. Together we get better, and we don’t have to do it alone.

Groups form Service Bodies. Affiliated groups get support from the following service bodies:

Intergroups

Intergroups are usually formed of groups with a common bond. An intergroup may affiliate with one national service board if it exists, shall be affiliated with one region, and may participate in one or more language service boards.

National Service Boards

National service boards provide support for groups and/or intergroups within one country that are not otherwise served within the existing service structure. A national service board is affiliated with the region where its nation exists and may participate in one or more language service boards.

Language Service Boards

Language service boards serve groups, intergroups and/or national service boards, usually in different countries, that share a common language. Language service boards may or may not affiliate with a region.

Specific-Focus Service Boards

A specific focus in OA is a recognition that some individuals may identify more easily with OA members who share attributes similar to their own, regardless of geographic proximity. When enough groups and intergroups identify as having the same specific focus, then a specific-focus service board may be formed to serve them. Specific-focus service boards may or may not affiliate with a region.

Regions

Regions provide support for service boards, intergroups, and unaffiliated groups.

Definitions

For OA’s official definitions of groups, intergroups, service boards, and regions, see OA Bylaws, Subpart B.

To browse the different service bodies currently registered with the World Service Office, see Find a Service Body.

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