Learning and Contributing Years ago, I just knew to put a dollar in the basket. Then I learned that those dollars buy literature, pay rent, pay for the phone, print meeting lists, and help this thing called “the World Service Office.” As the years went by and my service went beyond the meeting and intergroup levels, I learned oh so much about the … Read More
Giving Back Studying and working the Seventh Tradition has been one of the most important gifts of my recovery from the disease of compulsive eating. Learning to do my part has taught me how to behave responsibly in all aspects of my life. Truly, I did not know that doing a service or making a donation could be the pathway for me … Read More
Committed to Support Being ready to support OA financially is important. I do give at every meeting I go to, and last year I set up an ARC: Automatic Recurring Contribution. I set it for US$10 per month, charged to my credit card. I don’t miss the money, and I know it’s helping support OA as a whole. Putting money in the basket at … Read More
What We Have in Common Tradition Three: The only requirement for OA membership is a desire to stop eating compulsively. When I first came into OA, almost thirty years and 200 pounds (91 kg) ago, I heard Tradition Three and had mixed feelings. First of all, I felt so low I wasn’t sure I wanted to be part of a club that would have me … Read More
Business Plan It was the end of the month, so I attended business meetings for the two groups I regularly attend. Business meetings can be challenging because we all care about our meetings but often have different perspectives and opinions. When a sensitive issue affecting the group is on the agenda, the discussion can become intense. I have an action plan for … Read More
Guided Out of Isolation Tradition One: Our common welfare should come first; personal recovery depends upon OA unity. I love how The Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions of Overeaters Anonymous reflects on Tradition One and talks about our isolation in the disease (pp. 109–117). I remember, about eight years ago, being surrounded by my loving friends and family but feeling completely miserable. I was … Read More
Anyplace Attraction Tradition Eleven—Our public relations policy is based on attraction rather than promotion; we need always maintain personal anonymity at the level of press, radio, films, television, and other public media of communication. A number of years ago, I read in our literature some suggestions for ways to anonymously carry the Overeaters Anonymous message to still suffering individuals who could benefit … Read More
Opinion-Free Tradition Ten – Overeaters Anonymous has no opinion on outside issues; hence the OA name ought never be drawn into public controversy. When I first joined OA in 1990, I assumed all members thought the way I thought and believed what I believed. I was sure we all felt the same about religion, politics, and social action. My first clue … Read More
All In Charge Tradition Nine OA, as such, ought never be organized; but we may create service boards or committees directly responsible to those they serve. It took me a while to become comfortable with Tradition Nine. To my ordered, rule-oriented mind, Tradition Nine felt a little loosey-goosey. Who’s in charge? How do we get anything done? Who makes the decisions? These were … Read More
Losses and Gains Tradition Eight: Overeaters Anonymous should remain forever nonprofessional, but our service centers may employ special workers. I am a professional person on several fronts. I have various public personae. I am a person of “wisdom” and knowledgeable about many things, like a trivia guru. I also have worn many masks. None of this, however, serves my participation in and appreciation … Read More