An Invitation to All Members

I have thoroughly enjoyed giving service as intergroup newsletter chair for the past two years. It’s been a pleasure to read articles of recovery from enthusiastic members and compile them into a final product each month.

When I first ran for newsletter chair, I really didn’t know what I was doing. However, I knew from previous experience with OA service that people are always willing to help and support me. I’ve held other service positions I didn’t think I could do, but with HP and the teamwork that occurs at intergroup, I was able to help carry the message.

This is an invitation to all members to consider giving service at or above group level. Service has been such a big part of my recovery. It serves several purposes for me. First, I get out of myself. Thank you, HP! I get to channel my energy into something worthwhile instead of worrying, fretting, eating, bingeing, or purging. I get to turn my will and life over to HP by working with sponsees, putting a newsletter together, volunteering at health fairs, and more. Most of the time, I’m feeling great and in alignment with HP.

All of this seems like work, but it’s more like an investment; it adds to the quality of my life. It’s living in recovery for me. I’ve made lasting friendships through service and gained new skills. Most important, I’ve stayed abstinent. Service is really Step Twelve work. I can’t keep what I’ve been given by working the Twelve Steps unless I give it away.

So I will continue giving service in another capacity when my term as newsletter chair ends. I’ll have something new to learn and share. When it’s time to rotate service, it’s my chance (and yours) to experience recovery in yet another way.

Consider becoming a newsletter chair. The Fellowship needs you. If you’re experienced with creating newsletters, go for it. If you need help, your predecessors can walk you through each step, provide you with templates, possible articles, and more. You’re not alone! What are you willing to do today to live in recovery?

— Edited and reprinted from Today newsletter, Saint Louis Bi-State Intergroup, May 2011

For more information about creating an OA newsletter, see Guidelines for OA Newsletters. (You can also find it at oa.org/documents and under the “Guidelines” section.)