World Service Convention is an opportunity to meet up with a sponsor or fellow member that you may only know virtually.
I have had the good fortune of attending two World Service Conventions since I became a member of Overeaters Anonymous in 1980.
My first was in New York City in 1997, and the venue was an iconic hotel. Although I lived in New Jersey, I’d never had the opportunity to stay at such a landmark in the heart the city that never sleeps. It was a memorable weekend filled with fellowship, speakers from around the world, and many diverse workshops and recovery activities. A group of us even got to go to a big-name show, and while standing in line and still wearing our OA badges, we did some Twelve Stepping right then and there.
It was Fourth of July weekend, and that evening ended with a group of us boarding a ship to the Hudson River to see fireworks over the Statue of Liberty. While the US was celebrating its freedom, I was celebrating my personal freedom from the disease of compulsive overeating.
In 2007, I had the privilege of attending my second Convention in Philadelphia. The theme was “Ring in Recovery,” and the pin they had for sale, which I still have, had a beautiful image of the Liberty Bell, another symbol of freedom. At that Convention, I met a woman with whom I still stay in contact, and year after year, we continue to share our experience, strength, and hope.
Conventions are a great place to strengthen recovery, find a sponsor, make new friends, nurture existing OA relationships, and allow ourselves to have some fun. Here are my top ten reasons to attend World Service Convention:
—Barbara
Edited from the March 2020 issue of Lifeline magazine.
