Unity with Diversity

“So many people set powerful examples that I want to emulate,” says OA member Rhonda after experiencing her first OA Convention. “I am very grateful for the organizers of this World Service Convention and all it offered everyone”

Barbara recounts the two World Service Conventions she attended, and says, “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.”

At her first World Service Convention, Aleta reconnected with OA members who she knew only virtually or hadn’t seen in 20 years. “I was thrilled to see so many people who had been around and stayed for for so long.”

“For me, Convention was a badly needed ‘shot in the arm,’“ says one OA member from Alaska who traveed to Boston for the 2016 World Servcie Convention. “It’s the most amazing feeling to say ‘I put my hand in yours . . .’ and be standing in a circle of over a thousand people.”

“My heart was so full,” says Anonymous after attending a World Service Convention, ”that I wanted to share that weekend’s experience, strength, and hope with anyone who would listen. . . . It actually helped change my life.”

“My world was very small,” says Bonita, “but as I got involved with service in the program, I heard that OA was worldwide. The World Service Convention has been a great part of my world expanding.”

“There’s just something special about being at Convention,” says Hanna. “It’s seeing the people that gets me most excited . . . There’s never an awkward moment, and it never feels stressful the way it can be when seeing family members or non-program friends after a few years.”