How Great It Was
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.”
Unity with Diversity
Powerful Surprise
“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.”
Heart Full of Gratitude
“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.”
Worldwide Wonder
“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.”
OA to Z—in Poetry
Enjoy this rhyming tour of our OA program courtesy of Linda M. in South Carolina USA.
A Great Invention: The OA Convention
“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.”
Asian, Pacific Islander, and Desi (APID) Specific Focus Workshop
This podcast features an Asian, Pacific, Islander, and Desi (APID) specific-focus workshop that was made open to visitors outside OA. The podcast highlights the experience, strength, and hope that APID members have to share within the OA Fellowship and to those outside OA who are still suffering from compulsive eating and compulsive food behaviors. 0:00–7:11Introductions … Continued
No Need to Know
“For those who feel they don’t quite belong in OA, I’m here to say you don’t have to believe in a particular God or way—your desire to stop eating compulsively is enough.”
I’m Still an Agnostic and I Still Keep Coming Back
Can an agnostic find recovery from binge eating in the OA program when it has so many references to God? In her own words, one agnostic OA member says, “This program works. I have not binged in over twelve years. If you are like me, I encourage you to attend one of the many atheist/agnostic/secular OA meetings. Hope to see you there!”
Figuring Out + Fitting In
Bonnie, a longtime OA member, came into OA as a teen in the 1970s and reflects on the challenges and benefits of fitting in with older OA members. Bonnie says, “More young people who need OA are out there … I want to be the hand that says, “Welcome to Overeaters Anonymous. Welcome home.”