Staying on Point
OA member Tony illustrates why Tradition Five matters in this short share. “It helps us stay on track so when others enter the group as a whole, the message of program is not waived or lost in confusion,” he says.
Readings
Knowing about OA
Melissa, an OA member, understands “Even experts in the medical fields are not capable of knowing about everything.” Read how she was able to carry the message to professionals on three different occasions.
In the Public Information Flow
Jo shares about spending a few summer days staffing an OA booth at a local health fair. “It gave several intergroups the chance to reach out and help change the lives of strangers,” he says.
Radio-Active
When a local radio commentator voiced one of the usual criticisms about overweight people, OA member Lori felt compelled to carry the message, which was read aloud on the radio the next day.
Available to Everyone
Lisa shares a few simple ways she carries the message to the still-suffering compulsive eater and healthcare professionals.
The Big Picture Decisions
What does it mean to balance group autonomy and support for OA as a whole? “In my years in program,” says one OA member, ”I’ve seen several examples of group autonomy being liberating and energizing and also of it being taken too far.”
Empowering Discovery
“When I first came to OA thirty-three years ago, I was a bundle of resentments, says Carrie. Today? “I can honestly say that I no longer have resentments . . . I marvel every day in this program how the Steps really work.”
Many Ways to Serve
There are countless ways to serve in Overeaters Anonymous, each offering an opportunity to support recovery and extend the hand and heart of OA to others.
Always Be Accessible to All
“No matter what walks of life the members come from, each is entitled to experience the fellowship our program offers,” says Anonymous, who showed up to their first OA meeting only wanting to be thin and for the emotional pain to stop and found themselves “loved and accepted as I was.”
Step Three: “The Importance of Working All Twelve Steps” Podcast Series
Gloria, a compulsive overeater and food addict, and Neil, a compulsive eater, host this workshop on OA’s Third Step: “Made a decision to turn our will and our lives over to the care of God as we understood Him.”