Region 9 Assembly

Committee Reports

Active Outreach

Over the past year, the Active Outreach team within Overeaters Anonymous (Region 9) has worked diligently to expand our reach, connect with members across various countries, and address the specific needs of our diverse membership. Our efforts have focused on organizing the Special Meeting, gathering feedback, and fostering communication between representatives of different countries within Region 9.

Activities

1. Special Meeting in May 2024

• Its objective was to provide a platform for getting together, networking and sharing stories of success in recovery and challanges in particular Member countries
• Participation: The Meeting was attended by persons representing 21 countries within Region 9. Feedback from participants indicated that the session was valuable and provided much-needed get-together.
• Follow-up: Members asked for workshops about service, sponsorship, translations (incl. funding), service structure, public information/public outreach

2. Country representatives’ outreach

• Its objective was to establish and maintain direct contact with representatives from countries within Region 9.
• Achievement: Through these communications, we were able to gather detailed information about the specific challenges and needs of members in these regions.
• Some findings:
  • Lack of recovery meetings: some countries reported difficulties in accessing meetings in their native languages because groups ceased to exist during the pandemia.
  • Lack of literature: members in some countries highlighted the need for materials in their local languages.

3. Needs assessment

• Its objective was to gather and analyze the needs of OA members across Region 9 to organize future initiatives.
• Achievement: The Active Outreach team compiled data from country representatives and the Special Meeting, identifying key areas where support is needed. This information is used to tailor our outreach efforts and will serve as the foundation for future planning.

4. Increased participation

• Its objective was to foster a more inclusive and participatory environment within Region 9.
• Achievement: Our outreach efforts resulted in increased participation in regional meetings and activities. Several countries that previously had limited engagement are now more actively involved, contributing to a richer and more diverse regional community.

Future Goals

Looking ahead, the Active Outreach team plans e.g. to:

1. organize workshops on topics indicated by country members
2. sustain members’ engagement in regional activities and meetings

Conclusion

The past year has been one of growth and learning for the Active Outreach team. Through our Special Meeting and direct communication with country representatives we have made significant strides in addressing the needs of our members. We look forward to building on these achievements in the coming year and continuing to support the recovery journeys of all members within our region.

Thanks to all the team members and country representatives who contributed to our efforts.

 

Agnieszka,
Chair of the Active Outreach Committee