Delegate’s Report on the 2024 World Service Business Conference (WSBC) of Overeaters Anonymous (OA)
Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA
Date: May 7-11, 2024
Location: Albuquerque Marriott Pyramid North, Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA
Theme: “We All Belong: Welcome to OA”
Region 9 – 18 delegates (representing Denmark, England, Germany, Greece, Iran, Israel, Italy, Poland, Spain, Sweden, Ukraine, Wales)
Region 9 geographical coverage – Africa, Europe, Middle East, Western Asia, including all of Russia
Total number of voting delegates: 188 – including Board of Trustees, regions chairs and all other delegates.
Countries represented at WSBC: 21 (out of 79)
The 2024 World Service Business Conference of Overeaters Anonymous was held from May 7 to 11, 2024, in Albuquerque, New Mexico. This annual event brought together OA delegates, board members, and volunteers from around the world to discuss and shape the future direction of the fellowship. The conference was a crucial platform for decision-making, networking, and affirming the unity of OA’s global community. With the theme “We All Belong: Welcome to OA,” the conference emphasized unity, inclusion, and the shared goal of recovery for compulsive eaters everywhere. The following is a summary of the key highlights, decisions, and emotional moments that shaped this year’s conference.
MEET THE MAKER ONLINE MEETING BEFORE WSBC OA 2024
Prior to the 2024 World Service Business Conference of Overeaters Anonymous, a special Meet the Maker online meeting was held to provide members with a unique opportunity to engage directly with authors of motions, contributors, and service leaders within the OA community. This meeting aimed to foster a deeper understanding of the motions to be voted at the World Service Business Conference 2024, encourage collaboration, and enhance the fellowship’s overall mission of recovery.
TRUSTEE ELECTIONS
Delegates voted to fill several board positions. These trustees will serve as representatives of the OA community, helping guide the organization’s global operations and outreach efforts.
Trustees elected:
Bob F.
Cindy C.
Cyndy L.
Emilia I. (from Region 9, Italy)
Susan M.
Laurie O.
CONFERENCE COMMITTEES
At the 2024 World Service Business Conference of Overeaters Anonymous, Conference Committees convened to address various aspects of OA’s service work and help guide the fellowship’s future. These committees play an essential role in reviewing policies, providing recommendations, and addressing the needs of OA’s global membership. Below is an overview of the committees that met during WSBC 2024:
World Service Delegate Cochairs 2024-2025
| Conference Committee | Delegate Cochair |
| BYLAWS
– tasked with reviewing and proposing amendments to OA’s bylaws, ensuring that the organization’s governing documents reflect the needs of the fellowship and adhere to legal and organizational standards. This committee plays a critical role in maintaining the structural integrity of OA. |
Arthur G. |
| CONFERENCE-APPROVED LITERATURE
– reviews, develops, and approves new literature that aligns with OA’s mission and the Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions. Literature is a crucial tool for spreading the message of recovery, and this committee ensures that OA’s materials meet the needs of the fellowship. |
Melanie B |
| PUBLIC INFORMATION/PROFESSIONAL OUTREACH
– focuses on raising awareness of OA’s existence and mission in both the public sphere and professional communities. This outreach is essential to attracting newcomers and engaging healthcare professionals who may refer individuals to OA. |
Leslie F. |
| REGION CHAIRS
– is a bridge between the fellowship (i.e., groups and service bodies) and the strategic arm of OA. It networks among the regions for the purpose of sharing resources, solutions, and support. It offers input to the Board of Trustees Strategic Plan. |
Alice W. |
| TWELFTH STEP WITHIN
– focuses on reaching out to OA members who are still struggling, emphasizing the need to carry the message of recovery to those within the fellowship who may be experiencing difficulty. |
Judy R. |
| UNITY WITH DIVERSITY
– aims to ensure that OA is a welcoming and inclusive space for all individuals, regardless of their background, identity, or circumstances. This committee works to identify and address barriers to participation and promote diversity within the fellowship. |
Amodini K. Monica S |
| YOUNG PEOPLE
– focuses on addressing the unique needs and challenges faced by younger members within the fellowship. This committee’s work is crucial for fostering a supportive environment that encourages participation and recovery among younger individuals dealing with compulsive eating behaviors. |
Robbie T |
ADOPTION OF AMENDMENTS
Several motions to amend OA’s bylaws and policy manuals were debated and voted upon. It included among others the following amendments:
– 11 amendments to the Conference Standing Rules concerning e.g. Consent Agenda, Specific Duties of the Chair, Election, Amendment,
– amendment concerning Notice of the regular annual Conference and all special meetings of delegates
– amendment concerning Selection of delegates and alternates to WSBC
– amendment concerning Duties and Responsibilities of the Board of Trustees
NEW BUSINESS MOTIONS – MOST HEATED DISCUSSIONS
1) New Business Motion A
The 2024 World Service Business Conference of Overeaters Anonymous, addressed the formal definitions of abstinence and physical recovery within the OA fellowship. These definitions are crucial as they would provide clarity and consistency in how OA members understand and apply these core concepts in their recovery journey.
The World Service Business Conference 2021 accepts the following definitions: Abstinence is the action of refraining from compulsive eating and compulsive food behaviors while working towards or maintaining a healthy body weight. Spiritual emotional, and physical recovery is the result of living and working the Overeaters Anonymous Twelve Step program on a daily basis.
Motion required majority to adopt and failed.
Opponents of the change maintained that weight is an important aspect of physical health and cannot be entirely separated from recovery from compulsive eating behaviors. Maintaining a healthy body weight can be a significant indicator of overall well-being and progress in recovery.
2) New Business Motion D
New Business Motion D was a highly debated and ultimately adopted motion during the 2024 WSBC. The motion specifically addresses the scheduling of future World Service Business Conferences and other OA-related meetings in relation to major holidays, proposing significant changes to the way these events are planned. It was adopted in the following amended wording:
Move that when planning the World Service Business Conference or other meetings scheduled in accordance with OA, Inc. Bylaws, Subpart B, Article VIII, Sections 1 and 2, the Board of Trustees will make every effort not to arrange such meetings during major holidays. Whenever possible, such meetings will not be arranged for three days before or after the holidays.
The motion arose out of concerns that past OA events, including WSBC, have sometimes been scheduled during or too close to major holidays, which has posed logistical, emotional, and cultural challenges for many delegates and members. These holidays include not only widely observed events but also religious and cultural holidays celebrated by OA members from diverse backgrounds. Scheduling such important OA events during or near these holidays has often placed a burden on delegates, who feel torn between personal or family obligations and their service commitments to OA.
FINANCIAL DECISIONS
During the 2024 WSBC of Overeaters Anonymous (OA), significant financial decisions were made, including the approval of the Fiscal Year 2023 (FY 2023) financial report and the FY 2023/2024 budget comparison. These decisions are crucial for ensuring the financial health and sustainability of OA as it continues to support its members and outreach initiatives. The approval of the FY 2023 financial report and the FY 2023/2024 budget comparison at WSBC 2024 reflects OA’s commitment to transparency, accountability, and responsible financial management.
REGION 4 (R4) DISBANDING IN JULY 2024
At the 2024 WSBC of Overeaters Anonymous, it was officially announced that Region 4 would be disbanding in July 2024. This decision marks a significant change in the structure of the OA fellowship, affecting the members, groups, and intergroups within Region 4.
WORKSHOPS AND TRAININGS
Throughout the 2024 World Service Business Conference (WSBC) of Overeaters Anonymous (OA), several workshops were held to equip delegates with knowledge and tools to better serve their OA communities, understand the OA service structure, and promote inclusivity. These workshops played a crucial role in fostering greater understanding of OA’s core principles and helping members become more effective in their service roles.
– All About Conference (including parliamentary procedures)
This workshop provided an essential overview of the World Service Business Conference and the processes that govern it. Designed especially for new delegates, this session aimed to demystify the complexities of how OA conducts business at the global level.
– Everything You Ever Wanted to Learn About Our Service Structure (Intergroup, National Service Board, Language Service Board, Specific Focus Service Board, Region)
This comprehensive workshop delved into the service structure of Overeaters Anonymous, providing an in-depth look at how OA is organized at various levels. It clarified the roles and responsibilities of each service body and how they interconnect to support the global fellowship.
– Our Uniqueness is an Asset: Inclusion and Acceptance
This workshop focused on one of the central themes of WSBC 2024: inclusivity and acceptance within Overeaters Anonymous. With the theme of the conference being “We All Belong: Welcome to OA,” this session encouraged delegates to reflect on the importance of diversity in the fellowship and how OA can ensure that everyone feels welcome.
MORNING RECOVERY MEETINGS
At the 2024 World Service Business Conference (WSBC) of Overeaters Anonymous (OA), daily recovery meetings were held each morning, providing attendees with a dedicated space for reflection, sharing, and connection. These meetings were an essential part of the conference experience, fostering a sense of community and reinforcing the principles of the OA program.
FELLOWSHIP AND NETWORKING
The conference provided ample opportunities for fellowship, with attendees gathering to share their personal recovery journeys and insights into how OA has changed their lives. Evening events, such as speaker meetings and informal gatherings, helped build connections and a sense of shared purpose.
REGION 9 REPRESENTATION AT WSBC 2024
| Region | Total # of Intergroups/Service Boards (as of 5/11/24) |
Total # of Intergroups/Service Boards Represented at Conference 2024 |
Percentage of Intergroups/Service Boards Represented at Conference 2024 |
| 9 | 64 | 16 | 25% |
According to WSBC WRAP-UP REPORT: Per OA, Inc. Bylaws, Subpart B, Article VIII, Section 3, Part a) 6: A region that was represented at the last World Service Business Conference by fewer than 40 percent of its intergroups and other eligible service bodies may send up to five additional delegates from the region. When selecting these delegates, the region shall give preference to delegates from intergroups and servicebodies which would not otherwise be represented.
Therefore, Region 9 is eligible to send up to five additional delegates to World Service Business Conference 2025.
MY PERSONAL EXPERIENCE OF BEING A REGION 9 DELEGATE
As a delegate representing Region 9 at the World Service Business Conference in Albuquerque, New Mexico, I found myself immersed in an incredible mixture of emotions, insights, and personal growth throughout the week. Being from Region 9, which covers a vast array of countries outside of the Americas, I felt both honored and somewhat nervous as I stepped into this global gathering of Overeaters Anonymous.
Coming from Europe, the journey to Albuquerque felt symbolic, almost as if I were traveling not just across continents, but deeper into my recovery. Upon arriving, I was immediately struck by the diversity of the attendees. People had come from all corners of the world, from different cultures, languages, and walks of life, yet we all shared the same common bond: a desire to recover from compulsive eating and to help others do the same.
Walking into the opening ceremony, the unity was palpable. I was filled with gratitude to be a part of something so much bigger than myself. The theme of the conference, “We All Belong: Welcome to OA,” resonated with me, and I was eager to contribute to the decisions that would shape the future of OA.
Sitting in the conference room among the other delegates was both empowering and humbling. It was incredible to witness the democratic process unfold as we debated and voted on amendments, policy changes, and new initiatives. I felt a deep sense of responsibility, knowing that the decisions I made could impact OA groups and individuals in my home region and beyond.
At times, I felt overwhelmed. The sheer amount of information we had to absorb, the complexities of some of the motions, and the passionate discussions that ensued – it was a lot to take in. But I quickly realized that I wasn’t alone in these feelings. Many of the other delegates shared the same uncertainties, and we supported each other through the process. This, in itself, was an act of unity.
One of the most profound experiences for me was seeing how OA works across different cultures. Coming from Region 9, which includes countries where OA is less well-known, I often feel like we face unique challenges in spreading the message. I wondered how my perspective would fit within the larger OA landscape, but I soon learned that many of the struggles we face are shared by members everywhere. Whether it’s trying to reach younger people, overcoming stigma, or adjusting to the rise of virtual meetings, we are all working toward the same goal.
However, there were moments when cultural differences did come into play. Some discussions, particularly around planning future dates of OA meetings and taking into account national public holidays, revealed the diversity of opinions that stem from our different backgrounds. I appreciated how open everyone was when expressing their perspectives. Even when we disagreed, it was clear that somehow we will manage to reach a solution.
There were also moments of deep joy. Attending speaker meetings in the evening and hearing personal stories of recovery reminded me why we were all there. These stories gave me hope and inspiration, reinforcing my belief in the program. I left each meeting feeling more connected to my higher power and more committed to my own recovery.
The week wasn’t without its challenges. There were moments when I doubted my ability to contribute meaningfully. The fast-paced discussions, the intricacies of OA policy, and the pressure to represent my region accurately sometimes left me feeling inadequate. But through it all, I kept returning to the principles of the program—trusting my higher power, taking things one step at a time, and leaning on the fellowship for support.
One of the most emotional moments for me at the Conference came during the closing ceremony. As the Conference neared its end, a wave of emotions swept through the room, but the moment that truly touched my heart was when all the delegates from Region 9 were called to the front. We gathered together and, in a moving display of unity and diversity, recited the Serenity Prayer line by line in our local languages.
It was a powerful reminder of the global reach of Overeaters Anonymous. Each delegate spoke their part of the prayer in a language that reflected their home country – languages as varied as French, Spanish, Hebrew, Greek, Swedish, Danish, Welsh, German, my mother tongue Polish and some more. Hearing the familiar words spoken in so many different voices and accents made me realize how truly interconnected we all are, despite our geographical and cultural differences.
Standing alongside my fellow Region 9 delegates, I felt an overwhelming sense of pride and connection. The prayer brought us together not just as representatives of our respective countries, but as individuals who had all traveled different paths to reach the same goal: recovery from compulsive eating. It was a moment of profound unity, illustrating the true spirit of OA – we all belong, and together, we are stronger.
The room was filled with a quiet reverence as the last words of the prayer echoed in different tongues. For me, it was a powerful culmination of everything the conference stood for: diversity, inclusion, and the universal need for serenity, courage, and wisdom. It was a reminder that, despite our different languages, cultures, and experiences, we are all connected in this fellowship, and we all have a place in OA.
By the end of the conference, I realized that I had grown, both as a delegate and as an individual. I felt a renewed sense of purpose. I also deepened my understanding of how OA operates globally, which I believe will contribute to my further service in the fellowship.
As I prepared to leave Albuquerque, I felt a mix of exhaustion and excitement. The conference was intense, both intellectually and emotionally, but I left with a sense of accomplishment.
Most of all, I’m grateful. Grateful for the opportunity to serve, for the connections I made, and for the chance to be part of a global community that is truly dedicated to recovery. The theme “We All Belong: Welcome to OA” has resonated deeply with me, taking on new layers of meaning as I reflect on my experiences at the conference. Before attending, I understood the phrase as an expression of OA’s commitment to inclusivity and the idea that everyone, regardless of their background, is welcome in the fellowship. However, throughout the week, I came to realize that this theme speaks to a much more profound truth about belonging – not just in OA but in our personal recovery journeys and our place within the wider world.
Conclusion
The 2024 WSBC was a transformative experience for me as a Region 9 delegate. It reminded me of the power of service and the importance of staying connected to the larger fellowship. I know that my recovery journey continues, but I also know that I am not alone in it. OA is a fellowship of love, unity, and action, and I am grateful to be a part of it.
I am enourmously grateful for the honor and the privilege to be this year’s Region 9 Delegate.
Thank you for trusting me.
Love in fellowhip,
Agnieszka B