Embrace the similarities, Love the differences, In all our affairs

Board Application – Secretary

The Assembly will be start at 8am on Wednesday 30th of September, in order to feel refreshed we enourage members to arrive Tuesday 29th of September in the late afternoon or early evening. The assembly will finish around 4pm on Friday 2nd October 2026. Convention will then start on Friday 2nd October 2026 in the early evening and finish no later than 2pm on Sunday 4th October 2026.

Names, acronyms, and short forms have been removed or edited for consistency with OA Policy

Name:

H.V. (Name removed due to GDPR)

Years in OA.

6

Number of years of service beyond the group level

5

Date continuous abstinence began

Monday, October 12, 2020

Have you attended at least one Assembly prior to the Assembly at which you would be elected?

Yes

Do you have at least one year of current abstinence?

Yes

Do you have at least two years of service beyond the group level

Yes

Summary of my OA service responsibilities

  • Regular meeting attender, WhatsApp meeting attender, SponsorTreasurer of the Dutch Intergroup
  • Literature Sales for the Dutch Intergroup
  • International Representative for the Dutch Intergroup
  • Delegate for Region 9 to the World Service Business Conference 2025 (Virtual)
  • Secretary of the Region 9 Digital Committee from 2025 to present
  • Secretary of the World Service Professional Information Public Outreach Committee 2025
  • Delegate from the Dutch Intergroup to the Region 9 Annual Assembly in Paris in 2025
  • Delegate from the Dutch Intergroup to the World Service Business Conference 2026 (in person)
  • Delegate from the Dutch Intergroup to the Region 9 Spring Assembly 2026 (virtual)
  • Delegate from the Dutch Intergroup to the Region 9 Assembly in Warsaw 2026
  • Helped with the switch from Skype to Zoom for daily virtual meetings in the Netherlands
  • Helped organise three face-to-face meetings in a region where no meetings were taking place
  • Member of the validation committee of the Dutch Literature Commission

I can bring the following business, professional or other experience, and skill to the board

First and foremost, I bring with me my love for and commitment to Overeaters Anonymous.

Professionally, I have gained a great deal of experience in my role as a teacher. I was not just a teacher but was always involved in the organisation as a whole. I served for many years as chair of the works council.

As a senior teacher, I led my teaching team. I have been involved in major projects, where I focused particularly on implementing educational innovation and creatively exploring new approaches and possibilities.

In OA, I have learnt above all what true collaboration means: not imposing my views, nor keeping quiet, but working together constructively.

I think I have a good sense of how to maintain an overview and manage the flow of information. I am keen to learn and would like to find out more about how I can serve our region

In this way, I hope to support and strengthen the board.

I would like to be a member of the board for the following reasons:

There were times when I thought I didn’t have much more to contribute to life. Just as when I first joined OA, I feel that I am seeking the recovery and spiritual development that I find here

I see this as an opportunity to strengthen my personal recovery and to give back to OA what I myself have been so generously given

Brief account of my OA recovery story – physical, emotional, and spiritual

I am convinced that I was born with a predisposition to addiction. The things I went through whilst growing up fuelled my addiction. This manifested itself in increasingly severe compulsive behaviour relating to food.

It was only six years ago, when I could no longer come up with any excuses to justify my behaviour, that I was able to admit my powerlessness. I joined OA in a state of despair and was willing to do anything to find what I saw in my fellow members. I quickly found a sponsor who lovingly guided me through the steps. At last, I learnt to know and love myself. Within two years, I reached a healthy body weight and have maintained it ever since. The greatest gift is the relationship I’ve been given with my Higher Power, my God.

I have complete confidence that, no matter what difficulties life has in store for me, my God will guide me through it all.

I know how important the programme and the fellowship are to me in keeping me on the right path and continuing to listen to the guidance I receive from my God.

I have found a fantastic environment where I can make mistakes, ask for help and practise doing things better.

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