DAY 1

Keep Coming Back!

The assembly was held from Wednesday 29th October, 2025 until Friday, 31st November 2025 at Chevilly Larue, Paris, France.

Officers Present: Chair, Vice-chair, Secretary, Treasurer, Digital Officer

A Parliamentarian was also present

The Chair read a welcome statement, followed by the reading of the 12 Steps, 12 Traditions, and 12 Concepts of OA Service. The Purpose of Region 9 was then read.

The Chair then introduced the board members, Committee Chairs and Service Coordinators.

The Parliamentarian explained the procedure for Parliamentary Procedure that would be used at the assembly.

QUORUM

14 countries participating. 37 voting members.

REQUEST FOR ADOPTING STANDING RULES

The Standing Rules were adopted without objection.

REQUEST FOR PARTICIPATION RIGHTS

The chair asked if there was any objection to taking a single vote for Voice and Vote. No Objection. Motion Passed.

OA Rainbow Specific Focus Service Board

Motion: To give OA Rainbow Specific Focus Service Board a voice and vote at the Region 9 Assembly. No Objection. Motion Adopted

Iran National Service Body

Motion: To give Iran National Service Board a voice and vote at the Region 9 Assembly. 31 votes cast. 31 yes, 0 no. Motion Adopted

AGENDA

The proposed agenda was adopted without objection.

2025 SPRING ASSEMBLY MINUTES

The 2025 spring assembly minutes were adopted without objection.

MINUTES APPROVAL COMMITTEE

The 2025 annual assembly minutes approval committee was appointed. 

WORKSHOP – DIGITAL COMMITTEE

The Digital Officer and the Secretary of the Digital Committee conducted a presentation about the digital committee.

REPORTS

Questions on reports were asked and answered.

BUDGET

The chair of the board of trustees from the OA Region 9 Charitable Incorporated Organisation  gave a presentation after which the proposed budget was discussed.

The following amendments were made to the proposed 2025-2026 budget:

• Region 9 Delegates to World Service Business Conference budget line was proposed to be increased to £4000. Passed without objection.
• Public Information and Professional Outreach, Translation of OA Approved Literature and Committees was decreased to £1000 without objection. 
• A new budget line entitled OA Region 9 Contributions to Find a Meeting Fund was created with an amount of £1000. Passed without objection. 

Move to adopt the 2025-2026 budget as amended. Adopted without objection.

The following amendments were made to the proposed 2026-2027 budget:

• Region 9 Assembly 7th Tradition and Assembly Assistance Refund was  increased to £6500. Passed without objection.
• Service Bodies 7th Tradition was proposed to be decreased from £2000 to £1800
  • Option 1 – £1800. 9 yes votes. Option 1 failed.
  • Option 2 – £2000. 21 yes vote. Option 2 adopted.
• Representative Assistance Fund was increased to £6500. Passed without objection.
• Delegate Fund for Region 9 Service Bodies was increased to £4600. Passed without objection.

• Public Information and Professional Outreach, Translation of OA Approved Literature and Committees was decreased to £1000. Passed without objection. 
• A new budget line entitled OA Region 9 Contributions to Find a Meeting Fund was created with an amount of £1500. Passed without objection. 

• Insurance was increased to £1500. Passed without objection. 
• Translation Software was increased to £5500. Passed without objection. 

Move to adopt the 2026-2027 budget as amended. Adopted without objection.

MOTION 1

Motion 1 was presented, there was pro and con debate, followed by questions which were asked and answered. 16 yes votes, 16 no votes. Motion required majority for adoption. The chair elected to vote. 17 yes votes, 16 no votes. Motion adopted.

Motion 1 was adopted as follows:

Move to submit the following motion to the World Service Business Conference.

Use of the terms God and Higher Power

The terms “Higher Power” and “God” will be used interchangeably in OA literature, on the World Service website, and in other OA World Service materials and platforms. 

The term “Higher Power” will be used as the preferred term whenever appropriate based on topic and context. 

The OA Board of Trustees will be empowered to determine which term is most suitable in each instance. 

Proviso: Changes to existing literature will be made only as part of OA’s regular review and revision process. 

TRANSLATIONS WORKSHOP

The Trustee Liaison presented the translation workshop.

DAY 2

The meeting started with the reading of the 12 Steps, 12 Traditions, and 12 Concepts of OA Service. The Purpose of Region 9 was then read.

CONSENT AGENDA 

The Chair presented the consent agenda consisting of Motions 2, 3, 7, 8, 9 and 10. The consent agenda was adopted without objection.

MOTION 4

The Chair suggested the assembly go into Committee of the Whole in line with Roberts Rules of Order. The motion to go into Committee of the Whole was adopted without objection. (At this point the assembly was in recess)

MOTION 4 – CONTINUED

The Chair was informed that the Committee of the Whole was ready to report and the chair subsequently called the assembly to order. The Chair then requested the Committee of the Whole to present its report. The Committee Chair stated that the committee had met, made several amendments, and was submitting an amended version of the document originally presented. The Committee Chair further recommended that the amended document be adopted without further debate or question.

The Chair asked if there was any objection to considering the motion as returned from the committee (see appendix 1) without further debate or question. Hearing none, the motion to adopt without further debate or question was approved without objection.

The Chair then called for a vote on the amended bylaws, which were adopted without objection.

AGENDA AMENDMENT

The Chair asked if there was any objection to move the committee meeting to the end of the assembly, allowing the Fun and Fellowship workshop to take place during the evening of day 2 recovery meeting, and proceeding immediately with the election for the Region 9 Assembly endorsement of the Nominee Application. No Objection. Motion Adopted.

APPOINTMENT OF TELLERS COMMITTEE

The chair announced the appointment of the tellers committee comprising two (2) non-voting members and the Parliamentarian.

ELECTION FOR REGION 9 SERVANTS

The positions of Chair, Vice-Chair, Active Outreach Committee Chair, Bylows Committee Chair, delegates to World Service Business Conference, Trustee Nominee Application for Region 9’s Assembly endorsement were open for election at the assembly.

APPLICATIONS AND NOMINATIONS

Nominee Application for Region 9’s Assembly endorsement: One application was submitted in advance, and no further qualified nominations were received from the floor. The nominee explained their reasons for seeking the role, after which questions were asked and a ballot was taken.

ELECTION RESULTS

Trustee Nominee Application for Region 9’s Assembly endorsement: 32 vote casts, 29 yes, 4 no; the nominee was endorsed.

MOTION 5

The motion was introduced by the chair, and the chair advised that a valid motion to divide the question in order to consider section 4.1 separately was received. Motion to divide the question adopted without objection

MOTION 5 – PART 1

Motion 5 with the exception of 4.1 was presented, there was no debate, questions were asked and answered. Motion 5 part 1 was adopted without objection.

MOTION 5 – PART 2

Motion 5 part 2 (section 4.1) was presented. A valid amendment was received.

MOTION 5 – PART 2, Amendment 1

Motion 5 part 2 (section 4.1), Amendment 1 was presented. There was no debate, questions were asked and answered. Motion 5 part 2 (section 4.1), Amendment 1 Adopted without objection.

Motion 5 part 2 (section 4.1), Amendment 1 was adopted as follows:

Section 11 – Committees and Service Coordinators 

Section 4 – Committee Chairs 

1. The Committee Chair will be elected by the assembly.

MOTION 5 – PART 2, as amended

Motion 5 part 1 and 2 as amended was adopted as follows:

Section 11 – Committees and Service Coordinators 

Section 1 – Standing Committees 

The following committees will serve Region 9: 

1. Active Outreach 
2. Bylaws 
3. Digital 
4. Motions Review 
5. Service, Traditions and Concepts 
6. Translation and Interpretation 

Section 2 – Additional Committees 

The Assembly and the Board may establish committees as required. 

Section 3 Membership 

All members of Overeaters Anonymous may serve on committees. 

Section 4 – Committee Chairs 

2. Chairs are elected for two-year terms. 
3. Chairs are eligible for a second two-year term. 

Section 5 – Service Coordinators 

Service Coordinators are Region 9 members who conduct specific service activities for Region 9 or the Region 9 Board. 

1. Purpose – Ensure clear lines of communication and accountability between committees and the Region 9 Assembly/Board. 
2. Establishment – Service Coordinator positions can be established by either the Assembly or the Board. 
3. Appointment & Accountability – Selected from among Region 9 members and must be appointed by the Board or Assembly. 
4. Each Coordinator is assigned to one or more committee(s). 
5. Committee assignments and liaison responsibilities are determined by the Board. 
6. Current Coordinator Positions 

1. Events 
2. News and Announcements 
3. Sponsorship 
4. Welcome Letter

MOTION 6

Motion 6 was presented, there was pro and con debate, questions were asked and answered. Motion 6 need simply majority to be adopted, Motion 6 Adopted without objection.

Motion 6 was adopted as follows:

6 FINANCE AND BUDGET 

6.5 Delegate Support Funding 

1. Region 9 will provide funding to Region 9 Service Bodies, and meetings acting as Service Bodies, for delegates to attend the World Service Business conference. 
2. Service Bodies receiving assistance will be expected to fund, where possible, some of their expenses. 
3. Service Bodies requesting financial assistance will apply using the appropriate forms by email to treasurer@oaregion9.org no later than 45 days before the annual Region 9 Assembly. The forms are available at www.oa.org and on the Region 9 Website.
4. The available funds for Delegates will be established in the annual budget. 
5. Any shortfall in available funding will be sent to the World Service Office via the approved form by November 1st. 

MOTION 11

Motion 11 was presented, there was pro and con debate, questions were asked and answered. 28 yes votes, 0 no votes. Motion required a majority for adoption. Motion 11 Adopted.

Motion 11 was adopted as follows:

Motion – Part 1: Determination of Interest in Adopting a Slogan

Move that the Region 9 Assembly consider and vote on whether Region 9 should adopt an official slogan to reflect and promote the unity, diversity, and purpose of the Region. 

As this motion was adopted, the Assembly agreed in principle to initiate a structured process for the development and adoption of a Region 9 slogan as follows:

Motion – Part 2: Process for Development and Adoption of a Region 9 Slogan 

Contingent upon the approval of Part 1: Move that the Region 9 Assembly adopt the following process for the development and adoption of a Region 9 slogan: 

1. Move that all members of the Region 9 fellowship be invited to submit slogan ideas through an open call. Submissions will be accepted for a period of 45 days, with the deadline to be set and published by the Region 9 Board or under their oversight. Submissions shall be made via an online form. 

2. Further move that the Region 9 Board, or a working group under its oversight, review and compile the submitted slogans into a list of eligible and appropriate options. All entries will be assessed for duplication and adherence to the principles of the OA program. 

3. Further move that the final list of eligible slogans be distributed via a digital survey to all Region 9 service bodies and members. The survey will remain open for a period of 30 days to allow for fellowship-wide participation. 

4. Further move that the Region 9 Board, or members under its oversight, review the results of the survey and identify the top three highest-ranked slogans, based on fellowship responses.

5. Further move that the top three slogans be presented at the following Region 9 Assembly, anticipated Spring 2026, for formal consideration.

6. Further move that the Region 9 Assembly vote to adopt one of the three presented slogans as the official Region 9 slogan, in accordance with Region 9 Assembly voting procedures.

7. Further move that following adoption, the official slogan be communicated to the fellowship and incorporated into Region 9 literature, communications, and materials as appropriate.

MOTION 12

The chair informed the assembly that motion 12 had been withdrawn.

MOTION 13

The chair informed the assembly that motion 13 had been withdrawn.

MOTION 2

Motion 2 was adopted via the consent agenda.

OA Region 9 Bylaws, Article VIII – Financial Structure was moved to the OA Region 9 Policy Manual as follows:

ARTICLE VIII – FINANCIAL STRUCTURE

1. The activities of Region 9 shall be financed primarily by the contributions of its member Groups, Intergroups and National/Language Service Boards.
2. Region 9 may accept donations from OA members, Groups, Intergroups and other service bodies, conforming with the general principles of Overeaters Anonymous.
3. A secondary source of financial income to Region 9 may be from such occasional projects or activities as may be authorized by the Region 9 Board.
4. All proceeds over and above expenses from the Region 9 Convention shall be designated for Region 9.
5. The Region 9 representatives shall not accept the responsibility, trusteeship, or enter into the distribution of funds set up outside the Region 9 Board, aside from the structure set up within these bylaws. (2022)
6. Region 9 funds shall be banked in one or more countries designated by the Region 9 Assembly. All financial transactions that have not been approved by the Region 9 Assembly are subject to approval of three members of the Region 9 Board. This must be interpreted as to include all unusual items or requests for payment in advance of expenditure.
7. Funds of Region 9 are primarily earmarked for use in operating costs.
8. Where funds permit, Region 9 should have a prudent reserve equal to (1) years standard costs. The standard costs are to be determined and updated annually by the Treasurer together with all other Board members, and included and explained in the budget to be presented to Region 9 Assembly each year. The formula for setting the standard costs is to be reviewed by the Board annually, and the Assembly every four years.

Section 2 – Charitable Incorporated Organization (CIO) (2022)

1. The R9 Assembly is the “Appointing Body” for the Charitable Incorporated Organization referred to as OA R9 CIO.
2. The OAR9 CIO is the legal entity which will be established and maintained by the Overeaters Anonymous Region 9 Assembly.
3. The purpose of the OAR9 CIO is to administer the assets and bank account in accordance with the tax and charity laws in England and Wales and any such laws and their successors.
4. The trustees of the OAR9 CIO will act as the management committee of the CIO and at all times will act in accordance with the will of the OA Region 9 Assembly and in alignment with the OA 12 Steps, 12 Traditions & 12 Concepts of Service.
5. The Constitution of the OAR9 CIO will be in alignment with a) the OA R9 Assembly (Incl. the OA R9 Bylaws and OA R9 P & P) b) the OA 12 Steps, 12 Traditions & 12 Concepts of Service & c) the OA Inc, Bylaws Subpart B.
6. The authorized number of trustees of the OAR9 CIO will be three. These trustees will include the OA R9 banker.
7. OA R9 CIO trustees in addition to the OA R9 Banker will be appointed by the OA R9 Board, provided that they: – 1) a) be an OA member, b) have been present at an OA R9 Assembly c) have one year of current abstinence d) be able to demonstrate their service to OA e) not have any bankruptcy history & f) be willing to be available promptly when requested. OR 2) be a ‘Special Worker’ within the OA meaning of a ‘Special Worker’.
8. Bank transactions shall be authorized in accordance with the normal budgeting procedures and practices laid down in the OA R9 Bylaws and P & P.
9. The trustees of the OA R9 CIO will complete an annual report in accordance with the tax & charity laws in England and Wales and in due time to be presented to the OA R9 Assembly held in the same year.

MOTION 3

Motion 3 was adopted via the consent agenda.

OA Region 9 Bylaws, Article IX – Major Policy Matters was moved to the OA Region 9 Policy Manual as follows:

ARTICLE IX – MAJOR POLICY MATTERS

Section 1

Matters which relate to major policy affecting Overeaters Anonymous as a whole shall be referred to the Trustee Liaison or another member of the Overeaters Anonymous, Inc. World Service Board of Trustees.

MOTION 7

Motion 7 was adopted via the consent agenda.

The following motion will be sent to World Service Office:

MOTION: Move to amend OA Bylaws, Article VIII — Meetings of Delegates, Section 8 – Business Agenda, point c, by striking, inserting and relettering:

SUBMITTED BY:

OA Region 9

L P (Name removed in line with GDPR)

chair@oaregion9.org 

INTENT: To amend the motion-submission and agenda-questionnaire process so that each region is included in the review of the conference agenda questionnaire.

IMPLEMENTATION: Update the bylaws and other documents that mention this procedure.

COST: Staff Time, minor additional administrative hours to review and update.

HOW DOES THIS MOTION SUPPORT OA’S PRIMARY PURPOSE? Ensures that Regions each have a voice, it empowers all service bodies including Regions promoting greater engagement in OA’s decision making process.

RATIONALE: Currently, only non-region service bodies feed in the agenda questionnaire. Many regions have delegates at the Region level, involving them adds an additional layer of group conscience, ensuring that all concerns are funneled through region discussion before reaching World Service Business Conference. This also aligns with Tradition Two (“For our group purpose there is but one authority—a loving God as He may express Himself in our group conscience”) and Concept One, emphasizing that decision-making authority flows from the collective group conscience. By allowing regional participation, this motion deepens OA’s commitment to unity, service, and the group conscience—core pillars of our Fellowship’s primary purpose of carrying the message of recovery.

MOTION 8

Motion 8 was adopted via the consent agenda.

The following motion will be sent to World Service Office:

MOTION: Move to combine OA Policy 1979c and OA Policy 1986b by striking and inserting:

INTENT:

To amend the motion-submission and agenda-questionnaire process so that each region is included in the review of the conference agenda questionnaire.

IMPLEMENTATION:

Update the bylaws and other documents that mention this procedure.

COST:

Staff Time, minor additional administrative hours to review and update.

HOW DOES THIS MOTION SUPPORT OA’S PRIMARY PURPOSE?

Ensures that Regions each have a voice, it empowers all service bodies including Regions promoting greater engagement in OA’s decision making process.

RATIONALE:

Currently, only non-region service bodies feed in the agenda questionnaire. Many regions have delegates at the Region level, involving them adds an additional layer of group conscience, ensuring that all concerns are funneled through region discussion before reaching World Service Business Conference. This also aligns with Tradition Two (“For our group purpose there is but one authority—a loving God as He may express Himself in our group conscience”) and Concept One, emphasizing that decision-making authority flows from the collective group conscience. By allowing regional participation, this motion deepens OA’s commitment to unity, service, and the group conscience—core pillars of our Fellowship’s primary purpose of carrying the message of recovery.

MOTION 9

Motion 9 was adopted via the consent agenda.

Motion 9 was adopted as follows:

1 – Region 9 Assembly

14. Contents of the Assembly
15. The business of the assembly may consist of the following:

2. Question on reports.
3. Election of officers.
4. Election of WSBC delegate(s).
5. Consideration of motions.
6. A workshop for addressing issues arising from the translation of literature, answering questions, understanding and filling in the different licensing agreement forms and understanding copyright issues.
7. A workshop on the Digital work of the Region.
8. Budget Workshop.
9. Hold committee meetings
10. Elect Committee Chairs
11. Any other matter deemed appropriate by the board.

MOTION 10

Motion 10 was adopted via the consent agenda.

Motion 10 was adopted as follows:

3 Board Duties

Article 2 – Duties of Specific Board Members

5. Digital Officer
   1. Develops and implements a digital strategy for Region 9.
   2. Identifies opportunities for digital innovation and growth to maximise the impact of Region 9.
   3. With the assistance of the Digital Committee Chair, manages the OA Region 9 Google Drive, including
      1. Keeping and giving out passwords.
      2. Creating and maintaining mailing listings.
   4. Provides regular reports to measure the success of digital efforts and make recommendations.
   5. Provides training and support to the Region 9 board, committees and service volunteers on digital tools and best practices.
   6. Other duties as assigned.

AGENDA AMENDMENT

The Chair asked if there was any objection to discuss the proposal of the Polish National Service Board for the annual assembly 2026. No Objection. Motion Adopted.

BID TO HOST REGION ASSEMBLY AND CONVENTION

There was only one bid to host a future Assembly and Convention from OA Poland. Their representative presented the bid to host the assembly and convention from September 29th through October 4th 2026, after which questions were asked and answered. There was a request that the date be  one week later (October 6-11 2026) if it’s possible unless the date cant be changed.

OA Poland were appointed as the hosts of OA Region 9 Annual Assembly 2026

FUN AND FELLOWSHIP WORKSHOP

The Trustee Liaison and the Chair presented the Fun and Fellowship workshop with the theme of The Power of WE.

DAY 3

The meeting opened with the reading of the 12 Steps, 12 Traditions, and 12 Concepts of OA Service. The Purpose of Region 9 was then read.

ELECTION FOR REGION 9 SERVANTS

The positions of chair, vice-chair, world service business delegate, Active outreach committee chair, Bylaws committee chair, Digital committee chair, Steps, Traditions and Concepts committee chair were open for election at the assembly.

APPLICATIONS AND NOMINATIONS

Chair: One application was submitted in advance, and no further qualified nominations were received from the floor. The Nominee explained her reasons for seeking the role, after which questions were asked and a ballot was taken.

Vice-Chair: One application was submitted in advance, and no further qualified nominations were received from the floor. The Nominee explained her reasons for seeking the role, after which questions were asked and a ballot was taken.

World Service Business Delegate: 

The chair explained about the procedure, and asked if the assembly accepted the Trustee Nominee Applicant as a World Service Business Delegate too or not, the Trustee Nominee Applicant explained their reasons for seeking the role, after which questions were asked and a ballot was taken.

Three additional applications were submitted in advance. Each Nominee explained their reasons for seeking the role, after which questions were asked and a ballot was taken.

Active outreach: No applications were submitted in advance, A nominee was nominated from the floor and no further qualified nominations were received from the floor. The nominee explained his reasons for accepting the nomination, after which questions were asked and a ballot was taken.

Bylaws: No applications were submitted in advance; A nominee was nominated from the floor and no further qualified nominations were received from the floor. The nominee explained his reasons for accepting the nomination, after which questions were asked and a ballot was taken.

Digital Committee Chair: No applications were submitted in advance; Two nominees were nominated from the floor. The nominees explained their reasons for accepting the nomination, after which questions were asked and a ballot was taken.

Steps, Traditions, and Concepts: No applications were submitted in advance; Two nominees were nominated from the floor. The nominees explained their reasons for accepting the nomination, after which questions were asked and a ballot was taken.

ELECTION RESULTS

• Chair: 36 vote casts, 36 yes, 0 no; Candidate elected.
• Vice-Chair: 35 vote casts, 35 yes, 0 no; Candidate elected.
• World Service Business Conference Delegates:
  • Candidate 1 – Trustee Nominee: 30 yes, 5 no
  • Candidate 2: 33 votes
  • Candidate 3: 22 votes
• Active outreach: 36 vote casts, 31 yes, 5 no; Candidate elected.
• Bylaws: 33 vote casts, 30 yes, 3 no; Candidate elected.
• Digital: 34 vote casts
  • Candidate 1: 11 votes
  • Candidate 2: 24 votes; Candidate elected.
• Steps, Traditions and Concepts: 35 votes cast, 35 yes, 0 no; Candidate elected.

CONFIRMATION OF RESULTS

The tellers committee confirmed the results as announced were accurate.

The assembly closed with the Serenity Prayer.

Appendix 1 – Proposed Bylaws as amended by Committee of the Whole

Region 9 Bylaws

Last updated at Annual Assembly 2025

ARTICLE I – NAME

The name of this organisation shall be Region 9 of Overeaters Anonymous also known as OA Region 9 or Region 9.

ARTICLE II – COMPOSITION AND PURPOSE

Region 9 is a geographic region of Overeaters Anonymous that includes countries and territories in Africa, Europe, the Middle East, and Western Asia (including all of Russia) (OA Inc, Bylaws, Subpart B, Article VI, Section 1, e, 9). It is composed of all unaffiliated groups and service bodies within its boundaries, as well as any virtual meeting or service body that chooses to affiliate with it.

Region 9’s primary purpose, is to carry the OA message to still-suffering compulsive overeaters—wherever they live and in whatever language they speak—by fostering the practice of the Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions of Overeaters Anonymous, guided by the Twelve Concepts of OA Service, and by serving and representing its member groups and Service Bodies. In doing so, it strives for worldwide OA unity, seeks to establish common policies among all countries, and upholds love and tolerance as OA’s guiding principles—recognising that together we can do what we could never do alone.

To fulfill this purpose, Region 9:

1. Coordinates OA activities common to the various members, groups and Service Bodies that comprise its membership.
2. Promote and facilitate face to face activity and engagement for fellows across Region 9 countries to connect with the OA worldwide fellowship.
3. Maintains various methods including, but not limited to digital methods to facilitate communication with its members, groups and Service Bodies, OA worldwide, and the World Service Office.
4. Promotes OA unity within the diverse cultures and languages found in Region 9.
5. Furthers the OA program in accordance with the Twelve Steps, Twelve Traditions, and Twelve Concepts of Overeaters Anonymous, Inc. (Subpart B, Article I, II, and III).

ARTICLE III – MEMBERSHIP OF REGION 9

Section 1 – Membership

The membership of the Region 9 assembly shall consist of the following:

1. Representatives or alternates from each affiliated service body and unaffiliated groups acting as service bodies
2. Board members
3. Committee chairs

For the qualification of representatives see the Region 9 Policy Manual.

Section 2 – Group Definition

Region 9 endorses the definition of an Overeaters Anonymous group in OA Inc., Bylaws, Subpart B, Article V, Section 1 – Definition, and as it may be amended by a future World Service Business Conference.

Section 3 – Service Body Definition

Region 9 endorses the definitions of an Overeaters Anonymous service body in OA, Inc., Bylaws, Subpart B, Article VI and as it may be amended by a future World Service Business Conference.

Section 4 – Affiliation/Participation

Region 9 endorses the definitions of Affiliation and Participation in OA, Inc., Bylaws, Subpart B and as it may be amended by a future World Service Business Conference.

ARTICLE IV – REGION 9 WORLD SERVICE BUSINESS CONFERENCE DELEGATES

1. If Region 9 is represented by less than 40 percent of its service bodies at the prior year’s World Service Business Conference, it may send up to five additional delegates to World Service Business Conference. (OA Inc, Bylaws, Subpart B, Article VIII, Section 3, a, 6)
2. Preference shall be given to nominees selected from service bodies which would not otherwise be represented.
3. The World Service Business Conference delegate(s) will have full responsibility of attending on the behalf of Region 9. They will participate in all World Service Business Conference activities and submit a report to the Assembly following the World Service Business Conference.

ARTICLE V – REGION 9 BOARD

Section 1 – Composition

The Region 9 Board shall consist of a Chair, Vice Chair, Secretary, Treasurer, and Digital Officer. For the duties and responsibilities of board officers, refer to the Region 9 Policy Manual.

In the event the chair of the board should be unable to attend any meeting of the board or assembly, the succession to serve as chair for that meeting shall be as follows: Vice-Chair, Digital Officer, Treasurer, Secretary.

The assigned Region Trustee Liaison will be invited to attend all board meetings, they will have a voice but no vote. A Parliamentarian may be invited to attend board meetings, they will have a voice but no vote.

Section 2 – Elections

1. Elections for Region 9 Board members will take place annually at the Region 9 Assembly.
2. All candidates must attend the assembly.
3. Chair and Vice Chair candidates must have been a representative at a previous Region 9 Assembly.
4. Successful candidates require a majority vote for election.
5. Each candidate must have at least one year of current abstinence and two years of service beyond the group level for election.
6. Board members serve a two-year term, with a maximum of two consecutive terms in the same position.
7. After eight consecutive years, a member can stand for re-election following a two-year interval.
8. Nominations for the Region 9 Board are open for submissions from the floor and candidates will present their qualifications.
9. Vacancies are filled by appointment until the next Region 9 Assembly.
10. Once elected the officers will hold no other voting position beyond Group level, excluding Region 9 World Service Business Conference delegate.
11. Persons chosen as delegates for the World Service Business Conference must adhere to OA Inc. Bylaws, requiring one year of abstinence and two years of service beyond the group level.

Section 3 – Removal of Officers

1. Any Officer may be removed for due cause through a two-thirds vote at the Region 9 Assembly or at a board meeting called for that purpose.
2. Reasons for removal include failure to fulfil duties outlined in Region 9 Bylaws and Policy Manual.
3. Twenty one days before the meeting, the Chair will notify the officer about the motion to remove them.
4. The officer has 14 days to respond and explain their position.
5. The removal vote shall be implemented immediately.
6. In an emergency situation, a two-thirds majority of board members can suspend an officer, and an emergency Region 9 assembly will be called.

Section 4 – Decision-Making Process

1. The presence of at least fifty percent of the Region 9 Board is required to execute decisions deemed necessary for Region 9 as a whole with the approval of a simple majority.
2. Any decision in contravention of the bylaws deemed necessary by the board must be passed by full board approval.
3. Notification of such a decision shall be sent within 45 days to all registered Groups, intergroups and National/Language Service Boards within Region 9.

ARTICLE VI – TRUSTEE(S) AFFIRMATION

Section 1 – Nomination and Selection

1. Trustees are elected at the World Service Business Conference.
2. Nominees should submit their applications to the Region 9 Annual Assembly for affirmation, in accordance with the World Service Business Conference Bylaws, Subpart B, Article VII – Board Of Trustees, Section 5 – Nomination of Trustees.

Section 2 – Affirmation Procedure

1. The Assembly may affirm up to three (3) Trustee Nominees.
2. Nominees must submit their World Service Trustee Application Forms to the Region 9 Chair at least 50 days before the Assembly.
3. Each nominee must attend the Region 9 Assembly (in person or virtually).
4. At the Assembly, each nominee will:

1. Address the Assembly for five minutes.
2. Answer questions from the floor for ten minutes.

5. A ballot will be taken at the Region 9 Assembly.
6. The three nominees receiving the highest votes will:
   1. Have their applications affirmed.
   2. Have their applications submitted to the World Service Office within 14 days.
7. Funding of Nominees:
   1. The Region 9 Assembly may consider funding affirmed nominees as Region 9 delegates to the World Service Business Conference.
   2. Nominees who are not attending the World Service Business Conference in another capacity may receive reimbursement for their expenses.

Section 3 – Selection of Trustee Nominees When a Vacancy Occurs Mid-Term

If Trustee nominations are due, and the application deadline falls before the next Region 9 Assembly, the following steps shall apply:

1. The Region 9 Board will solicit applications from Region 9 Service Bodies.
2. The Region 9 Board will consider only those applicants who meet all requirements for Trustee as stated in the Overeaters Anonymous, Inc. Bylaws, Subpart B, Article IX.
3. A majority vote of the Region 9 Board will constitute affirmation of the applicant(s).
4. The Region 9 Board shall notify Region 9 Service Bodies, the Board of Trustees, and the World Service Office of the outcome of the vote.

ARTICLE VII – MEETINGS

Section 1 – Meetings

1. Region 9 will meet at least annually at a time and place designated by the Region 9 Board.
2. An annual meeting shall be held for the election of officers.
3. A special meeting may be called by a majority of the Board or by 25 percent of the previous assembly’s representatives.

Section 2 – Virtual or Hybrid Assembly

1. Members of Region 9 may participate in a meeting through use of electronic means, so long as all members participating in such a meeting can hear one another and have a way to participate in any voting.
2. Materials presented during the meeting shall be made available to those participating virtually.
3. Participation by Region 9 members in a meeting in the manner provided in this Section constitutes presence in person at such meeting.

Section 3- Method of Notification

Notification of regular or special Region 9 business assemblies shall consist of electronic notice to each registered Region 9 service body and representative, committee chair, board members, the Charitable Incorporated Officer(s)(CIO) and the Trustee Liaison.

Section 4– Quorum

At a Region 9 Assembly, representatives from at least five countries shall constitute a quorum.

Please refer to Article 1 of the OA Region 9 Policy Manual for further information.

ARTICLE VIII – AMENDMENTS TO THE BYLAWS

Section 1 – Amendments

1. These Bylaws may be amended by a two-thirds majority of the voting body at the annual Region 9 Assembly.
2. Proposed amendments must be submitted to the Region 9 Bylaws Committee at least ninety (90) days before the Region 9 Assembly.
3. The Bylaws Committee shall submit these proposed amendments, in writing, to the Region 9 Chair at least seventy-five (75) days before the Region 9 Assembly.
4. Amendments can be submitted by: The Region 9 Board, a Region 9 Service Body, or a Region 9 Committee.

Section 2 – Changes in OA, Inc. Bylaws

Upon receipt of notification from the World Service Office of amendments to the OA, Inc. Bylaws adopted at the World Service Business Conference, the Region 9 Board will evaluate the Region 9 Bylaws to ensure no conflict exists.

1. Unanimous Board Agreement: If the Board unanimously agrees that an amendment is necessary, the Board may make such updates directly. Notification of these updates must be sent to all Region 9 Service Bodies within 30 days of the update.
2. Non-Unanimous Board Agreement: If there is not unanimous agreement by the Board, the proposed update shall be brought before the Region 9 Assembly for consideration and vote.

Section 3 – Emergency Business

All Emergency Bylaw Amendments will be ruled out of order by the Chair.

Section 4 – Amendments to The Twelve Steps, Twelve Traditions, and Twelve Concepts of Service

Amendments to the Twelve Steps, Twelve Traditions, and Twelve Concepts of Service of OA may only be made in accordance with OA, Inc. Bylaws, Subpart B, Article XIV, Section I.

ARTICLE IX – LEGAL DISCLAIMERS

Section 1 – Dissolution of Region 9

1. No individual shall be entitled to share in the distribution of any assets upon the dissolution of Region 9.
2. Upon dissolution of Region 9, whether voluntarily or involuntarily and after all debts have been paid, any remaining assets held by the Board shall be sent to the World Service Office (WSO) to be used for the purposes of Overeaters Anonymous by Region 9 CIO.

Section 2 – Compensation

1. No member of Region 9, nor any member of a group or Service Body of Region 9, nor any other individual connected with Region 9, shall receive any earnings or pecuniary profit from the operations of the Assembly.

This does not prevent the payment of reasonable compensation for services rendered to, or on behalf of, Region 9 in pursuit of its purposes.