Service

Flyer to use as it is or to translate into your language:

Is Food a Problem for You Flyer

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To: Service Bodies within Region 9.

Annual Contribution and budget for Translation, a reminder

Delegates from Region 9 met in Riccioni near Rimini Italy in October 2009 at our annual Regional Assembly. Fifteen countries were represented at the Assembly. Various committees were selected By-laws, Treasury, Public Information, Website etc in order to be effective and workshops held.

We spent a considerable amount of time at the Regional Assembly deciding on how best to allocate the available funds, including a substantial contribution to WSO i.e. 6250€ [£5000].

Moreover, the Assembly tried to include various things in the budget that would assist in carrying the message within the Region.

We have allocated money on translation and printing work so that compulsive overeaters in the Region can read the literature in their own language (there is a budget in place and it is up to the various service bodies to apply for these funds). There is also a special Literature Translation Fund budget at World Service for this. We assisted one country last October and have funds allocated for another.

To share and improve the Public Information resources.

To implement our strategic plan.

We set aside additional monies for delegate assistance so that more Intergroups can be represented at the regional assembly who could not otherwise afford to do so. We increased our budget to assist 7 representatives in attending the regional assembly.

Next Region 9 Assembly and Convention will be held in Iceland October 20 – October 24.

As you can see, there are many financial commitments.

Without your contributions these commitments and opportunities to pass the OA message would not be possible.

I therefore request that if you can make ANY contribution intended for Region 9 please send it now.

I also suggest that your group takes a second 7th Tradition for Region 9 as soon as possible.

Suggested Annual Group Contribution to Region 9 funds.

The group conscience of Region 9 suggests an annual contribution per group/service body to the Region of a minimum of 5% of your annual income.

We have a prudent reserve so that expenses can be paid by the treasurer in a timely fashion and that expenses that do not occur regularly can be prepared for in advance.

I would ask on behalf of Region 9 that this letter is read out on several occasions at your local group / intergroup / service body. Please consider it at your next group conscience meeting at local, Intergroup, National/ Language Service Board level.

A Big Thank you in anticipation.

Respectfully

In fellowship

Alison Turner

Treasurer

Ideas on ways to increase the 7th Tradition

• Specify what the 7th Tradition covers at the appropriate point in a meeting. For example when it is being collected suggestion ‘The 7th Tradition pays for the expenses of the group such as rent & literature and also contributes for its share of the services provided by its service bodies, i.e. Intergroup, National / Language Service Boards, Regional & WSO’.

• Constantly try to inform your group members of the structure of OA service group conscience & why we have it. Show the map of the World with Region 9 marked.

• Pass ‘the pot’ the second time for specific things.

• Project what finances you as a group would like to collect & what you would like to do with it so that in a year the group has a goal/s.

• Consider fund raising as a group.

Mention the suggested amount continually in the group so that members are aware.

• Accept that ‘it starts with me’ – maybe my pattern of behaviour around money is like that of my pattern of behaviour around food.

• Ask the fellowship to consider the money they once spent on our food obsession Binges, Compulsive Exercising, Diets, Pills, Counselling, & other things as a possible solution to compulsive eating and compare this value to what they contribute to OA.

• Remember the slogan Give as if your life depends on it.

Why not get together & consider your own ways to add to the above.

All cultures are different and different things work well in some areas & not in others.

Methods of Payment to Region 9

Please obtain details from the Region 9 Treasurer.

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Professional Outrech WSBC Committee Request

Hi everyone,

Why I’m writing is that the Professional Outreach sub-committee of the World Service Business Conference sent the request below asking each Intergroup, service body, and group/meeting to participate.  Please take this to your Intergroup, service body, or meeting.  I strongly encourage you to participate by reaching out to mental health professionals in your area.  There is a link below that includes suggestions and directions on how to accomplish this.  This is a great service opportunity for people who may have an hour a week to spare but can’t get more deeply involved in service at the Intergroup or Region levels.

The WSBC Professional Outreach sub-committee is asking that you do the following:

  1. Read and download the files from the Professional Outreach Suggestions at http://www.oa.org/services-for-members/service-body.php#outreach
  2. Forward the message below to all of your meetings, Intergroup officers, local Outreach committee members, and other members who could benefit from using the tool of service.
  3. Gather a list of mental health professionals in your area.
  4. Purchase the appropriate number of copies of the Professional Presentation Folder for professionals (see http://bookstore.oa.org/870-professional-presentation-folder.html).
  5. Divide the list between a group of your members willing to do this service, who might form your own Outreach committee.   Even if only one person is willing and available, that’s good.
  6. Each member contact the professionals on his or her list according to the guidelines suggested in the link referred to in the message below.
  7. Each member report the results back to their group, service body, or Intergroup.

When your intergroup, service body, or group/meeting takes action, please summarise the results as best you can and bring them with you to the Region 9 Assembly in October in Iceland (or if you are unable to send a representative – we would love to have your summary be email prior to the Assembly anyway).

Thank you for your service.

Stella C
Chair
Professional Outreach Request

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Hi everyone,

With spring assemblies and conventions coming up, we are asking your help in promoting OA’s 50th Anniversary Bookmarks. They make great gifts, are an elegant way to commemorate our 50th anniversary, and they are priced at only $4. I’ve attached a flyer you can download and print (just cut each page down the middle to create two flyers).

Because these bookmarks must be “seen to be appreciated,” we will also be sending each of you a sample bookmark that you can use for “show-n-tell.”

We greatly appreciate your help! Please let me know if you have any questions.

Best Regards,

– Terry Stuart
Publications Manager
Overeaters Anonymous
World Service Office