Region 5 OA

All About Region 5

Region 5 of Overeaters Anonymous (OA) is made up of Groups and Intergroups in parts of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, North Dakota, Ohio, and Wisconsin. We are one of multiple regions organized to serve the world-wide fellowship of OA.

Our Region’s purpose is to aid those with the problem of compulsive eating through the 12 Steps and 12 Traditions of Overeaters Anonymous, guided by the 12 Concepts of OA Service, and to serve and represent the OA Intergroups and Groups from which we are formed

How does Region 5 Serve You?

  • Practice and safeguard the Steps, Traditions, and Concepts of Service of Overeaters Anonymous.
  • Maintain direct communication and work with Groups, Intergroups, and other Regions.
  • Provide a personal, immediate means of answering urgent questions from individuals, Groups, and Intergroups.
  • Offer support, suggestions, and experience with difficult situations.
  • Hold Region Assemblies twice a year and a Summer Conference call during which Intergroups Representatives and Region Board members meet to administer and conduct Region business. At these meetings, Intergroup Representatives share exciting and effective ways to strengthen abstinence and recovery, retain members, increase membership, and solve vital Intergroup issues.

At these meetings, Intergroup Representatives share exciting and effective ways to strengthen abstinence and recovery, retain members, increase membership, and solve vital Intergroup issues.

  • Provide funding assistance based on need to help Intergroups.
  • Assist with startups including helping groups with literature and other costs.
  • Send Representatives to Region Assemblies.
  • Send Delegates to World Service Business Conference.
  • Hold or attend Public Information and Professional Outreach events.

We Provide the Following Services

  • Participate in Public Information programs to spread the word about OA in their area.
  • Publish the “Freedom from Bondage” online newsletter.
  • Maintain the website www.region5oa.org with event information, Intergroup links, Region business, forms, etc.
  • Maintain an online event calendar on our website for all of Region 5, Intergroups and other important OA events.
  • Maintain an intergroup page on our website for intergroups to post important documents such as meeting lists, minutes, and newsletters.
  • Maintain an email blast list to distribute information to the membership.
  • Work with unaffiliated Groups to link them with an Intergroup wherever possible.
  • Provide an online meeting space for Intergroups and Region 5 committee meetings. We also support an online recovery meeting every Sunday morning at 9:00 AM Eastern and 8:00 AM Central.
  • Represent the unaffiliated Groups at World Service Business Conference.
  • Maintain a list of Region 5 OA speakers available to Intergroups throughout the Region.
  • Host a Region Convention annually for a weekend of Recovery and Fellowship.
  • The Region Board delivers free workshops to Intergroups on Service, Traditions, Concepts, Sponsorship, Strong Meetings, Abstinence, Intergroup Inventories, and other topics, all designed to strengthen the Intergroup, the fellowship, and carry the message of recovery.

Here are the top ten reasons why OA members choose to participate at Region 5 Assemblies and Committees:

  1. To take advantage of opportunities to serve the greater good of all our Region 5 Service Bodies, enabling them to spread the message of Overeaters Anonymous.
  2. To tap into the combined wisdom and experience of all the Intergroups that are attending.
  3. To participate in business of the Region being conducted. It is personally rewarding contributing to the greater good of our Region.
  4. To be part of the greater Unity between all the Intergroups and Groups of the Region.
  5. To keep abstinent by using the tool of service.
  6. To help decide how to use funds collected for Region 5.
  7. To help put on Region 5 special events and encourage members to attend intergroup events.
  8. To help Intergroups to grow stronger and thus strengthen meetings all over our Region.
  9. To hang out with like-minded people, who have awesome recovery and a powerful desire to grow OA in our Region.
  10. To enjoy all of the fun!