“Having had a spiritual awakening as the result of these Steps, we tried to carry this message to compulsive overeaters and to practice these principles in all our affairs.”
Step 12 is one of the reasons I chose to run for the position of Vice Chair (VC). To strengthen my recovery Physically, Emotionally and Spiritually – I strive to continue to carry this message to compulsive overeaters. By doing this service I routinely have to look at ALL of the principles of the program – keeping me from falling in to character defects that may cause harm to myself and others.
As VC my responsibilities are, but not limited to, those listed below:
o Attend monthly Board and Intergroup meetings. At these meetings I offer my experience, strength and hope, along with my knowledge of OA steps/traditions to assist with providing services to other compulsive overeaters. In addition to these routine monthly meetings, I attend ad hoc meetings that are needed by the Board to accomplish business.
o Fill in for the position of Chair of in the event that the Chair is unable to attend a meeting and/or the position is open.
o According to the Bylaws, the VC is responsible to Head a Standing Committee. Currently the role of VC has been to chair the Events Committee. As the Chair of this committee, I have the privilege of working with amazing members of OA to coordinate recovery events. Such love and commitment are given by this committee to do 12th step work for our intergroup and OA as a whole. The events currently overseen by the committee are, but not limited to:
- New Years Day Marathon
- Unity Day
- CCI’s annual Retreat (a weekend event)
- IDEA Day
Events Committee meetings are held monthly and as needed to complete business to allow for scheduled events to be completed in a timely manner. As part of the Committee, I participate with other members to: create and oversee the agenda for the monthly meetings; creating programing for the event; identifying appropriate speakers/topics for the events; preparing outlines for events; acting as the host for the events; communicating with the Intergroup Board as to the goals and status of events for the Committee; work with Intergroup Secretary to insure communication related to events are sent to the fellowship via e-blasts; remaining available to the fellowship to answer any questions/concerns related to the committee or upcoming events; update the monthly Events Summary presented at Intergroup meetings.
I hesitated running for this position due to my own fears and self-esteem. I worked through these with my sponsor, other OA members and most important my HP. I was led to apply for and accept the role of VC. This opportunity has been priceless. My recovery has grown by doing 12th step work. I am grateful and very blessed.
– Karen B., Intergroup Vice Chair