Region 5 uses the guidance of the Twelve Steps, Twelve Traditions, and Twelve Concepts of Overeaters Anonymous to manage contributions from groups and individuals.
The Bylaws and Policies and Procedures of Region 5 contain most of the practical guidelines for the way funds are collected and used.
Because the Groups and Intergroups in Region 5 have different numbers and different amounts of money in their budgets, we put aside funds to support Representatives to Region Assembly and Delegates to the World Service Business Conference.
Funding to support Intergroups to send Representatives to Region 5 Assembly:
For 2023 we included $4000.00 in scholarship funds. The funds are mainly for Intergroups with a bank balance of less than $1000. Intergroups can request up to $300 per year to cover rooms and travel expenses. Because there are no specific guidelines on this in the Bylaws or the Policies and Procedures, the Assembly or the Officers have the ability to increase these amounts if an Intergroup needs more support. The Intergroup should send the request to the Region 5 Treasurer 30 days before the Assembly. The Representative Funding Request form is on the Region 5 website at: Financial Resources – Region 5 of Overeaters Anonymous (region5oa.org)
Delegates to World Service Business Conference:
Region 5 supports delegates to World Service Business Conference in two ways.
First, the Region has funds specifically for Intergroups to fund their delegates to WSBC. In 2023 we budgeted $5000 for this. Since this money goes to the Intergroup, the Intergroup decides who will be the delegates, how they are elected, and what responsibility they have to the Intergroup after the Conference.
Second, Region 5 is allowed to send up to 5 Region delegates directly to WSBC. This occurs if less than 40% of our intergroups were present at the previous World Service Business Conference (you can find this information in our Bylaws). The delegates must meet all the other requirements for a delegate. The ideal is to send people from intergroups that would not otherwise be represented at the Conference. In 2023 the Assembly agreed to put $4000 into the budget for Region delegates.
The same application is used both for Intergroup and Region Delegates. Notice of Region funding is given in advance and Intergroups are asked to return the applications by October 1 so that the Board can allocate the funds prior to the fall Region 5 Assembly.
If there aren’t enough Region 5 delegate applications, there are two options – the Fall Assembly can take nominations from the floor or, if there still aren’t enough applications by the time Registration for the World Service Business Conference opens, the Board can appoint members to fill the positions. The Delegate Support Fund Application is available on the Region 5 website at: IGDelegateSupportFund2023.pdf
For the last 3 years the funds to support Intergroup Representatives to Region 5 Assembly have not been used.
During the Covid-19 pandemic, delegate funds were used for two extra Region 5 delegates to World Service Business Conference. In 2023 4 Region Delegates were selected to attend and three were funded.
SOOOOO…. Region 5 always tries to use your funds to support the groups and Intergroups that make up our Region. Part of the money you contribute is used for scholarships and funding support. We invite each Intergroup to look at their funds and consider applying for support to bring more representatives to Region 5 Assembly and more delegates to World Service Business Conference. Service is an important tool in our OA toolbox – everyone should use it!
– Linda P., Region 5 Treasurer