Subject: Carrying the Message Together: A Call for Service & Friendship

Dear Fellows,

From time to time, as chair, I receive email requests from members looking for a variety of services, resources, or offerings, e.g., can we provide a Zoom room; when will a certain workshop be offered; can we help with bylaws or policies and procedures; how do we communicate with OA about such and such matter? I could go on but you get the idea. Of course, I love being able to say yes to these requests but sometimes I can’t. 

What I want to say to these requests of your region is this – YOU are the Virtual Region. There is no magical region out there, or ‘up there’. The region is you. Every one of you. At the heart of this program lies a simple yet profound truth: you are the source of our success. No program, literature, or organizational structure can ever replace the warmth, empathy, and shared experience of one member reaching out to another. The miracle of recovery flourishes because individuals like you choose to show up, share their journey, and lend a helping hand.

Beyond that simple truth, what I’ve discovered in the decades I’ve been in 13-step recovery is this: above all else, the most important gift of recovery is the fellowship—the lifelong friends we meet along the way. Together, we share not only our experience, strength and hope, but our lives. I wouldn’t be who I am today without you.

As we said at our Convention, on day 2 of our Assembly 1, and again at our daylong Committee Carnival, we are actively seeking enthusiastic, dedicated members who genuinely care about people and feel a passion for helping others recover and live full, happy, and meaningful lives. Whether you have been in recovery for years or are looking for new ways to give back, your unique presence and skills are essential to ensuring that our doors remain open and welcoming to everyone seeking freedom from addiction.

Where YOU Can Make a Difference

Service is a cornerstone of personal recovery, and our program thrives when members bring their real-world talents to our shared mission. We are currently looking for volunteers across multiple key service areas. More about these places to serve can be found in the links to their pages. 

• Public Information and Professional Outreach: Are you saddened by the fact that so few health care providers even know about us, let alone suggest that their patients try us out? You could be at the forefront of helping us connect with healthcare providers, counseling centers, legal professionals, and community leaders to raise awareness and establish referral pathways for those in need. Were you excited about the recent Newcomer Open House that brought hundreds of newcomers and potential new members to our virtual doors? We’ll host another open house soon. 
• Digital Communications: Have you ever been frustrated in finding vital information about recovery or recovery resources on the internet? You could bring your skills to the tasks of maintaining our website, managing social media platforms, and ensuring that our digital presence remains accessible, clear, and inspiring to newcomers.
• Member Support: How many fellows have you known who gave up? The disease seemed to win and they lost all hope. Our Twelfth Step Within/Workshop Committee works tirelessly to keep our members tethered to this life-giving fellowship. You can be part of that lifeline, reaching out to those who’ve made it through our doors by organizing fellowship events that foster deep connection and belonging.
• Language Services: Can you imagine knowing that there is a solution to this debilitating disease but can’t access it because you speak a language other on English? That’s a reality for millions around the world. We work hard to provide real time interpretation for our major events in multiple languages. Also, we continue the work of arranging for translations of meeting materials, flyers, and core literature to help bridge cultural and linguistic barriers, ensuring our message reaches as many people as possible.
• Bylaws: This region runs as smoothly as it does because of a dedicated team of folks who review our foundational documents to ensure that we are on track to carry the message. 
• Data. If privacy and anonymity matter deeply to you, there is a dedicated team committed to making sure that we honor them. You can help others rest assured that they are safe here. 
• Convention. Did you know there are 14 different teams needed to make our convention work? There is a role for every breathing soul somewhere in a convention subcommittee or team. 

Whatever your background, available time, or experience level, there is a meaningful place for you to serve. By giving back, you not only strengthen the fellowship for others, but you also deepen your own commitment to living a life grounded in recovery, unity, and gratitude. More than anything, we make new friends who walk with us on this bumpy road called life. It’s also true that ‘We are not a glum lot.” We wall, laugh, and cry together. That’s our way. We’re not alone anymore. Welcome home, friends, welcome home. 

Ready to Step Up and Serve?

The contact for each committee is listed in the corresponding link. Of course, you’re welcome to reach out to me at chair@oavitruaregion.org. I’ll be in touch with many of you soon. I can’t wait to get to know YOU better!

With deep gratitude and in fellowship,

Cee Z

Chair, Virtual Region