OA Virtual Region

Convention 2026

February 20 – 22

Convention Logo 2026 no words

There is a

SOLUTION

GROUNDED IN

RECOVERY

Table of Contents

MODERATOR INSTRUCTIONS & SCRIPT

OA Virtual Region Convention 2026: Moderator Instructions

Tracks 1-3

(1-Keynote & Speakers, 2-Steps, 3-Workshops)

CLICK HERE FOR YOUR SERVICE TEAM LOGO (OPTIONAL) USE AS YOUR PROFILE AND BACKGROUND PIC ON ZOOM

Everyone doing service must register for the convention. If you have not already registered for the convention, CLICK HERE.

I. Pre-Convention Preparation

TaskDetail
Tech CheckUse a laptop or desktop computer (Mac or PC). Avoid smartphones. If using a Chromebook, be aware some functionality may be limited. Test your device’s capabilities at least one week before the Convention.
ReviewRead this entire Moderator format and the full Session Format document before the Convention.
StudyReview and adhere to the OA Twelve Traditions. [OA 12 Traditions]
AttendIt is highly recommended to attend the session immediately before yours in the same track to observe the moderator role in action.
CommunicateRegularly check the WhatsApp group for questions, updates, and coordinator messages.
Emergency ContactIf you are unable to fulfill this service role, immediately text or WhatsApp the Training Coordinator (773.879.6151) or email (training1vrc@oavirtualregion.org).

II. Session Arrival (15 Minutes Prior)

StepAction
TimeArrive no later than 15 minutes before the session start time.
MuteAlways stay muted unless you are speaking.
Check-InUpon arrival, raise your virtual hand to request co-host status. You will be asked to turn on your video, state your service role, and confirm your identity via WhatsApp.
RenameRename yourself using your service role followed by your name (e.g., Moderator Jane D.).
BackgroundWe recommend using the Service Convention Logo as your virtual background and profile picture. If you choose an alternative, ensure it complies with the Tradition of anonymity (no group photos, movie posters, artwork, work logos, etc.).
ConfirmKnow the exact Title of the session you are moderating.
Speaker PrepCheck with the session speaker to determine their plan for open sharing: Will they announce it, or do they need the moderator to announce it? If the latter, confirm the desired share duration.

 

III. Interpretation/Reader Protocol (Moderator & Host Actions)

Goal: Ensure interpretation is set up correctly and instructions are given clearly.

TimingModerator Action

Host Action

(Moderator Reminds Privately)

Pre-SessionEnsure the Host preps interpreters/readers to say the Serenity Prayer and Interpretation directions in their respective languages before interpretation is turned on.Prep interpreters.
Step 1: PrayerAfter the English Serenity Prayer, announce each language one at a time to allow interpreters to say the prayer.N/A
Step 2: DirectionREAD interpretation instructions (See Script B below).N/A
Step 3: Non-English Speakerdirect all participants, including the Speaker and the Moderator, to choose their language (INCLUDING ENGLISH) from the interpretation globe. Say this aloud and in the chat often until the room settles. N/A
Step 4: Interpreter RepeatAllow interpreters/readers to repeat all the above instructions in their languages BEFORE interpretation starts.N/A
Step 5: Go LiveRemind the Host (privately) to turn on interpretation after the Serenity Prayer and instructions are given.Turn on interpretation.
Step 6: EndRemind the Host (privately) to stop interpretation before the final Serenity Prayer.Stop interpretation.

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IV. During the Session: Moderator Script

Revised Feb 20-26 OA VIRTUAL REGION CONVENTION 2026 MODERATOR SCRIPT

OA Virtual Region Convention 2026: Moderator SCRIPT

Tracks 2-3

(2-Steps, 3-Workshops)

CLICK HERE FOR YOUR SERVICE TEAM LOGO (OPTIONAL) USE AS YOUR PROFILE AND BACKGROUND PIC ON ZOOM

The script starts here:

IV. During the Session: Moderator Scripts

PART A: Welcome, Prayer, and Interpretation Announcement

MODERATOR READ:
      • Welcome to the 2026 Virtual Region Convention! The topic of this session is [INSERT SESSION TITLE HERE].
      • My name is [INSERT YOUR NAME] and I am a [INSERT YOUR SERVICE ROLE, e.g., Moderator] and I will be your moderator for this session.
    • Let us start with the Serenity Prayer in English:
    • God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference.

(After the English Serenity Prayer, announce each language one at a time for the interpreters to read the prayer.)

PART B: Interpretation & Captions:

MODERATOR READ:

Interpretation & Captions:

This session will be interpreted in the following languages: (List languages here.)

To listen in another language, click the Interpretation icon / globe in your Zoom controls at the bottom of the screen. Choose your language if an interpreter in your language is present (e.g., Spanish, French). Then, to hear the interpreted language only, click Mute Original Audio.

Reading Ai Captions & Translation:

To read captions, look to the bottom Zoom task bar, click on the CC/ Closed Captions button. If there is not a CC icon there, then click the round circle with 3 dots, with the word “More”. Select “CC / Show Captions” and your language.

Next, you can also change the closed captioning to your own language so that when you hear a speaker who doesn’t speak your language, you will be able to read what they are saying in your own language. On the bottom Zoom task bar, you will find to the right of the Closed Captions (CC) icon, a “tent-arrow-up”. Click the arrow (^) and select TRANSLATE. (This is required to see any translated text!)

Lastly, CHOOSE “My Speaking Language” and “My Caption Language” – both are set to the language you speak and read. (NOTE: After Captions instructions, announce each language one at a time for the interpreters to read them.)

Host turns on Interpretation

PART C: Unity, Anonymity, and Zoom Rules

MODERATOR READ:
    • OA’s Unity with Diversity Policy:
    • As we extend the heart and hand of the OA Fellowship to those who still suffer, let us be mindful of OA’s Unity with Diversity Policy, which respects our differences, yet unites us in the solution to our common problem. Whatever problem you may have with food, you are welcome at this meeting, regardless of race, creed, nationality, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, or any other trait.

Zoom Info and Anonymity:

      • We ask that you keep what you see and hear here confidential and that there be no recordings or screen captures. Please respect the anonymity of all who attend.
      • Attendees are automatically muted.
      • Please stop your video if you are walking around or eating.
      • We ask you to rename yourself to first name and last initial. Feel free to add your state, province, or country.
      • Please note that chat is set to hosts and co hosts only.

PART D: Opening for Sharing (read only if sharing is allowed)

MODERATOR READ:
    • Now is the time for open sharing. Shares are [INSERT DURATION HERE] minutes each.
    • If you want to share, raise your virtual hand in your meeting controls. On a phone, press *9. If you can’t raise your hand, you can chat with a Host.
    • The moderator will call on you. When it is your turn to speak, you will see a prompt on your screen asking you to unmute. Please select “unmute” to speak.
    • The timer will signal when your time is up.
    • You are welcome to tell where you are from and how long you’ve been in OA.
    • Please remember that our TRADITIONS state that OA has NO OPINION ON OUTSIDE ISSUES.
    • This session is now open for sharing.
PART E: Closing and Final Prayer
MODERATOR READ:
      • We’d like to thank everyone who attended this session. We’ll now close the meeting with the Serenity Prayer.
    • God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, courage to change the things I can, and wisdom to know the difference.

(Allow interpreters to repeat the Serenity Prayer in their languages.)

MODERATOR READ:
    • The session is now closed.  

Revised Feb 20-26 OA VIRTUAL REGION CONVENTION 2026 MODERATOR SCRIPT

Convention Logo 2026 no words
THERE IS A SOLUTION GROUNDED IN RECOVERY