NBM 7
Move that OA Virtual Region Submit the following motion to World Service Business Conference 2026.
SUBMITTED BY:
Virtual Region Board
For the motion maker’s contact details, please email secretary@oavirtualregion.org
INTENT: Please see the “intent” section in the motion that follows.
IMPLEMENTATION: Submit motion to World Service Office.
COST: $0 (costs of the motion itself detailed below)
PRIMARY PURPOSE: Please see the How Does This Motion Support OA’s Primary Purpose section in the motion that follows.
RATIONALE: Please see the Rationale section in the motion that follows.
PROPOSED OA NEW BUSINESS MOTIONS
MOTION:
Move that the OA Board of Trustees be directed to conduct a comprehensive review of Overeaters Anonymous’ literature, printing, and distribution processes, both printed and electronic, in order to identify and implement new methods of distribution and commerce that will more effectively serve the membership worldwide.
Move that the OA Board of Trustees implement the launch of a digital literature platform in 2027 and an OA-branded digital membership platform or online bookstore dedicated to the distribution of OA literature and resources be developed and available to the Fellowship for both individual and group purchase.
Move that the OA Board of Trustees explore and implement alternative forms of printing and distribution, including but not limited to print-on-demand, regional or international printing partnerships, and warehousing in alternative locations, for the purpose of increasing availability and reducing cost and shipping barriers.
SUBMITTED BY:
OA Virtual Region
For the motion maker’s contact details, please email secretary@oavirtualregion.org
INTENT:
IMPLEMENTATION:
To provide clear directions for the current ad hoc committee regarding their research in literature distribution. To empower the Board to launch an OA branded digital literature platform that is exclusive to OA on or before 2027 WSBC.
COST:
To be determined by above research with the understanding that the result will soon increase sales margins and literature contributions.
PRIMARY PURPOSE:
When selling on the current literature platforms OA doesn’t control the data (the names of the purchasers) and therefore cannot communicate directly with the purchasing members. In short, a ‘digital literature platform’ gives OA a way to communicate with the buyers – our members. This helps OA carry the message within and address questions or concerns of newcomers.
RATIONALE:
OA needs to update the way literature has been sold to more modern forms of delivery.
At present, OA literature is sold primarily through third-party providers such as Amazon, Apple, Barnes & Noble, and Nook. In these arrangements, OA does not control the data. OA does not receive the names or contact information of those purchasing books, nor does OA have any ability to communicate with them.
An alternative distribution model is being proposed here. Such a model offers not only financial advantages to the fellowship, but also strong recovery advantages, including direct communication with members, better use of OA’s resources, and expanded opportunities to carry the message.
Today, more than 2,836 OA meetings—approximately 48.7% of all meetings—use non-face-to-face formats such as Zoom, phone, and online chat. Under the current system, these meetings and their members do not have access to an OA literature table. Reliance on outside platforms means OA is making less money from sales while also failing to connect members with the ongoing support they need. This includes not only literature, but also the workshops, events, and recovery tools that OA has already developed and continues to offer.
A digital literature table would directly address these shortcomings by:
- Retaining more revenue that is now lost to third-party vendors.
- Building communication pathways with members and newcomers (e.g., newsletter sign-ups, event notices, and links to oa.org resources).
- Strengthening recovery support by integrating literature sales with OA’s existing workshops, website resources, and member-created content.
- Offering newcomers a clear point of connection, including the possibility of localized digital literature tables or regional communication hubs.
In addition, OA’s current print distribution model creates inequities: members on the U.S. East Coast and in Canada pay more for shipping and wait longer for delivery. Exploring options such as regional print hubs or Canadian storage could improve fairness, reduce costs, and speed access—especially important for those new to OA.
The overall rationale is clear:
- Increase OA’s financial return from literature sales.
- Expand communication and outreach to members and newcomers.
- Support recovery more effectively through integrated use of literature, workshops, and resources.
- Promote equitable access to literature worldwide.
By conducting a thorough inventory of current printing and distribution methods, and by moving toward a digital literature platform, OA can strengthen both its financial base and its ability to carry the message in today’s digital environment.