In OA there is a service structure, sometimes called the “inverted triangle”.
The image above shows OA’s “inverted triangle and how you as a member of OA and Virtual Region fits in to that structure.
It only takes two people who have the desire to stop eating compulsively to register a meeting at oa.org.
When you register you will receive a group registration number. You will be asked whether you wish to affiliate with an Intergroup (IG), National Service Body (NSB), Languagel Service Body (LSB) or Special Focus Service Body (SFSB)
2) Intergroups (IGs) are usually formed of meetings with a common bond. An intergroup may affiliate with one national service body if it exists, shall be affiliated with one region, and may participate in one or more language service bodies. If the intergroup affiliates with a national service body, that intergroup may choose to affiliate with the national service body’s region or choose to remain in the currently assigned region. An IG may send one delegate to WSBC for every fifteen affiliated meetings or fraction thereof.
3) National service bodies (NSBs) provide support for groups and/or intergroups within one country that are not otherwise served within the existing service structure. An NSB is affiliated with the region where its nation exists and may participate in one or more language service bodies.
An NSB may send one delegate to WSBC for every fifteen affiliated meetings or fraction thereof.
4) Language service bodies (LSBs) serve groups, intergroups and/or national service bodies, usually in different countries, that share a common language. Specific-focus service bodies (SFSBs) serve the common needs of groups and intergroups with the same specific focus, regardless of geographic proximity. LSBs and SFSBs may or may not affiliate with a region. Each LSB and SFSB may send only one delegate to WSBC.
5) Specific-focus service bodies (SFSBs) A specific focus in OA is a recognition that some individuals may identify more easily with OA members who share attributes similar to their own, regardless of geographic proximity.
When enough groups and intergroups identify as having the same specific focus, then a specific-focus service body may be formed to serve them.
Specific-focus service bodies may or may not affiliate with a region.
6) Regions: Regions provide support for service bodies, intergroups, and unaffiliated groups.
7) The World Service Business Conference is comprised of delegates from intergroups, service bodies, regions, and all members of the Board of Trustees. World Service Business Conference delegates make decisions for the common welfare of OA as a whole.
8) Board of Trustees (BOT): The Board of Trustees consists of sixteen trustees. The board carries out the decisions of World Service Business Conference.
9) Executive Committee: There are up to nine Executive Committee Trustees.
10) Trustee Liaisons: There are 10 Region Trustee Liaisons. They also may serve on committees for World Service.
11) Some Serve on Both A Board of Trustee may serve on the Executive committee and be a Trustee Liaison.
12) World Service Office Staff: The Executive Committee oversees operations of the World Service Office and it’s Staff.
VERBIAGE SOURCE: Overall Service Structure © 2021 Overeaters Anonymous, Inc. Board Approved. All Rights Reserved. Rev. 6/2025