The Public Information, Professional Outreach, and Unity With Diversity Committee, (PIPO/UWD), exists for one clear and meaningful purpose: to carry the message of recovery and grow the hands and hearts of those willing to share it.
On the Public Information side, we reach out to the still suffering compulsive eater who may not even know Overeaters Anonymous exists. We look for creative and compassionate ways to make sure no one misses the opportunity for recovery simply because they did not know help was available.
On the Professional Outreach side, we connect with doctors, therapists, clergy, and other professionals, offering information about OA as a trusted resource for the people they serve. Professionals then feel confident in referring patients and clients to the OA program that offers hope and community.
PIPO/UWD also plays an important role in welcoming and recruiting volunteers. Outreach does not happen on its own. It takes willing members who are ready to serve. Whether someone wants to help with a single event, or grow into a larger service role, the committee creates space for selective involvement.
We also plan three Newcomer Open Houses each year, typically around January, May, and September. These outreach weekends run approximately twelve hours on a Saturday and four hours on a Sunday. Affiliated intergroup meetings are invited to participate by planning and hosting meetings, joining in our region’s efforts, sharing the message of recovery, and introducing prospective members to their region’s intergroups.
We work project by project, so members can contribute in ways that matter most to them, joining an initiative that speaks to the heart, or becoming part of the committee and collaborating across multiple efforts. We welcome individual ideas, energy, and service.
Monthly on the first Saturday at 4pm Eastern Time
“Always to extend the hand and heart of OA
to all who share my compulsion;
for this I am responsible”