I. Pre-Convention Preparation

II. Session Arrival (15 Minutes Prior)

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

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

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IV. During the Session: Moderator Script

The script starts here:

PART A: Welcome, Prayer, and Interpretation Announcement

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:

READ: (verify if Host has started the Interpretation)

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:

READ:

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.

(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

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:

• • • The audio of the speakers and moderators only is being recorded and may be available online later.
    • 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 only.

PART D: Open Sharing Segment

Introduce Keynote speaker (Speakers shares 30 minutes)

READ: It is my pleasure to introduce _____________[she, he they] ____________________________________

Monitor the time and conclude shares 5 minutes before the official end of the session.

Remind the Host (privately) to stop recording during shares and/or when the speaker concludes.

When finished, thank speaker:

READ: Thank you for sharing your experience, strength, and hope as a keynote speaker—your voice truly helps carry the message and inspire recovery.

(GO TO A or B depending if Open sharing or Q & A)

PART E: Opening for Sharing (Q&A etc)

A. IF SESSION IS OPEN SHARING:

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.

B. IF SESSION IS Q & A

READ:

We will now open the floor for a question-and-answer session. Please type your question into the Q & A function, not the chat. I will read out questions to the speaker, and the speaker will have time for brief answers. (Timer please set time for 3 minutes for responses.

• • • • 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.

Timing: Conclude shares/speaker remarks 5 minutes before the session ends.

Interpretation stops: Remind the Host (privately) to stop interpretation/globe 

PART F: Closing and Final Prayer

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.)

READ:

The meeting is now closed.  

THANK EVERYONE FOR ATTENDING AND END THE MEETING FOR ALL

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