Welcome to the Virtual Region Assembly One 2025

A warm welcome to all our visitors, service volunteers, representatives, committee members, committee chairs, service body officers, board members, parliamentarian, center mic, and trustee liaison. Your dedication and support have helped the Virtual Region grow immensely over the past year.

Through Step studies, workshops, the convention, and newcomer open houses, you’ve helped carry the message both within OA and to the world beyond. This work is only possible because of the tremendous effort of our committees—powered by hundreds of members, thousands of hours, and a diverse range of skill sets. You also continue to support us financially through your generous Seventh Tradition contributions. Thank you.

Our committees are the lifeblood of this region. They support our primary purpose of carrying the message—through outreach, recovery workshops, our annual convention, Step studies, and through relapse prevention workshops, across time zones and in multiple languages.

The Bylaws Committee is the foundation for how we operate. It ensures that the rules governing this very assembly—and the region at large are grounded in OA’s Principles with clarity, functionality, and inclusivity.

The Convention Committee unites our intergroups in service and recovery through our largest, annual regional event. Our most recent convention offered over 80 sessions, made accessible in eleven languages, and welcomed participants from around the world—a truly powerful expression of our unity and service. It is our seventeen plus convention subcommittees, service bodies, and members that unite to make convention possible.

The Data Committee helps us maintain compliance with data protection and privacy standards, while preserving the integrity and safety of our members in alliance with.our Traditions. The committee’s work ensures trust, transparency, and accountability in how we handle communications and outreach.

The Digital Committee manages our online presence, including websites, social media, and other platforms, including digital tools. It maintains the region’s digital assets and ensures that we can operate virtually, securely, and effectively keeping our message of recovery accessible. 

The Finance Committee provides essential oversight and support for the region’s financial health. Their stewardship has been exemplary, ensuring that resources are allocated responsibly to support programming, outreach, and innovation. Their Annual Appeal, and support from members and service bodies, has allowed the region to meet its growing needs.

The Intergroup Outreach and Renewal Committee continues to strengthen connections with unaffiliated meetings and is now launching a full slate of intergroup renewal training workshops. These workshops will offer support in officer development, outreach strategies, meeting structure, and intergroup operations—providing vital tools for sustainable service.

The Language Services Committee plays a key role in helping us carry the message in many languages. Through translation and live interpretation, they make recovery accessible across our growing international community.

The Public Information/Professional Outreach and Unity with Diversity Committee leads creative and global outreach efforts. The region  maintains six outreach Facebook pages in six different languages and currently has over 19,000 followers. Their work expands our reach to professionals, newcomers, and underserved communities. They’ve also developed impactful outreach assets ready for broad use throughout the region.

The Twelfth Step Within Workshop Committee focuses on nurturing recovery from within the membership. Through workshops and studies—including the popular Green Book series and the upcoming Big Book study—the committee helps members strengthen their abstinence, provides members with relapse prevention support, and helps members deepen their connection to the program.

These Virtual Region committees are guided by devoted chairs, co-chairs, vice-chairs, board liaisons, and many members.  This is putting into practice our Traditions, Principles, and Concepts.

All of this is made possible thanks to the incredible support of our three service boards and twenty-three intergroups. Our collective twenty-six service bodies’ commitment to giving service to our committees, coupled with their tremendous increase in financial support, have empowered our region to carry the message of recovery more effectively. Members support our 1,037 weekly meetings and united we have grown in  recovery! 

In the coming weeks, new business and bylaw motions will be posted, along with a more detailed agenda. Now is the time to reach out to your service bodies and confirm if your bylaws allow for additional representation at this assembly. Many groups are eligible to send more representatives than they have. Every voice and every vote matter.

All of this growth requires more hands united in service! Please consider bringing a guest or two to an assembly committee meeting and encourage others to attend the business meeting. If you know someone with the skill set to support one of our committees—or someone whose recovery shines with light and hope—please invite them to join us. Their presence could be a gift to the region.

Be sure to review the committee and board reports when they become available and return the information to your service body and meetings. Share what’s happening and how others can get involved—it’s essential for our continued growth and connection.

Once again, a warm welcome to the new service bodies, newly affiliated meetings, and the many newcomers and returnees who have joined us. We’re delighted  to have you here and look forward to working together to carry the message of recovery.

A heartfelt welcome to you all!! Thank you again for your service, your support, and your commitment to Overeaters Anonymous and to the Virtual Region. You are making a difference—and we deeply appreciate you and are forever grateful. 

In loving service,

Virtual Region Chair