What to Expect at an OA Meeting

Many meetings and events that used to meet in person before COVID have resumed meeting in person. Others have continued to meet on Zoom or by phone. For those, you can attend using your computer, tablet or phone.

Meetings give us an opportunity to identify our common problem, confirm our common solution through the Twelve Steps, and share the gifts we receive through this program. You can expect a warm welcome – every OA member once was a newcomer, too!

Meetings usually last one or one-and-a-half hours. You’ll see anywhere from three to thirty or more people; an average meeting has about nine. Many members attend more than one meeting a week. Before and after the meeting, feel free to ask questions and pick up some OA Literature to help you learn about the program. You may find the Where Do I Start pamphlet especially helpful.

The meeting may open with the Serenity Prayer, and you may hear a reading called “Our Invitation to You”, which describes the disease of compulsive overeating and the Twelve-Step solution. Meeting formats vary, but all OA groups are the same in that they seek recovery on three levels — physical, emotional and spiritual — through the Twelve Steps. A speaker may share for 10 to 15 minutes about what life was like before OA, what happened, and what he or she is like now; or someone might read from OA or AA (Alcoholics Anonymous) literature. Other members will share their experience, strength and hope.

You may recognize your own story when you listen to others share. You will have an opportunity to introduce yourself as a newcomer, if you like. Because anonymity is a central principle of the OA program, we are assured that what we share will be held in confidence. This provides the safety we need to share our experiences honestly.

A sheet may be passed around for those who wish to write their first names and phone numbers, so people can offer each other support between meetings. Someone may call you to answer any questions you may have about the program, and you will also have an opportunity to get phone numbers yourself to reach out for help. The telephone is an important tool in OA for getting and giving support and reminding us that we are not alone.

Because OA is self-supporting through member contributions, a 7^th Tradition basket will be passed for donations which are used to pay rent, buy literature and help support OA’s service bodies. Donations are entirely voluntary. The meeting usually ends with the OA Promise, “I Put My Hand in Yours”, or a similar closing.

If you find that the meeting you attended does not feel right, try a different one. It is a good idea to attend at least six meetings to learn the many ways OA can help you.

What you WON’T find at OA meetings are weigh-ins, packaged meals, dues, fees, “shoulds”, “musts”, or judgment.

You WILL find:

• Acceptance of you as you are now, as you were, as you will be.
• Understanding of the problems you now face — problems almost certainly shared by others in the meeting.
• Communication that comes as the natural result of our mutual understanding and acceptance.
• A process – the Twelve-Step recovery program – that will make it possible for your life to experience the miracle of recovery from compulsive eating.
• Hope.

If you decide that you are one of us, we welcome you with open arms. Whatever your circumstances, we offer you the gift of acceptance. You are not alone anymore. Welcome to Overeaters Anonymous. Welcome home!