A Step Ahead: Fourth Quarter 2009

In the fourth quarter issue of A Step Ahead, you can find out about some important changes for Lifeline, get Convention 2010 information, discover the Lifeline monthly topics for 2010, and get up-to-date on what’s new from WSO and throughout the Fellowship.

OA members or prospective members can now listen to three podcasts in Spanish. The interviews with OA members Maria, Carolina and Ana include English transcripts. Click here to listen.

Attention, all service bodies! Here's a suggested script you can use to record a "hotline" message for people who call your service body telephone number: Suggested OA Hotline Message for Service Bodies.

Beginning in November, Lifeline will sport a fresh new look, complete with a more contemporary graphic design, full-color photos and illustrations, and higher quality paper. Readers will also see additional space for stories and a regular section featuring humor. The Datebook section will move to the OA Web site, which will enhance the timeliness of OA event postings.

You may know that Lifeline has been operating at a deficit for several years. This year the OA Board of Trustees has researched ways to reduce or eliminate the deficit, and it was clear that subscription prices would have to be increased. The board and the WSO Publications Department worked together to design a solution that brings our readers additional value for their money, while keeping a one-year subscription priced at less than per month.

Listed below are the new subscription prices for print Lifeline, effective on August 22, 2009. (NOTE: The subscription rate for e-Lifeline has not changed, and remains at ).

Two new skits are designed to help groups and service bodies foster greater understanding of OA’s Seventh Tradition. “What’s It Worth?” focuses on how much OA members spent on binge foods before coming to OA. “Wheel of Misfortune” addresses what program would be like without the services provided by member contributions. Both skits can be adapted to local situations. By having fun and using humor, your group or service body can help members understand the direct benefits their contributions provide to the Fellowship.

Click here to download the skits.

Celebrated on December 12 (12/12) each year to encourage OA service boards, meetings and individual members to reach out to those within the Fellowship who are still suffering from compulsive eating behaviors.

Send the WSO your ideas for activities and events to celebrate Twelfth-Step-Within Day. We will post them in upcoming issues of A Step Ahead and Lifeline.

WSBC Policy 1988b (amended 2002, 2009) defines abstinence and recovery as follows: Abstinence in Overeaters Anonymous is the action of refraining from compulsive eating and compulsive food behaviors. Spiritual, emotional and physical recovery is the result of living the Overeaters Anonymous Twelve-Step program.

NEW! Carry the OA message through your local radio stations with this new PSA. Contains 60-, 30- and 15-second spots. Includes script and cover letter to stations.

OA’s primary purpose is to help still-suffering compulsive overeaters. To help, we must get the word out to those still suffering. Many groups, intergroups and service bodies sponsor public information events and projects as a way to spread the word about Overeaters Anonymous. Download this PDF file to see sample PI projects and events from all over the world. The PI ad format is provided to aid service bodies who are planning PI projects in their areas.

Guidelines for OA service bodies translating literature.

2009 Courier: OA’s annual newsletter to the professional community