Coming up in April, is OA’s World Service Business Conference (WSBC) and applications for fellows to attend as representatives of OA Footsteps are open. I was thinking of applying, so I asked a couple of experienced fellows to tell me all about their experiences. Claire is the OA Footsteps Vice-Chair, and LJ the OA Footsteps Secretary, and both attended the last in-person WSBC.
Lucie: First of all, thank you both so much for agreeing to chat to me.
Claire: No problem, always happy to talk about WSBC!
Lucie: haha, you seem excited! I’m kind of excited but I’m also just not sure I “get” what it’s all about. For me, and for the fellows who read the ESH Newsletter, can you give me an “in a nutshell” type description, of what goes on at WSBC?
Claire: In a nutshell? Well, it’s four days of business, and this year it is in Albuquerque, New Mexico. It’s the time where all the decisions that filter out to intergroups and meetings are made. Things like changes to literature, or agreeing to create new literature, or changing an OA policy or recommendation on something. The world changes, technology changes, and so we get together to discuss absolutely anything and everything that comes up.
Lucie: What is the actual role of a delegate?
Claire: Simply? You are listening, most of the time. But really listening, paying attention. And then, voting on the motions presented, on behalf of OA Footsteps.
Lucie: How do I know which way to vote? Is it just up to me to decide?
LJ: No, the motions will already have been discussed by OA Footsteps, and our group conscience will tell us how to vote on their behalf.
Claire: That’s true, but it is allowed to vote differently as well.
Lucie: So I can go against the group conscience?
Claire: It’s not going against the group conscience, it’s understanding the group conscience. So let’s say there’s a motion and the way it’s written, the group discussed and decided the vote should be no. But then you get to the conference and hear the pros and cons and the full debate, and you think oh, that’s new information, if the group had had that information before I don’t think they’d have voted that way, then actually I’m fully representing the group conscience by listening to the intergroup, listening to the motion pros and cons on the day, and bringing those together to make the choice in the moment. As a trusted servant I have that privilege and responsibility to vote differently, and it really is a privilege and responsibility.
Lucie: I’m based in the UK. How expensive will the trip be for me?
LJ: It won’t be, expenses are covered by the intergroup. You get all the travel paid, and food expenses too.
Claire: Yeah I’m also in the UK and Footsteps really help make sure that this opportunity is available regardless of where you are in the world. So if you need to travel a day earlier, say, because you have a long way to travel then there’s the opportunity to have the hotel a day earlier.
Lucie: OK, and if I go as a delegate, what does a typical day look like?
Claire: Days are fairly long, starting at maybe 8:30am. It’s like a full work day, and before the conference you need to have read the motions so you know what’s going on. But there are decent breaks, and there are also about 4 in person OA meetings a day for fellows to go to if they want.
Lucie: That sounds intense!
LJ: Honestly, my first time I was lost! I was just following everyone else from Footsteps. That way, I couldn’t make a mistake! We had already voted at intergroup so I knew how to vote, and everyone was so nice it was really easy to settle in.
Claire: It can feel intense, BUT it’s also SO MUCH FUN. It’s the most inspiring, incredible experience to be part of shaping and nurturing this lifesaving thing that is OA, all being done by trusted servants. There’s no way to really describe it unless you’ve been.
LJ: Yeah I agree for sure.
Lucie: Tell me more about the fun!
LJ: I’ll tell you one thing, you won’t believe [anonymous fellow] out on the dance floor! You just wait!
Lucie: There’s a dance floor???
Claire: Ohhhhh yes, we are not a glum lot! There is a party one night and it’s SO much fun. And I promise you, it was the OA Footsteps representatives who were out on the dancefloor last, so be warned! And also can I just say, how incredible it was to meet people like LJ in person. Fellows and friends for years, it was such a gift to meet face-to-face.
Lucie: Wow that’s so lovely, thanks both. Is there anything else you think someone should know if they’re thinking of applying to attend?
LJ: There’s a few requirements to qualify for the role, like having attended a couple of recent intergroup meetings, and 2 years experience beyond the meeting level, so like as an intergroup rep or something.
Claire: Oh and also, they should know about the upcoming Meet The Maker sessions.
Lucie: What is Meet The Maker?
Claire: Meet The Maker is a virtual meeting, where the people who put the motions forward are there to answer questions. So if you want to ask, if this motion goes through how will it affect this other thing, this is the place to ask, so you can take this additional information back to the intergroup before WSBC. Actually, I’m one of the makers this year… one of those things where you step up for service and you go with the flow!
Lucie: This info has all been great, thanks so much. I think I’m going to apply! For others who would like to apply, or to find out more, what’s the process?
LJ: Well, we’ll be voting on delegates at the next intergroup meeting, which is on Sunday 25th January at 3pm Eastern Time. So ideally, applications should come in before then.
Claire: We have 13 spots available and I can say, we don’t have 13 applicants so it’s definitely worth applying if you’re thinking about it! And if you can’t make it on 25th January, it might be OK to get voted in at the February meeting, so still put your application in up to end February I would say.
LJ: Oh yeah definitely. It was so amazing and I can’t wait to go again. When you get voted in as a delegate it’s a 2 year service term, and can be a maximum of 4 years, and I definitely want to extend my term to the maximum.
Claire: Oh and if you have any questions just reach out to me on email. It’s [email protected], and I’d really be happy to help.
If you’re interested in applying, please visit World Service Business Conference – OA Foot Steps or to check out the Agenda for 2026 or review previous years’ documents, you can find these at World Service Business Conference – Overeaters Anonymous
©2026 Experience Strength & Hope Newsletter,
All rights reserved. Proudly sponsored by OA Foot Steps VIG #09670.
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