Last edition, I had the pleasure of interviewing Claire, the OA Footsteps Vice-Chair, and LJ, the OA Footsteps Secretary. We talked about OA’s World Service Business Conference (WSBC), the application process and early thoughts. Now just a couple of weeks before the conference begins, I sat down again with LJ to find out how everything is looking!
Lucie: So, LJ! Thank you for meeting me again to talk about all things WSBC.
LJ: No problem, I am always happy to help.
Lucie: Last time we talked about all the practicalities of applying and what to expect on the day. Now it’s closer to the event, what do you know about the specifics of attending the 2026 conference?
LJ: Well, I’m still waiting to hear what committee I will be on, but I’m hoping for the TSW committee.
Lucie: TSW?
LJ: Twelfth Step Within. We focus on supporting members in recovery through various different types of activities, like workshops or publication of information. For example, when you see things like Relapse Prevention workshops, or sessions helping members understand Sponsorship, then these are often arranged by the TSW committee.
Lucie: Thank you for the explanation, that’s really interesting and I can see why it’s so important.
LJ: Exactly why I would love to be part of it. But that’s not all I’m interested in, and in fact there are motions put forward or being worked on by other committees that I feel really passionate about. Like the motion about the new Serenity Statement, changing the word “Overeater” to “Eater” in various literature, and the creation of a new daily reader to support secular members of OA.
Lucie: Will you be doing anything besides the conference when you are travelling?
LJ: Oh yes! A few of us are staying longer and making a little holiday out of it. I am excited that I will be one of many other OAs who will all be in the same room all week, and I’m really looking forward to meeting up with friends I’ve made from all around the world through OA Footsteps. A few of us are also taking a tour of the OA headquarters and I am excited to see it.
Lucie: So this is a big trip it seems – how do you plan to maintain your program of recovery?
LJ: Well, there are several meetings in person every day, but also I will bring my laptop with me so I can keep up with meetings I usually attend and also my sponsees.
Lucie: Sounds like a good plan for yourself. What about any commitments at home?
LJ: At home I take care of my partner, and have made arrangements that she will have visitors while I am gone. I also have two beautiful cats that I will miss, but I know they are in good hands with my brother taking care of them and our 96-year-old mother too.
Lucie: Wow LJ, thank you for your service, and if it’s OK I’ll ask you for one final chat when you’re back?
LJ: Absolutely, I’ll look forward to it!
If you are interested in learning more, to check out the Agenda for 2026, or to review previous years’ documents, you can find these at World Service Business Conference – Overeaters Anonymous
Past interviews: Jan 2026
©2026 Experience Strength & Hope Newsletter,
All rights reserved. Proudly sponsored by OA Foot Steps VIG #09670.
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